School of Nursing
Requirements and Regulations
Absence from Classes
Adding or Dropping Courses
Appeals and Grievances
Audit
CLEP
Clinical Grading Requirement
Credit by Examination
Dean's Honor List
End-of-Semester Academic Actions
English as a Second Language
Grading Systems
Graduating with Distinction
Health Documentation Requirements
Health Care Recommendations
Incompletes
Independent Study
Pass/Fail Option
Program Load
Progression in the Curriculum
Reentry
Removal from Academic Action
Repeating Courses
Residency
Retro Language Credits
Second Degree
Selection of Second Major
Withdrawal
Absence from Classes
Any student who is absent from three or more clinical or laboratory periods in a nursing course may be required to drop the course.
Adding or Dropping Courses
Students may add courses during the first two weeks of classes following the same procedure used for Web enrollment. Students may add courses after the first two weeks of class only after receiving the director of advising and admissions of undergraduate programs and departmental approval. Students may drop courses through the ninth week of classes; however, courses dropped after Wednesday of the second week of classes will appear on the transcript. For course changes that cannot be made via Web enrollment module, a Course Change Form must be used.
Students are expected to complete the form online, print three copies and take forms to their advisor's office. Each entry on the Course Change Form must be stamped by that course's department. An advisor's signature is required on all undergraduate nursing student's Course Change Forms.
Consult the Summer Sessions Timetable for summer deadline dates.
A student who drops a nursing course may reenroll in the course when space is available. A student who drops a nursing course a second time is not eligible for the course a third time.
Appeals and Grievances
Students who feel they have been treated unfairly have the right to question this treatment and receive a prompt hearing of the grievance. Before instituting an appeal or grievance, students should discuss their particular situations with an appropriate staff member, e.g., faculty member, director of undergraduate programs, associate dean, or advisor. For more detailed information about instituting an appeal or grievance, see Student Appeals and Grievance Procedures.
Audit
A student may enroll to audit a course only with the consent of the instructor. Auditors are expected to attend with reasonable regularity and participate in the course activities and assignments. Audit courses carry no degree credits and are not graded. Audit courses do not count in determining minimum or maximum credits carried in each term.
CLEP
The College Level Examination Program (CLEP) enables those who have attained college level competency outside the classroom to take general or subject examinations for college credit or placement. Both examinations are intended for the public at large, returning service personnel, and entering freshmen. Credit will be granted for the general examination only to freshmen before they have earned more than fifteen degree credits. For further information refer to the College of Letters and Science section in this catalog.
Students who have mastered content in a subject area not included in CLEP may inquire at the appropriate university department about their eligibility to obtain credit.
Clinical Grading Requirement
Students must earn at least a C (2.0) grade in each required nursing clinical course. They must receive a CR (credit) in N219 and in N319. Any student who earns a grade below C (2.0) in a required nursing clinical course must repeat this course in order to progress in the program. To repeat the clinical course, an appeal must be made to the associate dean for academic programs, who will decide whether or not the appeal merits approval. Upon a successful appeal, a student may repeat a failed clinical course based upon course schedule and available space. A clinical course can be repeated only once. Students cannot continue in the program after the second failed attempt.
Credit by Examination
For students accepted into the nursing major who have had experiences related to nursing outside of an accredited collegiate school of nursing, credit by examination options are available. Students who are successful will be granted credit. Students also may earn credit by examination in selected general education courses on the basis of previous education and experience.
Dean's Honor List
The purpose of the Dean's Honor List is to recognize superior academic achievement of undergraduate students. Students must achieve a GPA of 3.75 or above on a semester load of not fewer than 12 credits in order to be placed on the dean's list. A notation of Dean's Honor list will be made on the students transcript below semester it is achieved.
Students who earn a semester grade point average of 3.25- 3.74 on 12 or more credits will receive a congratulatory statement on their end-of-semester grade report form.
End-of-Semester Academic Actions
Every student registered in the school is expected to maintain at least a 2.5 grade point average in each semester or summer session. Academic actions (warning, probation, or dropped) are taken by the registrar's office in both the pre-nursing and nursing components of the program.
In the pre-nursing sequence (PRN classification), the student's academic status at the end of each semester or summer is determined as follows:
If not on warning and:
- Grade point average in a semester or summer session is less than 2.5 but 1.75 or above: warning.
- Grade point average in a semester or summer session is less than 1.75: probation.
If on warning and:
- Grade point average in a semester or summer session is less than 2.5, but 1.75 or above: probation.
- Grade point average in a semester or summer session is less than 1.75: dropped from program.
If on probation and:
- Grade point average in a semester or summer session is 2.5 or above, but cumulative GPA remains under 2.5: continued probation.
- Grade point average in semester or summer session is less than 2.5 or nursing cumulative is below 2.5: dropped from program.
After admission to the nursing sequence of courses (NUR, NWC, NRN and NCP classification), in addition to the pre-nursing policies, the following guidelines also apply:
Students are placed on probation when they have:
- Grade of F or NC in any nursing course;
- A nursing cumulative grade point average below 2.5.
English as a Second Language
Students whose native language is not English must have facility for English adequate for university work and must take a test before enrolling for the first time at the university. Students who do not have an adequate knowledge of English may enroll for one semester in English as a Second Language. The student assigned to this program satisfies the basic English composition requirements by receiving a passing grade in English 118. No student may earn more than six degree credits for course work carried in the program in English as a Second Language and none of the credits can be used to satisfy humanities requirements.
Grading Systems
The quality of a student's work is expressed in terms of a grade point average (GPA) for each semester and summer session and cumulatively for all academic work. The GPA is the total number of grade points earned, divided by the total number of credits carried, exclusive of certain credits. For a more detailed explanation, see the Grading System section in the beginning of this catalog.
Graduating with Distinction
Graduation with Distinction will be noted on the transcript of students who earned 60 or more credits at UW-Madison and a grade point average that places them in the top 20 percent of those graduating from the School of Nursing that term.
Health Documentation Requirements
Students on clinical rotations in health care facilities are at higher risk than the general population for acquiring communicable diseases such as hepatitis B and tuberculosis. A health care worker or student who has one of these diseases may, in turn, infect other personnel and patients. Such infections established in a health care facility are serious in their potential for medical and possibly legal complications. Any student who is exposed to a communicable disease is required to report the exposure to their clinical instructor. Hospitals (including University of Wisconsin Hospital & Clinics and Gundersen Lutheran Hospital), health care agencies and providers require evidence of immunization or natural immunity against those diseases which can be prevented. For detailed information, see this website. Students are responsible for arrangements and cost of all health requirements.
Health Care Recommendations
Students in the health care professions are at increased risk of exposure to communicable diseases and should review their immunization status. Students are encouraged to comply with the recommendations below for their own personal health.
- Polio. Routine immunization against polio is recommended. Childhood immunization is sufficient. Adult immunization is not routinely necessary.
- Influenza. Students are encouraged to be vaccinated against influenza each year. Influenza immunizations are available at no charge through University Health Services. Special immunization clinics are often available at the Clinical Science Center and other sites throughout the campus.
- A vaccine is available for meningococcal disease. Students should consult with their health care provider for more information about the vaccine.
- Human Papilloma Virus (HPV). HPV vaccination is recommended for all women up to age 26 without medical contraindication. Students should consult with their health care provider for more information about the vaccine.
Students who have questions about health—physical and/or emotional—are expected to seek care promptly, and are encouraged to go to the University Health Services or their own providers. Students are strongly urged to have health insurance while enrolled at the University of Wisconsin-Madison, either through a private insurance company or through the university-sponsored Student Health Insurance Program (SHIP). For more information call 608-265-5232.
Please note that the enrollment in the SHIP Plan is mandatory for all international students and their dependents residing in this country, unless they can provide evidence of continuous enrollment in a health insurance plan with comparable benefits.
The School of Nursing complies with the Federal Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) Rule on Bloodborne Pathogens. The UW-Madison Occupational Health Committee developed the Bloodborne Pathogens Reference and Training Manual and the UW-Madison Exposure Control Plan. These documents provide guidelines to the School of Nursing and the campus for creating a safe study and work environment.
Incompletes
Ordinarily a grade of incomplete is given by an instructor if the student has not been able to complete a limited portion of course requirements. The reason for use of the incomplete designation must be for unusual or substantial cause beyond the control of the student. A grade of incomplete is not given to permit repeating failing work or doing work beyond course requirements to improve the student's standing in the course. Incompletes must be removed not later than the end of the next semester the student is enrolled on campus or the incomplete will revert to an F grade.
Independent Study
Students are responsible for identifying their area of interest or question, establishing objectives for their learning experience, and developing a learning contract with the faculty member. All independent study requires the consent of the instructor. Approval forms are available online at this link; the forms require the instructor's signature. Also, nursing elective credits are granted for independent study. The enrollment class number is available in the Schedule of Classes.
Pass/Fail Option
The total number of ungraded credits (i.e., pass/fail) applied to graduation requirements may not exceed 24. Students who plan graduate study are advised to consult with graduate studies departments to determine acceptance of credits taken under the pass/fail option. Students eligible for the pass/fail privilege are continuing students with NUR, NWC, NRN, NCP, or PRN 2, 3 or 4 classifications who have a minimum 2.5 cumulative grade point average on all courses completed and have no end-of-semester actions on their current record. Newly admitted students in these classifications are also eligible for the pass/fail privilege.
Only one course can be carried on pass/fail basis during each semester or summer session; or 3- or 4 credits of 1-credit modular courses. No required courses may be carried under the pass/fail option. The registrar's office will convert final letter grades reported by the student's instructor to an S (pass) grade if the letter grade is C or higher or to a U (fail) if the final letter grade is below C. Course credits in which a student obtains a U grade cannot be counted toward the minimum of 124 credits required for graduation.
Students interested in the pass/fail option must contact their advisor (263-5202) K6/146 to determine eligibility and request authorization to complete a pass/fail form. Students must register for the pass/fail option no later than the end of the fourth week of classes each semester and by the end of the second week of classes in the eight-week summer session. Pass/fail forms are available online here.
Note: During summer sessions, the deadline is prorated to the equivalent of the end of one quarter of the session.
Program Load
A full-time program is 12 to 18 credits for a semester. Students who wish to carry more than 18 credits per semester must obtain permission from the associate dean for academic programs. Students will be assessed additional tuition per credit on all credits carried over 18.
Progression in the Curriculum
To be in good standing students must maintain:
- a cumulative GPA of 2.5 or above on all courses completed;
- a cumulative GPA of 2.5 or above on all nursing courses completed;
- a semester GPA of 2.5 or above.
The time required to complete the program depends on the sequence of courses, plan of study, obtaining credit by examination, and placement availability in nursing courses. Students may complete the program in four years; however, additional semesters or summer sessions may be needed to fulfill requirements.
If requirements for the degree have not been completed within five years after admission to the nursing major, the student's academic record will be reviewed by the associate dean for academic programs to establish additional requirements, if appropriate.
Reentry
Any student who leaves the School of Nursing and wishes to return after an absence of one semester or more must file a reentry application at the Office of Undergraduate Admissions.
Permission to reenter is dependent on previous academic standing and length of absence. Immediate placement in required nursing courses is not assured.
Students seeking reentry to the baccalaureate program who have left on academic action must be reviewed by the associate dean for academic programs and the chair of the admissions committee.
If readmission is granted, academic requirements may be specified to insure currency in nursing knowledge and skills prior to enrolling in clinical nursing courses. These requirements may include remediation and/or repetition of courses, depending on academic standing or length of time since leaving the program. The remaining program will be planned as considered best for the student and according to the current curriculum.
Removal from Academic Action
Any student on academic action will automatically be cleared of action status when the semester grade point average is 2.5 or above and the cumulative grade point average is 2.5 or above; and if NUR, NWC, NRN, or NCP classification, the nursing cumulative grade point average is at least 2.5 or above.
Repeating Courses
Undergraduate students may repeat any non-clinical course once without special permission of the associate dean, with all grades (A through F) and their associated grade points included in the GPA, but with credits counted only once for any other purpose.
A grade of F in a course must be repeated within the next two semesters in residence. No more than two nursing courses may be repeated.
Residency
Students must complete at least 30 credits at UW-Madison.
Baccalaureate students must complete at least 15 credits in nursing courses from the School of Nursing, including one required clinical nursing course at the 400 level or above.
Retro Language Credits
Students enrolled in the School of Nursing may earn retroactive credit in foreign language. These credits count as elective credit, not as humanities credit.
Second Degree
Second undergraduate degree candidates are considered for admission to both the pre-nursing and nursing classifications. Students who apply as second undergraduate program candidates must meet the admission and transfer grade point requirements of the university in place at the time they apply for admission. If admitted, an action is taken granting permission to pursue a second degree.
Selection of Second Major
Students may pursue a second major. Students must file a Major Declaration form with the second major. This form must be reviewed by the director of advising and admissions for the undergraduate programs of the School of Nursing, and an action is taken granting permission to pursue a second major.
Withdrawal
A nursing student who finds it necessary to withdraw during a semester or summer session must talk with an advisor and complete the withdrawal process. Failure to do so may result in a recording of failure for all courses.
Any student may withdraw from the program without grades being recorded during the first twelve weeks of a semester. After the twelfth week a student may withdraw only with the permission of the director of advising and admissions for undergraduate programs.