Student Services

Services

Student Services

The student body and the faculty are involved in creating and maintaining the educational environment in the School of Nursing. Guidelines are designed to foster the development of individual responsibility and accountability. Students are expected to comply with the existing rules and regulations contained in the Student Handbook.

Facilities

The School of Nursing is located within Eastern Gateway Community College on an 84.7-acre tract of land in Steubenville, Ohio. The building is an air-conditioned, smoke-free 3 story structure built in 1967 with additional construction and renovations in 1972, 1976, 1978, 1983, 1989, 1993, and 1996. The main building is 72,395 sq. feet and includes a library, student lounge, computer laboratories, 25 classrooms, 31 laboratories, bookstore, and 316 space parking area.

Trinity School of Nursing has dedicated usage of 13 faculty/staff offices, reception area, skills/assessment laboratories, and storage area. Other areas and facilities in the building are shared with Eastern Gateway staff and students.

The student lounge is a large room with multiple areas for eating, studying, or socializing.  It contains many tables, chairs, sofas and grouped seating arrangements, as well as coffee, tea, and vending machines. There are also televisions and a recreational hockey game table.  Membership to Trinity YMCA is available at the student rate.

A Skills/Assessment laboratory is located on the ground floor of the building. The laboratory consists of 10 curtained stations equipped with hospital beds, medical equipment, and high and low fidelity simulation mannequins. It houses various models, supplies, simulators, and other instructional materials. The laboratory also contains 6 computers, a laptop, LCD projector, screen, built-in sound system, and plentiful conference tables and seating.

The library located on the first floor contains textbooks, periodicals, and computers. Trinity School of Nursing has a reserved section of the library for Nursing references and textbooks. The library is accessible during and after school hours; Monday through Thursday from 8:00 am until 6:00 pm and Friday from 8:00 am until 5:00 pm.

Classrooms and lecture halls with state-of-the-art technology are located throughout the facility. Faculty and administrative offices, along with a spacious 445 ft. storage room, are located on the first floor of the building. All areas are temperature controlled and the campus complies with the Americans with Disabilities Act. Trinity School of Nursing is open Monday through Friday 7:30 am – 4:00 pm. Security is on campus at all times when the building is open. All entrances and exits are locked when the building is not open.

facilities

Access

Physical Access for Handicapped Students

The lower west entrances of Eastern Community College are constructed to provide access to the school for the physically handicapped. Parking for the handicapped is provided at that entrance, as well as other areas in the spacious parking lots.

Handicap Access

Food

Food Service

Students are responsible for their meals. Students may purchase meals in any of the Hospital food service areas. Lunch service is available at the EGCC snack bar which is located in the student lounge. The service is available Monday through Friday at the posted hours. Coin operated vending machines are provided for the convenience of students in the EGCC Student Lounge and in the Pugliese Center. There are numerous eateries in close proximity to the school.

Food Service

Service

Health Service

Student health services are supervised by the Regional Director WorkCare/Employee Health.

Pre-enrollment health requirements include:

  • Health inventory and a physical examination.
  • Required Immunizations: Mumps, Measles, Rubella (X2), Hepatitis B and/or serological evidence of immunity, Varicella immunization or history of disease.  Recommended Immunization:  COVID vaccine
  • TB screening (2 step Mantoux or Quantiferon serology) or review of chest x-ray/signs and symptoms of tuberculosis for positive responders
  • Completion of a latex sensitivity questionnaire.
  • Preadmission Urine Drug Screen (must be completed at WorkCare on East Campus).
  • Submission of the Essential Functions and Abilities of a Nursing Student Form.

Students are to indicate if they plan to seek medical or religious exemption to COVID-19 vaccination. This exemption is made by CommonSpirit at the corporate level.  If granted the student may be required to complete weekly COVID testing through the school.

Dentist

The School encourages a dental examination prior to admission. The School recommends a dental examination every six months.

Ophthalmologist

Students are recommended to have their eyes examined prior to entering the program. Scheduled periodic examinations are recommended.

Latex Allergies

It is the responsibility of students who are latex sensitive to inform their clinical instructor each semester/session of their latex needs. Reasonable accommodations will be made to meet the student’s needs. Special gloves are provided for students with latex sensitivity.

If ongoing reactions occur (i.e. rash, respiratory problems, etc.) it is the responsibility of the students to follow up with their own physician.

Health Service

Second year students will follow the guidelines established by the Student Services/Integrity Committee in accordance with the Regional Director WorkCare/Employee Health. Prior to the beginning of the second year, the student is responsible for completion of a Health Assessment and a TB screening or a chest x-ray/signs and symptoms of tuberculosis for positive responders. A Tdap vaccine is recommended if a student is older than 19 years old or had last dose of Tetanus more than 5 years ago. Students must submit documentation of their post-entrance health requirements to the school of Nursing Receptionist by Aug. 1 of each year. It is required that the student participate in the annual influenza inoculation program which is provided by the Hospital free of charge. The School of Nursing/Hospital complies with the current OSHA regulations regarding blood borne pathogens. Updated information is provided annually for incoming and enrolled students.

It is recommended that some type of hospitalization insurance be maintained by the student while enrolled in the program. The cost of pre-enrollment and enrollment health requirements is the responsibility of the student.

Students are responsible for expenses incurred during illness, i.e., hospitalization and/or doctor fees/diagnostic tests, emergency care, medications, treatments, prosthetics and/or supplies.

Twenty-four hour emergency service is provided at Trinity Medical Center West on a fee for service basis. The School does not have facilities/personnel to provide constant monitoring of students with serious health problems. Therefore, students are encouraged to seek the advice of their physician concerning hospitalization or recuperation at home. A student whose health requires ongoing medical supervision and/or hospitalization is responsible for notifying the Dean of the School. The School reserves the right to request the student to leave the premises. A physician’s written permission for the student to continue/resume all class/clinical responsibilities must also be submitted to the Dean. The purpose for requiring a physician’s release is to protect the student from assuming responsibilities which could be hazardous to his/her mental/physical health.

In case of illness and/or accidents incurred while on School premises or at a clinical experience facility/agency, any emergency or on-going care received as a result of such illness and/or accident is the student’s financial responsibility.

Abuse

Substance Abuse

The School prohibits the possession, use, sale, or distribution of alcohol, illegal drugs (this includes any marijuana/ medical marijuana or its derivatives to include but not limited to over the counter CBD products that may result as THC), and/or dangerous substances. The School has the right to dismiss any student found to be involved in these prohibited activities. Any individual who has violated any state or federal law in regards to alcohol or drugs, including underage drinking, will be referred to the appropriate law enforcement agency.

School policies and procedures regarding the use of alcohol and drugs are contained in the policy on the Prevention of Substance Abuse. The Program for the Prevention of Substance Abuse provides standards of conduct that clearly prohibit the unlawful possession, use, or distribution of drugs and alcohol by students and employees on the institution’s property or any part of the institution’s activities. It also contains a description of the health risks associated with the use of illicit drugs and the abuse of alcohol, as well as a description of drug and alcohol counseling, treatment, or rehabilitation programs that are available to students and employees. It informs students and employees of the School’s/Hospital’s position on the abuse of illicit drugs and alcohol and advises them of the consequences. Additionally, it provides guidelines for faculty in dealing with problems of substance abuse which interfere with the student nurse’s performance in the clinical or classroom areas, and pose a threat to the safety and welfare of the public.

The School accepts its responsibility to assist the student in recognizing substance dependence and views substance abuse as preventable and treatable. The School supports the student’s right to confidentiality in all matters dealing with suspected substance abuse. Those students who are experiencing problems due to substance abuse are referred to appropriate counseling or treatment programs.

The Program for Prevention of Substance Abuse is reviewed with students and employees during orientation. Each student and employee has online access to the School’s Program for the Prevention of Substance Abuse. In addition, copies of the School’s Program for the Prevention of Substance Abuse are maintained in the Office of Admissions and Financial Aid.

Substance Abuse

Conditions

Blood-borne Pathogens and Related Conditions

The Faculty of Trinity Health System School of Nursing support the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 and the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990 and its application to individuals who are HIV positive. Accordingly, the School may not discriminate against any individual based on the perception that the person is HIV infected, in a category of persons at risk of HIV, or because he/she is caring for a person in one of the aforementioned categories. Each student reviews the School’s Policy on Communicable Disease and has access to the policy on the School’s website.

pathogens

Policy

Anti-Hazing Policy

Anti-Hazing Policy

Hazing is defined by Trinity School of Nursing as doing, requiring, or encouraging any act or behavior regardless of the participant’s willingness or reluctance that is associated with initiation into or continued affiliation with any student or other organization/group that causes or creates a substantial risk of physical or mental harm or humiliation to any person.

Hazing is a violation of School policy and state law. Hazing is therefore strictly prohibited on and off campus when involving Trinity School of Nursing students. All alleged hazing incidents will be processed through the School as well as reported to civil authorities. The School will investigate all reported hazing incidents following the same procedure as outlined in the Title IX investigation policy.  The School reserves the right to process incidents that occur outside of school property and when classes are not in session. It is a violation of School policy to have knowledge of a hazing incident and fail to report it. All suspected instances of hazing should be reported to a Trinity School of Nursing faculty member. Trinity School of Nursing is committed to reviewing all reports of hazing. Anonymous reports are accepted; however, the School’s ability to obtain additional information may be compromised and the ability to investigate anonymous reports may be limited.

The School will maintain a report of all violations of this policy that are reported and result in a charge of violation of this policy. The School will update the report bi-annually on January 1 and August 1 of each year and will post the updated report on the School’s website.

Trinity School of Nursing shall provide annually at least one program on hazing prevention education to all members, prospective members, and anyone who is employed by or volunteers with the organization. The education may be provided in person, electronically, or both.  Trinity School of Nursing will maintain a record of individuals who have completed the program.

If hazing occurs and is done on the basis of sex, it will be addressed as both hazing and a Title IX offense as outlined in the Title IX policy.

Violation of this policy will be considered a Group II Code of Conduct violation and Disciplinary action may range from written reprimand to dismissal.

Ohio Revised Code, section 2903.31 defines hazing as:

“Hazing means doing any of the following, or pressuring, causing, forcing, soliciting, or coercing any person to do any of the following for the purpose of initiative, admitting, or affiliating an individual into or with a student group or student organization; continuing or enhancing an individual’s membership or status in a student group or student organization; or perpetuating or furthering a tradition or ritual of a student group or student organization:

(a) Engage in any conduct prohibited by federal and/or state and/or municipal criminal law, regardless of whether an arrest is made, or criminal charges are brought;

(b) Take into their body any food, liquid (including alcohol), drug, or other substance that subjects the person to a substantial risk of mental or physical harm; and/or;

(c) Cause or create a substantial risk of causing mental or physical harm to another and/or engage in any cat or omission that contributes to the death of another.

Anti-hazing resources:

https://hazingprevention.org/

https://stophazing.org/

Link to Collin’s Law:

https://ohiohouse.gov/legislation/134/sb126

Link to Trinity School of Nursing Hazing Reports

https://trinityson.com/students-staff/righttoknow/#1664897925370-08bfc10f-c1ce

Disability Harassment Policy

Policy

Title IX

In accordance with Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972, Trinity Health System School of Nursing will not tolerate conduct by any person, which constitutes sexual harassment, including sexual violence of any student/employee. For the purpose of this policy, sexual harassment/violence must be sufficiently severe, persistent, or pervasive that it adversely affects a student’s education or creates a hostile or abusive educational environment. The Title IX Policy is reviewed at Orientation each fall and is accessible on the School’s website under Section V – Student Policies.

Sexual Harassment

Policy

Disability Harassment Policy

In accordance with Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 and Title II of the American With Disabilities Act of 1990, which are enforced by the Office of Civil Rights, Trinity Health System School of Nursing will not tolerate disability harassment of any student by other students or school employees. The Disability Harassment Policy is reviewed at Orientation each fall and is accessible in the Student Handbook.

Disability Harassment Policy

Policy

Policy on Students with Disabilities

In accordance with the Americans with Disabilities Act (1990) the Trinity Health System School of Nursing will provide reasonable accommodations for qualified students with disabilities. For a more detailed description of this Act/Policy on Students with Disabilities, refer to the Student Handbook. IT IS THE RESPONSIBILITY OF THE STUDENT TO DISCLOSE THE DISABILITY.

Policy on Students with Disabilities

Policy

Social Networking Policy

Purpose

The purpose of this policy is to provide guidelines to students, faculty, and staff who engage in online social networking. Information published on social media networks that has to do with any aspect of the School/Hospital must comply with Trinity Health System’s Non Disclosure Acknowledgement, HIPPA compliance, and the School of Nursing’s Code of Conduct. This applies to posts/comments on any social networking site.

Definition

As used in this policy, “social networking” means communicating with others over the Internet for social purposes. Examples of Social Media include, but are not limited to Facebook, Twitter, YouTube, LinkedIn, Instagram, Pinterest, podcasts, blogs, comment boards, virtual worlds, chat rooms and other online group discussion forums or social networks. This can also include media sites that are offered by television networks, newspapers, and magazines.

 

Philosophy

Trinity Health System School of Nursing maintains that social networking is strictly a personal activity and any participation in such will be consistent with The American Nurses Association’s (ANA) Code of Ethics, the Ohio Board of Nursing and Trinity Health System’s core values.

 

Violation of Policy

Trinity School of Nursing will not tolerate violations of the social networking policy. All reports of such behavior will be investigated. If activity on a social networking site is considered an infraction of School policy, it will be handled according to the disciplinary process. Violation of this policy can result in disciplinary action ranging from written reprimand to dismissal from the program.

Social Networking

Guidelines for Personal/School Affiliated Social Networking

Please remember that social networking sites are in fact public forums. This means that the information that is posted or shared can be viewed by others. Please keep in mind these guidelines and consider carefully when posting.

PERSONAL USE

These social media guidelines and best practices apply to all personal use of social media, including but not limited to use:

  • during clinical and non-clinical time
  • whether your affiliation with the CommonSpirit/TrinityHealth network of care is specifically identified on social media, known, or presumed
  • via your individual, personal social media channels, regardless of whether you accessed the channel through a private or company communications network

Our general rule for all personal use is simple: You are personally responsible for how you behave online. If you identify CommonSpirit/TrinityHealth in your social media profiles or content, you should act and communicate professionally as you would in any other public setting. Even if you don’t mention CommonSpirit/TrinityHealth, you need to be careful as you may be quickly associated with CommonSpirit/TrinityHealth if you attract online attention.

  1. On personal social networking sites, posts/comments by students involving the School/Hospital in any manner is prohibited. When posting on any social networking site posts/comments should reflect the personal views of the social networking member only, not Trinity School of Nursing/Hospital. Tagging, check-ins or any comments reflecting Trinity School of Nursing/Hospital are prohibited.
  2. When commenting on the School affiliated Facebook page, all comments should be ethical, professional and accurate. The Administrator reserves the right to delete any comment that is deemed inappropriate.
  3. The Administrator is responsible for generating all posts on the School affiliated Facebook page. Students will be permitted to comment only to these posts.
  4. Posts/comments should be respectful and in good taste. Negative or unprofessional posts/comments are unacceptable.
  5. Posts/comments should never directly or indirectly reflect patients, diagnoses or any content related to patient care or clinical experiences.
  6. Personal photos on the student’s personal social networking site should be tasteful.
  7. Photos posted on the School affiliated Facebook page will require a Consent or Refusal to Photograph or Videotape.
  8. Photos in which patients are identified or patient privacy and confidentiality are breached are unacceptable.
  9. With the exception of the School affiliated Facebook page, interaction between current students and faculty/staff on personal social media accounts is prohibited.
  10. Questions/concerns are only to be addressed in proper, approved channels of communication set forth by the School except for social networking sites that have been developed and are monitored by the site Administrator/School affiliated Facebook page.
  11. Students are prohibited from accessing all social networking sites during clinical or classroom time/lecture.
  12. In the event that the student is no longer enrolled in the School, the Administrator will remove the student from the School affiliated Facebook page.
  13. The Administrator reserves the right to remove any student who fails to abide by the guidelines for social networking.

Copyright

Copyright Infringement

Copyright Infringement Policies and Sanctions (Including Peer-to-Peer File-Sharing)

COPYRIGHT INFRINGEMENT
Copyright holders are granted exclusive rights under section 106 of the Copyright Act (Title 17 of the United States Code) including the right to reproduce, distribute, display, or perform the copyrighted work or to make a derivative work. Copyright infringement is the act of using works protected by copyright law without permission or legal authority. In the file-sharing context, downloading or uploading substantial parts of a copyrighted work without permission or the authority to do so constitutes and infringement.

PEER-TO-PEER FILE-SHARING
“Peer-to-peer” (P2P) file-sharing refers to computer systems that are connected to each other via the Internet using P2P software like BitTorrent, Kazaa, eDonkey, or Limeware. These programs make it easy to share files between computers. If you upload or distribute copies you make of copyrighted works or download or acquire unlicensed copies of copyrighted works, you may be infringing on someone else’s rights and be subject to civil and criminal liabilities.

WHY SHOULD I BE CONCERNED

The most obvious risk resulting from illegal reproduction or redistribution of copyrighted material is the risk of litigation or the threat of litigation. While “fair use” provisions permit certain uses of copyrighted materials for education purposes, not all uses, even in the classroom, fall under “fair use”. Copyright owners who believe that their rights have been violated may bring legal action against the infringer. School of Nursing faculty, staff, and students can be held personally liable for unauthorized use of copyright works. A successful lawsuit may result in the violator paying monetary damages and attorney fees. If you willfully infringe a copyright, a court can award damages of up to $150,000 for each infringement. Willful copyright infringement can also be a crime under federal law. It is therefore important to understand the conditions under which something may be considered “fair use”.

PENALITIES FOR VIOLATING FEDERAL COPYRIGHT LAW

Penalties for copyright infringement include civil and criminal penalties. In general, anyone found liable for civil copyright infringement may be ordered to pay either actual damages or “statutory” damages affixed at not less than $750 and not more than $30,000 per work infringed. For “willful” infringement, a court may award up to $150,000 per work infringed. A court can, in its discretion, also assess costs and attorney fees as well as issue an injunction to stop the infringing acts and impound the illegal works. Willful copyright infringement can also result in criminal penalties, including imprisonment of up to five years and fines of up to $250,000 per offense. For details, see Title 17, United States Code, Chapter 5, “Copyright Infringement and Penalties” found at http://www.copyright.gov/title17/92chap5.html.

TRINITY HEALTH SYSTEM SCHOOL OF NURSING PENALTIES FOR COPYRIGHT INFRINGEMENT
Violation of any aspect of the Utilization of Computers/Information Technology System section of the Library Policy (Student Handbook, Section 6), which includes compliance with copyright law and peer-to-peer file-sharing will be deemed a Group III Code of Conduct (see Student Handbook, Section 2) with disciplinary action of possible dismissal from Trinity Health System School of Nursing and/or referral to the appropriate law enforcement agency.

Communication of Student Information

Utilization of Computers

Utilization of Computers

The Technology Resource Coordinator monitors computer use and provides technological assistance. Computers are available for Trinity Health System School of Nursing students, faculty, and staff. A copy of the federal copyright laws and penalties for violation is posted at the EGCC library and in the skills lab at Trinity Health System School of Nursing, and are reviewed yearly by students. For additional information see www.copyright.gov.

Trinity Health System and the School of Nursing adhere to honest and appropriate conduct when using the computer resources and information technology systems. Compliance with copyright law, software licensing rules, property rights, and unauthorized peer-to-peer file sharing will be upheld. All existing policies related to plagiarism, privacy, and confidentiality also apply to the use of the computer resources and the information technology system. Any personal file/document saved on the computer will be deleted. Computers are subject to clean-up periodically. Laptop computers and projectors are housed in Trinity School of Nursing. Laptop computers/tablets are available for checkout by faculty for course preparation or clinical projects. A 24 hour reservation is recommended. Violation of any aspect of this policy can be deemed a Group III Code of Conduct (see Student Handbook) with disciplinary action of possible dismissal and/or referral to the appropriate law enforcement agency.

Laptop Policy

Laptop Policy

Trinity School of Nursing issued laptop computers are housed in the School and are provided for individual student use at the discretion of the Dean.  The use of a wired or wireless mouse is optional for any student using the school-provided laptops but shall remain the sole responsibility of the student.

Students are permitted to use their personal laptop computers for note-taking during lecture sessions.  Power supply to this laptop computer must be provided by the student’s computer battery.  Personal laptop computers and an optional wired or wireless mouse shall remain the sole responsibility of the student.

Payment of Tuition and Fees

Program

Student of the Month Recognition Program

Trinity School of Nursing (TSON) recognizes our outstanding students who exemplify behaviors reflective of the Mission/Vision, Core Values (Compassion, Inclusion, Integrity, Excellence and Collaboration) and those who go above and beyond the call of duty. This continuing recognition program is administered by the TSON Student Services Committee. The procedures for eligibility, nomination, selection, and recognition of students for the Outstanding Student Recognition Program are detailed within the Student Policies section of the Student Handbook.

Student of the Month

Worship

Hospital chapels are available for services. Students may attend a local house of worship of their choice.

Worship

Activities

Student Activities

Student activities (social, cultural, and recreational) are coordinated via the Student Services/Integrity Committee and individual class organizations.

The proximity of Pittsburgh encourages students to take advantage of the entertainment and cultural events in that metropolitan area.

Student Activities

Services

Career Services

Trinity Health System School of Nursing incorporates career service opportunities into the curriculum via a variety of methods. During the final course of the program, N205 Transition to Professional Practice, professional growth and accountability are augmented through a preceptorship within Trinity Health System and through classroom seminars. The seminars entail career-focused topics such as educational advancement, resume writing, and job interviewing.  Shadowing and/or interviewing with a potential employer is encouraged.

Trinity Health System recognizes student achievement with a recruitment luncheon at the end of the last course. All students receive job listings offered by Trinity Health System via Meditech, the Hospital’s information system. Other career opportunities are posted on the bulletin board near the Skills Lab. The Employee Tuition Forgiveness Scholarship/Loan Program is a career service opportunity leading to job placement within the Health System.

Career Services

Guidance

Academic and personal counseling is available to students by the faculty and administrative personnel. Professional services are available in the health system and community. For the purpose of reference, a current manual of local social agencies is available in Trinity Health System Policy Manager. A complete description of the guidance program is found in the Student Handbook.

Guidance

Advisement

Academic Advisement

The Faculty believe the guidance program is based on the uniqueness of the
individual. The guidance program offers opportunities to the student to
identify options for personal and intellectual growth and to be responsible for
their own decisions.

GENERAL: Outcomes:

1. The student will be assigned an Academic Advisor upon entering the program.
2. Meetings:
• A first meeting with the student is scheduled by the Academic Advisor
following presentation of the Study Skills/Test Taking/Empowerment
workshop (mandatory student participation)
• First year students must meet with their Academic Advisors a minimum
of every two weeks until the advisor and the student mutually agree to
decrease frequency.
• Second year students should be meeting at least once during the
semester/session with their Advisor.
• Meetings are documented on the Academic Advisement – Student
Progress Report.
• Academic Advisors will either schedule students or post hours available
for appointments.
• Advisor/student meetings may include discussion of:
A. Study Skills/Test Taking/Empowerment Profile
B. Course progress/testing
C. Standardized test results
D. Peer Tutoring
E. NCLEX Intervention
F. Review of textbooks on test-taking techniques i.e. Nugent, P.
& Vitale, B. (2023). Test success:  Test-taking techniques for
beginning nursing students. (10th ed.). Philadelphia:
F.A. Davis.

Academic Advisement

Organization

Class Organization

Class Organizations of the School of Nursing provide a means through which the business/activities of each Class may be communicated.

Class Organization

Handbook

Student Handbook

The Student Handbook contains the rules and regulations governing School life and use of facilities. Each student signs a Policy Signature Sheet acknowledging access to the school catalog and student handbook.

https://trinityson.com/about-us/handbook/

Student Handbook

Information

Communication of Student Information

Students and Faculty have input into policy development and revision. All new or revised policies are communicated formally in writing or electronically to each student as an addendum to the Student Handbook. Postings on student bulletin boards and verbal presentations are informal means of dissemination of information.

Communication of Student Information

Student's Location/Residence

Determining and Documenting a Student's Location/Residence

Trinity School of Nursing will determine a student’s residence/location by the address that the student documents on their admission application at the time of initial enrollment, unless that address is updated on the enrollment agreement post-acceptance. Once enrolled in the program, students must submit changes of location/residence to the school office via the Change Form. If a student is enrolled in an EGCC course, EGCC will determine their location/residence according to their policy.

Communication of Student Information

Process

Student Grievance/Appeals Process

This process is available to any student who has a disagreement concerning the interpretation and/or the application of, or compliance with any school policy or for allegations of dating violence, domestic violence, sexual assault, or stalking (that do not meet the definition of a Title IX offense). Matters which can be pursued through this process include, but are not limited to, equal opportunity, American’s with Disabilities Act, sexual harassment/ violence, accommodations, probation, financial aid procedures and grading practices. If a complaint meets the definition of a Title IX offense, then the Title IX Policy will be followed.

The grievance/appeal process is comprised of voluntary informal and formal steps. It is the goal to resolve problems informally whenever possible. The student is advised to discuss the concern directly with the person with whom there is a disagreement. In cases of sexual harassment or violence allegation, the student is not required to discuss the allegation informally and has the right to end the informal process at any time and proceed to the formal stage of due process.

1. To initiate the formal process, the student must contact the Dean of Trinity Health System  School of Nursing within ten (10) business days of the incident and submit written notification. This notification should include any relevant documentation and requests for additional attendees at hearing.

2. The Dean of Trinity Health System School of Nursing activates the grievance/appeals committee which is comprised of the following;

a. The Dean and/or his or her designee (nonvoting, acts as facilitator)

b. School of Nursing Secretary (minutes)

c. Designated faculty members (voting)

d. Student Service Committee representatives (voting) – only for cases involving alleged sexual harassment/violence. The student has the right to waive (in writing) the participation of his/her peers if desired.

d. Student Service Committee representatives (voting) – only for cases involving alleged sexual harassment/violence. The student has the right to waive (in writing) the participation of his/her peers if desired.

3. Within ten (10) business days of the submission of the formal complaint, the Dean sets the date and time of the hearing.

4. The involved parties in the allegation are notified in writing via certified letter. Sufficient time will be allotted to insure preparation for the meeting.

5. In cases of alleged domestic violence, dating violence, sexual assault, or stalking, the accuser and the accused are entitled to the same opportunities to have others present during an institutional disciplinary proceeding, including the opportunity to be accompanied to any related meeting or proceeding by an advisor of their choice.

6. All persons involved in the process are in attendance during the fact presentation. Only committee members will be present during the voting.

7. Failure of the complainant to attend the scheduled hearing will terminate the process.

8. The decision will be based on the facts relevant to the situation.

9. All involved parties in the allegation will receive a written notification via certified letter of the decision.

10. In the case of domestic violence, dating violence, sexual assault, or stalking, both the accuser and the accused shall be simultaneously informed in writing of the outcome of any institutional disciplinary proceeding that arises from an allegation of these offenses. They will also be informed of the institution’s procedures for the accused and the victim to appeal the results of the institutional disciplinary proceeding and of any changes to the results that occurs prior to the time that such results become final and when such results become final.

11. If a complainant disagrees with the outcome of the hearing, he/she may appeal the decision in writing to the Director within five (5) business days. The Dean will appoint a neutral School/ Hospital representative to review the proceedings. If proper procedures were followed, the appeals process is terminated and the decision is final

12. In the case of a 504 Grievance, the decision may be appealed by the complainant to the Office for Civil Rights, U.S. Department of Education (Follow Step 3 of the Section 504 Grievance Procedure located in Section V of the Student Handbook).

13. The student’s prehearing status remains unchanged until a final decision has been rendered.

14. All documentation of the grievance/appeals procedure will be maintained separate from the “educational record” in the School Office.

Regardless of the source of the grievance, the student is granted the opportunity to have a fair, prompt and equitable resolution of the concern. Resolution will occur after an impartial investigation of the complaint has been conducted. Every effort is made to ensure confidentiality under the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA). The complainant is informed if confidentiality cannot be maintained.

Compliance with these provisions does not constitute a violation of section 444 of the General Educational Provisions Act (20 U.S.C. 1232g), commonly known as the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act of 1974 (FERPA)

Whether or not the problem or complaint has been resolved to his/her satisfaction by the school, the student may direct any problem or complaint to the Executive Director, State Board of Career Colleges and Schools, 30 East Broad Street, Suite 2481, Columbus, Ohio, 43215, Phone 614-466-2752; toll free 877-275-4219.

Student Grievances

Records

Transcripts and Educational Records

In accordance with the Family Education Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA) of 1974, Trinity Health System School of Nursing is required to maintain confidentiality of the academic records of a student or alumnus. Students are informed of their FERPA rights annually via the student Handbook. A student has the right to review his/her record(s) according to established School of Nursing policy.

When a student has a legal name change, documentation must be submitted to the school office so that the appropriate name change may be placed on student records.

All requests for transcripts or educational records must be in writing. A transcript may be obtained for a fee of ten (10) dollars, payable in advance. An official transcript is sent directly to an educational institution, an employing institution, or given directly to a student/alumnus in a sealed envelope. Copies of education records may be obtained for one (1) dollar  per page up to $75.00.

Trinity Health System School of Nursing follows the Family Education Rights and Privacy Act of 1974 (Buckley Amendment) in reference to Student Record Policies.

Educational Requirement

Records

Procedure to Inspect Education Records

Students may inspect and review their education records upon request to the appropriate record custodian.

Students should submit to the record custodian or an appropriate School staff person a written request which identifies, as precisely as possible, the record or records he or she wishes to inspect.

The record custodian or an appropriate School staff person will make the needed arrangements for access as promptly as possible and notify the student of the time and place where the records may be inspected. Access must be given in 45 days or less from the receipt of the request.

When a record contains information about more than one student, the student may inspect and review only the records which relate to him or her.

Access

Right of School to Refuse Access

Trinity Health System School of Nursing reserves the right to refuse to permit a student to inspect the following records.

  • The financial statement of the student’s parents.
  • Letters and statements of recommendation for which the student has waived his or her right of access, or which were placed in his or her file before January 1, 1975.
  • Records connected with an application to attend Trinity Health System School of Nursing if that application was denied.
  • Those records which are excluded from the FERPA definition of education records.
Right to Refuse

Records

Fees for Copies of Records

The fee for copies of educational records is five (5) dollars per transcript or one (1) dollar per page for other educational records, up to $75.00.

Fees for Copies

Records

Disclosure of Education Records

Trinity Health System will disclose information from a student’s educational records only with the written consent of the student, except:

1.  To School officials who have a legitimate educational interest in the records. A School official is: a person employed by the School in an administrative, supervisory, academic, research or support staff position; a person elected to the Board of Trustees; a person employed by or under contract to the school to perform a special task, such as the attorney or auditor. A School official has a legitimate educational interest if the official is:  performing a task that is specified in his or her position description or by a contract agreement; performing a task related to a student’s education; performing a task related to the discipline of a student; providing a service or benefit relating to the student or student’s family, such as health care, counseling, job placement, or financial aid.

2. To officials of another school, upon request, in which a student seeks or intends to enroll.

3. To certain officials of the U.S. Department of Education, the Comptroller General, state and local educational authorities in connection with certain state or federally supported education programs.

4. In connection with a student’s request for or receipt of financial aid as necessary to determine the eligibility, amount, the conditions of the financial aid, or to enforce the terms and conditions of the aid.

5. If required by a state law requiring disclosure that was adopted before November 19, 1974.

6. To organizations conducting certain studies for or on behalf of the School.

7. To accrediting organizations to carry out their functions.

8. To parents of an eligible student who claim the student as a dependent for income tax purposes.

9. To the students.

10. To comply with a judicial order or a lawfully issued subpoena.

11.To appropriate parties in health or safety emergency.

12.Directory information so designated by the School.

13. Results of a disciplinary hearing.

14.The results of any disciplinary proceeding conducted by the School against an alleged perpetrator of a crime of violence to the alleged victim of that crime.

15.Disclosure to a parent of a student under 21 if the institution determines that the student has committed a violation of its drug or alcohol rules or policies (regardless of student’s dependent status).

Disclosure of Student Records

Disclosure

Record of Requests for Disclosure

Trinity Health System School of Nursing will maintain a record of all requests for and/or disclosure of information from a student’s education records. The record will indicate the name of the party making the request, any additional party to whom it may be re-disclosed, and the legitimate interest the party has in requesting or obtaining the information.

Record of Requests

Information

Directory Information

Trinity Health System School of Nursing designates the following items as directory information: student name, address, telephone number, e-mail, date and place of birth, major field of study, participation in officially recognized activities, dates of attendance, degrees and awards received and the most recent previous educational agency or institution attended. Trinity Health System School of Nursing may disclose any of these items without prior written consent, unless notified in writing to the contrary during the first two weeks of the Fall Semester.

Directory Information

Records

Correction of Education Records

Students have the right to ask for records to be corrected that they believe are inaccurate, misleading, or in violation of their privacy rights. The following are the procedures for the correction of records:

The student must ask the Dean of the School to amend a record in writing. The student should identify the part of the record he/she wants changed and specify why he/she believes it is inaccurate, misleading or in violation of his/her privacy or other rights.

The Faculty Organization must reach a decision and inform the student of this decision, in writing, within a ten (10) business days after receipt of the request. If the Faculty Organization denies the request, the Dean will notify the student of the decision and advise the student of the right to a hearing to challenge the information believed to be inaccurate, misleading, or in violation of student’s rights.

Upon request, the School will arrange for a hearing, and notify the student, within ten (10) business days, of the date, place, and time of the hearing. The hearing will be conducted by a hearing officer who is a disinterested party; however, the hearing officer may be an official of the institution. The student shall be afforded a full and fair opportunity to present evidence relevant to the issues raised in the original request to amend the student’s education records. The student may be assisted by one or more individuals.

The School will prepare a written decision based solely on the evidence presented at the hearing. The decision will include a summary of the evidence presented and the reasons for the decision. If the School decides that the information is inaccurate, misleading, or in violation of the student’s right of privacy, it will amend the record and notify the student, in writing, that the record has been amended.

If the School decides that the challenged information is not inaccurate, misleading, or in violation of the student’s right of privacy, it will notify the student of a right to place in the record a statement commenting on the challenged information and/or a statement setting forth reasons for disagreeing with the decision.

The statement will be maintained as part of the student’s education records as long as the contested portion is maintained. If the School discloses the contested portion of the record, it must also disclose the statement.
Note:
1. Notification of student rights under FERPA need not be sent to former students.
2. Schools need only make a “reasonable effort” to notify students of a subpoena in advance of compliance.
3. Parents of students attending the School are not given a right to inspect student records (e.g. negative grades) without student consent.
4. The opportunity for a hearing as specified in 99.21 of the regulations should not be construed to apply to questions concerning the underlying reasons for the granting of a
particular grade. Instead, a hearing to determine the accuracy of any grade should be confined to the issue of whether or not the recorded grade corresponded to the grade reported by the faculty member.

Alleged failures to comply with the requirements of FERPA may be filed by students with the US Department of Education. The name and address of the Office that administers FERPA is:

Family Policy Compliance Office
US Department of Education
400 Maryland Avenue, SW
Washington, D.C. 20202 – 5920

1-800-USA-LEARN

Correction of Education Records

Records

Types, Locations, and Custodians of Education Records

Types Locations Custodian
Admissions Records Before Entrance: Office of Admissions and Financial Aid After Enrollment Office 2631F Coordinator, Student Affairs Dean, School of Nursing
Academic Records (Current Students) Office 2631F Dean, School of Nursing
Academic Records (graduates/ withdrawal students) Office 2631F Dean, School of Nursing
Health Records Health Services Office Employee Health Coordinator
Financial Records Office of Admissions and Financial Aid Coordinator, Student Affairs
Probationary/Progression Records Office 2631F Dean, School of Nursing
Disciplinary Records Office 2631F Dean, School of Nursing
Student Grievance/Appeals Records Office 2631A Dean, School of Nursing
Types of Records

The information contained in this site is considered to be descriptive in nature.

It does not constitute an irrevocable contract between the student and the school. The school reserves the right to change without notice statements contained in this site concerning rules, policies, tuition and fees, curricula, courses or other administrative or educational policies.

You may contact the school at (740) 266-1230 for the most up-to-date information or email the school at [email protected]