NURN 4313 - Nursing LeadershipManagemen: Nursing LeadershipManagemen(Sub I- Aug 26 to Oct 11)
Fall 2024 Syllabus, Section 680, CRN 14450
Instructor Information
Dr. Angel Smothers, DNP, APRN, FNP-BC, CNE
Adjunct Faculty
Email: angel.smothers@tamiu.edu
Office: Virtual
Office Hours:
Virtual Appointments on Request
Cell Phone: 304-952-4316
Times and Location
Does Not Meet Face-to-Face
Course Description
Program Learning Outcomes
- Synthesize knowledge from the arts, humanities, sciences, and other disciplines in developing a framework for nursing knowledge and practice.
- Explore the effect of variations in health status, developmental processes, values, beliefs and attitudes, history, and environment on nursing care needs
- Use critical thinking, clinical judgement/decision making, problem-solving, and the research process in the development of nursing knowledge and practice.
- Assess, diagnose, plan, implement, and evaluate evidence-based and culturally-appropriate safe nursing car with patients, families, populations and communities.
- Evaluate utilization of health promotion strategies in the development of nursing practice.
- Develop professional nursing practice frameworks and roles, including the provider of patient-centered care, health care team member/collaborator, leader/manager, educator, scholar, patient-safety advocate, activist, mentor, and entrepreneur.
- Evaluate the impact of evolving technological, socioeconomic, political and demographic changes on nursing practice and health care systems.
- Adhere to legal and ethical principles in the development of professional nursing practice.
- Articulate a commitment to life-long learning.
- Participate in nursing-and health-related service opportunities
Student Learning Outcomes
Upon successful completion of this course, each student will:
- CO1: Describe the concepts and principles from the arts, sciences, humanities, management, and nursing when making practice decisions for managing individuals, families, communities, and health-care teams.
- CO2: Discuss social, cultural, ethnic, spiritual, psychological and economic factors when providing nursing leadership and management of individuals, families, communities, and health-care teams.
- CO3: Use critical thinking, clinical judgment/decision making, problem-solving, and the research process in the development of nursing knowledge and practice.
- CO4: Explain the leadership and management skills, including delegation, within ethical, legal, and professional nursing boundaries, to individuals, families, communities, and health-care teams
- CO5: Incorporate relevant research in developing leadership and management skills among diverse populations, including individuals, families, communities, and health-care teams
Important Dates
Visit the Academic Calendar (tamiu.edu) page to view the term's important dates.
Textbooks
Group | Title | Author | ISBN |
---|---|---|---|
Required | Leadership Roles and Management Functions in Nursing: Theory and application., 11th ed | Huston, C. J., & Marquis, B. L. (2022). | 13:978-1975193065 |
Required | APA Manual 7th ed | American Psychological Association | https://doi.org/10.1037/0000165-000 |
Other Course Materials
To go to the bookstore, click here.
Grading Criteria
ASSIGNMENT | VALUE |
Discussion Forum | 20% |
Chapter Assignments | 20% |
Interview of Leader | 20% |
Midterm | 20% |
Final Exam | 20% |
Total Percentage for Course | 100% |
Grading Scale/Schema
I. CSON Grading and Grade Rounding:
- The CSON has adopted a grading scale in line with other Texas schools of nursing: A = 90 - 100 B = 80 - 89 C = 75 – 79 F- 74 and below
- Nursing students must achieve a grade of C or higher in both theory and clinical components of a course in order to pass that course and progress in the program. A grade of F in either theory or clinical components will constitute a course failure.
- To pass a nursing course and progress in the program, a nursing student must attain an overall course average of 75% or higher.
- Read the CSON Grading and Grade Rounding Policy found in the CSON student handbook for additional information on examinations.
- Grade rounding:
Test Average
- The weighted exam average total for the courses includes all exams and the final exam, and is calculated to two decimal places and rounded mathematically as follows:
- Less than 0.45 round down to the next whole number (74.44 rounds down to a 74)
- 0.45 or greater: Round up to the next whole number (75.45 rounds up to a 75)
Course Average
- The final weighted numeric course grade is calculated to two decimal places and rounded mathematically as follows:
- Less than 0.45 round down to the next whole number (74.44 rounds down to a 74)
- 0.45 or greater: Round up to the next whole number (75.45 rounds up to a 75)
II. CNHS Online examination Policy and Guidelines: (this semester all quizzes and tests must be given online)
All online exams must use respondus lockdown browser and if off campus without direct faculty proctoring the student must also use the respondus webcam.
All students need to purchase a year-long license for Respondus. The cost is $15, and you will be able to use it in all of your classes. If you are using a Chrome book, you will need to purchase Proctorial.
Student instructions for purchasing and installing respondus can be found:
https://www.tamiu.edu/distance/technology/respondus-ldb-and-monitor.shtml
Process for Testing using Respondus Lockdown Browser with Monitor
- Prior to giving any exams, the faculty must submit a sample exam with Respondus Lockdown Browser and Monitor. It is suggested that a sample exam/quiz folder be set up in the Content area of the course for this practice exam/quiz.
- The test date and time must be specified; this includes the date and time the test begins and ends. It is suggested all exams be given during a limited period such as less than a 6-hour window.
- All final exams, except in online courses, must be given at the date and time specified by the university (i.e.
started at exactly 9:00AM and ending exactly 11:50AM. The test must be set up in such a way that at the end of the allotted time the exam will automatically close)
- The student’s tabletop or desk, and under the computer must be covered with a dark solid background.
(suggestion is black plastic type table cloth that can be reused)
- Prior to the exam
- The student must show their face and TAMIU ID on camera.
- The webcam must be used to show a 360-degree view of the entire room as well as under the table and chair were the student will be sitting. (The door to the room must be kept closed at all times and any interruption to the exam by opening of the door or someone entering the room will result in an automatic zero on the exam.)
- Student must use a mirror to show that the monitor screen, laptop, and keyboard are free of any stickers, post it notes, etc.
- After the student uses their cell phone to sign in it must be powered-off and set it face down on the table where it can be seen by the video camera.
- No wristwatches or pendants may be worn. No long sleeve shirts or sweaters may be worn. Arms up to elbows must be visible.
- No caps or hoodies, earphones or ear buds may be worn.
- Absolutely no talking during the exam either to yourself or to someone else. No music can be played during the exam.
- Students must not leave the exam or view of camera until the exam is submitted.
- All tests will require a password that will not be provided until just prior to the exam.
- All tests will begin and end exactly at the time specified (it will automatically shut down at the end of the testing period).
- Student failure to follow these guidelines will result in an automatic zero on the exam.
Rubrics
Rubrics: The rubrics for the various types of assignments can be found in the course linked to the assignments.
Late Work Policy
Late assignments:
- There will be a deduction of five (5) points per day for each late assignment.
- The initial Discussion Board responses will be penalized five (5) points for every day late up until the due date and time.
- There will be no credit given for late Discussion Board peer responses
Open Boilerplate
Course Outline and Expectations
Participation/Attendance
A significant percentage of your grade is based on your attendance and participation within the discussion module threads. As a student you are thought to be sufficiently mature and motivated to attend class when we hold class and to participate in class assignments whether conducted in class or online. Discussion questions online will comprise the bulk of your opportunity to discuss the course material.
- Students are expected to participate in weekly discussions on at least three separate days out of seven in the electronic week.
- The electronic week begins on Monday at 12:01 am CST and ends on Sunday at 12 midnight CST.
- There are no “make-ups” for not posting to the Weekly Discussions. If you need to be away or do not have computer access, you need to make alternative arrangements for participation and actively engaging in the course to meet weekly discussion requirements.
- Students must post a Main post to the Discussion board each week on or before Wednesday at 2359 CST.
- One point per day will be deducted for not having the Main post completed on or before Wednesday each week ensuring that all students have the opportunity for active learning and engagement with peers and course faculty.
- Students must also respond to three (3) classmates’ main posts before Sunday at 2359 CST.
- Students must provide references in current APA format for all posts when responding to questions.
- All discussions posted must reflect proficient writing standards and scholarly data.
- Posts must be in the correct Weekly Discussion board or no points will be awarded.
- When answering a discussion post, you are required to provide a quality and validated answer.
- At least one full paragraph (3-5 quality sentences) and a reference.
- When your response to a peer’s post at least one full paragraph (3-5 quality sentences) is required.
- “I agree”, does not qualify for a sentence and will not be counted in the grade assessment.
Academic Honesty
Article 7, Academic Conduct, from Student Handbook
As members in an academic community, students at TAMIU are expected to act with honesty and integrity in their pursuit of higher education, be mature, be self-directed and be able to manage their own affairs. Students who are unwilling to abide by these basic expectations may find themselves facing academic and disciplinary sanctions. Students are expected to share in the responsibility and authority with faculty and staff to challenge and make known acts that violate the TAMIU Honor Code. For more information on the Honor Code, please visit the Office of Student Conduct and Community Engagement website at https://www.tamiu.edu/scce/.
TAMIU Faculty have the authority to implement academic rules or impose grade penalties as appropriate. For more information, please visit the TAMIU Faculty Handbook available at http://www.tamiu.edu/senate/handbook.shtml.
Minimum Technical Skills Expected
When participating in distance education courses, it is vital to consider the technology involved in order to have a successful course. Students in distance education should have knowledge of basic computer and Internet skills, as mentioned on the Instructional Technology and Distance Education Services’ webpage. Additional skills required for this course include knowing how to use Turnitin.
Required Basic Skills
- Getting online.
- Using an Internet browser.
- Downloading, saving, opening, and printing material found online.
- Conducting Internet searches.
- Composing e-mail/course messages and attaching documents.
- Posting to a discussion forum.
- Submitting to a drop box or assignment.
- Writing and editing with a word processor, such as Notepad, MS Word, etc.
- Take online examinations.
Accommodations/Accessibility Policy
Texas A&M International University seeks to provide reasonable accommodations for all qualified persons with disabilities. This University will adhere to all applicable federal, state, and local laws, regulations and guidelines with respect to providing reasonable accommodations as required to afford equal education opportunity. It is the student's responsibility to register with the Director of Student Counseling and to contact the faculty member in a timely fashion to arrange for suitable accommodations. For more information, contact the Office of Disability Services for Students (DSS) via phone at 956.326.2230, online at http://www.tamiu.edu/wellness/disability.shtml, or by visiting the staff at the Senator Judith Zaffirini Student Success Center, room 138. A link to the Disabilities Services for Students site has also been included under the "Resources" tab inside the course.
Mission of Disability Services for Students
Disability Services for Students promotes a supportive learning community to empower students with disabilities to accomplish their academic goals by ensuring accessibility to University programs. We aim to foster greater awareness both of, and for, persons with disabilities in our multilingual, multicultural international environment.
Disability Services may provide the following accommodations:
- Loans on Assistive Technology
- Materials enlarged (e.g., exams, handouts)
- Sign language interpreters
- Alternative testing arrangements
- Contact Information Accessible furniture in classrooms
- Assistance in recruiting note takers
- Assistance in ordering textbooks on CD Assistance in recording textbooks when textbooks on CD are not available
Student Support Resources
The University wishes to have all students succeed in their courses. To provide support to our students, an array of services in the areas of technology support, academic support, student support, and accessibility support may be found at the University. For more information, visit Instructional Technology and Distance Education Services’ page on University Resources and Support Services.
Student-Instructor Communication Policy and Response Time
- Course Messages/Emails
Students must check their dusty email account every 24 hours to ensure that they are able to respond to any email communication from their course faculty with 24-48 of receiving the email. Emails sent to the course faculty should be emailed to Bb email address and the faculty will respond within 24-48 business hours. If the faculty has not responded within 48 business hours, the student must call or resend the email to the faculty to ensure that the original email was received. Students should read any email sent by the course faculty thoroughly to ensure that they respond within the designated time frame or within the requested time frame. This is considered a professional responsibility.
- Assignments and Assessments
Assignments will be graded within 1-2 weeks, for providing feedback to students on their submissions of an assignment or assessment
Course Communication Guidelines (Netiquette)
Online communication is a very critical component of any online environment. There could be asynchronous communication (which means you are involved in a communication that IS NOT coordinated in time; such as discussion forums, emails, blogs, wikis, etc.) or synchronous communication (which means you are involved in a communication that IS coordinated in time; such as a LIVE chat session, LIVE office hours, web-conferences, etc.) in an online environment.
What Is Netiquette?
By definition, etiquette is “the customary code of polite behavior in society or among members of a particular profession or group.” In cyberspace, netiquette is “acceptable way of communicating and behaving on the Internet.”
Netiquette Tips
- be respectful
- Regardless of the type of communication used, you should always keep in mind the following:
- be considerate of others
- think through before responding
- write clearly and concisely
- respond in a timely manner
- use short paragraphs
- spell-check your responses
Avoid
- CAPITAL LETTERS may be used to EMPHASIZE, but avoid typing in only capital letters as it may “sound” AS THOUGH YOU’RE SHOUTING!
- Rambling writing style; get to the point quickly.
- Screens full of text.
There are course expectations concerning etiquette or how we should treat each other online. It is vital that we consider these values as we communicate with one another. Visit Instructional Technology and Distance Education Services’ web page on Netiquette for further instruction.
VII. Technology Requirements
Computer/Technology Requirements
When participating in distance education courses, it is vital to consider the technology involved in order to have a successful course. Online students will need regular access to a personal computer that runs on a broadband Internet connection.
It recommended that you meet the technical requirements listed on the Instructional Technology and Distance Education Services’ webpage when using the learning management system (LMS) of the University.
Additional Software. You will need the following additional software: Microsoft PowerPoint for viewing lesson presentations and Microsoft Word for viewing course files and submitting assignments. TAMIU Students may access online versions of this software through their Dusty Office 365 account at https://dusty.tamiu.edu/. This site also provides students access to download the Microsoft suite for educational use. See instructions for downloading the Microsoft Office suite.
Note: Students if you do not own the required hardware, software or do not have access to internet, it will be highly challenging for you to make any progress in this class. However, my goal is to assist you to find solutions and guide you appropriately most of the required materials can either be found free of charge at TAMIU’s library, computer labs, and classrooms. In addition, you may also purchase any of these items at any electronic store.
Below is information regarding orientation to Bb. Additionally, students can find assistance in Bb under the “Student Support” tab of Bb, information on technology support services, academic support services, student support services, and accessibility support services may be found there. Additionally, Atomic Learning training videos may be beneficial if any students lacking technology skills.
Learning Management System
Students are provided with guides on how to use the Blackboard LMS. Guides may be available at http://www.tamiu.edu/distance/students/elearning-orientation.shtml or by contacting the eLearning team at elearning@tamiu.edu.
Technical Support Services
Because of the nature of distance education courses, the Office of Information Technology (OIT) computing and information services are vital to the success of online students. This webpage covers contact information for Distance Education Services, the OIT Help Desk, and E-mail support: Technical Support Services.
Student Support Resources
The University wishes to have all students succeed in their courses. To provide support to our students, an array of services in the areas of technology support, academic support, student support, and accessibility support may be found at the University. For more information, visit Instructional Technology and Distance Education Services’ page on University Resources and Support Services.
Student-Instructor Communication Policy and Response Time
- Course Messages/Emails
Students must check their dusty email account every 24 hours to ensure that they are able to respond to any email communication from their course faculty with 24-48 of receiving the email. Emails sent to the course faculty should be emailed to Bb email address and the faculty will respond within 24-48 business hours. If the faculty has not responded within 48 business hours, the student must call or resend the email to the faculty to ensure that the original email was received. Students should read any email sent by the course faculty thoroughly to ensure that they respond within the designated time frame or within the requested time frame. This is considered a professional responsibility.
- Assignments and Assessments
Assignments will be graded within 1-2 weeks, for providing feedback to students on their submissions of an assignment or assessment
Schedule of Topics and Assignments
Week of | Agenda/Topic | Reading(s) | Due |
---|---|---|---|
8/26 | **Critical Triad **Decision Making **Management and Leadership **Roles and Functions in Planning |
**Huston, C. J. & Marquis, B. L. (2017). Chapters 1, 2, 3, 7, 8, Related PowerPoints (MO1.1 - MO1.15) **Article – Emotional Intelligence: A Key for Nurse Managers’ Transformational Leadership Style. (MO1.6), (MO1.10) **American Organization of Nurse Executives (AONE) Nurse Manager Competencies (MO1.4) **American Organization of Nurse Executives (AONE) Nurse Executive Competencies (MO1.4) |
**Discussion Board **Interview Assignment |
9/2 | **Foundation for Effective Leadership and Management Ethics, Law, and Advocacy | **Huston, C. J. & Marquis, B. L. (2017). Chapters 4, 5, 6, Related PowerPoints (MO2.1 – MO2.12) **National Council of State Boards of Nursing (NCSBN) https://www.ncsbn.or g/npa-toolkit.htm (MO2.7 – MO2.12) Use this toolkit to: A. Learn about the law and regulations that guide and govern nursing practice **Resolving ethical dilemma: An application of a theoretical model (MO2.1 – (MO2.6) **The MORAL Decision Making Model (Crisham (1985) (MO2.1 – MO2.6) |
**Discussion Board **Respond to Questions |
9/9 | **Roles and Functions in Planning Roles and Functions in Organizing | Huston, C. J. & Marquis, B. L. (2017). Chapters 9, 10, 14, Related PowerPoints (MO3.1 – MO3.10) | **Discussion Post **Mid-term Exam |
9/16 | **Roles and Functions in Staffing **Roles and Functions in Planning **Roles and Functions in Organizing |
**Huston, C. J. & Marquis, B. L. (2017). Chapters 11, 12, 13, 15, 16, 17, Related PowerPoints (MO4.1 – MO4.19) | ** Respond to Questions |
9/23 | **Roles and Functions in Directing **Roles and Functions in Controlling |
**Huston, C. J. & Marquis, B. L. (2017). Chapters 18, 19, 22, 23, 24, 25, Related PowerPoints (MO5.1 – MO5.19) **Article – To Err Is Human: Building A Safer Health System (MO5.12) **YouTube video Supporting a Positive Work Environment (MO5.2) https://www.youtube. com/watch?v=jHBawT PwqK4 |
** Discussion Forum #4 and #5 **Respond to questions |
9/30 | **Roles and Functions in Directing | **Huston, C. J. & Marquis, B. L. (2017). Chapters 20, 21, Related PowerPoints (MO6.1 – MO6.7) **YouTube video Nurse Bullying: How to STOP a Bully in Their Tracks! (MO6.5 – MO6.7) https://www.youtube. com/watch?v=qO2aW MoQotQ **YouTube video The Hard Truth: Bullying and Workplace Violence in Health Care (MO6.5 – MO6.7) https://www.youtube. com/watch?v=wCiyp0 s2G0o |
**Discussion Forum #6 ** Respond to Questions |
10/7 | Final Exam | Final Exam |
University/College Policies
Please see the University Policies below.
COVID-19 Related Policies
If you have tested positive for COVID-19, please refer to the Student Handbook, Appendix A (Attendance Rule) for instructions.
Required Class Attendance
Students are expected to attend every class in person (or virtually, if the class is online) and to complete all assignments. If you cannot attend class, it is your responsibility to communicate absences with your professors. The faculty member will decide if your excuse is valid and thus may provide lecture materials of the class. According to University policy, acceptable reasons for an absence, which cannot affect a student’s grade, include:
- Participation in an authorized University activity.
- Death or major illness in a student’s immediate family.
- Illness of a dependent family member.
- Participation in legal proceedings or administrative procedures that require a student’s presence.
- Religious holy day.
- Illness that is too severe or contagious for the student to attend class.
- Required participation in military duties.
- Mandatory admission interviews for professional or graduate school which cannot be rescheduled.
Students are responsible for providing satisfactory evidence to faculty members within seven calendar days of their absence and return to class. They must substantiate the reason for the absence. If the absence is excused, faculty members must either provide students with the opportunity to make up the exam or other work missed, or provide a satisfactory alternative to complete the exam or other work missed within 30 calendar days from the date of absence. Students who miss class due to a University-sponsored activity are responsible for identifying their absences to their instructors with as much advance notice as possible.
Classroom Behavior (applies to online or Face-to-Face Classes)
TAMIU encourages classroom discussion and academic debate as an essential intellectual activity. It is essential that students learn to express and defend their beliefs, but it is also essential that they learn to listen and respond respectfully to others whose beliefs they may not share. The University will always tolerate different, unorthodox, and unpopular points of view, but it will not tolerate condescending or insulting remarks. When students verbally abuse or ridicule and intimidate others whose views they do not agree with, they subvert the free exchange of ideas that should characterize a university classroom. If their actions are deemed by the professor to be disruptive, they will be subject to appropriate disciplinary action (please refer to Student Handbook Article 4).
TAMIU Honor Code: Plagiarism and Cheating
As a TAMIU student, you are bound by the TAMIU Honor Code to conduct yourself ethically in all your activities as a TAMIU student and to report violations of the Honor Code. Please read carefully the Student Handbook Article 7 and Article 10 available at https://www.tamiu.edu/scce/studenthandbook.shtml.
We are committed to strict enforcement of the Honor Code. Violations of the Honor Code tend to involve claiming work that is not one’s own, most commonly plagiarism in written assignments and any form of cheating on exams and other types of assignments.
Plagiarism is the presentation of someone else’s work as your own. It occurs when you:
- Borrow someone else’s facts, ideas, or opinions and put them entirely in your own words. You must acknowledge that these thoughts are not your own by immediately citing the source in your paper. Failure to do this is plagiarism.
- Borrow someone else’s words (short phrases, clauses, or sentences), you must enclose the copied words in quotation marks as well as citing the source. Failure to do this is plagiarism.
- Present someone else’s paper or exam (stolen, borrowed, or bought) as your own. You have committed a clearly intentional form of intellectual theft and have put your academic future in jeopardy. This is the worst form of plagiarism.
Here is another explanation from the 2020, seventh edition of the Manual of The American Psychological Association (APA):
“Plagiarism is the act of presenting the words, idea, or images of another as your own; it denies authors or creators of content the credit they are due. Whether deliberate or unintentional, plagiarism violates ethical standards in scholarship” (p. 254). This same principle applies to the illicit use of AI.
Plagiarism: Researchers do not claim the words and ideas of another as their own; they give credit where credit is due. Quotations marks should be used to indicate the exact words of another. Each time you paraphrase another author (i.e., summarize a passage or rearrange the order of a sentence and change some of the words), you need to credit the source in the text. The key element of this principle is that authors do not present the work of another as if it were their own words. This can extend to ideas as well as written words. If authors model a study after one done by someone else, the originating author should be given credit. If the rationale for a study was suggested in the discussion section of someone else's article, the person should be given credit. Given the free exchange of ideas, which is very important for the health of intellectual discourse, authors may not know where an idea for a study originated. If authors do know, however, they should acknowledge the source; this includes personal communications (p. 11). For guidance on proper documentation, consult the Academic Success Center or a recommended guide to documentation and research such as the Manual of the APA or the MLA Handbook for Writers of Research Papers. If you still have doubts concerning proper documentation, seek advice from your instructor prior to submitting a final draft.
TAMIU has penalties for plagiarism and cheating.
- Penalties for Plagiarism: Should a faculty member discover that a student has committed plagiarism, the student should receive a grade of 'F' in that course and the matter will be referred to the Honor Council for possible disciplinary action. The faculty member, however, may elect to give freshmen and sophomore students a “zero” for the assignment and to allow them to revise the assignment up to a grade of “F” (50%) if they believe that the student plagiarized out of ignorance or carelessness and not out of an attempt to deceive in order to earn an unmerited grade; the instructor must still report the offense to the Honor Council. This option should not be available to juniors, seniors, or graduate students, who cannot reasonably claim ignorance of documentation rules as an excuse. For repeat offenders in undergraduate courses or for an offender in any graduate course, the penalty for plagiarism is likely to include suspension or expulsion from the university.
- Caution: Be very careful what you upload to Turnitin or send to your professor for evaluation. Whatever you upload for evaluation will be considered your final, approved draft. If it is plagiarized, you will be held responsible. The excuse that “it was only a draft” will not be accepted.
- Caution: Also, do not share your electronic files with others. If you do, you are responsible for the possible consequences. If another student takes your file of a paper and changes the name to his or her name and submits it and you also submit the paper, we will hold both of you responsible for plagiarism. It is impossible for us to know with certainty who wrote the paper and who stole it. And, of course, we cannot know if there was collusion between you and the other student in the matter.
- Penalties for Cheating: Should a faculty member discover a student cheating on an exam or quiz or other class project, the student should receive a “zero” for the assignment and not be allowed to make the assignment up. The incident should be reported to the chair of the department and to the Honor Council. If the cheating is extensive, however, or if the assignment constitutes a major grade for the course (e.g., a final exam), or if the student has cheated in the past, the student should receive an “F” in the course, and the matter should be referred to the Honor Council. Additional penalties, including suspension or expulsion from the university may be imposed. Under no circumstances should a student who deserves an “F” in the course be allowed to withdraw from the course with a “W.”
- Caution: Chat groups that start off as “study groups” can easily devolve into “cheating groups.” Be very careful not to join or remain any chat group if it begins to discuss specific information about exams or assignments that are meant to require individual work. If you are a member of such a group and it begins to cheat, you will be held responsible along with all the other members of the group. The TAMIU Honor Code requires that you report any such instances of cheating.
- Student Right of Appeal: Faculty will notify students immediately via the student’s TAMIU e- mail account that they have submitted plagiarized work. Students have the right to appeal a faculty member’s charge of academic dishonesty by notifying the TAMIU Honor Council of their intent to appeal as long as the notification of appeal comes within 10 business days of the faculty member’s e-mail message to the student and/or the Office of Student Conduct and Community Engagement. The Student Handbook provides more details.
Use of Work in Two or More Courses
You may not submit work completed in one course for a grade in a second course unless you receive explicit permission to do so by the instructor of the second course. In general, you should get credit for a work product only once.
AI Policies
Your instructor will provide you with their personal policy on the use of AI in the classroom setting and associated coursework.
TAMIU E-Mail and SafeZone
Personal Announcements sent to students through TAMIU E-mail (tamiu.edu or dusty email) are the official means of communicating course and university business with students and faculty –not the U.S. Mail and no other e-mail addresses. Students and faculty must check their TAMIU e-mail accounts regularly, if not daily. Not having seen an important TAMIU e-mail or message from a faculty member, chair, or dean is not accepted as an excuse for failure to take important action.
Students, faculty, and staff are encouraged to download the SafeZone app, which is a free mobile app for all University faculty, staff, and students. SafeZone allows you to: report safety concerns (24/7), get connected with mental health professionals, activate location sharing with authorities, and anonymously report incidents. Go to https://www.tamiu.edu/adminis/police/safezone/index.shtml for more information.
Copyright Restrictions
The Copyright Act of 1976 grants to copyright owners the exclusive right to reproduce their works and distribute copies of their work. Works that receive copyright protection include published works such as a textbook. Copying a textbook without permission from the owner of the copyright may constitute copyright infringement. Civil and criminal penalties may be assessed for copyright infringement. Civil penalties include damages up to $100,000; criminal penalties include a fine up to $250,000 and imprisonment. Copyright laws do not allow students and professors to make photocopies of copyrighted materials, but you may copy a limited portion of a work, such as article from a journal or a chapter from a book for your own personal academic use or, in the case of a professor, for personal, limited classroom use. In general, the extent of your copying should not suggest that the purpose or the effect of your copying is to avoid paying for the materials. And, of course, you may not sell these copies for a profit. Thus, students who copy textbooks to avoid buying them or professors who provide photocopies of textbooks to enable students to save money are violating the law.
Students with Disabilities
Texas A&M International University seeks to provide reasonable accommodations for all qualified persons with disabilities. This University will adhere to all applicable federal, state, and local laws, regulations and guidelines with respect to providing reasonable accommodations as required to afford equal education opportunity. It is the student's responsibility to register with the Office of Student Counseling and Disability Services located in Student Center 126. This office will contact the faculty member to recommend specific, reasonable accommodations. Faculty are prohibited from making accommodations based solely on communications from students. They may make accommodations only when provided documentation by the Student Counseling and Disability Services office.
Student Attendance and Leave of Absence (LOA) Policy
As part of our efforts to assist and encourage all students towards graduation, TAMIU provides
LOA’s for students, including pregnant/parenting students, in accordance with the Attendance Rule (Section 3.07) and the Student LOA Rule (Section 3.08), which includes the “Leave of Absence Request” form. Both rules can be found in the TAMIU Student Handbook (URL: http://www.tamiu.edu/studentaffairs/StudentHandbook1.shtml).
Pregnant and Parenting Students
Under Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972, harassment based on sex, including harassment because of pregnancy or related conditions, is prohibited. A pregnant/parenting student must be granted an absence for as long as the student’s physician deems the absence medically necessary. It is a violation of Title IX to ask for documentation relative to the pregnant/parenting student’s status beyond what would be required for other medical conditions. If a student would like to file a complaint for discrimination due to his or her pregnant/parenting status, please contact the TAMIU Title IX Coordinator (Lorissa M. Cortez, 5201 University Boulevard, KLM 159B, Laredo, TX 78041,TitleIX@tamiu.edu, 956.326.2857) and/or the Office of Civil Rights (Dallas Office, U.S. Department of Education, 1999 Bryan Street, Suite 1620, Dallas, TX 75201-6810, 214.661.9600). You can also report it on TAMIU’s anonymous electronic reporting site: https://www.tamiu.edu/reportit.
TAMIU advises a pregnant/parenting student to notify their professor once the student is aware that accommodations for such will be necessary. It is recommended that the student and professor develop a reasonable plan for the student’s completion of missed coursework or assignments. The Office of Equal Opportunity and Diversity (Lorissa M. Cortez, lorissam.cortez@tamiu.edu) can assist the student and professor in working out the reasonable accommodations. For other questions or concerns regarding Title IX compliance related to pregnant/parenting students at the University, contact the Title IX Coordinator. In the event that a student will need a leave of absence for a substantial period of time, TAMIU urges the student to consider a Leave of Absence (LOA) as outlined in the TAMIU Student Handbook. As part of our efforts to assist and encourage all students towards graduation, TAMIU provides LOA’s for students, including pregnant/parenting students, in accordance with the Attendance Rule and the Student LOA Rule. Both rules can be found in the TAMIU Student Handbook (https://www.tamiu.edu/scce/studenthandbook.shtml).
Anti-Discrimination/Title IX
TAMIU does not discriminate or permit harassment against any individual on the basis of race, color, sex, religion, national origin, age, disability, genetic information, veteran status, sexual orientation or gender identity in admissions, educational programs, or employment. If you would like to file a complaint relative to Title IX or any civil rights violation, please contact the TAMIU Director of Equal Opportunity and Diversity/Title IX Coordinator, Lorissa M. Cortez, 5201 University Boulevard, Killam Library 159B, Laredo, TX 78041,TitleIX@tamiu.edu, 956.326.2857, via the anonymous electronic reporting website, ReportIt, at https://www.tamiu.edu/reportit, and/or the Office of Civil Rights (Dallas Office), U.S. Department of Education, 1999 Bryan Street, Suite 1620, Dallas, TX 75201-6810, 214.661.9600.
Incompletes
Students who are unable to complete a course should withdraw from the course before the final date for withdrawal and receive a “W.” To qualify for an “incomplete” and thus have the opportunity to complete the course at a later date, a student must meet the following criteria:
- The student must have completed 90% of the course work assigned before the final date for withdrawing from a course with a “W”, and the student must be passing the course;
- The student cannot complete the course because an accident, an illness, or a traumatic personal or family event occurred after the final date for withdrawal from a course;
- The student must sign an “Incomplete Grade Contract” and secure signatures of approval from the professor and the college dean.
- The student must agree to complete the missing course work before the end of the next long semester; failure to meet this deadline will cause the “I” to automatically be converted to an “F”; extensions to this deadline may be granted by the dean of the college. This is the general policy regarding the circumstances under which an “incomplete” may be granted, but under exceptional circumstances, a student may receive an incomplete who does not meet all of the criteria above if the faculty member, department chair, and dean recommend it.
WIN Contracts
The Department of Biology and Chemistry does not permit WIN contracts. For other departments within the college, WIN Contracts are offered only under exceptional circumstances and are limited to graduating seniors. Only courses offered by full-time TAMIU faculty or TAMIU instructors are eligible to be contracted for the WIN requirement. However, a WIN contract for a course taught by an adjunct may be approved, with special permission from the department chair and dean. Students must seek approval before beginning any work for the WIN Contract. No student will contract more than one course per semester. Summer WIN Contracts must continue through both summer sessions.
Student Responsibility for Dropping a Course
It is the responsibility of the student to drop the course before the final date for withdrawal from a course. Faculty members, in fact, may not drop a student from a course without getting the approval of their department chair and dean.
Independent Study Course
Independent Study (IS) courses are offered only under exceptional circumstances. Required courses intended to build academic skills may not be taken as IS (e.g., clinical supervision and internships). No student will take more than one IS course per semester. Moreover, IS courses are limited to seniors and graduate students. Summer IS course must continue through both summer sessions.
Grade Changes & Appeals
Faculty are authorized to change final grades only when they have committed a computational error or an error in recording a grade, and they must receive the approval of their department chairs and the dean to change the grade. As part of that approval, they must attach a detailed explanation of the reason for the mistake. Only in rare cases would another reason be entertained as legitimate for a grade change. A student who is unhappy with his or her grade on an assignment must discuss the situation with the faculty member teaching the course. If students believe that they have been graded unfairly, they have the right to appeal the grade using a grade appeal process in the Student Handbook and in the Faculty Handbook.
Final Examination
All courses in all colleges must include a comprehensive exam or performance and be given on the date and time specified by the Academic Calendar and the Final Exam schedule published by the Registrar’s Office. In the College of Arts & Sciences all final exams must contain a written component. The written component should comprise at least 20% of the final exam grade. Exceptions to this policy must receive the approval of the department chair and the dean at the beginning of the semester.
Mental Health and Well-Being
The university aims to provide students with essential knowledge and tools to understand and support mental health. As part of our commitment to your well-being, we offer access to Telus Health, a service available 24/7/365 via chat, phone, or webinar. Scan the QR code to download the app and explore the resources available to you for guidance and support whenever you need it. The Telus app is available to download directly from TELUS (tamiu.edu) or from the Apple App Store and Google Play.
Distance Education Courses
Additional Course Information/Other Policies
Syllabus Subject to Change
While information and assurances are provided in this course syllabus, it should be understood that content may change in keeping with new research and literature and that events beyond the control of the instructor could occur. Students will be informed of any substantive occurrences that will produce syllabus changes.
Turnitin Policy
Turnitin is an award-winning, web-based solution that prevents plagiarism, saves instructors time and engages students with rich, multi-faceted feedback on written work.
Written assignments will be submitted through Turnitin, please review Turnitin Story from Turnitin on Vimeo and guides: submitting a paper, originality reports, and user manual.
Digital Receipts
Once you submit your paper successfully, a digital receipt with a PaperID will be displayed for students on screen and emailed to the student's @dusty.tamiu.edu email address. Be sure to locate this receipt.
If a receipt is not generated, go back and submit to the assignment again until a receipt is created.
Accessibility and Privacy Statements
Students should view the statements of accessibility and privacy policies on all course technologies. We recommend instructors to provide links to this software's accessibility and privacy statements in their syllabi. Locate the updated statement links for Turnitin on the following pages:
Proctoring Policy
LockDown Browser Requirement
This course requires the use of LockDown Browser for online exams. Watch this video to get a basic understanding of LockDown Browser:
https://www.respondus.com/products/lockdown-browser/student-movie.shtml
Download Instructions
Download and install LockDown Browser from this link:
https://download.respondus.com/lockdown/download.php?id=795913767
Once Installed
- Start LockDown Browser
- Log into Blackboard Learn
- Navigate to the test
Cost for Respondus Monitor
Students purchase a 12-month subscription for $15 that can be used with an unlimited number of online courses during that period. Previously, students paid $10 for each course that used Respondus Monitor. This will result in a cost savings for the average student and lessen concerns instructors sometimes have about additional course expenses. Payment for Respondus Monitor is made during the set-up process in the first Respondus Monitor enabled quiz/test/exam in a course.
To pay for Respondus Monitor:
- Start Respondus LockDown Browser.
- Navigate to your test.
- Complete the set-up process, which includes a payment screen for entering credit card information.
- Payment and entering credit card information is only necessary one-time per course.
When taking an online exam that requires LockDown Browser and a webcam, remember the following guidelines:
- Ensure you're in a location where you won't be interrupted
- Turn off all other devices (e.g. tablets, phones, second computers)
- Clear your desk of all external materials not permitted — books, papers, other devices
- Remain at your computer for the duration of the test
- If the computer or networking environment is different than what was tested above, repeat the Webcam and System checks prior to starting the test
- To produce a good webcam video, do the following:
- Avoid wearing baseball caps or hats with brims
- Ensure your computer or tablet is on a firm surface (a desk or table) — not on your lap, a bed, or other surface that might move
- If using a built-in webcam, avoid tilting the screen after the webcam setup is complete o Take the exam in a well-lit room and avoid backlighting, such as sitting with your back to a window
Remember that LockDown Browser will prevent you from accessing other websites or applications; you will be unable to exit the test until all questions are completed and submitted. Note: You won't be able to access tests with a standard web browser, such as Internet Explorer, Mozilla Firefox, Google Chrome, Safari, etc. If this is tried, an error message will indicate that the test requires the use of LockDown Browser. Simply start LockDown Browser and navigate back to the exam to continue.
Getting Help
Several resources are available if you encounter problems with LockDown Browser:
- The Windows and Mac versions of LockDown Browser have a "Help Center" button located on the toolbar. Use the "System & Network Check" to troubleshoot issues. If an exam requires you to use a webcam, also run the "Webcam Check" from this area
- If you have any questions about how to use the LockDown Browser, you may contact Instructional Technology and Distance Education Services at (956) 326-2149, emailing elearning@tamiu.edu, or by visiting Killam Library, Room 259.
- Respondus has a Knowledge Base available from support.respondus.com. Select the "Knowledge Base" link and then select "Respondus LockDown Browser" as the product.
- If you're still unable to resolve a technical issue with LockDown Browser, go to support.respondus.com and select "Submit a Ticket". Provide detailed information about your problem and what steps you took to resolve it.
Proctor U
There is a mandatory requirement in this course for HESI specialty examination.
The HESI exam will be administered remotely by an online authentication and proctoring service called ProctorU, which gives you the flexibility to schedule exams at your convenience and take them wherever you want.
A fee of $49.00 for HESI exam and proctoring shall be made responsible by student at time of registering to take HESI Specialty Exam. Faculty will provide specific instructions on how to proceed with this payment process at the beginning of the course.
**In the event that the student does not pay the fee of $49, the student will receive an Incomplete in the course and will have a Hold placed on their account till this matter is resolved.
Here is some helpful information for you to review prior to taking the HESI Specialty Exam with Proctor U
https://support.proctoru.com/hc/en-us/articles/360043127892-What-am-I-allowed-and-not-allowed-to-doduring-my-exam- https://support.proctoru.com/hc/en-us/articles/360043565051-Exam-Day-What-to-Expect-
Accessibility and Privacy Statements on Course Technologies
At Texas A&M International University, we believe that all students should have equal technology opportunities in the classroom. These technologies/sites may also require user data, such as the creation of a username and password. In this class, we will utilize Blackboard and Turnitin. You may find
the accessibility and privacy policies of these technologies on the following pages: Accessibility Statements and Privacy Statements.
Privacy of Client Information
Students and faculty share the burden of carefully protecting the privacy of all persons in the client role. Never identify clients by name in any written work and do not discuss any client information outside of the assigned seminar or class times.
XII. University/College/Department Policies
College of Nursing and Health Sciences Policies for Nursing Courses:
I. CSON Examination Policy and Guidelines:
- Examinations will be on computer and will be proctored using Respondus Monitor with Webcam.
- If there is suspicion of any sharing of information during an examination, all students involved will receive a ZERO (0) on the Test, Examination or Quiz and are subject to Article 7 Violations of Academic Conduct of the TAMIU Honor Code Rules. This includes:
- Students in possession of cell phones or any other electronic device during an examination.
- Students found obtaining or suspected of obtaining information from sources other than what has been allowed by the proctor.
- Any student who must be absent from an examination must notify the faculty PRIOR to the examination. The weight of the missed exam may be added to the student’s final examination, ONLY upon faculty approval. Students who fail to notify the faculty before the examination period will receive a Zero (0) for the missed exam.
- Only one exam can be missed and allowed to count toward the final exam weight. Any other missed exam(s) will be assigned a grade of Zero (0). The Final Exam must be taken and both will be comprehensive.
- See the CSON Examination Policy and Guidelines found in the student handbook for additional information on examinations.
- Every BSN student is expected to demonstrate professional integrity, including but not limited to the standards below. Failure to maintain professional standards of integrity may result in failure of the clinical portion of the course.
- Adhere to the ANA Code for Nurses.
- Adhere to Texas Board of Nursing Board Rules o 213.27b Good professional character – defined “good professional character as the integrated pattern of personal, academic, and occupational behaviors that indicate an individual is able to consistently conform his/her conduct to the requirements of the Nursing Practice Act.”
▪ RNs enrolled in a nursing program, the TBON considers the student’s practice setting the academic setting; therefore, accountable for good professional character while in school and academic dishonesty is considered a reportable offense.
- 217.12(6)(A) Unprofessional Conduct – Misconduct actions that include but not limited to:
- Falsifying reports, client documentation, agency records or other documents.
- Examples: RNs falsifying clinical log entries, patient progress notes. etc.
- 217.12(6)(I) Unprofessional Conduct– Misconduct actions that include “failing to answer specific questions or providing false or misleading answers in a licensure or employment matter that could reasonably affect the decision to license, employ, certify or otherwise utilize a nurse.”
- The TBON and certifying body is reliant information provided to them by the RN student indicating that they have completed the required number of clinical hours when issuing a license or certification. False information provided to either organization is considered unprofessional conduct.
- Protect the confidentiality of patient health information.
- Recognize that within the community and surrounding areas, you are an ambassador of Texas A&M International University School of Nursing and you must conduct yourself in a manner consistent with University mission and values.
- Do not engage in any behavior that will compromise patient care or the University’s relationships with community partners.
- Always introduce oneself as a student and avoid misrepresentation of licensure and certification status.
- Do not practice outside of your scope or practice.
- Wear your TAMIU ID while in any clinical setting.
Online Courses and On-Campus Meetings
Texas Administrative Code (TAC), Title 19, Part 1, Chapter 2, Subchapter J, Section 2.202, defines distance education as the formal educational process that occurs when students and instructors are not in the same physical setting for the majority (more than 50%) of instruction. Distance education includes hybrid and 100% online courses and programs as defined by the Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board (THECB):
- Hybrid Course - A distance education course in which more than 50 percent but less than 100 percent of instructional activity takes place when the student(s) and instructor(s) are in separate physical locations.
- 100-Percent Online Course - A distance education course in which 100 percent of instructional activity takes place when the student(s) and instructor(s) are in separate physical locations. Requirements for on-campus or in-person orientation, testing, academic support services, internships/fieldwork, or other non-instructional activities do not exclude a course from this category.
In this online course, be sure to confirm what in-person meetings may be required of you (if applicable).
Technical Support Services
Because of the nature of distance education courses, the Office of Information Technology (OIT) computing and information services are vital to the success of online students. This webpage covers contact information for Distance Education Services (Blackboard Support), the OIT Help Desk, and E-mail support: Technical Support Services.
Course Evaluation
At the end of this course, students are encouraged to complete a course evaluation that will be distributed to them via email and through a course link.
Syllabus Subject to Change
While information and assurances are provided in this course syllabus, it should be understood that content may change in keeping with new research and literature and that events beyond the control of the instructor could occur. Students will be informed of any substantive occurrences that will produce syllabus changes.