General Documents for All Handbooks

OU Website

The OU website is an important source of information for all OU students. Students should refer to the OU  website for university academic resources (i.e. Office of Disability Support Services, Writing Center, Academic Success Center, Graham Health Center,Office of the Registrar, etc.).

MySAIL

The OU MySail system allows students to register for classes, view their financial aid status, and set up  an e-bill online payment system. The Schedule of Classes can be found here.

Student Name, Address, and Phone Number Changes

The SON uses student name and address information that is on file with OU. Each student is responsible  for informing the OU Office of the Registrar of any changes to their name, address, and/or telephone  number.

Academic Calendar 

The academic calendar provides students a table of important dates. Students should access the academic calendar prior to each semester.

OU Email Account

Information related to courses, scholarships, health requirements, etc. are communicated to students using their OU e-mail accounts. All SON students are expected to check their OU email daily and to use  their OU email accounts when communicating with SON/OU faculty, staff, administration and advising.

SON Faculty and Staff Directory

Students can communicate with SON faculty and Academic Advisers via OU email, internal Moodle email, telephone, or they can  meet with them in person. SON faculty are available to assist students with their questions and/or concerns regarding nursing courses, clinical experiences, course grading, professional nursing, etc. Academic advisers are available by appointment to assist students with program  planning, course scheduling, petitions of exception, transfer equivalencies, etc.The use of personal emails after admission is not permitted.

SON Academic Advising

SON students are assigned an academic adviser who will work with them for the duration of their nursing  education. SON academic advisers are available by appointment to assist students with program  planning, course scheduling, petitions of exception, transfer equivalencies, etc.

Graduate Catalog

The OU Graduate Catalog includes a listing of academic programs, degree requirements, policies, and  related program information.

The Graduate School

The Graduate School website is an important source of information for current graduate students.

Graham Health Center

Graham Health Center (GHC) is Oakland University's on campus health center. Services offered by  Graham Health Center are available to all current students, faculty, and staff.

Oakland University Counseling Center 

The Oakland University Counseling Center (OUCC) supports the academic mission of the University by providing high quality, short-term, confidential counseling for students.

SON Scholarships

A variety of SON scholarships are available to SON students. Announcements regarding the application  process will be sent to all SON students via OU email. 

Moodle

Oakland University uses Moodle as its learning platform. Information regarding each SON course, including the course syllabus, can be found on the course homepage  Moodle is used by course instructors and students to look up course schedules, syllabi, outlines, PowerPoints and assigned readings. We encourage you to bring your laptop to class. Exam results and final grades are posted on Moodle. Help and tutorials for Moodle are available online.

Kresge Library

Kresge Library, located at the heart of OU’s campus, is a critical center of learning, providing access to scholarly information, research support, library instruction, and computing and study facilities. Students will find important services and resources to help meet their academic and research goals through the Library and their extensive websites.

Oakland University Office of Financial Aid and Scholarships

Financial Aid and Scholarships is committed to helping you and your family navigate the cost of your Oakland University education. Visit the website for more information about scholarships.

Textbooks and Course Materials

Textbooks are available through the Oakland University Official Bookstore. Syllabi are available through the course Moodle website. Arrangements can be made through the OU Bookstore to mail course materials to students. Some printed materials not individually distributed are available on reserve in Kresge Library. Each student is responsible for obtaining and/or reviewing materials, as assigned.

Percentage: GPA

95.00-100.00: A 

90.00-94.99: A- 

85.00-89.99: B+ 

80.00-84.99: B 

75.00-79.99: B- 

70.00-74.99: C+ 

65.00-69.99: C 

60.00-64.99: C -

55.00-59.99: D+ 

50.00-54.99: D 

0.00-49.99: F

Academy of Forensic Nursing (AFN)
The Academy of Forensic Nursing seeks to collaborate and build partnerships while transforming and informing how we respond to those impacted by all forms of trauma – individual, interpersonal, collective or structural. We believe that "we are stronger together" and that our collective and unique lenses are what will advance the field in meaningful and impactful ways. We believe not only in centering the services we provide, but also centering the individuals who provide those services.

American Association of Colleges of Nursing (AACN)
OU is a member of the AACN, the national voice for baccalaureate and graduate-degree nursing education. A unique asset for the nation, AACN serves the public interest by providing standards and resources and by fostering innovation to advance professional nursing education, research, and practice.    

American Association of Critical Care Nurses (AACN)
AACN drives excellence in acute and critical care for nurses, patients and families. AACN is an exceptional community of acute and critical care nurses offering unwavering professional and personal support in pursuit of the best possible patient care.

American Association of Nurse Anesthesiology (AANA)
Founded in 1931, the AANA is the professional association representing more than 61,000 certified registered nurse anesthetists (CRNA) and student registered nurse anesthetists nationwide. The AANA promulgates education and practice standards and guidelines and consults private and governmental entities regarding nurse anesthetists and their practice. 

American Association of Nurse Practitioners (AANP)
AANP empowers all NPs to advance accessible, person-centered, equitable, high-quality health care for diverse communities through practice, education, advocacy, research and leadership. Five core components are represented by the acronym known as AANP's PEARL — practice, education, advocacy, research and leadership. To help advance the NP role and ensure the success of all members, AANP provides valuable resources aligned with the AANP PEARL.

Dean’s Circle
The Dean’s Circle is a select group of SON students invited to apply for membership to serve as SON ambassadors at various university functions. Participation in the Dean’s Circle allows students to develop leadership skills by assisting with SON events, interacting with the SON Dean, and other administrators.

Gerontological Advanced Practice Nurses Association (GAPNA)
The Gerontological Advanced Practice Nurses Association (GAPNA) is the premier professional organization that represents the interests of advanced practice nurses, other clinicians, educators, and researchers involved in the practice or advancement of caring for older adults. GAPNA provides opportunities for education, leadership, research, advocacy, networking, and the advancement of evidence-based care.  

Graduate Nursing Student Academy (GNSA)
The Graduate Nursing Student Academy (GNSA) provides high value programs, services, and resources to graduate nursing students enrolled in master's and doctoral programs at AACN member schools as they prepare for their future nursing careers. As the collective voice for graduate students, the GNSA fosters collaboration, innovation, and excellence in academic nursing and health care.

International Association of Forensic Nurses (IAFN)
The IAFN is the recognized authority on forensic nursing. The Association is the catalyst for universal access to forensic nursing care for patients impacted by violence and trauma. Its members are sought out by the public, policymakers, media, governments and worldwide healthcare systems for their expertise and knowledge. The Association defines and advances the global research agenda to enhance nursing’s evidence based response to the needs of forensic populations. Regulatory bodies and certifying agencies look to the Association for guidance on setting standards of care for forensic nursing services in a variety of settings. The Association serves as a global network for forensic nurses to exchange ideas, serve as mentors and enhance their practice.

Michigan Association of Nurse Anesthesia Students (MANAS)
The Michigan Association of Nurse Anesthetists (MANA) is a statewide association representing over 2,600 CRNAs and students.  MANAS is the student chapter of MANA. Student registered nurse anesthetists (SRNAs) have the opportunity to participate in MANAS as elected officers or as a representative for the OUBGPNA.

Michigan Council of Nurse Practitioners (MICNP)
The Michigan Council of Nurse Practitioners is a member-driven organization developed to promote a healthy Michigan through advocating for excellence in NP practice, education, and research; shaping the future of health care through advancing health policy; ensuring the ability of NPs to practice to the full extent of their education; and building a positive image of the NP role as a leader in the state and national health care community.

Michigan Council of Nurse Practitioners- Oakland University Student Chapter (MICNP OU)
The Michigan Council of Nurse Practitioners is the only NP organization in the state to represent all specialties within the nurse practitioner community. Oakland University has one of only three student-led chapters in the state of Michigan. These forward-thinking leaders were instrumental in providing the basis for both stability and growth of the organization.  

Minorities in Nursing at Oakland University (MNOU)
The MNOU provides nursing students an opportunity to promote unity among minorities and other students by providing a support network for pre-nursing and current nursing students. In addition, the MNOU allows members the opportunity to improve their networking skills while informing the greater OU community about health issues that affect minorities. 

Sigma, Theta Psi Chapter-at-large
Sigma Theta Tau, Theta Psi Chapter-at-large, International, the Honor Society of Nursing, was chartered at OU in April 1986. Each year, nursing students who are academically eligible are invited to become members. Candidates for membership are selected solely based on superior scholastic achievement.  

Student Representation on SON Committees
Graduate nursing students may serve on two SON Constitutional Committees: the SON Graduate Committee on Instruction (GCOI) or the SON Commencement and Honors Committee. No one who is a current OU graduate/doctoral student in the SON may serve on the GCOI as an elected faculty member.    

The American Association of Colleges of Nursing (AACN)
OU is a member of the AACN, the national voice for baccalaureate and graduate-degree nursing education. A unique asset for the nation, AACN serves the public interest by providing standards and resources and by fostering innovation to advance professional nursing education, research, and practice.

AACN American Association of Colleges of Nursing 

AACN (CC) American Association of Critical Care Nurses 

AANP American Association of Nurse Practitioners 

ACEMAPP Alliance for Clinical Experience Matching and Placement Program

AGNP Adult-Gerontology Nurse Practitioner 

ANA American Nurses Association 

APA American Psychological Association 

APRN Advanced Practice Registered Nurse 

ASD Accelerated Second Degree 

ATI Assessment Technologies Institute 

BLS Basic Life Support 

BSN Bachelor of Science in Nursing 

CCNE Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education 

CNL Clinical Nurse Leader 

CNP Certified Nurse Practitioner 

CNS Clinical Nurse Specialist 

COA Council on Accreditation 

CRNA Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetist 

DNP Doctor of Nursing Practice 

FN Forensic Nurse  

FNP Family Nurse Practitioner 

FOR Faculty of Record 

GC Graduate Certificate 

IDP Individual Development Plan

IRB Institutional Review Board 

MAE Medication Administration Examination 

MARC Medication Administration Remediation Course 

MSN Master of Science in Nursing 

NCLEX-RN National Council Licensure Examination-Registered Nurse 

OC Oakland Center 

OU Oakland University 

PhD Doctor of Philosophy 

POE Petition of Exception 

POS Plan of Study 

RN Registered Nurse 

RN-BSN BSN Degree Completion Sequence for Registered Nurses 

SON School of Nursing

FA Approved 3/24/2023

University Emergency Closing

The University Closing Policy and accompanying procedures provide guidance for the orderly  Cancellation of Classes, Delayed Start, Emergency Closing, and Early Release of Employees during  Extreme Conditions. When OU is closed, scheduled classes, lab, simulation, and UG clinical experiences are canceled and all university offices are closed. Graduate clinical experiences may be canceled; students will be notified by the Program Director. In addition, it is recommended that students follow OU guidance regarding closures.

Core Performance Standards

SON students must be able to demonstrate all of the Core Performance Standards. Any student who believes they may need assistance meeting the Core Performance Standards should contact the OU Office of Disability Support Services (DSS).

Critical Thinking - Inductive/deductive reasoning sufficient for clinical judgment and decision-making.

Emotional Stability - Emotional stability sufficient to assume responsibility/accountability for actions.

Communication - Communication abilities sufficient for interaction with others in verbal and written form.

Motor Skills - Gross and fine motor abilities sufficient to provide safe and effective nursing care. The student must be able to perform basic life support; provide physical assistance to patients including repositioning, transfers and ambulation.

Mobility - Physical abilities sufficient to move from place to place and maneuver in small places. Students must have the ability to stand for extended periods of time.

Visual - Visual ability sufficient to provide safe and effective nursing care.

Hearing - Auditory ability sufficient to provide safe and effective nursing care.

Tactile - Tactile ability sufficient for assessment and implementation of care.

Health - Characteristics that would not compromise health and safety of clients.

Student Expectations

The American Nurses’ Association (ANA) Scope & Standards of Practice (4th ed.) provide the foundation for the expectations for all admitted undergraduate and graduate nursing students. The Standards identify areas of professional performance that are expected of every nurse. As part of the nursing student’s development, it is imperative that each student demonstrate this professional conduct in all health care, academic and other settings. Each Standard is followed by competencies for the registered nurse and additional competences for the graduate-level prepared specialty nurse and the APRN.

A violation of the ANA Scope & Standards of Practice, the ANA Code of Ethics (see below), the University’s Student Code of Conduct, and/or unprofessional/unsafe behavior in any university, class, lab, clinical setting or public setting (including without limitation online/social media), may result in discipline up to and including suspension or dismissal from the SON and/or the University.

For further information, refer to the ANA (2015) position statement on Incivility, Bullying, and Workplace Violence at Violence, Incivility, and Bullying.

ANA Code of Ethics for Nurses

The ANA Code of Ethics for Nurses with Interpretive Statements is the definitive framework for  ethical analysis and decision-making for RNs across all practice levels, roles and settings. The  code of ethics is expected to be upheld by all nursing students at all times and includes, without limitation, the following:

• Provision 1: Dignity and Respect- The nurse practices with compassion and respect for the inherent dignity, worth, and unique attributes of every person.
• Provision 2: Primary Commitment- A nurse’s primary commitment is to the recipient(s) of nursing care, whether an individual, family, group, community, or population.
• Provision 3: Trust and Advocacy- The nurse establishes a trusting relationship and advocates for the rights, health, and safety of recipient(s) of nursing care.
• Provision 4: Responsibility and Accountability for Practice- Nurses have authority over nursing practice and are responsible and accountable for their practice consistent with their obligations to promote health, prevent illness, and provide optimal care.
• Provision 5: Duties to Self- The nurse has moral duties to self as a person of inherent dignity and worth including an expectation of a safe place to work that fosters flourishing, authenticity of self at work, and self-respect through integrity and professional competence.
• Provision 6: Ethical Work Environment- Nurses, through individual and collective effort, establish, maintain, and improve the ethical environment of the work setting that affects nursing care and the well-being of nurses.
• Provision 7: Knowledge Development and Social Policy- Nurses advance the profession through multiple approaches to knowledge development, professional standards, and the generation of policies for nursing, health, and social concerns.>
• Provision 8: Collaborative Relationships- Nurses build collaborative relationships and networks with nurses, other healthcare and non healthcare disciplines, and the public to achieve greater ends.
• Provision 9: Commitment to Society and Social Justice- Nurses and their professional organizations work to enact and resource practices, policies, and legislation to promote social justice, eliminate health inequities, and facilitate human flourishing.
• Provision 10: A Global Nursing Community- Nursing, through organizations and associations, participates in the global nursing and health community to promote human and environmental health, well-being, and flourishing.

Boundary Violations

Divulging confidential patient and/or family information of any kind without authorization, including without limitation in-person, via telephone and/or via any electronic media (e.g., email, text, social media, or any other electronic communications of any kind), violates the applicable ethical, professional, and legal standards, and may result in discipline up to and including suspension or dismissal from the SON and/or the University. See additional information from the ANA and National Council of State Boards of Nursing regarding the Boundary Violations

In addition, the use of any language or materials, including without limitation in-person, via telephone and/or via any electronic media (e.g., email, text, social media, or any other electronic communications of any kind), may also result in discipline up to and including suspension or dismissal from the SON and/or the University if it:

• Contains illegal content;
• Violates any University or SON policy or any provision of this handbook;
• Constitutes fighting words, obscenity, defamation, invasion of privacy, harassment, threats, intimidation, or discrimination on a basis prohibited by federal or state law;
• Has the effect or likelihood of inciting imminent unlawful action;
• Conveys an imminent threat of physical harm to specific individuals, including without limitation in person, via telephone and/or electronic communications, the internet, and/or any other social media.

OU Judicial Process

All members of Oakland University’s academic community are expected to practice and uphold standards of academic integrity. Academic integrity means representing oneself and one’s work honestly. Misrepresentation is cheating since it means the student is claiming credit for ideas or work not actually his or her own and is thereby seeking a grade that is not actually earned. All academic misconduct allegations are forwarded to the Dean of Students office and adhere to the Student Code of Conduct.

Oakland University Formal Complaint/Incident Report Process

Students, faculty, staff, parents, and others are strongly encouraged to report behaviors that they feel are concerning, worrisome, or threatening (no matter how small or insignificant that may seem). The link to submit a formal complaint or report an incident of concern can be found at the OU Dean of Students website. Imminent threats should immediately be reported to the Oakland University Police Department (OUPD).

Sexual misconduct can occur in any University sponsored program, both on-campus and off-campus. Sexual misconduct is unwelcome conduct of a sexual nature without consent and includes sexual harassment, sexually hostile environments and sexual violence. For a more complete understanding of OU’s Sexual Misconduct Policy and corresponding laws, please view the Sexual Misconduct/Sexual Assault and Violence Initiative page.

Family Education Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA)

The Federal Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA) of 1974 pertains to confidential student educational records. This legislation allows students the right to view their own confidential educational records upon request and defines the use of these records by others. The OU dean of students is the university compliance officer for the FERPA. OU is subject to the provisions of the FERPA. Accordingly, student grades may not be publicly posted in any form that violates the confidentiality of student records.