College of Nursing & Health Sciences

Effective Date

These policies become effective immediately upon approval and shall remain in effect until revoked or revised.

Responsibility

Each student is responsible for knowing and adhering to the current admitted student policies for the College of Nursing and Health Sciences (CNHS) and their specific program. These policies are made available to students upon admission and are published on the CNHS website. Students are notified by Metro State email when policies are updated. Students are responsible for knowing and learning about changes in policies. The responsibility for the implementation of these policies is assigned to the dean and faculty of CNHS.

Students receive the MSADT handbook at orientation. Students are required to know and follow policies outlined in the student handbook and will sign a statement acknowledging receipt and understanding of the policies.

Petition for Exceptions to Policies

A student seeking an exception from a policy or requirement may do so through the College of Nursing and Health Sciences’ petition process. Exception requests are considered on an individual basis considering the strength of the submitted evidence or rationale. Students should contact their advisor for information on the petition process.

CNHS Communication Acknowledgement

In accordance with FERPA, communication related to student academics, program progression, and student support may occur throughout the program among faculty, advisors, administration, and staff.

• 1. Matriculation Requirements
• 1.1 Students are expected to adhere to the progression, academic, and graduation standards and current policies for the university and this program.
• 1.2 Students must establish and maintain a Minnesota State email account. This account is free of charge and is active as long as a student remains enrolled at any Minnesota State institution. The university-assigned student email account is the official means of communication with all students enrolled at Metro State. No other email account may be used as a means of communication with faculty or staff. This policy is enforced to protect faculty, staff, and student privacy.
• 1.3 Students are expected to read their email on a regular basis to ensure that they are aware of information circulated by CNHS. Changes in policy and procedures, reminders of important dates, and announcements about financial aid are all transmitted via Metro State email. It is the students’ responsibility to create accounts to use university services such as the library databases and online course management systems.
• 1.4 Students must have and maintain an unencumbered MN Dental Hygiene license.
• 1.5 Students may transfer up to 3 credits of equivalent coursework into the MSADT program. Coursework completed as part of an Associate of Science, Associate of Applied Science, and/or bachelor's degree in dental hygiene will not be considered for transfer to fulfill MSADT program requirements. Coursework must be at the graduate level.
• 2. Advising 
  Students will have an assigned advisor(s) throughout their time in the program. Advisors are available to help students with questions or issues while they progress through their degree program. Advisors can assist with issues such as course registration, petitions, graduation planning, or other concerns. Advisors provide information, advocacy, information about program requirements, and referrals to available university services to support students and their success.

• 3. Accessibility/Learning Needs
• 3.1 Our institution values diversity and inclusion; we are committed to a climate of mutual respect and full participation. Our goal is to create learning environments that are usable, equitable, inclusive and welcoming. Metro State University is committed to providing educational opportunities to students with disabilities. In accordance with the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990 as amended and Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act other applicable state and federal laws, the school provides reasonable accommodations to otherwise qualified students with disabilities. The decision regarding appropriate accommodations will be based on the specifics of each case. Students who seek reasonable accommodations for disabilities must contact the Center for Accessibility Resources. The Center for Accessibility Resources, in collaboration with the student, will determine a student’s eligibility and recommend eligibility and appropriate accommodations and services. Please note that accommodations may not be applied retroactively. Additionally, accommodations cannot fundamentally alter a course or program. Students seeking accommodations are encouraged to connect with the Center for Accessibility Resources as soon as reasonably possible to begin the accommodation process.
• 3.2 Information about the Center for Accessibility Resources can be found on the website: https://www.metrostate.edu/accessibility. The Center for Accessibility Resources is located in New Main, Suite L223. Their phone number is 651-793-1549, TTY (651) 772-7723, and their email is accessibility.resources@metrostate.edu.
• 3.3 Students must have the visual acuity and physical dexterity to perform dental therapy functions.
• 4. Grading
• 4.1 The minimum acceptable grade for all program courses is B minus (B-).
• 4.2 Course grades are derived according to the scale displayed below.

Grades are not rounded up.

• 4.3 Remediation, although rare, may be granted at the discretion of the faculty if a student earns a grade on an assignment of less than 75%. The highest score that can be earned on the remediated assignment is 86%.
• 4.4 Students requesting a grade of incomplete must submit a written request/contract outlining the course completion plan.
• 4.5 Incompletes
  An incomplete grade may be granted at faculty's discretion if significant progress has been made in the course. Students should consult with their faculty if they desire an incomplete. Students should be aware of the university grading policy for incomplete grades and how an incomplete grade might affect their progression in the program.

• 5. Curriculum Changes
• 5.1 Currently enrolled students whose program is amended due to curricular changes shall not be required to fulfill more credits than those in their original plan. Students will not be required to duplicate course content already completed.
• 5.2 Students who enroll in courses after a gap in enrollment must adhere to current program pre-requisites, requirements, and policies.
• 6. Progression
• 6.1 Students must enroll in and successfully complete the courses in their MSADT Degree Plan at the time of admission. A student who receives a letter grade of less than a B- in a course may need to withdraw from the program unless the course can be repeated.
• 6.2 The MSADT program curriculum is based upon a progression of classes that sequentially build upon one another from admission until program completion. Courses are offered once a year. Consideration for repetition of a course or courses will be considered on an individual basis by the MSADT program director, the lead course faculty, and the MSADT advisor. Space availability in subsequent cohorts will also play a role in determining course repetition.
• 6.3 MSADT students who fail to complete terms 1, 2, and/or 3 according to their MSADT program progression will be required to apply for re-admission. If re-admitted, the student’s program will be treated as a new admission and such students will be held accountable for any interim curriculum changes, including any changes in course prerequisites.
• 6.4 MSADT students who do not enroll in or fail to complete courses in terms 4, 5, and/or 6 according to the published program plan will be required to submit a request for reinstatement following the reinstatement procedure. If reinstated, the student will be held accountable for any interim curriculum changes, including any changes in course prerequisites. Upon reinstatement to the program, students must successfully meet all reinstatement conditions.
• 6.5 Academic Standing: The dean will take the following actions after reviewing student grades:
• 6.5.1 Academic Warning: Academic warning letters will be sent at the end of each semester to MSADT students who have a semester of cumulative grade point average of less than 3.0.
• 6.5.2 Academic Probation: If, at the end of the semester of being on academic warning, the student continues to have a semester or cumulative GPA less than 3.0, the student is placed on academic probation. Students on probation whose semester and cumulative GPA are above 3.0 at the end of the semester on probation are returned to good academic standing. Students who continue to have a term or cumulative GPA below 3.0 will continue on probation for a second term. After the second semester of academic probation, the cumulative GPA must return to 3.0 in order to graduate from the MSADT program.
• 6.5.3 Students sent a letter of academic warning or probation must meet with the MSADT program coordinator to determine ability to progress in the program and eligibility for graduation.
• 6.5.4 The MSADT program coordinator will communicate with the dean regarding the student’s likelihood of graduation. Students who are unable to meet the graduation requirements will be dismissed from the program.
• 7. Active Military Duty: CNHS is committed to ensuring learning opportunities for members of any branch of the US military in accordance with Board policy (5.12.1) of the Minnesota State System.
• 8. Student Representation The experiences, perceptions, ideas, and viewpoints of students are important to CNHS. Opportunities exist to provide input to the program coordinators, department chair, faculty, and department committees. This involvement provides for exchange of information and ideas related to continuous evaluation and improving of the programs.
• 9. Academic Integrity Academic honesty is highly valued. Metro State University’s position regarding academic honesty is found in the Academic Integrity Policy and Procedures, #2190 and #219 and is provided to students on the university website and in course syllabi. Students are expected to uphold student integrity and standards when fulfilling program requirements and assignments. Allegations of plagiarism or other forms of academic dishonesty are subject to investigation and sanctions under the University Student Academic Integrity Policy and Procedures, #2190 and #219, respectively.
• 10. Student Behaviors
• 10.1 All students are held responsible for meeting course, clinical, or off-site rotation requirements. Students must consistently demonstrate behavior reflective of professional practice at the university and in public environments. Failure to demonstrate professional behavior may result in dismissal from the program.
• 10.2 Professional behavior includes:
• Taking actions that are consistent with The American Dental Hygiene Association (ADHA) and the Minnesota Board of Dentistry rules.
• Understanding and maintaining confidentiality consistent with HIPAA, professional ethics, and other regulations.
• Attending all learning experiences regularly and punctually.
• Informing course faculty in advance if unable to attend scheduled classroom meetings, exams, or clinical experiences, or if unable to meet project deadlines.
• Complying with contracted requirements of clinical facilities and rotation sites.
• Demonstrating behavior that is professional and respectful to faculty, peers, patients, and staff in the classroom, within online courses, and in clinical facilities and rotation sites.
• Demonstrating awareness that the classroom, lab, and clinical environments are learning environments. Unless otherwise directed, this includes turning cell phones off and arranging for emergency contacts in a manner that does not disrupt class or client care.
• 10.3 Students or organizations may be subject to university discipline for any of the misconduct noted in University Procedure #112 that occurs at any time on university-controlled premises or at university approved or sponsored functions, including clinical sites. Behaviors that endanger the physical or psychological safety of patients, family members, staff, peers, or instructors are unacceptable.
• 10.3.1 Students exhibiting unprofessional behavior will be notified by faculty that such behavior is unacceptable. Faculty members or others in the position of authority may take any immediate and temporary actions necessary to protect the classroom or program atmosphere, to uphold established policies, regulations, and laws. Any behaviors that violate the Student Code of Conduct may also be subject to investigation. Depending upon the nature of the incident or the number of incidents, the faculty may consult with the Office of the Dean of Students or the Student Conduct Office to authorize a conduct investigation under University Student Code of Conduct Policy #1020 and Procedure #112.
• 10.3.2 During clinical experiences, students who possess a professional role license (e.g., RN, dental hygienists) are providing care as students. However, licensed students are accountable for their professional behavior as related to licensure. For example, The Minnesota Dental Practice Act (150A.10) includes an obligation to report violations that are likely to result in disciplinary action.
• 11. Practicum and Contract Requirements of Clinical Facilities and Practicum Sites
• 11.1 Legal contracts are arranged with clinical and practicum sites. These contracts specify information the college must collect from students. Students must submit the required pre-practicum and clinical documentation prior to the deadline. Failure to submit this information prior to the deadline will result in students’ inability to enroll and attend clinical courses. All requirements must remain valid for the duration of all clinical and practicum experiences. It is the student’s responsibility to maintain the records. The pre-practicum requirements are determined with clinical agencies and, in general, there are no exceptions. Information on clinical requirements can be obtained on the CNHS website: https://www.metrostate.edu/academics/nursing-and-health-sciences/practicum/requirements.
• 11.2 The packet of information for clinical facilities and rotation sites includes but is not limited to:
• Current dental hygiene licensure in good standing. (Must meet Minnesota requirements, including nitrous oxide and local anesthesia certification)
• Authorization for the Release of Education Records to Clinical Facility
• Important Notices Form
• Current CPR certification at Health Provider Level, including the “hands-on” component
• Minnesota Department of Human Services background study
• Evidence of current health insurance
• Evidence of completion of Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA) training
• Medical clearance for N95 fit test
• Record of current immunizations and TB screening
• Required immunizations or titer indicating immunity: mumps, rubeola, rubella, hepatitis B, tetanus diphtheria/TD/Tdap, varicella, annual seasonal influenza vaccine, completed approved COVID-19 vaccine
• Tuberculosis screening; Students with a positive screening test must provide documentation of a negative chest x-ray and clearance from a healthcare provider within the past five years.
• 12. Complaints and Conflicts
• 12.1 Academic Appeal Students who believe they have been unfairly evaluated concerning grades, academic integrity, program requirements, or graduation requirements may appeal such concerns in accordance with the University’s Academic Appeal Procedure (University Policy and Procedure, Section 2-b, Procedure #202).
• 12.2 Student Complaints and Grievances Whenever possible, complaints, disagreements, and misunderstandings should be settled between the individuals involved and at the lowest possible level. Students who believe they have been unfairly treated by department faculty or staff, or who have a complaint related to a course that is not covered by the academic appeal procedure should use the following protocol, University Policy and Procedure 3-b, Procedure #303.
• 13. Graduation Requirements and Process
• 13.1 The student must complete all program course requirements with a grade of B- **or better and earn an overall cumulative GPA of 3.0 or better.
• 13.2 The student must complete all standardized tests required by their department.
• 13.3 Students must apply for graduation in accordance with university procedures.
• 13.4 Advisors nominate students for graduation after all degree requirements have been met or are in progress. The Graduation Office clears students for graduation after confirming that all outstanding degree requirements have been completed.