School of Nursing: Policy on Academic Progression for Pre-Licensure Students

Unit Policy

Title

School of Nursing: Policy on Academic Progression for Pre-Licensure Students

Introduction

Purpose

This policy ensures that all prelicensure students are progressing in a timely, equitable, and academically rigorous manner toward degree completion. It establishes clear criteria for academic performance and supports student success through proactive review and intervention. Prelicensure students include those matriculated in the Bachelor of Science in Nursing, Accelerated Bachelor of Science in Nursing, or the Master’s Entry to Practice in Nursing Program.  

Scope

All prelicensure students within the UNC School of Nursing 

Policy

1. Academic Standing and Progression Standards 

  • Students must earn a minimum grade of 74% in all required NUR courses. In courses where exams comprise over 50% of the final grade, students must earn a minimum 74% average on equally weighted exams for other assignments to count; otherwise, the final grade will be based solely on the exam average. 
  • A grade below 74%, withdrawal (W), or incomplete (IN) in a required course will be reviewed by the Program Director and Assistant Dean for Prelicensure programs.  
  • Courses must be taken in the prescribed sequence. Progression to subsequent courses depends on successful completion of all prerequisite requirements. 
  • Students must complete the prelicensure program within 150% of the published program length.  

2. Review Process

At the end of each academic term or as needed for non-academic reasons, the Academic Program Leadership to include Assistant Dean and Program Directors, in consultation with the Assistant Dean of Student Affairs will review the records of students who: 

  • Are currently on academic probation, 
  • Earned below a 74% in any required course, 
  • Received a temporary grade (IN, W, AB), 
  • Requested a late or retroactive withdrawal, 
  • Were reported for non-compliance with clinical, safety, or health requirements. 

3. Academic Probation and Remediation

  • Students earning less than 74% in any required NUR course will be placed on academic probation until the course is successfully completed 
  • Students on probation must: 
  • Meet with the Program Director to develop an individualized alternate study plan 
  • Successfully complete all remediation activities as assigned by the Program Director.  

Probation will be lifted upon: 

  • Successful completion of the NUR course with a final grade of 74% or above  
  • Completion of the remediation plan 

4. Course Repetition and Dismissal

  • A student may repeat a course only once. 
  •  Dismissal from the prelicensure nursing program occurs when:  
  • A final course grade of 73% or below of the same required nursing course twice, or   
  • Withdraw Failing (WF) from the same required nursing course twice, or 
  • Failure of two separate required nursing courses within the same semester or over a period of semesters 

5. Appeal Process

Students may appeal dismissal decisions by following the Appeals Policy for the School of Nursing.  

6. Withdrawal/Readmission

Students that require a withdrawal from the program for medical or other personal reasons and wish to be readmitted must meet the following requirements:  

  • Within one year of withdrawal, submit a formal request to the Assistant Dean of Student Affairs in the School of Nursing at least two weeks prior to the posted University readmission deadlines.  
  • Complete the Return to Carolina form by the posted deadlines.  

Readmission to the nursing program is contingent upon:

  1. available space in the program and
  2. approval from the Program Director and Assistant Dean of Prelicensure Programs. 

7. Probation/Dismissal for Non-Academic Reasons

Students may be placed on probation and/or dismissed from the program for conduct that includes: 

8. Student Rights

Students are entitled to: 

  • A fair and transparent evaluation processes, 
  • Access to timely academic support,  
  • The opportunity to submit written statements during academic reviews, 
  • The right to appeal any progression or dismissal decision. 

Contact Information

Primary Contact

Name: Office of Student Affairs, School of Nursing

Telephone: 919.962.8981

Email: osa@son.unc.edu

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