Indiana Wesleyan University Catalog

Mission Statement: Guided by the truths of the gospel of Jesus Christ, Indiana Wesleyan University Nursing develops culturally aware nurse professionals equipped to change the world as leaders, scholars, and servants within their communities.

Programs offered are:

Undergraduate Certificate in:

• Human Trafficking Studies

Bachelor of Science of Nursing in:

• Post-licensure Nursing (RNBSN)

Graduate Certificate in:

• Fundamentals of Integrative Healthcare

• Innovation and Entrepreneurship in Healthcare

• Integrative Health Coaching

• Public Health (Generalist)

Post Graduate Certificate in:

• Health Systems Leadership

• Nursing Education

• Family Nurse Practitioner

• Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner

Master of Science in Nursing degree with majors in:

• Health Systems Leadership

• Health Systems Leadership Associate to MSN

• Health Systems Leadership MSN

• Health Systems Leadership Post-MBA

• Dual Masters Health Systems Leadership MSN and Master in Business Administration

• Nursing Education

• Nursing Education Associate to MSN

• Nursing Education MSN

• Primary Care Nursing with specialization in

• Family Nurse Practitioner Associate to MSN

• Family Nurse Practitioner MSN

• Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner Associates to MSN

• Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner MSN

Master of Science with a major in:

• Integrative Health

Doctorate of Nursing Practice degree in:

• Bachelor of Nursing to Doctor of Nursing Practice with specializations in:

• Family Nurse Practitioner

• Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner

• Doctor of Nursing Practice with Systems Leadership Specialization

Academic Information

Catalog Governing Graduation - Students must meet the graduation requirements as stated in the university catalog under which they enrolled. Students who maintain continuous enrollment, who make normal progress toward a degree, and who earn their degree within the maximum number of years from the date of enrollment may meet the graduation requirements as stated in the catalog under which they enrolled. Students who withdraw from Indiana Wesleyan University for more than six months will meet the graduation requirements as stated in the catalog under which they resume enrollment. Students changing majors or programs must meet requirements as stated in the catalog that is current at the time they make such changes. The same holds true for students moving between schools and colleges. Students may at any time change from an earlier catalog to a subsequent current catalog, but must meet all requirements for graduation of that catalog. Indiana Wesleyan University reserves the right to modify the curriculum as necessary.

Core Requirements - The integrity of the IWU-National and Global programs requires that the core courses be met at Indiana Wesleyan University. Students are required to complete the first course (or the first block of courses) in the core program with a passing grade in order to maintain enrollment. In general, no waivers are allowed for courses taken at other colleges/universities. We allow up to 9 credits to be transferred, provided the course content matches at least 75%. This policy typically applies to core courses rather than track-specific courses.

Final class dates as established by the calendar will be the final date for completion of the core curriculum.

Admission and Registration

Indiana Wesleyan University welcomes applications for admission from any academically qualified person whose motivation is in keeping with the university's purposes. Admission is based on the careful review of all credentials presented by an applicant, but in no case is admission denied due to race, color, national origin, disability, religion, or sex.

Admission decisions are made without regard to disabilities. All prospective students are expected to present academic credentials that meet or exceed the minimum requirements for admissions. Prospective students with disabilities are not required to identify themselves to Admissions or Disability Services. However, those interested in receiving academic accommodations are encouraged to connect with Disability Services at 765-677-2257 or ADARequest@indwes.edu as early as possible to allow for a review of documentation and the formulation of an accommodation plan.

Students are admitted in one of the following categories:

• Regular - Students who satisfactorily meet all requirements will be granted standard admission with no restrictions.

• Probation - Students with an entering grade point average (GPA) which falls below the minimum required by the program may be accepted on probation. Probationary status will be removed after the student has completed the first three courses of the core with a satisfactory GPA (3.0). In case of extended probation, the number of courses to be completed in order to change status will be determined jointly by the Dean of the Division of Nursing and the CAPS Appeals Committee. Any student failing to remove the probationary status will be academically suspended from the program.

• Unclassified - Students not pursuing a university degree who want to take certain courses for special reasons may be accepted for a maximum of 18 hours. Students receiving an unclassified status must reapply for regular admission if they desire later to pursue a degree program. Unclassified students are not eligible for financial aid.

• Conditional - Students currently enrolled in an associate degree in nursing program (AAS or ADN) at a regionally accredited institution may be conditionally accepted when they can show prior completion of at least 12 transferable hours and evidence of acceptance into an associate level nursing program. Full, unconditional admission to the RNBSN Program will be granted when the student meets the criteria for RNBSN Program admission.

• Applicants who do not meet the GPA listed in the criteria for regular admission in the MSN and DNP programs and have a qualifying GPA from previous studies may be conditionally admitted and allowed to take 9- credit hours of nursing courses to establish a qualifying GPA.

Registration - Registration occurs at the beginning of the student's core program. At this point, students are registered for all courses within the major. Therefore, if a student needs to miss an individual course, official withdrawal must be made through the Office of Learner Success. Staff will arrange with the Program Leader and the student to retake this class at a time that will minimize the impact on the student's financial aid. Students need to be aware that temporary withdrawals could impact their eligibility to receive financial aid based on the standards outlined in IWU's Satisfactory Academic Progress. Additionally, placement in a cohort may be delayed for a returning student due to enrollment limitations.

A student who has failed to arrange for the payment of tuition for a course will have registration in that course cancelled.

Grading and Evaluation

A letter grade is used in evaluating the work for a course. For the purpose of determining scholastic standing and awarding honors, grade points are granted according to the letter grades and semester hours of credit. The grade point average (GPA) is the number of quality points earned at IWU divided by the number of credit hours attempted at IWU.

Grade Quality Points

(per credit)

A 4.0

A- 3.7

B+ 3.3

B 3.0

B- 2.7

C+ 2.3

C 2.0

C- 1.7

D+ 1.3

D 1.0

F .0

The following grades are not figured into the GPA:

Repeated Courses - A student may retake any course once if they previously earned a grade below “C” (“C-,” “D+,” “D,” or “F”). Certain graduate-level courses designated as repeatable can be retaken even if a student earned a grade higher than “C” but below the required level for that specific course. Unless specified otherwise, a course may be repeated once. For GNUR prefix courses, a grade below "C" necessitates a retake, while all other graduate-level program courses must be retaken if the grade is below "B.

Whenever a course is repeated, the last grade and credits earned replace the previous grade in computing the student’s grade point average (GPA). All entries, however, remain a part of the student’s permanent academic record. Duplicate credit hours are not given for two or more passing efforts. A course taken in a classroom/online format may not be repeated for a grade through independent learning/study.

Since a course may be repeated only once, failure to achieve a satisfactory grade in a course after two attempts will result in academic suspension and ineligibility to complete the major in which the course was repeated.

Incomplete Grades - Students are expected to complete the course requirements by the last class session. There may be instances when crisis circumstances or events prevent the student from completing the course requirements in a timely manner. In these rare situations, a grade of “I” (incomplete) may be issued after completing the following process:

• The student must request an “I” from the instructor via email.

• The student must have completed at least 75% of the coursework.

• The instructor must obtain approval via email from the Program Leader.

A grade of "incomplete" may be granted only for extenuating circumstances. The length of time a student has to complete and submit the requirements to the faculty is determined by the faculty member for the course and may not exceed 10 weeks. If, at the end of the extension, the student has failed to complete the course requirements, the faculty will enter the grade the student earned. An incomplete cannot be issued if the student fails to meet the attendance requirements.

Grade Reports - At the end of each course, the instructor submits grades for each student. Grade reports are available online to the student and indicate courses taken, credits received, and grades assigned.

Petitions, Appeals, and Grievances

During a student’s academic career, there may be occasion to file a petition, an appeal or a grievance.

• A petition is a request for an exception to an academic policy. A petition must be submitted in writing to the appropriate academic leader.

• A student may appeal an academic policy decision or for a grade change.

• An academic grievance involves those situations in which a student believes that the university has not followed published policies regarding an academic policy decision or a request for a grade change or the student believes the policies and/or actions of School of Integrated Health personnel are unjust.Students taking courses outside of the School of Integrated Health are expected to follow the guidelines established by the Principal Academic Unit (College of Arts and Sciences, College of Adult and Professional Studies, Wesley Seminary) from which the course is taken for matters pertaining to courses/classes/policies.

Indiana Wesleyan University follows generally accepted college and university practice in the development of academic policies, the operation of classrooms, and use of grading techniques. The university allows its instructors independence in following generally accepted practices. A student who wishes to submit an appeal or grievance must abide by the procedures listed below.

Each stated time frame will be according to the ordinary process. More time may be necessary in the event of a lengthy investigation, hearing, illness, or other unforeseen circumstances. Depending on the situation, the timeline may be expedited. Because the appeal and grievance processes are private university administrative processes, if legal council is retained, IWU must be notified immediately and the process will be turned over to the Office of Risk Management and Compliance.

Issues related to discrimination based on race, national origin, color, sex, disability, or age, including Title VI, Title IX, and Section 504 are handled according to university policy.

Grade Appeal

A grade appeal involves only those situations in which a student believes an instructor (a) has not followed fair grading practice or (b) has not followed his or her published grading policy in didactic or clinical courses.

Informal Process

Level 1

• The student should request the rationale from the professor for the grade given and discuss the key learning points within 10 university business days of the posting of the grade.

• The informal process may be ended at any time and the student may begin the formal procedure by submitting a written grade appeal form within 20 university business days of the posting of the grade. Grade appeal forms are available from the Office of the Dean.

Formal Process

Level 2

• If there is no resolution during the informal process, the student may file a grade appeal request form, which can be obtained from the Office of the Dean. If a properly completed grade appeal request form is not received by the university within 20 university business days of the date the student's grade was posted, then the student will forfeit any further right to appeal.

• If the matter involves the Dean as faculty, the student may request that the Vice President for Academic Affairs (VPAA) for the School of Integrated Health (or designee) review the matter.

• After the university receives the grade appeal request form, it will be forwarded to the instructor along with a faculty grade appeal response form. The Dean will notify the faculty member of the appeal and its nature and seek to mediate the dispute through the following steps.

• Discussion of the facts of the case seeking resolution within 10 university business days.

• If the faculty member's stated policy for calculating the grade has not been followed, the Dean or Vice President for Academic Affairs (VPAA) will insist that it be followed. The role of the administrator is not to re-grade the assignment(s).

• If the instructor agrees, the grade will be changed, and the student academic record will be updated.

Level 3

• If the instructor does not agree that the grade should be changed, the Dean will request a second grading of the specific assignment or examination by two faculty members with knowledge in the academic discipline. They will submit their completed rubrics or evaluations to the Dean within 10 university business days.

• The grade appeal form, faculty response form, and the evaluation of the specific assignment or examination will be submitted to the CAPS Appeals Committee.

• Upon receipt of the request for council review from the student, the matter will be brought to the next regularly scheduled CAPS Appeals Committee meeting. (NOTE: The Council reserves the right to seek clarification from the student, additional graders, or the instructor). If the matter involves a member of the council, the Appeals Committee Chair will require the individual to recuse himself/herself from the appeal process.

• A formal notification of the decision will be provided to the student by the council chair. This will complete the appeals process. The decision made by the CAPS Appeals Committee is the final step for the appeal process.

• All documents related to the appeal will be filed electronically. Printed documents will be shredded.

• The student will be notified of results at each step of the grade appeal process.

Appeal of Academic Policy Decision

An academic policy appeal involves only those situations in which a student is seeking recourse from a university academic policy decision.

Examples of academic policies include but are not limited to admission criteria, readmission criteria, etc.

Informal Process

Level 1

• The student must first contact the person or the department responsible for the policy decision to resolve the question informally. Such contact must occur within 10 university business days of the incident that generates the request for exception.

• The informal process may be ended at any time and the student may begin the formal procedure by submitting an appeal form within 20 university business days of the decision. Appeal forms are available from the Office of the Dean.

Formal Process

Level 2

• If the matter is not satisfactorily resolved at level one, the student may submit a written request within 20 university business days of the date of the decision that prompted the appeal to the Dean for a review. The student should include thorough documentation supporting the student's claims.

• If the matter involves the Dean as faculty, the student may request that the Vice President for Academic Affairs (VPAA) for the School of Integrated Health (or designee) review the matter.

• If the published policy was not followed, the Dean or VPAA will insist that it be followed.

Level 3

• If there is no resolution at level two, the Dean will forward the documentation for a review by the CAPS Appeals Committee.

• Upon receipt of the request for council review from the student, the matter will be brought to the next regularly scheduled CAPS Appeals Committee meeting. (NOTE: The Council reserves the right to seek clarification from the student and those involved in the policy decision.) If the matter involves a member of the Council, the Appeals Committee Chair will require the individual to recuse himself/herself from the appeal process.

• A formal notification of the decision will be provided to the student by the Dean. This will complete the appeals process. The decision made by the CAPS Appeals Committee is the final step for the appeal process.

• All documents related to the appeal will be filed electronically. Printed documents will be shredded.

Academic Grievance

An academic grievance involves those situations in which a student believes that the university has not followed published policies regarding an academic decision or a request for a grade change or the student believes the policies and/or actions of School of Integrated Health personnel are unjust.

Informal Process

Level 1

• If the student believes the published policies were not followed or he/she believes the policies and/or actions of School of Integrated Health personnel were not just, the student must first contact the Dean within 10 university business days for a full explanation of the policy and how the policy was followed. This is not a second hearing of an appeal.

• Due to the implications of a grievance, the student must submit a written grievance form at this step of the process. The grievance form may be obtained from the Office of the Dean. If a properly completed form is not received by the university within 10 university business days of the date on which the event that gave rise to the complaint occurred, the student will forfeit any further right to grieve.

• If the complaint involves the Dean, the student may request that the Associate Dean for Accreditations, Assessment, & Curriculum for the School of Integrated Health (or designee) review the matter.

• The informal process may be ended at any time and the student may begin the formal procedure.

Formal Process

Level 2

• If the matter is not satisfactorily resolved at level one, the student may request a review of the matter by the VPAA by forwarding the grievance form. If the university does not receive a request for a level two review within 10 university business days of the level one decision, the student will forfeit any further right to grieve.

• A formal notification of the decision will be provided to the student by the VPAA. This will complete the grievance process.

• All documents related to the grievance will be filed electronically. Printed documents will be shredded.

Re-enrollment Policy for Primary Care Majors and DNP

Nurse Practitioner

Any Nurse Practitioner student who is out of class for more than six months must meet the following criteria to continue in the program:

• If a student who has already successfully completed the advanced pharmacology, advanced pathophysiology, and/or advanced physical assessment course(s) steps away from a nurse practitioner program for more than six months, the student must take and successfully achieve a passing score on the track specific competency exam(s) for these courses.

• The student will be required to submit a video of complete history and physical on a client.

• If the student does not pass the appropriate competency exam(s) with a passing score, s/he will be required to audit the pertinent course(s) and satisfactorily pass the appropriate competency exam(s) before being allowed to re-enroll in the Masters Nursing program.

• The student requesting to re-enroll is responsible to pay for each competency exam and course audit.

Satisfactory Academic Progress and Academic Standing

Students enrolled in a School of Integrated Health National & Global program are regarded as members of the academic community of Indiana Wesleyan University. Students are responsible for conforming to the standards of conduct for adult learners. Continued enrollment in the program is subject at all times to review of the student's academic record and actions with regard to the observance of university policies and regulations. Policies and regulations can be found in the IWU catalog and the School of Integrated Health Student Handbook.

RNBSN Satisfactory Academic Progress

Placement on Probation - Students enrolled in a post-licensure program will be placed on probation if their core GPA or their cumulative GPA at any time falls below 2.75.

Students are given two consecutive courses to satisfactorily raise their GPA. The GPA is reviewed after the second course, and if it has been successfully raised, the probationary status is removed. Academic suspension will result if the student's GPA is not successfully raised.

Academic Suspension - Academic suspension will result if:

• A student fails to clear the academic probationary status within the probationary period of two consecutive courses.

• A student has taken a course twice and failed to achieve a satisfactory grade. When this occurs, the student is ineligible to reapply for admission into the program in which the course was repeated.

In all cases, the suspension will occur once the grades have been recorded in the Registrar's Office. Students will be notified of the academic suspension in writing. Application for readmission may be made after six months. The application must be made in writing to the Dean of the School of Integrated Health.

Academic Dismissal - Upon a second academic suspension in the same program, a student is not eligible to reapply to Indiana Wesleyan University.

MSN Satisfactory Academic Progress

Placement on Probation - Students enrolled in a graduate nursing program will be placed on probation if their GPA falls below 3.0.

Students are given two consecutive courses or six credit hours, whichever is greater, to satisfactorily raise their GPA. The GPA is reviewed after the second course, and if it has been successfully raised, the probationary status is removed. Academic suspension will result if the student's GPA is not successfully raised.

Academic Suspension - Academic suspension will result in the situation below:

• Upon a second unsatisfactory grade, students in the NP tracks will be academically dismissed and ineligible to reapply for admission into the MSN program.

• Students dismissed due to academic dishonesty are ineligible for readmission to the program.

• Students who fail to complete an MSN program within the time allotted for completion will be administratively withdrawn.

• Students failing to submit the fulfillment of all preparatory practicum requirements into Medatrax, which include site and preceptor approvals, all health requirements, and/or the compliance education by the second week of a practicum course may be dismissed.

Academic Dismissal - Upon a second academic suspension in the same program, a student is not eligible to reapply to Indiana Wesleyan University. In addition, students enrolled in any nurse practitioner program or the doctoral program will be academically dismissed upon receipt of a second unsatisfactory grade.

DNP Satisfactory Academic Progress

Probationary Status - Students enrolled in the DNP program will be placed on probation if their GPA falls below 3.25 DNP GPA.

Students on probation are given the opportunity to raise their GPA by the completion of two consecutive courses or six consecutive credit hours, whichever is greater . The GPA is reviewed after the set timeframe, and if it has been successfully raised, the probationary status is removed. Academic suspension will result if the student's GPA is not successfully raised.

Academic Suspension - Academic suspension will result if:

• A student fails to remove the academic probationary status within the probation period.

• A student with more than one incomplete on record.

Academic Dismissal

• Upon a second academic suspension in the same program, students will be dismissed and are not eligible to reapply to Indiana Wesleyan University.

• Upon a second unsatisfactory grade, students will be academically dismissed and ineligible to reapply for admission into the DNP program.

• Students dismissed due to academic dishonesty are ineligible for readmission to the program.

• Students who fail to complete the program within four years for the DNP program or six years for the BSN to DNP programs will be administratively withdrawn.

Student Professional Performance Policy

Students are expected to maintain the ethical standards of practice established by American Nurses Association (ANA) Code of Ethics for Nurses with Interpretive Statements. Students whose professional performance affects their ability to be licensed as a registered nurse or advanced practice registered nurse, and/or who do not meet the ethical standards established by the ANA, may be recommended for a Performance Improvement Plan (PIP) or other sanction up to and including dismissal from the School of Integrated Health.

It is the responsibility of each student to be aware of policies regulating academic and professional conduct found in the IWU Catalog, student handbooks, and clinical guidelines, possible sanctions, and the appeals process.

Progressive discipline: The School of Integrated Health promotes a policy of progressive or corrective discipline, however serious infractions may warrant immediate removal from clinical or academic setting, imposition of a written reprimand, suspension, or dismissal.

Performance concerns may include, but are not limited to the following when the student:

• Fails to meet generally accepted standards of patient safety, professional conduct, personal integrity, or emotional stability required for professional practice;

• Fails to demonstrate the effective interpersonal skills necessary to perform in professional helping relationships;

• Fails to adhere to the ANA Code of Ethics;

• Has been found guilty of criminal misconduct that affects the student’s ability to be licensed as a registered nurse (RN) or advanced practice registered nurse (APRN); or

• Displays inappropriate or disruptive behavior toward clients, other students, faculty, or staff, which interferes with professional judgment or jeopardizes the best interest of those to whom the student has a professional responsibility.

Transfer between Majors

It is assumed that students applying for/enrolling in graduate level programs have a higher level of maturity and decision-making ability. The selection of a graduate major should be approached with prayerful deliberation after acquiring the knowledge necessary to make the decision.

The Masters Nursing majors are designed around an accelerated cohort model, intended to foster a group dynamic and support system conducive for adult learning. Continued disruption of this model – as well as the curriculum schedule – inhibits the effectiveness of this design. In addition, the amount of time necessary to create a tailored plan of study for each transfer student adds an excessive amount of work to current faculty and staff.

Students who wish to change majors must submit a change of program request and meet all admission requirements for the requested major. Transfer approval will be subject to review of the student's academic progress, catalog requirements, and availability of space in the requested major. The university cannot guarantee transfer requests will be approved.

Please be advised that any transfer/change in program may impact financial aid. Students will not be eligible for deferment or the 'scheduled break' option under this policy, and may have to begin loan payments until they are re-enrolled in their newly-selected major. In addition, the change may lead to a significant delay in the time it takes to complete MSN degree requirements.