Students enrolled in the undergraduate nursing program shall abide by the Salem State University policies on Academic Integrity: Salem State University Academic Integrity Policy .

Academic Rights and Grievance

Students shall abide by the Salem State University policies of Student Rights found in the Salem State University Academic Catalog: Student Grievance Procedure on Academic Matters .

As the initiator of the process, the burden of proof is on the student. It is incumbent upon the student, while attempting to resolve the issue, to strictly adhere to the established procedure.

Step 1a: Student and Faculty Member:

The student and faculty member will directly discuss circumstances related to any aggrieved issue. If an acceptable resolution is not attained, the student may bring the concern to the Department Chairperson. Students must notify the Chairperson of the aggrieved issue within seven business days of meeting with faculty (Monday through Friday-excluding observed holidays and the university’s winter and spring break).

Step 1b: Student and Lab or Clinical Faculty Member:

The student and clinical faculty member will directly discuss circumstances related to any aggrieved issue. If an acceptable resolution is not attained, the student will bring the concern to the Theory Faculty or Course Coordinator. If an acceptable resolution is not attained, the student may bring the concern in writing to the Department Chairperson. Students must notify the Chairperson of the aggrieved issue within seven business days of meeting with faculty (Monday through Friday-excluding observed holidays and the university’s winter and spring break).

Step 2: Chairperson:

The Chairperson will meet with both the student and faculty either together or separately to review the aggrieved issue and determine
an acceptable resolution. The Chairperson will respond with a decision within seven business days of the meeting(s) (Monday through Friday-excluding observed holidays and the university’s winter and spring break).

Step 3: Dean of the Maguire Meservey College of Health and Human Services:

If there is no resolution following steps 1 and 2, the student may submit a formal written appeal to the Dean within seven business days following
receipt of the Department Chair’s decision. The Dean will respond within seven business days (Monday through Friday-excluding observed holidays and
the university’s winter and spring break) to the written appeal. The Dean’s decision is final. Students cannot appeal the Dean’s decision for reconsideration. Any further appeal is restricted to documented procedural lapses.

Admissions Policy

Admission policies for the BSN program for first year, LPN to BSN, and accelerated BSN applicants are as follows:

First Year Applicants

The minimum recalculated high school GPA, based upon the Massachusetts Board of Higher Education admissions standards for state universities and University of Massachusetts system, must be 3.0 or higher.
High school or secondary school transcripts are required at time of application. All admitted students will be required to submit official transcripts documenting graduation. Verification for any non-U.S. based secondary education must be validated by an approved agency. Four approved agencies include: Center for Educational Documentation, World Education Services, North American Educational Group, or Educational Credential Evaluators
SAT is optional for students admitted into the nursing program.
All applicants to the nursing program must provide evidence of adherence to the Massachusetts Department of Public Health Immunization Requirements for Health Science students upon enrollment to Salem State University.
Applicants must comply with Salem State University admission requirements for first year students: First Year Admissions Requirements.

LPN-BSN Applicants

All applicants must possess an unencumbered LPN license.
All applicants must provide an official transcript from an accredited LPN program attended with a minimum GPA of 3.0 (with an equivalency of 80%).
All applicants must have completed 12 credits of college-level work with a minimum GPA of 3.0. Transcripts from a college or university outside the U.S. must be validated by an approved agency.
Official transcripts from all colleges and universities attended must be provided.
Applicants must have completed two required science courses and earned a minimum C (74%) grade.
The TEAS test version 7.0 is required. Applicants must score at the proficient level (58.7 minimum), or higher, in all four required categories: Math, English, Science, and Reading.
High school or secondary school transcripts are required at the time of application. All admitted students will be required to submit final transcripts documenting graduation, GED or equivalent. Verification for any non U.S. based secondary education must be validated by an approved agency. Four approved agencies include: Center for Educational Documentation, World Education Services, North American Educational Group, or Educational Credential Evaluators
All applicants to the nursing program must provide evidence of adherence to the Massachusetts Department of Public Health Immunization Requirements for Health Science students upon enrollment to Salem State University.

Accelerated BSN Program Applicants

Applicants must possess a completed bachelor’s degree from a U. S. college or university with a minimum GPA of 3.0. For students with degree from outside the U. S. please see below.
High school or secondary school transcripts are required at the time of application. All admitted students will be required to submit official transcripts documenting graduation, GED or equivalent. Verification for any non-U.S. based secondary education must be validated by an approved agency. Four approved agencies include: Center for Educational Documentation, World Education Services, North American Educational Group, or Educational Credential Evaluators.
An applicant may be enrolled in up to two prerequisite courses at the time of the application deadline. Applicants must have all prerequisites completed prior to enrollment. Completed transcripts must be submitted prior to the start of the program in May.
Completion of the following pre-requisite courses with a minimum grade of B- (80 %) is required: Anatomy and Physiology I and II (with lab), Microbiology (with lab), Chemistry (with lab), Statistics, General Psychology and Adulthood and Old Age Psychology.
All applicants to the nursing program must provide evidence of adherence to the Massachusetts Department of Public Health Immunization Requirements for Health Science students upon enrollment at Salem State University.
Graduates of a non-U.S. college or university are eligible to apply if the following two conditions are met:

An official transcript documenting the award of a bachelor’s degree is submitted. All transcripts from institutions outside of the United States must have an evaluation from an approved agency of all courses completed, final grades, academic degree(s) earned, and grade point averages.
Completion of the MASS Transfer Block at a Massachusetts Community College with the official stamped transcript on or before the start of Summer Session I (May 1) of the year in which enrollment begins. Please see the Salem State University website for information pertaining to the MASS Transfer Block: Mass Transfer.

Transfer Policy

External Transfer Applicants:

Transfer applicants must complete 12 credits of college-level work with a minimum GPA of 3.0.
Transfer applicants must provide official transcripts from all colleges and universities attended. Transcripts from a college or university outside the U.S. must be validated by an approved agency.
Two required science courses (BIO105, CHE117, BIO200, BIO201, and BIO304 or equivalent) must be completed with a minimum C grade (74).
The TEAS test version 7.0 is required. Applicants must score at the proficient level (58.7 minimum) in all four categories: Math, English, Science and Reading.
High school or secondary school transcripts are required at the time of application. All admitted students will be required to submit official transcripts documenting graduation, GED or equivalent. Verification for any non-U.S. based secondary education must be validated by an approved agency. Four approved agencies include: Center for Educational Documentation, World Education Services, North American Educational Group, or Educational Credential Evaluators.
All applicants to the nursing program must provide evidence of adherence to the Massachusetts Department of Public Health Immunization Requirements for Health Science students upon enrollment at Salem State University.
Students are accepted into the nursing program on a space available basis.

Internal Transfer (Change of Major) Applicants:

Internal transfer applicants must complete 12 credits of course work at Salem State University with a minimum GPA of 3.0.
Two required science courses (BIO105, CHE117, BIO200, BIO201, and BIO304 or equivalent) must be completed with a minimum C grade (74).
All applicants to the nursing program must provide evidence of adherence to the Massachusetts Department of Public Health Immunization Requirements for Health Science students upon enrollment at Salem State University.
High school or secondary school transcripts are required at the time of application. All admitted students will be required to submit official transcripts documenting graduation, GED or equivalent. Verification for any non-U.S. based secondary education must be validated by an approved agency. Four approved agencies include: Center for Educational Documentation, World Education Services, North American Educational Group, or Educational Credential Evaluators.
Students are accepted into the nursing program on a space available basis.

Advanced Placement Policy

Students enrolled in the undergraduate nursing program will abide by the Salem State University policies on Advanced Placement, search under Credit by Examination: Salem State University Undergraduate Catalog
Required nursing courses (NUR) will not be exempted. Students who have completed prior coursework in an accredited nursing program will have specific non-nursing foundation courses reviewed for transfer credit.

Advanced Placement or Transfer of Military Education

Students enrolled in the undergraduate nursing program will abide by the Salem State University policies on Advanced Placement or Transfer of Military education (Valor Act Academic Credit Evaluation Policy). Required nursing courses (NUR) will not be exempted, but students who have completed prior coursework in an accredited nursing program will have specific non-nursing foundation courses reviewed for transfer credit.

Attendance Policy

The School of Nursing mandates attendance at all scheduled classes, nursing skills or simulation labs, and clinical practicums. Attendance enhances student academic success, safe clinical performance, and competency while preparing students for professional nursing practice.

Absences from Examinations

Students are expected to take all examinations as scheduled. If the student is ill or experiences an emergency, the student must contact the course faculty prior to the scheduled exam. Failure to notify faculty will result in an exam score of zero. Make up exams will be an alternate version of the original exam.

Absences from Class

The School of Nursing mandates class attendance and attendance will be taken. Students are required to notify the course faculty prior to the missed class. A student who misses class is responsible for the content and assignments of the class regardless of the reason for missing the class.

Absences from Clinical/ Skills Laboratory/ Simulation Laboratory

Students must attend all scheduled clinical, skills laboratory, and simulation laboratory experiences. The clinical experience (on-campus lab and off-campus clinical sites) is critical to prepare students for professional responsibilities. Each absence from clinical experiences represent a missed opportunity to meet the clinical objectives. All clinical objectives must be met for successful completion of the nursing program. The completion of all clinical hours is a regulatory requirement and essential to meeting clinical objectives. All clinical absences, (clinical faculty, students, clinical site, and weather-related absences) will be made up in the clinical setting. Each student is expected to attend each clinical day on time and prepared for the full number of hours designated.

In the event that a clinical absence is necessary, the student is required to call both their clinical faculty and theory course professor to report their absence prior to the start of clinical.

A student who is late for clinical will not be allowed to participate in clinical that day and will be marked absent, will receive a Critical Element Failure, and will be required to make up the time.
A student who does not call to report a clinical absence will receive a Critical Element Failure and will be required to make up the time.
A student who misses a clinical day due to noncompliance to immunizations or CPR, will receive a Critical Element Failure and will be required to make up the time up.
A student who leaves the clinical site prior to the completion of the required shift hours, will be required to make up the missed hours.
For a full semester clinical more than two absences will result in a clinical failure due to inability to complete course outcomes and program hours.
For a quarter semester clinical more than one absence will result in a clinical failure due to inability to complete course outcome and program hours.

Students must notify the instructor and/or Nursing Resource Center scheduling coordinator of any absence or tardiness prior to the scheduled lab. An absence or excessive tardiness without prior notification will result in a written Critical Element Failure. A student who has not completed the required prep work for the scheduled lab will not be allowed to participate in the lab as scheduled and will receive a Critical Element Failure. Any Sim Lab or make- ups will be scheduled outside of all nursing courses and clinical hours.

Course Exemption Policy

Exemptions for university wide General Education requirements are based upon prior completion of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts General Education Foundations (Mass Transfer Block) or the prior completion of a baccalaureate degree from a regionally accredited college or university in the United States. Limited exemptions for specific General Education and Support course (MAT147, PSY101, PSY322) requirements will be granted under the university policies related to credit by examination or credit for prior learning. Please see Salem State University Prior Learning Credit . Exemptions or substitutions for required science courses (BIO105, BIO200, BIO201, BIO304, CHE117) are determined by the relevant science department.

Required nursing courses (NUR) will not be exempted or substituted.

Course Withdrawal Policy

Students will abide by the Salem State University policy on Course Withdrawal: Salem State University Course Withdrawal .

In addition to the Salem State University course withdrawal policy, students must abide by the School of Nursing course withdrawal policy:
A course withdrawal from any course with a NUR designation in which the student has a grade of < 77% at the time of withdrawal constitutes a course failure.
A course withdrawal from any course with a NUR designation in which the student has a grade of ≥ 77% at the time of withdrawal does not constitute a course failure.
A student who drops a course during the Salem State University add/drop period will not incur a penalty and will be allowed to retake the course.
A student considering a nursing course withdrawal after the add/drop period is required to meet with the course faculty and the School of Nursing Department Chairperson prior to withdrawing from the course, failure to do so will impact the student’s ability to retake the course in accordance with the School of Nursing Progression Policy. Salem State University Catalog Add/Drop Policies.
A student must apply for a Leave of Absence if the student does not plan to enroll in any courses for the following semester. Please see: Salem State University Leave of Absence Policy.
A “W” grade does not factor into the student’s cumulative or major GPA.
Students who withdraw from a nursing course and who are eligible to repeat the course in accordance with the School of Nursing Academic Progression Policy may do so on a space available basis.
Students considering withdrawing should consider course requirements for student housing and financial aid: Salem State University Course Information.

Educational Mobility

Students will abide by the Salem State University policies related to educational mobility (Salem State Undergraduate Catalog ).
The Salem State University BSN curriculum builds upon a strong foundation of liberal arts and science and the Essentials of Baccalaureate Education for Professional Nursing Practice from the American Association of Colleges of Nursing. As noted within the School of Nursing Progression Policy, BSN students must complete the curriculum in sequence.Throughout the BSN program, students discover ways to advance within their practice through formal and informal educational offerings. As personal and professional goals are actualized, and nurses gain advanced competencies and skills, the BSN curriculum’s structure and content at Salem State University allows students to move to the graduate level (MSN level) without unnecessary duplication of prior learning.

Salem State University SON has linked programs with community college partners to accept students meeting the admission requirements for the BSN program (Refer to Mass Transfer). This collaboration helps to facilitate the degree completion process and to avoid duplication of coursework.

Graduation Policy

In accordance with the Salem State University review process, undergraduate program nursing students are eligible to graduate from Salem State University when the following criteria are met:

Completion of all General Education requirements.
Completion of all supporting science courses BIO105, CHE117, BIO200, BIO201, and BIO304 with a C grade or higher in each course.
Completion of PSY101, PSY322 and MAT147 with a C grade or higher in each course.
Completion of all courses with a NUR designation with a C+ grade or higher.
Achievement of a cumulative minimum GPA of 2.0.
Completion of all requirements associated with any optional minors or second majors that have been formally declared by the student.
Completion of a minimum of 120 course credits.

Nursing Immunization and Clinical Requirements Policy

In accordance with Massachusetts law requirements and University policy, immunization and vaccination documentation must be on file in the Salem State Counseling and Health Services Office for students attending Salem State University. The Salem State University policy requires all new students to submit immunization records and be in full compliance with Massachusetts state laws 105 CMR 220.00, 105 CMR 220.660 and the Salem State University Immunization Policy.

Immunization Deadlines

August 1 Fall Admitted Students
December 1 Spring Admitted Students
May 1 Summer Admitted Students

Immunization Requirements for Salem State Nursing Students

Please upload the following to your student health portal: Student Health Portal.

Measles, Mumps & Rubella

Dose one after first birthday
Dose two at least one month after dose one OR
MMR Immune Serology (titer) accepted

Tetanus-Diphtheria and Pertussis: one dose of adult Tdap within the past 10 years. (A Td is NOT an acceptable alternative.)

Varicella (Chicken Pox): two doses of Varicella required

Dose one after first birthday;
Dose two at least three months after dose one if younger than 13; OR
Dose two at least one month after dose one if older than 13 OR
Varicella Immune Serology (titer) accepted

The School of Nursing also requires the following immunizations upon admission:

Hepatitis B

Hepatitis B immune Serology (titer)

COVID-19 Vaccine

Nursing students must be vaccinated against COVID-19. Medical and/or religious exemptions are not accepted (Documentation of previous COVID-19 vaccination must be on file or if not previously vaccinated; one dose current vaccine available)

** Additional vaccines may be required based on clinical partner requirements and CDC Guidelines.

For up to date guidance from the School of Nursing on current requirements, visit the School of Nursing Beyond the Classroom where you will find the student handbook.

School of Nursing Progression Policy

Students must abide by the Salem State University School of Nursing Academic Progression Policy:

Undergraduate Nursing Students BSN Program:

Students must achieve a minimum Major Grade Point Average (GPA) of 2.3 and attain a C+ in all courses with an NUR course designation in accordance with the Salem State Testing Policy.
Students are allowed to repeat one NUR course one time only on a space (seat) in course available basis. The student must repeat the failed NUR course in the next semester. The student must attain a C+ or higher in the Nursing course that they repeat.
Students who fail a second NUR course regardless of their year in the program, will be dismissed from the nursing program. The chair will meet with any nursing student who is being dismissed from the program. The student will be notified in writing that the NUR course failure resulted in dismissal from the program. The chair, the undergraduate coordinator, and the student’s academic faculty advisor will each be available to help out-counsel the student.
Any student contemplating withdrawing from a nursing course must first meet with their course faculty, the program chair, and optionally meet with their nursing academic advisor. Any student who does not seek out faculty and chair of the program prior to withdrawal from a Nursing course will impact their ability to progress in the program.
Students who withdraw from any nursing course will constitute a failure, if their grade at the time of withdrawal is less than 77%.
Students who withdraw from any nursing course in which the student has a 77% average or above does not constitute a failure in the nursing program.
Students must achieve a minimum GPA of 2.0 or C grade in the following science courses or equivalent courses: BIO105, CHE117, BIO200, BIO201, and BIO 304.
Students who do not achieve the minimum science GPA requirement of C or 2.0 in each of the required science courses, must repeat the failed science course. If the student fails a second science course they are dismissed from the nursing program.
Students who fail to meet the minimum science GPA requirement of C when repeating the science course they failed, will be dismissed from the nursing program.
Students must achieve a minimum of 2.0 or C in each of the following nursing support courses: PSY101, PSY322, and MAT147.
Students must achieve a passing grade in their nursing courses with both a clinical and a theoretical component. A student who fails a clinical component of the course will also fail the theory course in which they are enrolled.
Students who have failed only one nursing course with a clinical component must repeat both the nursing theoretical component of the course and the clinical component concurrently and pass both components in order to remain in the program.

Undergraduate Accelerated BSN (ABSN) Nursing Students:

All ABSN students who achieve a grade of less than 77% in any nursing course are dismissed from the nursing program.
Any student in the ABSN program who is considering withdrawing from an ABSN course must meet with the course faculty and then must meet with the Chairperson of the School of Nursing.
If a student who wishes to withdraw from an ABSN course and fails to meet with course faculty or the Chairperson of the School of Nursing will jeopardize their ability to progress in the ABSN program.
An ABSN student who withdraws from their course with a grade greater than or equal to 77% will repeat the course only on a space (seat) available basis.

Readmission Policy

The Readmission Policy applies to any student seeking readmission to the nursing program following an approved absence in accordance with the Salem State University School of Nursing Progression policy, and Salem State University policies pertaining to readmission. . See SSU Leave of Absence Policies .

A student dismissed for violation of professional behavior/conduct is not eligible for readmission to the nursing program.
A student who fails a second course with a NUR designation in accordance with the School of Nursing Academic Progression Policy, is not eligible for readmission, .
A student who fails a second core science course (BIO105, CHE117, BIO200, BIO201, or BIO304) in accordance with the School of Nursing Academic Progression Policy, is not eligible for readmission.

A student who has not been dismissed for any of the above reasons and has filed an application for readmission with the Academic Advising office, if no longer a matriculated student, and has achieved the required minimum GPA in accordance with the School of Nursing Academic Progression policy is eligible for readmission to the nursing program one time only.

Students eligible for readmission to the nursing program must adhere to the following:

Meeting with School of Nursing Department Chairperson to review required components.
An educational contract developed in collaboration with the Department Chair and the student to enhance student success.
Student self-evaluation of any areas that need to be improved upon.
Availability of class and/or clinical space.
Successful demonstration of minimum required clinical skills and knowledge will determine placement in the nursing program.

Social Media Use Policy

Purpose

This policy addresses student use of social media in the classroom and clinical settings.

Definition of Social Media

Social media is digital technology that allows the sharing of ideas and information, including text and visuals,
through virtual networks and communities.

Policy

For social media use in the classroom setting:

If technology is being used for learning, students are not allowed to use their device(s) to interact on social media or for personal use.
Classroom content is the property of Salem State University and is not to be distributed or transmitted digitally including pictures, videos, voice recordings, or postings. Students must receive permission from faculty to record classroom activities. These recordings are for the students’ personal use and cannot be shared or posted on social media.
For social media use in the clinical setting:
- Cell phone use is not allowed in the clinical setting unless permission is given by the clinical agency and clinical instructor.
- If technology is being used for learning purposes, students must not use their device(s) to interact on social media or for personal use while in the learning environment.
The Salem State University School of Nursing adheres to the National Council of State Boards of Nursing Social Media Policy and the ANA Principles for Social Media.
Protected Health Information, as defined by the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA) - For example, individuals may not disclose client names or otherwise refer to clients in any way that identifies them individually, including by their initials or by their location (hospital name or unit). For more information, please refer to the ANA Position Statement on Privacy and Confidentiality.

Discipline

The School of Nursing follows a progressive cumulative two-step disciplinary policy throughout the matriculation of the program. Depending on the seriousness of the infraction, with approval of the Chair of the School of Nursing, the action will advance directly to Step Two of the progression. A student will enter progressive discipline whenever they fail to meet the provisions of this policy. Progressive discipline adheres to the following:

Step One: Counseling and Written Warning

The student will be counseled on the infraction specific to the Social Media Policy and will receive a written warning. This will be accomplished in coordination with the faculty identifying the offense and the student’s theory instructor. The theory instructor is responsible for notifying the Course Coordinator and Chair.

Step Two: Dismissal

This action is required when the student has received a second written warning for failing to meet the provisions of the policy. Upon receipt of the second warning the student automatically fails the course and is dismissed from the program.