Student Evaluation
Associate Degree and Certificate Programs
Each student’s performance in the classroom and in the lab/clinical area is evaluated on a regular basis by the faculty. Grade reports are available to students at the mid-term and end of each semester.
Baccalaureate Programs
Each student’s performance in the classroom and in other activities is evaluated on a regular basis by faculty. Students will be updated at regular intervals on their status in each course.
Credit Hours
The standard academic year consists of two 16 week semesters. Some majors require summer sessions. Credit hours are calculated by the following formula:
15 instructional hours per semester = 1 credit hour
60 lab/clinical hours per semester = 1 credit hour
Enrollment Status
Students taking 12 or more credits per semester at Lancaster General College of Nursing & Health Sciences are considered full-time students. Course loads of less than 12 credits are considered part-time.
Drop/Add Period
A student requesting to add a class after the semester has begun may do so by contacting the Registrar and completing a Class Add form. Admission into the requested class will be granted on a first-come basis if a seat is available, and if no more than two class sessions have been conducted or one class session for courses meeting 8 weeks or less.
A student requesting to drop a course within the first two weeks of the fall or spring semester must contact the Registrar and complete the appropriate form. Tuition refund policies apply as specified in Policy 2.2.2. Withdrawal from a course in this time frame will not be considered an attempt at the course.
Course Auditing
A student may elect to audit a course without receiving a grade in the class. Approval to audit a course must be obtained from the course instructor and the Registrar on a space-available basis. An auditor may not attend a clinical/lab component of a class. Any auditor electing to audit a class will be charged half the tuition portion of the theory portion of the course. An auditor may not change from credit to audit status or from audit to credit status after the beginning of the semester. Auditors are not required to prepare lessons or papers, or take examinations, nor do they receive any credit for the course. No more than one course may be audited per semester.
Grading
Grades describe the student’s level of academic achievement and are reported at the end of each term. The grade point average (GPA) is a comprehensive evaluation of a student’s academic standing. Grade points are calculated by multiplying the number of credits earned in a class by the numeric equivalent of the letter grade. The GPA is calculated by dividing the sum of grade points earned by the total number of credits attempted.
|
Grade |
Grade Point |
Percentage
|
|
A |
4.0 |
94-100 |
|
A- |
3.7 |
90-93 |
|
B+ |
3.3 |
87-89 |
|
B |
3.0 |
84-86 |
|
B- |
2.7 |
80-83 |
|
C+ |
2.3 |
77-79 |
|
C |
2.0 |
74-76 |
|
C- |
1.7 |
70-73 |
|
D+ |
1.3 |
67-69 |
|
D |
0.7 |
64-66 |
|
D- |
1.0
|
60-63
|
|
F |
0.0 |
<60 |
|
I (Incomplete) |
NA |
|
|
M (Progression) |
NA |
|
|
W (Withdraw) |
NA |
|
|
Z |
0.0 |
Failure to attend as per policy 2.2.3. This grade does carry quality points of zero and will calculate into the student’s GPA. |
Incomplete Grades
A temporary grade of Incomplete (I) is given to a student who, for a reason judged acceptable by the Instructor and VP, Academic Affairs has not been able to complete the required coursework prior to the end of the course. Prior to the end of the course, the student, faculty, and VP, Academic Affairs must complete the appropriate form and file it with the Registrar. The course instructor will determine the length of time a student has to complete the coursework. This time limit shall not exceed four weeks past the last day of the course as printed on the academic calendar or accelerated program schedule. Coursework that is not completed in this period will be automatically be converted to Failing (F).
Grade Changes
It is the student's responsibility to review the grade report upon receipt. The Program Chair can verify submitted grades. Changes may only be made by the course faculty issuing the grade. Changes must be in writing and submitted before the end of the next grading period.
Dean's List
Matriculated students who are taking at least 6 credits per semester are eligible for Dean’s List recognition if they achieve a grade point average of 3.35 with no grade lower than a “B-”.
Academic Progression
I. Associate Degree Students
Warning letters will be sent to any student who is not meeting the required passing grade or grades in any course at the mid-point of the fall and the spring semesters. For any course in which a passing grade is required to continue in a clinical program, this letter will place the student on academic probation. Any student with a GPA below 2.0 at the end of a semester will be placed on Academic Probation. Students on academic probation are not eligible to progress into program specific courses (NUR, DMS, NMT, etc.). This status will remain until the student achieves a GPA of 2.0 or above. Probationary status for two consecutive semesters will result in a review of progress and may result in dismissal from the college. Please refer to the Student Handbook (or Student Policy Manual) for additional information regarding Academic Progression.
Program specific academic standards may be found in the Student Handbook.
A. Mid-Term Grades
Warning letters will be sent to any student who is not meeting the required passing grade or grades in any course at the mid-point of the fall and the spring semesters. For any course in which a passing grade is required to continue in a clinical program, this letter will place the student on academic probation.
B. Academic Probation
Any student with a GPA below 2.0 at the end of a semester will be placed on Academic Probation. Students on academic probation are not eligible to progress into program specific courses (NUR, DMS, NMT, etc.). This status will remain until the student achieves a GPA of 2.0 or above. Probationary status for two consecutive semesters will result in a review of progress and may result in dismissal from the college.
II. Accelerated Baccalaureate Degree Students
Any student with a GPA below 2.0 at the end of a semester will be placed on Academic Probation. This status will remain until the student achieves a GPA of 2.0 or above. Probationary status for two semesters will result in a review of progress and may result in dismissal from the college.
Graduation Requirements
All academic certificate and associate degree students must satisfactorily complete the portfolio project prior to graduation.
A student who has not completed general education requirements, the portfolio project, program-specific requirements or items on the Registrar’s checklist will have one year following the expected graduation date to do so. During that period, the student will be placed on inactive status. If confirmation is not received after one year that this requirement has been met, the student must complete any required refresher material as determined by the Program Chair, up to and including auditing of prescribed courses before graduation will be recorded. The student’s graduation date will be adjusted accordingly.
Graduation Honors
Students who have earned consistently superior grades in their course work are recognized for their achievements at graduation with the designation of graduation honors. The student’s diploma and College record carry the appropriate honors designation:
Cum Laude for a cumulative grade point average between 3.35 and 3.64.
Magna Cum Laude for a cumulative grade point average between 3.65 and 3.94.
Summa Cum Laude for a cumulative grade point average between 3.95 and 4.00.
Graduation and Licensure
A student is eligible for graduation upon satisfactory completion of the curriculum requirements of the specific program in which he/she is enrolled. A minimum overall GPA of 2.0 is required to meet the requirements for graduation.
Upon successful program completion (of study), the graduate is eligible to file an application for licensure or certification in the respective specialty area. All programs, in their respective section of the College Catalog, identify examination and registration eligibility.
Terminal Award Definitions
Based on educational criteria established by the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, Department of Education, the Lancaster General College of Nursing & Health Sciences uses the following definitions to describe terminal awards for educational programs:
• Certificate - a certificate program is generally less than one year in length, delivers instruction that is task or job specific and does not include general education courses.
• Diploma - a diploma program requires at least one year of study, delivers instruction that is career-specific and includes selected general education courses in its curriculum.
• Degree - a degree program requires at least two years of study, requires the successful completion of courses in the major area of study, as well as general education courses and courses that support the major.
At the completion of the program of study, the degree, diploma or certificate credential is awarded by the College.
Withdrawal
Withdrawal from Course
It is recommended that a student electing to withdraw from a registered course notify the Registrar’s office prior to midnight, Friday before the first day of the semester.
It is recommended that a student electing to withdraw from a registered course on or after the first day of the semester complete a drop form, which can be found in the Registrar’s office. Withdrawals during this time are subject to the refund policy as well as the grading policy.
Withdrawal from College
Official notification of withdrawal from the College occurs when a student notifies the Registrar’s Office. Acceptable official notification includes notification by a student via telephone, in writing or orally.
A student may request to withdraw from the College at any time. At the time of withdrawal, we request that the student complete an official withdrawal form available in the Registrar’s Office and schedule an exit interview with the Program Chair/Division Dean, the Financial Aid Officer, and the Bursar.
The faculty reserves the right at any time to recommend the withdrawal of a student whose physical and/or mental health, conduct, scholastic achievement, or personal behavior is considered detrimental to LGCNHS; or does not meet the professional standards as established by the appropriate program.
Refund and Grading Policies for Withdrawals
A. Fall and Spring Semesters: The student may withdraw from a course, with proper notification of the registrar, until midnight Friday at the end of the 10th week. The student will receive a grade of Withdraw (W), which does not carry any quality points and will not calculate into the student’s GPA. Withdrawal from a course after the first two weeks of the semester will be considered a course attempt as per the academic progression policy.
| Withdrawal prior to midnight Friday: |
Results in a refund of: |
| Prior to the first day of the semester (as defined by the academic calendar) |
100% |
| First week of semester |
90% |
| Second week of semester |
80% |
| Third week of semester |
70% |
| Fourth week of semester |
60% |
| After the fourth week of semester |
No refund |
B. Summer Semesters: A student may withdraw from a course, with proper notification of the registrar, by midnight Friday of the 4th week for a 6-week summer course or by midnight Friday of the 8th week for a 12-week summer course, and will receive a grade of Withdraw (W), which does not carry any quality points and will not calculate into the student’s GPA. Withdrawal from a course after the first two days of a summer semester will be considered a course attempt as per academic progression.
C. Combined Summer & Summer I:
Withdrawal prior to midnight Friday of the first week of the semester: 75% tuition refund
D. Summer II:
Withdrawal prior to midnight Friday of the first week of the semester: 75% tuition refund.
Attendance
Failure to Attend: There is no automatic drop policy for nonattendance. A student, who has registered for a course, fails to withdraw per policy and fails to attend said course will be charged an administrative fee. The student will receive a grade of “Z” which indicates “No adequate evaluation for grading”. This grade does carry quality points of zero and will calculate into the student’s GPA.
Students are encouraged to realize the importance of achieving an academic record that reflects their intellectual ability for both the present and the future. Such records are seldom achieved without regular attendance and participation in class discussion. Mature and motivated students recognize that active and informed participation in class is essential to their scholarly growth. Students are expected to attend all classes. The specific requirements for each course are included in the course syllabi and are identified by the faculty at the beginning of each academic and/or clinical course.
Due to the diverse nature of both academic and clinical components of the various programs, each program's policies regarding tardiness, sick leave, absences from academic classes and clinical assignments are contained in the Student Handbook.
Leave of Absence
It is expected that students will pursue their clinical studies according to a systematic plan. If it becomes necessary to interrupt the clinical progression during the program, a leave of absence must be requested in writing and may not exceed one year. The request must have the approval of the Program Chair. A student must be in good academic standing in order to be eligible for a Leave of Absence. Students may not enroll in or continue to take other courses at LGCNHS while on a Leave of Absence.
A student may reenter the program based upon seat availability. If a seat is not available, or a student fails to return from a leave of absence, the student is considered withdrawn from the program.
Transfer Credit for Matriculated Students
Prior to registering for a course at an institution other than LGCNHS, the student must complete the course request form in the Registrar's Office in order to assure compliance with the proper method for having the course approved and the credits accepted.
After matriculation, students may not transfer more than 6 credits from other institutions for lower division courses (100 and 200 level courses) and an additional 3 credits for upper division courses (300 and 400 level courses). This is over and above credits earned by alternative methods (see policy #1.0.3)
Ethical Standards
The Lancaster General College of Nursing & Health Sciences has established ethical standards which promote an optimal learning environment, foster the scholarly and civic development of students, support the mission and values of the College, and identify a process for addressing violations of these standards.
Grievances
A grievance is a student issue related to perceived academic or nonacademic injustice whereby a student believes an academic or nonacademic disadvantage exists. Violation of the Student Bill of Rights, administrative policies or nonacademic policies may constitute a grievance. Every effort should be made to resolve issues in a professional manner.
Grievance policies and procedures include informal and formal resolution processes between students and faculty members. Students are required to pursue informal resolution processes first. Should the informal resolution process not meet the student's satisfaction, the student is required to follow the formal grievance procedure included in the Student Handbook.
Transcripts
If a transcript is needed, official or unofficial, the student must submit the request to the Registrar in writing. Request forms are available on the Registrar's page (link under Student Services). A current student may receive one official transcript per semester at no charge. A $5 fee is incurred for each subsequent official transcript per semester. Prior students also pay the $5 transcript fee. There is no fee for unofficial transcripts.
Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act
The Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA) is a federal law which established guidelines governing how educational institutions must maintain and supervise student records. This law requires that Lancaster General College of Nursing & Health Sciences (LGCNHS) notify students and parents on an annual basis regarding the College’s efforts to comply with the law’s requirement. The law guarantees students’ access to their official records, as well as providing a means of reviewing their record in the event they question its purposes and controls the release of such records. Students may give written permission for others (parents, spouse, etc.) to review those files.
The student may initiate a complaint against the Lancaster General College of Nursing & Health Sciences if the student has reason to believe that the school policy or any procedure in an individual situation is not in compliance with FERPA.
The student may bring the complaint to the Program Chair/academic dean to discuss compliance with the Amendment. If this action should result in an unsatisfactory response, the student may approach the VP, Academic Affairs, LGCNHS, in an effort to resolve the problem. As a final recourse, the student may file a complaint with the Family Policy Compliance Office, U.S. Department of Education, 400 Maryland Avenue, SW, Washington, D.C. 20202-4065, phone (202) 732-1807. The office is to investigate and remedy complaints and violations of FERPA. A student whose rights have been violated may initiate a complaint against the attending institution
Another regulation within FERPA allows the College to provide others (prospective employers, etc.) information such as dates of attendance, graduation date, and degree earned. The student has the right, in this situation, to provide written notification that he/she does not want the College to provide this information.
Updated 03/18/11