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Policy 4.2: Student Conduct and Eligibility for Participation 

Applies to: A/BSN, CIPCT (MS), DNP, Certs, PhD

I. Policy Statement

The UW School of Nursing (SoN) upholds the highest standards of ethics, integrity, accountability, and professionalism. Students are governed by the UW Student Conduct Code (WAC 478-121) and SGP Chapters 209 and 210, which establish prohibited conduct, due-process rights, and procedures. Nursing students must additionally meet professional conduct standards required by state regulation and clinical partners.

Expectations apply in all academic, research, clinical, community, and off-campus contexts connected to the University. Maintaining eligibility for participation in coursework, clinical/practicum, and SoN-sponsored activities requires adherence to conduct expectations, academic standing (UW School of Nursing Policy 1.1), and compliance/onboarding requirements (UW School of Nursing Policy 3.2).

II. Process

A. Student Conduct

1. Standards of Conduct

  • Prohibited conduct (academic and behavioral) is defined by SGP 209/WAC 478-121 (e.g., cheating, plagiarism, falsification, unauthorized collaboration; harassment/bullying; drug/alcohol violations; failure to comply; unsafe or unprofessional behavior).
  • Unauthorized assistance—including AI content generators—constitutes academic misconduct when not expressly permitted.

2. Reporting Suspected Misconduct

  • Emergency situations (imminent threats to health, safety, or security):
  • Call 911 and/or UW Police (206-685-8973) immediately.
  • Once stabilized, notify the SoN Conduct Officer(s) at sonconduct@uw.edu to ensure follow-up with CSSC occurs and to coordinate any necessary participation restrictions and student support.
  • Non-emergency situations:
    • Reports of academic or behavioral misconduct must be submitted to the UW Community Standards & Student Conduct (CSSC) office using University reporting portals.
    • Faculty, staff, or students may also consult the SoN Conduct Officer(s) at sonconduct@uw.edu prior to reporting for guidance on whether a referral is indicated and what evidence will be most appropriate to include in the report.

3. Jurisdiction

The University may adjudicate conduct that occurs off-campus when it involves University-sponsored programs/activities or affects the community.

4. Procedures (SGP 209 & 210)

CSSC conducts fact-finding and issues an Initial Order determining responsibility under a preponderance standard. If responsible, sanctions are assigned. Grading during proceedings:

  • Instructors may assign an ‘X’ grade if proceedings are pending.
  • If Initial Order finds the student responsible, faculty may issue a grade based on that finding.
  • The student may request an administrative review (appeal).
  • If, after review, the student is found not responsible, faculty must reinstate the original grade.

B. Eligibility for Participation (Courses, Clinical, Practicum)

  • Academic Standing: Students must remain in good standing per UW School of Nursing Policy 1.1.
  • Compliance: Students must meet all requirements per UW School of Nursing Policy 3.2.
  • Professional Standards: Essential Qualifications & Behaviors per UW School of Nursing Policy 4.1.
  • Safety: When credible concerns are raised regarding safety, the Program Coordinating Committee may determine whether temporary adjustments to participation are appropriate, consistent with University interim measures (SGP 209) and WAC 246-840-519 and -531.
  • Decisions: Participation restrictions and progression impacts are determined by the Program Coordinating Committee in consultation with the ADAA, SoN Conduct Officer, and clinical partners, aligned with University/state requirements.

C. Student Support

The SoN prioritizes early communication, advising, and access to resources (e.g., academic support, DRS accommodations). When appropriate, remediation and development plans may be offered consistent with professional standards and safety.

III. Roles & Responsibilities Summary

Activity Student Faculty/ Preceptor Coordinating Committee SoN Conduct Officer(s) ADAA CSSC
Uphold conduct, compliance, and professional standards R A C C I A
Report suspected misconduct (non-emergency) I R I C I A
Report emergency / safety threat I R/A (911/UWPD + notify SoN) I C I C
Receive, triage, and ensure referral to CSSC I I I R A C
Determine progression / eligibility impacts I C R/A C C I
Temporary adjustment to participation (safety/fitness, per WAC & SGP 209) I C R/A C C I

RACI Legend:

  • R = Responsible: Performs the task
  • A = Accountable: Ultimately answerable
  • C = Consulted: Provides input
  • I = Informed: Kept up to date

Related Policies & References

Last updated: September 2025