School of Nursing

Nursing Programs
Nursing-Wide Policies
Undergraduate Policies
RN-BS Policies
Graduate Policies

The Decker School of Nursing (DSON) programs is accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE) through June 30, 2029. The Decker School is a member of the American Association of Colleges of Nursing (AACN).

Undergraduate Academic Programs

Traditional program: The traditional program is for students who have not received an undergraduate baccalaureate degree or for students with a bachelor’s degree who would like to study at a regular (non-accelerated) pace.
- Students may apply as incoming first-year or junior students (all prerequisites completed).
- Transfer students can apply as external transfers or through the intra-university transfer (IUT)/double degree (DD) process.
- There is no transfer admission to the sophomore class except for students in the Binghamton University Scholars program. Scholars should email decker@binghamton.edu to schedule an appointment with an academic advisor.
Baccalaureate accelerated track (BAT) program: The BAT program is for students with a bachelor’s degree who want to study at an accelerated pace.
- This rigorous 12-month program allows students to earn a second bachelor’s degree.
RN-BS program: The RN-BS program is designed for registered nurses. Our RN-BS program enables students to earn their Bachelor of Science degree online, on their schedule.

Graduate Academic Programs

The graduate program in nursing awards the Master of Science (MS), Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP), Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) degrees. DSON also offers both non-license qualifying certificates and post-graduate certificates.

Masters of Science: The Master of Science (MS) degree offers a major in either community health nursing or adult gerontology nursing. This program prepares students with advanced knowledge and skills in community health nursing or adult gerontology nursing as a nurse educator.
Doctor of Nursing Practice: The Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) degree is the terminal clinical doctorate for those interested in advanced practice roles, such as nurse practitioner or clinical nurse specialist. This degree equips graduates with knowledge and competence in health systems leadership, quality improvement, policy development, and interdisciplinary collaboration to improve healthcare outcomes and expand access to healthcare for all populations. The DNP offers programs in the following specialization areas: family health, community health primary care nurse practitioner, adult gerontology primary care, and family psychiatric-mental health advanced practice nursing.
Doctor of Philosophy: The Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) program is the terminal research doctorate with an emphasis on rural healthcare and vulnerable populations, preparing graduates for careers in higher education, health policy, or research. Students may choose to enter the PhD program at the baccalaureate or post-master’s level.

More information about each individual program, including program requirements, can be found at the bottom of this page.

Nursing-wide policies

All DSON programs have student handbooks for their respective programs that address specific policies and procedures. Please go to the Undergraduate Handbook and/or the Graduate Handbook for more information.

HIPAA

The HIPPA policy for the Decker School of Nursing emphasizes that maintaining confidentiality is a core ethical, professional, and legal requirement for nursing practice. The policy mandates that all students safeguard Protected Health Information (PHI) in accordance with federal regulations and mandatory competency training. Adherence to these standards is a formal clinical objective, and violations can result in severe consequences, including dismissal from the program. Additionally, students must comply with the specific HIPAA protocols of their clinical agencies, which supersede the school’s policies in the event of a conflict.

Violation of Nursing Standards Policy

The Violation of Nursing Standards (VNS) Policy ensures students strictly adhere to professional, ethical, and safety protocols, with all infractions formally tracked and remediation required. Severe consequences are enforced, including automatic course failure after three violations in a single class, or dismissal from the program upon reaching five cumulative violations or committing a single egregious act. While the issuance of a violation is generally non-petitionable, students regain the right to file grievances regarding the process.

See the Undergraduate VNS Policy and the Graduate VNS Policy for additional information.

Medical Withdrawal

Approved 4/28/2025 AAS Committee; Approved 5/5/2025 Faculty Council;
Implementation Summer 2025

Medical withdrawals are approved by the Binghamton University Dean of Students and Dean of Students CARE Team, and students must follow the Binghamton University Semester Withdrawal Process.

Students enrolled in the Decker School of Nursing who plan to take a medical withdrawal from their program of study are required to communicate with their program director for program-planning purposes. While grades of W (withdrawal) will remain on the transcript, students with an approved medical withdrawal will not be subjected to the Repeating a Nursing Prerequisite or Core Nursing Course policy, for the semester in which the medical withdrawal was processed. Students must repeat required courses in future semesters upon return.

Decker School of Nursing students who wish to return following a medical withdrawal from Binghamton University (self-medical or administrative medical) must complete the DSON Intent to Return Following Medical Withdrawal form. This is necessary for individual student program-planning purposes.

Preparation of Written Assignments for Nursing Courses

Students in nursing courses are required to type all written assignments unless specifically advised otherwise. It is assumed that students begin the nursing major with strong writing skills. In addition, the school has adopted the use of the Publication Manual of the American Psychological Association, latest edition. All papers must be submitted using APA format.

Policy and Procedure Guidelines for Occupational Post-Exposure Prophylaxis

Students must complete required OSHA and infection control training prior to clinical participation.

In the event of an occupational exposure, students must immediately notify the supervising faculty member and clinical site, wash the exposure site, and seek prompt medical evaluation. Exposure incidents must be reported and documented according to clinical agency procedures.

Evaluation of the exposure will determine the need for further testing and/or post-exposure prophylaxis. If indicated, treatment should be initiated as soon as possible. Students are responsible for all associated costs.

Written documentation is required if a student declines recommended treatment. Health clearance is required prior to returning to the clinical setting.

Policies for Student Clinical Practice

Students participating in clinical experiences at Binghamton University must meet required health and safety standards prior to beginning clinical coursework and on an ongoing basis. Health status must be sufficient to ensure safe patient care and must be reassessed as needed.

Students are responsible for maintaining and submitting required documentation through the designated compliance system. Requirements include an annual physical examination, proof of immunity to specified communicable diseases, tuberculosis screening, CPR certification, health insurance, malpractice insurance, RN licensure (as applicable), and signed confidentiality agreements. Additional requirements may be mandated by clinical agencies.

Students must meet all requirements by established deadlines to participate in clinical experiences. Failure to maintain compliance may result in delay or denial of clinical placement.

Students experiencing a change in health status must provide appropriate medical documentation indicating ability to safely participate in clinical activities. Additional evaluation may be required prior to returning to clinical practice.

Responsibilities of Patient Care

Clinical placements are coordinated by the Decker School of Nursing Clinical Placement Office. While student preferences may be considered, final placement decisions are based on student, course, preceptor, agency, and program needs.

Students will not be placed in settings that present a conflict of interest, including their place of employment in a similar role, under direct supervision, with personal healthcare providers, or with relatives or significant others. Alternate placements within an employing organization may be considered at the discretion of the Clinical Placement Office.

Students are responsible for arranging their own transportation to clinical sites, which may be located a significant distance from campus and may involve associated travel and parking costs.

Students are expected to adhere to professional standards of conduct consistent with the ANA Code of Ethics. Unprofessional behavior in the clinical setting may result in removal from the placement and further review of the student’s ability to practice. Resumption of clinical activities is subject to approval by the program.

Grievance Policy

The Decker College of Nursing and Health Sciences Grievance Policy applies across all Decker College divisions and schools. It includes all Decker College courses, including those cross-listed with other programs/schools that have a Decker College faculty member as the primary instructor.

View the Decker College Appeals Process for Academic Honesty and Grievance Decisions.

Criminal Background Screening and Drug Screening Administrative Policy

Clinical agencies may require criminal background checks, drug screening, and additional screenings (e.g., fingerprinting) for participation in clinical experiences.

Students must submit required background check documentation through the designated system by established deadlines and are responsible for all associated costs. These requirements must be completed annually. Results are shared with clinical agencies to determine eligibility for clinical placement.

Failure to submit required documentation, or refusal to authorize release of results, will prevent participation in clinical experiences and may result in course failure.

Students are responsible for promptly reporting any new criminal convictions, which may impact continued participation in clinical experiences and eligibility for licensure. All background check documentation is destroyed upon graduation or dismissal from the program.

This screening process does not guarantee the safety of students, patients, faculty, or staff.

Professional Ethics and Academic Honesty Policy

Students are expected to maintain academic integrity and complete all course work honestly. Violations of academic honesty policies are subject to the standards and procedures of Binghamton University and the Decker College of Nursing and Health Sciences.

University and Decker College academic honesty policies apply to all coursework, including cross-listed courses, and are detailed in the Academic Guide and related university resources. Appeals and grievance procedures are available through established college and university processes.

DSON Uniform Policy

Approved on 3/31/2025 AAS Committee; Approved on 4/7/2025 Faculty Council;
Implementation Summer 2025

To ensure safety and hygiene, uniforms provide protection by safeguarding the wearer from hazards while maintaining a professional appearance. They must be freshly cleaned, stain-free and wrinkle-free.

Quality scrubs are durable and designed to meet infection control and safety standards, while providing a fabric to keep nurses cool and dry, ensuring they remain in good condition throughout use.

All students must be professionally dressed, which includes no athletic wear such as sweatpants, yoga pants or leggings.

If you are unable to meet the following uniform standards, contact a member of the Admissions and Academic Standards committee (nursingaas@binghamton.edu).

Students are also expected to comply with agency policy, which may vary from site to site. Failure to adhere to the facility or institution guidelines could result in removal from the site and delay program progression.

Students in all nursing programs are required to adhere to professional appearance standards that promote safety, infection control and a therapeutic patient environment. This includes wearing clean, closed-toe, water-resistant shoes; appropriate, non-visible undergarments; and socks or hosiery. Hair must be secured, and facial hair must be neatly maintained in accordance with safety guidelines.

Jewelry must be kept to a minimum to reduce safety risks, and nails must be short, clean, and free of polish or artificial enhancements. Tattoos and head coverings must comply with clinical site requirements. Students must wear an official name tag at all times and have their University ID available upon request. The use of fragrances is prohibited in clinical settings.

Undergraduate Nursing Policies

Transfer Credit

Transfer credit is evaluated by Decker College’s Division of Advising and Academic Excellence to meet prerequisite, general education, and elective requirements. Coursework must be transcripted through an accredited institution to be considered for transfer.

Credit by Exam

Some degree requirements may be fulfilled by college-level, credit-bearing proficiency exams. Students interested in earning credit by exam should contact Decker’s Division of Advising and Academic Excellence.

Transfer of Undergraduate Upper-Level Nursing Credit

Enrolled students who completed upper-level (300+) nursing courses from an accredited program may submit a petition to apply the credit toward the degree.

NOTE: Decker College requires that the last 27 credits toward the degree be in residence (Binghamton University courses) for RN-BS students.

Grading for Nursing Courses

A grade of C- or higher in nursing courses is required for progression in the nursing curriculum. A grade of D or less in a nursing course will require repeating that course. For more information, please contact the Nursing Program Academic Advisor.

Grading for Prerequisites, General Education Courses and Electives

Prerequisites: Prerequisites must be completed with a minimum grade of C- prior to enrolling in upper-division nursing courses. Courses may be taken Pass/Fail but must be repeated to meet the minimum grade of C-.
General Education Courses: To meet a General Education requirement, courses must be taken for a letter grade and passed with a D or better, unless the only grade option for the course is Pass/Fail.
Electives: Any additional credits needed to meet the minimum 120 credit hour requirement for graduation may be taken Pass/Fail.

Note: Not all grading options are offered for all courses.

Incomplete Grades

A notation of Incomplete (I), rather than a grade, may be reported by the instructor when a student has made substantial progress but has not been able to complete a course due to justifiable circumstances. The issues of substantial progress, potential to pass the course, and the reason for the request are decided by the instructor.

A grade of Incomplete must be removed and replaced with a permanent grade no later than the last day of classes of the semester following the one in which it was received; however, an instructor may set an earlier date for completion of the work. If the grade is not removed by the applicable date, and an extension has not been granted, the grade of “I” automatically becomes a grade of “F”.

The student is responsible for initiating a request for an extension and obtaining appropriate approval from their instructor.

Academic Standing

A cumulative grade-point average of at least a 2.0 is required to be in good academic standing.

Warning: Academic warning occurs when a student’s term GPA falls below 2.0, but the student’s cumulative GPA is 2.0 or higher. (First-semester students who fail to achieve a 2.0 will be placed on warning.)

Probation: Academic probation occurs when a student’s cumulative GPA falls below 2.0. Probation will continue if the student’s term GPA is 2.0 or higher, but his/her cumulative GPA is below 2.0.

Suspension: Academic suspension occurs when a student on academic probation fails to achieve a cumulative GPA of 2.0 or higher in the next semester. Suspension prevents enrollment in all University courses for a period of one major semester.

Repeating a Nursing Course

Students may repeat a general education course or elective course if they receive a grade of (D) withdrawn (W) or failed (F).

Core nursing courses: Students must repeat a core course if they fail to achieve the minimum passing grade (that is, if they receive a D or F) or withdraw from the course.

Failure to achieve the minimum passing grade of C- (70) from the same core nursing course twice will result in program dismissal, as courses cannot be taken more than twice. Withdrawals from the course do not count toward this repeat rule.

Nursing Prerequisites

Students must repeat a nursing prerequisite if they receive a D, F, or W.

Failure to achieve the minimum passing grade or withdrawal in any combination of two nursing prerequisites will result in dismissal.
Failure to achieve the minimum passing grade or withdrawal from the same nursing prerequisite twice will result in dismissal.

Clinical Laboratory Requirements

Students must meet all health and other clinical-related requirements. Further information is outlined in the Undergraduate Handbook.

Transportation

The University assumes no responsibility for providing transportation from campus to the clinical health agencies used for student clinical experiences. Students arrange their own transportation to clinical agencies and affiliated sites. Some clinical experiences require students to travel a distance of up to 150 miles from campus. There may be parking costs at some clinical agencies.

Additional Expenses

Students in the nursing program should expect to incur costs for additional items related to clinical practice and preparation. These costs are in addition to the standard University tuition and fees. These expenses are outlined in the RN-BS Predicted Materials and Costs document.

Community Agencies for Clinical Practice

The nursing curriculum places its focus on knowledge and theory drawn from health science and related disciplines. Students apply this knowledge and theory in a number of clinical settings, giving them an opportunity to develop skills in clinical

practice, critical thinking, problem-solving, and leadership. Students enrolled in the RN-BS program are responsible for identifying their own clinical sites. Prior to enrolling in clinical courses, RN-BS students must:

Complete all health and clinical practice requirements
Identify a site and preceptor that meet course objectives
Get approval for the site and preceptor from the course instructor

For more information on choosing a clinical site and a list of affiliated sites, please contact the Nursing Program Academic Advisor.

Independent Study

An independent study is used to accommodate students who wish to pursue individual study under the direct supervision of a faculty member. The ability to study independently is determined by the faculty of record. For more information on pursuing independent study, please contact the Nursing program academic advisor.

Process for Taking an Independent Study

Independent study may be taken for 1, 2, 3, or 4 credits. Nursing elective credit requires a minimum of 2 credit hours and a letter grade option (A, B, C, D, F). General elective credit may be taken Pass/Fail.
The student needs to find a Decker faculty member to serve as the faculty of record for the independent study based on the interest and expertise of the potential faculty member in relation to the student’s topic.
The student prepares a plan of study that is presented to the faculty. Collaboration occurs, and the student and faculty reach a mutually agreed-upon plan of study that includes a timeline for consultations and progress assessments.
The student and faculty of record must complete the independent study form and submit it to the appropriate DSON program office prior to the add/drop deadline.

Independent Study Notes

All independent study research involving human subjects must be reviewed and approved by Binghamton University’s Institutional Review Board prior to initiating any research (Human Subject Review).
Students wishing to earn academic credit for internship or externship experiences should review the CDCI Internship guidelines on the Fleishman Center for Career Development’s website.

Professional Ethics and Academic Honesty

Students are expected to comply with the University Rules for Student Conduct and the policies related to professional ethics and academic honesty as stated in the undergraduate student handbook.

Academic Honors

Dean’s List & Commendation Letters

Decker School of Nursing has a Dean’s List for all students who have an outstanding academic record. Dean’s List is noted on the student’s official transcript for each semester it is achieved.

Undergraduate students with 12 or more graded credits and no missing or incomplete grades who earn a 3.5 or higher grade point average are placed on the Dean’s List for that semester.

Undergraduate students with 6-11 graded credits and no missing or incomplete grades who earn a 3.5 or higher grade point average earn Dean’s Commendation for that semester.

Graduation with Honors

Students with outstanding academic records receive college-wide honors upon graduation. To qualify, students must meet the cumulative grade-point averages specified below, have at least 48 graded Binghamton University credits (27 graded Binghamton University credits for RN-BS students), and have no Missing Grade (MG) or Incomplete (I) grades on their transcript.

Honors are awarded as follows:

3.50-3.69 GPA: cum laude
3.70-3.84 GPA: magna cum laude
3.85-4.00 GPA: summa cum laude

The appropriate graduation honors are indicated on the diploma and on the final transcript.

Petitioning an Academic Regulation

A student may petition for an exception to a policy or requirement by completing the Petition for Exceptions to Academic Policies form. A committee will decide outcomes of student petitions for exceptions to education policy. Appeals of petitions denied by the committee are made to the dean of Decker College.

The petition form should include all relevant information regarding the situation, why the student wants to petition for an exception to policy and what outcome the student is seeking. Students may use this petition to request changes in academic load, major or program; to take a course without a prerequisite; or to petition other policies.

Process for petitioning

Students should discuss their situation with their assigned faculty advisor (and instructor/instructors if applicable) or the Decker Division of Advising and Academic Excellence.
If the situation indicates the need for a policy exception, the student must complete the Petition for Exceptions to Academic Policies form.
Students should read the form carefully and fill it out completely. Describe the request for exception and give reasons for making the request. Prior to submission, ensure the following: appropriate supporting documents such as catalog course descriptions, course outline or syllabus, letters from instructors or department chairpersons, supporting statements from advisors or instructors, or any additional information that will help committee members decide how best to meet the educational interests of the student. Upon submission, the committee chair will receive a notification of the submitted petition via email. Students will be notified if the petition is unclear or has insufficient information.
Students will receive a decision regarding their petition within 15 business days after the committee receives the petition. All voting members of the committee will vote on petitions electronically. The chair of the committee will send notification of the petition to the committee members. Voting members will vote and include rationale for the vote within 10 business days of receiving the petition; there will then be another five business days before the final vote is tallied. The student will be notified of the petition decision via email.
- If a petition is deemed to require additional discussion, it will be reviewed at the next scheduled committee meeting.
Students should consult the Division of Advising and Academic Excellence for information on committee meeting dates, the name of the chair of the committee or if they have questions about the petition process.

RN-BS program specific policies

RN-BS Practice and Clinical Requirements

RN-BS students are required to participate in planned practice and clinical experiences. Requirements are outlined on the RN-BS Practice and Clinical Experiences webpage.

Core Nursing Courses

Failure to achieve the minimum passing grade of C- (70) in the same core nursing course twice will result in dismissal. Withdrawals from the course do not count toward this repeat rule.

RN-BS Nursing Licensure Policy

RN-BS students must maintain a current and unencumbered nursing license throughout the program. If the license expires, is suspended, or is revoked at any point, students cannot enroll in future courses until the license is active and unencumbered.

Should a student incur any license infraction while enrolled in the program, the student must notify the director of the RN-BS program.

Class and Laboratory Attendance

Regular weekly attendance in online classes is necessary for successful completion of courses. Steady and consistent engagement is required in Weeks 1-7. Students must notify their instructor if they are unable to meet this commitment because of illness or other circumstances beyond their control. All course-related assignments must be completed as indicated in course syllabi unless prior arrangements are made with course faculty.

Clinical Laboratory Requirements

Students must meet all health and other clinical-related requirements prior to beginning in-person clinical experiences (NURS Z484). Further information is outlined in the Decker School of Nursing RN-BS Student Handbook.

Re-Enrollment and Interruption of Progression

The online RN-BS program is designed to be flexible. However, students who want to return to study after missing three consecutive major semesters (fall/spring/fall or spring/fall/spring) must follow University re-enrollment guidelines.

Prior to applying for re-enrollment, students must meet with a Decker advisor.

Online RN-BS students are not eligible to apply for medical withdrawal, per Binghamton University. Students seeking to withdrawal must consult with the faculty for the courses in which they are currently enrolled.

Graduate Nursing Policies

Grading and Requirements for Graduation

In addition to the grading policies of the Graduate School at Binghamton University, the following requirements must be met by students enrolled in the Master of Science programs of the Decker School:

The Decker School of Nursing requires a grade of B (= numerical grade of 83) or higher in all courses required for the Master of Science and Doctor of Nursing programs.
Course Repeat Policy: Students are permitted to repeat for credit a graduate course in which they earned a grade of B (2.7) or lower. This option is contingent on approval by the graduate program director. A course may be repeated only once. In cases where students are on financial support, the repeated course is considered part of the academic workload. When a course is repeated, the grade received in the second attempt is substituted for the first in the computation of the grade-point average and in the award of credit at the time of degree finalization. However, the first grade remains on the student’s transcript.

In every course that has a clinical component, students must pass both the didactic and clinical components of the course. Failure to successfully pass the clinical portion, determined by a clinical evaluation, will result in course failure.

Student Request to Change Program Role or Specialization

Students must submit a Petition for Exceptions to Graduate Decker Policies to request a change in program role or specialization 90 days prior to the first day of the next semester, and indicate the reasons for requesting a role or specialization change. Petitions will be reviewed by the appropriate program coordinators, the Office of Clinical Placement and the graduate program director within 30 days of submission. Students will be notified of the final decision by the chair of the Admissions and Academic Standards Committee. No consideration for program change will be granted when the request is made for the semester in which the student is currently enrolled. Submission of a petition request does not automatically result in approval. The student will be notified of the petition decision via email.

If a petition requires additional discussion, it will be reviewed at the next scheduled committee meeting.

If a student petition is denied and a change in student changed registration is required, the Graduate Program Office will notify the student. If a course needs to be added, it is the students responsibility to self-register for the course. If a course needs to be removed or dropped, the Graduate Program Office will administratively remove the course registration no sooner than three days following the decision notification to the student.

Students should consult the Division of Advising and Academic Excellence for information on committee meeting dates, the name of the chair of the committee or if they have questions about the petition process.

(Initiated by GAAS 2/22/21; approved by DNP Committee 3/10/21; approved by MS Committee 3/08/21; Revised 3/12/21)

Registration/Course Add, Drop, Withdraw

The University’s Office of Student Records and Registrar Services requires that all University students meet registration-related deadlines. See the current add/drop/withdraw deadlines. Official policies and procedures related to registration are presented in the Graduate School Manual.

Although the DSON Graduate Programs Office assists students when questions arise, it is ultimately the student’s responsibility to verify they are registered for the appropriate courses each semester to ensure appropriate progression to award of degree is maintained.

Continuous Registration and Leave of Absence

Binghamton University’s official policy regarding continuous registration and leave of absence is presented in the Graduate School Manual.

All students who have been admitted into a degree-granting program must maintain continuous registration each major semester (fall and spring) for a minimum of one credit hour.

Students who have begun a semester and then find they cannot finish that semester should officially withdraw from their courses (see the University Registrar’s withdrawal webpage). Readmission is not automatic. Students who are readmitted are required to register and pay for one credit for each semester they have not registered, plus one credit for the semester they re-enter, up to a maximum of four credits.

Students who wish to enroll in one credit of continuous registration (NURS 700) should discuss this with their faculty advisor. Students should then contact the Graduate Nursing Program Office for assistance in registering for NURS 700.

Leaves of Absence

Binghamton University’s official policy regarding continuous registration and leave of absence is presented in the Graduate School Manual.

A leave of absence is granted only in exceptional circumstances, such as prolonged illness or other unusual personal hardship, and requires detailed justification. Students on leave are excused from the registration requirement during the period of the leave. Leaves are normally granted for six months; if necessary, an extension of another 6 months, for a total of up to one year, may be approved. Students beginning active military duty may be eligible for an exception to these time limits. If possible, requests for leaves of absence should be submitted one month prior to the semester for which the leave is requested. A student requesting a leave of absence must submit the Graduate School’s Request for Leave of Absence form.

Leaves of absence are not granted for a semester already begun. Instead, students should use the withdrawal procedures.

Note: On a case by case basis, typically for medical reasons, a leave of absence may be granted once the semester has started.

Leaves of absence are not granted to students who wish to absent themselves to undertake thesis or dissertation research elsewhere; such students should maintain continuous registration at Binghamton. Students going off campus to fulfill an internship related to degree requirements should also remain registered.

When a leave of absence is granted, the period of leave of absence is not counted against the time limitation for completing a degree. During the period of leave of absence, students are not eligible to participate in the student insurance plan.

Students must be registered during the semester when their degree requirements are completed.

Grade of Incomplete

Binghamton University’s official policy regarding Incomplete (I) grades is presented in the Graduate School Manual.

The Request for extensions of Incomplete Grades form (available on the Registrar’s website) requires the approval of the course instructor and the dean of the Graduate School or his/her designee.

The DSON requires that an internal DSON Incomplete Contract between student and faculty member be drawn up to identify the remaining course objectives to be completed and a deadline by which the work is to be submitted to the instructor for grading. Incomplete Contract forms are available in the Graduate Nursing Program Office, HSB-315.

The Incomplete Contract will help the student and faculty member avoid the student’s grade of Incomplete changing to a grade of NC or No Credit - an action that will automatically transpire via Banner when a faculty member does not enter a letter grade in place of the grade of Incomplete within the normal grading period after semester classes are over. Once an Incomplete grade has changed to a grade of NC, the student has no further opportunity to complete the course and the course will appear on the final transcript as No Credit. The Incomplete Contract is also used to monitor student progress in completion of coursework and the degree and/or certificate.

Incomplete and missing grades must be resolved before students can receive a graduate degree. Because students are using University resources and services, students must be registered in the term for which the Incomplete grade is converted to a grade.

Withdrawals

Graduate students who wish to drop ALL fall or spring semester courses or to withdraw from Binghamton University in good standing must submit the Graduate Student Withdrawal Form. Mere absence from class does not constitute due notice of withdrawal. No grades are recorded for students who formally withdraw within the first eight weeks of the semester.

Students are required to speak to their department chair or graduate director to clarify their student status and funding status. International students must also speak with an International Student and Scholar Services (ISSS) representative about the withdrawal. Financial aid recipients must also contact Financial Aid and Student Records to discuss the effects of the withdrawal.

Students who would like to return to the University without readmission to The Graduate School must also submit a Request for Leave of Absence Form to the Graduate School located in Couper Administration Building Room 108 or to graduate@binghamton.edu.

Students who would like to withdraw from a course should complete a Request for Late Add/Withdrawal/Delete/Change Form and their academic department should submit it to graduate@binghamton.edu.

DSON Graduate Program Intent to Return

Students who would like to return to study after missing three consecutive major semesters must submit a re-enrollment application (Grad School Handbook Continuous Registration).

A student who has missed fewer than three consecutive semesters, but has taken a semester off from their prescribed nursing curriculum, is required to submit the Graduate Nursing Intent to Return form.

The student must submit an intent to return form by the appropriate application deadline:

Fall Enrollment - July 1

Spring Enrollment - Oct 15

Students approved to return will be provided a revised program of study from their faculty advisor. This may include repeating coursework and/or clinical remediation at the discretion of the program director. Requests to return may be denied. A new form must be submitted for consideration for a future start date.

Transfer of Graduate Credits

Students in master’s programs at Binghamton University may petition to transfer graduate credits earned at other accredited institutions. Transfer credit is generally not accepted for doctoral programs.

Eligible credits must be relevant to the program, earned with a grade of B or higher, and not applied toward another degree. Courses without letter grades or completed more than five years prior to matriculation are typically not accepted without program justification.

Students must submit a Request for Transfer Credit form with official transcripts during their first semester. Approved credits are recorded as a single total on the transcript and do not count toward the GPA.

A minimum of 24 credits must be completed in residence. Transfer credit is typically limited to 6-8 credits for master’s programs and 4 credits for certificate programs. Petitions are not approved in the semester of graduation.

Graduate Exam Review Policy

Examinations, papers, and other projects will be graded within a reasonable time. The Decker faculty recognizes that the opportunity to review exams is part of the learning process. Feedback may be provided through group or individual meetings for students who wish to meet. Feedback may also be posted in the course as a document that addresses concepts in need of review. In order to protect the integrity of exams taken through the ExamSoft program, students may not view their actual exams or exam questions during the exam review. Faculty may provide explanations identifying the rationale for correct answers or concepts missed on the exam to enhance learning. For quizzes, exams, and projects completed outside of ExamSoft, it is expected that comments and corrections will be explained to students who seek explanations.

The method for feedback will be at the discretion of the faculty member. All meetings will be scheduled at a time that meets both faculty and student availability. To allow a means of evaluating the work of students who ask that a grade be reviewed, the instructor’s grade records, test scores, syllabi and all other records pertaining to the course will be kept for two years, and graded work not returned to students will be kept for one year after course completion, in accordance with the SUNY-specific record retention policy (initiated by Graduate Admissions and Academic Standards Committee 2/22/2021; approved by DNP Curriculum Committee 3/10/2021; approved by MS Curriculum Committee 3/28/2021, approved by Graduate Curriculum Committee 2/17/2026)

Expectations Regarding Computer Literacy

Students enrolled in graduate programs at Binghamton University are expected to possess basic computer literacy skills prior to beginning graduate study. These include proficiency with operating systems, word processing, spreadsheets, email, and general keyboarding skills.

Students are not required to document these competencies prior to admission; however, those without such skills may be at a disadvantage, and instructors are not responsible for remediation.

Resources for developing computer skills are available through campus workshops, Information Technology Services, and self-paced learning tools. Students may also seek assistance through independent or informal learning opportunities.

Questions regarding these expectations should be directed to the program’s graduate office.

Declaration of Candidacy

At the beginning of the semester in which a student intends to graduate, the student must complete the Graduate Application for Degree form(s). These forms must be completed by the University deadline to ensure the student’s name will be in the Commencement program and that the student receives important Commencement information in a timely manner. A cumulative average of at least 3.0 is required for a graduate degree. See Grading Policy.

Independent Study Policy

Independent study provides students the opportunity to explore a defined area in depth under the guidance of a faculty member. Students are responsible for their own learning within a structured learning agreement developed with the supervising faculty member.

Independent study may be taken for elective credit and, with approval of the graduate program director, may be used to satisfy course requirements. The grading method is determined by the faculty member in consultation with the student.

Students must identify a supervising faculty member, obtain the appropriate approval form from the Graduate Program Office, and submit a signed learning agreement outlining objectives, work plan, and evaluation methods.

For independent study involving a clinical component, clinical placement must be coordinated through the clinical site coordinator. Written learning objectives and evaluation criteria must be shared with the clinical preceptor, and ongoing communication among the student, faculty supervisor, and preceptor is required to monitor progress. Students must also be registered appropriately to ensure compliance with required liability and malpractice coverage.

Clinical Placement Policy

Clinical placements are coordinated through the Decker School of Nursing (DSON) clinical site coordinator. Students may request preferred sites or preceptors; however, all placements are subject to approval based on clinical appropriateness and availability.

Students will not be placed at their place of employment in a comparable role, with direct supervisors, with personal healthcare providers, or with relatives or significant others. Placement at alternate sites within an employing organization may be considered at the discretion of DSON faculty.

Final clinical placement decisions are made by DSON based on student, course, preceptor, agency, and program needs.

Human Subjects Review Policy

All research and DNP scholarly projects involving human subjects must be reviewed and approved before initiating any research or project. All research activities involving human subjects must be evaluated by the Human Subjects Research Review Committee using the Preaward and Compliance System (PACS). The level of the review (exempt, expedited or full) depends on the type of research needed for the study or project.

Inclement Weather Policy

In the event of inclement weather, students are strongly advised to contact:

the appropriate faculty member prior to traveling to campus OR
the preceptor prior to traveling to a clinical site

Policy and Procedures for Student Incident Reports

Policy for reporting incidents

Incidents must be reported immediately to the instructor. If the instructor is unavailable or there is imminent risk, the charge nurse or appropriate supervisor must be notified first, followed by the instructor.

The student and instructor will complete and sign the agency incident report and submit it to the appropriate supervisor. Incidents involving patient harm or risk must also be communicated to the attending physician.

If further investigation is required, the instructor will notify the program coordinator. Students should refrain from responding to questions about the incident without the instructor present.

A narrative report must be completed when agency reports cannot be duplicated, and submitted to the program coordinator. All reports are confidential and maintained separately from the student’s permanent record.

In addition to completing a Decker Incident Report form, a University Accident or Injury Reporting form (CS-13 form) must be filed with the University’s Environmental Health and Safety Office within three days of the incident.

Code of Ethics for Nurses

Nurses practice with compassion and respect for the dignity and uniqueness of all individuals. They are committed to promoting and improving healthcare environments, advocating for patient health and safety, and collaborating with others to meet community and global health needs. Nurses are accountable for their practice, responsible for maintaining competence, and dedicated to ongoing professional growth while upholding the integrity of the profession.

American Nurses Association Code of Ethics with interpretive statements.

Graduate nursing programs clinical uniforms

Graduate students are required to follow the uniform policy and any additional dress code regulations of the agency where they are participating in clinical experience(s). If there are conflicting dress codes, the more restrictive policy applies.

Failure to follow the Decker School of Nursing Graduate Uniform Policy and any additional requirement from the clinical agency may result in a VNS and dismissal from the clinical day and thus be counted as a clinical absence. The ability to recover that clinical time is not guaranteed and may impact student success in that clinical course.

All graduate nursing students should wear a clean white lab coat (with the Decker logo on the left side) during all clinical experiences, except in agencies that do not routinely use lab coats or as determined by the program of study. Contact your clinical preceptor prior to participating in clinical experiences to determine what is most appropriate.

Nursing Programs

Programs

Bachelor of Science

Master of Science

Nursing, MS

Advanced Graduate Certificate

Doctor of Nursing Practice

Doctor of Nursing Practice, DNP

Doctor of Philosophy

Nursing, PhD

Minor

Forensic Health Minor