General Information for all Graduate Students

History of the Connell School of Nursing

Boston College inaugurated the School of Nursing in response to the need for a Catholic collegiate school of nursing in the Greater Boston area. With the cooperation of His Excellency, Most Reverend Richard J. Cushing, Archbishop of Boston, a program was offered in February 1947 leading to the degree of Bachelor of Science in Nursing for registered nurses. In September 1947, a basic collegiate program of five years leading to the degree of Bachelor of Science was introduced for high school graduates. Beginning in September 1950, a four calendar-year basic collegiate program was initiated, and in 1957 this was shortened to four academic years. In the spring of 1960 the School of Nursing moved from downtown Boston to the Chestnut Hill campus and occupied its own building, the gift of His Eminence Richard Cardinal Cushing. In 2001-2002, the school received a generous gift from the late William F. Connell and the school is now known as the Connell School of Nursing (CSON). 

History of Graduate Programs in Nursing

Boston College began offering graduate courses in 1952. In the spring of 1956, nursing sought to bring its program into conformity with the standards of the profession, and proposed a Master of Science degree in Nursing, with a minor in education. Boston College began awarding the Master of Science degree in Nursing in 1958. The Ph.D. program, approved by the board of trustees in September 1986, began in fall 1988. Ten students were admitted in the program's initial year; the program expanded to 30 students at the end of three years. The Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) program was initiated in 2019. This terminal, practice-focused doctoral program prepares Advanced Practice Registered Nurses (APRNs) as Nurse Practitioners and Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetists (CRNAs). In the 1993-94 academic year, there was a general reorganization of graduate arts and sciences and the schools of nursing and education assumed administration of the graduate programs in their respective areas. This organizational change strengthened the already vigorous and vital graduate programs in the Connell School of Nursing. 

Connell School of Nursing Mission Statement

The mission of the Boston College Connell School of Nursing is to prepare compassionate, professionally competent nurses whose practice and scholarship are scientifically based and grounded in humanizing the experience of health and illness. In keeping with the University's Jesuit, Catholic ideals, we focus on formation of the whole person and promotion of social justice. The Connell School of Nursing educates students as reflective lifelong learners who use knowledge in service to others. The faculty develops and disseminates knowledge for the advancement of professional nursing practice and the improvement of health and health care for a diverse global society. The graduate of the baccalaureate program is prepared as a generalist who promotes, maintains, and restores the health of individuals, families, and communities/populations across the lifespan through evidence-based practice. The graduate of the master’s program is prepared as an advanced generalist nurse with disciplinary knowledge and skill to improve the delivery of care through leadership, mentorship, and evidence-based practice. The graduate of the doctorate in nursing practice program is prepared for the advanced practice role and is eligible for national certification in a specialty area. The graduate of the Ph.D. program is prepared to engage in and contribute to theoretically driven research and scholarship that address significant problems in nursing and health care and to influence policy. 

Connell School of Nursing Philosophy

Nursing is the art and science of human caring. The recipients of nursing care are individuals, families, aggregates of people, and communities/populations who are sick and well; culturally and linguistically diverse; within all socioeconomic strata; and at all stages in the life cycle. The study of nursing is based on a common intellectual heritage transmitted by a liberal education and the art and science of nursing. Nursing focuses on the life processes and patterns of the individual in the context of the family and the community and also the health needs of the population. Nursing recognizes the contribution of cultural diversity and social environments to the health/illness beliefs, practices, and behavioral responses of individuals and groups. 

Nursing education prepares students for the appropriate level of knowledge and skills by building on the liberal arts and sciences. Nursing curricula are logically ordered to provide core knowledge and opportunity for the application of that knowledge. The preparation for holistic nursing care requires a holistic approach in education, and education is most effective when it involves active participation by the learner. Students are supported in developing clinical skills as well as the ability to think and act ethically. Students are active participants in shaping the learning environment within the Connell School of Nursing. 

The Boston College Connell School of Nursing instills the values of service to others, truth through scholarly inquiry, and justice through promoting equal access to care for all people. Service, scholarship, and justice in caring include all people in the global community, particularly the underserved. The faculty believe that promoting the physical, psychological, and spiritual aspects of health are essential to understanding the human dimension of holistic nursing care. Nurses engage in partnerships with individuals and groups to promote and optimize wellness. The nurse respects the uniqueness of the person and the individual’s right to choose and actively participate in decisions about health care. Nursing promotes self-determination by empowering clients and advocating for those who cannot do so independently. (rev 4/14) 

Accreditation and Certification

The Connell School of Nursing accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE). Graduates are eligible to apply to take the certification examinations offered by the credentialing bodies of their specialty.

Board of Registration in Nursing Regulation Policies 

Graduate Admission Policy

All graduate nursing students are admitted through the Graduate Programs Office in accordance with the university admission procedures. CSON admits students into a Master of Science degree program, which prepares students as advanced generalist registered nurses. CSON admits students into a Doctor of Nursing Practice degree program, which prepares students as advanced practice registered nurses (APRNs) or certified registered nurse anesthetists. 

The graduate admission process at Boston College is highly selective. A holistic review of applications for admission, ensuring that all aspects of candidates’ applications are carefully considered, is utilized. While academic preparation is the most important factor considered, admission decisions are made holistically. A wide range of criteria are considered including, but not limited to: academic performance, the rigor of applicants’ prior college transcripts, performance on standardized tests, leadership, recommendations, co-curricular involvement, work experience, potential for future success, and when appropriate, the ability to succeed despite facing significant obstacles or hardships.  

Candidates are required to submit an application through the online application system, standardized test scores, college transcripts, letters of recommendation, and two completed essays. Each DNP applicant selects an advanced practice specialty (NP/CRNA) at the time of application to the DNP program. Advanced Generalist Nursing programs (RN prepared applicants) admit candidates twice each year (fall and spring). Post-Baccalaureate DNP programs admit candidates twice each year (fall and spring). CRNA applicants are required to have a minimum of one year of critical care nursing experience and current PALS, ACLS, and CCRN certifications. These candidates are admitted one time each year (summer). The Direct Entry program admits candidates one time each year (fall). 

All candidates must comply with the immunization requirements specified by the Massachusetts Department of Public Health. Official high/secondary school transcripts are required for admitted master’s entry students prior to matriculation. 

For international students who do not speak English as their primary language, the recommended minimum English language proficiency scores are 100 on the TOEFL and 7.5 on the IELTS. Candidates must include evaluations and translations, when necessary, of International transcripts. 

Boston College does not set its level of selectivity; the size and quality of the applicant pool does. Therefore, decisions are made after all applications have been fully evaluated. This ensures that decisions are equitable and consistent within the context of our highly competitive pool.  

CSON faculty have developed technical standards competency domains that they believe to be necessary for participation and success in clinical education with or without reasonable accommodations.  

The Assistant Dean of Graduate Enrollment, Student Services, and Financial Aid and the graduate program directors work collaboratively and are in frequent communication during the admission cycles to ensure that the academic quality and preparation of incoming students meets the faculty’s expectations and standards. 

Candidates are notified of admission decisions by the Assistant Dean of Graduate Enrollment, Student Services, and Financial Aid at the Connell School of Nursing.  

Veteran and ROTC Applicants

Boston College encourages veterans and individuals considering a career in the armed forces to apply. We value the perspective gained through military experience and the benefits for our campus community when veterans become students. The Connell School of Nursing Graduate Programs adhere to all university policies regarding veterans and ROTC applicants.   

Graduate Academic Standards Review Committee and Policies

The CSON Academic Standards Review Committee (ASRC) is a committee composed of CSON faculty and staff and an external representative from Student Affairs. The ASRC is advisory to the Dean. ASRC voting members are elected by the faculty. Elected members on the committee shall serve for a 2-year term and may be reelected for one additional consecutive 2-year term. 

The committee membership will consist of the following persons:

Voting Members:

• Committee Chair, Faculty
• Four additional CSON full-time faculty members representing both Professors of the Practice and Tenure-Track Faculty 

Advisory Members (Non-Voting):

• Associate Dean Inclusive Excellence, Diversity, and Belonging
• Associate Dean Student Outreach and Support, Division of Student Affairs
• Assistant Dean, Undergraduate Student Services
• Assistant Dean, Graduate Student Services 

The ASRC will meet at the end of each semester and summer term to review the records of CSON students with course failures, course deficiencies, and low GPAs. The Committee may also meet at any time during the academic year in exigent circumstances upon faculty request (i.e., unprofessional conduct or clinical safety concerns, student grievance). Students will be notified before undergoing Committee review. This Committee makes recommendations about progression in the program and or academic standing in accordance with the policies described below and other relevant University policies.

Graduate students are expected to maintain good academic standing at all times and progress through their program of study in accordance with program standards and performance expectations. Those who are not in good academic standing or are not progressing are subject to review by the Graduate Academic Standards Review Committee.

Grade Point Average

All graduate students in the Connell School of Nursing are expected to maintain a cumulative GPA of 3.0 in order to remain in good academic standing. If a student has a GPA of less than 3.0, the Graduate Academic Standards Review Committee will be convened to hear the case.  

Pre-licensure Coursework

If a student receives a grade of B- (80%) or above in a pre-licensure course they will pass the course. If a graduate student receives a C (74-79%) on a NURS pre-licensure course (listed below), the Graduate Academic Standards Review Committee will be convened to hear the case.

• NURS 8000 Direct Entry Clinical Pharmacology
• NURS 8004 Direct Entry Adult Nursing Clinical with laboratory
• NURS 8005 Direct Entry Psychiatric Mental Health Nursing Theory
• NURS 8006 Direct Entry Psychiatric Mental Health Clinical
• NURS 8007 Direct Entry Child Health Theory
• NURS 8008 Direct Entry Child Clinical
• NURS 8009 Direct Entry Childbearing Theory
• NURS 8010 Direct Entry Childbearing Clinical
• NURS 8011 Nursing Synthesis Practicum
• NURS 8012 Population Health Clinical
• NURS 8013 Direct Entry Adult Health Theory

The Graduate Academic Standards Review Committee will determine the best course of action. The student will be placed on academic notice and remedial steps may require the graduate student to:

• Contact the Connors Learning Center to receive support and/or tutoring;
• Achieve >83 on a course-specific NCLEX preparation platform approved by the Associate Dean of Academic Affairs and Faculty Development

If a graduate student receives a failing grade F (< 74%) on a NURS pre-licensure course or strategically withdraws from the course (i.e., withdraws from the course on a date later than the course withdrawal deadline to avoid failure from the course), the Graduate Academic Standards Review Committee will be convened to hear the case and determine the best course of action. The student will be placed on academic notice and at minimum, be required to retake the course before advancing in the curriculum. Students have only one opportunity to repeat a nursing course after course failure or strategically withdrawing from the course. All above NURS courses must be taken at Boston College.

Graduate Coursework

The minimum acceptable passing grade for graduate courses (other than the NURS pre-licensure  courses listed above) is a B- (80%). If a student receives a grade below B- in any graduate course other than the above NURS pre-licensure courses or strategically withdraws from a course, the Graduate Academic Standards Review Committee will be convened to hear the case. The student will be placed on academic notice and at minimum, be required to retake the course before advancing in the curriculum. Graduate students have only one opportunity to repeat a nursing course after strategically withdrawing from the course or not achieving a B- (80%).

If a graduate student has more than one grade below B- (80%),  more than one strategic withdrawal, or a combination of a grade below a B- and a strategic withdrawal (in any graduate nursing course other than the pre-licensure courses listed above), the Graduate Academic Standards Review Committee will be convened to hear the case and determine the best course of action, including up to dismissal from the nursing program.

Any graduate student who, by the faculty’s evaluation, is deemed to have engaged in unsafe clinical practice or who otherwise demonstrates unprofessional conduct in the clinical setting, will be removed from the setting immediately. These behaviors are grounds for failure in any clinical course.  In such cases, the Graduate Academic Standards Review Committee will be convened to hear the case and determine the best course of action, including up to dismissal from the program.

If a graduate student demonstrates unprofessional conduct in the classroom and/or interactions with BC faculty or staff, or engages in academic dishonesty and/or other ethical violations, including in the conduct of academic research, they will be reviewed by Graduate Academic Standards Review Committee to hear the case and determine the best course of action, including up to dismissal from the program.

The ASRC Chair will notify the student of the outcome of academic review within five (5) business days of the committee meeting. A student may communicate a formal appeal of the ASRC decision to the Associate Dean for Student Services if they believe there has been a procedural violation, a mistake of fact, or an arbitrary or unethical evaluation. The Associate Dean for Student Services will notify the relevant Department Chair of the appeal and the Department Chair will initiate the process of independent review. The relevant Department Chair will be determined by the program of study in which the student is enrolled (i.e. baccalaureate, graduate direct-entry, graduate post-baccalaureate, PhD).  

Graduate students who are on notice are not eligible for teaching assistantships, research assistantships, fellowships and/or any type of merit-based tuition remission award.

CSON Class and Clinical Attendance Policy

Graduate students are expected to attend classes regularly, take tests, and submit assignments at the times specified by the professors on the course syllabi. For any absence, students must still meet all course requirements and learning objectives. Attendance in nursing class, clinical, simulation, and lab is expected for all students. Excused absences include student illness, bereavement for an immediate family member, military obligations, or religious observances. Students who anticipate military and religious absences should notify the faculty at the beginning of the semester so accommodations can be made to complete the learning objectives in a timely way. Students are required to communicate an unexpected absence no later than two hours before class or clinical in the method requested by the faculty. 

Course Exemption Policy

The Direct Entry program is an accelerated and intensive curriculum that prepares graduates to practice as registered nurses and/or advanced practice registered nurses (APRNs) in the nurse practitioner role. Due to the specific course work and sequencing required to complete the pre-licensure components of the program, course exemptions are not allowed in the pre-licensure master’s program. Students, who hold a graduate degree from another accredited university, may waive a course in the post-licensure component of the Direct Entry program if they have previously completed an equivalent course. (See Transfer of Credits policy, pp 10) 

Advanced Placement Policy

Graduate students, including students enrolled in the Direct Entry program, may not waive graduate course work based on previously completed Advanced Placement course work and/or examinations. 

Transfer / Opt-Out Policy

Matriculated graduate students may request permission to transfer in up to 6 credits of graduate course work completed at another regionally accredited graduate university.To request to have an outside course considered for transfer, the student must email a copy of the course description for electives and course syllabus for core courses to the graduate office. To be considered for transfer, the course must meet all of the following criteria: 

i) the course was completed within the past five years.

ii) the course was not applied to a prior degree*

iii) the student earned a grade of 80% (B-) or better in the course.

iv) the CSON TOR and Associate Dean of Academics deem the course equivalent. 

*if the course was applied to a prior degree, the student may be approved to Opt-Out of the course, and would have to replace the credits with elective credits. 

If approved for course transfer, the student must submit an official transcript documenting a grade of 80% (B-) or better to the graduate office for processing. The transfer course and credit will be recorded on the student's transcript after the completion of one full semester at Boston College. Once matriculated, only graduate courses taken at Boston College (or consortium) will count towards degree requirements. Core courses (i.e., Boston College Graduate nursing courses) that were taken prior to matriculation may be considered on a case-by-case basis (i.e. an Ethics course completed at BC).  

Educational Mobility

The RN-MS, Advanced Generalist program is designed for associate’s prepared registered nurses without a BSN, who wish to earn an MS degree as an advanced nursing generalist. 

RN-MS students undergo an educational portfolio review at the time of application and a plan of study is developed. There is no set plan of study for the RN-MS program; students may choose to complete the program on a part-time or full-time basis. 

Prior to matriculation, RN-MS students must hold a valid RN license in Massachusetts, have completed required prerequisite courses and have completed the equivalent of approximately 100 – 120 college credits. Completion of prerequisite nursing, science and liberal arts courses establishes baccalaureate level competencies as the basis for master’s education. 

Based upon the educational portfolio review and professional experience, students may be required to enroll in bridge courses prior to enrolling in MS courses. After fulfilling pre-requisite and bridge coursework, RN-MS students complete the master's degree in the same sequence and in the same courses as other master's students. 

Completion of the RN-MS program results in the awarding of the MS degree in Nursing. 

Additional related information can be located in the Transfer and Course Exemption policies.

The RN-DNP program is designed for registered nurses without a BSN degree (with or without a baccalaureate degree in another field), who wish to earn a DNP degree and become nurse practitioners in one of the five clinical specialty programs offered:  Adult-Gerontology (primary care), Family (primary care), Pediatric (primary care), Psychiatric-Mental Health, and Women’s Health.

RN-DNP students undergo an educational portfolio review at the time of application and a plan of study is developed. There is no set plan of study for the RN-DNP program; students may choose to complete the program on a part-time or full-time basis, depending on clinical availability.

Prior to matriculation, RN-DNP students must hold a valid RN license in Massachusetts, have completed required prerequisite courses and have completed the equivalent of approximately 100 – 120 college credits. Completion of prerequisite nursing, science and liberal arts courses establishes baccalaureate level competencies as the basis for the study of advanced practice nursing.

Based upon the educational portfolio review and professional experience, students may be required to enroll in bridge courses prior to enrolling in DNP courses. After fulfilling pre-requisite and bridge coursework, RN-DNP students complete the master's degree in the same sequence and in the same courses as other DNP students.

Completion of the RN-DNP program results in the awarding of the Doctor of Nursing Practice degree; students are eligible to sit for the NP certification examination in their clinical specialty.

Additional related information can be located in the Transfer and Course Exemption policies.

Withdrawl from a Course

The last date for withdrawal from a course is specified on the academic calendar each semester. Students are not permitted to drop courses during the last three (3) weeks of classes or during the exam period. A withdrawal during the last three (3) weeks or withdrawing from a course to avoid failure is considered a “strategic withdrawal” (see academic standards review policy). Graduate students may only repeat a course once.  

Withdrawl from Boston College

Graduate and professional students who wish to withdraw from Boston College in good standing are required to submit an online Withdrawal Form, found on the Academic Forms page of the Student Services website, which will be routed to the appropriate Associate Dean’s Office for review and processing. In the case of students who are dismissed for academic or disciplinary reasons, the Associate Dean will process the withdrawal. 

Readmission Policies

Graduate student readmission will be granted in accordance with university policies. 

Related Policies 

Policy on Not Registered (NR) Students

Matriculated students who are not registered must complete a leave of absence or withdrawal form and return it to the Graduate Programs Office. Failure to do so may result in the university deactivating the student’s enrollment and their dismissal from the program. 

Leave of Absence (LOA)

Graduate students enrolled in a degree program who do not register for course work, doctoral advisement, or doctoral continuation in any given semester must request a leave of absence (LOA) for that semester. LOAs are granted for one semester at a time. Students may complete a Leave of Absence request form online at http://5s83.gregorybgallagher.com/bc-web/offices/student-services/registrar/academic-forms.html#tab-graduate_forms  which will be routed to the Graduate Programs Office for the Associate Dean of Student Services approval. Leave time will be considered a portion of the total time limit for the degree unless due to active military service. 

Students must meet any conditions specified for return from a leave of absence. Students on LOA must still follow procedures and deadlines for initiating the placement process for clinical courses; clinical placements will be on a space available basis. Students must notify the Graduate Programs Office by March 1st for a Fall return, or September 1st for a Spring return. 

When a student takes a LOA from Boston College for health reasons, the student is expected to get the appropriate treatment to deal with the condition that led to the leave. Before the Associate Dean of Student Services can make a decision regarding readmission, it is required that the student's health treatment professional provide sufficient information to Boston College for the purpose of assessing the student's readiness to return and take on the rigors of their academic program. For more information, please contact Dr. Craig Burns, Director of University Counseling Services at 617-552-3310, or Dr. Douglas Comeau, Director of University Health Services and Primary Care Sports Medicine at 617-552-3225 as appropriate. 

Graduation

The University awards degrees in May, August and December; commencement ceremonies are held only in May. 

May Graduation

Graduate degrees are awarded at the annual May commencement. Students who plan to graduate in May should file a graduation form (online) by the deadline stated in the academic calendar (usually early in February). Students who sign up for graduation but do not graduate on the anticipated date are automatically moved to the next scheduled graduation period by the registrar’s office. 

Diplomas are distributed to individual students at the Connell School of Nursing ceremony immediately following the completion of the university commencement exercises. Diplomas will be mailed to students unable to attend commencement. Diplomas or transcripts will not be awarded or issued until all degree credits have been recorded on the student's permanent record and all accounts and fees have been paid. 

August and December Graduations

Graduate students who have completed all degree requirements by August 30th or December 30th are eligible to receive their degree as of those dates. The procedure is the same as for May graduation. Since there are no commencement exercises in December or August, the names of those receiving degrees will be included in the Boston College program for the following May commencement. Those students who would like to participate in the May ceremonies must notify the Graduate Programs Office by January 15th. 

• RN - MS Generalist Plan of Study
• Post-Baccalaureate MS Generalist Plan of Study
• CRNA Plan of Study 
• Direct Entry, MS Advanced Generalist Plan of Study 
• List of Professional Nursing Standards and Guidelines addressed by the Master's Program

Other Forms

• Independent Study Form 
• Research Elective Form
• Graduate Student Grievance Procedure
• Immunization Release Form
• Emergency Contact Form

Sample Curriculum Plan with "Fall Flex"

For clinical requirements, see clinical experiences and policies tab

Standard Academic Program

Curriculum Plans

All CSON students take the same nursing and nursing-related science courses in the fall and spring semesters of their first and second years.  Students will be assigned to have either the Fall or Spring semester of their Junior year designated as their “flexible" semester.  During the course registration period in April of the first year, the Undergraduate Program Office will communicate to students and their advisors which junior year semester will be the student’s flexible junior year semester.  The purpose of the "Flex" semester is to determine which semester (fall or spring) CSON students are able to apply for a semester-long study abroad program. Students who go abroad will complete the required junior nursing course set in their non-flex semester. For students who do NOT go abroad; please note the "Flex" semester assignment is NOT determinative of junior year clinical rotation assignments. 

The Undergraduate Program Office will determine the exact junior and senior year clinical sequences for each student based on their flexible semester, Division 1 athletic, ROTC obligations, and academic needs after taking availability of clinical placement slots into consideration. Clinical sequence assignments will vary based on the aforementioned considerations. 

Core Courses

Nursing students must complete approved core courses to meet the following University requirements: History (2), Philosophy (2), Theology (2), Writing, Literature, Fine arts, and Math (MATH 1180). The Natural Science, Social Science, and Cultural Diversity core is fulfilled through courses required by the nursing major. To identify courses in each department that satisfy the core, refer to each semester’s schedule of courses on Agora Portal, consult relevant webpages (http://5s83.gregorybgallagher.com/sites/core), or contact the particular department. Students are encouraged to address their Writing, Literature, Art, Theology and Philosophy core requirements early in their plan of study.  

Electives

Beyond required nursing major courses and the Core Curriculum, the current School of Nursing curriculum requires students to complete at least 7 credits of elective courses in any field(s) of interest to them. Students who have received Advanced Placement standing to address specific Core Curriculum requirements will complete additional electives to reach the 117 credits required for graduation from the Connell School of Nursing.  

Semester-Long Study Abroad and Other International Experiences

Boston College nursing students are encouraged to take advantage of a range of opportunities for international study. One popular program is study abroad for an entire semester, which enriches awareness of other cultures and can assist in developing foreign language fluency. Nursing students can participate in full semester Fall or Spring programs depending on which semester in junior year has been designated as their “flexible” semester (see pages 12 and 13). According to the Office of Global Education (OGE), to be eligible for a semester-abroad program, students require a minimum 3.0 grade point average at the time of application and apply in their sophomore year.  They should note that a 3.0 GPA is not a guarantee of acceptance to any particular program/site and recognize that programs of interest to them may have higher cut-offs.  Students should meet with their academic advisors and if necessary, the Undergraduate Program Office to discuss curriculum planning to accommodate a semester abroad. Students who sign up for a semester-long program but decide not to go on it should notify the Undergraduate Program Office as early as possible. Depending on availability of space, they may be allowed to enroll in one clinical course. 

At the present time, with the exception of the Quito, Ecuador and Australian Catholic University Melbourne programs, where it is possible to complete a course abroad that can substitute for a BC-based clinical course, currently, CSON students take only courses meeting elective and core requirements in semester-long international programs.  Plans are in the works to create further abroad clinical opportunities in the coming years.  

Students should be aware that there are fairly stringent practical limits on which and how many core requirements can be addressed in a semester abroad. These limits may affect whether a semester-long international program is the best choice for them. 

Students who do not qualify for semester-long study abroad or do not wish to go abroad for a whole semester should note that there are also a variety of summer opportunities through programs administered by Boston College (including programs delivered/facilitated by CSON faculty in Ecuador and Switzerland) and other American colleges and universities, as well as service trips abroad during breaks in the regular academic year.

Transfer Information

Internal Transfer into CSON

CSON is at MAXIMUM capacity for the class of 2027. As a result, CSON will be unable to admit internal transfer applicants this academic year (23-24 AY) and have suspended the internal transfer application process. The undergraduate program will look to re-open the internal transfer application process in the Fall of 2024 if space allows. This website will be updated accordingly.

External Transfer into CSON

(From outside BC or from Woods College of Advancing Studies) All external transfer (students who have completed studies at another institution of higher learning or the BC Woods College of Advancing Studies) applications are handled by the admissions office. Applicants should normally have completed 2 semesters of Anatomy and Physiology with laboratory as well as 1 semester of Chemistry with laboratories. Ideally they will also have completed a semester of Statistics (in any department) along with a college-level mathematics class or a statistics course taught in a department of mathematics.Anatomy & Physiology and Chemistry are prerequisites for progression to Pathophysiology and Health Assessment, the required sophomore courses that are themselves prerequisites for beginning the clinical course sequence. Pathophysiology and Health Assessment are given in the fall semester only. Therefore, students who have not completed Anatomy and Physiology and Chemistry (with labs) will likely be extending their program for at least one semester (beyond the 8 full-time semesters of college normally required for a BC undergraduate) unless they can complete anatomy and physiology and chemistry in the summer before their first semester at BC. (Under specific circumstances, subject to availability of clinical placement slots and with approval of the Undergraduate Associate Dean, a specific clinical sequence change can be made that will permit an August graduation rather than a December graduation for students who do not complete prerequisites for the sophomore sequence until the fall of their 3rd year of college, but this route comes with disadvantages and access to it cannot be guaranteed.) Students who transfer into the program with all science courses and who have not had a 2-3 credit introductory nursing course will be required to complete NURS 2070 Introduction of Professional Nursing in their fall semester concurrently with the first-semester sophomore course sequence. The 1-credit NURS 1010, Nursing Professional Development Seminar, will be waived for transfer students, but they will be offered an opportunity to meet with other transfer students and upperclassman group leaders in the fall semester.For more information, please contact Jeffrey Gallant, Associate Director of Transfer Admissions, at jeffrey.gallant@gregorybgallagher.com.

Course Exemption

Students who apply for and are accepted for transfer to the Connell School of Nursing after completion of their freshman year will be exempt from NURS1010 Freshman Nursing Professional Seminar as this course is specifically geared to first semester freshman in their transition to college. A waiver form will be sent to student services and “waived” will appear on the student’s degree audit. The only other exemption possible in CSON is for the same transfer students specified above for MATH1180. The Math department has designated this course as “Freshmen only” thus students entering CSON after freshman year will need to enroll in a University approved math core (or meet the criteria for exemption based on Advanced Placement - see that criteria) and a Statistics course to satisfy both the university and CSON requirements. Upon completion of the above courses, the UG associate dean will complete a course substitution form to reflect completion of the Math core.

Transfer Out of CSON to MCAS/LSOE/CSOM

Students may decide or be required to transfer out of CSON to the Morrissey College of Arts and Sciences (MCAS), Lynch School of Education (LSOE), or the Carroll School of Management (CSOM). Each school has different criteria for transfer and different program requirements. Furthermore, internal transfer places may be severely restricted and no guarantees can be provided about acceptance, particularly to the other professional schools. Students should also note that there are often credit, GPA, and subject requirements for transfer as well. Students are only normally permitted one change of school or college through their undergraduate careers at Boston College. First-year students who decide not to enroll in the nursing-related science courses at Orientation will not be given a spot in the nursing clinical course sequence that begins in the sophomore year. They will be required to sign a form “waiving” (or giving up) their right to a place in the second year of the BS (nursing) program at orientation. They should note that until a transfer is official, their home school is CSON and their advisor of record will be the Undergraduate Program Office for the rest of the first year. That being said, these students are urged to seek academic advising in their intended school as soon as possible to make informed course choices. They will have the entire academic year to find a school (MCAS, LSOE or CSOM), make an internal transfer application and be accepted to another program. Any such students who have not completed the internal transfer process by July 1st immediately following their first year will be asked to leave Boston College. 

Policy on Transfer of Credits for Courses from Other Academic Institutions

Credits for coursework taken outside of Boston College by students transferring to the University from other colleges/universities are approved by: 1) the Admissions Office for non-nursing courses completed before matriculating at Boston College; 2) the appropriate BC department as well as the Associate Dean for core courses; or 3) the Associate Dean for electives, and all nursing courses and nursing-specific science courses (e.g., Anatomy & Physiology, Microbiology, Statistics, and Life Science Chemistry). For nursing courses, the Associate Dean reviews course syllabi and confers with course faculty as needed to determine equivalence to Boston College courses prior to acceptance of the credits. All nursing-related science courses taken outside of Boston College after enrollment at CSON to meet program requirements (such as microbiology courses in the summer before the sophomore year) must be taken from an accredited four-year university, will count towards the student’s overall GPA and are never taken for enrichment purposes. Approval from the UG Associate Dean must be granted before the student enrolls. Nursing courses taken abroad in Boston College-approved programs can potentially be used in place of specific required nursing courses. The Associate Dean works with the Office of International Programs when such a course substitution is proposed. The Associate Dean and Boston College faculty teaching the equivalent CSON course review the syllabus and supporting materials to determine equivalence in content, contact hours, type and degree of supervision, assignments and grading criteria. Boston College policy determines the maximum number of credits allowed for transfer and the university’s policies on credit and grade translation apply.

Graduate Courses as an Undergraduate

Undergraduate students who have a 3.0 cumulative GPA may take graduate courses. Students must seek approval from the Undergraduate Program Office in order to register.

Students may apply up to two courses taken as undergraduates towards graduate program requirements in the future if the course credits earned are beyond the 117 required for the B.S. degree. [Many graduate programs, including CSON’s, allow students to transfer a maximum of two graduate-level courses taken before formally enrolling].

Pass/Fail Electives

After the first year of study, students may register on a pass/fail basis for electives only. This option is designed to allow students to explore fields of study without being unduly concerned about grades. In a pass/fail course, the student must do all of the work required to achieve a passing grade. If the student passes, the grade will not be averaged into the GPA. If the student fails, the F will be included in the GPA. Course registration may be changed from graded to pass/fail during the drop/add period. Additional details about the pass/fail deadline may be found in the Boston College Undergraduate Catalog.

Please Note: The right to register for any specific course on a pass/fail basis is at the discretion of the course professor—check the course syllabus and ask the professor if in doubt.

Board of Registration in Nursing Regulation Policies

Admission

The undergraduate admission to the freshman Nursing class at Boston College is contingent upon successful completion of required high school courses at a level consistent with the University’s and the Connell School of Nursing’s (CSON) admissions standards. The primary criteria for admission are the high school transcript and SAT/ACT scores. Boston College uses a holistic admissions review. Factors like personal experiences, strengths, and compatibility with the University are also considered. Candidates must provide satisfactory evidence of secondary school graduation (official High School or GED/HiSET transcript), or its equivalent (e.g. Associate, Bachelor, Master, or Doctoral degree).Candidates must include translations and evaluations of non-English transcripts. Candidates must also comply with the immunization requirements specified by the Massachusetts Department of Public Health. Applicants are notified about admissions decisions by the University's Undergraduate Admissions Office.

The faculty of CSON have developed technical standards competency domains that they believe to be necessary for participation and success in clinical education with or without reasonable accommodations.  The Director of Undergraduate Admission, the Office of Admission Nursing liaison, and the Dean of the Connell School of Nursing are in frequent communication to ensure that the academic quality and preparation of incoming students meets the Faculty’s expectations and standards. More information about the admissions process is available on the Admissions website. 

Progression

Students are advised to follow the recommended sequence of courses. The student carries the responsibility for ensuring that the prerequisites for coursework are met.

Good Academic Standing/Academic Notice

In order to remain in good academic standing, all CSON undergraduates must maintain a cumulative grade point average (GPA) of 2.0 in core nursing courses and a 1.67 overall cumulative GPA. If either GPA falls below the relevant minimum standard, the student will be placed on warning status for one semester, during which the GPA must be brought up to the minimum. A student on warning status or leave of absence must meet with their academic advisor. Students who do not progress satisfactorily through the nursing curriculum in its regular sequence, or who take a leave of absence, are not guaranteed that the curriculum and courses from which they departed will be in place upon their return. They will be expected to complete the curriculum of their new graduation cohort. Continuation in the program is based on space availability. A student who does not follow the School of Nursing curriculum for two semesters will be dismissed from the School of Nursing. Furthermore, a student who fails to demonstrate performance consistent with the safe and ethical practice of professional nursing during clinical will be subject to review and dismissal from the School of Nursing. Students must achieve a minimum GPA of 2.0 (C) in the 15 science and mathematics credits taken in the first year. This average, weighted by credits, is based on grades in BIOL 1300, 1310, 1320, 1330 (Anatomy & Physiology lectures and labs), CHEM 1161, 1163 (Life Science Chemistry with lab), and MATH1180 (Statistics). This requirement, based on lengthy experience with data regarding student progressions, is intended to minimize failures in sophomore and higher-level nursing courses where the minimum passing grade is C-. The records of students who have not met the 2.0 science GPA requirement (or who have withdrawn from any of the science or mathematics courses) will be reviewed at the December & May meetings of the Undergraduate Academic Standards Committee. Students will then be notified of progression decisions by the Associate Dean. Students must achieve a grade of C- or higher in all required nursing courses in the program (beginning with NURS 2070). If a student does not meet the minimum of a C- in any NURS course, they will be required to retake it at BC before advancing in the curriculum, will be placed on Academic Notice and will be unable to progress until the deficit is remediated. A student may repeat a nursing course only once after withdrawing from it or not achieving a C- in it. Students will be dismissed from the School of Nursing after two course failures and/or withdrawals to prevent failures in core nursing courses. A total of 117 credits, including all university core, nursing core, and elective courses, is required for graduation. 

Academic Standards Review Committee

The CSON Academic Standards Review Committee (ASRC) is a committee composed of CSON faculty and staff and an external representative from Student Affairs. The ASRC is advisory to the Dean. ASRC voting members are elected by the faculty. Elected members on the committee shall serve for a 2-year term and may be reelected for one additional consecutive 2-year term.The committee membership will consist of the following persons:

• Voting Members:
  • Committee Chair, Faculty
  • Four additional CSON full-time faculty members representing both Professors of the Practice and Tenure-Track Faculty 
• Advisory Members (Non-Voting)
  • Associate Dean Inclusive Excellence, Diversity, and Belonging 
  • Associate Dean Student Outreach and Support, Division of Student Affairs
  • Assistant Dean, Undergraduate Student Services
  • Assistant Dean, Graduate Student Services 

The ASRC will meet at the end of each semester and summer term to review the records of CSON students with course failures, course deficiencies, and low GPAs. The Committee may also meet at any time during the academic year in exigent circumstances upon faculty request (i.e., unprofessional conduct or clinical safety concerns, student grievance). Students will be notified before undergoing Committee review. This Committee makes recommendations about progression in the program and or academic standing in accordance with the policies described below and other relevant University policies.   

The ASRC Chair will notify the student of the outcome of academic review within five (5) business days of the committee meeting. A student may communicate a formal appeal of the ASRC decision to the Associate Dean for Student Services if they believe there has been a procedural violation, a mistake of fact, or an arbitrary or unethical evaluation. The Associate Dean for Student Services will notify the relevant Department Chair of the appeal and the Department Chair will initiate the process of independent review. The relevant Department Chair will be determined by the program of study in which the student is enrolled (i.e. baccalaureate, graduate direct-entry, graduate post-baccalaureate, PhD).   

See Students Rights & Grievances.  

Class Attendance

Students are expected to attend classes regularly, take tests, and submit papers and other work at the times specified by the professors on the course syllabi. For any absence, students must still meet all course requirements and learning objectives. Attendance in nursing class, clinical, simulation, and lab is expected for all students. Excused absences include: •student illness, •bereavement for an immediate family member, •military obligations, or •religious observances. Students who anticipate military and religious absences should notify the faculty at the beginning of the semester so accommodations can be made to complete the learning objectives in a timely way. Students are required to communicate an unexpected absence in the method requested by the course or clinical faculty. 

Clinical Attendance

Students are expected to attend their clinical placements each week. Students who have an unexcused absence in clinical courses will receive deductions on their clinical evaluation tool and/or documentation of a violation and will receive a reduction in the final course grade. All missed clinical hours must be made up. Each clinical course has different procedures in regards to makeup of missed clinical hours, which are outlined in the respective course syllabi. CSON’s contracts with clinical agencies prohibit students from being in settings outside of contracted days and times. Students may NOT negotiate with their clinical instructors to come in early, stay late, or shadow for a day in any setting outside of the assigned clinical dates/times. If a student expects to miss more than one clinical due to a health or personal/family emergency, it is imperative that they notify the Undergraduate Program Office immediately. Students should note that missing more than 2 clinical days in any particular course, even if the absences are excused, will lead to the student being considered to have not met learning objectives for that course and be required to repeat it. 

Course Exemption

Students who apply for and are accepted for transfer to the Connell School of Nursing after completion of their freshman year will be exempt from NURS1010 Freshman Nursing Professional Seminar as this course is specifically geared to first semester freshman in their transition to college. A waiver form will be sent to student services and “waived” will appear on the student’s degree audit. The only other exemption possible in CSON is for the same transfer students specified above for MATH1180. The Math department has designated this course as “Freshmen only” thus students entering CSON after freshman year will need to enroll in a University approved math core (or meet the criteria for exemption based on Advanced Placement - see that criteria) and a Statistics course to satisfy both the university and CSON requirements. Upon completion of the above courses, the UG associate dean will complete a course substitution form to reflect completion of the Math core. 

Advanced Placement

Following University policy, students who have achieved acceptable scores on specific College Board Advanced Placement and some other types of examinations are eligible to receive recognition that waives specific core requirements and allows students to use free electives to meet credit requirements normally filled by core courses. Details are available at:

http://5s83.gregorybgallagher.com/admission/undergrad/process/freshman/advanced-placement.html

Please note that although AP Biology, Chemistry, Statistics and Calculus are useful preparation for the nursing-related science course sequence, because of differences in content covered in these courses/examinations relative to nursing requirements, high scores on these examinations do not waive any of the science and mathematics courses required of first-year CSON undergraduate students. Beyond required nursing major courses and the University core curriculum, the current School of Nursing curriculum requires students to complete at least three elective courses in any field(s) of interest to them. Students who have received Advanced Placement standing to address specific Core Curriculum requirements will complete additional electives to reach the 117 credits required for graduation from the Connell School of Nursing. 

Transfer Out of CSON to MCAS/LSOE/CSOM

Students may decide or be required to transfer out of CSON to the Morrissey College of Arts and Sciences (MCAS), Lynch School of Education (LSOE), or the Carroll School of Management (CSOM). Each school has different criteria for transfer and different program requirements. Furthermore, internal transfer places may be severely restricted and no guarantees can be provided about acceptance, particularly to the other professional schools. Students should also note that there are often credit, GPA, and subject requirements for transfer as well. Students are only normally permitted one change of school or college through their undergraduate careers at Boston College. First-year students who decide not to enroll in the nursing-related science courses at Orientation will not be given a spot in the nursing clinical course sequence that begins in the sophomore year. They will be required to sign a form “waiving” (or giving up) their right to a place in the second year of the BS (nursing) program at orientation. They should note that until a transfer is official, their home school is CSON and their advisor of record will be the Undergraduate Program Office for the rest of the first year. That being said, these students are urged to seek academic advising in their intended school as soon as possible to make informed course choices. They will have the entire academic year to find a school (MCAS, LSOE or CSOM), make an internal transfer application and be accepted to another program. Any such students who have not completed the internal transfer process by July 1st immediately following their first year will be asked to leave Boston College. 

Policy on Transfer of Credits for Courses from Other Academic Institutions

Credits for coursework taken outside of Boston College by students transferring to the University from other colleges/universities are approved by: 1) the Admissions Office for non-nursing courses completed before matriculating at Boston College; 2) the appropriate BC department as well as the Associate Dean for core courses; or 3) the Associate Dean for electives, and all nursing courses and nursing-specific science courses (e.g., Anatomy & Physiology, Microbiology, Statistics, and Life Science Chemistry). For nursing courses, the Associate Dean reviews course syllabi and confers with course faculty as needed to determine equivalence to Boston College courses prior to acceptance of the credits. All nursing-related science courses taken outside of Boston College after enrollment at CSON to meet program requirements (such as microbiology courses in the summer before the sophomore year) must be taken from an accredited four-year university, will count towards the student’s overall GPA and are never taken for enrichment purposes. Approval from the UG Associate Dean must be granted before the student enrolls. Nursing courses taken abroad in Boston College-approved programs can potentially be used in place of specific required nursing courses. The Associate Dean works with the Office of International Programs when such a course substitution is proposed. The Associate Dean and Boston College faculty teaching the equivalent CSON course review the syllabus and supporting materials to determine equivalence in content, contact hours, type and degree of supervision, assignments and grading criteria. Boston College policy determines the maximum number of credits allowed for transfer and the university’s policies on credit and grade translation apply.

Graduate Courses as an Undergraduate

Undergraduate students who have a 3.0 cumulative GPA may take graduate courses. Students must seek approval from the Undergraduate Program Office in order to register.

Students may apply up to two courses taken as undergraduates towards graduate program requirements in the future if the course credits earned are beyond the 117 required for the B.S. degree. [Many graduate programs, including CSON’s, allow students to transfer a maximum of two graduate-level courses taken before formally enrolling]. 

Educational Mobility

Boston College undergraduate program does not currently offer students with previous health experience alternate requirements toward a Bachelor of Science (nursing). Please see regular admissions policy. 

Alternative Graduation Plans

Nearly all CSON undergraduate students graduate in the May ceremonies following eight (8) semesters of full-time enrollment. However, due to course failures/withdrawals and/or leaves of absence for personal or health reasons, graduation dates may move to August or December of the originally forecasted graduation year or to a subsequent year. There are also special circumstances under which CSON undergraduates can finish the BS (nursing) degree within 7 semesters of attendance. 

Withdrawl from a Course

If a student wishes to withdraw from a course after the drop/add period is over, s/he must request approval from the Associate Dean. When a student withdraws from a course, a “W” will appear on the official transcript, but no grade is averaged into the GPA and no credit is given. The decision to withdraw should be considered carefully with the student’s academic advisor and the Undergraduate Program Office. A withdrawal may create a credit or course deficiency and affect a student’s academic progression, so a low passing grade may be preferable to a withdrawal under some circumstances. 

Leaves of Absence

Undergraduate nursing students in satisfactory academic standing (minimum 1.67 cumulative GPA and 2.0 GPA in nursing courses) may take a leave of absence. If a student takes a leave of absence after the end of the drop/add period but before the deadline for course withdrawals, a grade of “W” will be listed on the transcript for all courses they were enrolled in that semester. A number of University policies apply to the process. Students considering a leave of absence are urged to discuss options with their advisor and/or the Undergraduate Program Office as early as possible. The student must complete a leave of absence form available at http://5s83.gregorybgallagher.com/content/dam/files/offices/stserv/pdf/leaveofabsence.pdf, discuss plans with his/her advisor or the UG Associate Dean, and obtain approval from the UG Associate Dean. Although readmission is normally guaranteed, returns from leaves of absence for health as opposed to personal reasons have special conditions involving submission of documentation before and after the leave to University Health Services or Counseling and the UG Associate Dean. The student must apply for readmission from a leave at least four months before any semester when (s)he will be enrolled in any clinical courses (i.e. from the second semester of sophomore year onward) through the Undergraduate Program Office. Please note that the Bachelor of Science (nursing) program is designed for eight (8) semesters of continuous enrollment and Boston College does not allow part-time studies for undergraduates in day school programs. After two semesters of not following the nursing curriculum (see the general template on page 11), students will be dismissed from the BS (nursing) program. 

Readmission

Connell School of Nursing students seeking readmission must initiate the process in the office of the UG Academic Dean. Completed applications for readmission must be made at least four weeks before the start of the semester in which the student seeks to resume study (four months before any semester that will include clinical course(s). Readmission will be granted in accordance with University policy. Note: If a student was required to leave for academic reasons, a transcript of the student’s work must be provided to the UG Associate Dean before a readmission decision will be made. If the student was on leave due to health reasons, a physician's statement certifying student’s readiness to return is required. Students are not guaranteed that the curriculum and courses from which they departed will be in place upon their return. They will be expected to complete the curriculum of their new graduation cohort. 

Graduation

Beyond required nursing major courses and the Core Curriculum, the current School of Nursing curriculum requires students to complete at least three elective courses in any field(s) of interest to them. Students who have received Advanced Placement standing to address specific Core Curriculum requirements will complete additional electives to reach the 117 credits required for graduation from the Connell School of Nursing. 

Alternative (Accelerated/Deferred) Graduation

Please Note: The information in the next section will be relevant to a very small number of students and is provided for reference only. Students and their advisors are encouraged to contact the Undergraduate Program Office for clarifications as needed.

Alternative Graduation Plans

Nearly all CSON undergraduate students graduate in the May ceremonies following eight (8) semesters of full-time enrollment. However, due to course failures/withdrawals and/or leaves of absence for personal or health reasons, graduation dates may move to August or December of the originally forecasted graduation year or to a subsequent year. There are also special circumstances under which CSON undergraduates can finish the BS (nursing) degree within 7 semesters of attendance. These circumstances are explained in the next two sections. a) 

Accelerated Graduation December Graduation

Because no AP examinations in sciences or mathematics meet CSON requirements and there are no AP equivalencies for the Theology and Philosophy core, a maximum of 18 credits of core equivalence can be granted in the BS (nursing) degree through advanced placement. Therefore, CSON undergraduate nursing students admitted as freshmen do not qualify for Advanced Standing Graduation as described on the BC website.

(http://5s83.gregorybgallagher.com/admission/undergrad/process/freshman/advanced-placement.html).

However, with sufficient planning of core courses, taking core and elective classes in summer sessions or as overloads, and with advance permission from the Undergraduate Office to move through the required clinical courses at an accelerated pace, students who can complete all program requirements by the end of their 7th semester will be allowed to graduate in December of their original graduation year. It is critical that students inform the Undergraduate Program Office of their interest in this plan no later than the pre-registration period for fall semester of their junior year (i.e. by second semester of sophomore year). This arrangement is subject to the availability of space in clinical courses and the Undergraduate Program Office reserves the right to limit the number of students allowed to take this path. IMPORTANT: Please note effective Spring 2018, there are financial penalties imposed on students who use overloads (greater than 15 credits in a semester) or summer classes at universities other than BC to meet credit requirements within 7 semesters. There will be financial aid considerations to be kept in mind as well. Students exploring this option are urged to consult the Undergraduate Office as early as possible. Students who complete graduation requirements in December can attend a Graduation Mass in December and may attend commencement ceremonies the following May. They may only participate in senior week activities in the May following graduation. Please contact the Offices of Student Involvement and Residential Life for more information. December graduates can apply for licensure immediately after their degrees are granted. 

Deferred Graduation August Graduation

Students who have up to six (6) credits of incomplete coursework or unfulfilled program requirements at the end of their final spring semester may walk and participate in the May commencement ceremonies. They complete degree requirements over the Summer session immediately after May graduation. However, such students receive their degrees and normally become licensure-eligible in August. DECEMBER GRADUATION Students who, after the Spring semester of their senior year, have more than six (6) credits of program requirements outstanding or require courses that are not offered in the Summer semester will normally enroll in an additional semester of at least twelve (12) credits the following fall and graduate in December. Students who complete graduation requirements in December can attend a December Graduation Mass and may participate in commencement ceremonies the following May. They may only participate in Senior Week activities the following May. Please contact the Offices of Student Involvement and Residential Life for more information. December graduates can apply for licensure immediately after their degrees are granted.

Clinical Experiences and Policies

Clinical Experiences

Off-campus clinical nursing experiences begin in the sophomore year in Adult Health I Clinical and are an essential component of the curriculum. In clinical placements, students apply knowledge gained in the classroom and lab and through assignments in real-life situations under the direct guidance of a faculty member. Connell School of Nursing students benefit from CSON’s location in a city with an exceptional number of world-class health care institutions and organizations.  

Undergraduate Professional Standards and Patient Safety Policies

Unsafe clinical practice and/or unprofessional conduct are grounds for failure in any clinical course and may result in immediate removal from the clinical site. Students who demonstrate unsafe or unprofessional conduct in a clinical laboratory or clinical practice site will undergo review by the Undergraduate Academic Standards Advisory Committee and may be dismissed from the program. Students may also be immediately removed from the clinical site, undergo review by the Undergraduate Academic Standards Advisory Committee and/or be dismissed from the program under any of the following circumstances: 

1. Clinical performance endangering patient safety
2. Use of drugs / alcohol rendering the student unfit for safe and competent clinical performance and endangering patient safety
3. Physical health and/or mental health problems rendering the student unfit for safe and competent clinical performance and endangering patient safety
4. Unprofessional behavior in the clinical setting; and /or
5. Behavior that violates the standards in the ANA Code of Ethics for Nurses 

Health and Conduct Issues in Clinical Placements

Participation in clinical experiences is a privilege, not a right. Faculty have an ethical duty as nurses as well as a contractual responsibility to agencies to ensure that students are physically and psychologically healthy when providing care. 

In any situation where significant concerns regarding the physical or mental health of students in relation to safety or appropriateness of being in clinical settings are brought to the attention of faculty and/or the Undergraduate Program Office, the Associate Dean reserves the right to require that students seek clinical evaluation and permit clinicians/university officials to provide the Undergraduate Program Office with confirmation of students’ health status prior to beginning or continuing clinical placements. Agency-specific safety-related limitations will apply to a student under treatment for certain conditions, for instance, infectious diseases, fractures, or sprains/dislocations, among others. 

Students’ health information is private and students can and should be selective in their disclosures to others. However, in order to protect patients, respect the conditions of our contracts with clinical agencies and prevent further injuries to themselves, students must come forward to their instructors with information about illness or injury that has implications for participation in clinical. Students who are injured or ill and/or whose treating clinicians prescribe restrictions in their mobility or lifting, or who are prescribed rest should inform the Undergraduate Program Office as soon as possible. Failure to do so may result in immediate removal from clinical setting(s) with the student bearing any inconveniences and/or expenses that result from being absent until the issues can be resolved. 

While on a clinical placement, students and faculty are guests of healthcare and other institutions and are ambassadors of the Boston College William F. Connell School of Nursing. Students are accountable for all behavior while on site even if outside of patient care areas and/or preceding or following the main part of clinical day. 

For obvious safety reasons and to maintain the confidence of staff, patients, and families, students may not be asleep in clinical placements under any circumstances. This applies to any area or any part of the facility during an instructional day, and includes meetings. Students must remain alert and awake in pre-conference, throughout the clinical shift/day, and during post-conference. Students are urged to practice good sleep hygiene and seek appropriate physical and/or mental health care as needed. If a student is found sleeping, they will automatically be sent back to campus. Repeated incidents of sleeping in a clinical setting will result in a failure of a clinical nursing course and/or dismissal from CSON. 

Students follow all institutional/organizational policies and procedures while on site. Furthermore, while students are encouraged to be appropriately assertive, they must be willing to accept feedback from CSON faculty and setting preceptors and need to maintain composure and behave civilly towards faculty, agency staff and preceptors at all times. This is critical to ensure patient safety, allow students to demonstrate mastery of course goals, and ensure a satisfactory experience for all in a clinical setting, including fellow students.    

Cell Phone or Computer Use for Personal Matters 

Cell phone or computer use for personal matters during a clinical day/shift is not acceptable.  If a student is found using these devices for non-clinical purposes, the clinical instructor will alert the TOR and Associate Dean.  Students will receive a clinical warning. Repeated offenses will result in failure of a clinical course. 

Social Media Policy Statement

The Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA) provides for protection of personal health information. Therefore, Boston College forbids the disclosure of agency (hospital, clinic, nursing home), patient and/or family private health information on any type of social media. The Boston College William F. Connell School of Nursing does not allow posting of ANY information or pictures related to any clinical experience (including but not limited to Instagram, Snapchat, Facebook, Twitter (X) in both private or public posting options). Students are also accountable for adhering to all other specific course or agency guidelines related to personal electronics. If a student violates any of these policies, Boston College has the right to take appropriate academic and/or legal action up to and including dismissal from the school.

Credentialing

CSON reserves the right to cancel student enrollments in a clinical course if there are any problems with timely completion of credentialing requirements according to preannounced dates, with students bearing responsibility for any costs and inconvenience in completing the program. 

Health Requirements

CSON students must meet health requirements above and beyond those for all Boston College undergraduates. These requirements are mandated by the agencies used as clinical practice sites, and include creating a CastleBranch account, having active health insurance, an annual physical exam, an annual screening for tuberculosis (PPD), immunity to varicella (chicken pox), MMR vaccine (measles, mumps, and rubella), hepatitis B, a flu shot, COVID vaccine series, and an updated tetanus shot as needed. Students who are out of compliance with these requirements will not be allowed to attend clinical practice sites and will have their online course registration blocked. Additional physical examinations and/or other health data may be required by the School of Nursing, and all requirements are subject to change.   

CPR 

Students are required to be certified in cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) prior to enrolling in NURS2230 (Adult Health I) and maintain that certification. CPR certification must be at the health care provider level and provide hands-on training related to resuscitation of adults, infants, and children. Appropriate courses include the American Heart Association “Basic Life Support (BLS) for Health Care Providers.” Courses offered at Boston College may be found at 5s83.gregorybgallagher.com/clubs/eagleEMS/cprfaclass.html

It is recommended that students take a CPR course during the summer between their first and second years. 

Liability Insurance

All students are covered by the University liability insurance policy when they are enrolled in a course with a clinical component. This insurance is valid only for activities directly related to School of Nursing courses and does not cover students working as aides, nursing assistants, or independent contractors or those who volunteer in emergencies/disasters. 

Students who work in healthcare related jobs during the school year or summer are not practicing as nursing students. They are either independent contractors (if working directly for a patient/client) or are employees of an agency.  In either situation, students must be careful not to practice nursing without a license or perform procedures restricted to licensed nurses. 

Reasonable Accommodations for Qualified Individuals with Disabilities in Clinical Courses

** Adapted from the model technical standards in Marks and Ailey, White Paper on Inclusion of Students with Disabilities in Nursing Educational Programs for the California Committee on Employment of People with Disabilities (CCEPD), and the web-published technical standards of the University of Pennsylvania School of Nursing and the New York Rory Meyers University College of Nursing.

The Connell School of Nursing is committed to providing educational opportunities to otherwise qualified students with disabilities and/or learning differences.  Such students will be provided with opportunities equal to those provided to non-disabled students to achieve desired educational outcomes. A “qualified individual” with a disability is one who, with or without reasonable accommodations, meets the Connell School of Nursing’s academic requirements and Technical Standards. Students with disabilities are not required to disclose their disability to the Connell School of Nursing. However, students wishing to request reasonable accommodations must register with Boston College’s Connors Family Learning Center (CFLC) and/or Disability Services Office (DSO) to initiate the process.

Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 and the Americans with Disabilities Act define a person with a disability as someone who: (1) has a physical or mental impairment that substantially limits one or more major life activities; OR (2) has a record of such an impairment; OR (3) is regarded as having such an impairment.  Students are encouraged to meet with a CFLC and DSO representative when unsure if a condition qualifies as a disability. Please note that limitations created by short-term illnesses are not normally covered by these guidelines. 

The CFLC or DSO determine qualified disability status and assist students in obtaining appropriate accommodations and services.  Decisions regarding reasonable accommodations are made by taking into consideration each student’s disability-related needs, disability documentation and program requirements.  While the process for requesting reasonable accommodations may be started at any time, reasonable accommodations may not be implemented retroactively.  It is therefore important that students allow ample time for their accommodation requests to be processed.  While the Connell School of Nursing will make every effort to work with students with disabilities to accommodate their learning differences or disability-related needs, CSON is not required to provide accommodations that fundamentally alter or waive essential program requirements. 

This information is intended to facilitate discussions between the Undergraduate Program Office and other school officials, faculty, and students. The list below presents the capabilities believed to be necessary to participate and succeed in clinical education at CSON with or without reasonable accommodations.  If you believe you may have a qualifying disability or that you require reasonable accommodations to meet any of these technical standards, you may contact the DSO, CFLC, or the Associate Dean for further information.  Clinical or lab faculty may also come forward to the Undergraduate Program Office to voice concerns regarding a student’s ability to meet one or more of the standards to the Associate Dean who will then evaluate the situation and follow-up with the student and others as appropriate. 

Students Accompanying EMS or Other Patient Transport

Please be advised that involvement in EMS or other patient transports is not a standard component of BC CSON clinical placements. Students who choose to accompany patients on EMS or other transports do so at their own risk.  They are not covered by any Boston College liability or other insurance policies and therefore assume full personal responsibility for this participation. 

Costs

Nursing education has a practice component that involves additional costs that students must anticipate in the sophomore year onward.  These include uniforms, laboratory fees, criminal background checks, CPR classes, immunizations, transportation costs, and any other supplies as necessary.  Students are encouraged to discuss concerns they have around covering such expenses with the Office of Student Services, Diversity, & Inclusion. 

Transportation to Clinical

As is the case in all nursing education programs at Boston College and other schools, students in the BS (nursing) program are responsible for their own transportation to clinical sites and related costs as an unavoidable part of their education. Students generally travel in groups and use public transportation. Travel options and safety concerns will be discussed beginning in the first clinical nursing course. The Office of Student Services, Diversity, & Inclusion and the Undergraduate Program Office continue to monitor the financial burden related to transportation expenses but students should budget for transportation expenses/MBTA fares from 2nd semester of sophomore year onward. 

Parking at local health care agencies is very expensive and cannot be paid for by the School. Some nursing students are allowed to bring cars to campus, although space on the Boston College campus is limited and permits are costly. Juniors and seniors interested in securing a parking spot can contact the Assistant Dean of Student Services, Diversity, and Inclusion in the semester before they would like a permit. 

Uniform Policy

As representatives of CSON in its partner agencies, students in clinical placements are responsible for adhering to the following uniform policy: 

The uniform is worn only when a student is at a clinical placement functioning as a Boston College nursing student under the guidance of CSON faculty. CSON students obtain their uniforms and name pins from the Boston College Bookstore prior to entering Adult Health I clinical. 

The uniform consists of:

• Maroon scrub pants and top (abdomen must be fully covered).
• Official name pin specifying the student’s first and last name and “Boston College   Connell School of Nursing” is worn on the uniform shirt.
• Shoes appropriate to the particular clinical setting 
• Nails must be trimmed; neutral polish may be worn; no artificial nails are allowed as they harbor microorganisms
• Hair is worn off the collar and appropriately styled
• Make-up should be kept to a minimum
• Jewelry such as watches, wedding bands, Sigma Theta Tau pins, and small studs in ear lobes may be worn. Jewelry in the nose, tongue, or other sites on the face is not acceptable in some clinical agencies. 

In courses where the uniform is not required (e.g. in some Population Health and Psych-Mental Health sites), students are expected to dress appropriately and professionally. For clinical preparation days where lab coats are required instead of uniforms, professional dress and closed-toed shoes are expected. Jeans or other casual attire are inappropriate. Note that some affiliating agencies have policies prohibiting visible tattoos and/or any facial jewelry. 

Procedure for Protection from Communicable Diseases

Every clinical student in CSON is required to complete yearly training in Standard Precautions, Prevention of Blood Pathogens and Prevention of Tuberculosis. The training modules are located on the Centralized Clinical Placement website of the Massachusetts Department of Higher Education. This website is updated yearly. Completing training modules is a professional responsibility and required for participation in clinical nursing courses. 

Current policies consistent with existing OSHA and CDC guidelines will be posted in the simulation laboratory. 

Bloodborne Pathogens 

Students who are exposed to blood or bodily fluids will immediately notify their on-site clinical instructor or preceptor and they will follow the protocols for Occupational Exposure to Bloodborne Pathogens in place at their clinical site.  If the agency does not have a protocol for occupational exposures, then the student should be directed to the nearest emergency room for treatment. At the earliest reasonable time, but no later than 24 hours following an exposure, the student and faculty will notify the appropriate academic Associate Dean in CSON. CSON will document student exposures according to OSHA Requirements as applicable. 

If a student engaged in clinical practice activities has an exposure to potentially infected body fluid from a client, the student should do the following:                  

1. Immediately remove soiled clothing and wash the exposed area with soap and water.           
2. Notify their faculty member.
3. Report to the nearest emergency room on site at the agency or as directed by the University Health Service within 1-2 hours           
4. Identify self as a student with a possible HIV/HBV exposure
5. Give close attention to filling out the Incident Report for the agency, School of Nursing and University Health Services. 

Following insurance submission, Boston College will assume the financial responsibility for uncovered expenses associated with emergency assessment and interventions in the first 72 hours after an exposure incident to ensure that the student or faculty member is given appropriate immediate evaluation and counseling. Students are encouraged to follow directions to have injuries/exposures reported to appropriate officials in the facilities where they have occurred. 

Tuberculosis 

CSON undergraduate students are not routinely assigned to care for patients with active tuberculosis or suspected tuberculosis because they have not been fit-tested for respirator masks. 

Students who have been inadvertently exposed to tuberculosis should be directed to University Health Services OR to their primary health care provider.  The student and faculty will notify the Associate Dean.

Academic Standards and Resources

Deficiencies

CSON undergraduate students are expected to successfully complete 30 credits by the beginning of the second year, 60 credits by the beginning of the third year, and 90 credits by the beginning of the fourth year. A total of 117 credits, including all core and nursing courses, is required for graduation. If a student withdraws from a course, fails a course, or underloads (i.e., takes fewer than 15 credits per semester), the student incurs a deficiency. Deficiencies should be made up as soon as possible. Typically, a deficiency involving science or nursing courses will prevent a student from moving on in the curriculum. A deficiency may be remediated by taking courses in the summer at Boston College or another accredited 4-year college approved by the Associate Dean. (See guidelines for Summer Courses) 

Student Athletes

CSON professors make every effort to accommodate the needs of student athletes. It is the student’s responsibility to discuss practice, game, and travel schedules with their professors before the beginning of each semester. In the case of conflicts, academic obligations must come first. 

ADHD, Learning, Physical, or Other Disabilities

If you are a student with a documented disability seeking accommodations, please contact Kathy Duggan at 617-552-8093, at the Connors Family Learning Center regarding ADHD and learning disabilities, or Rory Stein, Assistant Dean for Students with Disabilities at 617-552-3470, in the Disability Services Office regarding all other types of disabilities.  According to course syllabi, students seeking test or exam related accommodations must provide their professors with appropriate documentation from CFLC or DSO within the first TWO weeks of the semester. Later notification may not allow sufficient time for arrangements.

CSON faculty and other BC professors will provide reasonable accommodations as soon as possible after the student establishes their need for an accommodation and the relevant office communicates with the course professor.  Retroactive accommodations, such as revisions to grades or opportunities to retake tests or exams or resubmit assignments after declaration and documentation of a qualifying disability, will not be provided.  The Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) defines retroactive accommodations as “…  accommodation[s] … when the student has already incurred absences, performed poorly on tests, or otherwise failed to meet the academic expectations of the course.”   

It is the student’s prerogative whether or not to request accommodations. In any given semester, a student may choose to request accommodations for no courses, some of their courses or all of their courses.  However, students are encouraged to provide documentation to CFLC and/or DSO for evaluation as early as possible in their time at BC and should inform professors of their intentions to request any accommodations specified in their letter from CFLC and/or DSO at the beginning of the semester whenever possible.  

Students should also bear in mind specific considerations related to clinical courses on page 24 under the “Clinical Laboratory/Reasonable Accommodations for Qualified Individuals with Disabilities in Clinical Courses” section of this handbook.  

Late Papers / Projects

Students are responsible for submitting all written work for a course to the instructor by the published deadline in the syllabus. These deadlines tend to be taken very seriously in universities. Professors are not obliged to grant extensions or accept any work submitted beyond announced deadlines. 

Normally, barring health or personal emergencies, extension requests should be received no less than 24 hours prior to the given assignment or exam date. Without 24 hours’ notice, the extensions will not be granted.       

Short-Term Academic Consideration

Academic consideration refers to an action or actions taken by the Undergraduate Program Office, in response to a student with an extenuating circumstance. Academic consideration includes but is not limited to: an excused absence, a deferral, an extension, a modified schedule for assignments, projects, labs, an alternative assignment, or other consideration deemed appropriate by the Undergraduate Program Office in consultation with the relevant faculty. Extenuating circumstances refer to a personal circumstance beyond the student’s control having a direct and substantial impact on the student’s ability to meet essential academic requirements or standards in a course(s). Examples include but are not limited to: short-term physical or mental illness, serious injury, required treatment (e.g., surgery) bereavement, traumatic event. 

To make a request for Academic Consideration students must contact the Associate Dean directly. The Associate Dean will contact their professors with a letter or e-mail of explanation to facilitate the Academic Consideration process. The instructor will work with the student to determine and implement reasonable academic consideration. 

(Adapted from Protocol for Short-Term Academic Consideration (p.3-5), November 2017, Queens University.) 

Course Extensions

If any assignments will be submitted after the final examination in a course is taken, a formal extension is required from the professor. Instructors are under no obligation to grant such extensions. The professor submits an “I” (Incomplete) for the course grade, which is automatically changed to an “F” on March 1 for the fall, August 1 for the spring, and October 1 for the summer unless the professor has removed the “Incomplete” notation by entering a specific grade. 

Lost Work

Students are responsible for ensuring that their instructors receive assignments (on paper or electronically) on time. Students must learn to use the learning management system (Canvas) assignment upload features, verify e-mail addresses, and always make a copy of a paper or project before it is submitted, especially if it is mailed or left at an office rather than handed to an individual. 

Electronic Newsletter

Information about job opportunities for students and other information that may be of interest are posted in the weekly newsletter sent by the Assistant Director for Graduate Student Services.   

Email

Students are required to check their Boston College email account on a regular basis, because important announcements and opportunities are communicated from the Undergraduate Program & Office of Student Services, Diversity, & Inclusion by email. 

Electronic Testing

Nursing and nursing-related science courses may utilize an electronic system called “ExamSoft” for exams and quizzes.  Students will need to follow the specific ExamSoft instructions provided by their professors including downloading necessary files prior to the exam date and time and bringing their fully-charged device (laptop or tablet) to the test/exam. Students using devices other than MacBooks and Windows-based laptops must seek out assistance as soon as possible to make appropriate arrangements. Failure to adhere to any guidelines or instructions could result in a grade of “0” on any particular exam or quiz. 

Grade Equivalencies

The following conversion chart is used to compute grades in undergraduate nursing courses:            

• A                      94-100%           
• A-                    90-93%           
• B+                    87-89%           
• B                      84-86%           
• B-                     80-83%           
• C+                    77-79%           
• C                      74-76%           
• C-                     70-73%           
• D+                    67-69%           
• D                      64-66%           
• D-                    60-63%           
• F                      below 60%
  

Students Rights and Grievances

Adacemic Evaluation Disputes / Grievances

In some cases, a student’s grievance may be more appropriately addressed by another University grievance procedure. Students should pursue the matter through that procedure. For example, if the student believes that they have experienced discriminatory harassment, the student should follow the discriminatory harassment policies described in the University Policy against Discriminatory Harassment in the Boston College Policies and Procedure Manual. 

Instructors are expected to provide a syllabus specifying due dates for assignments and examinations and the weight given to each course component in determining the final grade. The instructor has the right to determine which course components will be graded and the weight that will be given to each. Students who believe that they have been graded unfairly should first meet with the instructor, bring a copy of the paper, exam, or other evaluation in question, and request an explanation for the grade. 

Students should communicate with the faculty member involved as soon as possible, but no later than the close of the semester immediately following the semester in which the action giving rise to the complaint occurred.  The faculty member should communicate within two weeks of the student’s request to discuss the dispute.

If such a discussion results in a mutually acceptable resolution, the matter will be considered closed. It is recommended that the resolution be documented in a signed written statement that is retained by both parties. This written statement should be completed no later than two weeks after the mutually acceptable resolution has been reached. If the instructor and student are unable to resolve their differences the student may pursue a grievance via the ASRC process. The student may notify the Associate Dean for Student Services to initiate the process.

If a mutually acceptable remedy cannot be achieved, the faculty member involved will notify the ASRC Chair in writing of the dispute and pertinent information within one (1) week. Within one (1) week of receiving this communication, the ASRC Chair will outreach to the student to request a written statement regarding their grievance. The student will have one (1) week following outreach from the ASRC Chair to submit a written statement explaining their grievance. The ASRC will review materials submitted by all parties and render a written decision within two (2) weeks. 

Appeal of Academic Standards Review Committee Decision 

The student has the right to request an appeal in cases where they can identify that there has been a procedural violation or a demonstrable mistake of fact. A written petition of appeal must be submitted by the student to the Associate Dean for Student Services within thirty (30) days of written notification of the ASRC decision. The petition should succinctly state all facts relevant to procedural violations or factual errors and clearly specify the nature of the complaint and the remedy requested.

The Associate Dean for Student Services will notify the appropriate CSON Department Chair. 

The CSON Department Chair will appoint an Ad Hoc Appeals Committee to review the decision. The Ad Hoc Committee shall be composed of three faculty members (not members of the ASRC). The Department Chair will provide oversight but will not be a voting member. In the event that the student’s Department Chair, advisor, preceptor, Dean or Associate Dean is a party to the grievance that person should recuse themselves from considering the matter, and the appropriate administrator will identify a replacement to serve in that role. The final decision regarding the Ad Hoc Committee membership rests with the Department Chair. 

The Department Chair and Ad Hoc Committee will receive from the ASRC Chair all materials that the ASRC reviewed to make its decision. The Ad Hoc Committee members may request additional materials that they deem necessary to conduct an independent review of the process and circumstances. The Ad Hoc Committee will conduct an independent review of the appeal, which will include meeting with the student to discuss the grievance, the faculty, and other individuals involved. In presenting to the Ad Hoc Committee, the student shall introduce material of a substantiating nature and may request additional information from specific sources or individuals having knowledge relevant to the issue under appeal. 

Within thirty (30) days of receiving the formal appeal, the Ad Hoc Committee will provide a written statement of the committee’s resolution of the matter to the Associate Dean for Student Services and the Associate Dean of Academic Affairs and Faculty Development. The Associate Dean for Student Services will share the Ad Hoc Committee’s written decision with the student. The Associate Dean of Academic Affairs and Faculty Development will share the written decision with the faculty against whom the grievance was brought.

Confidentiality of the student(s) and faculty members(s) involved should be maintained at all times.

If the student is dissatisfied with the decision of the Ad Hoc Committee, the student may submit a written appeal to the Dean. The appeal must be submitted as soon as possible but no later than thirty (30) days after the student has received the written decision of the Ad Hoc Committee. 

A formal appeal to the Dean consists of a written explanation of the appeal, which should include the reasons the student believes that there was a procedural violation or a demonstrable mistake of fact (e.g. the faculty member's or preceptor’s evaluation was arbitrary, unethical, or based on extrinsic error) and the reasons why previous decisions were not satisfactory. Copies of the decisions made by the ASRC and the Ad Hoc Committee will be forwarded to the Dean for their consideration in this review of the student’s appeal. Within thirty (30) days of receipt of the student’s appeal, the Dean will render a decision. The decision of the Dean is final, and will be communicated to the student in writing, with copies to the person(s) against whom the grievance was brought, and the CSON Department Chair and Associate Deans.

Professional and Academic Integrity 

Nursing students are expected to show high standards of integrity and professional behavior in both academic and clinical settings. Integrity is demonstrated in part through adherence to the University’s standards involving honesty in academic matters as well as through a student’s behavior in class, the clinical laboratory and the clinical field. It is expected that students arrive for class on time and refrain from talking at inappropriate times, using cell phones, viewing websites or email on electronic devices, or otherwise making a disturbance during class. Professors may prohibit the use of computers or other electronic devices in the classroom at their discretion. If a student’s behavior is disruptive at any time, they will be asked to leave the classroom or the clinical site. 

Students are referred to the Boston College catalog or student services website for the complete text of the University academic integrity policy.  Students are urged to take careful note of the language regarding academic integrity in all CSON and BC course syllabi. 

All first-year and external transfer students must complete the University online tutorial on academic integrity during their first semester. 

The following are definitions of terms related to academic integrity: 

Cheating is any fraudulent or dishonest presentation of work. This includes unauthorized aids in exams or other academic exercise submitted for evaluation; the falsification or fabrication of data; copying from another student’s work; unauthorized cooperation in doing assignments or examinations; the use of purchased term papers; and dishonesty in requests for extensions of assignments or make-up examinations. 

Plagiarism is the act of taking the words, ideas, data, illustrations, or statements of another person or source, and presenting them as one’s own. Each student is responsible for learning and using proper methods of paraphrasing and footnoting, quotation, and other forms of citation, to ensure that the original author, speaker, illustrator, or source of the material used is clearly acknowledged. 

Collusion is assisting another student in an act of dishonesty. However, students must learn to work cooperatively rather than competitively, and learn to use the works and ideas of others without violating intellectual honesty.    

Ethical Behavior

Students are expected to maintain high professional standards, including being physically, intellectually, emotionally, and academically prepared to provide care to patients/clients. Expectations for CSON undergraduate students regarding ethical behavior in clinical situations are based on the American Nurses’ Association Code for Nurses and federal regulations related to privacy of patient information (HIPAA). Students are expected to protect patients’ confidentiality and to be honest in their documentation of patients’ conditions and assessments and the actions/interventions they provide. 

Sanctions and Procedures

Faculty and students have a responsibility to take appropriate action when they detect any form of academic or professional dishonesty by referring matters to the University Academic Integrity Committee. Students should bring concerns to the attention of the course professor involved or the Chairperson. Behavior that is deemed unethical or unprofessional may result in a student’s dismissal from the School or the University. 

Please note that penalties ranging from a failing grade on an assignment or a failing grade in a course to suspension from the University may be imposed in circumstances where students are found responsible for academic misconduct.

Eligibility for Licensure 

In order to become licensed as a Registered Nurse in the United States, nursing school graduates must meet all requirements of the Board of Nursing in the jurisdiction where they wish to practice. In addition to successfully completing an approved educational program and passing a national examination, students should be aware that licensure as a Registered Nurse generally requires demonstrating good moral character. At the time of application for licensure, prospective licensees are typically required to disclose all criminal charges and convictions in a manner specified by the relevant Board. 

CSON’s undergraduate program is a Registered Nurse education program approved by the Massachusetts Board of Registration in Nursing.  Students planning on seeking licensure outside the Commonwealth of Massachusetts upon graduation or at a later date should be aware that licensure is state-specific and additional requirements beyond graduation from CSON may apply. They should contact the relevant Board and/or the Undergraduate Program Office for details, keeping in mind that requirements may change without notice. 

Criminal Background Checks & Drug Testing 

As part of its contracts with agencies for clinical placements, the School of Nursing requires students to undergo criminal offense record investigations (CORIs) (criminal background checks). Information about this procedure will be discussed with students prior to registering for Adult Health I clinical. The Connell School is not under any obligation to find alternative placements for students with criminal matters that interfere with access to agencies. Students will also be subject to drug testing if it is required by clinical agencies.

Sigma Theta Tau

The International Honor Society of Nursing's Alpha Chi Chapter at Boston College.

Alpha Chi embodies and shares the founding values of Sigma Theta Tau International: Wisdom, Discernment, Love, Courage, Honor, Service, Professional Endeavor, Leadership, and Knowledge.

Sigma Theta Tau International is the international honor society of nursing. Constituent chapters are established in collegiate schools of nursing accredited by the national accrediting body recognized by the profession. Alpha Chi Chapter is located at Boston College School of Nursing, Chestnut Hill, Massachusetts. Sigma Theta Tau International is professional rather than social and its purpose and functions may be compared to other honor societies.

Academic and Special Opportunities

B.S.-D.N.P. Program (Submatriculation)

Starting in September of 2019, highly qualified undergraduate nursing students may be admitted to a DNP program at CSON immediately following senior year with provisions for “double counting” specific courses for both B.S. and D.N.P requirements. In anticipation of applying to graduate school at CSON under this option, junior and senior students can take graduate nursing courses as electives in their bachelor’s degree.  

Special note: As of this writing, a number of details have yet to be confirmed because of changes in our programs at Boston College and shifts in national requirements for entry to advanced practice nursing. A curricular path was just approved in May of 2019 to allow continuous enrollment for the BS program into the DNP (Doctor of Nursing Practice) program.

Please contact the Graduate Program Office for details. 
Please note that students who do not plan on continuing to graduate study immediately upon completion of the B.S. (nursing) program may still enroll in graduate nursing courses while undergraduates (see next section). 

Graduate Courses as an Undergraduate

Undergraduate students who have a 3.0 cumulative GPA may take graduate courses. Students must seek approval from the Undergraduate Program Office in order to register.

Students may apply up to two courses taken as undergraduates towards graduate program requirements in the future if the course credits earned are beyond the 117 required for the B.S. degree. [Many graduate programs, including CSON’s, allow students to transfer a maximum of two graduate-level courses taken before formally enrolling]. 

Undergraduate Research Fellow Program (UGRF) 

Boston College established the Undergraduate Research Fellows program to enhance the academic experience of undergraduates in all four schools by cultivating their research skills and fostering mentoring relationships between undergraduates and faculty. The program provides a stipend for a student’s assistance on a faculty member’s research project. Students interested in this opportunity should contact the Associate Dean of Research or visit the UGRF page on the CSON research website. 

Directed Independent Study

In exceptional circumstances, students may be given permission to enroll in a Directed Independent Study course. This option allows an eligible student to develop a proposal to study an area of nursing that is not part of the required nursing curriculum or that the student wishes to pursue in greater depth if a willing faculty member can be found and the Department Chair gives his or her permission. A cumulative GPA of 3.0 is a prerequisite. Guidelines for Directed Independent Study (NURS4911, 1-3 credits) are available on the Students\Undergraduate page of the nursing website. A student should initiate the approval of the proposed independent study prior to registration. Once the proposal has been approved, the Undergraduate Program Office will make sure the student is enrolled in the correct section of NURS4911. Pass/Fail only, no letter grades are awarded. 

Medical Spanish

Subject to availability, 10 students per semester may enroll in online modules designed to build Spanish language skills for use in health care settings, based on Canopy Learn software. Details are provided each spring semester to rising upperclassmen via email. 

Minors

Nursing students may complete a minor course concentration in another BC undergraduate school by completing the requirements outlined in the university catalog. In addition, nursing students may complete special CSON-specific Hispanic Studies, Psychology, Humanities, Health, and Culture, Global Public Health minors (see the factsheet on Connell School minors on the Current Students section\Student Handbook and CSON resources).

Fellowship and Scholarship Opportunities

There are a number of special grant, fellowship, and other award opportunities for undergraduate students. Some examples include Advanced Study Grants for independent summer travel/projects and the Houston and Truman Fellowships. Complete details are available on the website at 5s83.gregorybgallagher.com/offices/ufel. 

Global Health Opportunities 

The Connell School of Nursing has several global health initiatives. In addition to semester-long and summer programs (page 13) through the Office of International Programs, CSON students have enhanced their nursing skills and knowledge through organized service trips to Chile, Haiti, Jamaica, Guatemala, Nicaragua, Australia, Belize, and the Dominican Republic.  Information about these and other opportunities is circulated as it becomes available and may be found on the Current Student section\CSON International Opportunities.  

Co-Curricular Activities & Student Participation in the Governance of the School 

Students in the School of Nursing are part of the University community and are encouraged to participate in the wide variety of available co-curricular activities. Some of these activities are specific to the School of Nursing and others are for students throughout the University. Some School of Nursing activities are listed here; students are advised to look at the Boston College Student Guide for a fuller listing of University-wide activities. 

Honor Society

Alpha Chi is the Boston College School of Nursing’s chapter of Sigma Theta Tau International, the Honor Society of Nursing. It is a vibrant, active chapter composed of faculty, students, alumni, and nurses from the community. Students may apply for membership in their junior year.  See the website: http://bc.orgsync.com/org/sigmathetatau/

Article II - Purpose of Organization

Mission Statement of the organization: Bring together and mentor students preparing for initial licensure as registered nurses through opportunities to network and connect with fellow students and faculty for advice and support.

The purpose of this organization shall be to The Student Nurses Organization of Boston College is a student-initiated academic group dedicated to promoting the interests and needs of all students interested in the nursing profession.

Student Input into Faculty Promotion and Contract Renewal Decisions

Students are sent the list of faculty who are being evaluated for promotion, contract renewal and/or tenure each year and they are asked to submit evaluations directly to the Dean’s office. The Dean shares this information as appropriate, generally at the tenured faculty meeting in October.  

Student Participation on CSON Committees

Students are invited to serve on CSON committees composed largely of faculty, either by appointment through the Senate or by personal invitation from a faculty member. Students are not voting members of these committees, for instance, the Baccalaureate Program Committee and the Educational Policy Committee, but their input is highly valued.