Contact Information: 
Campus Location: 118 College of Nursing (NURS) 
(312) 996-7800 
www.nursing.uic.edu

Administration: 
Dean, Eileen Collins
102 NURS
Academic and Student Services: Office of Academic Engagement and Student Success, Fifth Floor, NURS
Departments: Biobehavioral Nursing Science; Human Development Nursing Science; Population Health Nursing Science

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Introduction

The College of Nursing is recognized as one of the top colleges of nursing in the country and is internationally renowned for its nursing leadership. Exciting and challenging opportunities are available for capable, dedicated, and caring individuals who will be future leaders in healthcare. The University of Illinois School of Nursing was founded in 1951 and became the College of Nursing in 1959. The College of Nursing is located in close proximity to the Colleges of Applied Health Sciences, Dentistry, Medicine, Pharmacy, and the School of Public Health. The libraries and scientific and clinical resources make up one of the largest medical centers in the world.

The College of Nursing offers programs of study leading to the Bachelor of Science in Nursing; the Master of Science in Nursing, the Doctor of Philosophy and the Doctor of Nursing Practice with entry at the post-baccalaureate or post-master’s level. In addition, the college offers a pre-licensure program of graduate study leading to a Master of Science in Nursing degree. The Master of Science Graduate Entry program is specifically designed for students who hold baccalaureate degrees in other fields and want to pursue a master’s degree in nursing. In addition to the Chicago campus, the college has five regional sites within the state: Peoria, Quad Cities, Rockford, Springfield, and Urbana. The traditional Bachelor of Science in Nursing program is offered at the Chicago, Springfield, and Urbana sites. The master’s graduate entry program is offered at the Chicago and Urbana sites. The PhD program is offered only at the Chicago site. The Master of Science (post-licensure) and Doctor of Nursing Practice are offered at all sites. The RN to BSN program is offered online through UIC Extended Campus.

Undergraduate Study in Nursing

The College of Nursing undergraduate program leads to the Bachelor of Science in Nursing. The curriculum is divided into three levels: foundation, middle, and terminal. The foundation level, freshman and sophomore years, includes those lower-division non-nursing courses that represent the basic learning necessary for the completion of the course of study. The middle level, junior year, includes most upper-division courses that prepare the graduate as a nurse generalist. The terminal level, senior year, represents those upper-division, senior-level courses at the end of the nursing program that synthesize previous learning.

The Bachelor of Science in Nursing provides students with the basic nursing preparation and eligibility to apply for the National Council Licensure Exam for Registered Nurses (NCLEX-RN). For students who are already licensed registered nurses and wish to further their education, the college offers an RN to BSN completion program (offered through UIC Extended Campus).

Accreditation

College of Nursing programs are accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE) and approved by the Illinois Department of Financial and Professional Regulation (IDFPR). The college holds membership in the American Association of Colleges of Nursing (AACN).

Admission

Applications to the BSN program are accepted for fall admission only. Students are admitted to the college in one of four ways:

1. first-year
2. transfer student (from UIC or another institution)
3. Dual Admission between contracted ADN degree programs and UIC College of Nursing.
4. Guaranteed Professional Program Admissions (GPPA) student. Information on the application process and deadlines can be found on the GPPA website;

Applications to the RN/BSN program are accepted year-round; information on the application process and deadlines can be found on the College of Nursing website.

Applications to Dual Admission are specific to certain contractual partnerships with a variety of community colleges. Information on the application process and deadlines can be found on the UIC Extended Campus website.

First-Year Admission

Students seeking admission to the College of Nursing who are recent high school graduates are classified as new freshmen. A holistic approach is used when reviewing each application because selecting students requires a careful and individualized review of each applicants’ credentials. Consideration is given to high school GPA and
the strength of the high school schedule and personal statements. Letters of recommendation, extracurricular activities, or any other supporting documents are also strongly considered in the review process.

There is no minimum to apply; however, the most successful candidates will have an ACT composite score of 28 (optional) or SAT score of 1310 or higher (optional) and an unweighted high GPA of 3.5 or above.

Transfer Admission Requirements

Students applying to the BSN program must meet the following minimum requirements:

1. 2.75/4.00 cumulative transfer grade point average at application deadline
2. 2.50/4.00 natural science grade point average at application deadline
3. Completion of all pre-nursing course work (see Course Requirements—Pre-Nursing Studies) with a grade of C or higher prior to enrollment. Applicants must have all BSN prerequisite courses, with the exception of the Upper Division Elective prerequisite, completed by the start of the program. The four natural science courses (human anatomy and physiology I and II, microbiology, and general chemistry) must be completed by the start of the program and must have been completed within seven years of enrollment.

Pre-nursing course work can be completed at UIC or at another college or university. Applicants can view information about course equivalencies and how courses transfer to UIC and the College of Nursing through Transferology. See the Office of Admission Transfer Guide for more information about transfer admission requirements.

In addition, all students will be required to have a background check and drug test upon admission. If the results of either requirement indicate that a student would not be eligible for placement at the college’s practicum agencies, the student’s admission will be rescinded.

RN to BSN Program Admissions

Students applying to the RN to BSN program must meet the following minimum requirements:

1. A 2.50/4.00 cumulative transfer grade point average.
2. Current U.S. RN license. Students who apply for admission directly from an ADN or nursing diploma program must take the NCLEX after graduation and present the RN license to the college by the end of the first semester. Failure to pass the NCLEX-RN examination and/or present a current U.S. RN license will result in the student not being able to progress beyond the first semester of the program, until passing scores are provided.
3. Transcripts from all previous colleges/universities attended.

Students who have graduated from a state-approved associate degree in nursing (ADN) program and who hold a current license as registered professional nurse will receive 33 semester hours of proficiency credit. The credit will be awarded upon successful completion of 8 nursing semester hours in the RN to BSN program.

Dual Admission (DA) ADN + BSN Pathway Program

Students applying to the DA ADN + BSN program must meet the following minimum requirements:

1. Enrollment at a community college specified and contracted for DA ADN + BSN
2. Enrollment in pre-nursing or nursing degree as defined by the contract with the community college
3. A minimum 2.50/4.00 cumulative transfer GPA
4. Completion of a UIC College of Nursing RN to BSN program application

Students enrolled in the DA ADN + BSN program must meet the following minimum requirements in order to graduate:

1. Graduation from a state-approved associate degree in nursing (ADN) program which has contracted with UIC for DA ADN + BSN
2. An active U.S. registered nurse license
3. Completion of 57 semester hours of non-nursing courses, including UIC general education course requirements with a grade of C or higher
4. Completion of 33 UIC nursing proficiency credits
5. Completion of 30 hours in the UIC College of Nursing BSN Completion Degree with grade of C or higher
6. Compliance with UIC and UIC College of Nursing undergraduate student graduation requirements as indicated in university catalogs and student handbooks

Upon graduation from the contracted associate degree program, dual admission in both institutions ends and the students remains a UIC College of Nursing student only. However, the student must take the NCLEX-RN licensure examination as a graduate of the community college ADN degree program and present proof of exam passage and RN license to UIC College of Nursing by the end of the first semester of BSN-level-only courses. Failure to pass the NCLEX-RN examination and/or present a current U.S. RN license will result in the student not being able to progress beyond the first semester of the BSN completion program until passing scores and U.S. RN licensure are provided.

Students who have graduated from a state-approved associate degree in nursing (ADN) program contracted with UIC for DA ADN + BSN and who hold a current license as a registered professional nurse will receive 33 semester hours of proficiency credit. The credit will be awarded upon successful completion of 8 semester hours of the UIC BSN completion degree.

Guaranteed Professional Program Admissions (GPPA)

The Guaranteed Professional Program Admissions (GPPA) gives academically talented freshman applicants the opportunity to be admitted to UIC with admission guaranteed to the College of Nursing BSN program if undergraduate course and performance criteria are met. For more information, please see the GPPA website.

Degree Requirements

To earn the Bachelor of Science in Nursing degree from UIC, students need to complete the degree requirements of the university and college that are in effect at the time of initial registration. It is essential for each student to become familiar with the degree requirements stated in this catalog and to keep up-to-date with published changes. If requirements change, continuing students and those whose attendance at UIC has been interrupted for no more than two years may elect to complete the new graduation requirements or may continue to fulfill those requirements in effect at the time of initial registration. Students who return to UIC after an absence of more than two years are responsible for meeting the requirements of the university and college in effect at the time of reenrollment. If courses originally required are no longer offered, the college has the prerogative of specifying substitutes.

Note: The college retains the right to change educational policy and graduation requirements at any time. This may affect currently enrolled students’ standing.

Semester Hour Requirement

The College of Nursing requires 120 semester hours for graduation. Students can be admitted to the nursing program as first-year admission. Additionally, students can complete the first two years of the program through any college at UIC (the Pre-Nursing Studies program through the College of Liberal Arts and Sciences is the most common pathway), or another accredited college/university. If admitted to the College of Nursing, students complete the final two years in the Nursing curriculum. See Preprofessional Studies in the College of Liberal Arts and Sciences section of the catalog for more information on Pre-Nursing.

UG Public Health Semester Hour Requirement

Degree Program	Degree Conferred	Total Hours
Nursing	BS in Nursing	120

Course Requirements

See the BS in Nursing page for Course Requirements.

General Education Core

General Education at UIC is designed to serve as a foundation for lifelong learning. As outlined in the Pre-Nursing Studies course list, College of Nursing students meet the university’s General Education Core requirement of a minimum of 24 semester hours in the General Education Core with at least one course from each of the following categories:

1. Analyzing the Natural World
2. Understanding the Individual and Society
3. Understanding the Past
4. Understanding the Creative Arts
5. Exploring World Cultures
6. Understanding U.S. Society

For a description and a list of courses for each General Education Core category, students should consult the General Education section of the catalog.

General Education Proficiencies—University Writing Requirement

As noted in the Pre-Nursing Studies course list, College of Nursing students meet the requirement by achieving a passing grade in ENGL 160 and ENGL 161.

Other Requirements

Grade Point Average (GPA) Requirement

All students are required to satisfactorily complete with a minimum grade of C all required General Education and nursing courses and maintain a cumulative and nursing grade point average of at least 2.00/4.00.

Graduation Declaration/Filing to Graduate

Students declare their intent to graduate online using my.UIC.edu. The deadline for submission to the Pending Degree List is the end of the third week (fall and spring) or second week (Summer Session 2) of the term in which graduation is sought. Failure to submit the request at this time may delay the awarding of the degree. A final review will be made following the close of the term. If a student has satisfactorily completed all the degree requirements, the student’s name will be placed on the official degree list.

Enrollment Residence Requirement

At a minimum, the last 30 semester hours of university work must be taken at the University of Illinois Chicago. Concurrent attendance at the University of Illinois Chicago and another collegiate institution or enrollment during the summer at another institution, when approved by the student’s college, does not interrupt the UIC enrollment residence requirement for graduation.

College Policies

Academic Load

To be considered full-time, a student must be enrolled in a minimum of 12 semester hours fall and spring terms. During the regular academic year, an academic course load exceeding 18 semester hours must be approved in the College Office of Academic Engagement and Student Success.

Academic Notice and Dismissal Rules

Term Notice Rules

1. A student not currently on academic notice or term notice will be placed on term notice at the end of any term in which the student earns less than a 2.00/4.00 grade point average but whose UIC grade point average is equal to or greater than a 2.00/4.00. For such a student, term notice serves as a warning.

A student on term notice who earns a UIC Term GPA of at least 2.00/4.00 will be removed from term notice.

Academic Notice Rules

When a student's academic performance falls below the standard of the BSN degree (e.g., receives one grade of D or less, or one grade of U in any course), they will receive a letter of warning from the Undergraduate Admissions and Academic Standards Committee, be placed on academic notice, and required to repeat the course.

A student who receives two (a second) grades below the standard (D or less, or U) will be subject to dismissal pending formal review by the UIC Nursing Undergraduate Admissions and Academic Standards Committee.

If a student’s cumulative GPA falls below 2.00, the student is automatically placed on academic notice status by UIC Nursing.

A student currently on academic notice will remain on notice when:

• The student meets the grade point average required by the conditions of his or her notice but does not raise the cumulative UIC grade point average to at least 2.00; or
• The student meets the grade point average required by the conditions of his or her notice but does not raise the combined average of the student’s transfer and UIC coursework to at least 2.00.

The Undergraduate Admissions and Academic Standards Committee determines the conditions of the academic notice. In addition to specifying the grade point average, the committee may require the completion of specific courses, may limit the number of hours for which the student registers, and may exclude the student from taking certain courses while on academic notice.

Dismissal Rules

A student on academic notice for GPA will be dismissed in any term in which:

• The student fails to meet the grade point average required by the academic notice and in which the cumulative grade point average in courses taken at UIC is less than 2.00/4.00.
• The student fails to meet the grade point average required by the academic notice and in which the combined transfer and UIC grade point average is less than 2.00.

A student who fails to make progress toward a degree may be dismissed. Examples include failure to complete required courses, accumulation of an excessive number of incomplete grades, failure to earn credit in 2 or more semesters.

Change of Course Schedule—Dropping Courses

Undergraduate students may drop courses using my.UIC.edu through the end of the second week of classes for fall and spring semesters, the first Wednesday of Summer Session 1, or the first Friday of Summer Session 2. During weeks 3 through 10 of the fall and spring semesters (first Thursday through the third Wednesday of Summer Session 1 or weeks 2 through 5 of Summer Session 2), students may drop courses with the permission of their major college. If the drop occurs between 0 and 2 weeks in fall and spring, there will be no notation on the transcript. If the drop occurs during weeks 3 through 10 in fall and spring (first Thursday through the second Wednesday of Summer Session 1 or weeks 2 through 5 of Summer Session 2), a W is noted on the transcript. Undergraduate students may drop a maximum of 4 UIC individual courses that result in a W notation on their transcript during their entire undergraduate degree program.

College of Nursing students who wish to make changes to their registration must first meet with their academic advisor.

Attendance

Attendance at all classroom sessions and discussion groups is expected; missing classroom sessions and discussion groups can have an impact on the student’s learning and course grade. Students are expected to prepare for each classroom session by completing the required readings and other assignments.

Clinical/Lab Attendance

Attendance at all clinical practicum and lab sessions per course is required. Students are expected to prepare for each clinical practicum or lab session by completing the required readings and other preparatory assignments. If a student anticipates having to miss clinical practicum or lab hours for any reason, the student must communicate this as soon as possible to the clinical practicum/lab instructor and to the Course Coordinator. Instructor and Coordinator will follow UIC Nursing policy to determine if the absence is excused (approved religious holiday; unscheduled acute illness of student; death in family; any unforeseen, untimely crisis, which could not have been avoided) or unexcused. Students are required to provide evidence or documentation of an excused absence, as soon after the absence as possible, and no later than the next scheduled clinical practicum or lab session. Absences, whether excused or unexcused, will have an impact on student’s success in the course, up to and including failure of the course. Opportunities for making up missed clinical days or laboratory sessions are not available.

Students must attend all clinical practicum orientations for their assigned agency. Students who are not present for clinical practicum orientation, whether their absence is excused or unexcused, might not be allowed to continue in the course.

Petition Procedure

Students may petition the college’s Associate Dean for Academic Affairs for exceptions to certain college regulations but should do so only after consulting with their advisor, whose recommendations must appear on the petition. Petition forms are available online or from the Office of Academic Engagement and Student Success. Petition forms must be submitted to the Office of Academic Engagement and Student Success and accompanied by a full explanation of the circumstances and any appropriate supporting documents. Petitions should be filed within thirty (30) days of the time an individual knows, or reasonably should have known, that an occurrence has affected his or her status. Petitions can take 4–6 weeks to be reviewed and a decision made.

Registration Approval

The College of Nursing has a mandatory advising policy. Before registering for courses each semester, students must meet with their advisor to discuss their degree plan and for required registration permits to be issued.

Repeat Policy for Standard Graded Courses

If a student does not receive a C grade or higher in a nursing course, the student is required to repeat the course. A student may repeat a nursing course or its equivalent only once. If a grade of C or higher is not earned at the end of the second registration in a nursing course or its equivalent, the student will be dismissed from the college.

A nonclinical nursing course in which a grade below C is received must be repeated the first term the course is offered again.

The original grade for the course and the grade for each repeat will appear on the transcript. The original grade and the grade for each repeat will be calculated into the grade point average. Only one registration for the course counts toward the total number of credits required for graduation. A course cannot be repeated after receiving credit in a course for which the repeat course is a prerequisite.

Undergraduate Grade Point Average Recalculation Policy

• Colleges may elect to implement this policy as early as the end of the junior year, or as late as the final semester during degree certification.
• The college will evaluate each student unable to graduate because of an academic grade point average deficit. The deficit may occur in the UIC GPA, the program GPA, or both.
• The academic record is examined so as to determine if courses, deemed appropriate by each college, with grades of F or grades of D, may be excluded from the student’s grade point average.
• A total of four courses may be excluded, with one course excluded at a time until the necessary quality points are obtained to meet the UIC GPA requirement and/or degree program minimum GPA. The semester hours associated with excluded course grades will not count towards graduation requirements.
• Only the college can initiate course exclusions, and only in consultation with the evaluated student.
• Students may not request exclusions.
• Only courses taken at UIC may be converted as part of this policy.
• This policy only applies to undergraduate degree seeking students.
• All courses taken and all grades will remain on the official transcript.
• The grade exclusion policy does not apply to courses failed as the result of a student conduct hearing.
• In cases where these procedures would impact program accreditation, licensure or similar, colleges may use their discretion to allow the policy. Colleges, departments, and programs may have discretion in choosing courses that impact the student’s major.

Transferring

Intercollege Transfer Students

See previous section on Admissions.

Transfer Students from Other Colleges and Universities

See previous section on Admissions.

Requirements for All Students

Accommodation

Students requesting an accommodation for disabilities should contact the Disability Resource Center at (312) 413-2183 (voice) or (312) 413-0123 (TTY only) or visit the Disability Resource Center website.

The Disability Resource Center will evaluate the student’s request and make recommendations to the College of Nursing. The college will determine if the recommendations can be met. No accommodations can be made until the student’s situation is evaluated by the Disability Resource Center.

Alcohol and Controlled Substances

The use of alcohol and illegal use of controlled substances, including alcohol, can seriously injure the health of students, impair their performance of their responsibilities, and endanger the safety and well-being of fellow students and members of the general public. Students who are engaged in clinical work at a practicum site may be required to submit to random tests for illegal use of controlled substances as provided by the law or regulations of the contracting agency. Just cause for student disciplinary action includes, but is not limited to, use or unauthorized possession of intoxicants, controlled or illegal substances, or materials dangerous to public health and safety. It is not acceptable to use alcohol or illegal drugs prior to or during class or clinical. Immediate disciplinary action will be taken.

Background Check and Drug Testing

All students will be required to have a background check and drug test upon admission. If the results of either requirement indicate that the student would not be eligible for placement at the college’s practicum agencies, the student’s admission will be rescinded. Students may be required to repeat either requirement should the practicum agency require more frequent testing. If at any time during the period of enrollment, the student’s background check or drug test results preclude placement in a practicum agency, the student will be required to withdraw from the program. At time of application for licensure, students will be required to submit to fingerprinting and be reviewed for eligibility by the Illinois Department of Financial and Professional Regulation (IDFPR).

Citizenship

Undocumented students are eligible to sit for licensure at time of graduation. However, the Illinois Department of Financial and Professional Regulation (IDFPR) requires resolution of the citizenship status within two years from date of initial licensure.

CPR Certification

Students must hold current CPR certification prior to enrolling in their first practicum course. Certification must be at the level of professional or healthcare worker rescuer, which includes the use of the AED, one- and two-man rescues for all ages, cricoid pressure, and the use of external inhalation devices. Students who do not provide this documentation will not be allowed to participate in practicum experiences.

Immunization

Students must document proof of immunity to register for courses and participate in clinical experiences. Upon admission, students will need to comply with all clinical compliance requirements found in the College of Nursing Student Handbook. Students who do not provide this documentation will not be allowed to participate in practicum experiences. Students are required to keep all immunizations current throughout their enrollment.

Transportation

Each student is responsible for his or her own transportation to all practicum sites. These sites may be located some distance from the College of Nursing and public transportation may not always be available. Therefore, students need a car. Students without a car will need to find alternative methods of transportation.

Academic Advising

Advising Policy

Prior to admission to the College of Nursing, prospective students should contact the UIC Office of Admissions regarding advice on acceptance of transfer credit. Following admission, students are assigned an advisor within the College of Nursing who will assist them with course and career planning. Mandatory advising is required each term.

Academic Honors

College Honors

At commencement, students are awarded College Honors for academic distinction. College Honors shall be awarded to the top 15% of students based on their nursing grade point average. Students will be awarded an Honor Cord. Graduation with College Honors benefits students when they are being considered for job placement, graduate school, and other competitive opportunities.

Sigma Theta Tau

The College of Nursing has the Alpha Lambda chapter of Sigma Theta Tau, the International Honor Society in Nursing. The purposes of the society are to recognize achievement of superior scholarship and the development of leadership qualities, foster high professional standards, encourage creative work, and strengthen the commitment by individuals to the ideals and purposes of the profession of nursing. Seniors and graduate students are eligible for membership.

Degree Programs

• BS in Nursing
• RN/BSN Completion Program