SNAH Student Manual

Updated Fall 2024

 

This manual is subject to change without prior notice. Any policy or procedural changes will be communicated to students potentially impacted by the change through email and other sources, as appropriate. While every effort is made to ensure the accuracy of the information provided in this Manual, precision is not guaranteed. The SNAH compiles this Manual as a convenience to students, who should not rely upon it as legal and binding.

I. OVERVIEW OF SCHOOL OF NURSING & ALLIED HEALTH

The information in this electronic manual has been compiled as a resource to help you navigate through your undergraduate or graduate degree program at Fairleigh Dickinson University (FDU) in the School of Nursing and Allied Health (SNAH). Here you will find information about relevant FDU resources and policies, and SNAH-specific policies, procedures, and expectations that faculty have for our students.

Additional sources of information about academic policies and other aspects of student life at FDU are available on the FDU and SNAH webpages. Some frequently accessed other sources of information are:

Information on academic policies, procedures, and expectations specific to your courses will be available in course syllabi and/or in the WebCampus course shell for each class you take. 

Other student profile information and access to the FDU course catalogue can be found in your Colleague Self Service account.

Mission, Vision, and Values

Consistent with FDU’s mission, vision, and core values, the mission of the SNAH is to “educate and train future health professionals and people pursuing health-related careers so that they can elevate human health locally, regionally, and nationally.” SNAH’s commitment to academic excellence is achieved through strong commitment to interprofessional and interdisciplinary collaboration, and the promotion of critical thinking, information literacy, ethical reasoning, leadership capacity, and transcultural understanding.  We commit to academic excellence in education and training so that our graduates are optimally prepared to thrive as providers, supporters, and change-agents in healthcare systems throughout the world.

SNAH prepares students for the likelihood that their future colleagues, clients, and patients will have beliefs different from their own. Consistent with the university mission, students at FDU have many opportunities to engage with people with different customs and cultures to extend their transcultural understanding and awareness of the diversity of perspectives. Many students pursue study abroad, or take courses at one of our international campuses:

Programs and Tracks

The SNAH offers career-transforming degree programs in Nursing, Allied Health, and Health Studies. SNAH’s exceptionally wide range of offerings includes programs at the certificate, associate, bachelors, masters, post-graduate certificate, and doctoral levels. A compilation of program offerings can be found on our website:

Faculty and Staff

The SNAH is supported by a large team of faculty (including full-time faculty, adjunct faculty, and preceptors), clinical lab specialists, and administrative staff. Members of the faculty have healthcare expertise across a broad array of population foci, as well as proficiencies in education, administration, and research. Members of the clinical lab and administrative staff have expertise in budget management, information systems, and student services.

An up-to-date listing of full-time faculty and staff, including SNAH leadership roles and email contact information, can be found at Faculty and Staff.

Program Outcomes

Competence develops over time and is progressive. Learners in SNAH programs progress through different competency expectations as they progress through different levels of education. For each of our programs, outcome expectations will vary between entry-level coursework and advanced-level coursework, as reflected in individual course curricula. Program outcomes are congruent with the mission of FDU. For our professional programs, outcomes also reflect relevant professional standards.

Locations and Transportation

SNAH faculty and staff offices are primarily located within two “hubs” at/near the two FDU New Jersey campuses:

Metro Campus SNAH Faculty/Staff Offices

Dickinson Hall – 4th floor
1000 River Road
Teaneck, NJ 07666

Florham Campus SNAH Faculty/Staff Offices

230 Park Avenue
1st Floor
Florham Park, NJ 07932

Experiential learning is an essential component of the education of healthcare students. Entry-level students are assigned to rotations at various clinical agencies and skills/simulation laboratories to complete their experiential learning activities each semester under the direct supervision of faculty. These experiences will vary based on each specialty course. Advanced-level students collaborate with faculty to choose clinical agencies and preceptors to meet the clinical learning needs for their specialty track and complete their experiential learning activities each semester with faculty oversight.

Clinical sites and clinical laboratory facilities are selected for use based on their ability to provide appropriate educational opportunities. Students are expected to arrange their own transportation to these sites and must comply with the parking regulations of each agency. These sites may require commuting up to 40 miles from campus. In addition, SNAH students participate in experiential learning activities in our clinical labs at Dickinson Hall (FDU Metro Campus, Teaneck) and at Park Avenue Plaza (230 Park Avenue, Florham Park).

Academic Calendar and Religious Holidays

The SNAH follows the FDU Academic Calendar (e.g., for class start/end dates, registration, add/drop deadlines, holidays, recess). Many of our health education programs include summer coursework. In the case of summer coursework, SNAH courses often cross between Summer I/Summer II/ Summer III sessions. Please confirm the course start/end dates in the course catalogue. The FDU Academic Calendar is subject to change with appropriate notice.

SNAH respects the observance of major religious holy days. To the extent possible, faculty will attempt to avoid conflict with such observances and/or provide alternatives to allow for religious observation. Students are expected to identify to their course faculty any anticipated need for religious observance during the first week of the semester so that appropriate adjustments/alternatives can be identified.

Scholarships and Grants

FDU students are encouraged to apply for SNAH scholarships, FDU institution scholarships, and external scholarships to support their educational costs. SNAH maintains and regularly updates a webpage of scholarships and grants that are applicable to SNAH students. Please check the site regularly for new and updated opportunities.

For graduate-level nursing students, FDU offers a generous tuition discount for registered nurses working (e.g., full time, part-time, per diem, agency) in a healthcare facility with which FDU has a clinical affiliation agreement. 

SNAH also is able to provide eligible students with federal loans to support their education. Depending on a student’s program, these loans are fully or partly forgiven following a period of service after graduation. SNAH students may contact SNAH-Grants@fdu.edu to inquire about eligibility for these federal loans.

Diversity and Inclusion

Major goals in healthcare are to provide care that is sensitive to the needs and experiences of diverse populations, and to eliminate disparities in health outcomes. The SNAH’s award-winning programs seek to ensure that our healthcare education programs are inclusive of a wide range of perspectives, experiences, and backgrounds, and that we confront individual and systematic bias. 

Notice of Non-Discrimination

FDU does not discriminate on the basis of sex, race, color, creed, handicap, genetic information, pregnancy status, religion, national origin or ancestry, gender, disability, age, marital status, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, and veteran status, and provides equal access to its programs, services and activities, whether they are offered in-person or online. FDU students, including SNAH students, are supported by university non-discrimination policies that assure their access to technologies used in learning, such as internet access, hardware, software, browsers, and student identification verification technologies. For inquiries regarding the accessibility of learning technologies, including the accessibility of our FDU website, please refer to the university accessibility webpage. 

Title IX

Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972 is a federal law that prohibits sex discrimination in all educational settings for both students and employees. FDU is committed to having a community where all members are respected and belong.

Title IX also provides protections for students to eliminate sex discrimination in their education programs and activities, including appropriate use of student pronouns. 

 

Student Rights, Responsibilities, and Conduct

Code of Student Rights

FDU is committed to the overall educational, personal and professional development of the student. It is the responsibility of each student to become familiar with FDU policies, regulations and standards of behavior and procedures. In general, each student is expected to respect the rights and property of FDU and the members of the University community and to take responsibility for their actions.

Students who accept enrollment at FDU must abide by the rules and regulations promulgated from time to time by the University including, but not limited to, those rules and regulations in the FDU Undergraduate & Graduate Studies Bulletins. Students should familiarize themselves with the Student Rights and Responsibilities and comply with the requirements of applicable policies and procedures in the FDU Student Handbook. The University reserves the right to dismiss or suspend students who fail to comply with the foregoing.

FERPA

Students are also entitled to privacy under the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act of 1974 (FERPA). FERPA is federal legislation that protects the privacy of students’ education records. FERPA applies to all educational institutions that receive federal funds and affords students the right to inspect and review their education records, the right to seek to have their records amended, and the right to have some control over the disclosure of information.

 

Accreditation

FDU is licensed by the State of New Jersey and is authorized to offer degree programs at the associates, bachelors, masters, and doctoral level.

Fairleigh Dickinson University is accredited by the Middle States Commission on Higher Education, 3624 Market Street, Philadelphia, PA 19104, 267-284-5000. In addition to the accreditation held by all programs for academic purposes, specialized curricula have applied for and been granted approval by recognized professional agencies.

Our SNAH baccalaureate degree program in nursing, master’s degree program in nursing, Doctor of Nursing Practice program, and post-graduate APRN certificate program are accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE).

Our SNAH allied health tracks are individually accredited through appropriate accrediting bodies, including the National Accrediting Agency for Clinical Laboratory Sciences (NAACLS) and the Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs (CAAHEP), in accordance with our collaboration agreements with Rutgers University, Valley Hospital, and other regional partners.

Other FDU accreditations are listed on the university website accreditation page.

II. STUDENT LIFE & STUDENT SUPPORT SERVICES

Student Life

Broad Opportunities

SNAH students have many interests, identities, and pursuits outside of health and healthcare. There is an abundance of student life opportunities for SNAH students to actively participate in academic, social, cultural, and community service activities. We recommend that students bookmark a link to the calendar of university events to stay updated on FDU club and athletic activities, university-wide events, and other important student dates. Please refer to our Student Organizations web page for more information.

Shared Governance

Shared Governance at Fairleigh Dickinson University constitutes a system that provides opportunities for community members to propose, consider, and recommend changes to existing policies and practices or new policies and practices in accordance with our core values. Shared governance at FDU is representative, inclusive, consultative, transparent, and streamlined. Please review the opportunities to participate in Shared Governance at FDU.

University Honors Program

The University Honors Program offers exceptional students an educational experience that combines advanced, multidisciplinary coursework through all four years with co-curricular activities that give students an opportunity to explore the campus, the local area, and the world.

Academically motivated incoming students are invited to apply to the University Honors Program prior to their freshman year. They may also apply for entry after they have matriculated, having demonstrated superlative academic achievement and a consistent record of leadership and service to the community.

Hispanic Center and Latino Promise

FDU is a member of the Hispanic Association of Colleges and Universities (HACU) and recognized nationally for its evidence-based and award-winning programs that advance Latino student success in higher education and in the workforce. The FDU Hispanic Center supports programs that are designed to help Latino students achieve their college goals. Among these programs is FDU’s Latino Promise Program®, which provides a personalized approach to higher education for Latino high school students in pursuit of an associate or bachelor’s degree.

Student Nurses Association

Nursing students are encouraged to join the local, state, and national levels of the Student Nurses’ Association (SNA). FDU SNA chapter meetings are held on both the Metro and Florham campuses. All nursing and pre-nursing students are invited to attend. FDU SNA membership provides students with opportunities to expand professional leadership skills, serve as a chapter leader or committee chairperson, or plan campus or community service projects. Students with volunteer experience (e.g., fundraising, community relations) are encouraged to share their expertise. Each year, the goals and projects of FDU SNA grow out of the specific interests of the members. For further information, students can contact the FDU SNA Advisor, Dr. Mary Templeton (SNAH-SNA@fdu.edu).

Sigma Theta Tau International Honor Society of Nursing

The Epsilon Rho Chapter of the Sigma Theta Tau International Honor Society of Nursing (“Sigma”) was established in 1982 at Fairleigh Dickinson University. Students are invited to join the Epsilon Rho Chapter of the Sigma Theta Tau if they meet the requirements for demonstrating academic achievement and leadership. Please refer to our SNAH Sigma Honor Society web page for more information.

 

Student Support Services

FDU hosts an array of resources to support the whole student academically, physically, emotionally, socially, and spiritually during their university experience. Academic assistance and advisement, career guidance, and a variety of programs serving students of special needs and circumstances are all available through a variety of offices and services, and their use is actively encouraged. Support Services commonly used by SNAH students are listed here:

Academic Support Centers & Tutoring

The provide campus-based academic support services free of charge to all FDU students. There is an Academic Support Center location on each of FDU’s New Jersey campuses:

Individualized tutoring is available in writing, mathematics, arts and sciences, and core curriculum. Students can access tutoring services through links on the WebCampus home page or by email at tutoring@fdu.edu. The tutoring staff includes professional tutors and peer tutors. The Academic Support Centers also offer assistance to develop study and test taking skills and time management skills. Discussion groups review sessions, and workshops are tailored for students in specific courses or areas of study as needed.

Students who have well-developed academic skills are encouraged to contact the Academic Support Centers if they are interested in being employed as an academic tutor/mentor.

Bookstore

The FDU Bookstore, operated by the Follett Higher Education Group, stocks all textbook and school supply needs, as well as emblematic FDU merchandise including clothing and giftware, postage stamps, reference and general-interest titles and software. Services include special orders, mail orders and web orders for textbooks.

Electronic SNAH learning resources may need to be purchased through the FDU Bookstore. For example, entry-level nursing students are directed to purchase the Kaplan Nursing Complete Program through the FDU bookstore.

Library and SNAH Librarian Services

Fairleigh Dickinson University maintains libraries at the Florham Campus and the Metropolitan Campus. Extensive reference collections are available at the libraries for consultation and research, with the library serving its campus as a center for education and learning. Professional librarians offer individual assistance to students on mastering information literacy skills as well as classroom instruction in library use and research methodology.

Students and faculty on both New Jersey campuses have easy access to all FDU library materials through the online catalog. Intercampus loan requests can be delivered to the appropriate campus within two to three days. A user needing library materials not owned by FDU can access library holdings throughout the country with interlibrary loans. These can be requested either online or in person at any campus library.

A dedicated librarian serves SNAH Students. Our SNAH librarians can be accessed by email or phone to provide specialized assistance to our health studies and health care students. Consider bookmarking the Nursing and Allied Health Library Subject Guide that our librarians have compiled for our SNAH students. 

Career Development Center

The Career Development Center at FDU provides job search resources for students, alumni, and employers. The Career Development Center offers ongoing programs designed to enhance employment-related skills such as interviewing for jobs and writing resumes.

SNAH students are encouraged to attend career fairs. Hospitals and health care corporations from the metropolitan New Jersey/ New York area attend these events with information about jobs at their companies. Students need to arrive dressed for success with copies of their resume. Be prepared to ask questions about the jobs and to talk about your degree and courses. Each year, both FDU and the SNAH arrange several job fairs for students.

Disabilities Support Services

Any student with documented medical, psychological, or learning disabilities, who feels he/she may need in-class academic adjustments, reasonable modifications, and/or auxiliary aids and services while taking this course, should first contact Disability Support Services to discuss their specific needs. FDU’s Office of Disability Support Services, in accordance with all applicable government regulations, guidance, and policies, works to ensure that students with documented disabilities have equal access to the FDU’s courses, programs, activities, and services.

Educational Opportunity Fund (EOF)

The Educational Opportunity Fund (EOF) program has a location on each of FDU’s New Jersey campuses. EOF is a state-sponsored program in which a select number of entering freshman are chosen to participate. EOF offers academic and financial assistance to qualifying New Jersey residents from backgrounds of educational and economic need who demonstrate strong evidence of the commitment, motivation, and potential for scholastic success, as well as interest in completing a FDU education. EOF provides participants with the support of structured academic services and specialized counseling.

  • Metro EOF Office: (201) 692-2409
  • Florham EOF Office: (973) 443-8566

Student Mental Health and Wellness Services

Student Mental Health and Wellness Services complement the academic experience of the student body by facilitating healthy personal, social, and intellectual development of our students. Life circumstances, skills deficits, and/or mental health problems may at times interfere with a student’s ability to successfully achieve important academic and life goals. FDU’s unique Student Counseling and Psychological Services programs help students identify their problems, manage their emotions, learn new problem-solving skills, and successfully meet the academic and social challenges of university life. 

There are a number of resources within the Madison/Florham Park and Teaneck communities where students and employees can obtain confidential trauma-informed counseling and support. Services are provided free of charge to all FDU students. All communications between student and counselor are completely confidential.

Student Health Services

FDU Student Health Services Centers on the Metro Campus and on the Florham Campus are staffed by Nurse Practitioners and Registered Nurses who are available for the health care needs of the FDU students. The goal of these centers is to provide health and support services that will enable all FDU students to achieve academic success. These centers provide direct care, individual health counseling, and health teaching. Small group workshops occur throughout the year on common health interests of the students.

Fairleigh Dickinson University requires each full-time undergraduate student to carry basic student health insurance. Students may purchase health insurance from Fairleigh Dickinson University. If they are covered by an outside policy, the student must sign a waiver form. All registered students can receive student health services, including students who have waived the FDU health insurance. There is no charge for student health services visits, however certain tests, supplies, and medications may be subject to a discounted fee.

For major emergencies and surgery, neighboring hospitals are used (per assistance of Public Safety and/or EMS). A student may choose his or her own providers at any time. The cost of health care outside of FDU Student Health Services is the responsibility of the student.

Skills Development and Simulation Laboratories

Healthcare education programs require students to demonstrate selected skills and procedures correctly before being cleared for clinical application. Skills demonstrations begin as early as the sophomore year for nursing and allied health students.

Healthcare students are encouraged to use the on-campus labs to reinforce clinical and academic skills. SNAH maintains clinical labs for skills development at Dickinson Hall (FDU Metro Campus, Teaneck) and for simulation at Park Avenue Plaza (230 Park Avenue, Florham Park). The labs are staffed on a regular basis throughout the school semesters. It is the responsibility of the student to make arrangements for skill practice with a clinical lab specialist or faculty mentor.

University Technical “IT” Assistance Center (UTAC)

The FDU Technical Assistance Center (UTAC) is the university’s technical help desk. FDU students can access UTAC via the SAMI Support portal, email, or phone call to initiate support requests for application software, desktop environments and peripherals, network connectivity, computer password maintenance (i.e. Microsoft 365), hardware and software configuration support, another computer related product and service issues, and Blackboard support. An array of resources is available to support students in using their learning technologies. 

For IT assistance once your FDU NetID has been successfully created, you can open a SAMI Support ticket. If you are having trouble and do not have access to your FDU NetID, you can open a SAMI Support Public Request ticket or call the University Technical Assistance Center (UTAC) at 973-443-8822 or email FDUTAC@fdu.edu.

Writing Studio

Another academic priority at FDU is to graduate students who are competent and confident writers. The Metro Writing Studio offers focused assistance with developing and enhancing writing skills. Students can access resources both in-person and online. Students who have well-developed writing skills are also encouraged to contact the Metro Writing Center if they are interested in being employed as a writing tutor/mentor.

III. GENERAL ACADEMIC INFORMATION & POLICIES

SNAH Terms and Definitions

SNAH offers many programs, which use many different instructional modalities, and delivers courses in many different locations and formats. In many cases, the descriptions of our varied and flexible programs may use unfamiliar terms, or terms that have different meanings in other settings. To assure that we are operationalizing our academic terminology clearly, we maintain and update a list of SNAH definitions.

Recruitment and Admission

FDU and SNAH offers many online and in-person opportunities to learn about our programs prior to enrollment at FDU and/or matriculation into a SNAH program:

FDU Virtual Tour

Campus Tour

Chat with an Admissions Counselor

GO DAY

Application requirements and prerequisites for all our programs are posted on the FDU Admissions Webpages. If an applicant’s grade point ratio is below the required level to be accepted into a SNAH program, but is more than 5 years old, and there is strong evidence of academic success since then, the applicant should contact an admissions counselor to discuss holistic application review in collaboration with a SNAH faculty director.

Once admitted to FDU, students have additional opportunities to learn about their program and campus life.  New students can take advantage of the FDU new student checklists to assist in transitioning to student life. Importantly, SNAH hosts an in-person school-based orientation specific to new FDU students who are enrolled in health studies, allied health, or nursing programs. 

If a student is transferring to FDU from another college or is changing their major to become a nursing or allied health student in the SNAH, the student can also chat with an admissions counselor to learn more about the opportunities and requirements. To check which courses taken at another college will transfer to FDU, please check the NJ Transfer Website.

Applicants cannot be accepted to an SNAH nursing program if they have been dismissed from another nursing program.

Enrollment, Records, Fees, and Billing

The FDU Office of Enrollment Services is responsible for the registration of all students, billing and collection of all student accounts (including posting of all payments, loan receipts, and the issuance of refunds), and the maintenance of academic student records (including processing of transcript requests and the preparations leading up to a student’s certification for graduation).

FDU makes every effort to post tuition and fees associated with its programs:

FDU Tuition and Fees

SNAH makes every effort to post fees associated with its programs:

SNAH Entry Level Nursing Tuition and Fees

SNAH Advanced Level Nursing Tuition and Fees

FDU NetID

Your FDU identity login information (FDU NetID) will be used for FDU email, WebCampus (online course access), and Self-Service (student portal for financial and academic information). Once enrolled at FDU, you can claim your NET ID at FDU NetID Account Form and follow the instructions that are provided. Your FDU ID is your seven-digit admissions identification number located at the top of your admission letter.

Store your NetID credentials provided in the last step of the activation process in a secure place so you may reference for future log in information.

FDU requires Duo two-factor authentication for all student NetID accounts. The first time you log into your NetID Account, you will be directed to register for DUO 2FA or you can visit https://it.fdu.edu/Duo-Student-Quick-Start and get Duo installed and configured to access any FDU application that uses FDU’s Single Sign On (NetID). This includes WebCampus.fdu.edu and other sites required for Academic purposes. Failing to register in advance could result in lateness for class as you attempt to install and configure Duo at class time.

If you are having trouble creating a new FDU NetID or the Duo two-factor authentication, you can open a SAMI Support ticket. or call the University Technical Assistance Center (UTAC) at 973-443-8822 or email FDUTAC@fdu.edu.

 

Transfer Credit & Course Waiver 

Undergraduate Students

Undergraduate students may request transfer of credits from another institution toward degree requirements. Credits taken at an institution accredited by an agency recognized by the U.S Secretary of Education, recorded on official transcripts, with earned grades of >C can be considered for transfer credit and applicability to specific SNAH degree requirements. Transfer credit is entered on the official University transcript. Grades received for transferred courses are not shown nor are they included in the calculation of the student’s grade point ratio at FDU.  An official request for transfer credit evaluation should be concurrent with the student’s admission to the program. 

University policy allows students with an associate degree to transfer up to 64 credits. Students from four-year institutions may transfer up to 96 credits. Students must take at least 30 credits at FDU to achieve a bachelor’s degree. All incoming students with an associate degree from a community college in NJ/NY will have their Gen Ed requirements fulfilled (including UNIV core).  In evaluating credits for transfer, FDU transfer credit specialists/advisors will consider that SNAH degree program prerequisites must still be met, and courses in the major must be taken at FDU (unless permission is obtained from the SNAH dean or designee). Transfer credit acceptability is not guaranteed. 

Graduate students

Graduate students are eligible to transfer up to nine (9) credits which have not been applied to complete another degree.  Students must have taken a course (or courses) equivalent to the courses that we offer within the last five years and have earned a minimum grade of B in order for the transfer to be considered. In addition, Graduate students are eligible to request waiver of a course, if a course taken at another institution that has been applied to complete another degree meets the objectives of a course required in the SNAH degree program.

Graduate students who would like to have prior coursework evaluated for transfer credit or course waiver need to fill out a Course Waiver Approval Request Form (which can be found in the SNAH WebCampus Advanced Level Nursing Community Organization or requested at snah@fdu.edu) and submit it per directions with all of the appropriate documentation for evaluation by the program/track director. Evaluation and approval of transfer credits and course waivers are done at the discretion of the program/track director upon review of the request form, course materials, and transcript. In evaluating credits, the program/track director will consider that SNAH degree program prerequisites must still be met, and courses in the major must be taken at FDU. 

Academic Technical Standards

All students entering the SNAH must meet all the eligibility requirements for admission. Because of the nature of our healthcare provider educational programs, in addition to the academic requirements, several additional “technical standards” have been set in place to assure that students receive the highest quality educational experience while simultaneously assuring the safety of patients, peers, and the public.

It is expected that students will adhere to these technical standards throughout the program. These standards are consistent with the expectations stated in Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 and the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990. Students with questions can contact a member of Student Affairs or the Director of Admissions for further details and clarifications. These technical standards for SNAH students are reviewed at least annually for compliance and relevance.

Technology Requirements

Teaching strategies used in SNAH, require the use of technology and software applications to ensure success in each program. The use of these resources requires an updated internet browser and connectivity to the world wide web. The use of tablets, instead of laptop/desktop, may not support these applications.

All SNAH students, whether enrolled in onsite, lab, or remote classes, must have access to a Windows-based or Macintosh-based computer which they are responsible to maintain. The following computer hardware, software and data communication requirements are required:

  • A laptop or desktop computer purchased within the last 2 years will usually meet the minimum computer hardware requirements.  Students who have onsite classes should opt for a laptop, with a battery life of 6-8 hours, to access resources during class.
  • Operating System: Microsoft Windows 10 or higher; Mac OSX 10.13 or higher. (Chromebooks use a proprietary operating system that may require extension download to use programs such as Respondus – please access UTAC to assure compatibility of Chromebooks with academic applications.)  
  • Webcam: Integrated or attached webcam device WITH mic.   
  • Adobe Reader, Zoom, and MS Office are required. Microsoft 365 is recommended and can be installed at no charge to FDU students. Other software may be required (e.g., Respondus, Qualtrics) depending on academic program.
  • Internet browsers:  Google Chrome is preferred browser. Please maintain an additional browser, such as Safari, FireFox, or Edge, to access specific applications.

Academic Advisement

In Fall 2023, FDU transitioned to a model of centralized “Unified Advisement.” All undergraduate students are assigned to an FDU academic advisor who is familiar with the prerequisites, corequisites, and SNAH programs of study. FDU academic advisors work collaboratively with SNAH program and track directors to assure that there are consistent, transparent processes for student onboarding and progression. Student advisors will support progression processes for students, as well as coordinate placement testing, as applicable.

Students can find the name/contact information for their advisor in the Self-Service portal. Students are able to access their advisors online, or at either the Metropolitan Campus Academic Advisement Center or the Florham Campus Advisement Center.

Students are expected to adhere to prerequisites and corequisites that are published in the course catalogue and adhere to their program/track specific program pathway. In the case of pathway deceleration due to failure of a course or student leave of absence, the FDU academic advisor will work in close collaboration with the SNAH program or track director to identify alternate progression pathways.

For students enrolled in SNAH graduate programs (e.g., DNP, MSN-APN), where students are commonly enrolled as part-time students, SNAH program and track directors have a higher degree of involvement with the student in guiding progression to graduation.  

Writing Policy

The American Psychological Association (APA) is the most used set of writing standards in the health-associated professional literature. SNAH courses commonly require application of APA Standards for writing assignments. In most cases, the instructor will identify which elements of APA Standards will be considered and apply a number of points for adhering to these APA Standards. APA standards commonly applied to written assignments include:

  • Referencing, per APA guidelines.
  • Double-spacing.
  • 1-inch margins.
  • Times New Roman 12 font.
  • APA-style title page with an appropriate title (e.g., with name of the assignment).
  • Pagination, per APA guidelines.
  • APA-style heading system to organize your paper, as applicable.
  • Tables and figures, per APA guidelines, as applicable.

APA provides extensive guidance for referencing written assignments. It is important to learn these standards to avoid the appearance of plagiarism. Where citations are needed, the use of an approved citation formatting/management tool is highly suggested (e.g., EndNote, RefWorks) to insert in-text citations and create reference lists for the writing assignment.

APA Style is a specific format used for manuscripts. References for presentations, including posters, do not necessarily require formatting per APA. Students must, however, show respect for intellectual ownership, and may be asked a question about your source during a presentation. It is helpful to have a visual “cue” (i.e.: author and year) on your presentation/poster to assist you in answering a question. If an abbreviated reference list is requested on the last slide of a presentation or bottom corner of a poster, you need only include key elements of the reference.

Other standards applied to SNAH student assignments are:

  • Use of standard English grammar, spelling, syntax, abbreviation, and format.
  • Use of language consistent with scientific and/or appropriate health-related discipline.

Additional guidelines specific to an individual course or assignment may be introduced by course faculty, in which case, students are expected to meet these standards.

Academic Integrity

Students enrolled at FDU are expected to maintain the highest standards of academic integrity. These Standards of Academic Integrity are available on the FDU website and in the FDU Student Handbooks.

Breaches of academic integrity (i.e., academic dishonesty) includes, but is not limited to:

  • Cheating—Giving or receiving unauthorized assistance in any academic exercise or examination. Using or attempting to use any unauthorized materials, information or study aids in an examination or academic exercise.
  • Plagiarism—Representing the ideas or language of others as one’s own. A more complete description is listed below in the section titled “Plagiarism Described.”
  • Falsification—Falsifying or inventing any information, data or citation in an academic exercise.
  • Multiple Submission—Submitting substantial portions of any academic exercise more than once for credit without the prior authorization and approval of the current instructor.
  • Complicity—Facilitating any of the above actions or performing work that another student then presents as his or her assignment(s).
  • Interference—Interfering with the ability of a student to perform his or her assignment(s).

The principles of academic integrity also apply to those courses taken during clinical phases of any SNAH program or otherwise required for completion of the program. Owing to the critical nature of such requirements and student responsibility for the welfare of patients and agencies providing health care, a breach of academic integrity is further defined to include falsification of patient or agency records, violating accepted codes of professional ethics, surrender, suspension, or revocation of license, or engaging in activities which might endanger the health or welfare of patients.

Violation of a clinical agency’s policies or harming/violating an agency employee using any means shall constitute a violation of professional conduct that may result in dismissal from the program.

The integrity of the health care professions is dependent on the integrity of each of its members. Academic integrity is, therefore, viewed as one of the cornerstones of all academic and clinical work in the SNAH. SNAH students are expected to know and adhere to these Standards of Academic Integrity. SNAH students should also be familiar with processes and sanctions for breaches of academic integrity.

All written assignments must also comply with the FDU Standards of Academic Integrity. Students are not allowed to resubmit personal work from a previous class or if repeating the course, unless expressly permitted by the instructor. SNAH may enact sanctions for any work demonstrating plagiarism or submitted previously by the student or by another person. These sanctions may include:

  • No credit (0) or failure for the assignment.
  • Reduced grade for the course.
  • Failure in the course.

Social Media and Use of Electronic Devices 

SNAH students must observe and follow all applicable policies and agreements to maintain patient, peer, agency employee, and FDU employee confidentiality, when engaging in social media activities. SNAH students must review and adhere to the social media policies of each clinical agency as well as FDU’s social media policy.

Cell phones are not permitted in the clinical area. Use of a cell phone camera in any clinical area risks violation of the federal Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act of 1996 (HIPAA).

The use of any electronic device (e.g., cell phone, iPad, electronic translator, earphones/speakers, smartwatch) that can record, capture, transmit or otherwise communicate information or data is prohibited during exams and review of exams. No electronic devices are permitted on desk during testing. Electronic devices must be turned off, secured in a closed container, and stowed away from where the student sits.

The recording of voices or images during class is prohibited unless prior permission has been obtained from the instructor. Students are prohibited from transferring course materials to electronic or social media websites without specific approval from the course faculty.

Electronic technology including laptops, tablets, and cellular phones, and/or personal communication devices should only be used for academic purposes and must be on “silent” or “vibrate” to prevent disruptions. Engagement with electronic devices in a way that may distract instructors/peers in the classroom (e.g., texting, web browsing) is prohibited and may result in dismissal from the class.

Emergency situations requiring cellular telephone communication should be proactively addressed with the faculty on an as-needed basis. Faculty members have the authority to prohibit the use of a handheld device (including cellphones) in the classroom, clinical agency, and clinical lab.

Communicating at FDU

General Guidelines

FDU email is the authorized primary method of digital communication between students and faculty. (Emails that are sent to faculty through private email accounts are generally filtered to spam.) Students are expected to establish and maintain their FDU email account so that they will receive important communications in a timely manner. Students are responsible for checking their FDU email and responding to faculty every 24 hours when matriculated in an FDU program. Faculty are expected to respond to student queries within 2 business days during the semester. 

Students are expected to monitor their own progression and academic standing in their courses and program. If students need academic guidance, they are encouraged to contact their FDU advisor, or the instructor of the course, or their Program Director/Track Director, depending on the nature of the issue.  If they are unable to resolve the issue after speaking to their Program Director/Track Director, they can contact the SNAH Director of Academic Affairs, and if the issue remains unresolved, they can contact the SNAH Associate Dean or Dean. 

FDU works to ensure that its communications are accessible for those with disabilities. University email messages should be accessible to those who listen to them using screen reader software, view them with magnification, or use other special devices and formats. Please review the FDU guidelines for preparing accessible emails.

Outlook Email Signature

SNAH students should create an Outlook signature for their university email to assure that those who receive their student email messages have a clear understanding of who is sending the email. The SNAH student email signature should read as follows:

  • Student Name (with credentials, as applicable)
  • Program/Degree Track, Class of 20__ (expected year of graduation)
  • Student ID #____
  • Henry P. Becton School of Nursing and Allied Health
  • Fairleigh Dickinson University

Students may personalize their Outlook signature according to the FDU email signature guidance to include social media links and logos/links for FDU student clubs and sanctioned events. 

SNAH WebCampus “Community” Organizations

SNAH hosts several “Organizations” in WebCampus to support students in a common academic program. Students are enrolled into the organization when they are enrolled into the associated educational program and remain in the organization until graduation.  Organization enrollment can be found on the WebCampus home page. For example, the SNAH Advanced-Level Nursing Community Organization supports graduate-level Nurse Practitioner students with specific program information, including national APN certification/validation forms. The SNAH Entry-Level Nursing Community Organization supports entry-level (RN) nursing students with specific program information, including access to preliminary clinical group information.  If you do not have access to an SNAH WebCampus Community Organization, and believe that you should, please contact snah@fdu.edu (graduate) or snah-hs@fdu.edu (undergraduate).

Office Hours

Full-time faculty will schedule at least three “office hours” per week during each semester. Faculty will announce procedures for contacting and/or scheduling office hours appointments so that students can access this individualized academic support.

FDU What’s New, FDU Magazine, FDU Newspapers

Students are encouraged to check the FDU What’s New website for featured FDU news. In addition, students are encouraged to read the FDU Magazine, the Pillar Florham Campus Newspaper, and/or the Equinox Metro Campus Newspaper to stay abreast of FDU program happenings. Students can also submit their own inspiring stories and photos to FDU Magazine using their Get in Touch web-based submission site.

WebCampus Announcements

In addition to providing information on academic policies, procedures, and expectations specific to your classes, WebCampus is used by faculty to provide course-specific announcements (e.g., deadline reminders, curricula updates), in addition to providing syllabi, and other information on academic policies, assignments, and expectations specific to your classes.

FDU Alerts

FDU has the ability to quickly send email, text messages, and voice messages to its students, faculty and staff by rapidly mass broadcasting health, safety and informational messages to keep the FDU community informed and safe in times of emergency and other urgent situations. Examples of unforeseen events and disruptions include snow days, floods, power outages, campus incidents and major schedule changes. Students can review and update alert contact information online at the FDU Alert Status webpage.

Weather information and campus closings can also be found on the FDU Weather Information webpage.

For entry-level students, if an FDU closure is announced prior to the start of a clinical rotation, clinical will be cancelled for that day. Students may be required to make-up clinical days due to weather related emergencies.

Zoom Connectivity

Zoom is the preferred SNAH web-based video conferencing tool that allows students to meet online with peers, classmates, faculty, and other FDU groups. FDU’s technical support center (UTAC) supports students in accessing Zoom and provides instructions on connecting via Zoom.

 

IV. ATTENDANCE/TESTING POLICIES & APPEALS

SNAH Attendance Policies

General Policies

The overarching SNAH attendance policy is consistent with FDU Recommended Practices for Managing Attendance. The development of the FDU Recommended Practices for Managing Attendance is a product of a collaboration between the FDU Divisions of Student Affairs and Academic Affairs. 

For managing attendance in SNAH undergraduate classes, excluding experiential and/or clinical courses, the following FDU Recommended Practices for Managing Attendance apply:

Attendance and Grading

Overarching View of Attendance: Students are required to fully participate in all courses for which they are enrolled. Class attendance is a significant opportunity for participation, and highly correlated to satisfactory academic progression.

Communication about Expected Attendance: In classes where attendance is required, instructors will specify the following on each syllabus to prevent any misunderstanding of the course requirement:

  • What percentage of a course’s overall grade is based on attendance (e.g., 10%).
  • How attendance will be consistently and fairly measured.
  • The number of permissible unexcused absences.
  • The extent of permissible tardiness.
  • The sanctions for excessive unexcused absences or tardiness.

Grade of Incomplete: In some situations, a grade of Incomplete may be warranted, in accordance with the FDU policy on Incompletes.

NURS didactic courses are routinely scheduled with weekly synchronous lecture or recitation sessions (including both Zoom and in-person synchronous sessions). Because of the volume of content in these courses, online accessibility to a recording is provided, where possible, so students can review the material.  Use of asynchronous attendance in lieu of synchronous attendance, as a primary strategy, is not advised. Rather, asynchronous viewing is for students who have an occasional academic conflict or are ill. Optimal success is associated with synchronous attendance, when it is offered, in NURS didactic courses.

Clinical learning requires consistent in-person attendance in accordance with accreditation requirements. Policies for absences and tardiness for experiential learning courses/clinical course components are described separately.

Clinical courses also have additional grading standards. Please refer to Student Manual section on Program Progression in the School of Nursing & Allied Health for policies related to clinical grading.

Types of Absences

Excused Absences: For absences that can be excused, students should be allowed to make up didactic class assignments. Excused absences include but are not limited to:

  • Religious Holidays – SNAH is committed to ensuring that students can pursue their education while practicing their faith. To the extent possible, faculty will attempt to avoid conflict with such observances and/or provide alternatives to allow for religious observation. Students are expected to identify to their course faculty any anticipated need for religious observance during the first week of the semester (or as soon as it is known, in situations where the date is not known) so that an appropriate adjustment/alternative agreement can be made.
  • Student Illness/Surgery – Students are expected to identify to their course faculty any anticipated needs (without need to disclose condition/provider) during the first week of the semester (or as soon as it is known, in situations where the date is not known) so that appropriate adjustment/alternative agreement can be made. Long-term absence may be managed with a leave of absence (LOA) or can be referred to the Dean of Students Office for additional guidance.
  • Family Emergency/Bereavement – These recognized absences may occur intermittently (e.g., one or two days a semester). Students are expected to identify these unforeseen events to their course faculty as soon as they are known so that appropriate adjustment/alternative agreement can be made. Long-term absence may be managed with a leave of absence (LOA) or can be referred to the Dean of Students Office for additional guidance.
  • Jury duty or court appearances.
  • Military duty.

Unexcused Absences: Absence for unexcused reasons can be permitted for a specific number of didactic class meetings. A small number of such absences are generally allowed without grade penalties. In cases when the college, school, or department has not made a determination on what constitutes “a small number of unexcused absences,” faculty should choose to allow absences equivalent to two weeks of class meetings, beyond which faculty may determine that absences cannot be excused.

Care Team

Where student welfare is a concern relative to absences and/or tardiness, students can be referred to the FDU Care Team by submitting a Student of Concern report via the following link: www.fdu.edu/fducares.

The FDU Care Team is comprised of staff partners from the Dean of Students Office, Housing, Athletics, Public Safety, Student Life, Student Health Services and Counseling, would work collectively to reach out to the student to provide support by connecting them to various support systems available at FDU.

Missed Examinations

At times, a student may be unable to take an exam due to illness or an emergency situation. If a student is unable to take an exam for one of these reasons, the student must communicate with the course faculty PRIOR to the start of the exam. Students who miss an examination must arrange with course instructor to make up the examination within one week of the date on which the examination was originally administered, at the discretion of the course instructor.  Failure to comply with the instructor’s make-up arrangements will result in a grade of “0” for the examination.

 

SNAH Experiential Learning Attendance Policies

Students are expected to target 100% attendance for experiential learning rotations (i.e., clinical site, clinical lab, community/field experience). Exception for extenuating circumstance is described below.

Some clinical site/clinical lab rotations may include weekends and “off-shift” scheduling.

Students are required to attend all on-campus and clinical site orientation sessions for experiential learning rotations. Students are responsible for their own transportation and associated expenses to and from experiential learning rotations.

It is the students’ responsibility to disclose any changes in medical, psychiatric, and other conditions that may impact clinical attendance/performance and/or the safety of self or others. Students missing an experiential learning rotation related to an illness may be required to have provider clearance prior to returning to clinical site/clinical lab rotations. 

If a student is more than 10 minutes late to a clinical lab session, it is at the discretion of the instructor whether the student will be permitted to join the session in progress. If refused entry, the instructor is not obliged to provide a make-up session.

Additional Process for ENTRY-LEVEL Nursing Students

Management of a student’s first absence from an experiential learning rotation will be at the discretion of the clinical instructor/faculty for the course. 

Management of a student’s second absence from an experiential learning rotation will require a make-up day, which will be scheduled at the discretion of the clinical instructor/faculty for the course. Scheduling of a make-up day should not be anticipated earlier than the last week of the semester. Failure to complete the scheduled make-up day will result in failure or withdrawal from the course (including the didactic section), as determined by the course faculty after evaluation of circumstances.

A third absence will result in failure or withdrawal from the course (including the didactic section), even if there was make-up of a prior absence, as determined by the course faculty after evaluation of circumstances. There will not be rescheduling of a third absence during the semester.

In cases where religious holiday or student illness is associated with a second or third absence that cannot be rescheduled during the semester, the student will receive a status of Incomplete and the make-up must take place before the student can progress in the program. The make-up day will be scheduled within two semesters, when the clinical course is next offered. (In these cases, the status of Incomplete does not convert to a grade of “F” in the second week of the subsequent semester but will remain until the make-up day is scheduled. Failure to complete the scheduled make-up day will result in conversion of the status of Incomplete to a course failure.) 

In the event of an emergency, entry-level students who will be late or absent from experiential learning rotation must:

  • Notify the clinical instructor by phone at least one hour prior to start time (or if impossible, as far in advance as possible). Notifying a third party of the lateness/absence is not acceptable. Messages of lateness/absence should not be relayed through peers or email communication.
  • Notify the clinical lab/clinical agency at least one hour prior to start time (or if impossible, as far in advance as possible). Messages of lateness/absence should not be relayed through peers.

Additional guidelines related to reporting absences from experiential learning rotations specific to an individual course may be introduced by faculty, in which case students are expected to meet these standards.

In the case of a weather-related FDU closing, clinical instructors will contact students to provide direction on whether or not to proceed with the experiential learning rotation.

Additional Process for ADVANCED-LEVEL Nursing Students

Students will be allowed to reschedule experiential learning rotations, in accordance with the clinical agency policy and the FDU clinical contract with the agency. Failure to complete rescheduled/make-up days will result in a status of incomplete (see Status of Incomplete policy) or grade of “F” in the clinical course, as determined by the course faculty. 

In the event of an emergency, advanced-level students who will be late or absent from any experiential learning rotation must:

  • Notify the clinical agency at least one hour prior to start time (or if impossible, as far in advance as possible).
  • Notify the clinical oversight faculty by email at least one hour prior to start time (or if impossible, as far in advance as possible).

Additional guidelines related to reporting absences from experiential learning rotations specific to an individual course may be introduced by faculty, in which case students are expected to meet these standards.

In the case of a weather-related FDU closing, students should exercise personal judgement on whether to proceed with the experiential learning rotation, after confirming that the site is open and preceptor will be present. 

Additional Process for ALLIED HEALTH Students 

Students enrolled in any of our partnership and joint degree programs (i.e., in collaboration with another institution) have additional attendance and program progression requirements that are generally available on the websites of the respective collaborating institution. Please see your FDU allied health program’s webpage for a link to the collaborating institution where a student manual is often posted.

Auditing a Course

Auditing refers to the practice of attending classes and accessing course materials without earning academic credit or receiving a formal grade. Auditing a didactic course is permitted in SNAH with permission of the dean (or designee) and the course instructor, after assuring that there are no conflicts to auditing (e.g., course waitlist; insufficient classroom space). There is occasionally a cost associated with auditing (see FDU Student Handbooks) and auditors may need to meet prerequisites specified by the instructor. Students who receive approval to audit a course in SNAH do not receive any record of attendance (e.g., no record on transcript, no certificate of audit), do not receive academic credit, and do not receive any formal assessments. In addition, auditors are not included in testing procedures, and should not submit work for faculty review. The opportunity to audit may be revoked at any time.

Respondus Testing and Exams

Students are expected to have a functioning, fully charged laptop computer for taking computerized exams. (Please review Section III, General Academic Information & Policies,  Technology Requirements. Note that Chromebooks use a proprietary operating system that may require extension download to use Respondus – please access UTAC to assure usability of Chromebooks with Respondus software.)  

Students are expected to take exams during the defined time period as set by course instructor. All major examination dates will be identified on the course syllabus; quizzes may be administered with/without forewarning. 

FDU provides proctoring software (Respondus) for computerized exams within Blackboard to ensure academic integrity. Students utilizing computerized testing, in-class or remotely, may be required to use Respondus Lockdown Browser and Respondus Monitor/Webcam. When students use Respondus lockdown browser, they are unable to print, copy, go to another URL, use a secondary monitor, or access other applications. When an exam is started, students must turn the browser and monitor/webcam on and are locked into the exam until it is submitted it for grading. For remote exams, the Respondus monitor allows instructors to monitor the student environment, and deters students from using secondary computers, phones, textbooks, or receiving assistance. After a student has completed an exam, instructors can review the exam session to confirm compliance with exam expectations. Students must agree to Respondus terms in order to use the software. Please notify your instructor prior to testing if you have not agreed with the Respondus terms. 

Students are expected to follow all pre-testing Respondus instructions including, but not limited to, closing all applications and conducting an environmental scan. At the end of a Respondus exam, students must demonstrate that they have logged out of the Respondus lockdown browser. A brief Respondus tutorial can be found here.

The following rules are enforced during Respondus testing and may apply to other testing:

  • No personal items will be permitted on desk, or region of desk, during testing.
  • No electronic devices (e.g., cell phone, iPad, electronic translator, earphones/speakers, smartwatch) are permitted on desk during testing. Electronic devices must be turned off and stowed away from where the student sits.
  • No food or drink is allowed during testing.
  • Students may not leave the room during testing.
  • No caps/hats are to be worn during testing.
  • Students may be asked to change their seats during testing.
  • Students are not permitted to have other adults in their room during remote testing.
  • Students are not permitted to talk during testing, except for emergencies.

The following procedures also apply to exams, make-up exams, and exam review:

  • Students who have formally documented accommodations for testing must notify the instructor prior to the testing date.
  • Student review of exams must be scheduled. Students are not permitted to copy any materials, take notes, or tape record during exam review unless expressly permitted by the instructor.
  • Exams are available for review by students within two weeks of administration. After two weeks, exams will no longer be available for review. Final exams are not available for review.
  • Students should make every effort to notify the instructor prior to start of an exam if they will be late or absent. Make-up testing is provided at the discretion of the instructor, in accordance with FDU attendance policy. Make-up examinations may be different in format from the original exam administered.

Appeal, Grievance, and Complaint Procedures

General Policies

The SNAH reviews and addresses grievances of arbitrary, bias, capricious, discriminatory, malicious, or otherwise improper actions related to any academic matters by students. The student should first discuss the concern with course faculty, preceptor, or clinical instructor of record. If the student’s concern is not resolved, then the following steps should be followed:

  1. Meet with the Program/Track Director. If not resolved, then:
  2. Meet with SNAH Director of Academic Affairs. If not resolved, then:
  3. Meet with the SNAH Associate Dean or Dean.

If the topic of concern is a broader program or personal issue, students can also meet with their Academic Advisor who will assist in resolving the issue and/or deciding upon appropriate next steps. FDU urges current and prospective students with concerns or complaints to attempt to resolve them with the appropriate University administrative or academic office, following an appropriate chain of command.

If a student has a non-academic formal complaint against the University, a defined published policy is located on the FDU “Student Complaint Procedures” webpage. This policy and procedure should be followed.

Student Grade/Academic Decision Appeal

While it is recognized that faculty hold the right and responsibility to grant a grade, a student who receives a grade or academic decision that he or she believes to be incorrect may appeal that grade/academic decision by engaging in the grade/academic decision appeal process as outlined in the Grade Appeal Procedure in the FDU Undergraduate Studies Bulletin or in the FDU Graduate Studies Bulletin which includes (1) informal/formal appeal to the course instructor and/or Track Director prior to the start of the following semester (determination due to student within two business weeks); (2) if unresolved, appeal in writing within one week to SNAH Program Director (determination due to student within two business weeks); and (3) if unresolved, appeal in writing within one week to SNAH Dean (final determination due to student within two business weeks). Please note that whether there is basis for a grade change (i.e., that an erroneous grade exists) for an SNAH course will be determined by the SNAH Dean. The Dean may also refer certain cases to a committee for evaluation. For sanctions of suspension or dismissal, a student may also raise their appeal to the University Provost.

Complaints Concerning Discrimination, Harassment and Related Misconduct

The FDU Policy on Prohibited Discrimination, Harassment and Related Misconduct applies to the conduct and protection of FDU faculty, staff, administrators, supervisors, employees, students, volunteers, guests, patrons, independent contractors, or clients and visitors of the University. This policy provides for the prompt and equitable resolution of reports of prohibited conduct.

 

V. CLINICAL ISSUES: CLEARANCE, PLACEMENT, OTHER REQUIREMENTS

Medicat & CastleBranch

Students are responsible to fully participate in clearance processes prior to experiential learning rotations. This may include but is not limited to providing health and immunization records to Student Health Services via Medicat and other documentation to clinical agencies via CastleBranch. Students are responsible for updating expired clearance documents. CastleBranch requirements are separate to the FDU Student Health Medicat requirements, although much of the documentation is the same. 

Medicat

Students enrolled at FDU must comply with FDU Medicat requirements for health and immunization records. Students need to submit all requested documents to either the Metro Student Medicat Portal or the Florham Student Medicat Portal upon matriculation into their program. The Medicat Portal can be accessed by using the same username and password that you use to access your FDU student account and has instructions on how to complete your medical record upload once you log in. (For technical difficulties, contact the Medicat Help Desk at 973-443-8822.)  Subsequent annual updates (i.e., annual physical exam; annual Tb testing; evidence Influenza vaccination by October 1st) must be submitted to Medicat prior to the start of Fall semester. FDU healthcare students may not participate in clinical agency rotations unless they are compliant with this university requirement.

Students will be required to upload the following evidence to Medicat:

  • Documentation of physical exam performed by a licensed provider (e.g., APN/NP, MD, DO).
  • Serologic immunity (i.e., titers) to Measles, Mumps, and Rubella. (If non-immune or equivocal status, the student must have 2 doses of the vaccine at least 30 days apart, and a repeat titer must be drawn 1-2 months after the second dose.)
  • Serologic immunity (i.e., titers) to Varicella. (If non-immune or equivocal status, the student must have 2 doses of the vaccine given 4-8 weeks apart, and a repeat titer must be drawn 1-2 months after the second dose.)
  • Adult Tdap vaccination within 10 years.
  • Meningococcal vaccination within 5 years for residential students (or signed waiver if non-residential student).
  • Serologic immunity (i.e., titers, including HBsAg, HBcIgMAb, HBsAb) to Hepatitis B Virus. (Enrollment of students who are potentially infectious for Hepatitis B Virus is contingent upon their ability to perform all essential functions required for program completion of the curriculum of the degree program with potentially clinical activities.)
  • Annual Influenza vaccine. (If the vaccine is not received, the student will be required to sign a waiver and will be obligated to wear a mask while in the healthcare environment.)
  • Annual Mantoux skin test or QuantiFERON-TB test for tuberculosis. (In a BCG-vaccinated person, QuantiFERON-TB is required.)
  • Covid-19 vaccination (any year).

Castlebranch 

The CastleBranch (“my CB”) medical document manager/compliance tracker is used to collect and store clinical compliance documentation for students who will be entering a patient care location (e.g., hospital, clinic) as part of their educational program. Clinical site personnel require an attestation from FDU, or access to view CastleBranch documents, so that they can be assured that a student meets the standards to enter a patient care setting. This usually includes a negative qualified drug test and a criminal conviction check with no adverse findings (within 30 days of the start of the clinical affiliation).

Fees are paid directly by the student to Castlebranch.   

CastleBranch codes for FDU Students:

  • For entry-level Florham nursing students who are renewing in 2024 or 2025, select CODE FJ70 NJRE.
  • For initial enrollment of BSN, ABSN, and MSN-ETP nursing students, select CODE FJ60. 
  • For renewal of BSN, ABSN, and MSN-ETP nursing students, select CODE FJ60 NJRE.
  • For initial enrollment of advanced-level APN nursing students, select CODE FJ69.
  • For renewal of advanced-level APN nursing students, select CODE FJ69 NJRE.
  • For initial enrollment of Phlebotomy students, select CODE xxxx. 

Through CastleBranch, healthcare students will order and/or upload:

  • Documentation of physical exam performed by a licensed provider (e.g., APN/NP, MD, DO).
  • Immunization and vaccination documentation.
  • Criminal conviction/background check.
  • Qualified urine drug test.
  • Current certification in Basic Life Support for Health Care Professionals (Please choose CLASSROOM BLS by American Heart Association. HeartCode BLS by American Heart Association is not accepted at all sites. American Red Cross certification is not accepted at all sites.) 
  • Professional liability insurance (in the amount of $1 million/claim and $6 million aggregate). 
    • BSN, ABSN, MSN Entry-to-Practice, Post-Graduate APN Certificate: coverage should begin with the first offsite clinical course and continue until graduation.
    • Nurse Practitioner MSN: coverage should begin in NURS6620 and continue until graduation.
    • Allied Health, Respiratory Care, and Phlebotomy students: not required at this time.
  • Current health insurance card.

All healthcare students are required to comply with applicable school, university, agency, regional, state, and/or national regulations to prevent or reduce the risk of transmission of vaccine-preventable and other communicable diseases among students, patients, faculty/staff, providers, and other persons. Students will be required to upload the following evidence to myCB:

  • Serologic immunity (i.e., titers) to Measles, Mumps, and Rubella. (If non-immune or equivocal status, the student must have 2 doses of the vaccine at least 30 days apart, and a repeat titer must be drawn 1-2 months after the second dose.)
  • Serologic immunity (i.e., titers) to Varicella. (If non-immune or equivocal status, the student must have 2 doses of the vaccine given 4-8 weeks apart, and a repeat titer must be drawn 1-2 months after the second dose.)
  • Adult Tdap vaccination within 10 years.
  • Meningococcal vaccination within 5 years for residential students (or signed waiver if non-residential student).
  • Serologic immunity (i.e., titers, including HBsAg, HBcIgMAb, HBsAb) to Hepatitis B Virus. (Enrollment of students who are potentially infectious for Hepatitis B Virus is contingent upon their ability to perform all essential functions required for program completion of the curriculum of the degree program with potentially clinical activities.)
  • Annual Influenza vaccine. (If the vaccine is not received, the student will be required to sign a waiver and will be obligated to wear a mask while in the healthcare environment.)
  • Annual Mantoux skin test or QuantiFERON-TB test for tuberculosis. (In a BCG-vaccinated person, QuantiFERON-TB is required.)
  • Covid-19 vaccination (any year).

Student requesting an exemption to vaccination due to pregnancy or other medical condition must provide documentation from a healthcare provider indicating the reason and time limits of the medical contraindication. This exemption will be reviewed at the beginning of each semester.  Documentation of exemption does not assure clinical clearance (which depends on clinical site, activity, and population). 

Uniform Requirements, Dress Code & Electronic Devices

General Policy

SNAH students are ambassadors for FDU’s health care education programs. Appropriate clinical attire aids in proper identification of FDU students by agency staff and patients and distinguishes their role from that of the agency provider. Students are expected to follow the established dress code and clinical agency uniform policy as part of their demonstration of professional behaviors. Clinical agencies may provide an additional identification badge specific to the agency which must be worn for rotations to that agency.

Uniform

For entry-level nursing students:

  • Designated student uniform with FDU emblem. Students must purchase and obtain their full uniform prior to the first day of a clinical agency rotation. Instructions on where to purchase the uniform (e.g., Dove Professional Apparel) will be provided to students by course faculty. Students should NOT wear the uniform at other times unless directed. Name pins must be worn during clinical agency experiences by entry-level students. Professional business attire may be required for selected clinical agency experiences.

For advanced-level nursing students:

  • Students are expected to follow the established clinical agency uniform policy. Professional business attire may be required for selected clinical agency experiences.

For allied health, respiratory care, and phlebotomy students:

  • Please refer to the uniform policy in the site-specific clinical handbook.

For all students:

  • Clean white shoes. (Clean white sneakers without logo or markings acceptable.)
  • White stockings or white socks.
  • Identification badge. 
  • Depending on the clinical facility, a long white sleeve shirt may be worn underneath the uniform top, providing it can be rolled up above the elbow.
  • Designated lab coat with FDU emblem.

Other Required Clinical Supplies 

  • Pens with black ink.
  • Watch (unless working in a unit where wall clocks used for timing).
  • Bandage scissors and sphygmomanometer (for entry-level nursing students).
  • Stethoscope (for respiratory care and nursing students).

Make-up, Scent, and Hair

  • Heavy make-up should be avoided in the clinical setting.
  • Perfume, aftershave/cologne, heavily scented lotion, and/or the smell of cigarettes may be allergens to some patients/clients and may be in violation of policy, so are not permitted in clinical agencies.
  • Perfume, aftershave/cologne, heavily scented lotion, and/or the smell of cigarettes may be allergens to some peers, faculty, or staff, so should be avoided in classrooms or clinical labs.
  • Hair should be neat and pulled off the face and above the collar.
  • Large decorative hairpieces, ornaments, or head coverings are not permitted. (Some religious exemptions apply – see faculty for guidance.)
  • Hair should not be colored to pink, green, purple, orange, or any rainbow-like color.  Scalp designs are not permitted.
  • Facial hair must be clean and neatly trimmed.

Jewelry, Piercings, and Tattoos

  • Jewelry is limited to four pierced earrings, each no larger than a dime. Facial and tongue jewelry is not permitted.
  • Tattoos may be visible unless a clinical agency has a policy limiting visible tattoos. If such a policy exists, the student must abide by that policy.
  • Tattoos that may be offensive or cause distress to patients, staff, or colleagues, or that contain profanity, nudity, violence, ethnic references, alcohol, or controlled substances must be covered.

Fingernail Care

The SNAH fingernail policy is based upon the Guidelines for Hand Hygiene in Healthcare Settings developed by the Center for Disease Control and Prevention:

  • Students should not wear artificial fingernails, tips, gels, wraps, or extensions when having direct contact with patients.
  • Finger jewelry (e.g., rings) is not permitted when having direct contact with patients. One single wedding band without stones is permitted at other times.
  • Students should keep natural nail tips less than ¼ inch long.
  • Nail polish (clear or nude only) must be free of chips or cracks and must not contain nail jewelry or decorations.

Use of Electronic Devices 

  • SNAH students must observe and follow all applicable policies and agreements to maintain patient, peer, agency employee, and FDU employee confidentiality, when engaging in social media activities. SNAH students must review and adhere to the social media policies of each clinical agency as well as FDU’s social media policy.
  • Cellphones are not permitted in the clinical area. Use of a cellphone camera in any clinical area risks violation of the federal Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act of 1996 (HIPAA).

Other Considerations

  • Chewing gum is not permitted during any experiential learning activities.
  • Bare feet, open-toed shoes, and bare legs are not permitted during any experiential learning activities.
  • Blue jeans/ripped jeans, shorts/short skirts, sheer/translucent clothing, and bare backs/midriffs are not permitted during experiential learning activities. Undergarments must not be visible.
  • Students who arrive to the clinical agency without the necessary uniform and identification badge may be dismissed for the day (and have the event acknowledged as a clinical absence). Failure to comply with dress code policy can additionally result in dismissal from the experiential learning activity and/or other disciplinary action.
  • Clinical agencies may have specific requirements in addition to those identified here in which case students are expected to follow the guidelines of the clinical agency

Guidelines for Choosing Clinical Sites/Preceptors for Advanced Practice Nursing (APN) Students

Students seeking entry or enrolled in the Nurse Practitioner/Advanced Practice Nurse (APN) program tracks (MSN or Post-Graduate Certificate) will need to identify clinical sites and qualified preceptors for their practicum courses. This process requires review/approval by the APN Track Director and is supported by FDU’s e-Placement Request System. MSN degree students will receive guidance on the clinical site/preceptor selection and request process at APN Program Orientation and again prior to enrollment in their first practicum course. Post-graduate certificate students, who will be enrolled in a practicum course during their first semester, should communicate with the appropriate APN Track Director at APN Program Orientation (i.e., in advance of starting the first semester).

APN students need to choose one site/preceptor per clinical course. Approval to use two sites during one semester will be considered for students enrolled in NURS7796, or in exceptional circumstances (subject to approval by APN Track Director). The clinical practicum must align with the focus of the associated didactic course (e.g., for the pediatric practicum in the FNP track, the student must be working with a pediatric population in a primary care setting). Students are encouraged to continue at a site through a second semester if the population/setting is appropriate and the preceptor can accommodate the request. 

A qualified preceptor may be a Nurse Practitioner (NP) or a physician (MD or DO). The preceptor mentors the student throughout the clinical practicum experience within that academic term with the oversight of FDU faculty.  Specific qualifications of the preceptor are:

  1. Earned MSN or DNP degree, or a medical degree (MD or DO).
  2. Advanced practice licensure/certification without encumbrance.
  3. Active clinical practice with an appropriate population.

When approaching a potential preceptor, the student should confirm that the preceptor can fulfill the following responsibilities:

  1. Supervise the student in the clinical setting.
  2. Facilitate experiences (and not just observations) relevant to the course.
  3. Provide feedback to FDU faculty about student performance, based upon list of expected learning/performance outcomes. 
  4. Participate in one virtual or in-person site visit by the course faculty or designee.
  5. Function as a role model for advanced practice.

The e-Placement Request Form, required to initiate the clinical placement approval process, is in “mail merge” format.  This means the information you submit will go directly into the Letter of Agreement template that is sent to your preceptor as evidence of the clinical contract.  It is imperative to provide accurate information, with correct capitalization, spacing, and punctuation, so that the placement request will be properly processed. Students will need to collect the following information from the preceptor to complete the e-Placement request form: 

  1. Preceptor’s preferred salutation (Ms., Mr. Dr.)
  2. Preceptor’s First name, Last name (NOTE: Mary Jones, not MARY JONES)
  3. Preceptor’s credentials (NOTE: Mary Smith, DNP, RN, APN, GNP-BC, not SMitH MARY, Dnp, Rn, Apn, Gnp-bc)
  4. Best email address for sending the Letter of Agreement. (This may be the preceptor’s email address or the clinical site email address.) 
  5. Preceptor’s current CV or resume (in PDF format).
  6. Legal name and address of the agency. (This address will used in the heading of the Letter of Agreement so MUST be verified with practice as the legal name and address. It is not always the address on the practice web page.) 
  7. First name, last name and credentials of the person who has the authority to sign your Letter of Agreement. (Some practice sites have an Owner, Lead Physician, Practice Administrator, Office Manager, or Human Resources liaison who are signatories of the Letter of Agreement and who confirm your preceptor’s schedule. If this person is someone other than your preceptor, the Letter of Agreement will be addressed to this person, and your preceptor will be copied on the email.)

Student should VERIFY the preceptor’s license using a publicly available license-verification state database to assure that it is ACTIVE and unencumbered. If not active, your practicum hours will be in jeopardy of deletion.

Students will need to provide the following information to the preceptor, and confirm acceptability:

  1. Semester(s) and dates of the planned practicum experience. (Check the FDU Academic Calendar for semester start and end dates, as needed.)
  2. Target number of practicum hours. (Please refer to program web page for these targets.) 
  3. A realistic and mutually acceptable schedule that meets all relevant expectations. 

Many primary care sites do not require a Clinical Affiliation Agreement to be in place with FDU, and only require a Letter of Agreement as a sufficient contract to establish the clinical site for student learning. Check with your preceptor if the site requires a Clinical Affiliation Agreement to carry out your clinical practicum. FDU has many Clinical Affiliation Agreements already in place (often associated with large, regional healthcare networks). Establishment of a new Clinical Affiliation Agreement may take many months, or not be possible, and could delay timely completion of your practicum hours. You will need to confirm that the clinical site either will accept a Letter of Agreement, or has an active Clinical Affiliation Agreement with FDU, prior to submitting the e-Placement request form. If unsure about the contract status of a site, students may email the SNAH Administrator for Clinical Affairs and Community Outreach with complete site information to confirm status.

Instructions for Completing e-Placement Request Form for Advanced Practice Nursing (APN) Students

Once a clinical site and qualified preceptor has been identified by a student enrolled in the Nurse Practitioner/Advanced Practice Nurse (APN) program track (MSN or Post-Graduate Certificate), the student will need to access FDU’s e-Placement Request System to provide information about the site and preceptor, so that the University review approval process can be implemented and contracting can be completed/confirmed.  

A new request must be submitted each semester unless the clinical site and preceptor is not changing.  The following strict deadlines apply when submitting the e-Placement Request Form:

Academic Term

e-Placement Portal Opens

e-Placement Portal Closes

Spring

October 1

November 15, midnight

Summer

March 1

April 15, midnight

Fall

June 1

July 15, midnight

Since late submissions will not be accepted, it is highly recommended that students note these dates on their personal calendars and submit early to allow ample time to resubmit prior to the deadline (e.g., if the APN track director does not approve the first e-placement request).

 

The e-Placement Request System can be accessed via the following link (you will need to log in with your NET ID):

https://www-ucoll.fdu.edu/eplacement/placement.php

Consider bookmarking this link for use throughout your program. Once accessing the system, follow the prompts to submit your information.

 

Accurate information (as described above), including a copy of the preceptor CV or resume, must be collected prior to accessing the e-Placement System to assure that request is properly processed.  It is imperative to use correct capitalization, spacing, and punctuation, so that the placement request, Letter of Agreement, and preceptor Certificate of Appreciation will be accurate. 

After the e-Placement request is submitted, students should anticipate three emails to the FDU student email account:

  1. First, the student will receive an email confirming that the e-Placement Form was successfully submitted. (If you do not receive this email, you can contact the SNAH Administrator for Clinical Affairs and Community Outreach to help identify the submission error.)
  2. Second, the student will receive an email that confirms the track director/advisor’s approval of the site and preceptor. (This email may take a few days, as your track director/advisor reviews the request.) RETAIN this second email as it has an upload link for submitting the Letter of Agreement, after it is signed by the preceptor/signatory.
  3. Third, if the preceptor/site request is approved and the clinical sites has no additional requirements, the student will receive a copy of the Letter of Agreement that is sent to the preceptor/signatory. This Letter of Agreement will be generated approximately 4 weeks prior to the start of the semester.

Be mindful of the date of this third email and the timeline for returning the signed Letter of Agreement to the SNAH. Follow-up with the preceptor to ensure they received the Letter of Agreement, and to encourage timely signature.  Once you have the signed Letter of Agreement back from your preceptor, return to the second email, and to the link marked “Upload signed LOA here.”  Upload the signed document as directed. 

It is expected that students represent well the values of FDU with their preceptor and at the clinical site.  This ensures preceptor receptiveness and availability to meet the needs of future APN students. Approximately six weeks after the end of the semester a Certificate of Appreciation will be sent to your preceptor, per the e-Placement address instructions. 

Communicable Disease Exposure

If a student is exposed to certain communicable diseases (as referenced in N.J. Administrative Code 8:57-1.5) during a clinical agency rotation, the student may be classified by the agency as being an individual with a suspected case of disease and reported as such.

HIV post-exposure prophylaxis (PEP), is a short course of HIV medicines taken very soon after a possible exposure to HIV to prevent HIV infection. If potentially exposed to HIV, a student will receive appropriate PEP through an agency’s Employee Health Department or Emergency Department at no cost to the individual student. The FDU Student Health Services Director will be notified if there is a suspected or confirmed communicable disease exposure report involving a student.

VI. PROGRAM PROGRESSION IN THE SCHOOL OF NURSING & ALLIED HEALTH

General Expectations

Students are expected to monitor their own progression and academic standing in their courses and program. This will enable the student to ensure their own compliance with program requirements and maintainance of acceptable grades and averages. If a students need academic guidance, they are encouraged to contact their FDU advisor, or the instructor of the course, or their Program Director/Track Director, depending on the nature of the issue.  If they are unable to resolve the issue after speaking to their Program Director/Track Director, they can contact the SNAH Director of Academic Affairs, and if the issue remains unresolved, they can contact the SNAH Associate Dean or Dean. 

The weights assigned to examinations and other assignments are determined by the instructor of each course and communicated in the course syllabus. Students are responsible for reviewing all course requirements at the beginning of each semester and communicating with the course instructor if they have any questions, concerns, or conflicts. It is expected that assignments are submitted on or before the submission deadline unless prior permission is obtained. Failure to do so may affect the grade for the assignment.

In combined courses with both clinical and didactic components, a satisfactory clinical AND didactic grade must be achieved to pass the course. A student who does not pass the clinical portion of the course will receive a clinical grade of “NC” (No Credit) and failure of the course.

Students who enroll in courses for which they are not eligible will be administratively withdrawn from those courses.

Placement and Competency Examinations

Accuplacer Assessment

First time, first year students who have submitted a deposit to attend FDU will receive information regarding scheduling Accuplacer Assessment for Florham Campus or Accuplacer Assessment for Metro Campus. Students generally need to take:

  1. Accuplacer Next Generation Reading Assessment
  2. Accuplacer WritePlacer Essay Assessment
  3. First-day Diagnostic (given the first day of College Writing and College Reading courses, to confirm the Accuplacer)
  4. Next-Generation Quantitative Reasoning, Algebra, and Statistics (QAS)
  5. Next-Generation Advanced Algebra and Functions (AAF)

Accuplacer and other assessment scores will determine which courses first time, first year students will take.  Those with placement scores below the standards must complete courses in prerequisite skills.  These credits are placed in the free elective area or are non-credit-bearing.  This requirement applies to all first time, first year students, even if they have been accepted into a selective program track. 

Medication Calculation Examination

Competency in medication math/dosage calculation is an integral and critical aspect of safe professional nursing. For students in the entry-level nursing program, administration of medication to a patient is not permitted until successful completion of the Medication Calculation Examination. The Medication Calculation Examination is each semester before the start of clinical assignments or at the beginning in Foundations of Nursing. Students must achieve a minimum passing grade of 90% to demonstrate competency. Students will be permitted to use only university-issued calculators during the test.

Any student who fails to achieve the required 90% benchmark on the first attempt of any
Medication Calculation Examination will be required to retake the Medication Calculation Examination within a week of the failed exam, or as determined by the course instructor.

A student who fails a second Medication Calculation Examination must show written evidence of remediation before taking a third exam. A student who fails the third exam receives a clinical grade of “NC” (No Credit) and failure of the course.

Basic Health Assessment Refresher Course

For a student seeking entry to an MSN Nurse Practitioner/Advanced Practice Nurse program track and whose undergraduate Basic Health Assessment (BHA) course will be completed more than three (3) years prior to taking Advanced Health Assessment, the student will need to complete a BHA refresher course from an approved Continuing Education Provider (including the BHA refresher course offered by FDU’s SNAH). A copy of the Certificate of Completion will need to be submitted to SNAH@FDU.edu prior to the start of enrollment in Advanced Health Assessment.

Grading

Students will be assigned the grade earned in their courses. “Passing” grades that are below a certain threshold (e.g., C-, D) in certain SNAH program tracks may not meet the requirement for progression in that track. “Pass/No Credit” grade is applied to the clinical/lab component of NURS courses associated with a didactic component. (Please note additional grade standards below). 

The following grade scores are applied for SNAH students, which are consistent with overarching FDU grading policies:

Grade

Numerical Score Range

Letter Grade will Calculate as…

Quality Points

A

93+

96.5

4.00

A-

90 – < 93

91.5

3.67

B+

87 – < 90

88.5

3.33

B

83 – < 87

85

3.00

B-

80 – < 83

81.5

2.67

C+

77 – < 80

78.5

2.33

C

74 – < 77

75

2.00

C-  (Undergrad ONLY)

70 – < 74

71.5

1.67

D  (Undergrad ONLY)

65 – < 70

68.5

1.00

F

< 65 (Undergrad)

< 74 (Grad)

0

0

 

The following letter grades have no weight and are not computed into the grade point ratio:

P = Pass

NC = Unsatisfactory/No Credit

W = Withdrawal

I = Incomplete

AU = Audit

(Undergrad ONLY)

Status of Incomplete (“I”)

In the event a student is unable to complete the requirements of a course due to extenuating circumstances, the student may be eligible for a temporary Incomplete or “I” status. The Incomplete designation is not a substitute for a letter grade and is made available only at the discretion of, and after consultation with, the instructor, who will provide a plan/timeline for course requirement completion.  An Incomplete status may impact progression and extend the time to graduation. To be eligible for Incomplete status in a course, students must have completed 80% of their coursework at the time of the request and be in good academic standing.

Students with an Incomplete designation are responsible for completing all requirements on time. They have the added responsibility of notifying the instructor of circumstances preventing them from completing the requirements on time. Students will have up to the third week of the next full semester (i.e., spring, fall) to complete the requirements. If a student does not fulfill the requirements for course completion by the third week of the next full semester, the status will automatically convert to an “F” and is computed into the grade point ratio. 

Waiting until the third week of the next full semester to correct Incomplete status may prevent the student from progressing in sequenced courses. Students wishing to progress in sequenced course must fulfill the requirements for course completion before the beginning their next semester.

Satisfactory Academic Progress & Graduation Eligibility

  • Students are required to show evidence of satisfactory academic progress, whether an undergraduate student or a graduate student.  Academic standing is determined by the Grade Point Average (GPA) achieved over a semester expressed as “Semester GPA” (SGPA) or earned over all semesters enrolled at FDU expressed as “Cumulatively GPA” (CGPA).
  • Good Academic Standing signifies that a student is making adequate progress towards achieving successful graduation. Maintaining Good Academic Standing depends on the number of credits completed and the CGPA. 
  • A program-specific minimum CGPA is required for graduation. For SNAH students, the following CGPA requirements must be met to be eligible for graduation: 
    • >=2.0 for students pursuing a BS in Health Studies or BS in Health Information Management.
    • >=2.3 for students in degree completion programs (e.g., NURN2.TEA, RADT2.TEA, ALHT2.HSCI.TEA).
    • >=2.67 for students in all other undergraduate nursing and undergraduate allied health programs.
    • >=3.0 for students in any graduate program.

Academic Performance Warning

  • A student has a status of Academic Performance Warning (formerly “Academic Probation”) if the SGPA/CGPA falls below the required threshold and may have restrictions placed on their credit load until they have a grade point ratio at or above the threshold. 
  • In SNAH, a student is on academic performance warning if the CGPA or SGPA falls below the following thresholds:
    • <2.0 for students pursuing a BS in Health Studies or BS in Health Information Management.
    • <2.3 for students in degree completion programs (e.g., NURN2.TEA, RADT2.TEA, ALHT2.HSCI.TEA).
    • <2.67 for students in all other undergraduate nursing and undergraduate allied health programs.
    • <3.0 for students in any graduate program.
  • Students on Academic Performance Warning are at risk for being dismissed from their program of study and/or from the university. Students can refer to the FDU student handbooks, or speak to their advisor, for more information about Academic Performance Warning and the requirements/timeline to return to Good Academic Standing.
  • Students who are unable to return to good academic standing (i.e., GPA at or above the threshold for their program) may be suspended from their SNAH program.  A student suspended from their SNAH program due to low GPA may be eligible to apply for a change of major and may be eligible for a grade relief option.

Student Success Plans

Students may also face challenges mid-semester that impact academic performance. SNAH faculty may provide a student with a Student Success Plan if there is an academic concern identified at any point during the semester prior to calculation of the CGPA or SGPA. The Student Success Plan lets the student know that improvement in academic performance is needed, and also provides the student with the specific strategies and resources to get back on track. 

Grade Relief

Undergraduate students who have changed their major and wish to be relieved of grades of D and F in their prior major are potentially eligible for grade relief.  

Additional Grade Standards for Entry-Level Nursing Students 

  • Students must achieve a grade of C (74+) in all general education courses, except for math and science courses, to receive credit toward the degree.
  • Freshman students must achieve a grade of B- (80+) in math and science courses to receive credit toward the degree and progress to sophomore courses.
  • Students must achieve a minimum grade of B- (80+) in each NURS course to enter the next NURS course in the sequence.
  • Students must achieve a minimum grade of B- (80+) in each course in the major requirements.  Students must achieve a grade of C (74+) in all electives (including electives in the major) to receive credit toward the degree.
  • For professionally accredited entry-level degree programs (i.e., BSN), or for degree completion tracks (e.g., RN to BSN), SNAH permits students to fulfill degree requirements up to 5 years from the start of the program of study. Students in the Accelerated BSN track have up to 3 years from the start of the program of study to fulfill second degree requirements. The SNAH policy of degree completion is inclusive of course failures/withdrawals and approved LOA.
  • A student who is dismissed from their professionally accredited program/track may continue studies at FDU in another degree program. Nursing students who have more than two course failures and foreseeably unable to fulfill their program/track requirements within the required time frame, may be advised to continue their studies in another degree program. 
  • A student who is dismissed from one track of the entry-level nursing program will not be readmitted into another track of the entry-level nursing program within the same academic or calendar year.
  • A cumulative grade point ratio of 2.67 must be maintained throughout the program and to be eligible for graduation. Students with a cumulative grade point ratio lower than 2.67 are considered to be on a status of Academic Performance Warning (formerly “Academic Probation”) and may have restrictions placed on their credit load until they have a grade point ratio of at least 2.67. 

Additional Grade Standards for MSN Entry-to-Practice Students

  • Graduate-level nursing (MSN, DNP, and Post-Graduate Certificate) students are not eligible to receive a grade of C- or D.  A score of lower than 74 (“C”) will translate to a grade of “F” in the record. 
  • Students must achieve a minimum grade of B- (80+) in each NURS clinical course, and in the “three Ps” (Pathophysiology, Pharmacotherapeutics, Physical/Health Assessment) to enter the next NURS clinical course in the sequence/progress to graduation.
  • Students must achieve a grade of C (74+) in all other MEDT, PUBH, MGMT courses to receive credit toward the degree.
  • Students must achieve a grade of B (83+) in all other upper division (6000-8999) nursing courses to receive credit toward the degree.
  • For professionally accredited entry-level degree programs (i.e., MSN Entry-to-Practice), SNAH permits students to fulfill degree requirements up to 5 years from the start of the program of study. The SNAH policy of degree completion is inclusive of course failures/withdrawals and approved LOA.
  • A student who is dismissed from their professionally accredited program/track may continue studies at FDU in another degree program. Nursing students who have more than two course failures and foreseeably unable to fulfill their program/track requirements within the required time frame, may be advised to continue their studies in another degree program. 
  • A student who is dismissed from one track of the entry-level nursing program will not be readmitted into another track of the entry-level nursing program within the same academic or calendar year.
  • A cumulative grade point ratio of 3.0 must be maintained throughout the program and to be eligible for graduation. Students with a cumulative grade point ratio lower than 3.0 are considered to be on a status of Academic Performance Warning (formerly “Academic Probation”) and may have restrictions placed on their credit load until they have a grade point ratio of at least 3.0. 

Additional Grade Standards for Advanced-Level Nursing Students

  • Graduate-level nursing (MSN, DNP, and Post-Graduate Certificate) students are not eligible to receive a grade of C- or D.  A score of lower than 74 (“C”) will translate to a grade of “F” in the record. 
  • Students in advanced-level nursing courses must achieve a grade of B (83+) or higher in each course to pass the course and progress in the program.
  • Students who achieve a grade of less than B (<83) in any course, or who have a grade point ratio of less than 3.0, are considered to be on a status of academic warning (formerly “academic probation”) and may have restrictions placed on their credit load until they have a grade point ratio of at least 3.0. A grade point ratio of 3.0 or higher is needed for graduation.
  • A student who is dismissed from one track of the advanced-level APN nursing program will not be readmitted into another track of the advanced-level APN nursing program within the same academic or calendar year (although may be admitted to a non-APN track).
  • For professionally accredited advanced-level degree programs (i.e., MSN, DNP), SNAH permits students to fulfill degree requirements up to 5 years from the start of the program of study. Students in an APN post-graduate certificate track have up to 3 years from the start of the program of study to fulfill track requirements. The SNAH policy of degree completion is inclusive of course failures/withdrawals and approved LOA.
  • A student who is dismissed from their professionally accredited program/track may continue studies at FDU in another degree program. Nursing students who have more than two course failures and are foreseeably unable to fulfill their program/track requirements within the required time frame, will be advised to withdraw or to continue their studies in another program track. 

Clinical Evaluation/Grading 

Clinical evaluation methods are determined by faculty. Students are appraised of the criteria by which their clinical assignments and performance will be evaluated at the start of each semester. Clinical evaluation is an ongoing collaboration between the clinical instructor(s) and the student.

Healthcare students are also expected to maintain and demonstrate all technical standards through their program. The ability to maintain the School of Nursing and Allied Health technical standards is a separate component from academic progression; only maintaining a passing grade point average is not sufficient for progression/graduation. Enrolled students who are unable to meet one or more of the technical standards are subject to action (such as remediation, deceleration, or dismissal).

Certain courses are a comprised of separate didactic and clinical/clinical lab components. Students must be registered for both the didactic component and the clinical/clinical lab component for clinical courses offered in this format. This requirement also applies to students repeating the course.  

Clinical Progression Standards for Entry-Level Nursing Students

A student who earns an unsatisfactory grade in the didactic component of a course (i.e., < B- for entry-level nursing) will earn a grade of NC in the clinical/clinical lab component of the course and needs to repeat the didactic component AND the associated clinical/clinical lab hours, regardless of clinical performance.  Alternatively, a student who earns a grade of unsatisfactory/NC in the clinical/clinical lab component of a course will earn a grade of F for the didactic component, regardless of the grades earned in the didactic course. 

A student may receive a Clinical Warning if:

  1. The student fails to demonstrate expected skills/competencies; or
  2. The student demonstrates unacceptable behavior or performance during a clinical rotation; or
  3. The student fails to demonstrate professional growth and development, appropriate initiative, decision-making, or leadership.

Students who receive a Clinical Warning are at risk for needing to repeat the course. Students who receive a Clinical Warning will be counseled by their clinical instructor on measures to be taken to correct the deficiencies and may be asked to sign a Clinical Remediation Contract that outlines the measures to be taken to correct the deficiencies and pass the clinical component of the course.  A student’s refusal to sign does not invalidate the Clinical Remediation Contract. If the student fails to achieve the goals outlined in the counseling, the student will receive a grade of unsatisfactory/NC in the clinical/clinical lab component of a course will earn a grade of F for the didactic component.

Clinical Progression Standards for Advanced-Level Nursing Students

Most advanced-level clinical courses have combined didactic and clinical components. In these combined courses, the clinical component will be assigned a grade of pass/NC. Students must pass the clinical component to pass the course. 

A student will receive “no credit/NC” for the clinical component if:

  1. The student fails to demonstrate expected skills/competencies; and/or
  2. The student demonstrates unacceptable behavior or performance during a clinical rotation; and/or
  3. The student fails to demonstrate professional growth and development, appropriate initiative, decision-making, or leadership.

An advanced-level student who does not pass the clinical component of a course will also receive an “F” for the didactic coursework, regardless of the individual grades earned in the didactic course. 

Occasionally, a student is unable to complete clinical hour requirements for the semester due to clinical site closure, preceptor illness, or other circumstances beyond the control of the student. In these cases, and if all didactic course requirements have been met, the student may be eligible for an Incomplete status (for the combined clinical course, or in both the clinical and didactic course components, as applicable). The student then has an opportunity to complete/pass the clinical requirements, in accordance with the university Incomplete policy, and receive the grade earned for the didactic coursework.

A student who earns an unsatisfactory grade for didactic coursework (i.e., < B for advanced-level nursing) will earn a grade of NC in the clinical component of the course and needs to repeat the didactic component AND the associated clinical hours to progress in the program. The requirement to repeat the completed clinical hours may be waived by the Program or Track Director in certain situations of exceptional clinical performance. 

Clinical Dismissal

Grounds for clinical dismissal are:

  1. Violations of academic integrity or agency practices or principles; and/or
  2. Practicing outside the scope of the student role; and/or
  3. Behavior that could have or did result in physical or emotional harm to a patient/client.

If any of these criteria are met, the student will not be allowed to continue in the didactic course or in clinical/clinical lab. If the course has separate didactic component and clinical/clinical lab components, the student will receive a grade of NC for the clinical/clinical lab and an F in the associated course. If the course has combined didactic and clinical/lab components, the student will receive a grade of F in the course. The student is not permitted to repeat the course if dismissal is on the grounds of any of these violations. 

Deceleration

Deceleration is an interruption in the normal sequence of courses in any SNAH program. Students may decelerate by request, by recommendation and advisement of faculty, or by academic sanction.

Leave of Absence

An academic leave of absence (LOA) permits a student to temporarily withdraw from FDU and return without penalty. A LOA may be granted to a matriculated student with a cumulative grade point ratio of 2.00 or higher. Instructions for requesting a LOA are posted on the FDU LOA webpage.  Undergraduate students will need to submit a Withdrawal and Academic Leave of Absence Form.  Graduate students will need to submit a Notice of Official Withdrawal/Academic Leave of Absence for Graduate Students. 

Students are permitted to request one LOA, for a maximum of 12 months, for personal reasons, medical reasons, or active military duty. Upon return from an LOA, a revised educational pathway will be developed. Academic progression may be affected by programmatic changes and course availability. An LOA that affects clinical course progression may require a credit-bearing clinical immersion prior to resuming the clinical course sequence.

Students who take a LOA must contact their Program/Track Director the semester prior to their planned re-entry to secure a space in the program. Students who take a leave of absence will be expected to comply with any curricular or policy changes occurring within the degree program during their absence. Students who do not return from LOA beyond one year will be administratively withdrawn from their SNAH program.

An extension beyond 12 months for any LOA may be requested for extraordinary circumstances, however, is not guaranteed.

Extraordinary circumstances of medical impairment may preclude the student from self- requesting LOA. Under such extraordinary circumstances, the student’s representative may represent the student in requesting LOA.

Withdrawal

Withdrawal From a Course (“Change of Schedule”)

Once students have been registered for courses, they have entered into a commitment with FDU. Students will be billed for those courses and will be held responsible for the payment of the tuition/fees for the semester. Students will be held responsible for payment of tuition/fees during the period when classes are in session. Only those students who submit a written withdrawal request to the Office of Enrollment Services prior to the first day of the semester will be granted a 100 percent cancellation of commitment or refund of tuition. Students who withdraw during the first five weeks of the semester will be assessed a prorated charge for tuition expenses. For further details, please refer to the current FDU Undergraduate & Graduate Studies Bulletins.

A student who seeks to withdraw from a course after the add/drop period is required to first meet with their course faculty or program/track director to discuss the impact that the withdrawal will have on the student’s progression and graduation date. The student will need to complete a Change of Schedule Form.  

Course withdrawals will appear on the transcript but are not included in the grade point ratio. A student may withdraw from a course through the final reading day at the end of the academic term (see academic calendar for exact date), after which withdrawal may be permitted for extenuating circumstances, in accordance with the FDU Withdrawal Policy. Students who withdraw from a course are liable for payment of tuition and fees in accordance with FDU’s schedule of tuition liability.

Only two course withdrawals are permitted, once matriculated. Even if the withdrawal is approved, there is no guarantee that there will an available seat the next time the course is offered. Withdrawal without authorization from course faculty or program/track director can result in dismissal from the SNAH.

Withdrawal from a Program

Students who need to leave FDU due to transfer, personal, or financial reasons may withdraw from their program. Students wishing to withdraw from their program should follow FDU withdrawal procedures or learn more by emailing the Office of Enrollment Services at registrar@fdu.edu.

Undergraduate students will need to submit a Withdrawal and Academic Leave of Absence Form.  Graduate students will need to submit a Notice of Official Withdrawal/Academic Leave of Absence for Graduate Students. 

 The effective date of any withdrawal is the date of receipt by the Office of Enrollment Services.

Graduation/Candidacy for a Degree

Students may officially graduate in September, February, or May. Degrees are awarded September 1, February 1 and the day of commencement in May (~May 15). In order to graduate in a specific semester (i.e. the semester in which all degree requirements will be completed), students must apply for graduation within the application deadline period. Please visit the Graduation and Diplomas page for details and deadlines. Students are able to view their academic progress in Self Service through the “Review My Academic Progress” link and submit a graduation application through the ‘Graduation Overview” tab. 

Students can participate in May graduation ceremonies if they are within SIX credits of completing degree requirements.

VII. Professional Licensure/Certification

NCLEX-RN Exam for Entry-Level Nursing (RN) Students

Graduates who apply for RN licensure are required to undergo a comprehensive background check. Students should be aware of the regulations regarding RN licensure with criminal history, which vary state to state.

Entry-level nursing students in their final semester of coursework will register for a 3-credit NURS4460 “Prep for Success” course in which students synthesize the concepts from prior courses, complete a selected NCLEX-RN review course, and participate in standardized exit testing in preparation for taking the NCLEX-RN licensing exam. Enrollment in an independent NCLEX-RN review course, if a student feels that this would be helpful for their preparation, is also supported. Approximately two months prior to completion of degree requirements, nursing students may begin to apply online to take the NCLEX-RN licensing exam. Application process also includes submission of a passport-like photo, completion of a criminal background check, and provision of a birth certificate or passport.

Directions for completing the NJ Division of Consumer Affairs/NJ Board of Nursing (NJBON) application will be provided during “Prep for Success” to facilitate smooth progression from the NCLEX-RN registration and testing process, through the state licensure process. Once students have completed all SNAH degree requirements, the Entry-Level Nursing Program Director will send an Official Letter of Program Completion to the NJBON office with an official seal. Completion of degree requirements includes successful completion of the nursing program sequence of courses (including Prep for Success), standardized exit testing, and successful completion of a selected NCLEX-RN review course as identified by the SNAH. It may take up to four weeks for NJBON to process the Official Letter of Program Completion and provide the graduate with an Authorization to Test for NCLEX (ATT) number.  

Graduates should not wait until the ATT number is close to expiration to schedule their NCLEX-RN licensing exam. If a graduate is unable to take the NCLEX-RN licensing exam within six months of program completion, the SNAH graduate may be required to take an NCLEX-RN review course and present a certificate of completion before another Official Letter of Program Completion will be sent to the NJBON. 

After successful testing on the NCLEX-RN exam, graduates will complete their application for a professional license with the NJBON. A single state NJ license will be issued if all qualifications are met. NJ-licensed RNs who meet the requirements for a multi-state license can then apply for a “compact” license by upgrade. 

State Certification & National Certification Exam for Advanced Practice Nurse (APN)/Nurse Practitioner (NP) Students

State practice and licensure laws vary by state. Students are encouraged to familiarize themselves with practice requirements and practice environment information for the state in which they plan to practice. In NJ, APN practice requires (1) NJ Board of Nursing (NJBON) state certification; and (2) national specialty certification in the area of clinical specialty. 

(1) STATE CERTIFICATION

In NJ, applicants for certification must submit proof of RN license, educational transcript sent directly from university, and proof of passing the passing the highest level national Advanced Practice Nurse Examination (i.e., national specialty certification examination) in the area of clinical specialty. Further information and access to the online application can be found on the NJ Board of Nursing website.

(2) NATIONAL SPECIALTY CERTIFICATION

Nurse Practitioner national specialty certification examination preparation will be the focus in the final course in the APN program (NURS7755/NURS7756 “APN Synthesis”). Review of the national certification examination application process will occur at that time, although students are encouraged to familiarize themselves with the test and process beginning at the time of program enrollment. The following table provides a general overview of the application process for three major national certifying bodies (ANCC, AANP, and NCC). Application for national specialty certification examination is often initiated prior to graduation so that state certification can occur as soon as possible after graduation:

American Nurses Credentialing Center (ANCC)

Applicable for: AGNP, FNP, PMHNP

General ANCC testing information HERE.

American Academy of Nurse Practitioners Certification Board (AANP)

Applicable for: AGNP, FNP, PMHNP

General AANP testing information HERE.

National Certification Corporation (NCC)

 

Applicable for: WHNP

General NCC testing information HERE.

If initiating process while at FDU:

In final semester of studies, students should complete demographics section in the “Validation of APRN Education” form in ANCC application (or in the SNAH WebCampus Advanced-Level Nursing Community) and email to snah@fdu.edu for verification.

Students should create an account with ANCC for exam scheduling and to collect documentation of certification after testing.

Following degree completion, graduates should order their transcript from www.getmytranscript.org and have it sent directly to aprnvalidation@ana.org to validate specialty focus and graduation status. 

If initiating process while at FDU:

In final semester of studies, students should complete demographics section in the “Confirmation of NP Program Completion” form in AANP application (or in the SNAH WebCampus Advanced-Level Nursing Community) and email to snah@fdu.edu for verification.  

Students should create an account with AANP for exam scheduling and to collect documentation of certification after testing.

Following degree completion, graduates should order their transcript from www.getmytranscript.org and have it sent directly to certification@aanpcert.org to validate specialty focus and graduation status.

Students cannot initiate process prior to graduation.

If initiating application after graduation:

Follow process above.

Documentation of ANCC certification (for submitting to the NJBON) will be available to the certified individual from the ANCC website.

If initiating application after graduation:

Follow process above.

Documentation of AANP certification (for submitting to the NJBON) will be available to the certified individual from the AANP website.

To apply:

Graduates should create an account with NCC. Once an account is created and clinical specialty identified, graduates upload a copy of their RN license or license verification. (The majority of nursing licenses can be obtained at nursys.com.)  

Documentation of NCC certification (for submitting to the NJBON) will be available to the certified individual from the NCC website.

REGISTRATION TO DISPENSE CONTROLLED SUBSTANCES – After NJBON issues you a certificate to practice as a Nurse Practitioner, APNs must complete additional tasks in order to prescribe medications:

  • Obtain a National Provider Identifier (NPI) issued by the US Center for Medicaid and Medicare Services (CMS) – Federal law requires that health care providers use NPIs on electronic health care transactions (i.e., processing claims, status inquiries, eligibility inquiries). For more about applying for an NPI, visit CMS.gov.  
  • Obtain a Federal Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) Number issued by the US Department of Justice- Drug Enforcement Administration – An APN must obtain a DEA number in order to prescribe or dispense controlled substances (or be able to prescribe under their employing agency registration). For more about applying for a DEA number, visit  DEAdiversion.USDOJ.gov.

ARRT Certification Exam and Licensure for Radiography/Radiologic Science Students

The American Registry of Radiologic Technologists (ARRT) is the national certification agency for radiographers. In order to practice in NJ, an applicant must pass the ARRT national certification examination and obtain a radiographer license (requirements listed below).  In many other states, an applicant must pass the ARRT examination but do not need a license to practice.

National Certification Examination:

Only upon successful completion of FDU’s didactic and clinical requirements, will the student be eligible to take the national ARRT certification examination, which requires that applicants have:

  • Earned an associate’s degree or higher.
  • Completed an ARRT-approved educational program in the same discipline as the credential the applicant is pursuing.

After passing the ARRT examination, the radiographer will then be permitted to use the letters R.T.R. (Registered Technologist, Radiography), after their name.

Licensure Requirements for All Operators of Medical X-Ray Equipment:

Students who apply to take the certification examination in New Jersey must be aware of the Radiologic Technologist Licensure statute.

  • Licensure is a requirement for all technologists to work in the state of New Jersey.
  • Licenses may be obtained through the State of New Jersey, Department of Environmental Protection.
  • After passing the ARRT examination, students must submit a copy of their current ARRT card and application to: Bureau of Collections and Licensing and Management Services.
  • Once the documentation is received a permanent license will be issued by the New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection.

Obtaining evidence of FDU Degree Completion to apply for the national ARRT certification examination:

  • Students cannot obtain evidence of degree completion and/or graduation without completing the JRCERT certificate program. The JRCERT certificate program director/designee will submit evidence of certificate completion (i.e., a copy of signed/sealed official student transcript as PDF attachment) via email to the FDU Registrar. (Evidence of completion will not be accepted from the student.) This evidence will be restructured into academic credits which will be applied to the student’s degree audit to complete the requirements for conferring a degree. 
  • If the FDU degree audit is finalized and approved before June 15th, the graduation date will be the day of May commencement. If the FDU degree audit is finalized and approved on or after June 15th, the graduation date will be September 1st (see Section VI: Graduation/Candidacy for a Degree).
  • A student who needs evidence of degree completion prior to graduation/receipt of diploma (but after FDU degree audit is finalized and approved) can request a “letter of degree completion” (via email to the FDU Registrar) which will be sent to the student’s email address by the FDU Graduation Specialist/Degree Audit Manager.  At the current time, however, ARRT requires a student to have graduated in order to take the ARRT examination (and will not accept a letter of degree completion in lieu of graduation). 

Certification & State Licensure for Medical/Clinical Laboratory Scientist Students

A student who has successfully completed a hospital-based or university-based program in Medical/Clinical Laboratory Science and has received their baccalaureate degree, is eligible to take the American Society for Clinical Pathology (ASCP) Board of Certification Examination for the Medical Laboratory Scientist and/or any examination for which they satisfy the eligibility requirements. Applications may be obtained from their website.  Application fees will be paid directly by the students to the ASCP Board of Certification.
 
Students are strongly encouraged to sit for this certification examination. The State of New Jersey does not currently require licensure or professional certification to practice, however the requirements can change and are different in other states. Most states currently require ASCP certification as a prerequisite to apply for their respective state license. 
 
For additional information on professional certification/licensure, please review guidance provided by the American Society for Clinical Laboratory Science (ASCLS). 

 

Alumni Inquiries 

SNAH does not maintain student information/records beyond 5 years post-graduation. Requests for validation of program plan, or verification of eligibility to take licensure/certification exam cannot be provided after this period.

FDU transcripts can be ordered at www.getmytranscript.org by entering the required information. The transcript will be delivered to the desired destination electronically.