UofC " This Is Now

The academic performance of students registered in the Faculty of Nursing is assessed at the end of each Fall, Winter and Spring/Summer Term except as indicated within specific program requirements.

In order to obtain satisfactory standing in the Faculty of Nursing, students must attain a minimum grade of "C" in all laboratory nursing courses and must attain a "credit" grade in all clinical nursing courses. Students may carry a maximum of one "D" grade (i.e., "D+" or "D") in all non-clinical/non-laboratory nursing courses.

A grade of "C-" or lower in a laboratory nursing course must be cleared and satisfactory standing achieved before students may progress to any further nursing courses. Students will not be permitted to withdraw from laboratory nursing courses in order to avoid a failing grade.

Students who receive a second "D" grade in non-clinical nursing courses must clear one of these two "D" grades before progressing to any further nursing courses.

Students who fail to attain satisfactory standing as defined above in either a clinical nursing course or a corequisite theory nursing course may be required to repeat both courses, and will meet with the Course Co-ordinator and the Associate Dean (Undergraduate Programs) to determine their progress through the program.

"F" grades in all required nursing courses must be cleared by repeating those courses before students may progress to any further nursing courses. "F" grades in required support courses must be cleared by repeating those courses. "F" grades in optional support courses must be cleared by repeating those courses or by substituting other approved options in their place.

Students may repeat a course previously failed or one in which a higher grade is sought. However, students usually will be permitted to repeat a particular course only once. Exceptions to this regulation may be made only in unusual circumstances and at the discretion of the Associate Dean (Undergraduate Programs).

Students will not be permitted to withdraw more than once from a particular course. Students will be required to withdraw if they have accumulated a total of more than ten half-course equivalent withdrawals while in attendance at the University of Calgary.

All grades (including original grades in repeated courses) are used in the calculation of grade point averages for purposes of the official University transcript of record and for progression in the Nursing programs as outlined in the sections "Students Previously in Satisfactory Standing" and "Students on Probation."

Students are advised to read the general University regulations regarding attendance (see E.3) in the section of this Calendar headed Academic Regulations.

Students may be required to complete clinical experience at sites other than the location of their residence. Students' clinical experience may also be scheduled at various hours, including evenings, nights and weekends. Nursing students are responsible for all travel, parking and accommodation costs related to clinical practica.

Students must demonstrate satisfactory clinical performance as delineated in the behavioural objectives of the course. Participation in all activities that are related to clinical courses is mandatory.

Failure to fully participate in clinical and tutorial sessions will be reviewed by the faculty members teaching the course. Students are advised that evaluation will be based in large measure on their day-to-day performance.

Students who miss one or more lab/clinical days may be at risk of not successfully completing the course.  Students may be asked to withdraw from the course and complete the course requirements at a later date or they may be granted a deferral of term work pending availability of resources.  Each situation will be reviewed on an individual basis by the Course Coordinator and the Associate Dean, Undergraduate Programs, as necessary. 

Normally, a student will not be permitted to withdraw from a clinical course in order to avoid a failing grade in that course.

An instructor may prohibit a student from attending or completing a clinical experience if there is evidence that the student has acted in a manner that is detrimental to patient care or that patient safety is at risk. The Associate Dean will be consulted or informed about any such situation or action. A student who wishes to appeal such a decision will follow the appeals process as outlined below under 3.6 Appeals Process.

The following guidelines will apply for students admitted to the Bachelor of Nursing Program starting Fall 2010. Students admitted prior to Fall 2010 should consult a past calendar.

Students previously in satisfactory standing:

1.  Will retain that standing if they have achieved a grade point average of at least 2.00 at the end of the Nursing Academic Year and Term 2.

2. Will retain that standing if they have achieved a grade point average of at least 2.50 at the end of Terms 4 and 6 (Years 3 and 4 for Medicine Hat College Program) on all courses taken since their previous review.

3. Will be placed on probation for a maximum of one academic year if they have achieved a grade point average of 1.70 to 1.99 at the end of the Nursing Academic Year and Term 2.

4. Will be placed on probation for a maximum of one academic year if they have achieved a grade point average of 2.00 to 2.49 at the end of Terms 4 and 6 (Years 3 and 4 for Medicine Hat College Program) since their last review.

5. Will be placed on probation if they are required to repeat any nursing course, regardless of their grade point average.

6. Will be required to withdraw if they have a grade point average of less than 1.70 at the end of the Nursing Academic Year and Term 2; or less than 2.00 at the end of Terms 4 and 6 (Years 3 and 4 for Medicine Hat College Program) since their last review.

7. Will be allowed academic probationary status only once while registered in the Faculty of Nursing.

Note: Nursing Academic Year refers to Year 1; Terms 1 and 2 are taken in Year 2; Terms 3 and 4 in Year 3; and Terms 5 and 6 in Year 4.

1. May be permitted to proceed to higher level non-clinical nursing courses with the consent of the Associate Dean and Manager (Undergraduate Programs), and as space permits.

2. Will be reinstated in satisfactory standing if they have achieved the required cumulative grade point average over all courses taken since and including those on their previous review.

3. Will be required to withdraw if they fail to achieve the required cumulative grade point average over all courses taken since and including those on their previous review.

4. Will be required to withdraw if they fail to obtain satisfactory standing in any subsequent nursing course, regardless of cumulative grade point average.

Students placed on probation or required to withdraw will be advised in writing.

Students required to withdraw may not apply for readmission in the twelve-month period following their withdrawal. Written application must then be made to the Dean.

The Faculty Council may refuse permission to a student or prospective student to enter any year of any course, if, in the opinion of the Council, the student shows a lack of general educational attainment. Further, a student whose performance in the clinical area, in the classroom, in tests, or in final examinations is unsatisfactory, may at any time be required to withdraw from the Faculty.

Aegrotat standing (i.e., standing granted to a candidate who is prevented by illness from attending examinations) may be granted by the Faculty Council to a student registered in either of the last two years of the program.

Any student wishing to take advantage of this privilege should apply to the Dean of the Faculty of Nursing.

The Dean's List recognizes the outstanding academic achievement of all BN students in the Faculty. For students entering the Bachelor of Nursing Program Fall 2010, the Dean's List is compiled at the end of Terms 2, 4 and 6.  A statement of inclusion on the Dean's List will be recorded on the student's transcript. To be included on the Dean's List, a student must achieve a grade point average of 3.60 or higher on five half courses or equivalent in each of the previous terms.

Students admitted to the Bachelor of Nursing Program prior to Fall 2010 should refer to earlier calendars.