Bylaws of the Nursing Program Approved December 15, 2008 Updated September 4, 2009

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1 Bylaws of the Nursing Program Approved December 15, 2008 Updated September 4, 2009 I. Unit Definition (size disciples, majors, etc) The Nursing program comprises the faculty appointed in the area of Nursing. The Nursing program houses two tracks of students the Moorpark Collaborative (Track 1A), Generic (Track 1B) and in fall 2009 the RN to BSN Track II offered through contract education. All courses carrying the prefixes NRS are offered through the Nursing program. II. Unit Mission Statement The mission of the faculty and staff of the Nursing Program is to prepare students for a career in professional nursing that focuses on assisting patients/clients to achieve health or health-related goals and to transition from a disease-oriented to a health oriented system of health care. Faculty assist student who acquire general knowledge from the sciences and arts and specific knowledge and skills from nursing practice and theories to assume a nursing leadership roles. Theses professional nursing roles are practiced as a provider of care, teacher, and advocate, coordinator of care and member of the profession. Faculty articulate a philosophy of nursing in which nurses provide health care for culturally and ethnically diverse individuals, groups, families, and communities in hospitals, homes, and community-based settings. III. Unit Membership and Administrative Assignment The Nursing program functions under the Chair of the Nursing program and the department bylaws The Chair of the Nursing Program functions with the following responsibilities: 1. The Chair is responsible for the management of all personnel and programs within the program. The Chair adopts the policies approved by the faculty unless compelling circumstances prevail. The Chair explains and justifies such decisions to the faculty. 1.1 Reports to: Dean of the Faculty 1.2 Is reported to by: Associate Chair, Advisors, Simulation Lab Coordinator and persons as specifically designated in their appointment agreement or position. 2. Selection of the Chair is as a tenured faculty appointed by the President of the College based on faculty recommendation in accordance with University procedures. 3. Qualifying criteria for the position of Chair of the Nursing Program are as follows: 3.1 Holds an earned doctoral degree.

2 3.2 Has five years of satisfactory experience in teaching nursing, including three years teaching in an accredited baccalaureate program within the last ten years. 3.3 Has a minimum of one-year s experience in an administrative position in a professional program in nursing education, or in an administrative internship in nursing education. 3.4 Has a minimum of one-year continuous experience in the practice of professional nursing. 3.5 Possesses a current registered nursing license, and is eligible for licensure as a registered nurse in California. 3.6 Accepts the philosophy of and is committed to functioning in a setting wherein faculty governance is the accepted policy in program and University levels. 3.7 Possesses organizational skills and fiscal expertise. 4. The Chair holds a 12-month position. 5. Voting rights of the Chair includes: 5.1 Attending and voting in department meetings. 5.2 Voting in department elections. 6. General Responsibilities: The general responsibilities of the Chair is to: 6.1 Represent the Nursing Program and the University in professional nursing and urban affairs; serves as liaison between nursing services in the community and the nursing education program of the University. Interprets nursing to the community, to allied health groups, and to other disciplines within the University. 6.2 Commands the respect of colleagues through personal qualities and professional knowledge, abilities and expertise. 6.3 Keeps informed of new developments in nursing and related fields through such means as participation in professional meetings, communications with others, speaking, writing, and research. 6.4 Interprets student and faculty needs to University administration, and channels relevant information from University to faculty and students. 6.5 Possesses sensitivity to the needs of individual faculty; has the capacity to foster faculty inter-relationships; and has the ability to manage interactions involving faculty, students, and staff and to handle areas of controversy. 6.6 Provide future-oriented guidance in the continuing evaluation and development of the nursing curriculum.

3 6.7 Supervises collection of pertinent student and Program statistics to be kept on file. This includes both current and historical data on the School. 6.8 Prepares reports to the California State Board of Registered Nursing (BRN), National League for Nursing Accrediting Commission (NLNAC), the American Association of Colleges of Nursing (CCNE), and other related agencies. 6.9 Answers questionnaires and correspondence related to the nursing program Communicates formally with agencies regarding annual student rotation/assignments, and seeks to maintain effective and harmonious relationships with personnel in all agencies used by the faculty Initiates contractual agreements with extended campus facilities, and confirms, in writing, projected arrangements for each semester 7. Specific Responsibilities: The following responsibilities are specific responsibilities of the Nursing Program Director, but may be delegated as necessary. 7.1 School: 7.1. Calls and presides over Nursing Program faculty meetings, Participates in the election selection process for the Assistant Director Appoints ad hoc committees as deemed necessary, and reports such committee appointments to the faculty Disseminates information to faculty regarding grants for research and special programs/ projects Reviews, coordinates and approves all nursing program projects and grants Supports the principle that mutual responsibility exists between the Nursing Program Chair and the faculty for planning and implementing Program policies Takes responsibility for the fiscal management of the Program. Assistant Chairperson The School Assistant Chairperson A Program s Assistant Chair shall be appointed to serve as acting Chair in the absence of the Director, and to assist the Chair as needed. 1.1 Selection of the Assistant Chair is made by the Program Director. 1.2 The faculty participates in the selection of the Assistant Chair and forwards its recommendation of the Chair to the Program Director. The Program Chair will make the final decision.

4 1.3 Term of office shall be for a term, of no less than three years and no more than five beginning with the first day of any semester and may be appointed for a maximum of two terms. 1.4 Qualifying criteria for the position of Assistant Chair are similar to the Program Director; however, non- doctoral candidates are eligible. 1.5 Assistant Chair must meet BRN qualifications for Assistant Director Voting rights and committee participation of the Assistant Chair during the term(s) of office include: 2.1 Attending and voting in Program meetings. 2.2 Voting in Program elections. 2.3 Serving on Program committees as elected by the Program faculty. Responsibilities: 3.1 Assumes the responsibilities of the Chair in the Director s absence. 3.2 Assists the Chair with any of the Director s activities as deemed appropriate. 3.3 Assists in planning and evaluating the curriculum and Program activities. 3.4 Keeps the Chair informed about delegated activities and special responsibilities. 3.5 Serves as administrative liaison in Program, and University matters, in the absence of the Chair. Alternate Assistant Chair 1. In the absence of the Assistant Chair, or in the event the Assistant Chair is Acting Program Chair, the Alternate Assistant Chair serves in the capacity of Acting Assistant Director. 2. Selection of the Alternate Assistant Chair is made by the faculty in accordance with the same procedure as for the Assistant Chair. Term of office is the same as for the Assistant Chair. 3. Qualifying criteria for the Alternate Assistant Chair are the same as for the Assistant Chair. 4. Voting and committee participation of the Alternate Assistant Chair, during the term of office includes: 4.1 Attending and voting in Program meetings. 4.2 Voting in Program elections. 4.3 Serving on Program committees when appointed or elected by the Program. 5. Responsibilities:

5 The general and specific responsibilities are the same as for the Assistant Director. The Faculty: General Responsibilities 1. Full-time faculty are those who have tenure track positions or who have a one or multi-year full-time contract. They may be on approved leave, a semester off, or in residence. Meetings of the faculty will be called twice a month at a time most accessible to faculty. The agendas and minutes for faculty meetings will be distributed electronically to all faculty. Agendas and minutes for Standing Committees and Ad Hoc committees will be distributed electronically to respective members. 4. During the spring semester, the faculty shall elect members for program committees as needed and nominate potential members for the University Committees 5. When the Assistant Chair, or Alternate Assistant Chair, is to be selected, the Nursing Program faculty shall elect by secret ballot, a committee of at least three tenured faculty members to serve as a Selection Advisory Committee. 6. Thirty-three percent of the full-time faculty shall constitute a quorum for Nursing Program faculty meetings. The decision criterion shall be majority vote. All such action by these members shall be binding, except upon petition within thirty days by at least ten percent of the faculty for a School-wide mail or electronic vote. Voting rights shall be extended to the entire faculty in accordance with the contract and the Academic Senate Constitution. Except as herein provided, Robert s Rules of Order (Revised) shall govern the conduct of the Faculty and program Standing Committees. Other Responsibilities of Faculty 1. Faculty teaching clinical laboratories are required to hold a valid Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (Basic CPR) card with AED. 2. Faculty teaching clinical laboratories are required to carry professional malpractice insurance. 3. Faculty who are teaching clinical laboratories are required to maintain the same immunization and health requirement schedule as that required of students. Course Coordinators 1. Purpose: For courses with multiple clinical laboratory experiences or for theory courses that are team taught, a Course Coordinator is selected to coordinate activities, materials, and to facilitate course development, evaluation and revision. 2. Functions:

6 2.1 Course Coordinators and prepares the agenda for the course content meeting that occurs at least once a semester. 2.2 Assume responsibility for the coordination of the overall course activities. 2.3 Facilitate the preparation and publication of course syllabi. 2.4 Develop and review instructional aids in concert with other course instructors. 2.5 Provide leadership in revision of course outlines. 2.6 Identify appropriate clinical facilities for student educational experiences. 2.7 Provides for consistency in the evaluation of student clinical performance in all clinical lab sections. 2.8 Collaborate with other course coordinators as appropriate on matters of curriculum, scheduling of classes and exams, and clinical placements. 2.9 Facilitate communications between course instructors Contribute to evaluation of course faculty with respect to their assigned responsibilities in course development and implementation Act as a consultant for faculty in the course group Initiates and coordinates student and faculty evaluation of the course and transmits concerns, recommendations, and the evaluative data to the Curriculum Committee for discussion and action. 3. Selection and term of office: The course coordinator preferably shall be an experienced tenured or tenure track faculty member appointed by the Chair. The term of office shall be for a minimum of three (3) years. Simulation Laboratory Coordinator 1. Purpose: The Simulation Laboratory Coordinator for the Nursing Practice Laboratory provides oversight for the clinical learning experiences that utilize the Nursing simulation laboratory for students enrolled in nursing courses. The Simulation Laboratory Coordinator will provide supplemental supervision and remediation of clinical skills during established open laboratory hours. These include assistance with motor and related cognitive skills, which have been previously presented to students as part of their regular instructional program. 2. Selection The Simulation Laboratory Coordinator is chosen from a candidate pool and recommended to the Assistant Dean of Faculty by the Chair of Nursing following an interview and consultation with the faculty 2. The skills Laboratory Coordinator reports to the Chair of Nursing. Qualifications: 3.1 Demonstrated ability to work effectively with faculty, administrators, and students from culturally diverse backgrounds.

7 3.2 A Masters' Degree in Nursing. 3.3 Experience in clinical nursing practice including a minimum of two years in an acute care facility. 3.2 Previous clinical teaching experience. 4. Responsibilities: 4.1 Assists students with clinical skills, including but not limited to physical assessment, clinical procedures, and medication administration. 4.2 Demonstrates and observes student's psychomotor skills including aseptic and sterile technique, isolation techniques, catheter insertion and care, vital signs, personal hygiene activities, positioning and ambulation techniques, administration of medications, CPR, and techniques to promote and maintain elimination. 4.3 Orients, supervises and evaluates work-study students assigned to the laboratory. for set-up and clean -up and restocking of supplies in the skills laboratory. 4.4 Oversees the scheduling of the nursing practice laboratory space 4.5 Recommends and requests purchase of new and replacement equipment and the repair of equipment and necessary maintenance. 4.7 Recommends and maintains clinical simulation hardware and mannequins and orients faculty to use. 4.8 Recommends and/or develops clinical simulation software and orients faculty to use 4.9 Organizes the nursing practice laboratory and its equipment, maintaining optimal function Organizes, stores, and assists with the distribution and maintenance of AV media and computer assisted modules Represents the program by exhibiting or demonstrating the nursing practice laboratory and its capabilities to selected groups of visitors. Clinical Associates 1. Description: Clinical agency personnel who serve as resource persons and/or preceptors which augment student learning experiences are given recognition with a nonremunerative clinical associate appointment. 2. Selection Criteria: The following criteria for selection will be used:

8 2.1 Evidence of clinical administrative and/or teaching expertise that enhances our students learning experiences. 2.2 Baccalaureate in Nursing is required. 2.3 Other health care professionals must hold appropriate credentials Procedure: 3.1 Nominations are made by members of the Faculty. 3.2 Nominees submit curriculum vitae to the Chair 3.3 The Chair forwards the recommendations (with vitae) to the BRN. Recognition of Appointment of Clinical Associate Status: 4.1 Nominees for a Clinical Associate will be notified of their appointment by letter from the Chair. 5. Term of Appointment: 5.1 The term of appointment is five years and may be renewed. III. Committee Structure, Membership and Functions The Committee structure of the Nursing Program shall be comprised of committees as listed below. Standing committees are representative of and responsible to the faculty as a whole in the discharge of their responsibilities except where otherwise required by policy. Each full time faculty member shall serve and participate on a regular basis on a committee within the Nursing Program. Committee chairs with concern about personnel or functioning of the committee may petition the Chair for re-evaluation. As was previously mentioned, in the first year of operation, the faculty will function as a committee of the whole. Each faculty meetings will agendize the issues related to curriculum, faculty policies and procedures, and student affairs. The following faculty and fiscal policies will be the responsibility of the faculty as a whole until such time as the number of faculty is sufficient to form a separate committee. For the following faculty/fiscal affairs functions, the each member of faculty will be appointed as the primary faculty responsible for oversight of the function. A. Faculty/Fiscal Affairs Functions: 1. Develops and recommends nursing faculty personnel policies and procedures on such issues as recruitment, retention, tenure promotion, 2. At times when the Program must select a Search Committee to interview and coordinate the interview process of individuals applying for a faculty position, members of the faculty who meet qualifications shall become members of that committee.

9 3. Develops and recommends policies and procedures for student evaluation of faculty. and for faculty peer evaluations. 4. Reviews and updates the Faculty Handbook as needed and at least every two years, or following each School reorganization. A copy of each revision shall be retained in the School office. 5. Recommends faculty development programs in collaboration with individual faculty members, committees, and other appropriate persons. 6. Interprets College and University fiscal policies and procedures as they pertain to the Nursing Program 7. Reviews the Nursing Program s current fiscal policies and procedures and evaluates the adequacy of program resources. 8. Establishes guidelines and priorities concerning the purchase, repair, and/or replacement of equipment, books, furniture, and audio-visual materials 9. Establishes guidelines and criteria for the distribution of travel funds to the faculty. 10. Establishes and implements procedures for the loaning of instructional equipment and materials assigned to the program and.establishes a system to safeguard instructional equipment and materials housed in the program. 11. Ensures that the program evaluation process addresses components of State and National Accreditation bodies. 12. Reviews and updates outcome criteria for the programs within the program and establishes a timeline for evaluating the programs within the school. 13. Reviews and identifies reliable tools to measure program effectiveness and develops a systematic, technology driven process for conducting evaluation of selected outcome criteria. 14. Conducts and analyzes faculty and student evaluations that support the developed program evaluation plan. 15. Modifies the existing formative and summative evaluation plans to address changes in the organizational structure of the program. B. School Standing Committees 1. Structure of the Committees: There are two standing committees within the Nursing Program: the Curriculum

10 and the Student Affairs Committees. 1.1 Faculty Membership: The Program Chair is an ex-officio member of all standing committee All faculty serve on either the Curriculum and Instruction Committee (CIC) or the Student and External Affairs Committees. The Program Chair based on teaching responsibilities, faculty expertise, and Program needs makes appointments. Faculty may choose to serve on more than one committee Term of office will commence annually at the beginning of the Fall Semester and continue through Spring Semester If a member cannot attend a meeting, such member will notify the Program Chair prior to the specific meeting. 1.2 Student Membership: Students have representation on the Curriculum and instruction and Student and External Affairs Committees. 2. Functions: 2.1 Program standing committees function as fact finding, advisory, and coordinating bodies consistent with University policies. These committees represent the teaching faculty and act in an advisory capacity to the Program Chair and to the faculty. Any faculty member may attend any standing committee meeting by making a request to the Chair of the Standing Committee Standing committees and Subcommittees are established only through action of the faculty. The Program Chair may initiate such action in consultation with the faculty Standing committees and subcommittees meet at stipulated times and at intervals determined by the Program Chair and the committee Approval by a majority of the committee is required to recommend policies to the faculty Standing committees are to be aware of issues under discussion, and actions taken by the corresponding Program and University Committees Standing committees and Subcommittees may be dissolved only through action of the faculty. The Program Chair may initiate such action in consultation with the faculty. Ad hoc committees shall be dissolved by formal action of the parent committee on completion of an assigned task, or in the event of stalemate or a lack of progress.

11 1. Curriculum and Instruction Committee 1. Purpose: The Curriculum and Instruction Committee (CIC) has the following purposes: 1.1 Serves as a curriculum/program review and approval body for curricular and instructional functions. 1.2 Serves as the clinical agency site review and evaluation body for the program. 1.3 Serves as the mechanism for implementing the program evaluation, new program development and new faculty orientation. 2. Faculty Membership: Faculty are appointed by the Chair of the Nursing Program for one academic year based on their teaching expertise, assignment and Program need. Any faculty member may elect to become a member of this committee if they so desire. 3. Student Membership: 3.1 Students representing each of the Baccalaureate programs (Track IA, Generic, and RN-BSN) may nominate themselves or be recommended by a faculty member to serve on this committee. 3.2 The CIC members select the student members. 3.2 Students must be in good academic standing prior to and during membership on the committee. 3.4 Student members have voting privileges except when individual student petitions are presented. Student's members are excused from these discussions 4. Curricular Functions: 4.1 Periodically reviews the program s philosophy, mission statement, and objectives/outcome criteria and recommends changes to the total faculty. 4.2 Periodically reviews the theoretical framework and its incorporation into the curriculum. 4.3 Assumes responsibility for curriculum and course design, development, approval, implementation, evaluation, and modification. 4.4 Evaluates sequence, continuity and integrity between courses and is responsible for course and program modification processes and catalog revisions 4.5 Recommends new program development to the faculty and is responsible for implementation. 4.6 Periodically reviews data and parameters related to program outcome criteria and curricular efficaciousness.

12 4.7 Coordinates the selection of textbooks and references; and laboratory materials and equipment, appropriate audiovisual materials and computer software for the program courses. 4.8 In collaboration with Director, determines the selection of part-time faculty, clinical associates for preceptor ships and/ or internships and agency selection for clinical courses. 4.9 Develops and implements a plan for the orientation of new part-time faculty and clinical associates who act as preceptors Recommends to the Chair additional clinical agency sites for clinical placement of students 4.11 Reviews transfer credit and course challenge policies and recommends changes to the faculty 4.12 Reviews policies related to course grading practices and to the evaluation of student clinical performance and recommends changes to the faculty 2. Student and External Affairs Committee 1. Purpose: The Student Affairs Committee (SAC) has the following purposes: 1.1 Develop policies relative to the recruitment and admission of students into the Nursing program 1.2 Develop policies relative to the retention of students in the Nursing program. 1.3 Foster student development, recognition and professional involvement 2. Faculty Membership: 1.4 Establish and maintain contacts with the community- at-large to facilitate positive relationships. Faculty is appointed by the Chair of the Nursing Program for one academic year based on their teaching expertise, assignment and program need. Any faculty member may elect to become a member of this committee if they so desire. 3. Student Membership 3.1 Students representing each of the Baccalaureate programs (Generic and RN-BSN) may nominate themselves or be recommended by a faculty member to serve on this committee. 3.2 The SAC members select the student members. 3.3 Students must be in good academic standing prior to and during membership on the committee.

13 3.4 Student members have voting privileges except when individual student petitions are presented. Student's members are excused from these discussions 4. Student Affairs Functions 4.1 Periodically review supplemental criteria and other program entrance criteria and recommend revisions to faculty. 4.2 Develop policies relative to the retention of students in the Nursing program. 4.3 Develop policies and procedures to assist students who are experiencing academic problems, financial difficulties, learning disabilities, and/or personal problems. 4.4 Collaborate with University resources to develop plan for referral to various support services to assist students in successful completion of the Nursing Program. 4.5 Develop and review policies and procedures concerning student grievance and discipline problems. 4.6 Review student petitions and act on the request and recommend actions to the faculty. 4.7 Coordinate dissemination of information about the programs to area junior high and high schools, feeder community colleges, and healthcare providers. 4.8 Guides and counsels students in the selection and planning of group functions and activities. 4.9 Maintain channels of communication between faculty and students concerning the curriculum, clinical agencies and learning experience through formal and informal student-faculty activities Stimulates interest and enthusiasm and supports student participation in professional activities such as formation of a CSUCI chapter of the California Nursing Student s Association (CNSA), Sigma Theta Tau and/or Nursing Alumni Chapter Recommends policies and procedures for the awarding of scholarships and traineeships specifically directed to the Nursing Program. 3. Faculty Search Committee 1. Purpose: To coordinate the advertisement for and interviewing of faculty members seeking a lecture and or part time position in the program. 2. Membership: 2.1 Membership shall be 3 or 5 members with one member from the discipline

14 or program area that is advertising for new faculty. 2.2 Members are elected by the faculty. 2.3 After the election, the members select a Chair 3. Functions: 3.1 Advertises for faculty to fill vacant or new faculty positions 3.1 Coordinates with the faculty suitable days for presentations of those applying for a position. 3.2 Arranges for faculty presentations 3.3 Distributes feedback sheets for all faculty to use in responding to the candidate and the candidate s presentation. 3.4 Considers all faculty input in deciding on who will be offered a position on the faculty. 3.5 Communications the decision of the faculty to all candidates 3.6 Bases its functions on principles related to the review of candidates established by the University. 4. Faculty Search Tenure Track Committee 1. Purpose: Too coordinate the advertisement for and interviewing of faculty member seeking a tenure track position in the program 2. Membership: Tenure track faculty member 3. Functions: Follow university policy and procedures in recruitment and selection of tenure faculty 5. Community Advisory Committee for Nursing Programs 1. Purpose: To keep the nursing faculty abreast of current trends and issues influencing nursing and health care. To assist the nursing faculty in identifying the competencies of Baccalaureate prepared nurses. To assist the nursing faculty in improving the quality of clinical experiences and rotations. To stimulate interest in Baccalaureate degree 2. Membership: 2.1 Chair of the Nursing Program will act as the facilitator and all full-time members of the faculty will participate 2.2 Community members are selected but not limited to the following categories:

15 2.1.2 Practicing registered nurse representatives from the following clinical areas: Primary Care, Acute Care, Mental Health, and Community-Based Nursing Educators at two Ventura Community College nursing programs A CSUCI Nursing alumni Representatives of local, state, or national nursing and hospital associations An educator representing continuing education or inservice education. 3. Functions: A representative of the Workforce Investment Board A representative of the Regional Health Occupations Resource Center Appointed University officials 3.1 Serves in an advisory capacity to the faculty of the Nursing Program regarding academic, curricular, and student matters. 3.2 Advocates for the nursing program to the community at large. 3.3 Assists in the recruitment, support, and placement of nursing students. 3.4 Provides a means for the consumer, future employer, community college and hospital representatives, members of related health professions and alumni to share with the faculty, their desires, needs, and expectations for the nursing program at CSUCI 3.5 Provides input regarding legislative proposals and/or regulations that are or will be affecting nursing and/or nursing education. 4. Meetings: 4.1 The Advisory Committee meets twice a year. 4.2 The Chair of the Nursing Program, in collaboration with faculty prepares the agenda and convenes the meeting. V. Other Decisions 1. Course Evaluations; 1.1 Two (2) classes annually for each full time tenured and probationary faculty unit employee. All classes for temporary faculty unit employee (except those on 3-year contracts under CBA who will be evaluated a minimum of two courses per year.

16 . 1.2 Student evaluation of teaching shall be administered according to university s policy for student evaluations. All faculty, tenured, probationary and temporary, will also have a minimum of one observation of a class. Each faculty member will consult with the chair to arrange for a peer observation. (Faculty may arrange additional observations without consultation) 2. Participation of FERP Faculty FERP faculty is eligible to serve on all Program committees while they are in active employment status. FERP faculty is not eligible to serve as department chair. FERP faculty is eligible to serve on Program Personnel Committees.