Florida Agricultural and Mechanical University SCHOOL OF NURSING. Tallahassee, Florida

Florida Agricultural and Mechanical University SCHOOL OF NURSING Tallahassee, Florida Self-Study Report Submitted to The Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing February 11-13, 2015

OVERVIEW Introduction The Florida Agricultural & Mechanical University (FAMU), a land-grant institution with a mandated statewide mission, was founded in 1887. FAMU is a doctoral research, comprehensive, public, coeducational institution that awards undergraduate, graduate, professional, and doctoral degrees. Distinguished by lush foliage and massive oaks, FAMU's main campus comprises more than 156 buildings spread over 422 acres atop the highest of seven hills in Tallahassee, the capital of Florida. The University also has several satellite campuses including a site in Orlando where the College of Law is located and sites in Miami, Jacksonville, Tampa and Crestview for its pharmacy program. Florida A&M University is a member of the State University System (SUS) and is governed by a 13-member Board of Trustees. Six (6) trustees are appointed by the Governor and five (5) trustees are appointed by the Board of Governors, subject to confirmation by the Florida Senate. The Presidents of the FAMU Faculty Senate and FAMU Student Government Association are elected by their bodies, and serve a one-year term as trustees. The other Trustees are appointed for staggered terms of five (5) years. The Board of Trustees is vested with the authority to govern and set policy for the University in accordance with law and with rules of the Board of Governors, which oversees Florida's 12 state universities. FAMU attracts qualified students from all nationalities and all racial, ethnic, and religious groups to its 14 colleges and schools. These include the College of Agriculture and Food Sciences; College of Education; FAMU-FSU College of Engineering; College 2

of Law; College of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences; College of Science and Technology; College of Social Sciences, Arts and Humanities: School of Allied Health Sciences; School of Architecture; School of Business and Industry; School of the Environment; School of Graduate Studies and Research; School of Journalism and Graphic Communications; and School of Nursing. As of October 2014, the University had a student population of 10,242. Eighty four (84) percent were enrolled full-time. Undergraduates comprised 83% of the total enrollment, while graduate, doctoral, and unclassified students comprised the remaining 17%. Eighty eight (88) percent of the student enrollment was Black, 7% were white, and 5% comprised other races. The SON had 220 generic BSN students (professional majors) and 13 full-time MSN students enrolled in the Fall 2014 semester. There are currently 13 full-time faculty, plus the dean. Sixty-nine percent hold doctoral degrees. There were 21 part time (adjunct) faculty employed during the Fall 2014 semester, including three adjunct nonnurse faculty teaching in the MSN program and one in the BSN program. Two of the 13 full-time faculty have a 100% teaching assignment in the MSN program. History of the Nursing Education Unit The FAMU School of Nursing (SON) is the oldest continuing baccalaureate nursing program in the State of Florida and the oldest continuing baccalaureate nursing program in the United States at a historically black institution. Established in 1904 as a hospital-based program, it became the first baccalaureate nursing program in Florida in 1936. The Florida Board of Nursing approved the program and its graduates were permitted to write the licensure examination in 1941. Ten years later, the program 3

Summary of Standards and Criteria Standard 1: Mission and Administrative Capacity The mission, philosophy, and outcomes of the nursing education unit are congruent with those of the University. Congruence also exists between the School s distance education offering and the mission of the University. All faculty serve on a School of Nursing Committee. In addition, three of the four graduate faculty and the dean serve on at least one University Committee. Elected/selected graduate students serve on School of Nursing committees. The School of Nursing Advisory Board, Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing (ACEN), Florida Association of Colleges of Nursing (FACN), The National Organization of Nurse Practitioner Faculties (NONPF), American Association of Colleges of Nursing (AACN), Provost and Vice President of Academic Affairs, Associate Vice President of Institutional Effectiveness, employers, plus graduate students have major input into program processes and decision-making. The partnerships that exist with the SMART Center at Case Western University School of Nursing and the FAMU Center for Health Equity promote excellence in nursing education, enhance the profession and benefit the community. Dr. Ruena Norman is academically and experientially qualified for the role of Dean. In this capacity, she has authority and responsibility for the development and administration of the program, has adequate time and resources to fulfill the role and responsibilities, and, with faculty input, has the authority to prepare and administer the program budget. She reports directly to the Provost and Vice President of Academic Affairs, who orients and mentors new deans. Her orientation has also included attendance 5

at ACEN and AACN sessions for new deans. Dr. Jaibun Earp, Associate Dean of the Graduate Program, is also academically and experientially qualified for her role. Faculty and staff polices of the nursing unit are comprehensive and consistent with those of the University with the exception of policies required to meet clinical practice guidelines. Standard 2: Faculty and Staff In fall of 2014, there were two full-time nursing faculty and five part-time faculty teaching in the graduate program. Four part-time faculty were adjuncts, including three non-nurses. Advanced pathophysiology was taught by a medical doctor who also has an earned doctorate; a licensed pharmacist with a Doctor of Pharmacy provided instruction in Advanced Pharmacology; and Special Issues Across the Adult Life Span was taught by an adjunct faculty with a PhD in clinical psychology. One nursing faculty who taught part-time in the graduate program also had responsibilities in the undergraduate program. All graduate faculty hold earned doctorates. The number, utilization, and credentials of both full-time and part-time nursing faculty plus non-nurse faculty are sufficient to achieve program and student learning outcomes. The number, utilization, and credentials of staff are also sufficient to achieve program goals and outcomes. Within the program, a Computer Support Specialist oversees the operation of the school s computer lab; an Administrative Assistant is accountable for all records and duties related to finances and human resources; an Executive Secretary works directly with the Dean; and a Coordinator of Administrative Services supports the Dean and Associate Deans in the administration of the program. All 6

faculty and staff are evaluated annually in accordance with University and collective bargaining guidelines. All preceptors are academically and experientially qualified, monitored, and have clearly documented roles and responsibilities. In fall 2014, the preceptors were certified advanced practice nurses or licensed medical doctors. All faculty and preceptors are oriented and mentored in their areas of responsibility. One hundred percent of faculty (full-time and part-time) have expertise in their area of teaching, maintain expertise in their area of responsibility, and their performance reflects scholarship and evidence-based teaching. The faculty have engaged in continuing education, made presentations, published in journals, conducted research, engaged in clinical practice, secured grants, attended professional conferences, and participated in professional organizations. All faculty teaching in the nurse practitioner management courses are nationally certified. One hundred percent of faculty (full- and part-time) have completed required distance education courses offered by The Office of Instructional Technology (OIT). In addition, faculty employed full-time in the School of Nursing are currently enrolled or have completed Sloan-C workshops, designed to provide further faculty development and support in instructional and distance technologies. Standard 3: Students Student policies, for both online and face-to-face students, are congruent with those of the University with the exception of admission, transfer credit, and clinical agency policies. Differences in admission and clinical agency policies are justified, but the number of transfer credits for advanced practice nursing-prepared students requires 7

discussion with the School of Graduate Studies and Research. The student policies are non-discriminatory, consistently applied, and publicly accessible in the University catalog (only available online), School of Nursing webpage, and School of Nursing Graduate Handbook. Information in the University catalog, School of Nursing webpage, and School of Nursing Graduate Handbook is accurate, clear, consistent, and accessible, including the program s accreditation status and ACEN contact information. Changes in nursing policies, procedures, and program information are communicated through a variety of oral and written media, on the School of Nursing webpage, and on Blackboard. Records reflect that program complaints and grievances receive due process and include evidence of resolutions. Qualified personnel administer the student services offered by the University. Student services are available to both online and face-to face graduate students, with several exceptions. Limited health, counseling, and disability resource services are available to online students. Student educational records and financial aid records are in compliance with University, state and federal guidelines. The University is in compliance with the Higher Education Reauthorization Act Title IV eligibility and certification requirements, including default rates and the results of financial audits. A written comprehensive student loan repayment program plus a systematic method of informing students of their ethical responsibilities regarding financial assistance is administered by the Office of Financial Aid. Graduate students are oriented to technology and provided support by a Computer Support Specialist, who is available 20 hours per week. Additional technology support is available from staff in the Office of Enterprise Information Technology (EIT) and OIT. 8

reflected in the curriculum and instructional processes. Varied evaluation methods (examinations, case study assignments, case presentations, discussion, projects, mastery of skills, and clinical evaluation ) reflect established professional and practice competencies and measure the achievement of student learning outcomes. Learning activities, instructional materials, and evaluation methods are appropriate for both faceto-face and online students and are consistent with student learning outcomes. The forty-two (42) credit hour two-year (five semester) full-time curriculum, consistent with University, state and national standards and best practices, is congruent with the attainment of student learning outcomes. The part-time curriculum may be completed in seven semesters. Post- master s certificate students with a master s degree in education or administration must complete 37 credit hours, while advanced practice nurses who wish to earn additional certification in adult-gerontology or women s health might complete only 21 credits, depending upon the recency of the courses taken and the grades earned. Students practice experiences, both with preceptors and in clinical agencies, are evidence- based and reflect contemporary practice and nationally established patient health and safety goals. Students have one-to-one preceptor experiences. When required, the University and clinical agencies establish written agreements, which protect students and specify expectations of all parties. Since 2010, students have not been admitted in the post-master s certificate program nor have any students enrolled in the online women s health track since its inception in 2011. The Women's Health Nurse Practitioner concentration was temporarily suspended in fall 2014. 10

Standard 5: Resources Fiscal resources are sustainable and sufficient to achieve student learning outcomes and program outcomes and are commensurate with resources of the University. Since 2011-12, the SON has seen a 10% increase in the base budget. Online students pay $732 per credit hour for tuition. The SON is housed in the Ware-Rhaney Building, which has 33,636 square feet of space with secure wireless technology. One classroom and a classroom/laboratory combination are designated graduate program space. This space plus a computer center, two conference rooms, faculty/staff lounge, and student lounge are sufficient to meet the space needs of the faculty, staff, and graduate students, and achieve program outcomes. Each full-time faculty has a private office, while adjunct part-time faculty share offices. The Dean and staff have offices in an administrative suite, plus there is office space devoted to student affairs. Library resources are comprehensive, current, and accessible both to online and face-to-face students as well as faculty. Through the library web page, students and faculty are able to access collections, resources and services 24 hours a day, seven days a week. Print and non-print resources, electronic access to databases, traditional and innovative library services, and library staff support the teaching-learning process. The School of Nursing s representative on the Library Committee has input into the evaluation, selection, and purchase of resources. In addition to library resources, other university learning resources include OIT, EIT, interactive distance learning classrooms, a university-wide teleconference center, and faculty instructional technology development training center. 11

STANDARD 1: MISSION AND ADMINISTRATIVE CAPACITY The mission of the nursing education unit reflects the governing organization s core values and is congruent with its mission/goals. The governing organization and program have administrative capacity resulting in effective delivery of the nursing program and achievement of identified program outcomes. Master s/post-master s Certificate Program (PMC) Criterion 1.1 The mission/philosophy and program outcomes of the nursing education unit are congruent with the core values and mission/goals of the governing organization. The University s mission statement is as follows: Florida Agricultural and Mechanical University (FAMU) is an 1890 landgrant institution dedicated to the advancement of knowledge, resolution of complex issues and the empowerment of citizens and communities. The University provides a student-centered environment consistent with its core values. The faculty is committed to educating students at the undergraduate, graduate, doctoral and professional levels, preparing graduates to apply their knowledge, critical thinking skills and creativity in their service to society. FAMU s distinction as a doctoral/research institution will continue to provide mechanisms to address emerging issues through local and global partnerships. Expanding upon the University s land-grant status, it will enhance the lives of constituents through innovative research, engaging cooperative extension, and public service. While the University continues its historic mission of educating African Americans, FAMU embraces persons of all races, ethnic origins and nationalities as life-long members of the university community (Approved October 15, 2009). FAMU holds the following core values essential to the achievement of the University s mission: Scholarship, Excellence, Openness, Fiscal Responsibility, Accountability, Collaboration, Diversity, Service, Fairness, Courage, Integrity, Respect, Collegiality, Freedom, Ethics, and Shared Governance. The mission and philosophy statements of FAMU School of Nursing (SON) are congruent with the mission of the University, as demonstrated in Table 1.1A. 15

School of Nursing Mission 1. To educate individuals to function as generalists at the undergraduate level and as specialists at the master s level in professional nursing; 2. To provide a supportive environment to foster research by faculty and students; and 3. To be responsive to the service needs of the community. School of Nursing Philosophy The philosophy of the SON is in accord with the mission of FAMU. The faculty of the SON believe that baccalaureate education is the beginning preparation for the professional nurse to function as a generalist in a variety of healthcare settings. Graduate education builds upon the baccalaureate nursing foundation, preparing nurses for specialization in advanced practice roles. Major emphases of the curriculum are humans and their society/environment, the multiplicity of factors affecting their health, and the safe practice of professional nursing. The faculty believe that each human is a unique, integrated biopsychosocial being, who functions in a changing environment. Environment refers to both internal and external forces affecting health. Basic needs must be satisfied for humans to function optimally. Human behavior is a response to commonly occurring, multiple, and complex interacting stimuli. Adaptation to these stimuli is influenced by individual patterns of development. Societies are globally dynamic and culturally diverse. Societies are characterized by language, shared beliefs, and common norms that influence the behavior and development of all of its members. Humans simultaneously occupy many roles within society; as individuals, as members of families, groups, communities, and populations. 16

Table 1.1A Congruency of the Mission of FAMU and the Mission/Philosophy/Program Outcomes of the School of Nursing (SON) Florida A&M University Mission is committed to educating students at the undergraduate, graduate, doctoral and professional levels is committed to preparing graduates to apply their knowledge, critical thinking skills and creativity in their service to society FAMU s distinction as a research institution will continue to provide mechanisms to address emerging issues through local and global partnerships....is dedicated to the advancement of knowledge, resolution of complex issues and the empowerment of citizens and communities The University provides a student centered environment School of Nursing Mission/Philosophy/Program Outcomes The mission of the SON is to educate individuals to function as generalists at the undergraduate level and as specialists at the master s level in professional nursing. The faculty believe that nursing is a science built on knowledge......outcomes are maximized by incorporating critical thinking skills The mission of the SON is to be responsive to the service needs of the community. An expected program learning outcome is that graduates synthesize knowledge from the sciences, humanities, best evidence and nursing to support advanced practice nursing. The mission of the SON is to provide a supportive environment to foster research by faculty and students. The faculty believe the graduate prepared nurse utilizes research. The delivery of care should always reflect the changing demands of society An expected program learning outcome for SON graduates is that they integrate evidence, clinical guidelines and clinical investigative skills to guide advanced practice nursing and improve health outcomes. The faculty believe The delivery of care should always reflect the changing demands of society The consumer has a right and an obligation to share the responsibility Societies are globally dynamic and culturally diverse. An expected program learning outcome is for the graduate to demonstrate accountability and responsibility for patient-centered care Provide competent, evidence-based advanced practice nursing care within a primary care setting to diverse individuals, families and groups The faculty believe The learning environment should foster an enriching interaction between the teacher and learner. The congruency between the philosophy and program learning outcomes of the SON and the core values of the University is displayed in Table 1.1B. 20

Table 1.1B Congruency of FAMU Core Values and the Philosophy and Program Outcomes of the School of Nursing FAMU School of Nursing Core Values Philosophy Program Outcomes Scholarship, The faculty believe that nursing is both a Integrate evidence, clinical Excellence science and an art. It is the art of guidelines and clinical applying scientific principles using investigative skills to guide evidence-based practice. Learners focus advanced practice nursing and on expansion of knowledge through in-depth inquiry. The graduate prepared improve health outcomes. nurse utilizes research Use best available evidence to implement initiatives to continuously improve quality and safety in healthcare. Fiscal Responsibility Accountability, Integrity, Ethics, Courage, Shared Governance Collaboration, Collegiality, Openness The faculty believe that nursing is both a science and an art. It is a science built on knowledge from humanities, the natural, psychological, sociological, and nursing sciences Learners focus on expansion of knowledge through critical thinking Safe, quality healthcare is a right of all people. The graduate prepared nurse utilizes leadership/management, advocacy, and collaborative skills The learner is an active participant and has the responsibility to share in the teaching/learning process. The faculty believes that nurses demonstrate professional values and accept responsibility and accountability for safe nursing practice as well as for professional growth while continuing their education and professional development. The SON has a firm commitment to facilitate the professional and personal development of its learners. The graduate prepared nurse utilizes collaborative skills Synthesize knowledge from the sciences, humanities, best evidence and nursing to support advanced practice nursing. Utilize leadership skills to foster collaboration, change and advocacy to influence advance practice nursing and improve healthcare. Demonstrates accountability and responsibility for patientcentered care and professional development. Apply ethical principles in decision making to achieve sound solutions to issues related to individuals, populations and systems of care. Utilize leadership skills to foster collaboration, change and advocacy to influence advance practice nursing and improve healthcare. 21

FAMU School of Nursing Core Values Philosophy Program Outcomes Diversity, The faculty believe that each human is a Provide competent, evidencebased advanced practice nursing Respect, unique, integrated biopsychosocial Fairness, being Societies are culturally care within a primary care setting Openness, diverse. to diverse individuals, families Courage, Freedom and groups and manage health and illness for adults across the life span. Service Health is conceptualized as occurring on a continuum with movement between a state of optimum wellness and degrees of illness. The adaptive abilities of humans are major determinants of their position on the health continuum. Primary health considerations are the promotion of wellness, prevention of injury/illness, restoration of health, and maintenance of optimal functioning. It (nursing) is the art of applying scientific principles to achieve optimal health.. Provide competent, evidencebased advanced practice nursing care within a primary care setting to diverse individuals, families and groups and manage health and illness for adults across the life span. Demonstrate an understanding of the development, analysis and evaluation of health policies and healthcare affecting advanced practice nursing and health outcomes. Analyze complex health systems to improve the delivery of care and patient outcomes. Utilize appropriate technologies and information literacy skills to optimize health outcomes in advanced practice nursing. Criterion 1.2 The governing organization and nursing education unit ensure representation of the nurse administrator and nursing faculty in governance activities; opportunities exist for student representation in governance activities. The SON administrators and faculty participate in the governance of the parent institution (FAMU) through membership on several university committees. Shared governance of the SON is in accordance with the organizational structure of FAMU. The 22

YEAR PLACE OF NAME 2011-12 2012-13 2013-14 TITLE EMPLOYMENT Ms. Natasha R. Sledge X Staff Nurse Tallahassee Memorial Hospital Tallahassee, Florida Ms. Ann Smith X X Capital Regional Director of Nursing Medical Center Tallahassee, Florida Ms. Vienne Treharne X X Registered Nurse Florida Department of Health Ms. Carolyn Wright-Tanner X Director, Office of Public Health Nursing Tallahassee, Florida Florida Department of Health Tallahassee, Florida The purpose of the FACN is to improve the nursing care provided to persons in Florida through advancing nursing education, research and practice. The specific activities of the organization include presenting a common voice for the baccalaureate and higher degree programs within the state, providing a means for members to communicate ideas, make recommendations and take appropriate action on recommendations, and coordinate statewide efforts with the associate degree nursing programs. The organization has three regularly scheduled meetings per year. The Dean of the SON is a voting member of the organization. Bylaws and minutes are available as an Exhibit. The ACEN supports the interests of nursing education, nursing practice, and the public by the functions of accreditation. The ACEN is the entity that is responsible for the specialized accreditation of nursing education programs. Accreditation assists in the improvement of programs as related to resources invested, processes followed, and results achieved. The monitoring of degree offerings is tied closely to state examination and licensing rules, and to the oversight of preparation for work in the profession. The FAMU SON is accredited by the ACEN. 28

The NONPF is the only organization specifically devoted to promoting quality nurse practitioner (NP) education at the national and international levels. NONPF has achieved broad recognition for its leadership role in developing and maintaining NP educational resources. The graduate curriculum has been reviewed to ensure that NONPF competencies are reflected. The SON holds membership in NONPF. The AACN serves the public interest by setting standards, providing resources, and developing the leadership capacity of member schools to advance nursing education, research, and practice. The SON has membership in AACN. At FAMU, The Office of the Provost and Vice President for Academic Affairs has the overall responsibility for the growth, development and expansion of the various academic programs, teaching and research activities, educational support agencies and the effective and efficient administration of public service. The Dean of the SON reports directly to the Provost and Vice President for Academic Affairs. Monthly meetings (Dean s Council) are held with the Provost with each dean reporting on his or her respective units. The mission of the University s Office of Institutional Effectiveness is to lead, coordinate, and support initiatives and projects related to planning, assessing, examining, and reporting on the accomplishment of FAMU s mission and strategic goals. The Office of Institutional Effectiveness promotes a commitment to excellence and continuous improvement through oversight of assessment, accreditation, academic program quality, accountability and strategic planning functions. Graduate students have input in program processes and decision making. Each January, during a joint meeting of second semester face-to-face and online students, the 29

Criterion 1.9 The nurse administrator has the authority to prepare and administer the program budget with faculty input. In the spring semester, the Provost and Vice President for Academic Affairs gives instructions to the deans on preparing their budget requests. The instructions require the deans to take into consideration the findings of accreditation, assessment and program review indicating areas for improvement. The budget request must have clear links to the University s goals. The Dean, with input from the faculty through the Associate Dean of Undergraduate Program and Associate Dean of Graduate Program, submits budget priorities to the Provost and Vice President for Academic Affairs. The priorities must be linked to the University s strategic plan. This request is then examined by the Provost and Vice President for Academic Affairs and included in the proposed operating budget for the coming year. The Spring 2014 request from the SON is presented in Table 1.9. Table 1.9 School of Nursing 2014-15 Budget Priorities School of Nursing Priorities Presidential Goals for 2013-14 and 2014-15 1. Secure reaccreditation of the Maintain specialized accreditation in currently graduate program by the accredited academic programs ACEN in Spring 2015 2. Increase the NCLEX-RN pass rate to at or above the national average Achieve the established goals for passage rates on licensure examinations The University Budget, including the SON request, is next examined by the Senior Leadership Team at the University. The Provost and Vice President for Academic 34

Affairs is a member of this leadership team. The Leadership Team makes recommendations regarding allocations to the President, in light of the University s resources, to accomplish the goals and objectives of the Strategic Plan. The Board of Trustees, in consultation with the University President, approves and submits the institutional budget to the Board of Governors (BOG). The Chancellor of the State University System (SUS) submits a legislative budget request to the governor and legislature for approval. The process is finalized after the state legislature appropriates funds. Funds are allocated to the University according to the amount of monies available. If new funds are available, they are allocated based on the priority order of the request submitted to the BOG. Administration of the budget is the responsibility of the Dean. Criterion 1.10 Policies of the nursing faculty and staff are comprehensive, provide for the welfare of faculty and staff, and are consistent with those of the governing organization; differences are justified by the goals and outcomes of the nursing education unit. Faculty policies of the SON are consistent with the governing institution with the exception of the nursing practice discipline requirements. Faculty members appointed at the graduate level are subject to the same policies as faculty teaching on the graduate level at the governing institution. Faculty policies addressing non-discrimination, faculty appointment, academic rank, grievance procedures, promotion, salary and benefits, tenure, rights and responsibilities and termination are described in general below. The Collective Bargaining Agreement Between Florida Agricultural & Mechanical University Board of Trustees and United Faculty of Florida (available as an Exhibit), University Faculty Handbook (http://www.famu.edu/index.cfm?facultysenate&facultyhandbook) 35

and FAMU Constitution and By-Laws (http://www.famu.edu/index.cfm?facultysenate&academicconstitutionandby-laws) and/or Board of Trustee Regulation: Chapter 10 (http://www.famu.edu/index.cfm?regulations&chapter10(personnel)) describe these policies in detail. The SON Faculty Handbook contains policies specific to the nursing unit and is available as an Exhibit. Non-Discrimination It is the policy of FAMU that each member of the University community is permitted to work or attend class in an environment free from any form of discrimination including race, religion, color, age, disability, sex, sexual harassment, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, marital status, national origin, and veteran status as prohibited by state and federal statutes. This commitment applies to all areas affecting students, employees, applicants for admission and applicants for employment. It is also relevant to the University's selection of contractors, suppliers of goods and services, and any employment conditions and practices. Promotion Faculty members holding the rank of instructor, assistant professor, and associate professor in one of the academic units of the university are eligible for promotion to a higher rank. Specific criteria for promotion are established in the academic unit in which promotion is initiated. After a faculty member s promotion packet undergoes review by appropriate officials, the President of the University makes the final decision. If promotion is denied, the faculty is notified in writing. 36

Tenure Faculty members holding the rank of assistant professor, associate professor, and professor and other employees the Board may designate shall be eligible for tenure. Each applicant must satisfy applicable College, School or Institute, University, and Board of Trustees criteria. Education, years of experience, teaching, scholarly activities, and service are usually among the criteria. After an applicant's application packet undergoes review by appropriate faculty committees and officials, the Board of Trustees makes the final decision. Faculty Appointment The University exercises its authority to determine the standards, qualifications, and criteria, so as to fill each appointment vacancy with the best possible candidates. Appointment vacancies are advertised as specified by the university rules. All appointments are made on a standard university employment contract and signed by the university President or his representative and the employee. Faculty sign either twelve-, nine- or ten-month appointments. Supplemental (summer) appointments are offered equitably and as appropriate contingent upon budgetary restrictions and student demands. Faculty Rights and Responsibilities The University believes academic freedom and responsibility are necessary to carry out the university s essential functions of instruction, research, creativity and public service. The established policy of the University continues to be that the faculty member must fulfill his/her responsibility to society and to his or her profession by manifesting academic competence, scholarly discretion, and good citizenship. The university instructor is a citizen, a member of a learned profession, and academic officer of an 37

The percent effort for a given undergraduate course is obtained by dividing the number of contact hours by 15 and multiplying by 100%. The percent efforts for a given graduate course are obtained by dividing the number of contact hours by 15 and multiplying by 133%. For example, a 3 credit undergraduate course is worth 20.0 percent effort while a 3 credit graduate course is worth 26.6 percent effort. The percent effort for Directed Individual study courses is calculated based on 0.5 contact hours per student enrolled (http://www.uff-famu.org/downloads/article-9_aor_underlinedrevised.pdf). Salary and Benefits Major influences on faculty salaries are legislative appropriations, bargaining agreements, and contractual agreements. Faculty performance incentives are distributed for promotion to a higher rank. Faculty benefits include retirement plans, health insurance, leave programs, educational assistance, and an employee assistance program. Faculty Rank The Faculty consists of those members of the teaching, research, and/or public service faculty holding the rank of professor, associate professor, assistant professor, or instructor in one of the colleges, schools, institutes or other academic units of the University, and those members of the administrative or professional staff who are employed in one of those ranks. This definition includes both part-time and full-time employees. Adjunct faculty consists of any temporarily appointed employees who do not hold a tenured position within the University. The majority of the policies related to the SON faculty do not differ from the policies outlined in the Collective Bargaining Agreement Between Florida Agricultural & Mechanical University Board of Trustees and United Faculty of Florida, University 39

Faculty Handbook and FAMU Constitution and By-Laws. However, the University stipulates that each school, college, or institute establish criteria for promotion and tenure that is specific to the requirements of their academic discipline. The President of the United Faculty of Florida and the University Provost and Vice President for Academic Affairs, following approval by the SON faculty, review such criteria. The SON criteria for determining eligibility for promotion and tenure include the same categories for evaluation as other instructional units in the University. Differences in Tenure and Promotion policies are permitted based on decisions of the nursing faculty. The tenure and promotion policies are published in the SON Faculty Handbook. The Promotion, Tenure, Merit Equity and Professional Relations committee is in midst of revision of the SON promotion and tenure policies. Other policies that differ for the nursing faculty relate to safeguarding the patient population and meeting the requirements of the clinical agencies in which faculty either provide clinical instruction or practice. They include policies related to being licensed as a registered nurse in Florida, assessment of health status, immunization status, CPR certification, liability insurance, requirements related to Occupational Safety & Health Administration (OSHA), and Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA) regulations, plus clinical agency faculty policies. For staff employed in the SON, policies are the same as other staff in the governing institution. University Support Personnel staff (USPS) are governed by policies outlined in (1) the Collective Bargaining Agreement between FAMU and the Florida Public Employees Council 79 American Federation of State, County and Municipal Employees AFL-CIO and (2) Board of Trustee Regulations (Chapter10) 40

(http://www.famu.edu/index.cfm?regulations&chapter10(personnel). The Administrative and Professional Staff (AP) are governed by Chapter 10 in the University Board of Trustee Regulations. The USPS Collective Bargaining Agreement is available as an Exhibit. Criterion 1.11 Distance education, when utilized, is congruent with the mission of the governing organization and the mission/philosophy of the nursing education unit. In the SON, distance education is congruent with the mission of the governing organization and the mission/philosophy of the nursing education unit. The FAMU Strategic Plan: 2010-2020 explicitly identifies distance education as a strategy to maintain its delivery of higher education and maintain its relevance and competitiveness in the twenty-first century. Strategy 1.1.2 states, Develop and implement comprehensive distance learning programs. As reflected in the philosophy in the SON, the faculty express a firm commitment to facilitate the professional and personal development of its learners. The faculty believe that teaching/learning is a dynamic process technological advances are essential aspects of all societies In 2011, the SON became one of the University s first three graduate programs to provide distance education. 41

Name Education/Credentials Job Responsibilities Set up, maintain, upgrade, & repair pcs, computer peripherals, & audio-visual equipment Research, recommend, & evaluate information technology solutions Serve as liaison between SON and IT vendors Janis Gavin Terry Administrative Assistant Tarolyn Fitz- Waymon Executive Secretary Wonda Martin Coordinator of Administrative Services Certificate Lively Technical Center B.S. Office Administration Florida A&M University M.Ed. Vocational Education Florida A&M University B.S. Business Education Florida A&M University Coordinates administrative function & departmental financial management Maintains & analyzes budgets Assists with human resource functions Tracks & assists with coordination of major contract services Prepares financial reports and requisitions Executive secretary to the Dean Liaison between Dean and students, faculty, other administrative units Prepares reports and documents Maintains select records and files Assists in orientation and training of new staff Interprets administrative policies to faculty & administrators Maintains clinical agency contracts Coordinates custodial & maintenance in SON building Supports Dean and Associate Deans in program administration Criterion 2.8 Faculty (full- and part-time) are oriented and mentored in their areas of responsibility. The University provides an orientation program for all new full-time and parttime employees every academic year. In addition, the SON provides a face-to-face orientation for all new full-time and adjunct employees. Dr. Jaibun Earp, Associate Dean of the Graduate Program, communicates regularly with new graduate faculty to ensure their understanding of assigned role and access to needed support. In addition, new faculty members are assigned faculty mentors for the course or courses in which they will be teaching. 61

Criterion 2.9 Systematic assessment of faculty (full- and part-time) performance demonstrates competencies that are consistent with program goals and outcomes. All full-time and part-time faculty members are evaluated annually according to Board of Trustees regulation Chapter 10 (10.119) (http://www.famu.edu/index.cfm?regulations&chapter10(personnel)). According to section 10.119, faculty evaluation is done to assess and communicate the nature and extent of an employee s performance of assigned duties as it relates to teaching effectiveness, contribution to the discovery of new knowledge, the development of new educational techniques, service, and other forms of creative activity. The University Regulations guidelines are congruent with the Collective Bargaining Agreement Between Florida Agricultural & Mechanical University Board of Trustees and United Faculty of Florida. Faculty members are evaluated in specific areas as designated by their AOR. Data used to evaluate performance of faculty are derived from student evaluations, teaching documents, and/or self-evaluation. As mandated by the University, students evaluate faculty in every course, during the fall and spring semesters, using the University s Student Assessment of Instructor Form (SAI). In the SON, the Dean is responsible for faculty evaluation. The Dean conducts an evaluation conference with the faculty members. The evaluation is discussed and signed by both the Dean and faculty member, and then filed in the faculty member s personnel file located in the Dean s office. Faculty evaluations are available. 62

STANDARD 3: STUDENTS Student policies and services support the achievement of the student learning outcomes and program outcomes of the nursing education unit. Master s/post-master s Certificate Program (PMC) Criterion 3.1: Policies for nursing students are congruent with those of the governing organization, publicly accessible, non-discriminatory, and consistently applied; differences are justified by the student learning outcomes and program outcomes. The SON policies for graduate students (both face-to-face and online) are congruent with the University and School of Graduate Studies and Research (SGSR) policies with respect to graduate GPA, minimum grade requirements, academic probation and dismissal, time limitation for completion of degrees, withdrawals, graduation requirements, grading and grievance/grade appeals. Graduate GPA Upon admission into each degree or certificate program, a graduate GPA will be calculated based on the graduate courses taken at FAMU. The University requires that students maintain a graduate GPA of 3.0 or higher in order to maintain regular graduate status, receive financial assistance, and to qualify for graduation. Minimum Grade Requirements Only a grade of B or higher is acceptable for required courses in a graduate program. A student must repeat a required course if the student earns a grade lower than a B. Exceeding six semester hours or obtaining two courses with unsatisfactory grades ("C", "D", "F", or "U") in courses or in comprehensive or qualifying examinations is grounds for dismissal from a program for all degree-seeking and non-degree seeking 64

Polices are Publicly Accessible General student policies are published in the Florida A and M University Catalog and the Florida Agricultural & Mechanical University FANG: The Student Handbook. Additional policies specific to graduate students are also published on School Of Graduate Studies and Research website. Policies specific to graduate nursing students are available on the SON website as well as being published in the SON Graduate Student Handbook. The SON Graduate Student Handbook is available as an Exhibit. The University Catalog (http://www.famu.edu/index.cfm?catalog) and the FANG: The Student Handbook (http://www.famu.edu/index.cfm?studentlife&studenthandbook,thefang) are publicly accessible online. School of Graduate Studies and Research policies are accessible at (http://www.famu.edu/graduatestudies/approved_graduate_academic_policies_and_pro cedures_120814.pdf). Graduate nursing policies are also available on the School s website at (http://www.famu.edu/index.cfm?nursing&msnprogram>). During orientation, the Associate Dean of the Graduate Program distributes the SON Graduate Student Handbook and discusses with newly admitted face-to-face students. Newly admitted distance students have access to the SON Graduate Student Handbook on FAMU 5001 E-Learning Orientation Nursing via Blackboard. In addition, distance students receive a hard copy of the handbook on the first day of their second semester campus visit. Policies are Non-discriminatory All SON policies are nondiscriminatory for both face-to-face and online students. The School adheres to the University s non discriminatory policy described in Criterion 70

1.10, which applies to students, as well as employees, applicants for admission and applicants for employment. Policies are Consistently Applied Policies related to both face-to-face and online nursing students are consistently applied. The graduate faculty has major responsibility for recommending both face-toface and online students for admission to the graduate program in a non-discriminatory manner. The recommendations of graduate faculty, Associate Dean and Dean of the SON require final approval by the Dean of the School of Graduate Studies and Research, thus ensuring consistent admission practices. The SON adheres to School of Graduate Studies and Research rules in handling student grievances and appeals. Academic Review documents are available for review in the Office of the Dean. Student records, available from the Associate Dean, will provide additional documentation of the consistent application of student policies. Criterion 3.2 Public information is accurate, clear, consistent, and accessible, including the program s accreditation status and the ACEN contact information Status of the SON accreditation by ACEN and ACEN contact information are accurate, clear, consistent and accessible on the SON webpage (http://www.famu.edu/index.cfm?nursing&abouttheschoolofnursing). The School of Nursing s webpage has a direct link to ACEN at http://www.acenursing.org/. In addition, the curriculum plan and admission policies are available online and in the graduate student handbook, and are reviewed annually. The graduate student handbook is available as an Exhibit. 71

Criterion 3.3 Changes in policies, procedures, and program information are clearly and consistently communicated to students in a timely manner. SON policy changes are clearly and consistently communicated to students in a timely manner verbally and/or in writing, by posting on the SON website, and/or by posting under announcements on Blackboard. Additional avenues of communicating changes are by email, class announcements, and posting announcements on bulletin boards. Final policy changes are incorporated into handbooks and the online catalog. The faculty believe that students must be thoroughly informed so that responsible and accountable behavior can be assumed and required. University policy changes are distributed through updated editions of the University Catalog and the FANG: The Student Handbook. In addition, announcements indicating new policies are shared via the University website. Criterion 3.4 Student services are commensurate with the needs of nursing students, including those receiving instruction using alternate methods of delivery. Graduate nursing students have access to all of the student support services that are available to every FAMU student. The names of select student service personnel and their qualifications are available as an Exhibit. Student Services in the Florida System All students have access to a range of academic services through a Florida initiative, The Florida Virtual Campus (www.flvc.org). The virtual campus provides access to online student and library support services and serve as a statewide resource and clearinghouse for technology-based public postsecondary education distance learning 72

courses and degree programs. FLVC's services to the students, faculties, and staff of the state's public colleges and universities include (a) support for Florida's ever-growing population of distance learners and institutions offering online courses and degrees, (b) online academic advising services to help students identify the requirements of their chosen degree, (c) a variety of tools used by staff at college and university libraries to provide services to their students and faculties, (d) online access to the library holdings of all Florida public colleges and universities, including electronic resources such as fulltext journals, databases, and ebooks, and (e) support and training for college and university students and staff using the services of FLVC. Student Services at the University Student Services at the University include Student Health Services; Office of Counseling Services; C.C Cunningham Career center; Office of Financial Aid; Center for Disability Access and Resources (CeDAR); Campus Safety and Security; Office of Student Activities; and New Beginning s Child Development Center: Student Health Services Student Health Services is organized for treating minor illnesses and injuries that occur while the student is in residence at the University. The clinic is located in the north wing of the Foote-Hilyer Administration Center. Services provided include; physical exams, pap smears, blood tests, electrocardiograms, chronic disease management, family planning, treatment of sexually transmitted diseases, and counseling and testing for HIV. The clinic does not provide vision or dental services, surgery, obstetrics, or hospitalization. Students who are found to have illnesses that require more detailed study 73