History

History

At its founding in 1953, the Elaine Marieb College of Nursing offered the first baccalaureate nursing program in public higher education in the Commonwealth of Massachusetts. Four years later, the College launched the first Master of Science degree program, and in 1994, the Commonwealth's first publicly supported Ph.D. program in Nursing in collaboration with the University of Massachusetts Medical School Graduate School of Nursing. In 2005, the college offered its first Ph.D. program sponsored uniquely by the Elaine Marieb College of Nursing and in 2006 the first Doctorate of Nursing Practice (DNP) program in the state.

Continuous accreditation first by the National League for Nursing, and currently by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE), along with the success of graduates in passing both licensing and certification exams, testify to the enduring quality of the College's programs, faculty, and curriculum.

The Elaine Marieb College of Nursing is one of eleven schools and colleges comprising the University of Massachusetts Amherst, founded in 1863. The University is a Carnegie Designated Research University Very High (RUVH) and the flagship campus of the five-campus public university system. Sponsored research now totals over $220 million a year, with increasing emphasis on the life sciences and biotechnology applications.

Embodying the university's commitment to high quality, accessible education, the Elaine Marieb College of Nursing is committed to meeting the challenges faced by the nursing profession in the context of the changing dynamics of society, the global environment, and the delivery of health care.

The Elaine Marieb College of Nursing is named in honor of distinguished two-time UMass Amherst alumna Elaine Marieb, who earned a Master of Science degree from the Elaine Marieb College of Nursing with a specialization in gerontology in 1985, and a PhD in zoology from the College of Natural Sciences in 1969. A trailblazing educator with an abiding belief in the power of education to change lives, Marieb earned six different higher education degrees in all, and connected deeply with the students she taught at Springfield College and Holyoke Community College. She reached countless more students in classrooms worldwide through her many best-selling textbooks and laboratory manuals, widely considered to be the gold standard for teaching anatomy and physiology.

The Elaine Nicpon Marieb Charitable Foundation made a transformational gift of $21.5 million to the Elaine Marieb College of Nursing in 2021. This gift enables the college to bolster student support; expand the simulation labs and other resources to provide a top-tier nursing education; and establish a Center for Nursing and Engineering Innovation and an endowed professorship to attract outstanding researchers and educators.

Actions

Accreditation

Accreditation

The baccalaureate degree program in nursing, master’s degree program in nursing and Doctor of Nursing Practice degree program at the University of Massachusetts Amherst Elaine Marieb College of Nursing are accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education, 655 K Street, NW, Suite 750, Washington, DC 20001, 202-887-6791. The baccalaureate degree program is fully approved by the Massachusetts Board of Registration in Nursing. The University of Massachusetts Amherst is accredited by the New England Commission of Higher Education (formerly the Commission on Institutions of Higher Education) of the New England Association of Schools and Colleges (NEASC).

Number of Graduates from each class: 2023

• Undergraduate Nursing Majors: 58
• Accelerated Bachelor’s Nursing Program: 78
• RN to BS Program: 9

Annual first-time NCLEX Pass Rate: 2022

• 81%

Transferability of Credits Policy

The University of Massachusetts Amherst Admissions office evaluates transfer credits for students applying for their first undergraduate degree. No nursing courses are accepted for transfer credit.  

Actions

Values, Vision, Mission, and Goals

Approved by the Faculty Assembly May 21, 2008; reviewed June 2018

Vision

The Elaine Marieb College of Nursing is a force for innovation, learning and discovery in preparing culturally proficient nurses for leadership in health for a global society.

Mission

To provide an affordable and accessible education to enhance health and healing through nursing leadership in teaching, scholarship, practice and service.

Values

We, the faculty of the Elaine Marieb College of Nursing, are committed to:

Caring and Collaborative Relationships

• Caring and compassion as the heart of evidence-based nursing practice. 
• Collaboration with clients, nursing, and interdisciplinary peers to enhance health and healing. 
• Attending to the needs and input of vulnerable and underserved populations.

Leadership

• Reducing health disparities and promoting health in a global society. 
• Enhancing the social conscience and professional development of all. 
• Environments are systems that interact with nursing practice, culture, and public policy. 
• Developing student identity as agents for innovation in the world.

Excellence

• The reciprocal relationships among teaching, scholarship, and engagement. 
• Encouraging integrity and a high moral character in all members of the Elaine Marieb College of Nursing. 
• Becoming reflective practitioners to increase the authenticity of our work (Boyer, 1990).

Innovation 

• Creative ways of acquiring, managing, and sharing knowledge.

Diversity

• Striving to design and provide culturally sensitive nursing care in a global society.
• Promoting diversity in our college and in the profession.

Lifelong Learning

• Arts, humanities, and sciences as a foundation for nursing education.
• Learning as a dynamic, collaborative process that promotes mutual growth of students and teachers.

Goals

We, the faculty of the Elaine Marieb College of Nursing, are committed to the following goals:

Engagement Goals

Establish innovative scholarly engagement models that define and respond to the health of the public.

• Search for answers to the most pressing social, civic, economic, and moral problems facing our profession and world today (Boyer, 1990). 
• Facilitate an organizational culture of diversity that promotes collaborative partnerships, relationships, and affiliations within a global community.
• Promote faculty practice, which reflects faculty expertise and needs of our communities of interest.
• Promote faculty development and systematic understanding through a variety of mechanisms.
• Contribute to systematic and structural improvement of the University systems.
• Promote service to the underserved and vulnerable populations in our region.

We prepare professional nurses by creating an innovative environment for inquiry, discovery, and learning with diverse populations.

• Ensure a flexible learner-centered environment that utilizes information technology to its highest potential to ensure collaboration and inclusiveness. 
• Foster the advancement of students through graduate education. 
• Ensure a comprehensive, cohesive curriculum which prepares students for leadership in a changing and diverse sociopolitical world.

Scholarship Goals

Enhance the art and science of nursing by creating, translating, and disseminating knowledge. Our goals are to:

• Facilitate the scholarship of discovery, integration, application, and teaching.
• Foster a creative environment that supports scholarship activities.
• Enhance mechanisms for interdisciplinary scholarship.

Actions

Key Policies

• Admissions Policy 
• Progression Policy 
• Attendance Policy
• Course Exemption Policy
• Advanced Placement Policy
• Transfer Policy and Transfer of Credits
• Educational Mobility Policy
• Withdrawal Policy
• Readmission Policy
• Graduation Policy 
•  Student Rights and Grievances Policy

Actions

Elaine Marieb College of Nursing Deans, Program Directors, and Faculty, 2023–2024

*Indicates Graduate Faculty Status 

Deans  

Allison Vorderstrasse, Dean (Professor) : BSN, Mount Saint Mary College, 1996; MSN (Adult Nurse Practitioner-Diabetes Specialty Concentration) Yale University School of Nursing 2002; DNSc (Chronic Illness Self-Management) Yale University School of Nursing, 2006; Certificate, NIH/NINR Summer Genetics Institute, 2011. Fellow in the American Academy of Nursing.

Mary Ellen Burke, Associate Dean of Academic Affairs; Clinical Associate Professor) - BSN., Rutgers, 1988; Frontier College of Midwifery and Family Nursing Community-Based Nurse-Midwifery Education Program, KY; MSN, Frances Payne Bolton College of Nursing, Case Western Reserve, 2000; Post Master’s Certificate in Nursing Education, Graduate School of Nursing University of Massachusetts Worcester, 2012; DNP, University of Massachusetts Amherst, 2018. 

Michael J. Lepore*, Associate Dean for Research; BA, Philosophy & Psychology, Assumption University, Worcester, MA 1998; MA, Sociology, Georgia State University, Atlanta, GA, 2005; Graduate Certificate, Gerontology, Georgia State University, Atlanta, GA, 2005; PhD, Sociology, Georgia State University, Atlanta, GA 2008; Postdoctoral training, Health Services Research, Brown University, Providence, RI, 2010.

Undergraduate Program Directors  

Celeste Surreira*, Undergraduate Program Director; Clinical Assistant Professor, Diploma in Nursing, Baystate Medical Center School of Nursing, Springfield, MA, 5/1985; Bachelor of Science in Nursing, University of Massachusetts Amherst, 5/1996; Master of Science in Nursing and Clinical Nurse Leader, University of Massachusetts Amherst, 5/2011; DNP/FNP, University of Massachusetts Amherst, 5/2014.

Simulation Director

Gina Grabowski, Simulation Director (Amherst/Springfield) Lecturer; BS in Nursing, University of Massachusetts Amherst, 2001; MS in Nursing, Sacred Heart University, 2018.

Graduate Program Directors

Gabrielle Abelard*, Director Master’s program. Associate Professor, BS, University of Massachusetts Amherst Nursing, 1997; MS in Mental Health Nursing, Adult Clinical Nurse Specialist, 2001; Post Master's Certificate, Nursing, Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner, 2013; DNP (Integrative Health), Regis College, Weston MA, 2014.

Karen Kalmakis*, Director DNP/CNL Programs, Associate Professor: RN. N.E., Baptist College, 1976; BSN., Elms, 1986; MSN., University of Massachusetts Amherst, 1993; PhD, Nursing, 2008

Rae Walker*, Director PhD Program, Associate Professor: BS Nursing 2007, PhD in Nursing 2013, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, Maryland; Fellow in the American Academy of Nursing

Full-Time Faculty, Elaine Marieb College of Nursing

Pamela Aselton*, Clinical Associate Professor, BSN., Southern Connecticut University; MPH, University of Massachusetts Amherst; MSN; Ph.D.; Certified Family Nurse Practitioner.

Ann Becker*, Clinical Associate Professor, BS in Nursing, Simmons College, 1984; DNP, Public Health Nurse Leader, 2017

Terrie Black*, Clinical Associate Professor, BSN, Pennsylvania State, 1988; MBA., Western New England, 1996; DNP, University of Massachusetts Amherst, 2015. Fellow in the American Academy of Nursing.

Carrie-Ellen Briere*, Assistant Professor, BS, University of Connecticut, 2009; MS, University of Connecticut, 2013, Ph.D., University of Connecticut, 2014.

Lucinda Canty*, Assistant Professor, Associate of Liberal Arts, Hartford College for Women, CT1989; BSN, Columbia University, NY, 1991; MSN Yale University, CT, PhD (Nursing), University of Connecticut, CT 2020.

Jeungok Choi*, Associate Professor, BSN, Seoul National University, Korea, 1983; MSN, 1987; MPH, Tufts, 1999; PhD, Boston College, 2001.

Joohyun Chung*, Assistant Professor, BS, Korea University, Seoul Korea, 1999; PhD Nursing Informatics, University of Utah, 2013; MS Statistics in Biostatistics, University of Utah, 2013.

Tracey Cobb, Clinical Instructor, Bachelor of Science in Nursing, Samuel Merritt College & College of California, 12/1998, Master of Science in Nursing, Elms College, Chicopee, MA, 12/2013, PhD Candidate, University of Connecticut.

Christopher Diaz, Clinical Assistant Professor, BS in Nursing, Quinnipiac University, Hamden, CT, DNP (Family Nursing Practice), University of Massachusetts Amherst, 2023.

Jessica Dillard-Wright*, Assistant Professor, BS in Science, Technology, and Culture, Georgia Institute of Technology, 2004; MA, Women's History, Sarah Lawrence College, 2006; MSN (CNL), Medical College of Georgia, 2009, MSN (Community-based Nurse-Midwifery), Frontier Nursing University, 2015; PhD in Nursing, Augusta University, Augusta, GA, 2020

Kimberly Dion*, Clinical Associate Professor, AS (Nursing), Holyoke Community, 1996; BS, University of Massachusetts Amherst, 2001; MSN, University of Hartford, West Hartford, CT, 2006; PhD, University of Massachusetts Amherst College of Nursing, 2015; Fellow in International Academy of Addictions, Nursing, 2023.

Lindsay Dubois, Clinical Instructor, ADN, Springfield Community College, 2009; Bachelor of Science Nursing, University of Massachusetts Amherst, 2011; MSN, American International College, 2015.

Lisa Duffy*, Associate Professor for EMCON/IALS, BSN Fairfield University, Fairfield, CT, 1996; MSN Boston College, Boston, MA, 2002; PhD Boston College, Boston MA, 2013; MPH Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, Boston, MA, 2015.

Brenda Fionte, Clinical Instructor, BS (Nursing) University of Massachusetts Amherst, 2015; MS (Nursing Education) Grand Canyon University, 2018.

Constance Flynn*, Clinical Assistant Professor, BS 1982/MS University of Massachusetts Amherst, MA, 1987; DNP University of Massachusetts Lowell, MA. 2018

Karen Giuliano*, Associate Professor, BS in Nursing, Boston College, 1983; MSN, University of Rhode Island, 1989; PhD Nursing, Boston College, 2005. MBA, Global Management, Babson College, 2009. Fellow in the American Academy of Nursing.

Gina Grabowski, Lecturer/ Simulation Lab Director, BS in Nursing, University of Massachusetts Amherst, 2001; MS in Nursing, Sacred Heart University, 2018.

Katharine Green*, Clinical Associate Professor, BSN, University of Pennsylvania, 1982; MS, University of Minnesota, 1991; PhD, University of Massachusetts Amherst 2018.

Heidi Haghighi, Lecturer/ Simulation Lab Tutors, BA, Smith College, 2000, BS in Nursing (Accelerated), University of Massachusetts Amherst, 2001, MS in Nursing, Sacred Heart University, Fairfield, CT, 2018.

MaryAnn Hogan*, Clinical Assistant Professor, BS, University of Massachusetts Amherst, 1976; MS, Anna Maria, 1985; PhD, University of Massachusetts Amherst 2022.

Favorite Iradukunda*, Assistant Professor, Diploma (Nursing and Midwifery), Ecole des Sciences Infirmières Sainte Elisabeth, Kabgayi, Rwanda 2007; BS (Nursing) University of Rwanda, College of Medicine and Health Sciences, Kigali, Rwanda, 2012; MS (Nursing) University of Cape Town Health and Rehabilitation Sciences, Department of Nursing and Midwifery, Cape Town, South Africa, 2016; PhD (Nursing) University of Massachusetts Amherst, 2020.

Raeann LeBlanc*, Clinical Associate Professor, BA, University of Massachusetts Amherst, 1989; MSN, Southern Maine, 1996; DNP, University of Massachusetts Amherst, 2012; PhD (Nursing) 2018.

Maud Low, Clinical Assistant Professor, BSN, Simmons, 1983; MS, Boston College, 1987, PhD (Nursing) University of Massachusetts Amherst, 2021.

Lori Anne Lyne*, Lecturer, BS., University of Massachusetts Amherst College of Nursing, 1993; MSN, University of Massachusetts Worcester; DNP, University of Massachusetts Amherst, 2018.

Julia McDougal Ronconi*, Clinical Instructor, BA (Biological Sciences) University of Colorado, Boulder (1992); BS (Nursing) University of Utah, Salt Lake City 1996; MS (Psychiatric/Mental Health Nursing) University of Utah, Salt Lake City 2004; DNP, University of Massachusetts, Boston, 2021.

Yeonsik Noh*, Assistant Professor with a joint appointment in the College of Nursing and the Electrical Computer Engineering Department, BS (Biomedical Engineering), Yonsei University, South Korea, 2006; MS (Biomedical Engineering) Yonsei University, South Korea, 2008; PhD (Biomedical Engineering) Yonsei University, South Korea, 2013.

Hyeyoung Park*, Assistant Professor, BS Seoul National University College of Nursing, 2009; MS in Nursing, Seoul National University College of Nursing, 2013; PhD, Duke University School of Nursing, 2019.

Sheila Pennell, Clinical Assistant Professor, BS (Nursing), 2008, MS in Nursing, 2017, PhD, 2017, University of Massachusetts Amherst.

Kristy Pereira, Clinical Assistant Professor, BS (Nursing), College of Our Lady of the Elms, 2002; MS (Nursing), American International College, 2012; PhD, Elaine Marieb College of Nursing, University of Massachusetts Amherst, 2023.

Kalpana Poudel-Tandukar*, Associate Professor with tenure, CGM, Certificate in General Medicine, Tribhuvan University, Nepal, 1992; MPH 2001; BPH, 1997; MPHC, 2007, Flinders, Australia; PhD, Tokyo, Japan, 2007.

Memnun Seven*, Assistant Professor, BSN, Gülhane Military Medical Academy, School of Nursing, Ankara, Turkey, 2003; MSN, Gülhane Military Medical Academy, Health Science Institute, Ankara, Turkey, 2008; PhD, Gülhane Military Medical Academy, School of Nursing, Ankara, Turkey; 2012; Postdoctoral Fellowship: University of Iowa, College of Nursing Iowa City, IA, USA (Genetics), 2015.

Leonora Thomas, Clinical Instructor, Placement Coordinator, BS, Boston College School of Nursing, 1985; MS, Boston College, 1990; Post-Masters Program, Rush University College of Nursing, Chicago, IL, 1996.

Lisa Wolf*, Associate Professor, BA, Anthropology/English, Amherst College, MA, 1988; MFA, Creative Writing and Literature, Emerson College, MA, 1990; Diploma – Nursing, St. Elizabeth’s Hospital School of Nursing, MA, 1996; MS, Nursing/Nursing Education, Molloy College, NY 2006; PhD, Nursing, Boston College, MA 2011.

Actions

General Information About the Bachelor of Science Program

The Elaine Marieb College of Nursing offers an undergraduate program leading to the Bachelor of Science degree and is comprised of three tracks:

1. Four-year Nursing Major

2. Accelerated BS for second-degree students

3. Online RN to BS

This program is approved by the Massachusetts Board of Registration in Nursing and is fully accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE), a national nursing education accrediting body. Completion of requirements is part of the qualification for the non- licensed graduate to take the National Council Licensing Examination for Registered Nurses (NCLEX-RN®), a prerequisite to working as a registered nurse.

The nursing major builds on general education requirements and courses that provide the foundation for an approach to nursing science that is humanistic and scientific. Lectures, case studies, group projects, seminars, clinical practice, simulation in the laboratory setting, multimodal content, self- paced modules and independent studies are used. Community agencies such as senior citizen centers, colleges, ambulatory-care centers, community hospitals, medical centers, home-care agencies, long- term care facilities, and community and public health agencies are used for clinical practice. Faculty assists students in exploring new areas and in laying the foundation for a critical thinking and problem-solving approach to nursing practice and research.

Students are expected to assume increasing responsibility for their own education by choosing the learning options that best serve their individual abilities, needs, and interests. Under faculty guidance, students provide nursing care to clients of all ages and develop skills in critical thinking, leadership, and research utilization.

Actions

Objectives of the Bachelor of Science Program

The undergraduate program provides the knowledge and skills fundamental to professional nursing. Students emerge from this community-based program prepared for graduate study and able to:

1. Advocate for culturally relevant care for vulnerable and underserved populations to reduce health care disparities and promote socialjustice.

2. Collaborate to shape environments and systems that promote health and well- being, ensure safe, quality care for all, and maximize the unique contribution of nursing.

3. Enact the nursing role in a manner that consistently reflects caring, professional values, ethical principles, accountability, integrity, a commitment to lifelong learning, self-care, and an awareness of how personal values influence one’s actions.

4. Exhibit a spirit of inquiry and creativity to identify gaps in nursing knowledge, critique new science, and use evidence as a basis of practice.

5. Provide safe, quality, patient- and family-centered holistic care across the lifespan to promote health and well-being of individuals, families, and communities.

6. Engage others to envision, influence, and implement practice and policy changes in healthcare to achieve a preferred future locally, nationally, and globally.

7. Collaborate with individuals, families, communities and interdisciplinary teams using professional communication to design, manage, and evaluate care, facilitate transitions of care and maximize outcomes.

8. Integrate emerging technologies and information management tools to enhance communication and healthcare access, support safe processes of care, and evaluate impact on health outcomes.

(Approved by Faculty Assembly December 17, 2014; updated 5/15, 5/16; reviewed 5/18)

Actions

Four-Year Nursing Major

Admission Requirements

Students interested in the undergraduate major apply to the University of Massachusetts through the Common Application. Students are then notified of their acceptance to the nursing major by the University of Massachusetts Undergraduate Admissions Office. Acceptance to the university does not guarantee admission to the Nursing major; students may be accepted to an alternate major, which is outlined clearly on the acceptance letter from the University. Admissions criteria for freshmen are outlined on the Undergraduate Admissions website . 

Students must provide evidence of high school degree conferral as documented by official transcript, including translations and evaluations of non-English transcripts and compliance with the immunization requirements specified by the Massachusetts Department of Public Health. Your immunizations must be current and recorded with University Health Services.

See the Undergraduate Admissions statement on diversity here: https://www.umass.edu/diversity/home

Program of Study for Nursing Majors

• Please select courses listed in bold during the semester indicated. 
• Please also refer to University of Massachusetts graduation requirements: 

Please select one or more of the following courses each semester to complete your General Education requirements and Nursing prerequisites in your first two years: 

Gen Ed (HS) 4 cr 

Gen Ed (AL/AT) 4 cr 

Gen Ed (BS) 4 cr 

Gen Ed (PS) 4 cr 

Global and US Diversity (DG/DU) 4 cr (choose courses with HS or AL/AT) 

Statistics (R1/R2) * 3 cr 

* Statistics is a Nursing Prereq in your first 2 years. Stats 111, Stats 240, ResEcon 211 or 212 fulfill R1 and R2. 

Program of Study: First Two Years (Freshmen entering Fall 2018 or later)

Course, Title, Credits 

Freshman Year Fall, Semester Total, 14-16 

Prereq to KIN 270 (PS or BS), KIN 100 or 110, BIOL 151, CHEM 110 or 111, 4 

Psych 100, Introductory Psychology, 4 

Nursing 150 (RAP/non- RAP), Faculty Seminar for 1st-yr Nursing students, 1 

Engl/WP 112 or ENGL/WP 112H (CW), College Writing (Writing Program), 3 

Gen Ed or Elective or Statistics, 2-4 

Freshman Year Spring, Semester Total, 16-19 

KIN 270, Anatomy & Physiology I w/Lab, 4 

Nursing 212 (SI/DU), Cultural Diversity in Health & Illness, 4 

Nutrition 130 (4 cr) or 230 (3 cr), Human Nutrition, 3/4 

Nursing 210, Human Development Through the Life Cycle, 3 

Gen Ed or Elective or Statistics, 2-4 

Sophomore Year Fall, Semester Total, 17-19 

KIN 272, Anatomy & Physiology II w/Lab, 4 

Nursing 100, Perspectives in Nursing, 3 

Nursing 202, Issues of Aging in a Global Society, 4 

2 – Gen Ed or Elective or Stats, 6-8 

Sophomore Year Spring, Semester Total, 16-18 

Nursing 333, Pathophysiology/Pharmacology I, 3 

Nursing 315, Health and Physical Assessment, 3 

Nursing 216, Principles of Nursing Care I, 2 

Nursing 298C, Principles of Nursing Care I – Practicum, 2 

Program of Study for last two years in Major

(Complete at least 57 cr in junior and senior year) 

• Students are assigned when they take specialty courses (maternity, pediatrics, psychiatric/mental health, community health nursing, adult health nursing) 
• There are two required Nursing Electives that are different from an elective taken in other departments. They must be taken for a letter grade. Students will have a choice based upon availability. 
• Students will have an opportunity to request preference for their senior internship placement but the decision of where the internship is done is based upon faculty discretion regarding student’s learning needs and availability of placements. 
• NCLEX-RN licensure preparation assessments (ATI) must be taken as assigned. 

Course, Title, Credit  

Junior Year Fall, Semester Total, 15-17 

Nursing 316, Principles of Nursing Care, 2 

Nursing 334, Pathophysiology/Pharmacology II, 3 

Nursing 317(CW), Writing in Nursing Ethics (2nd College Writing req.), 3 

Nursing 398E, Principles of Nursing Care: Practicum, 2 

Nursing 420, Introduction to Nursing Research, 3 

Elective or Gen Ed, 2-4 

Junior Year Spring or Senior Fall, 12-16 

Nursing 325, Maternal-Newborn Nursing, 2 

Nursing 398I, Maternal-Newborn Nursing: Practicum, 2 

Nursing 326, Nursing Care of Children, 2 

Nursing 398F, Nursing Care of Children: Practicum, 2 

 Nursing 327, Psychiatric-Mental Health Nursing, 2 

Nursing 398G, Psychiatric-Mental Health Nursing: Practicum, 2 

Elective OR Gen Ed, 2-4 

Junior Year Spring or Senior Fall, 13-15 

Nursing 432, Nursing Care of Adults: Acute, 3 

Nursing 433, Nursing Care of Adults: Chronic, 3 

Nursing 498C, Nursing Care of Adults: Practicum, 3 

Nursing 439, Community Health Nursing, 3

Nursing 498T, Community Health Nursing Practicum, 3

Elective OR Gen Ed, 2-4 

Senior Year Spring, Semester Total, 12 

Nursing 438, Professional Role in Nursing (Integrative Experience –IE), 3 

Nursing 498, Internship, 4 

Nursing 441, Decision Making Strategies for Professional Nursing, 1 

Nursing Elective, 2 

Nursing Elective, 2 

TOTAL CREDITS: 120 

Estimated Costs 

The University of Massachusetts at Amherst sets the tuition and fee structure for all traditional Undergraduate and Graduate programs, except for University Without Walls/Online Education programs. The following websites will provide you with the most up-to-date tuition and fee structure and meal plan rates. 

Tuition and Fees: https://www.umass.edu/bursar/tuition/undergraduate-tuition-rates  

Bursar’s Office Explanation of Fees: https://www.umass.edu/bursar/fee-explanation  

Estimated Meal Plan Costs: https://www.umassdining.com/meal-plans  

Nursing program fee $1000 per semester.

The Elaine Marieb College of Nursing provides the best possible clinical experiences for students, using a wide variety of in-patient, outpatient, and community sites (with day, evening, weekend, and night shifts used seven days a week). For this reason, public transportation or sharing transportation have not been workable as means to get to the clinical agencies. Students must provide their own transportation to the clinical sites assigned by their course faculty.

NOTE: Students are required to have health insurance. 

Actions

RN to BS Online

General Information 

The RN to BS option is an online program of study offered by the Elaine Marieb College of Nursing through the University Without Walls. It is an intensive curriculum for registered nurses who are returning to college to complete their baccalaureate degree. The RN to BS option combines online instruction and student-tailored practice to meet the needs of registered nurses with other life responsibilities. It calls for substantial student autonomy in meeting established objectives. 

Clinical practice is arranged under faculty direction with the cooperation of community agencies and health care facilities including senior citizen centers, colleges, ambulatory care centers, community hospitals, and medical centers. The faculty assists the student in exploring new areas and laying the foundation for a problem-solving approach to nursing practice and research. 

To receive a University of Massachusetts Amherst Bachelor of Science degree, a total of 120 credits must be successfully completed; of which 45 must be UMass credits: 

• 60 non-Nursing credits submitted as transfer credits. 
• 30 credits earned in the University of Massachusetts Amherst Nursing program. 
• 30 additional Nursing credits will be awarded for RN  licensure.

Admission Requirements 

• A minimum grade point average of 2.5 on a 4.0 scale from courses taken for the Associates Nursing degree and all the nursing prerequisites. 
• Current R.N. licensure (new graduates must obtain prior to starting 2nd semester in program) 
• One professional letter of recommendation 
• Completion of 52 non-nursing credits (60 transfer credits must be completed by the second semester of study), including a grade of C or better in all nursing prerequisites. 
• Grades must be consistent with graduation requirements for students of Associate Degree programs or Diploma programs.

Sixty (60) credits of non-nursing coursework are distributed over the following areas: 

• The University's General Education requirements, completed by all students earning a bachelor's degree from the University. This includes diversity courses as required by the University. 
• Six nursing prerequisites (all to be completed prior to beginning the nursing course sequence): 1. Nutrition; 2. Human Anatomy (Anatomy & Physiology I with lab); 3. Human Physiology (Anatomy & Physiology II with lab); 4. Medical or General microbiology with lab; 5. Life Span Growth and Development; and 6. Statistics. Some of these prerequisites may be fulfilled through NLN Challenge Exams when such exams are available. 
• Electives (7 to 9 credits)

An additional 30 credits may be earned via submission of RN licensure, of which 15 credits will be considered University of Massachusetts Amherst residence credit.

A grade of C or higher is required in all coursework.

Students must provide evidence of high school degree conferral as documented by official transcript, including translations and evaluations of non-English transcripts and compliance with the immunization requirements specified by the Massachusetts Department of Public Health.

Application deadlines: 

March 15 for June admission and November 1 for January admission. 

To apply, visit the University Without Walls admissions office: https://www.umass.edu/uww/resources/apply-to-rn-to-bs

RN-BS: One-Year Plan of Study 

Spring

N418: Nursing Care of Families, 3 cr 

N420: Introduction to Nursing Research, 3 cr 

N438: Professional Role in Nursing, 3 cr 

Summer

N212: Cultural Diversity in Health and Illness, 4 cr 

N317: Writing in Nursing Ethics, 3 cr 

N439: Community Health Nursing, 3 cr 

Fall 

N315: Health & Physical Assessment, 3cr 

N440: Health Equity for Community Nursing, 3 cr 

N498S: Health Equity for Community Nursing: Practicum, 2 cr 

Winter

N235: Introduction to Health Informatics, 3 cr 

TOTAL CREDITS: 30

RN-BS: Two-Year Plan of Study  

Spring 1 

N418: Nursing Care of Families, 3 cr 

Summer 1 

N317: Writing in Nursing Ethics, 3 cr 

N439: Community Health Nursing, 3 cr 

Fall 1

N315: Health & Physical Assessment, 3cr 

Winter 1 or 2 

N235: Introduction to Health Informatics, 3 cr 

Spring 2 

N420: Introduction to Nursing Research, 3 cr 

N438: Professional Role in Nursing, 3 cr 

Summer 2 

N212: Cultural Diversity in Health and Illness, 4 cr 

Fall 2 

N440: Health Equity for Community Nursing, 3 cr 

N498S: Health Equity for Community Nursing: Practicum, 2 cr 

Winter 1 or 2 

N235: Introduction to Health Informatics, 3 cr 

TOTAL CREDITS: 30 
+30 credits awarded for RN licensure
+60 incoming credits on admission
= 120 credits total to graduate

For additional information, contact: Liz Theroux, RN-BS Program Assistant: etheroux [at] acad [dot] umass [dot] edu (subject: Information%20Request%20RN-BS) (etheroux[at]acad[dot]umass[dot]edu,) 413-545-5096. 

Technology Requirements for the Online RN to BS Track

The following are required to take full advantage of the University of Massachusetts Amherst's online programs. The Learning Management System used is Blackboard Learn or Canvas (the university is transitioning from BBL to Canvas).

Software Requirements: 

• Modern Browser: Firefox (latest version), Chrome (latest version) 
• Microsoft Office 2016 Professional (or 2016 for Mac) 
• Zoom Web Conferencing 
• Adobe Reader 
• McAfee VirusScan Enterprise 
• Examplify (electronic testing) 
• Additional software may be required.

Recommended and Minimum Configurations 

UMass Amherst’s Information Technology department provides guidelines about configurations for Windows and Mac at this link: http://www.umass.edu/it/support-center 

Technical Support 

For technical assistance, visit https://pearson.frontlinesvc.com/app/home/p/2101 or call 1-855-757-7055 (24 hours a day, 7 days a week). A live chat option is available on the tech support site.

University of Massachusetts Amherst e-mail Account 

Email options are explained at the UMass Amherst Office of Information Technology (IT) website: https://www.umass.edu/it/email

RN – BS: Estimated Cost 

As of September 2023 (costs subject to change) 

The University of Massachusetts Amherst believes that the primary responsibility for financing your college education rests with you and your family. Financial aid is available to assist in your efforts. University tuition and fees are established each spring for the following academic year. The total of these expenses is your Cost of Education and is used to determine your eligibility for financial aid. 

Tuition 2023-2024: $525/credit plus $75/term registration fee. 

Cost per credit is the same for in state and out-of-state students.  

Other estimated supplies and miscellaneous costs for the RN-BS track as of September 2023 are posted on the Elaine Marieb College of Nursing website (costs are subject to change without notice). As an added incentive and to recognize our partnerships in the community, we also offer a 25% discount for the RN/BS program for RNs employed in our active community placement agencies and for Associate Degree in Nursing graduates of Massachusetts Community colleges. 

Actions

Accelerated Bachelor of Science in Nursing

General Information

The Accelerated BS in Nursing is a 16-month Elaine Marieb College of Nursing course of study. The program is designed for students with a non- nursing bachelor's degree who are interested in pursuing professional nursing. This is a full-time, fast-paced program that requires significant dedication and commitment. Students spend 4-5 days per week in the classroom and in clinical sites. Preparation for class and clinical is critical for success in this program. Outside employment is discouraged due to the intensity of this program.

The program builds on the students’ previous education, experience, and required prerequisites. Lectures, case studies, group projects, seminars, clinical practice, simulated laboratory, independent study, multimodal content, and self-paced modules provide the foundation for an approach to nursing that is humanistic and scientific. Community agencies such as senior citizen centers, colleges, ambulatory-care centers, community hospitals, medical centers, home- care agencies, long-term care facilities, and community and public health agencies are used for clinical practice.

Completion of requirements is part of the qualification for the non-licensed graduate to take the National Council Licensing Examination for Registered Nurses (NCLEX-RN®), a prerequisite to working as a registered nurse, and provides an academic foundation for graduate study in nursing.

Students who satisfactorily complete the 58 residence credits will be awarded a Bachelor of Science Degree with a major in Nursing. This 16-month track begins in the fall semester and continues through the winter session, spring semester, summer sessions, and a second fall semester.

Admission Requirements

Evidence of bachelor's degree in a field other than Nursing, as documented by official transcripts (including translations and evaluations of non-English transcripts).

• C or better (3.0) in the following prerequisite courses: Human Nutrition, General or Medical Microbiology with lab, Human Anatomy (or Anatomy & Physiology I with lab), Human Physiology (or Anatomy & Physiology II with lab), Statistics, and Human Growth and Development throughout the Lifespan 
• Overall GPA in the prerequisite courses of B or better (3.0) 
• One letter of reference 
• Resume 
• Completion of essay 
• Non-native speakers of English on Foreign Student Visas who apply for admission to the College must submit their TOEFL Scores. A minimum passing score is 80.

Admissions Procedure 

Applicants are ranked according to the strength of their GPA in the prerequisite courses, recommendations, essay, resume, and (for foreign students) TOEFL scores.

The application deadline for classes that start in August is January 8. To apply, visit https://www.umass.edu/uww/resources/apply-to-accelerated-bachelor-in-nursing.

Students must provide evidence of high school degree conferral as documented by official transcript, including translations and evaluations of non-English transcripts and compliance with the immunization requirements specified by the Massachusetts Department of Public Health.

Accelerated BS Program of Study

The program starts with an orientation session before the first class begins. There are at least two days per week of clinical experience each semester that can occur on weekdays or weekends and on day, evening, and night shifts. In the summer and fall semesters of the following year, there may be up to four days of clinical each week. Each didactic class credit is equivalent to one hour in class per week and at least three hours of outside of class preparation and study. Each clinical credit hour equals 42 hours per semester. The total time commitment is 24-30 hours per week, plus study time of approximately 10-16 hours each week.

The Accelerated track is a full-time commitment with little room to accommodate personal schedules. The student may be required to rearrange other responsibilities to meet the demands of the program.

The Elaine Marieb College of Nursing provides the best possible clinical experiences for students, using a wide variety of in-patient, outpatient, and community sites (with day, evening, weekend, and night shifts used seven days a week). For this reason, public transportation or sharing transportation have not been workable as means to get to the clinical agencies. Instead, students must provide their own transportation to the clinical sites assigned by their course faculty.

Course, Course Title, Semester, Credits 

N315, Health and Physical Assessment, Fall 1, 3 

N333, Pathophysiology/Pharmacology I, Fall 1, 3 

N406, Nursing Process: Clients with Common Health Disruptions, Fall 1, 3 

N407, Nursing Process: Clients with Common Heath Disruptions: Practicum, Fall 1, 4 

N420, Introduction to Nursing Research, Fall 1, 3 

TOTAL TERM 1, 16 cr

N304, Concepts of Nursing, Winter, 2 

TOTAL TERM 2, 2 cr

N334, Pathophysiology/Pharmacology II, Spring, 3 

N436, Comprehensive Nursing, Spring, 4 

N437, Comprehensive Nursing: Practicum, Spring, 3 

N439, Community Health Nursing, Spring, 3 

N498T, Community Health Nursing: Practicum, Spring, 3 

TOTAL TERM 3, 16 cr

N325, Maternal-Newborn Nursing, Summer 2, 2 

N398I, Maternal-Newborn Nursing: Practicum, Summer 2, 2 

N326, Nursing Care of Children, Summer 2, 2 

N398F, Nursing Care of Children: Practicum, Summer 2, 2 

N327, Psychiatric-Mental Health Nursing, Summer 2, 2 

N398G, Psychiatric-Mental Health Nursing: Practicum, Summer 2, 2 

TOTAL TERM 4, 12 cr

N438, Professional Role in Nursing, Fall 2, 3 

N498, Internship*, Fall 2, 4 

N441, Decision-Making Strategies for Professional Nursing, Fall 2,1 (P/F) 

N321, Preventive Care and Integrative Therapies, Fall 2, 2 

Nxxx, Nursing Elective, Fall 2, 2 

TOTAL TERM 5, 12 cr  

TOTAL CREDITS, 58 

*About the Internship (N498): The internship is an important component of the program for facilitating transition from student to professional nurse roles. This experience approximates the responsibility in a beginning level staff position offered under faculty guidance and a professional nurse preceptor mentor. The internship requires 12-24 hours a week in a clinical setting, providing the student with an opportunity to synthesize concepts and theory from previous coursework and to apply this knowledge in clinical practice.

The Accelerated Track may be revised in response to rapid advances in scientific technology, new trends in health care delivery, and evidence from nursing research. Refer to the Elaine Marieb College of Nursing website for the most up to date information: https://www.umass.edu/nursing/academic-programs/accelerated-bs-nursing.

Accelerated BS: Estimated Fees and Expenses 

Fees are subject to change. Check with Bursar’s office for most up-to-date fees.

Tuition 2023-2024:  $695/credit plus $75/term registration fee. 

Cost per credit is the same for in state and out-of-state students.

Other Estimated Supplies and Miscellaneous Costs for the Nursing Program as of September 2023 are posted on the Elaine Marieb College of Nursing website (costs are subject to change without notice).

Students are responsible for paying for Room/Board and are required to always carry personal health insurance. The Elaine Marieb College of Nursing provides the best possible clinical experiences for students, using a wide variety of inpatient, outpatient and community sites (with day, evening, weekend, and night shifts used seven days a week). For this reason, public transportation or sharing transportation have not been workable as means to get to the clinical agencies. Instead, students must provide their own transportation to the clinical sites assigned by their course faculty.  Instead, students must provide their own transportation to the clinical sites assigned by their course faculty.

The University of Massachusetts Amherst believes that the primary responsibility for financing your college education rests with you and your family. Financial aid is available to assist in your efforts. The total of these expenses is your Cost of Education and is used to determine your eligibility for financial aid.

Actions

Description of Nursing Courses in the Undergraduate Program

All courses are 3 credits unless otherwise noted.  

100 – Perspectives in Nursing  
This course provides an overview of healthcare services and historical events in nursing. The role of the nurse and patient experience will be introduced.

150 – Faculty Seminar for First-Year Nursing Students - 1 cr  
Faculty seminars are used to explore the role of the professional nurse through discussions with nurse leaders, group discussions, critical thinking exercises, values clarifications and self discovery.

202 - Issues of Aging in a Global Society - 4 cr 
Examination of concepts, issues, research, and theories related to human responses to biophysical, psychosocial, and cultural phenomena that affect older adults globally. (Gen. Ed. SB)

210 – Human Growth and Development throughout the Lifespan  
The study of human growth and development from a lifespan perspective, emphasizing the evolution of the whole individual. Gross and fine motor development, cognitive growth, language development, and social growth at each age level. The interaction of such variables as culture, ethnicity, class, and gender. Major trends and issues with a focus on individual, institutional, contextual, and cultural influences and effects. Open to non-majors.

212 - Cultural Diversity in Health and Illness  - 4 cr  
Exploration of theoretical foundations for understanding cultural diversity in health and illness beliefs and behaviors and selected practical implications of this understanding. Emphasizes cultures within the United States. Prerequisite: admission to nursing major or consent of instructor. (GenEd. SI, DU)

216 - Principles of Nursing Care I  -  2 cr 
This course introduces concepts and principles essential for nursing practice including nursing process, therapeutic communication, and nursing care delivery. Concepts related to microbiology and infection control are introduced.

235 - Introduction to Healthcare Informatics (RN-BS)  
This survey course will provide a state-of-the-art overview of the role of information technology in healthcare with emphasis on essential content and applications in healthcare informatics.

298C - Principles of Nursing Care I: Practicum  - 2 cr 
This clinical course provides an opportunity for students to develop beginning skills in gathering patient data and providing safe basic nursing care.

304 – Concepts in Nursing (Accelerated)  
This course provides an overview of healthcare and historical events in nursing. The evolving role of the professional nurse and trends in patient care are introduced.

315 - Health and Physical Assessment in Nursing  
Students organize, interpret and document data using process interviewing, physical exam and clinical reasoning.

316- Principles of Nursing Care II  - 2 cr 
Considers selected ethical, legal, and epidemiological issues of significance to nursing, in order to understand principles of health promotion of individuals within the community. Preparation for practice provided in relation to illness prevention and health maintenance or restoration using the nursing process. Concurrent with NURSING 315 and 398E. Prerequisite: upper division standing in major.

317– Writing in Nursing: Ethics 
Ethics and the role of the nurse are used as the contexts for the development of writing skills. The techniques of specific types of writing are learned through writing assignments, peer editing and instructor feedback.

321 - Preventive Care and Integrative Therapies  - 2 cr  
Students will incorporate evidence-based preventive care concepts into lifestyle management skills that address healthy nutrition, physical activity and integration of complementary modalities for client care. 

325 – Maternal-Newborn Nursing  - 2 cr  
This course introduces the student to the theory and practice of maternal-newborn nursing care for families in the childbearing year. Both uncomplicated and high-risk pregnancy, birth, postpartum, lactation, and newborn care are discussed. Prereq: Successful completion of Level 1 Nursing courses.

326 - Nursing Care of Children  - 2 cr  
The development of nursing knowledge and skills related to children and families during childbearing and childrearing experiences, including communication, teaching/learning, assessment, and management. Concurrent practicum: NURSING 398F. Prerequisite: successful completion of all Level 1 requirements.

327- Psychiatric-Mental Health Nursing -  2 cr  
The experience of mental health and illness addressed from selected theoretical perspectives and theories upon which the clinical practice of community mental health nursing is based and considered. Concurrent practicum: NURSING 398G. Prerequisite: successful completion of all Level I requirements.

333- Pathophysiology/Pharmacology I  
This course explores major elements of altered disease processes at the cellular, tissue, and organ levels and the pharmacological agents used to treat, manage, prevent, or cure diseases across the lifespan. 

334– Pathophysiology/Pharmacology II  
This course explores major elements of specified disease processes at the cellular, tissue and organ levels and the pharmacological agents used to treat, prevent, or cure diseases across the lifespan.  Students examine processes that interfere with human health and underlie disease, address pathological changes in the body, and integrate this knowledge with pharmacological therapy and safe medication management. Nurses must have an understanding of pathophysiology and a current knowledge of pharmacology in order to optimally provide for the health needs and safety of patients.

398E – Principles of Nursing Care II: Practicum  - 2 cr  
An opportunity to apply theory to nursing practice and to develop beginning proficiency in basic nursing and health promotion skills with the individual in the community. Concurrent with NURSING 315, 316.

398F – Nursing Care of Children: Practicum  - 2 cr  
The application of principles of therapeutic and professional communication, teaching-learning, anticipatory guidance, parenting safety, assessment and management of individuals and families, health and illness states, and professional development to affect the health of children, parents, families, and self. Concurrent with NURSING 326.

398G – Psychiatric-Mental Health Nursing: Practicum  - 2 cr  
The development of competencies in community-based care of clients in need of psychiatric mental health nursing services with the goal of promoting optimal mental health. Concurrent with NURSING 327.

398I - Maternal-Newborn Nursing: Practicum  - 2 cr  
This course focuses on providing care that positively affects health of pregnant women, newborns, parents and families. Principles of health and illness states, professional development, anticipatory guidance, parenting safety, assessment and management of individuals and families will be employed.

406 – Nursing Process: Clients with Common Health Disruptions (Accelerated)  
This course will develop a theoretical foundation for nursing, introducing nursing process and the underlying rationale for fundamentals of nursing practice. Nursing process is applied to the care of clients throughout the life span who are either at risk for or are experiencing common disruptions of health. 

407 – Nursing Process: Clients with Common Health Disruptions: Practicum (Accelerated)  - 4 cr  
This clinical course provides opportunities for experience in application of nursing knowledge through nursing process and development of fundamental nursing skills. Clinical experiences will be offered primarily in secondary care settings including community hospitals, long-term care and/or rehabilitation facilities with clients across the life span. The emphasis is on health promotion and nursing care of individuals across the lifespan who are experiencing, or at risk for, common health disruptions.

408 – Issues in Women’s Health  - 2 cr  
Students will explore the health needs of women across the lifespan and within the social context of health determinants that effect the life and health of women across cultures.

409 - Nursing Care in the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit - 2 cr  
This course introduces students to neonatal nursing (neonates born prematurely/ill and requiring NICU care). Students will examine the pathophysiology of the premature/ill neonate and management of the neonate and family.

410 – Nursing, Social Change, and Health Justice -  2 cr
Examines the philosophy, theory, and role of nursing in leading social change for health justice. Includes emancipatory knowing, social change models, community engagement, coalition building, and activism.

411 – Palliative Care Nursing – Responding to the Needs of Persons with Life-Limiting Illnesses -  2 cr 
Examines the philosophy, theory, and role of nursing in palliative care. Includes palliative care communication, assessment, management of symptoms, end of life planning, and compassionate care for self and others

418 – Nursing Care of Families (RN to BS)  
Utilizing family theory and principles to guide practice, this online course explores foundations of family theory as it relates to health and illness in families across the lifespan.

420 – Introduction to Nursing Research  
This course will provide students with the opportunity to reflect on and integrate their learning and experiences in General Education courses and courses specific to the nursing major into real-world experiences in nursing, through the lens of nursing research. Skills, attitudes and knowledge from multiple sources and experiences will be discussed and used as a framework for student reflection. The aim of this course is to introduce the student to research designs and methods, evidence based practice, critique of published nursing studies, and clinical problems and decision-making issues facing professional nurses today. Students will consider how multiple perspectives influence the design and conduct of nursing research, and how their own perspectives influence their reaction to published research.

432 – Nursing Care of Adults: Acute  
Concepts of restorative nursing care of clients across the lifespan who are sick. Prerequisite: successful completion of all Level I and Level II requirements. Concurrent with NURSING 498C.

433 – Nursing Care of Adults: Chronic
This required theory course is focused on concepts of restorative nursing care for groups of individuals with complex health disruptions, which include illnesses that coexist and cause acute exacerbations of chronic illness.

436 – Comprehensive Nursing (Accelerated)  - 4 cr  
This required theory course focuses on concepts of restorative nursing care of adults.

437 – Comprehensive Nursing: Practicum (Accelerated)  
This course focuses on the role and responsibilities of the nurse in assisting clients of all ages and their families in management of human responses to complex health disruptions. Selected nursing diagnoses are used to organize and delineate the content. Clinical practice will take place in hospital and community settings.

438 – Professional Role in Nursing  
Theory course focusing on historical, ethical, legal, political, societal and organizational issues to analyze professional nursing roles. The process of change within organizations, communities and health systems will be explored.

439 –  Community  Health  Nursing 
Synthesis of public health theory, epidemiology, theories of health promotion, and nursing theory enable students to identify health concerns and become involved in promoting health and wellness in selected communities, while emphasizing diversity.  

440 –  Health Equity in Community Health Nursing
Emphasis is placed on synthesis of new and previously acquired knowledge with community and aggregate nursing practice. Special attention will be placed on providing care to vulnerable and underserved populations in community-based settings. 

441 -  Decision Making Strategies for Professional Nursing  - 1 cr (taken Pass/Fail)  
This course, offered the semester before graduation, assists students to further develop and practice decision-making skills needed for entry-level clinical nursing practice using case scenarios and practice questions.

498 – Internship -  4 cr  
This practicum prepares students for beginning professional nursing practice. Students are expected to synthesize knowledge and skills to manage and advocate for groups of clients in various settings. 

498C – Nursing Care of Adults: Practicum  
In this clinical practicum, students provide and manage nursing care for select clients with restorative health care needs. Emphasis is on providing care to sick clients in inpatient settings.

498S – Vulnerable and Underserved Populations: Practicum (RN to BS)  - 2 cr  
Emphasis is placed upon refinement of nursing skills, including methods of health promotion across the life span, with vulnerable and underserved populations. Includes individual and group decision-making, leadership, and professional role transition. 

498T – Community Health Nursing: Practicum  - 3 cr
The purpose of this clinical practicum is to provide the student with the opportunity to plan and provide community-based nursing care and a population-based intervention. 

Actions

Special Academic Programs

Departmental Honors in Nursing: Commonwealth College (4-year Nursing Majors only) 

Departmental Honors (DH) is an Advanced Scholarship track of Commonwealth Honors College (CHC). Students have the option to complete either multidisciplinary honors (MH) or departmental honors.  

Successful graduation with departmental honors requires: 

• Completion of the DH requirements with minimum grades of B (or as specified below) 
• 3.4 minimum cumulative GPA 
• Submission of a properly formatted Honors Thesis will result in the award of "Departmental Honors" on the student’s academic transcript.  

For information about DH, speak with the Interim Honors Program Director for the fall of 2023, Joo Chung (joohyunchung [at] umass [dot] edu (joohyunchung[at]umass[dot]edu)), and in spring 2024 contact Kimberly Dion (kdion [at] nursing [dot] umass [dot] edu (kadion[at]nursing[dot]umass[dot]edu)).  For information about the full CHC Curriculum,  see  https://www.umass.edu/honors/curriculum. 

Departmental Honors Admission Criteria:

Minimally, to be eligible to apply for DH (Departmental Honors), students must have: 

• An  overall GPA of 3.40 or higher earned after one full-time semester of UMass Amherst coursework. 
• The ability to complete the DH-Track requirements. 
• The ability to complete the CHC residency requirement, i.e., 45-graded (not pass/fail) credits earned at UMass Amherst (not transferred). 

Commonwealth Honors College Admission Process: 

• UMass Amherst students who are not already members of Commonwealth Honors College (CHC) must apply to Departmental Honors (DH), or Multidisciplinary Honors (MH) via the CHC online application using the following link: https://www.umass.edu/honors/admissions.   
• Commonwealth Honors College members meet with the Department Honors Program Director (HPD) regarding their interest in joining Departmental Honors (DH), an Advanced Scholarship track of CHC. The HPD will determine a student’s eligibility and preparedness for DH. Admission to DH will be at the discretion of the HPD based on the criteria as established by the department and CHC (see Admission Criteria above). The HPD will notify the CHC office of newly accepted DH students so appropriate steps can be taken for SPIRE designation. 

Commonwealth Honors College Program Requirements

• 2 NURS honors courses 300-level or higher  
• Successful completion of an Honors thesis. 
• Individually contracted: NURS 499Y Honors Research and NURS 499T Honors Thesis  

Nursing Residential Academic Program (RAP) (4-year Nursing Majors only)

The Nursing Residential Academic Program (RAP) is designed exclusively for first-year nursing majors and is highly encouraged. This positive living and learning environment helps first-year students excel academically and adjust to the University. All students accepted to the nursing major are required to join a Faculty First Year Seminar, whether they choose to do it in a RAP or not. Nurse RAP provides an opportunity for first-year students to live in the same residence hall, have access to a peer mentor, form friendships with other nursing students, and share common classes in the fall semester, including College Writing (ENGLWP 112) and Faculty Seminar for  First Year Nursing Students (N150). 

International Programs 

Nursing students may study abroad during the sophomore year and/or summer and spring breaks. Study abroad options in the 2023-2024 academic year are available in Madrid, Spain and Costa Rica. 

Contact Ann Becker, International Programs Director for Nursing (abecker [at] uhs [dot] umass [dot] edu (abecker[at]uhs[dot]umass[dot]edu)), for more information. 

Actions

Academic Policies

Students are responsible for acting in accordance with the University and Elaine Marieb College of Nursing regulations and policies. See also Key Policies .

Actions

Clinical Setting Policies and Procedures

Health/Illness/Injury Incident Policy

(Refer to university policy)

PURPOSE:

The University of Massachusetts (UMass) Amherst Elaine Marieb College of Nursing is committed to maintaining a safe, healthy and productive environment. This policy informs faculty, staff and students of the steps to follow to insure the immediate care of the student in the event of a health incident.

I. POLICY STATEMENT:

Any health/illness/injury incident, that occurs to a student in any teaching environment within the college or its affiliated clinical agencies must be documented and reported by the faculty member and student. All students must provide the college with emergency contact numbers during orientation, including a local number in case they require transportation from the college or clinical facility. It is the student’s responsibility to ensure a safe transportation alternative. The UHS website http://www.umass.edu/uhs/ mentions two transportation options that may be helpful. The UHS Shuttle offers free rides from any on-campus location to UHS (call 413- 577-7425). If the student is referred by the healthcare provider to off-campus services, then HealthRide is an option (email a voucher request to https://www.umass.edu/uhs/accesstocare/rides/healthride or another mode of transportation of the student’s choice.

II.  PROCEDURE:

A. On Campus

1. If the incident is an emergency, call 911. This will trigger EMS. If the incident is not an emergency, call the UMass Police Department at 413-545-2121. If the individual is in need of mental health services, call the Center for Counseling and Psychological Health at 413-545- 2337.

2. Notify the Dean’s office at 413-545-5093 or the Executive Associate Dean for Academics, Research and Engagement office at 413-545-9576 and report the location and nature of the incident as well as the faculty, staff or student’s name.

3. If necessary, the student’s emergency contact will be notified by the Office of the Dean or the Office of the Executive Associate Dean for Academics, Research and Engagement.

4. The student may be referred to University Health Services or the student’s healthcare provider

5. of choice. The student is responsible for all healthcare costs for her/himself incurred in treatment of said injury, both immediate care and any necessary follow-up care. The College is not financially responsible for any costs incurred by the student.

6. The faculty or staff member and student will complete the Elaine Marieb College of Nursing Health Incident Report Form within one business day (see Appendix F). This form includes a clear statement of the incident that occurred, who was involved, action that was taken, and any plan for follow-up. The description should be factual in nature and free of interpretation and impressions. If a student is unavailable to sign the Elaine Marieb College of Nursing Health Incident Report Form within one business day, the Nursing faculty member should indicate this on the form and obtain the student’s signature as soon as possible. The form must be submitted to the office of the Executive Associate Dean for Academics, Research and Engagement who will oversee any investigation or remediation necessary.

7. If warranted, the student must provide documentation from a healthcare provider stating that she/he can return to clinical without restrictions.

B. Off Campus

1. If the incident is in a clinical facility, the policies and procedures set forth by that site must be followed. Neither the faculty nor the CON is responsible for the cost of any treatment involved in the student’s care.

2. The faculty member will notify the office of the Executive Associate Dean for Academics, Research and Engagement at 413-545-9576 as appropriate and report the location and nature of the incident as well as the student’s name and contact information.

3. If necessary, the student’s emergency contact will be notified by the Office of the Dean or Office of the Executive Associate Dean for Academics, Research and Engagement.

4. The student may receive appropriate and necessary care at an acute facility emergency department, employee health office or be referred to University Health Services or the student’s healthcare provider of choice. The student is responsible for all healthcare costs for her/himself incurred in treatment of said injury, both immediate care and any necessary follow-up care. The College and clinical facility are not financially responsible for any costs incurred by the student.

5. The faculty member and student will complete the College of Nursing Health Incident Report Form within one business day, which includes a clear statement of the incident that

occurred, who was involved, action that was taken, and any plan for follow-up. The description should be factual in nature and free of interpretation and impressions. If a student is unavailable to sign the Elaine Marieb College of Nursing Health Incident Report Form within one business day, the Elaine Marieb College of Nursing faculty should indicate this on the form and obtain the student’s signature as soon as possible. The form must be submitted to the office of the Associate Dean for Academic Affairs who will oversee any investigation or remediation necessary.

6. If warranted, the student must provide documentation from a healthcare provider stating that she/he can return to clinical without restrictions.

Actions

Code of Student Conduct

All undergraduate students are responsible for complying with the rules, regulations, policies, and procedures contained in this publication as well as those in other official University publications and announcements that may be issued from time to time. Please refer to the Dean of Students home page at http://www.umass.edu/dean_students/codeofconduct. Here you will be able to access the Code of Student Conduct and the Academic Regulations documents online. 

Actions

Academic Advising

Academic advising services for nursing students are provided by the Elaine Marieb College of Nursing. Academic advising services include but are not limited to course selection, program planning, summer course work, change of courses, withdrawal from the program, career advisement, and referrals for academic support. This discussion occurs on an individual basis and may be augmented as needed by referrals to appropriate student services on campus. 

Academic Advising Process 

At the beginning of the program, you will be assigned to one of the Academic Advisors for the Elaine Marieb College of Nursing, Reggie Lamothe (rllamoth [at] nursing [dot] umass [dot] edu) or Amy Sliwa asliwa [at] umass [dot] edu. Questions about program, schedule, courses, retention and graduation are to be directed to the Academic Advisor.

Advising notes will be recorded in SPIRE or Navigate with the capacity for emailing a copy of the advising note to the student. Advisors are available for student consultation either during their posted office hours or by appointment. Advisors can best be reached by e-mail. 

The university designates one week each fall and spring for students to pre-register for courses the following semester. 

Although each student has an academic advisor, the student carries the responsibility for ensuring that they meet all the requirements for progression in the major and for graduation. 

Course Evaluations 

During the last weeks of each course, students are asked to evaluate the course and the clinical and/or classroom instruction by the faculty electronically using a survey called Forward Focus. Students are expected to complete this survey in order to effectively evaluate the course and provide constructive feedback for course improvement.

The Forward Focus Survey asks students to respond to general questions regarding the course objectives, teaching/learning environment, faculty instruction, clinical experience (if appropriate), and the clinical preceptor (if appropriate). Course evaluation data is confidential and assists the College of Nursing in enhancing the quality and continued improvement of the curriculum and the Nursing programs.

All responses are anonymous. Instructors receive feedback via a report with a statistical summary of multiple-choice responses and open-ended responses and comments. This is your opportunity to offer constructive suggestions and recommendations for the continued growth and development of the nursing program. Thoughtful participation in the evaluation process is appreciated

Program Evaluation 

At the conclusion of a students’ program, an End of Program or Exit Interview Evaluation is conducted with all students by the Dean or a designee, which provides valuable information for Elaine Marieb College of Nursing program review. 

Actions

Support Services on Campus

UMass Amherst Library System

The UMass Amherst Library System has several sites, with holdings that include more that 6 million books, periodical volumes and government documents. The W.E.B. Du Bois Library is the largest site, and is the location for most reference materials, many collections and reserve materials. 

Videos covering many nursing categories, including communication, community, culture, family, fundamentals of nursing care, gerontology, health assessment, home care, holistic care, leadership, maternity, medications, pediatrics, psychiatric, research and restorative nursing are now housed on the third floor in W.E.B. DuBois Library. Please visit their website at http://www.library.umass.edu. 

The link listed above also provides a pathway to access online library databases and other resources. Please Note: Firewalls may preclude your ability to access e- journals!  Please take the necessary steps to ensure that you can access e-journals and other materials. 

Nursing Resource and Simulation Laboratories 

The Elaine Marieb College of Nursing has two state-of-the-art Nursing Clinical Simulation Laboratories (NCSL) in Skinner Hall and in our Springfield center. These labs have clinical simulation rooms, a community apartment with recording and two-way mirrors for instruction, hospital bed areas, and health assessment rooms. It includes high fidelity Sim Man© mannequins, Sim Baby©, Sim Junior Kid©, Noelle Maternity©, Adult Vital Sim©, Vital Sim Babies©, Vital Sim Kid©, and other types of equipment for student and faculty learning and teaching. 

The NCSLs offer the latest in simulation technology to develop a student’s clinical and decision-making skills in a safe and controlled environment. The UMass Amherst Elaine Marieb College of Nursing is a leader in this innovative teaching methodology. Faculty develop realistic clinical case scenarios and advanced simulation mannequins serve as simulated patients. Clinical scenarios related to all clinical areas such as maternal child health, pediatric, medical surgical and critical care nursing are implemented with students. Students are able to practice critical thinking skills related to the nursing process (assessment, diagnosis, intervention, and evaluation), safety issues including medical error detection, communication and/or team building. The NCSLs simulate a realistic patient environment where students and faculty engage in enjoyable learning experiences with the potential to improve the effectiveness, efficiency and safety of patient care. The simulations challenge and test student’s clinical and decision-making skills, helping them to develop as a baccalaureate nurse. Students also practice nursing skills on more basic mannequins. These skills might include: injections, wound care, intravenous therapy, catheterization, oxygen therapy, central venous care, tube feedings, ostomy care and health assessment skills. The NCSLs is dedicated to supporting the Elaine Marieb College of Nursing’s vision, mission, values and goals. For more information, please contact con-simlab [at] nursing [dot] umass [dot] edu (con-simlab[at]nursing[dot]umass[dot]edu ). 

Information Technology 

All students are required to have a NET ID, which is generated by IT once the students pay their deposit and are matriculated into the program. The NET ID will be sent via their non-UMass email address or to their home if there is no non-UMass email address on file. Consultants are available in each area to check out materials and to assist users with machine malfunctions and basic software problems. 

Additional software help is available from the IT HELP Desk in A109 LGRC (545-9400). Walk-in consulting for academic computing data analysis is available Monday-Friday, 9am-5pm, in LGRC room A121. For more extensive consulting, phone (413) 545-2836. A complete list of services can be viewed on their website at https://www.umass.edu/it/support. 

Campus Organizations and Resources 

Center for Multicultural Advancement and Student Success (CMASS): www.umass.edu/cmass 

The Center for Multicultural Advancement and Student Success (CMASS) opened doors in 2011 to support the student success and sense of belonging of first generation, students of color, multiracial students, and low-income students. Check out Your CMASS and the Cultural Centers to learn how you can benefit from our programs and services, or the Calendar to find out what is happening in our locations. Our programs and services are open to anyone. If you are not receiving our weekly bulletin yet we encourage you to join CMASS. 

Disability Services: www.umass.edu/disability 

Disability Services at UMass Amherst is committed to full access for all persons at the University of Massachusetts Amherst and embraces the philosophies of diversity and multiculturalism. 

Direct services are provided for all types of disability. Disability Services also provides information and referral on issues of accessibility, as well as training and staff development to the University community. 

Equal Opportunity and Diversity: https://www.umass.edu/equalopportunity/ 

Ombuds Office: www.umass.edu/ombuds  

Undergraduate Admissions: https://www.umass.edu/admissions/diversity  

Writing Center: www.umass.edu/writingcenter 

Writing Center tutors work with undergrad, graduate & postdoc, staff, and faculty writers on any academic genre at any point in the writing process. Tutors meet individually with writers in 45-minute consultations both face-to-face and online. After an initial conversation about the writing project, the tutor and writer read the text and discuss options for its revision. Writers often bring just an idea or an assignment to the Center and work with a tutor on how to begin writing. 

For additional campus organizations and resources, see the A-Z directory at www.umass.edu. 

Financial Aid for Undergraduates 

Financial Aid Services is committed to working with students and families to provide the best possible financial resources available. We want to ensure that a University of Massachusetts Amherst education is affordable. Many university scholarship opportunities, as well as other helpful financial aid and student loan pages, can be found at   https://www.umass.edu/financialaid/undergraduate/types-aid . There are also additional outside scholarship resources such as the College Resource Network  www.collegeresourcenetwork.com.  Scholarship availability varies year to year. Financial Aid Services can assist you with any questions you may have regarding your financial aid award, student employment, debt management, scholarship searches and financing options that may be available for your college education. Financial Aid Services can be reached at 413-545-0801; by visiting our website at https://www.umass.edu/financialaid/undergraduate or in person at 255 Whitmore Administration Building, M-F from 8-4pm.or in person at 255 Whitmore Administration Building, M-F from 8-4pm. 

In addition, certain nursing organizations such as the Nurses Educational Funds, Inc. (http://n-e-f.org/) and Sigma Theta Tau International (https://www.sigmanursing.org/) offer scholarships. Scholarships for baccalaureate students in good academic standing are available through the National Black Nurses Association http://www.nbna.org. The National Association of Hispanic Nurses has a scholarship program for students who are current members in good standing for at least 6 months before the scholarship application deadline in March (https://nahnnet.org/about/awards). The American Association of Men in Nursing also offers scholarships to eligible students. https://www.aamn.org. 

Actions

Undergraduate Student Scholarships, Awards and Recognition

a. General Information 

There are multiple nursing scholarships available for Elaine Marieb College of Nursing students from all undergraduate nursing tracks (nursing major, accelerated, and RN to BS) through umass.academicworks.com. Applications are open for a few weeks in September and October; all students will receive email communications with exact dates to apply.

These scholarships are available to nursing students as long as they will be enrolled for the following fall semester, as awards are given a year after applying. All applicants will be notified by email by December 31 of their award status; recipients will be notified by April 30 of their award amount and will receive the actual funds in their Bursar’s Bill Account by September 30, a full year after applying.

Awardees are required to attend the Scholarship Award Ceremony during the spring semester (usually held at the end of April, exact date to be communicated) unless there are extenuating circumstances.

b. Awards and Recognition

College and university achievement award winners are honored at the end of the spring and fall semesters at their respective Scholarship and Awards Ceremony:

ELAINE MARIEB COLLEGE OF NURSING LEADERSHIP AWARD: The Elaine Marieb College of Nursing recognizes the extraordinary leadership of an undergraduate student nurse from each of the undergraduate tracks (Four-year Major, Accelerated, and RN to BS). This award is presented to an undergraduate student who has a 3.2 grade point average or higher; has shown evidence of consistent leadership relative to student activities and Elaine Marieb College of Nursing activities; is someone who has enhanced the visibility of the Elaine Marieb College of Nursing on the university campus, and in the community at large.

ELAINE MARIEB COLLEGE OF NURSING CLINICAL SCHOLAR AWARD: The Elaine Marieb College of Nursing recognizes the extraordinary scholarship of an undergraduate student nurse from each of the undergraduate tracks (Four-year Major, Accelerated, and RN to BS). Special recognition is given by the clinical faculty of the Elaine Marieb College of Nursing to an undergraduate student who: has a grade point average of 3.2 or higher; actively participates in a scholarship project while matriculated in the program; has exceptional abilities in caring for clients and families; has confidence and competence in practice; has the ability to work collaboratively with peers and staff; and demonstrates evidence of leadership.

ELAINE MARIEB COLLEGE OF NURSING DIVERSITY AWARD: The Elaine Marieb College of Nursing recognizes the extraordinary work in promoting and improving diversity of an individual or group in the Elaine Marieb College of Nursing community who is committed to the health of disenfranchised or underrepresented communities through teaching, outreach, or scholarship.

NURSING SERVICE LEADERSHIP AWARD: This award was established to honor a nursing leader in the community who has provided generous support to the Elaine Marieb College of Nursing and its programs.

GLEN GORDON FRIEND OF NURSING AWARD: This award was established in 1994 by the Elaine Marieb College of Nursing to honor the outstanding contributions of Dr. Glen Gordon as a friend and supporter of Nursing. It is given each year to an individual who is not a nurse, but who has strongly supported the mission and goals of the Elaine Marieb College of Nursing.

UNIVERSITY AWARDS

SENIOR LEADERSHIP AWARD: Recognizes graduating seniors who have demonstrated outstanding leadership and service to the UMass Amherst community. Award recipients have distinguished themselves through important contributions to student organizations and campus jobs, through academic excellence, and through public and community service.

LEADERS IN THE MAKING: Supports the pursuits of promising sophomores and juniors. Recipients have diverse records of achievement in scholarship and volunteerism, and are student role models.

21st CENTURY LEADERSHIP AWARD: These awards are designed to recognize students who are academically accomplished and who have contributed to the University by exceptional achievement that distinguishes them or enhances the reputation of the campus. The recipients are nominated by faculty for strong leadership qualities; noteworthy original research; community service; the achievement of success by overcoming extraordinary personal circumstances; or public presentation through art, performance or athletic ability.

WILLIAM F. FIELD ALUMNI SCHOLAR AWARD: Recognizes juniors for outstanding academic achievement, as well as their respective contributions to the arts, athletics, research, or service to the campus community.

Actions

Organizations and Associations

AALANA

The mission of AALANA is to celebrate diversity within the College of Nursing and create safe spaces for historically underrepresented students to connect and mobilize resources needed to thrive. The goals of AALANA are:

1. Create a safe space for underrepresented students within the College of Nursing.

2. Establish communication and peer mentorship among cohorts.

3. Provide opportunities for networking and creating professional connections.

4. Mobilize resources for underrepresented students in the College of Nursing.

5. Connect AALANA members with the broader campus community.

6. Develop outreach programs and collaborate with surrounding communities. Leadership: AALANA Nursing is for students and by students. Its leadership comprises a dynamic e-board. The AALANA faculty advisor collaborates with the e-board and provides mentorship and advocacy. The organization holds a general meeting once a month. Activities include social events for networking and peer mentorship, conversations with senior students and alumni and information about various College of Nursing and other professional opportunities.

The faculty advisor for AALANA for 2023-2024 is Dr. Memnun Seven, Mseven [at] umass [dot] edu.

American Association for Men in Nursing 

https://www.aamn.org

The AAMN’s mission is to shape the practice, education, research, and leadership for men in nursing and advance men’s health. The purpose of AAMN is to provide a framework for nurses, as a group, to meet, to discuss and influence factors, which affect men as nurses.

The National Black Nurses Association- Western MA Chapter

https://www.nbna.org/about https://www.nbna.org/AF_MemberCommittee.asp?committeeid=63

The National Black Nurses Association was organized in 1971 in Tuskegee, Alabama and represents approximately 200,000 African American nurses from the USA, Canada, Eastern Caribbean and Africa, with 115 chartered chapters nationwide. The NBNA mission is to provide a forum for collective action by African American nurses to represent and provide a forum for black nurses to advocate for and implement strategies to ensure access to the highest quality of healthcare for persons of color. NBNA is committed to excellence in education and conducts continuing education programs for nurses and allied health professionals throughout the year. The association provides annual scholarships for students. Dr. Gabrielle Abelard is the UMass faculty advisor: gabelard [at] umass [dot] edu.

National Association of Hispanic Nurses
https://nahnnet.org/
Western Mass Chapter https://www.facebook.com/NAHNWMASS/

The NAHN-WMASS Chapter promotes nursing leadership of Hispanic nurses through healthcare awareness, advocacy, collaboration, and educational advancement. Competent quality healthcare is delivered through community partnerships who pledge to promote health equity within the Hispanic communities in Western Massachusetts. Our mission is to empower Hispanic nurses to improve the health and well-being of individuals, groups, and communities by the use of action-based, culturally sensitive, evidence-based nursing practices. We welcome membership participation from students in the effort to reduce health disparities and improve healthcare outcomes for culturally diverse populations.

National Student Nurses’ Association and UMass Student Nurses’ Association
https://www.nsna.org

The National Student Nurses’ Association (NSNA) is an organization that was established in 1952, with the assistance of the American Nurses Association and the National League for Nursing, to prepare nursing students to be active nurse leaders and participants in their professional organizations. NSNA strives to provide the opportunities necessary to explore and understand the many different aspects of the nursing profession. Through the guidance of prominent nursing leaders and peers from around the country, students will learn self- governance, advocacy for student rights and the rights of patients and to take collective, responsible action on vital social and political issues. Membership in NSNA is voluntary and is open to all nursing students.

The Student Nurses’ Association (SNA), a chapter of the national association, is a UMass registered student organization (RSO) that has been formed in conjunction with the Elaine Marieb College of Nursing at UMass. SNA was developed to meet the needs and goals of student nurses while enabling them to grow socially and professionally. The SNA is a very active organization focused on leadership and fellowship. In a community-focused atmosphere, SNA allows the student to explore the many aspects of the nursing profession. All nursing students at the university are encouraged to participate actively in SNA. Students are able to learn leadership and organizational skills, which are expected in the practice of professional nursing. Several programs that SNA has sponsored throughout the years have gained the support of the student body and have contributed to the ongoing success of this organization within the Commonwealth and nationally. There are biweekly SNA meetings in Skinner Hall. The faculty sponsor for 2023-2024 is Dr. Kristy Pereira, kpereira [at] nursing [dot] umass [dot] edu

Sigma Theta Tau International
https://www.sigmanursing.org/

Sigma Theta Tau International (STTI), Honor Society of Nursing, was founded in 1922 by six nursing students at Indiana University. Sigma Theta Tau International now is the second largest nursing organization in the United States and among the five largest and most prestigious in the world. Sigma Theta Tau was organized to encourage and recognize superior scholarship and leadership achievement at the undergraduate and graduate levels in Nursing. Membership is available by invitation through active chapters and assumes acceptance of the purposes of the society and responsibility to participate in achieving the goals consistent with the professional and scholastic character of Sigma Theta Tau. The Beta Zeta-At-Large Chapter at the University of Massachusetts at Amherst was established in 1972 as the fifty-second chapter of Sigma Theta Tau International. It amended its charter in 2002 to include affiliation with Elms College, Chicopee, MA. In 2006 the chapter again amended its charter to include American International College in Springfield MA and later, Westfield State University Westfield, MA. It is committed to serving its growing membership in the development of knowledge, encouragement of professional achievement and the advancement of nursing through research. Membership is conferred upon students in baccalaureate and graduate nursing programs and nursing leaders in the community, who demonstrate exceptional achievement in the nursing profession. Membership is by invitation and takes place in the fall semester for those students at the junior and senior level. Membership criteria and further information are available on the website.

Elaine Marieb College of Nursing Alumni Association

Every graduate of a nursing program of the Elaine Marieb College of Nursing is automatically a member of the college Alumni Association. The Association’s Board of Directors is a group of tremendously enthusiastic and loyal alumni engaged in many different areas of nursing. Nancy Thompson is the current chair of the association. Each year, the Elaine Marieb College of Nursing organizes several events to provide opportunities for alumni networking. One such event is our annual luncheon during Homecoming Weekend, which includes an exciting and timely educational program as well as the presentation of Outstanding Alumni Achievement awards. The Alumni Association is an important vehicle that creates and sustains alumni support, enthusiasm and participation essential for promoting the college’s mission, “To provide an affordable and accessible education to enhance health and healing through nursing leadership in teaching, scholarship, practice and service.”

Actions

Student Participation in Governance

As stated in the Faculty By-Laws, there is student representation on various committees. The student representatives on these committees are elected by their peers. Although each committee has a specific number of students in voting positions, committees welcome any additional student(s) who wish to attend the meetings. Student representatives are available to their classmates to answer questions and/or hear concerns to be presented at committee meetings. Elected students are representatives with voting privileges on the committees on which they serve including:

• Committee on Undergraduate Academic Matters  (Undergraduate Curriculum) 
• Committee on Master's Academic  Matters (Graduate Curriculum)
• Committee on Doctor of Nursing Practice Academic Matters (Graduate Curriculum)
• Committee on PhD Academic Matters (Graduate Curriculum) 
• Committee on Faculty and Student  Matters 
• Committee on Diversity and Social  Justice 

Actions

Appendix A: Elaine Marieb College of Nursing Deans, Directors, and Administrative Offices

Deans

Dean of the Elaine Marieb College of Nursing: Dr. Allison Vorderstrasse
Associate Dean for Academic Affairs: Dr. Mary Ellen Burke
Associate Dean for Research: Dr. Michael Lepore

Undergraduate Programs

Undergraduate Program Director: Dr. Celeste Surreira
Clinical Simulation Lab Director: Gina Grabowski
Honors Program Director: Dr. Joohyun Chung
Director of International Programs: Dr. Ann Becker

Graduate Programs

Director of the PhD (Doctor of Philosophy) Program:  Dr. Rae Walker
Director of the DNP (Doctor of Nursing Practice) Program: Dr. Karen Kalmakis
Director of the MS (Masters) and Certificate Programs: Dr. Gabrielle Abelard
Seedworks Endowed Professor in Social Justice: Dr. Raeann LeBlanc

Office of the Dean

The Dean’s Office is responsible for the overall operation of the College.

Allison Vorderstrasse, Dean
Ann York, Executive Administrative Assistant to the Dean 
Sue Cassidy, Communications Director

Office of Nursing Scholarship & Research

The Office of Nursing Scholarship assists faculty in their scholarly pursuits. Grant writing assistance and research consultations are available. Faculty development is central to this office and is focused on pre and post award assistance. This office communicates regularly with the Office of Grant and Contract Administration (OGCA).

Monika Valečić, Grants and Contracts Coordinator

Office of Academic Affairs

The Office of Academic Affairs has the following responsibilities:

• Assures that the quality of education is provided for all academic programs within the College.

• Facilitates and maintains communications within the university to the Graduate College and to the Deputy Provost who is the Dean of Undergraduate Education.

• Communicates with the Massachusetts Board of Registration in Nursing in regard to educational matters.

• Oversees the Nursing Clinical Simulation Laboratories.

• Supports the Curriculum Committees, the Committee on Undergraduate Academic Affairs (Standards and Curriculum), and the Committee on Faculty and Student Matters.

• Assures quality partnerships and relationships with affiliating agencies.

• Arranges and manages international study opportunities, clinical agency contracts, recognition of students, clinical education workshops, and the Elaine Marieb College of Nursing Pinning & Hooding ceremonies.

• Coordinates and implements data collection, annual reports and surveys.

• The work of this office is supported by professional and clerical staff members who are responsible for the daily operations of all undergraduate, graduate, and Continuing Education programs and matters pertaining to the Elaine Marieb College of Nursing.

  Dr. Mary Ellen Burke, Associate Dean of Academic Affairs
  Dr. Celeste Surreira, Undergraduate Program Director
  Dr. Joohyun Chung, Director, Honors Program
  Leonora Thomas, Clinical Placement Coordinator
  Gina Grabowski, Director, Clinical Simulation Laboratories
  Jason Steele, Temp Lab Assistant, Clinical Simulation Laboratories/Amherst
  Matthew Abert, Lab Assistant, Clinical Simulation Laboratories/Amherst and Springfield (temp)
  Heidi Haghighi, Instructor, Clinical Simulation Laboratories/Amherst
  Dr. Rae Walker, Director of the PhD program
  Dr. Karen Kalmakis, Director of the DNP program
  Dr. Gabrielle Abelard, Director of the Master’s Program
  Reggie Lamothe, Chief Undergraduate Advisor
  Amy Sliwa, Undergraduate Advisor
  Karen Ayotte, Program Assistant for DNP Program, Academic Staff Lead
  Lynn Yovina, Program Assistant for the PhD, CNL and Masters Programs.
  Liz Theroux, Program Assistant, Undergraduate Nursing Major, and RN to BS tracks Dee Jones, Program Specialist, Accelerated Program
  Jennifer Heim, Undergraduate Credentialing Specialist
  Lynne Walton, Administration Assistant to the Academic Dean

Actions

Appendix B: Template Clinical Evaluation Tool

Actions

Appendix C:  Pre-Clinical Drug Screening

Actions

Appendix D: Screening for Reasonable Suspicion of Drug/Alcohol Misuse

Actions

Appendix E:  Random Drug Screening

Actions

Appendix F: Incident Report

Actions

Appendix G:  ATI Testing Policy

ATI Policy 

(Approved by faculty 3/2020) 

Description of Product: ATI is a comprehensive package designed to assist students in learning and applying the complex information needed to provide safe, effective patient care. The product is designed to assist students in learning how to successfully pass the standardized NCLEX (National Council Licensure Examination) test, which is a core requirement for practicing as a registered nurse. 

 A total of up to 6 points (6% of course grade) can be achieved by the student taking the ATI proctored test for any course where ATI is a part of the course grade. 

  Academic Regulations: As with all testing in the Elaine Marieb College of Nursing, students are expected to abide by the University of Massachusetts Academic Honesty Policy and Procedures (https://www.umass.edu/honesty/) and complete their work individually when taking ATI tests whether supervised by a faculty member or not. 

Students are expected to complete the following requirements in courses requiring ATI testing: 

• Due one week before first ATI Proctored Assessment: Practice Assessment and Focused Review: Complete a Practice Assessment in the ATI program with a score of 80% or greater. 

Note: Students may retake Practice Assessments multiple times and continue to review content using their Focused Reviews. After taking a Practice Assessment, it is strongly recommended that students access their individualized ATI Focused Reviews and spend at least one hour reviewing content before retaking the Practice Assessment. Students must earn a score of 80% or greater and present evidence to the course instructor before taking their Proctored Assessments. Rationales will be enabled after all Practice Assessments for the course are completed (one week before proctored test). 

• Proctored Assessments: One Proctored Assessment will be offered for each course. Students will be required to provide proof of completion of Practice Assessments, with a score of 80% or better before being allowed to take the Proctored Assessment. Students must take the Proctored Assessment on the date and time specified in the course syllabus. 
• Students registered with Disability Services should contact the instructor of record to make arrangements based on specific accommodation needs. 

See explanation below about earned points for ATI Proctored Assessment test scores and remediation recommendations using the ATI remediation products included in your ATI package: 

Proficiency on Proctored Assessments - Course points for Achievement on Proctored Assessments - Remediation recommended  

Proficiency level 2 or 3 - 6 pts - None needed, good job!  

Proficiency level 1 - 3 pts - Strongly Recommend ATI Remediation programs 

Proficiency level <1 - 1 pts - Strongly Recommend ATI Remediation programs 

End of Program ATI RN Comprehensive Predictor Exam 

All 4-year and accelerated undergraduate students in the Elaine Marieb College of Nursing are required to take the ATI RN Comprehensive Predictor Exam during the final semester of their nursing program. 

• Students will take the ATI RN Comprehensive Predictor exam within the first eight weeks of the final semester. Students are encouraged to utilize the focused reviews throughout their final semester. Students who do not achieve the stated benchmark will complete a personalized ATI and NCLEX-RN Success Contract. Students who complete an ATI and NCLEX-RN Success Contract must submit the contract and successfully complete the criteria set forth within the Success Contract. The goal for this is to provide the students with an opportunity to attain the mastery of knowledge and skills outlined in the focused review. 
• At the end of the final semester, an ATI Nurse Educator will provide a 3-day live NCLEX- RN Review Course. An additional NCLEX Readiness Assessment is provided as part of the Live Review Course. Student attendance is mandatory. 

It is recommended that students not achieving the benchmark (95% or higher likelihood of passing NCLEX on first try) on the ATI RN Comprehensive Predictor Test, purchase and participate in the Virtual ATI Program prior to taking the NCLEX- RN. Virtual ATI is a personalized, innovative online partnership that provides the student with a personal Virtual-ATI Coach who works with them one-on-one for up to 12 weeks. Once the ‘green light’ is given, ATI recommends that the student take the NCLEX-RN in 3 weeks. 

Students are encouraged to work with ATI upon Program completion to assess readiness to take the NCLEX-RN. 

Actions

Appendix H: Clinical Violation Form

Actions