RN to BSN Student Handbook

SUNY Brockport Policies

University-Wide Policies

University-wide policies may be found at Student Policies.

Please note that University-wide policies also apply to the online student.

Grade Appeal Policy

All programs within the School of Nursing follow the University Grade Appeal Policy. This policy may be found at Grade Appeal Policy.

A student has the right to appeal a final course grade assigned by an instructor if certain conditions apply. The appeal process is a stepwise procedure involving the course instructor, program chair, assistant dean, dean, and Provost, in that order.

Harassment and Discrimination Policy

The Harassment and Discrimination Policy may be found at: Harassment and Discrimination Policy.

SUNY Brockport will not tolerate discrimination or harassment of any type, from any source. It is the responsibility of all University administrators, supervisors, employees, and students to create and maintain a workplace and academic environment free from discrimination and Harassment.

Sexual Harassment/Title IX Policies and Procedures

Sexual harassment/Title IX policies and procedures may be found at: Sexual Harassment/Title IX Policies & Procedures.

These include:

• Students’ Bill of Rights
• SUNY Policy on Sexual Harassment Response and Prevention Statement
• SUNY Brockport Harassment and Discrimination Policy
• Code of Student Conduct: Part G
• Title IX Grievance Policy
• Pregnant and parenting Student Policy
• Reporting Process
• Sexual Assault Resources

Student Accessibility Services

Information about available services and accommodations may be found at: Student Accessibility Services.

Department of Nursing

Review Verification of Student Handbook

The purpose of the School of Nursing Student Handbook is to supplement the information found at Student Policies.

It is the responsibility of the student to read, understand, and adhere to all student policies and in the School of Nursing Student Handbook, which is found on the School of Nursing website and the RN to BSN required Orientation. The policies and procedures in the department are subject to change without prior notice and may be communicated via email, in writing or verbally.

This form will be reviewed and attested electronically and then be placed in your student file to verify that you have read the policies on the School of Nursing website. At the start of every course, you will also be required to attest to your understanding of course Syllabi which also contains student policies.

By doing the above, it acknowledges that the student has read the policies of the School of Nursing in the Student Handbook on the School of Nursing website. The student acknowledges that they understand and agree to comply with the policies and procedures stated on the website.

Department of Nursing RN to BSN Student Handbook

The School of Nursing is a department in the School of Education, Health, and Human Services. The upper division nursing program was initiated in 1968 and graduated its first class of three students in 1972 with a Bachelor of Science in Nursing. The National League for Nursing granted initial accreditation to the nursing program in 1977. The baccalaureate degree in nursing at SUNY Brockport is currently accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE).

Mission, Vision, & Philosophy

SUNY Brockport, School of Nursing

Mission Statement

Our central mission is the preparation of exemplary professional nurses, nurse practitioners, nurse educators, and nurse leaders. Our graduates will utilize evidence- and systems-based practices to provide healthcare leadership, ensuring the best possible outcomes for the diverse populations we serve.

Vision Statement

Our exemplary graduates will make significant contributions to healthcare that will transform patients’ experiences.  

Values

Honesty, Integrity, Compassion, Curiosity, Accountability, Civility, Desire for Excellence

Philosophy

Nursing is a profession that focuses on the care of individuals, families, communities, and populations to promote health, prevent disease, and provide support during illness, rehabilitation, and at the beginning and end of life. Patients and communities are viewed holistically throughout the lifespan. Nurses work autonomously and in collaboration with other health professionals in a world of emerging technology to promote social justice, health equity, and address systemic racism and pervasive inequities in health care.

The School of Nursing’s curriculum includes 10 domains representing the essence of professional nursing practice, with expected competencies included for each domain. The competencies within each domain are applicable across four spheres of care: health promotion/disease prevention, chronic disease management, regenerative/restorative care, and hospice/palliative care.
Nursing education utilizes knowledge drawn from nursing practice, the liberal arts, sciences, and the humanities. The School of Nursing faculty promotes the vision and mission of the University and the School through teamwork and collaboration.
Students are recognized as bringing diverse abilities and perspectives to the educational setting. Students are active, accountable, and responsible participants in the learning process. Accordingly, opportunities are provided that encourage each student to build on past knowledge and experience through a wide variety of active learning techniques.

The undergraduate nursing curriculum emphasizes the progressive development of knowledge, skills, and attitudes essential to critical thinking and exemplary nursing practice. The Baccalaureate of Science in Nursing is the foundation for healthcare leadership roles, graduate study, and continuing professional development.

The graduate curriculum provides the education necessary for advanced clinical practice and systemic change leadership. The curriculum strongly focuses on inclusive, equitable, evidence-based care. Advanced practice nursing graduates are well-prepared to inform nursing care through ethical, conceptual, and theoretical thinking.

Reviewed 4/28/25

BSN Student Learning Outcomes (SLOs)

Professional Behaviors Expected of RN to BSN Nursing Students

The following behaviors are essential for professional nursing practice. Students must demonstrate satisfactory behavior throughout all courses in the RN to BSN program.

• Accountability
• Responsibility
• Preparedness
• Willingness to learn
• Empathy
• Appropriate attitude
• Respectful
• Honesty
• Sensitivity
• Genuineness
• Commitment
• Integrity
• Upholding
• Ethical principles
• Time management
• Collaborative
• Non-judgmental behavior
• Active engagement Professionalism
• Appropriateness in seeking assistance
• Communicative
• Recognition of dignity of all human beings
• Openness to change in self and others

American Nurses Association Code of Ethics

Nursing students at SUNY Brockport are expected to act in accordance with the American Nurses Association Code of Ethics. Students who do not act in accordance with the ANA Code of Ethics will be dismissed from the nursing program. The provisions are as follows:

1. The nurse practices with compassion and respect for the inherent dignity, worth, and unique attributes of every person.
2. A nurse’s primary commitment is to the recipient(s) of nursing care, whether an individual, family, group, community, or population.
3. The nurse establishes a trusting relationship and advocates for the rights, health, and safety of recipient(s) of nursing care.
4. Nurses have authority over nursing practice and are responsible and accountable for their practice consistent with their obligations to promote health, prevent illness, and provide optimal care.
5. The nurse has moral duties to self as a person of inherent dignity and worth including an expectation of a safe place to work that fosters flourishing, authenticity of self at work, and self-respect through integrity and professional competence.
6. Nurses, through individual and collective effort, establish, maintain, and improve the ethical environment of the work setting that affects nursing care and the well-being of nurses.
7. Nurses advance the profession through multiple approaches to knowledge development, professional standards, and the generation of policies for nursing, health, and social concerns.
8. Nurses build collaborative relationships and networks with nurses, other healthcare and non-healthcare disciplines, and the public to achieve greater ends.
9. Nurses and their professional organizations work to enact and resource practices, policies, and legislation to promote social justice, eliminate health inequities, and facilitate human flourishing.
10. Nursing, through organizations and associations, participates in the global nursing and health community to promote human and environmental health, well-being, and flourishing.

You can learn more about it  at Code of Ethics for Nurses.

School of RN to BSN Committees

Within the Department of Nursing there are a variety of committees, which are designed to conduct the business of the nursing program. It is difficult for students in the RN to BSN program to join these committees as student representatives, as RN to BSN students are usually working full time. Feedback from RN to BSN students is welcome and may be shared with individual faculty, optional mid-term course survey via Brightspace, end of course IAS evaluation via email, during advisement sessions, as well as the end of program evaluation. Faculty value individual student feedback on how the RN to BSN program can be improved to meet the learning needs of working adult learners. 

Disability Statement

Students with documented disabilities may be entitled to specific accommodations. SUNY Brockport’s ASC Student Accessibility Services makes this determination. Please contact this office at 585-395-5291 or sasoffice@brockport.edu to inquire about obtaining an official letter to the course instructor detailing approved accommodations. The student is responsible for providing the course instructor with an official letter. Faculty work as a team with the ASC Student Accessibility Services to meet the needs of students with disabilities.

Criminal Conviction Policy

Any student charged with or convicted of a crime before or after admittance to the School of Nursing must discuss his/her situation individually and confidentially with the Chairperson of the Department of Nursing to assess his/her chances of eventual licensure as a registered nurse/nurse practitioner and the proper procedure to report his/her situation to the State Education Department.

In addition, some clinical agencies affiliated with the School of Nursing require background checks on nursing students before allowing them to participate in clinical activities. Agency requirements are subject to change without notice. If a background check prohibits participation at certain clinical sites, the student may be unable to successfully complete clinical course requirements in the School of Nursing. Inability to successfully complete clinical course requirements will result in failure of the clinical course and dismissal from the nursing program.

Policy for Filing a Student Complaint that does not include Discrimination

• A faculty member who receives a complaint, that does not involve discrimination, from a student about another faculty member should encourage that student to first speak directly with the faculty concerned, to resolve differences and feelings. If requested by the student, arrangements will be made for another faculty member or course coordinator to be present as well for the discussion.
• If the student’s concerns persist, the student then should speak to the course coordinator or the director of the RN to BSN program, to resolve differences and feelings.
• If the student’s concerns persist, the student should then speak with the Chairperson of the nursing department.
• The chairperson of the nursing department will discuss the situation with the student and attempt to affect a resolution.

Communications Policy/Faculty Availability

Students may communicate with faculty by email or by office phone. Course faculty will make every attempt to respond within 48 hours during weekdays. Faculty are not expected to respond to student messages over weekends and holidays. Nursing faculty have regular office hours when they are available to see students. Individual appointments may according to the faculty’s schedule. Student should NOT email faculty through Brightspace as faculty do NOT receive these emails. Please use individual faculty Brockport emails which are posted on our Website and your course syllabi.

Social Media Policy

Any statement made or posting of any material, pictures or information within any venue of social networking (Facebook, twitter, etc.) which can cause actual or potential harm or injury to another person or to the School of Nursing and/or SUNY Brockport itself will be grounds for dismissal from the nursing program.

Using social networking to contact preceptors or faculty is not an acceptable means of professional communication and will not be tolerated.

As a reminder, it is a violation of HIPAA policies to ever discuss any aspect of clinical care on social networking. Violation of HIPAA policy is subject to federal prosecution.

Social media professionalism Resources:

• ANA Social Media Principles
• National Council of State Boards of Nursing Social Media Guidelines

RN to BSN Program

Chain of Command Communication Structure

Student Communication Policy- Chain of Command

When students have a concern about their learning experience, the following is the best path to a resolution.

Chain of Command:

1. The student(s) shares the concern with the faculty member directly involved with the course of concern.
2. If unresolved, the student may contact the listed course coordinator- this is on the course syllabus directly under the faculty information.
3. If unresolved, the student(s) may request an appointment to discuss or send a written description of their concern to the Chair of the RN to BSN Program, Professor Tammy McClung
4. The Chair of the RN to BSN Program will decide whether to notify the School of Nursing Dean, Dr. Kathleen Peterson.
5. The Dean’s Office will decide whether to notify the Provost.

*Seeking a resolution without going directly to the faculty member, will risk a longer and more complicated response. However, the student(s) may wish to discuss the concern with their advisor to seek support and direction regarding the best way to articulate the concern, identify their need and identify suggestions for collaborative problem solving.

Technology Requirements

Students will be required to utilize several software applications during the class, including but not limited to: Bright Space, Microsoft Word, PowerPoint, Kaltura, Turn it In, SUNY Brockport libraries. The use of Turn it In may be required in some course assignments which will generate a Turn it In report. Students are required to ensure, and review Turn it In reports prior to assignment due dates.

The use of an Ipad is prohibited as some required course applications are not compatible. The capability to view videos and DVDs with flash player is also required. The Library, Information, and Technology Services (LITS) Department is also available for assistance and can be accessed through the Help Desk. RN to BSN students are required to complete the RN to BSN orientation which further outlines technology expectations and resources.

Students are responsible for checking the class Bright Space page and Brockport email regularly, as outlined in the Student Handbook. On-line learning requires active student learning. Your faculty are there to offer guidance, mentorship, support, and collaboration. You are responsible for any communications sent electronically via faculty direct email (NOT through Brightspace) and for submitting assignments on time. All assignment submissions and communication with the instructor should be done through Brockport email.

Students are responsible for checking the class Bright Space page course announcements and Brockport email regularly, as outlined in the Student Handbook. Students are responsible for any communications sent electronically and for submitting assignments on time.

Please note that under no circumstances should you be taking pictures of quiz questions or writing them out in an email. Copying quiz questions in any manner for any purpose violates the academic dishonesty policy below. If you have a question about a quiz simply state the nature/concept of the question in an email to your course faculty and ask for clarification.

Academic Dishonesty

The School of Nursing supports the College Policy on Academic Honesty as outlined below. It is the students responsibility to review and follow the Artificial Intelligence (AI) guidelines as outlined in the ANA Position Statement on Artificial Intelligence (AI) in Nursing. Inappropriate AI usage will be considered a violation of the academic integrity policy.

General

1. An academic community functions most successfully when there is trust among all members, academic dishonesty is a serious breach of that trust which exists between a student, one’s fellow students and/or the instructor.
2. Academic dishonesty is a major violation of University policy, which can result in a range of disciplinary actions from a reprimand to suspension or expulsion from the institution. (You can learn more about it at Academic Dishonesty Policy). Any student suspected of such a violation will be subject to charges in accordance with the Student Council Regulations.
3. Violations of academic honesty include, but are not limited to, the actions described at Academic Dishonesty Policy. Established school, unity, and/or individual policies will address circumstances unique or specific to particular academic areas. When such policies are developed, they shall be forwarded to the President for approval and incorporation in this policy.
4. Concern of academic dishonesty violations in any undergraduate/prerequisite courses will be subject to denying admission to the nursing program and result in dismissal during nursing program without ability to reapply.
5. Guided by the ANA Position Statement on Artificial Intelligence (AI) in Nursing, the use of Artificial Intelligence software to generate all or part of assignments without acknowledgment of use and instructor’s permission to do so, is a violation of the academic integrity expectation and will be responded to as such.

Definitions

Academic dishonesty may be seen as including the following:

1. Presenting as one’s own: words, ideas, or products of another without providing a standard form of documentation such as footnotes, endnotes, or bibliographic documentation.
2. Taking screen shots and/or pictures of quiz questions, or writing them out in an email.
3. Fabricating facts, statistics, or other forms of evidence in papers, laboratory experiments, or other assignments.
4. Presenting someone else’s paper or material as one’s own work.
5. Writing or attempting to write an examination, paper, computer work or material for another student; allowing someone else to take one’s examination.
6. Buying and/or selling of examinations; possession of examinations or answers to examinations without the permission of the instructor. Taking screenshots of online exams, quizzes and/or case study materials, etc.
7. Using “cheat” sheets, looking onto another person’s paper or talking to someone other than the instructor or proctor during an examination without the instructor’s permission.
8. Failing to follow the rules of conduct for taking an examination as stipulated by the instructor prior to the examination or as stated by him or her in a written course syllabus.
9. Presenting work for which credit has already been received in a previous course, without the consent of the instructor.

Guidelines for Writing Papers in the RN to BSN Program 

All papers will be written in APA format, in professional paper format. Refer to the APA Publication Manual of the American Psychological Association (7th ed.) for assistance. Papers that do not comply with APA requirements will lose points from the grade for the paper and may be returned to the student for revision.

Students should follow the APA Guidelines introduced in the RN to BSN Nursing Orientation and PRO 306. All papers that are to be written in the RN to BSN program must be in APA style. Students should utilize student resources discussed in RN to BSN orientation, Turn it In, EagleSucess, course syllabi, course assignment guidelines, and follow rubrics for all written assignments. The use of Artificial Intelligence software to generate all or part of assignments without acknowledgment of use and instructor’s permission to do so, is a violation of the academic integrity expectation and will be responded to as such as per our Academic Dishonesty Policy.  

Professional Code of Conduct 

Since students are preparing for a professional role, professional conduct is expected in all aspects of the course. The State University of New York At Brockport University School of Nursing will additionally uphold the American Nurses Association (ANA) Code of Ethics as the standard for professional conduct of nurses.

For review take a look at Code of Ethics for Nurses.

The SON is committed to the development of a professional nurse who will practice within the ANA Nursing Code of Ethics and whose practice is guided by the values of altruism, autonomy, human dignity, integrity and social justice. Our goal is to graduate students who will practice with these inherent values and to ensure the profession continues to be accountable to and trusted by the communities we serve. Behavior that deviates from the ANA Nursing Code of Ethics will not be tolerated within the nursing program and can result in course failure and or dismissal from the Nursing Program.

The provisions are as follows:

1. The nurse, in all professional relationships, practices with compassion and respect for the inherent dignity, worth, and uniqueness, of every individual, unrestricted by considerations of social or economic status, personal attributes, or the nature of health problems.
2. The nurse’s primary commitment, is to the patient, whether an individual, family, group, or community.
3. The nurse promotes, advocates for, and strives to protect the health, safety, and rights of the patient.
4. The nurse is responsible and accountable for individual nursing practice and determines the appropriate delegation of tasks consistent with the nurse’s obligation to provide optimum patient care.
5. The nurse owes the same duties to self as to others, including the responsibility to preserve the integrity and safety, to maintain competence, and to continue personal and professional growth.
6. The nurse participates in establishing, maintaining, and improving health care environments and conditions of employment conducive to the provision of quality health care and consistent with the values of the profession through individual and collective action.
7. The nurse participates in the advancement of the profession through contributions to practice, education, administration, and knowledge development.
8. The nurse collaborates with other health professionals and the public in promoting community, national and international efforts to meet health needs.
9. The profession of nursing, as represented by the association and its members, is responsible for articulating nursing values, for maintaining the integrity of the profession and its practice, and for shaping social policy.

Student-Faculty Online Meeting Expectations

When meeting with faculty in a virtual platform with camera use, or when completing an assignment which requires your web camera to be on, a safe and inclusive environment must be provided by both parties. This includes wearing professional and appropriate clothing (no tank tops, sports bras, pajamas, etc.) and removing any offensive or vulgar items which may appear in the background. Both parties retain the right to request a change in clothing and/or relocation to a more suitable location during live meetings. If an assignment was completed with inappropriate clothing or background, students will be asked to resubmit the assignment, subject to late penalties. If you have questions about appropriate dress or location, please contact the course faculty before the meeting or submitting the assignment.

General Grading Guidelines and Expectations 

Please refer to each of your course syllabi for course specific grading and expectations. Your syllabus is your learning contract that you will be required to read. You will attest to each course syllabus within Brightspace Learning System.

Below are some general principals to expect, please note course policies can differ from course to course as outlined in the syllabus:

1. Students can expect grades/feedback on individual assignments within 1 week from the due date on the assignment. Faculty will get grades/feedback on larger project/papers back to students with 2 weeks of the due date assigned. If grading/feedback is going to be delayed due to extenuated circumstances, faculty will communicate the delay directly to students within the course.
2. Faculty spend substantial time trying to offer meaningful feedback on any errors or concerns in this regard. It is the expectation for students to utilize this feedback to improve on subsequent assignments. If the feedback is not applied or is ignored, faculty do reserve the right to deduct points for APA formatting and grammar on the rubric. If a student has any questions about feedback that was provided, it is the expectation for that student to reach out to the instructor and ask for clarification so proper application of the feedback can be used for further improvement.
3. All assignments are required to be turned in on time. Course work missed due to documented illness or other acceptable circumstances, must be discussed with the instructor prior to the assignment due date. It is the students’ responsibility to communicate with their instructor. This means the student MUST email the course faculty BEFORE the due date of course work to discuss the extenuating circumstance.Exceptions are only made for extenuating circumstances; this does not include work schedules.

 

For students matriculated in the RN-BSN program, the following grade scale will be used:

Letter Grade	Numerical Range
A	94-100
A-	90-93
B+	87-89
B	84-86
B-	80-83
C+	77-79
C	75-76
C-	70-74
D+	67-69
D	64-66
D-	60-63
E	Less than 60

Program GPA Requirements:

Upon completion of all the core Nursing courses in the RN-BSN program, students are required to have a final GPA in the major of 2.5 to earn a BSN degree. Global rounding does NOT apply to GPAs.

A GPA below 2.5 will result in a denial of degree by the Registrar when applying for graduation until any course grades that are low are repeated for a higher grade to raise the GPA to the required minimum of 2.5.

Financial aid will not pay for courses again that were already passed with a C or higher, so any repeated course will have to be paid out-of-pocket.

Advisement

During the admission process our RN to BSN program team is responsible for the initial advisement process which includes the review of your application, academic reports and your first semester course schedule. A few weeks into the PRO 306 course, usually around week 4, you will be contacted by our advisement coordinator Prof. McClung, who will inform you of your assigned RN to BSN advisor. That advisor, who is an instructor in our program, will continue to help you with your advisement needs for the remainder of your time in the RN to BSN Program. The name of your permanent academic advisor will then be found on your Degree Works report once assigned during your time in Pro 306. New students can contact our Advisement Coordinator, Professor McClung regarding preliminary advisement information before they are assigned their permanent advisor, and she will help you with anything you need. After you are assigned your permanent advisor, you may contact them as needed via email or phone for an appointment.

Typically, during Fall and Spring mid-term (October/March) each advisor will post appointment times and ask you to sign-up for a meeting. For incoming summer cohorts, advising is typically doner in June/July. It is strongly recommended that prior to advising, students review their Degree Works report to ensure its up to date and reflects your progression. If you note anything you think is incorrect, you may request a Degree audit review by emailing transfercredit@brockport.edu.

Completing your advisement is how you obtain your registration/advisement code. Students will NOT be able to register for courses without an advisement key code. It is your responsibility to sign up for an appointment. Most appointments will occur via phone, TEAMS, or another electronic venue as set-up by your advisor. You will need to comply with any requirements your advisor has established. Remember, engaging in the shared responsibility of the advisement process is paramount to your program progression and success.

After completing advisement, students are responsible for registering for the courses outlined during your advisement session. For further registration information, please refer to your RN to BSN orientation.

Please notify your faculty and advisor immediately if you are unsuccessful in any of your courses or if you’d like to modify your advisement plan. Refer to Registration Deadlines for dates of add/drop. If you do not drop by the deadline dates, it may result in failure so please refer to these dates each semester. Faculty is not permitted to register or withdrawal students from courses. After you have completed your registration, it is then students’ responsibility to affirm enrollment in the Brockportal which verifies that the student intent and financial responsibility.

Progression Policy

PRO 306: Introduction to Baccalaureate Practice for Nurses is foundational to all other courses a student will take in our program. This course must be completed satisfactorily before advancing in any additional courses in the Nursing Major. In the event that students do not satisfactorily complete PRO 306, they will not be allowed to continue in or register for any nursing courses until these requirements are met.

To successfully complete PRO 306, both an overall course grade, of 75%, AND a score of 75% on the final paper are required. If both mandatory components of PRO 306 are not completed satisfactorily, the student will receive an “E” for the course and be required to drop any current nursing courses for which they are registered. The student will then need to repeat Pro 306 to allow them to further work on developing the skills needed to be successful in their upcoming courses to proceed. Remediation activities such as working with a writing tutor may be recommended by the supervising faculty to ensure the skill level needed to be successful in the program is present before the student proceeds in their courses.

Additionally, satisfactory progress and continued progression through the RN-BSN program requires students who are enrolled in the following courses to earn a minimum grade of “C” in these courses.

• PRO 358 Statistics for Nurses
• PRO 310 Research Process
• NUR 364 Health Assessment for the RN
• NUR 322 Pharmacotherapeutics for the RN
• NUR 452 Leadership and Management for the RN
• NUR 471 Community-based Epidemiology
• NUR 473 EBP for the RN I
• NUR 475 EBP for the RN II

Students must also pass the following courses with a grade of “S.”

• NUR 365 Health Assessment Clinical for the RN
• NUR 472 Community-based Epidemiology Clinical which includes 10 hours of direct community volunteer experience

A 2.5 GPA must be maintained in the major to be successful in the program.

For the following nursing courses, there are no prerequisites and the sequence in which they are taken is not specified.

• NUR 322 Pharmacotherapeutics for the RN
• NUR 364 Health Assessment for the RN (must be taken concurrently with NUR 365)
• NUR 365 Health Assessment Clinical for the RN (must be taken concurrently with NUR 364)
• PRO 452 Leadership and Management for the RN

For the following courses, prerequisite courses are specified and must be completed with a minimum grade of “C” prior to registering for the course.

Course Prerequisite(s)

PRO 310: PRO 358
NUR 471/472: PRO 358, PRO 310
NUR 473: PRO 358, PRO 310
NUR 475: PRO 358, PRO 310, NUR 473

Under no circumstances will students be allowed to register for a course without satisfactorily completing all prerequisites. Students who do so will be dropped from the course and will be held responsible for any financial liability applied by the college.

*In addition to the listed nursing prerequisites, the following pre-requisite courses or equivalent must be completed, with a minimum grade of “C”, prior to registration for NUR 471/NUR 472, NUR 473, and NUR 475:

• BIO 321 Anatomy & Physiology I
• BIO 322 Anatomy & Physiology II
• BIO 323 Microbiology
• Psychology: any acceptable PSH course
• Sociology: any acceptable SOC course

Students will not be allowed to withdraw from a course after the College’s drop/add period if they are failing that course. Refer to Registration deadlines for dates of add/drop. If you do not drop by the deadline dates, it may result in failure so please refer to these dates each semester.

Students who earn less than a “C” in any nursing course will have one (1) opportunity to repeat the course and must earn a minimum grade of “C”. Those who repeat a nursing course and earn less than a “C” will be dismissed from the program. Students who earn less than a “C” in more than one nursing course will be dismissed from the RN-BSN program.

If either component of NUR 364/365 is not completed satisfactorily (earned grade of “C” or higher), both components must be repeated.

If either component of NUR 471/NUR 472 are not completed satisfactorily, the failed course must be repeated within one year of starting the successfully completed epidemiology course. If the failed course is not repeated successfully within one year, both components must be repeated.

Incomplete Grade Contracts

In accordance with College-wide Incomplete policy, the decision to grant a grade of incomplete is solely the course instructor’s and should be based upon incomplete work, not failed examinations or poor attendance. After course faculty collaborate with your advisor, course instructor/course coordinator, it will be determined if an incomplete is granted. If course faculty member approves a grade of Incomplete because of unusual circumstances, the faculty member will complete an incomplete contract. Both the faculty member and the student will sign this contract. The contract shall state the work to be completed, the date by which it must be completed, and the alternate grade to be assigned if the work is not completed as stated. The contract is forwarded to the RN to BSN program Chairperson for approval and is filed with the registrar.

Dismissal Policy

The School of Nursing faculty continuously evaluates the students during their professional baccalaureate nursing education at SUNY Brockport. Students can be dismissed from the Program at any time for failure to meet the school’s standards, violations of Nursing Practice in New York as defined by NYS State Education Law, Article 139 or based on the following criteria:

1. Failure of any one course within the nursing major will result in the student being placed on academic probation. Failure of two courses will result in immediate dismissal from the program.
2. Failure to provide safe care to clients during any clinical experience
3. Academic dishonesty such as cheating on an examination, theft of an examination, or plagiarism of assignments from any printed source or the work of others.
4. Use of Artificial Intelligence software to generate all or part of an assignment without acknowledgment of use and instructor’s permission to do so as outlined in the Academic Dishonesty Policy.
5. Lack of commitment to the values of the nursing profession as evidenced through behavior and attitudes expressed in the classroom or clinical placement site. Guidelines for Suitability and Capacity to Enter the Profession of Nursing
6. Abusive Criticism: The faculty and staff are open to receiving and responding to constructive suggestions. Processes are available to allow for appeals of grades and for other grievances. The expression of criticism or problems through the use of abusive language or disruptive behavior directed toward faculty or staff will not be tolerated. Such behavior is inconsistent with professional standards and inappropriate for students aspiring to a career in nursing.
7. Inappropriate use of social media: The use of social media such as Facebook, YouTube, My Space, Twitter, Allnurses.com, blogs, etc. provide the ability for students to communicate with and receive support from their peers. However, students need to be aware that publishing information on these sites may be public for anyone to see and could be traced back to them as individuals. Nursing students are preparing for a profession that provides services to the public and expects high standards of behavior. Therefore, the student should remember that confidential information related to individuals or agencies must not be disclosed. HIPAA guidelines must be followed at all times. Information concerning clients/clinical rotations must not be posted in any online forum or webpage. Students are legally responsible for anything that may be posted in social media forums.
8. Severe maladaptation to the educational process as evidenced by:
   1. student’s lack of ability to participate productively in a classroom situation.
   2. a consistent pattern of inadequate class preparation.
   3. a consistent pattern of late completion of assignments.
   4. irresponsible behavior in class or clinical placement site.
   5. a consistent pattern of absence from class or clinical.

   Students will receive written notification from their nursing instructor or RN to BSN program chair of impending dismissal due to unsafe or unprofessional behavior. Students may be asked to leave a clinical site or classroom immediately in the event of unsafe or unprofessional behavior. Written notification will follow.

   Students will be given the opportunity to be heard. In the event of dismissal from the Program, the student will be informed of the right to appeal which may be found at Grade Appeal Policy.

NCLEX Pass Policy

It is required that you have passed your NCLEX prior to starting the RN to BSN program. You will not be able to register for any Nursing courses if you have not passed the NCLEX exam.

It is your responsibility to notify the RN-BSN office with your examination results. If successful, you will receive your course schedule, if unsuccessful, you will be guided towards next steps.

RN Employment Policy

Do I need to be working as a registered nurse before starting the program?

You do not need to be working when you start the program but be aware that there are many courses and assignments in the program that require you to have access to a healthcare system and healthcare workers to complete them. For instance, you may be assigned interviews with those in healthcare leadership positions or be asked to identify a problem in your clinical area in order to complete your final capstone project. Students who are working in the profession may have an easier time in some of their courses for this reason.

Reimbursement Policy

Employers may request course completion verification. Each employer is different, so please check with your employer on what is required.

Brockport does offer several features that will help you in this process. You may print your final grades from the Brockportal. However, keep in mind it can take several weeks after course completion for grades to post. You will also notice a course completion column in each course grade book. After completing your course successfully, faculty will assign you a final grade with associated course credits. This can be printed for reimbursement.

All policies in the Department of RN to BSN Student Handbook have been reviewed and updated 7/1/25

Student Resources

Writing Tutor

Librarian

Nursing Research Guide

APA