Academic Policies and Grading

University and Program Academic and Grading Policies and Requirements

The Nursing and Health Studies faculty take academic integrity and academic scholarship very seriously. This includes, but is not limited to academic honesty, plagiarism, and academic performance. Because academic integrity and academic scholarship are at the core of our academic and professional ethics, we expect students to academically perform and behave accordingly as follows.

University Academic Integrity and Avoiding Academic Misconduct

As noted from the Bothell Student Guide to Academic Integrity, students are expected to conduct themselves as responsible members of the academic community. Among the standards of conduct for UW students includes the responsibility to practice “high standards of academic and professional honesty and integrity.” WAC 478-120-020(2) (a).

BSN Grade Requirements for Satisfactory Progression

Students must earn a minimum grade of 2.0 in each required nursing course and maintain a cumulative GPA of 2.0 in the program. Students who do not meet these requirements must complete the following:

  • Submit a petition to remain in the program via an academic advisor to the School’s Bachelor of Science in Nursing Curriculum Committee (BSNCC) and the Nursing Program Faculty. The petition form must include a plan for successful progression in the program competed with an academic advisor. In some cases, the student may be required to drop to part-time status as a condition of continuation. Petition Form.
  • Repeat the nursing course in which the student received less than a 2.0 grade.

BSN Mid-Quarter Academic Notice

Students doing less than satisfactory work during the quarter may receive a notice (a warning) from their instructor. A notice may be given from the instructor of record to any student who is in danger of failing or who has less than a 2.0 grade mid-quarter, or as soon as possible thereafter. The timing of this notice is intended to provide time for the student to improve their grade and academic performance. If this occurs students should meet with their instructor to get clarification on the observed problem and how to best resolve it for improved academic progression. If this happens, students can expect the following:

  • To receive a notice in form of a warning-card.
  • The student will be asked acknowledge the notice by signing it. Student have the right to indicate on the notice if they disagree and or have feedback.
  • The notice is placed in the student’s educational file and removed upon graduation. If you receive a warning notice, be sure to have a conference with the instructor so that you have a clear view of what the problem is and how it may be handled.

BSN Academic Probation

Students whose cumulative GPA falls below a 2.5 are sent a letter of concern and are encouraged to meet with an academic advisor. If necessary the student will be emailed a notice indicating the evaluation of progress and suggestions for improvement and success strategies; a copy of the notice is retained in the student’s educational file. No petition for continuation is necessary unless the student earns less than a 2.0 grade or does not maintain a 2.0 cumulative grade in the program.

School of Nursing and Health Studies Academic Grievance Policy and Procedure

The School of Nursing and Health Studies hold the faculty and student relationship to be paramount. Therefore, the School has set forth an academic grievance policy and procedure to aid students and faculty in resolving academic concerns with the goal of working toward a resolution and maintaining a productive and positive learning environment.

Early Graduation Petition

Students may petition the BSN Curriculum Committee to consider an increase in student credit load to graduate early from the RN to BSN program. Decisions are case by case and are contingent on space, rationale, and student academic standing. In addition students must two letters of support from faculty from the 300/400 Nursing coursework (B NURS) not the B HLTH coursework.

The Grading Scale

The School has a specific grading scale for the courses it offers. Students who complete electives that are outside of the School should be familiar with the grading scale used for that particular Program or School.

University Grading Policies, Procedures and Types of Grades

UW Bothell uses a numerical grading system. Instructors may report grades from 4.0 to 0.7 in 0.1 increments and the grade 0.0. To learn about the different types of grades, including an “Incomplete” grade, the grading procedures, the grade appeal process, repeating coursework, and other grading related information, visit the website of the Office of the Registrar for detailed information, instructions, and resources.