Unit Policy
Title
School of Nursing: Policy on Academic Progression for Graduate Students (MSN & DNP Programs)
Introduction
Purpose
This policy ensures that all graduate nursing students in the Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) and Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) programs are progressing in a timely, equitable, and academically rigorous manner toward degree completion. It establishes clear criteria for academic performance and progression and supports student success through proactive review and intervention.
Scope
This policy applies to all students enrolled in the MSN and DNP programs at the UNC School of Nursing.
Policy
1. Academic Standing and Progression Standards
- A grade of low (L), fail (F), withdrawal (W), or incomplete (IN) in a required course will be reviewed by the Program Director and the Assistant Dean for MSN/DNP.
- Courses must be taken in the prescribed sequence unless otherwise approved by the Program Director.
2. MSN/DNP Review Process
At the end of each academic term or as needed for non-final course grade 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 on academic probation
- Earned a grade of L or F
- Received a temporary grade (IN, AB, NG, W),
- Withdrew from a required course or requested a retroactive withdrawal,
- Were reported non-compliant with clinical, safety, or health requirements, or
- Exhibited unprofessional or unethical behavior.
DNP-specific review triggers:
- MSN-to-DNP student ending 2nd year (full-time) or BSN-to-DNP student ending 3rd year without a scheduled DNP project proposal defense,
- MSN-to-DNP student ending 3rd year (full-time) or BSN-to-DNP student ending 4th year without a scheduled final defense,
- Referral from faculty, advisor, or course coordinator
3. Academic Probation and Remediation
- Students earning six or more hours of L in any required NUR course will be placed on academic probation.
- Students on probation must:
- Meet with the Program Director to develop an individualized remediation plan
- Successfully complete all remediation activities as assigned by the Program Director.
- Probation will be lifted upon:
- Completion of the remediation plan and upon the recommendation of the Program Director.
4. Course Repetition and Dismissal
- A student may repeat a course only once and must earn a grade of P or higher when repeated.
- Failure of two separate required nursing courses within the same semester or over a period of semesters results in dismissal
- Students who do not earn a P in the following courses may not progress to population specific coursework and will be placed on academic probation.
- Pathophysiology for Advanced Nursing Practice.
- Pharmacotherapeutics for Advanced Nursing Practice
Advanced Health and Physical Assessment for Advanced Nursing Practice
5. Appeals
- Students may appeal dismissal decisions by following the Appeals Policy for the School of Nursing.
6. Withdrawal/Readmission
- Students who withdraw must submit a formal request to the AD-OSA within one year of withdrawal and by university deadlines.
- Students must also complete the Graduate School’s process, if applicable.
- Readmission is contingent on space availability and approval from the Program Director and AD-MSN/DNP.
7. Probation/Dismissal for Non-Academic Reasons
Students may be placed on probation or dismissed for:
- Failure to meet Essential Standards for Admission, Progression, and Graduation
- Unsafe Clinical Practice
- Engaging in academic misconduct (e.g., cheating, plagiarism, falsification) as determined by university policy.
- Violating professional or ethical standards.
8. Student Rights
Students are entitled to:
- Fair and transparent evaluation processes,
- Access to academic and professional support,
- Opportunity to provide written input during review,
- Right to appeal progression or dismissal decisions.
Contact Information
Primary Contact
Name: Office of Student Affairs, School of Nursing
Telephone: 919-962-8981
Email: osa@son.unc.edu