UNDNP Program Handbook

Transcription

1 UNDNP Program Handbook Welcome Welcome from the Dean We are very excited to offer a post-master s DNP program in collaboration with our sister school, the University of Nevada Reno, Orvis School of Nursing. This program has been in the making for close to three years and builds on the strengths of the nursing faculty at both UNLV and UNR. It was designed to meet the learning needs of both Nurse Practitioners and Nurse Administrators in the student-friendly format of online education. We are pleased you have chosen UNLV and UNR to pursue your doctoral education. Welcome! Please take time to read this Handbook. Sincerely, Carolyn Yucha, PhD, RN, FAAN Dean Schools of Nursing and Allied Health Sciences, UNLV Welcome from the DNP Coordinator As Coordinator of the DNP Program at UNLV, it is also my pleasure to welcome you to our program. I congratulate you on the achievements you have accomplished that have prepared you for this next step in your educational progression and professional career. As a DNP student, you will have the opportunity to learn from a variety of resources and people in a collaborative program bringing together faculty from major institutions in Nevada to provide you with an excellent educational program. I sincerely hope you find this Handbook helpful as you navigate through your doctoral education in the UNDNP Program. Please feel free to contact me at (702) or via carolyn.sabo@unlv.edu with any questions or concerns. Carolyn E. Sabo, RN, EdD Professor DNP Coordinator, UNLV Mission Statement(s) The mission of the School of Nursing is to improve human health through generating scientifically based innovations in education, research, and practice. The School of Nursing exists primarily to educate nurses at the undergraduate and graduate levels to meet the health care needs of Nevada. The UNDNP program meets the missions of both UNR and UNLV. It is a doctoral program that focuses on research related to evidence-based nursing practice and leadership. It is a collaborative doctoral program between UNR and UNLV preparing graduates for the delivery of quality healthcare services for local, regional, national and international communities. In addtion to nursing services, students and faculty will contribute their research to evidence-based practice and facilitate change in the healthcare system. Vision Statement Shape the future of nursing education, research, and practice.

2 School of Nursing Goals 1. To expand undergraduate and graduate programs while assuring high quality student-centered educational programs. 2. To increase nursing research to advance the science of nursing and to support UNLV's movement toward researchextensive status. 3. To insure culturally-competent evidence-based nursing practice. 4. To develop partnerships to improve community health outcomes through teaching, research, and service activities. 5. To increase community presence and enhance the financial resources of the SON. Purpose The purpose of this handbook is to provide program specific information that is not found in the UNLV Graduate Catalog. are responsible for understanding and following the policies and procedures delineated in this document and the UNLV Graduate Catalog, as well as the NSHE Code, UNLV Bylaws, and the UNLV Student Conduct Code. Questions about policies should be directed to the Graduate College: or The Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) is a terminal professional practice degree. The goal of the collaborative University of Nevada, Las Vegas and Reno, UNDNP program, is to prepare nurses to assume leadership roles in clinical practice, administration, clinical teaching, and clinical research. The DNP differs from the PhD in Nursing or Doctor of Nursing Science degrees, emphasizing advanced clinical practice, implementation of best practices, and evaluation of practice and care delivery models, rather than individually initiated research. The University of Nevada DNP program prepares graduates for advanced clinical practice and leadership roles to serve the health care needs of the people of Nevada, the nation, and the professional community. DNP graduates are equipped to assume a wide range of leadership roles in both direct and indirect health care settings. DNP graduates may function as specialists in their advanced practice clinical roles, nursing faculty, or as healthcare executives, or program and policy analysts. UNDNP Goal and Program Objectives The goal of the UNDNP degree is to prepare nurses to assume leadership roles in clinical practice, clinical teaching, and health care analysis. UNDNP Program Objectives: At the conclusion of the University of Nevada DNP program, graduates will: 1. Provide advanced nursing care to improve patient and population health care outcomes in various direct and indirect settings. 2. Take leadership roles in the analysis, delivery, and management of nursing care and health care systems. 3. Provide evidence-based practice through the application of analytical methods, information systems technology, and clinical research. 4. Collaborate with interprofessional teams to meet the healthcare needs of culturally and ethnically diverse individuals and populations. 5. Act as change agent, leader, and advocate in the design, implementation, and evaluation of health care policy as it affects populations and the nursing profession. Department Graduate Faculty A current listing of the graduate faculty can be found in the UNLV Graduate Catalog. Faculty must hold either associate or full graduate faculty status to be involved in graduate education at UNLV. For up to date information regarding graduate faculty status in your department, visit the Graduate Faculty status web page. 2

3 Program Information Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) Advanced Practice or Nurse Executive Contact Information DNP Graduate Coordinator Dr. Carolyn E. Sabo, BHS 412, Department Main Office BHS 419, , fax Program Requirements Program requirements regarding admission, coursework and culminating experience are found in the graduate catalog. ADVISORY COMMITTEE GUIDELINES will select a chair for their DNP Project committee in the 1 st (full-time) or before the end of the 4 th (part-time) semester and be required to file the Committee Appointment Form with the DNP Coordinator when completed. This advisory committee must be formed before the student starts on the DNP Project proposal. The graduate school representative is a university-at-large member given the role of representing the graduate school, assuring compliance with graduate school regulations and procedures, and reporting any deviation from prescribed standards to the graduate college. All members of the committee must have graduate faculty status or approval of the Dean of the Graduate College. Degree Program Benchmarks DNP PROJECT The DNP Project is a culmination project based on guidelines from the American Association of Colleges of Nursing (AACN) DNP Essentials. This is a project completed over at least three semesters in the program. will create, present, and defend a DNP Project proposal in the 2 nd (full-time) or 5 th (part-time) semester while enrolled in NURS 788 for the first time. will complete a project and write a final paper in the subsequent semesters, culminating with defense of the project/paper in the last semester of study while enrolled in NURS 788. will enroll in NURS 788 for a minimum of three (3) semesters. Some students may require additional enrollments in the course to complete the DNP Project. Only six (6) credits may be applied toward the program degree. Unanimous (full) examination committee member approval of the DNP Project and associated paper is required for graduation from the UNDNP program according to the individual home school Graduate College (UNLV or UNR) requirements. 3

4 Timeline from Admission to Graduation STEPS WHO DEADLINES Advisor assigned School of Nursing Upon admission to the Graduate College (Advisor is the UNLV DNP Coordinator, Dr. Carolyn Sabo, until a DNP Examination [Advisory] Committee is formed) Submit Proposed Degree Program to Graduate College Select Advisory (DNP) Committee Submit Prospectus Approval to Graduate College Advance to Candidacy Apply for Graduation DNP Defense Submit Final Copies of DNP to Graduate College Submit Final Exam or Oral Defense Results to Graduate College Graduation Doctoral Degree Doctoral Doctoral Degree All Doctoral Degree All Graduate Degree All Doctoral Degree All Doctoral Degree All Doctoral Degree All Graduate Degree By the beginning of the 3 rd semester of enrollment. Beginning of 2 nd semester for full-time or 5 th semester for part-time students; Prior to starting DNP Project proposal and advancing to candidacy End of 2 nd or 5 th semester when DNP Project proposal is accepted and complete; Prior to advancing to candidacy. Beginning of 5 th or 8 th semester and turned in with the Prospectus Approval Form The exact deadline is announced each semester in the UNLV Schedule of Classes. A minimum of 4 weeks prior to the last day of instruction of the term in which graduation is anticipated. A minimum of 2 weeks before the end of instruction of the term in which graduation is anticipated. Information about submission will be provided. A minimum of 2 weeks before the end of instruction of the term in which graduation is anticipated. Granted after all requirements are fulfilled. Degree is posted to the individual students MyUNLV account after graduation and can take up to 2-3 months. Professional Code of Ethics/Discipline Guidelines UNLV Graduate College policy regarding academic integrity can be found in the graduate catalog. Probation and Separation (Dismissal): If the DNP Coordinator determines that a student is not making satisfactory progress toward the degree, he/she may request that the Graduate Dean separate the student from the Graduate College or place the student on probation. The DNP Coordinator will provide the student with specific requirements, including deadlines, which must be completed to be removed from probation. If the Graduate Dean approves the request, the student will be placed on probation. Failure to meet the conditions of the probation will result in separation from the Graduate College. A UNLV graduate student who has been dismissed for academic reasons is not eligible for admission or re-entry. The student must petition the Graduate College for academic reinstatement. Failure to make satisfactory progress may include the following: 1. Failure to complete six credits per calendar year toward the degree program. 2. Unsatisfactory grades (including incompletes, grades below a B in two courses or in the same course twice, or withdrawals). i. Unsuccessful in One Nursing Course: If a student receives less than a B in one nursing course, and it is the first occurrence, the student will be allowed to repeat the nursing course, but will be placed on probation. ii. Unsuccessful in Two Nursing Courses: If a student receives less than a B in two nursing courses with the NURS prefix (which may occur in the same semester or in different semesters), the student will be separated (dismissed) from the School of Nursing. Unsuccessful is defined as: dropping a class in which the student has an average of less than a B at the date of withdrawal from the course; failing the clinical component of a clinical course; completing the course with a grade below a B ; obtaining an F grade resulting from failure to withdraw from the course; and having an average below a B at the time of complete withdrawal from UNLV. 4

5 3. Failure to consult with the advisor when requested. 4. Failure to develop an official degree program of study. 5. Failure to establish the groundwork for an acceptable DNP Project. 6. Failure to maintain the standards of academic and professional integrity expected in a particular discipline or program. Failure to maintain these standards may result in separation (dismissal) from the School of Nursing. Withdrawal: 1. Withdrawal when successful and passing: if a student has been successful in previous and currently enrolled courses with a NURS prefix, the student may withdraw from the nursing course(s) provided the student has a B grade at the time of withdrawal. The nursing course(s) are repeated when available. Under these circumstances, the student is not considered unsuccessful for withdrawal from the nursing course(s). 2. Withdrawal when failing present course, but successful in other nursing courses: if a student withdraws from a nursing course when the student s grade, at the time of withdrawal, from the course is less than a B, the withdrawal will be considered an unsuccessful completion of the course. If the student has been successful in all other nursing courses, the withdrawal will be considered the student s first unsuccessful nursing course. The student will be allowed to repeat the nursing course when available. It is not necessary for the student to petition to retake the course. 3. Withdrawal when passing present course and unsuccessful in other nursing courses: if a student has been unsuccessful in a previous nursing course, and withdraws from a current nursing course with a passing grade of B at the time of withdrawal, the withdrawal will not be considered an unsuccessful course outcome. The student will be allowed to repeat the course when available. It is not necessary for the student to petition to retake the nursing course. 4. Withdrawal when failing present course and unsuccessful in other nursing courses: if a student has been unsuccessful in a previous nursing course, and withdraws from a current nursing course with a grade less than a B, the withdrawal will count as the second unsuccessful course. The student will be separated (dismissed) from the School of Nursing. 5. Withdrawal from two or more nursing courses when failing: if a student withdraws from two or more nursing courses with a grade less than a B (whether in the same semester or two different semesters), the student will be separated (dismissed) from the School of Nursing. Withdrawing when failing is considered unsuccessful and two or more unsuccessful nursing course outcomes are criteria for separation (dismissal). Decisions related to grading will be determined by the faculty member according to the work the student has made available to the faculty member at the time of withdrawal. It is the student s responsibility to obtain written documentation from the course instructor to verify the passing/failing status at the time of withdrawal. If a course in which the student was unsuccessful is a prerequisite or co-requisite (requiring concurrent enrollment) to other nursing courses as identified in the current graduate college catalog, the student will not be allowed to progress in the UNDNP program. All prerequisite or corequisites course must be successfully completed prior to progression to any course scheduled in subsequent semesters. Suspension from the School of Nursing: 1. Based on Unsafe or Unprofessional Conduct In addition to observation of the University regulations on classroom conduct and the statement on Academic Dishonesty, students in the School of Nursing must act in a safe and professional manner. Unsafe or unprofessional behavior in a clinical or classroom area may be grounds for immediate suspension from a nursing class, regardless of previous academic or clinical performance. If a student receives two suspension notices (either in the same semester or in different semesters) the student will be separated (dismissed) from the School of Nursing. In accordance with the School of Nursing s purposes and classroom/clinical objectives, examples of unsafe or unprofessional behavior include, but are not limited to: inadequate preparation for safe patient care; failure to seek appropriate assistance with new or unfamiliar procedures; questionable decisions based on expected knowledge level, lack of insight and understanding of own behaviors and behaviors of others; a requirement for continuous detailed supervision or direction to provide safe patient care; dishonest or unprofessional interactions with patients, families, staff, faculty or peers; engaging in practice when not mentally or physically fit; placing or leaving a patient in a hazardous condition or circumstance; and working the night shift or the previous eight hours prior to a scheduled clinical experience. These examples are in harmony with behavioral expectations of graduate nurses regulated by NRS Chapter

6 Annual Review Procedures Each spring term, graduate students are required to complete the Graduate Student Annual Review survey. This survey will be sent by the Graduate College to the student s Rebelmail account. The review covers the prior calendar year and assesses student progress while setting goals for the year ahead. Information about The Graduate Program in the SON maintains a listserv which is available to both master and doctoral students. Please make sure you are signed up for the listserv. Only official UNLV addresses (Rebel mail powered through G-mail) will be used for communication per UNLV policy. Every student is given a Rebel address upon official admission and enrollment at UNLV. You can forward all your Rebel mail messages to your preferred addresses if you have another e- mail account. Additionally, is the main vehicle used by the SON to provide students vital information about scholarships, announcements, class information, etc. Also, faculty and administrators frequently use to communicate with students. Plan of Study The UNDNP Program allows for two plans of study based on whether the student is a full-time or part-time student. For students admitted fall semester 2015, only a full-time plan of study is allowed. Part-time plans are available for students admitted in prior semesters. The plan of study expected for progression through the UNDNP program follows. 6

7 Full Time Study Sequence YEAR 1 FALL CR YEAR 1 SPRING CR YEAR 1 SUMMER CR NURS 725 Scientific Underpinnings of the DNP in Advanced Practice NURS 728 Analysis of Healthcare System NURS 729R Translational Evidence for Healthcare Systems 2 NURS 732 The Economics of Healthcare Delivery 2 NURS 772 The Nurse as Leader 3 NURS 719 Health & Public Policy for Advanced Nursing Practice 3 NURS 745 Healthcare Information Systems & Technology 3 *NURS 788 DNP Project 2 NURS 767 Collaboration, Communication, & Negotiation for the Nurse Leader Total Credits 7 Total Credits 8 Total Credits YEAR 2 FALL YEAR 2 SPRING Nurse Executive Advanced Practice Nurse Executive Advanced Practice NURS 763 Management Strategies for Nursing & Healthcare Systems NURS 792 Outcomes Management & Performance Improvement in Nursing 3 NURS 778 GIS for Health 3 NURS 792 Outcomes Management & Performance Improvement in Nursing NURS 788 DNP Project 2 NURS 788 DNP Project 3 NURS 765 DNP Residency 3 NURS 768 DNP Forum & Role Transformation 2 NURS 788 DNP Project 4 NURS 765 DNP Residency 2 NURS 768 DNP Forum & Role Transformation 2 NURS 788 DNP Project Total Credits 8 Total Credits 8 Total Credits 8 Total Credits 8 7

8 Part Time Study Sequence YEAR 1 FALL CR YEAR 1 SPRING CR YEAR 1 SUMMER CR NURS 725 Scientific Underpinnings of the DNP in Advanced Practice NURS 729R Translational Evidence for Healthcare Systems 2 NURS 732 The Economics of Healthcare Delivery 3 NURS 772 The Nurse as Leader 3 NURS 719 Health & Public Policy for Advanced Nursing Practice 3 NURS 767 Collaboration, Communication, & Negotiation for the Nurse Leader Total Credits 5 Total Credits 6 Total Credits 5 YEAR 2 FALL CR YEAR 2 SPRING CR YEAR 2 SUMMER CR NURS 728 Analysis of Healthcare System NURS 792 Outcomes Management & Performance Improvement in Nursing 2 NURS 788 DNP Project 2 NURS 745 Healthcare Information Systems & Technology 3 NURS 765 DNP 4 Residency Executive Track / Advanced Practice Track Total Credits 5 Total Credits 6 Total Credits 3 YEAR 3 FALL YEAR 3 SPRING Nurse Executive Advanced Practice Nurse Executive Advanced Practice NURS 763 Management Strategies for Nursing & Healthcare Systems 3 NURS 778 GIS for Health NURS 788 DNP Project 2 NURS 788 DNP Project 3 NURS 768 DNP Forum & Role Transformation 2 NURS 788 DNP Project 2 NURS 768 DNP Forum & Role Transformation 2 NURS 788 DNP Project Total Credits 5 Total Credits 5 Total Credits 4 Total Credits 4 8

9 Additional Program Information Grading Scale of the UNLV and UNR Schools of Nursing A B D A C D B C D B C F Below 59 NOTE: The passing grade for students in graduate degree courses (600 or 700 level courses) is 83% (B) or above. The following table presents a comparison of the grading scales recognized by UNLV and UNR. in the UNDNP program must have a B (83%) or above to pass the courses in their program whether taken at UNLV or UNR. UNLV UNR A A A A B B B B B B C C C C C C D D D D D D F < 60 F <60 UNLV and UNR Academic Calendars The School of Nursing UNDNP Program operates on an alternate calendar balanced with the University of Nevada, Reno. are expected to review the two calendars as necessary to be fully aware of deadlines and other necessary dates. The calendars for fall 2015 and spring 2016 semesters for UNLV and UNR Schools of Nursing are shown below: 9

10 Fall 2015 Las Vegas Tuesday, September 8 Friday, December 18 Reno Monday, August 24 Wednesday, December 16 Program Handbook UNLV School of Nursing UNR-Orvis School of Nursing Description 9/4/2015 8/21/2015 Last day to pay tuition and fees without a $25.00 per day late payment fee. Failure to pay in full prior to the start of instruction may constitute withdrawal from all classes. 9/8/2015 8/24/2015 Instruction and late registration begin. Late fee of per day begins. 9/11/2015 9/2/2015 9/11/2015 9/2/2015 Last day to late register, add courses, change courses, change from audit to credit, or pay fees by 5:00 p.m. Final day to drop or withdraw and receive a 100% refund. No refunds after this day except for total withdrawal from all classes. 9/11/2015 9/2/2015 Final day to pay fees with $ late penalty. Failure to pay may constitute withdrawal from all classes. 10/16/ /2/2015 Final day to completely withdraw from all classes and receive a 50% refund. 11/6/ /28/2015 Final day to drop or withdraw from classes or change from credit to audit except for short courses. Drops and withdrawals will not be allowed after this date even with instructor approval. Drops should be processed by 5:00 p.m. 12/11/ /9/2015 Instruction Ends 12/14/ /10/2015 Final Examination begins 12/18/ /16/2015 Final Exam ends 12/18/ /16/2015 Fall semester ends 12/22/ /21/2015 Final grades due in MyUNLV system by 4:00 p.m. Official Holidays {No School}: Ø Monday, September 7 Labor Day Ø Friday, October 30 Nevada Day Ø Wednesday, November 11 Veteran s Day Ø Thursday, November 26 Thanksgiving Day Ø Friday, November 27 Family Day 10

11 Spring 2016 Las Vegas Monday, January 4 Friday, April 22 Reno Tuesday, January 19 Wednesday, May 11 UNLV School of Nursing UNR-Orvis School of Nursing Description 1/1/2016 1/15/2016 Last day to pay tuition and fees without a $25.00 per day late payment fee. Failure to pay in full prior to the start of instruction may constitute withdrawal from all classes. 1/4/2016 1/19/2016 Instruction and late registration begin. Late fee of per day begins. 1/8/2016 1/28/2016 Last day to late register, add courses, change courses, change from audit to credit, or pay fees by 5:00 p.m. 1/8/2016 1/28/2016 Final day to drop or withdraw and receive a 100% refund. No refunds after this day except for total withdrawal from all classes. 1/8/2016 1/28/2016 Final day to pay fees with $ late penalty. Failure to pay may constitute withdrawal from all classes. 2/12/2016 2/26/2016 Final day to completely withdraw from all classes and receive a 50% refund. 3/4/2016 3/29/2016 Final day to drop or withdraw from classes or change from credit to audit except for short courses. Drops and withdrawals will not be allowed after this date even with instructor approval. Drops should be processed by 5:00 p.m. 4/15/2016 5/5/2016 Instruction Ends 4/18/2016 5/6/2016 Final Examination begins 4/22/2016 5/11/2016 Final Exam ends 4/22/2016 5/11/2016 Fall semester ends 4/26/2016 5/16/2016 Final grades due in MyUNLV system by 4:00 p.m. Official Holidays {No School}: Ø Monday, January 18 Martin Luther King, Jr. Day Ø Monday, February 15 President s Day Ø March 21 thru March 25 Spring Break UNLV & UNR 11

12 Discipline Resources The most current edition of the American Psychological Association Publication Manual (currently 6 th edition, 2010) is required as a writing style guide for all course papers and the DNP Project paper. are expected to be familiar with and utilize this guide for paper preparation. University Resources Academic Success Center The goal of the Academic Success Center is to help students do well academically and complete they studies on time. They offer or will refer you to such programs and resources as tutoring, advising, skills testing, career exploration and more. They guide students every step of the way to the many established resources created to ensure they complete their educational goals. Learn more about the programs and services the center currently offers. Alumni Association With an alumni base 90,000 strong, the UNLV Alumni Association offers a variety of services and opportunities in support of alumni and their families. UNLV alumni are encouraged to support the values of higher learning through advocacy, involvement, and giving. Commencement Office Located in the UNLV Registrar s Office, the commencement office is the last step in the graduation process. Please check with the commencement office for information on the commencement ceremony and your diploma; for all other information about graduate student degree completion and graduation, including thesis/dissertation requirements and doctoral hooding, please contact the Graduate College. Office of Diversity Initiatives The vision of the Office of Diversity Initiatives is to advocate, promote, and support the advancement of equity, inclusiveness, and empowerment of a continuously changing collegiate and global community. The mission of the Office of Diversity Initiatives is to provide leadership and support for UNLV s diversity mission: to nurture equity, diversity, and inclusiveness that promotes respect, support, and empowerment. This Office also handles UNLV Title IX questions, inquiries, and reporting. Disability Resource Center (DRC) The DRC is committed to supporting students with disabilities at UNLV through the appropriate use of advocacy, accommodations, and supportive services to ensure access to campus courses, services, and activities. The DRC is the university-designated office that determines and facilitates reasonable accommodations in compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of Graduate students with disabilities must disclose to the DRC in order to receive appropriate accommodations. Office of International Student and Scholars International and Scholars (ISS) ensures compliance with both SEVIS (Student and Exchange Visitor Information System) and federal law, so that the university can continue to be authorized by the U.S. federal government to enroll international students; host and hire international scholars; assist and advise employment eligibility and authorization relating to international students and scholars, and visa, travel, and immigration issues; provide critical and specialized services to the international students and scholars of the UNLV community; and facilitate their transition to the campus and the U.S. Jean Nidetch Women's Center The Jean Nidetch Women s Center is committed to creating a supportive and inclusive environment for all genders through programming, services, and advocacy for the UNLV community. The Women's Center has informational resources, brochures, and flyers for a variety of on and off campus organizations to help empower and protect yourself, and learn about your options. They also provide free tampons, pads, and condoms. UNLV Libraries UNLV Libraries has always been more than books; they are about encouraging students and creating quality programs that elevate growth and learning. Please visit their website for important information about the services they offer to graduate students. 12

13 Graduate & Professional Student Association (GPSA) The Graduate & Professional Student Association serves all currently enrolled University of Nevada, Las Vegas graduate and professional students. The GPSA maintains the Graduate Student Commons located in the Lied Library room The facility a working office equipped with a copier, fax, flatbed scanners, color laser printer, office supplies, and computers with printers and a small kitchen area. The GPSA is the graduate student governance body at UNLV; the GPSA Council consists of one graduate student representative from each graduate department, and they meet monthly. The GPSA also provides volunteer opportunities, sponsors social events, and supports graduate student research through the graduate research and travel grants program. Office of Student Conduct The Office of Student Conduct is a student-centered, service-oriented office located within the Division of Student Affairs. The Office of Student Conduct collaborates with the UNLV community to provide an inclusive system through enforcement of the UNLV Student Code of Conduct by: Promoting awareness of student rights and responsibilities; Establishing accountability for student choices; Creating opportunities for involvement in the process; and Striving to uphold the values and ethics that advance the common good. Office of Veteran Services The UNLV Office of Veteran Services is staffed with veterans and GI Bill-experienced staff to assist more than 1,000 veterans, dependents, active duty service members, National Guard members, and reservists. Their mission is to develop a welcoming, veteran-friendly campus environment that fosters academic and personal success. The Financial Aid & Scholarships Office The Financial Aid & Scholarships Office supports higher-education access and persistence by providing financial aid to eligible students. The office partners with student organizations, the UNLV Foundation, the Graduate College, and other external constituents to provide financial aid learning opportunities and scholarship support for graduate students. Writing Center This is a free service to UNLV students to help you with any writing project, from papers to creative writing, to resumes, and we can work with you at any stage of the writing process. The center can help you brainstorm, make an outline, work on your drafts, or just be a soundboard for your ideas. The center staff can assist you in person, or via the Online Writing Lab (OWL) page. University Policies and Procedures Graduate students are responsible for knowing and acting in accordance with UNLV Policies and Procedures. To view the most commonly referenced campus policies and procedures, you can refer to the following websites: Academic Integrity Activation for Military Service Change of Address FERPA/Privacy Rights Health Insurance - Mandatory Jean Clery Campus Safety and Security Report Proof of Immunization Policies and Procedures on the Protection of Research Subjects Rebelmail Policy Student Conduct Code Student Computer Use Policy Title IX 13

14 To ensure compliance with Graduate College policies and procedures, please review the relevant sections of the Graduate Catalog : Academic Calendar ( are expected to review and familiarize themselves with differences with the academic calendar in force for the UNLV School of Nursing and UNR Orvis School of Nursing as presented previously.) Academic Policies Admission and Registration Information Degree Progression Policies & Procedures In addition, the Graduate College website contains additional information regarding policies and procedures. Nothing in this handbook supersedes any NSHE, UNLV, or Graduate College policy. Handbook Information Last revised Revised by Changes summary August 18, 2015 Dr. Carolyn Sabo UNDNP Academic Calendar Elizabeth Gardner 14