Retention Policy

Students who fail to maintain an overall quality-point average (QPA) of 3.0 are automatically placed on probation.  Students placed on probation must achieve satisfactory academic standing within one semester of registration or be removed from the program.

Non-Clinical Courses

Students may earn a grade of “C” in only one non-clinical course without jeopardizing their status in the program.  If an additional grade of “C” is earned, the student will be automatically placed on probation.  Students placed on probation must repeat a “C” course and earn a grade of “B” or better the next semester that the course is offered or be removed from the program.  Only two “C” grades can be repeated.  Additional grades of “C” will be cause for automatic removal from the program.

Clinical Courses

Students must maintain a “B” average in all clinical courses.  If a grade of “C” or below is earned the student will  automatically be placed on probation.  Students placed on probation must repeat that clinical course and earn a grade of “B” or better the next semester that course is offered or be removed from the program.  Students can repeat one clinical course.  An additional “C” in any clinical course will be cause for removal from the program. 

Probation

Students cannot progress in clinical courses while on probation.  Students earning a grade below “C” in a  MSN clinical course may not progress and must repeat the course at its next offering in order to continue in any clinical course.  No clinical course with a letter grade below “C” may count toward fulfillment of requirements for the master’s degree.

Comprehensive Examination/Comprehensive Assessment

FNP Students:  In order to successfully complete the program, students must pass a written comprehensive examination after completing all MSN courses, except NURS 750, with a cumulative QPA of not less than 3.0.  The comprehensive exam for the FNP student tests the ability of the student to synthesize information from biological and pharmacologic sciences with principles of diagnosis and management in primary care. 

NE students:  In order to successfully complete the program, students must pass a comprehensive assessment in the form of a professional portfolio after completing all MSN courses, except, 750, with a cumulative QPA of not less than 3.0.  The comprehensive assessment tests the ability of the student to synthesize the biological sciences with principles of education.

All students:  The program coordinator will contact a student who fails the comprehensive examination or the comprehensive assessment and plans will be made for remediation and re-examination. A second failure of the comprehensive examination will result in additional coursework followed by a third administration of an exam or dismissal from the program.

Readmission Policy

Students who withdraw from the program without securing a leave of absence, leave because of unsatisfactory performance, or fail to complete the program requirements in six years (or by the approved extension date) may apply for readmission to the nursing program if they have a cumulative QPA of 3.0.

The Admission, Progression, and Graduation committee will evaluate student requests for readmission and make a recommendation to the graduate faculty based on the following criteria:

1) general academic history
2) grade point average
3) clinical performance as evaluated by graduate nursing faculty and preceptors
4) time absent from the academic program
5) potential for success 

Readmission to the nursing program is based on the professional judgment of the graduate nursing faculty and is contingent upon class size (space available).

Graduation Policy

Students must have an overall quality-point average (Q.P.A) of 3.0 in order to graduate from the program.   The maximum time for completion of the degree program is six calendar years.  Students must finish the program no later than two semesters after completing the internship and research requirements. 

It is the candidate’s responsibility to file, with the aid of his or her advisor, an Application for Graduation prior to the published deadline during the semester in which he or she intends to graduate.  Graduation applications are obtained from Clarion University’s Office of Graduate Studies.

Policy On Leave Of Absence

Any student requesting a Leave of Absence from the MSN program must submit a request in writing to the MSN Program Coordinator.  This letter must include a reason for requesting the leave and the student’s plans for return. The Coordinator has the right to request a personal interview with the student requesting the leave before a decision is made.

• Each Leave of Absence will be handled individually according to the specific need, academic standing, and clinical performance of the student.
• The Coordinator will present the request to the Admission, Progression, and Graduation Committee with all pertinent information.
• The Admission, Progression, and Graduation Committee will recommend denial or granting of the Leave of Absence.
• No Leave of Absence will be granted for unsatisfactory academic performance or for a period longer than one year or two full semesters.
• If the leave is granted, the student will be informed as such and must notify the Office of the Registrar of his or her intention to withdraw and the reason for withdrawal.  At this time, the student will be informed of any conditional requirements for return (see CUP Graduate Catalogue).
• Before returning to the MSN Program, the student must notify the MSN Program Coordinator of intent, the semester before returning, in order to register for the appropriate courses.