student handbook 2026-2027Updated 06/18/2026
Watts College of Nursing – 2026-2027 Student Handbook | 2 TABLE OF CONTENTS WELCOME ........................................................................................................................................................................................PAGE 4 GENERAL INFORMATION .......................................................................................................................PAGES 5–19 Academic Calendars ...................................................................................................................................6 Approval.............................................................................................................................................................8 Accreditation ...................................................................................................................................................8 Administrative Offices ...............................................................................................................................9 Diversity and Inclusion Statement..................................................................................................10 Method of Delivery: Residential and Blended.........................................................................10 Facilities ...........................................................................................................................................................11 Watts College of Nursing Honor Code.........................................................................................12 Mission Statement ....................................................................................................................................13 Philosophy .....................................................................................................................................................13 Program Outcomes ..................................................................................................................................13 Student Bill of Rights ...............................................................................................................................14 Student Responsibilities ........................................................................................................................16 Student Services ........................................................................................................................................18 STUDENT POLICIES...................................................................................................................................PAGES 20–150 Academic Advising...................................................................................................................................22 Academic Honors ......................................................................................................................................24 Academic Integrity ...................................................................................................................................25 Academic Standing ..................................................................................................................................31 Admissions ....................................................................................................................................................33 Approved Clinical Procedures ...........................................................................................................37 Artificial Intelligence ................................................................................................................................39 Attendance....................................................................................................................................................43 Bereavement Leave..................................................................................................................................45 Campus Crime Statistics Disclosure ...............................................................................................47 Clinical Requirements .............................................................................................................................48 Closure Policy...............................................................................................................................................50 Communication .........................................................................................................................................52 Computer Requirements ......................................................................................................................54 Confidentiality .............................................................................................................................................55 Credit Hour ......................
Watts College of Nursing – 2026-2027 Student Handbook | 3 TABLE OF CONTENTS Drop/Add .......................................................................................................................................................73 Emergency Communication ..............................................................................................................76 Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA) .............................................................77 Financial Responsibility..........................................................................................................................87 Firearms, Explosives, and Weapons ................................................................................................88 Fundraising ....................................................................................................................................................89 Gifts and Contributions .........................................................................................................................90 Grade.................................................................................................................................................................91 Graduation.....................................................................................................................................................94 Grievance........................................................................................................................................................96 Harassment ..................................................................................................................................................100 Hazing.............................................................................................................................................................101 Health and Safety ................................................................................................................................... 107 Identification of Location of Student ......................................................................................... 109 Jury Duty...................................................................................................................................................... 110 Late Assignment ..................................................................................................................................... 111 Leave of Absence ................................................................................................................................... 113 Non-discrimination ............................................................................................................................... 116 Placement of Students........................................................................................................................ 118 Professional Integrity ............................................................................................................................ 120 Public and Press Relations................................................................................................................. 122 Radiation Exposure................................................................................................................................ 123 Readmission............................................................................................................................................... 124 Reasonable Accommodations Process..................................................................................... 125 Recording .................................................................................................................................................... 127 Refund and Cancellation ................................................................................................................... 128 Repeat ........................................................................................................................................................... 129 Satisfactory Academic Progress..................................................................................................... 130 Security Warning..................................................................................................................................... 134 Severe Weather ........................................................................................................................................ 135 Social Media............................................................................................................................................... 136 Student Records ...................................................................................................................................... 138 Substance Use ..............................................................
Watts College of Nursing – 2026-2027 Student Handbook | 4 WELCOME Welcome to Watts College of Nursing! This is an exciting time to enter the field of nursing and to become a part of the health care team. The Watts name is synonymous with excellence and has a long history of graduating nurses that have cared for the communities across the world since 1895! Watts continues to graduate nurses who are ready to deliver competent nursing care to diverse and inclusive populations. Watts College of Nursing will challenge, enlighten, and create opportunities for you to explore the many options in caring for patients, their families and loved ones. As a student, you will receive instruction in our simulation and skills labs, classrooms, and clinical settings. Caring faculty will guide you through the many facets of becoming a registered nurse. At Watts, lifelong friendships will be made; a network of colleagues will be formed; and a nursing career of choice awaits. We are delighted that you have selected Watts College of Nursing. Let the learning begin! WATTS COLLEGE OF NURSING STUDENT HANDBOOK
ACADEMIC CALENDARS APPROVAL ACCREDITATION ADMINISTRATIVE OFFICES DIVERSITY AND INCLUSION STATEMENT DELIVERY METHOD FACILITIES WATTS COLLEGE OF NURSING HONOR CODE MISSION STATEMENT PHILOSOPHY PROGRAM OUTCOMES STUDENT BILL OF RIGHTS STUDENT RESPONSIBILITIES STUDENT SERVICES GENERAL INFORMATION
Watts College of Nursing – 2026-2027 Student Handbook | 6GENERAL INFORMATION FALL 2026 (Subject to Change as Necessary) ACADEMIC CALENDAR FALL 2026 (Subject to Change as Necessary) TBD Registration Shopping Cart July 28-July 31 New Student Orientation August 3 Regular Class Meeting Schedule Begins August 6 Student Body Team Meeting August 14 Drop/Add Ends September 7 Labor Day (No Classes and Offices Closed) October 5-9 Fall Break Begins October 12 Classes resume October 23 Last day to Withdraw November 2 Registration for Spring 2027 begins November10 Registration for Spring 2027 Ends November 16 Drop/Add begins for Spring 2027 November 23 Classes End November 26 and 27 Thanksgiving Holiday (No Classes and Offices Closed) November 30 Final Examinations Begin December 4 Final Examinations End December 7 Grades Due December 10 Rehearsal for Black Banding and Graduation Ceremony December 11 Black Banding and Graduation Ceremony
Watts College of Nursing – 2026-2027 Student Handbook | 7GENERAL INFORMATION SPRING 2027 (Subject to Change as Necessary) ACADEMIC CALENDAR SPRING 2027 (Subject to Change as Necessary) TBD Registration Shopping Cart January 5-8 New Student Orientation January 11 Regular Class Meeting Schedule Begins January 14 Student Body Team Meeting January 18 Martin Luther King Holiday (No Classes and Offices Closed) January 22 Drop/Add Ends March 8-12 Spring Break Begins March 15 Classes resume March 26 Last Date to Withdraw April 1 Registration for Fall 2027 Begins April 8 Registration for Fall 2027 Ends April 12 Drop/Add begins for Fall 2027 May 3 Classes End May 4 Final Examinations Begin May 7 Final Examinations End May 10 Grades Due May 13 Rehearsal for Black Banding and Graduation Ceremony May 14 Black Banding and Graduation Ceremony
Watts College of Nursing – 2026-2027 Student Handbook | 8GENERAL INFORMATION APPROVAL Watts College of Nursing is licensed by the UNC General Administration – Board of Governors. UNC System Office 910 Raleigh Road P.O. Box 2688 Chapel Hill, North Carolina 27514 Phone: 919.962.1000 The BSN program is approved by the North Carolina Board of Nursing Contact Info for NC Board of Nursing 4516 Lake Boone Trail Raleigh, North Carolina 27607 Phone: 919.782.3211 Fax: 919.781.9461 www.ncbon.com ACCREDITATION The most recent accreditation decision made by the ACEN Board of Commissioners for the Watts College of Nursing’s Baccalaureate nursing program is Initial Accreditation. This initial Accreditation status expires in Spring 2026. Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing (ACEN) 3390 Peachtree Road NE, Suite 1400 Atlanta, GA 30326 Phone: 404.975.5000 http://www.acenursing.us/accreditedprogramsSearch.htm Watts College of Nursing is institutionally accredited by the Accrediting Bureau of Health Education Schools (ABHES). This accreditation expires February 2027. Contact Info for ABHES 6116 Executive Blvd., Suite 730 North Bethesda, MD 20852 Phone: 301.291.7550 www.abhes.org
Watts College of Nursing – 2026-2027 Student Handbook | 9GENERAL INFORMATION ADMINISTRATIVE OFFICES President Dr. Yolanda Neal, DNP, RN, NEA-BC Office #3238 Office Phone: 919.470.7344 E-mail: yolanda.neal@duke.edu Associate Executive of Business and Finance Brandon Balandra Office #3242 Phone: 919.470.3268 E-mail: brandon.balandra@duke.edu Associate Executive of Academics Dr. Judy King, DNP, RN Office: #3223 Phone: 919.470.8513 Email: judyanne.king@duke.edu Coordinator of Student Affairs/Admissions/Recruitment Suzanne Härle Office #3213 Office Phone: 919.470.7345 E-mail: suzanne.harle@duke.edu Administrative Coordinator Sherine Vernon Office #3212 Office Phone: 919.470.8639 E-mail: sherine.vernon@duke.edu Coordinator of Registration and Enrollment Kimberly Black Office #3239 Office Phone: 919.470.7342 E-mail: Kimberly.black@duke.edu Should an emergency occur outside of school hours requiring immediate action, students may contact, Dr. Neal 336.430.0619 or Dr. King at 919.454.9842.
Watts College of Nursing – 2026-2027 Student Handbook | 10GENERAL INFORMATION DIVERSITY AND INCLUSION STATEMENT In alignment with our mission and philosophy, Watts College of Nursing recognizes that diversity and inclusion fosters respect, cultural awareness and an inclusive community. Watts College of Nursing is committed to promoting, understanding and educating through respectful dialogue and sharing of different perspectives, beliefs and experiences. Students, faculty and staff are actively engaged in caring for self and others through reflection, discussion and implementation of best practices in nursing. These experiences enrich student, faculty and staff knowledge, skills and attitudes about humanity. Watts College of Nursing will continue to make diversity and inclusion a high priority to ensure a supportive environment in the school and communities we serve. METHOD OF DELIVERY: RESIDENTIAL AND BLENDED All coursework is conducted onsite at 311 Trent Drive, Durham, NC, via online delivery or at an approved clinical affiliate location.
Watts College of Nursing – 2026-2027 Student Handbook | 11GENERAL INFORMATION FACILITIES PARKING Students must use designated parking. Parking permits will be provided at the beginning of each semester. Course faculty will provide information concerning parking at other clinical sites. COLLEGE ACCESS Each student is issued identification badges (DukeCard) that they should wear at all times. The badge is a means of identification on campus, in clinical sites as well as for library privileges and other services. Students are not to share their badges with anyone. Lost or stolen badges should be reported immediately to the College administration. The Medical Center DukeCard Office will replace lost, damaged or stolen badges for a fee, it is located at 04230 Duke Clinics Building. CHILDREN Children are not permitted to accompany students in the classroom or any study/learning/clinical areas, nor are they to be left unattended in any area of the College facility or study/learning/clinical areas. Children are only allowed on campus with students for drop off or pick up of materials/information. EPRINT Duke’s ePrint print management system allows students to print directly from their own computers to print stations in the Pearson Building and elsewhere on campus. In order to use this system, students must download ePrint software (free from Duke OIT) and install it on their computers. For details, consult the OIT ePrint webpage. Funds for use of the ePrint system can be added via the DukeCard FLEX Account. STUDY & MEETING ROOMS Students can reserve study rooms and meeting rooms through the Duke Room Scheduling System. The Duke University Medical Center Library has reservable and non-reservable study and meeting rooms (DUMC Library Reservation information) DINING Microwaves and refrigerators are available in the Student Lounge. A variety of restaurants are located within a short distance from the College.
Watts College of Nursing – 2026-2027 Student Handbook | 12GENERAL INFORMATION WATTS COLLEGE OF NURSING HONOR CODE The Honor Code upholds the high standards of Watts College of Nursing through a commitment to academic honesty and personal and professional integrity. As members of the College community, students, faculty and staff share responsibility for maintaining an environment of mutual trust, respect, and accountability. These standards reflect the ethical and professional expectations of the nursing profession and exist for the benefit of the entire College community. By signing, I pledge to refrain from any form of academic dishonesty or misconduct and to adopt the standards of the College and the profession, including the following: I will not cheat, plagiarize, fabricate, falsify, or lie in my academic pursuit, nor will I accept those behaviors in fellow students. I will not engage in unauthorized collaboration, commit clinical or simulation integrity violations, or assist others in acts of academic dishonesty. I will respect the property of the College and others, including tests/exams, assignments, lab and simulation materials, and other academic resources, and will not copy, share, misuse, discuss, or remove such materials without authorization. I will conduct myself honorably in all activities as a Watts College of Nursing student. Signature: ____________________________________________ Print Name: ____________________________________________ Date: ____________________________________________
Watts College of Nursing – 2026-2027 Student Handbook | 13GENERAL INFORMATION MISSION STATEMENT To uphold a tradition of excellence in the preparation of professional nurses, through knowledge, evidence-based practice, and research, to improve the health of the communities we serve. PHILOSOPHY Nursing fosters the promotion, maintenance, and restoration of health in diverse communities across the lifespan. As a professional discipline, nursing entails both independent and collaborative care and is based on caring behaviors, scientific knowledge, ethical-legal principles, clinical competencies, the nursing process and clinical decision making. Nursing is actualized through the delivery and management of care, education, advocacy, and participation in the interprofessional team. Nursing education is an interactive, developmental learning process built on the biological and social sciences that enables students to acquire the knowledge, skills, attitudes, and values necessary to practice the profession of nursing. The design of the program takes into account the needs of the students, the integration of evidence-based practices, the changing directions of health care, the need for innovation in nursing education, the advancements in technology, and the health care consumer and community. Students receive a broad-based academic and clinical education through concurrent theory and clinical practice to function as a nurse generalist within various health care settings and in the continually changing health care environment. The teaching-learning process is viewed as a partnership between the student and educator in which the faculty acts as a facilitator, role model, mentor, and resource. The faculty strives to promote professional development, to cultivate a spirit of inquiry and a desire for life-long learning, and to uphold the Watts tradition of nursing excellence. PROGRAM OUTCOMES By the end of the program, the student will be able to: 1. Manage client-centered care, utilizing the nursing process, to meet the spectrum of health care needs of a diverse population across the lifespan. 2. Collaborate with clients, families, communities, and health team members in the promotion, maintenance, and restoration of optimal health. 3. Demonstrate professional accountability and commitment to compliance with professional performance standards of the American Nursing Association (ANA) including quality, nursing practice, education, leadership, and research. 4. Provide safe and effective care, justifying clinical decision making based on evidence from nursing and associated disciplines. 5. Manage informational and technological resources to coordinate, facilitate, and improve the quality and delivery of health care in a variety of settings.
Watts College of Nursing – 2026-2027 Student Handbook | 14GENERAL INFORMATION STUDENT BILL OF RIGHTS To create an environment that ensures our students are treated equitably and are given the proper atmosphere to learn, the Watts College of Nursing accepts the National Student Nurses Association (NSNA) Bill of Rights and Responsibilities for Students of Nursing. The following is the NSNA Student Bill of Rights and Responsibilities initially adopted in 1975, and further revised in 1991, 2006 and 2020. Under no circumstances should a student be barred from admission to a particular institution on the basis of race, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, age, citizenship, religion, national origin, disability, illness, legal status, personal attributes, or economic status. The freedom to teach and the freedom to learn are inseparable facets of academic freedom and quality education; students should exercise their freedom in a responsible manner. Each institution has a duty to develop policies and procedures, which provide for and safeguard the students’ freedom to learn. Students should be encouraged to develop the capacity for critical judgment and engage in an autonomous, sustained, and independent search for truth. Students should be free to take reasoned exception in an informed, professional manner to the data or views offered in any course of study. However, students are accountable for learning the content of any course of study for which they are enrolled. Students should have protection, through orderly approved standard procedures, against prejudicial or capricious academic evaluation. However, students are responsible for maintaining standards of academic performance established for each course in which they are enrolled. Information about student views, beliefs, political ideation, legal status, United States citizenship status, sexual orientation or other personal information which instructors acquire in the course of their work or otherwise, should be considered confidential and not released without the knowledge or consent of the student, and should not be used as an element of evaluation. The student should have the right to advocate for themselves and other students in the construction, delivery and evaluation of the curriculum. Institutions should have a clearly written published policy as to the disclosure of private and confidential information which should be a part of a student’s permanent academic record in compliance with state and federal laws. Students and student organizations should be free to examine and discuss all questions of interest to them, and to express opinions in an informed, professional manner, both publicly and privately. Students should be allowed to invite and hear any individual of their own choosing within the institution’s guidelines, thereby advocating for and encouraging the advancement of their education. The student body should have clearly defined means to participate in the formulation and application of institutional policy affecting academic and student affairs, thereby encouraging leadership, e.g., through a faculty-student council, student membership or representation on relevant faculty committees. The institution has an obligation to clarify those standards of conduct which it considers essential to its educational mission, community life, and its objectives and philosophy. These may include, but are not limited to, policies on academic dishonesty, plagiarism, punctuality, attendance, and absenteeism. Disciplinary proceedings should be instituted only for violations of standards of conduct. Standards of conduct should be formulated with student participation, clearly written and published in advance through an available set of institutional regulations. It is the responsibility of the student to know these regulations.
Watts College of Nursing – 2026-2027 Student Handbook | 15GENERAL INFORMATION The nursing program should have readily available a set of clear, defined grievance procedures. As citizens and members of an academic community, students are exposed to many opportunities and they should be mindful of their corresponding obligations. Students have the right to belong to or refuse membership in any organization. Students have the right to personal privacy in their individual/personal space to the extent that their wellbeing and property are respected. Adequate safety precautions should be provided by nursing programs and clinical sites to ensure a safe and protected environment emotionally, socially, and physically. For example, adequate street and building lighting, locks, patrols, emergency notifications, and other security measures deemed necessary to ensure a safe and protected environment. Dress code, if present in the College, should be established with student input in conjunction with the College administration and faculty. This policy ensures that the highest professional standards are maintained, but also takes into consideration points of comfort and practicality for the student. Grading systems should be carefully reviewed initially and periodically with students and faculty for clarification and better student-faculty understanding. Students should have a clear mechanism for input into the evaluation of their nursing education and nursing faculty. The nursing program should track their graduates’ success in finding entry-level employment as registered nurses and make this information available to all who apply and enroll. The nursing program should provide comprehensive, clear and concise information related to student loans, scholarships and any other student financial aid. The nursing program should facilitate various methods to ensure that clinical sites provide an environment that supports the development of diverse, inclusive, and equitable Professional Identity in Nursing. This may be accomplished through assessment of clinical sites including, but not limited to, ongoing feedback from students, faculty, and facility staff; implementation of methods and plans for improvements based on clinical site evaluations. Clinical sites should be suitable for student to demonstrate attainment of required clinical competencies.
Watts College of Nursing – 2026-2027 Student Handbook | 16GENERAL INFORMATION STUDENT RESPONSIBILITIES All members of the College community share in the responsibility to establish and maintain a climate that is conducive to teaching and learning. Courtesy, consideration, and respect for other’s beliefs and values are essential. Students are expected to prepare for and actively participate in learning experiences, appropriately use resources and time, and demonstrate receptiveness to constructive feedback. COMMUNICATION A learning management system is utilized as a teaching modality and as a mode of communication among faculty and students. Students should check their WCON email and/or learning management system daily for important announcements. Students are required to maintain current information in the system and to utilize their College assigned email address for all College emails, using an email alias of firstname.lastname@dm.duke.edu. Course faculty will indicate to students how they can be contacted on weekends or off-hours, either by telephone or electronically. It is the student’s responsibility to follow these instructions. FACULTY NONAPPEARANCE Students should wait 15 minutes past the regularly scheduled class/clinical time. If the faculty person does not arrive, one student representative should contact the school administration (919.470.7348). If administration is unavailable, leave a voice message and contact another faculty member in the course. WRITTEN SUBMISSIONS American Psychological Association (APA) format is the designated authority for professional writing of required assignments. FOOD/DRINK Food and drinks are permissible in the classroom. Drinks are permissible in the skills lab in designated areas only. Food is not allowed in the skills or simulation labs. CLASS Course hours are indicated on course schedules. Promptness for class is expected, including the return from breaks. Faculty will start and end class based on the time indicated by the classroom clock. If tardy for a class, students are to enter by the back of the classroom and to take a seat at the back until the next break. Attendance is required/mandatory for tests, final examinations, class activity work sessions, presentations, guest speakers, and other classes as determined by course faculty. Refer to the Attendance Policy for more detail. Preparation: Preparation is essential and assigned readings from course texts and other sources should be completed prior to class. Students are also responsible for relating pertinent knowledge from prerequisite courses to each unit of study. Three hours of study for each hour of class is recommended. Testing: Refer to the Testing Policy.
Watts College of Nursing – 2026-2027 Student Handbook | 17GENERAL INFORMATION CLINICAL Center for Nursing Discovery (CND) Skills and Simulation Labs Didactic learning is enhanced with the integration of hands-on experiences in a safe and supportive student-centered environment. Practice labs are part of the clinical component of each course; therefore, attendance for every lab is required. Preparation: Students are responsible for all required readings and/or assignments prior to the lab experience. Students absent from a lab are held responsible for performance of involved skills in the clinical setting. There are no make-up labs for absences. Although labs allow time for practice of skills, students are expected to practice the skills outside of assigned lab times to develop proficiency in performance. Proper attire for labs is determined by course faculty and is stated in the lab directives. Students are responsible for tidying their practice areas after each practice session. Clinical Experience Clinical experiences are required. Arrive 10 minutes prior to the scheduled clinical time. Students are expected to adhere to the policies and procedures of the clinical agencies. Unless otherwise specified, proper attire is the clinical uniform with clinical grooming. Clinical faculty reserve the right to remove a student from the clinical setting when improperly attired. Refer to the Dress Code Policy for more detail. In the event of a clinical absence, notify the involved faculty a as soon as possible prior to the start of the experience. Refer to the Attendance Policy for more detail. Clinical Focus: Students are responsible for preparing for each clinical focus by reviewing goals, and outcomes and completing required readings and assignments. Students who are employed by Duke University Health System should not use their employee access or privileges during student clinical experiences. Alternate Clinical Experience When possible, students will be notified in advance of a faculty absence. If unable to notify students in advance, another faculty member or the agency clinical staff will inform the students of the faculty absence. Students will be given information regarding an alternate clinical assignment. Faculty, Course, and Program Satisfaction Surveys Students are encouraged to complete course and faculty surveys. The faculty will communicate the dates for completion of the surveys. Faculty members do not have access to individual survey responses. All surveys on course sites are completely anonymous.
Watts College of Nursing – 2026-2027 Student Handbook | 18GENERAL INFORMATION STUDENT SERVICES Students are encouraged to utilize the following College resources to promote their success in the nursing program. ACADEMIC Course Faculty Course faculty is the primary resource for students needing academic counseling, which can occur individually and in small groups. Faculty may also refer students to other services available within the College and/or Duke University Health System. Academic Advisor Faculty advisors are available to meet with students throughout the semester to provide guidance regarding academic requirements and policies. They are also available to assist with the development of career plans consistent with goals, interests, and abilities. Advisors should be actively involved with students if there are academic or professional concerns. Library Resources Duke University Libraries Students have access to the libraries at Duke University. For additional information, access the main library website at http://library.duke.edu/. Duke University Medical Center Library (DUMCL) Located behind Duke Hospital North in the Seeley G. Mudd Building, DUMCL provides resources that support the College’s academic program. Of particular importance is the online resource for nurses (Nursing Tools), which includes evidence-based practice resources, databases, e-books, e-journals, drug information, practice guidelines, and other electronic resources of special interest to nursing. Access the library online at http://www.mclibrary.duke.edu and the Nursing Tools at http://guides.mclibrary. duke.edu/nursing. Technology Duke Health Service Desk (help desk): 919.684.2243 Learning Management System Duke Office of Information Technology (OIT): 919.684.2200
Watts College of Nursing – 2026-2027 Student Handbook | 19GENERAL INFORMATION DISABILITY It is the responsibility of students with a disability to first contact Dr. Judy King, liaison to the Duke Student Disability Access Office, when requesting accommodations. Dr. King can be reached at 919.470.8513 or judyanne.king@duke.edu. Documentation guidelines and more information regarding disability issues can be obtained by calling the Duke Student Disability Access Office at 919.668.1267 or by accessing Requesting Accommodations. FINANCIAL AID Refer to the Financial Information on the WCON website. PERSONAL Pastoral Care The Pastoral Care Department at Duke Regional Hospital is available to offer emotional support and spiritual/pastoral care and counseling to students. To request a visit with a chaplain, call the Pastoral Care office at 919.470.5363. Student Support Services Students have access to mental health services through Duke University Counseling and Psychological Services (CAPS). Call: 919.660.1000 When scheduling or checking in, inform the scheduler that you are a Watts College of Nursing student. Students have 24/7 access to virtual mental health services through TimelyCare: TimelyCare services can be accessed online 24/7 at timelycare.com/bluedevils or by downloading the TimelyCare app. Use your Duke email address to register
STUDENT POLICIES ACADEMIC ADVISING ACADEMIC HONORS ACADEMIC INTEGRITY ACADEMIC STANDING ADMISSIONS APPROVED CLINICAL PROCEDURES ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE ATTENDANCE BEREAVEMENT LEAVE CAMPUS CRIME STATICS DISCLOSURE CLINICAL REQUIREMENTS CLOSURE POLICY COMMUNICATION COMPUTER REQUIREMENTS CONFIDENTIALITY CREDIT HOUR CRIME AND EMERGENCY REPORTING CRIMINAL RECORD COMMUNICATION DISCIPLINARY ACTION DRESS CODE DROP/ADD EMERGENCY COMMUNICATION FAMILY EDUCATIONAL RIGHTS AND PRIVACY ACT (FERPA) FINANCIAL RESPONSIBILITY FIREARMS, EXPLOSIVES, AND WEAPONS FUNDRAISING GIFTS AND CONTRIBUTIONS GRADE GRADUATION GRIEVANCE HARASSMENT HAZING HEALTH AND SAFETY IDENTIFICATION OF LOCATION OF STUDENTS JURY DUTY LATE ASSIGNMENT LEAVE OF ABSENCE NON-DISCRIMINATION PLACEMENT OF STUDENTS PROFESSIONAL INTEGRITY PUBLIC AND PRESS RELATIONS RADIATION EXPOSURE READMISSION REASONABLE ACCOMMODATIONS PROCESS RECORDING REFUND AND CANCELLATION REPEAT SATISFACTORY ACADEMIC PROGRESS SECURITY WARNING SEVERE WEATHER SOCIAL MEDIA STUDENT RECORDS SUBSTANCE USE TECHNOLOGICAL DEVICES TESTING TOBACCO/SMOKE-FREE ENVIRONMENT TRANSFER OF CREDIT TUITION AND FEES WITHDRAWAL
Watts College of Nursing – 2026-2027 Student Handbook | 21STUDENT POLICIES Student policies are the result of a continual process of review, research, and consultation by the faculty. It is an expectation that students know and abide by all student policies in this handbook. Failure to abide by these policies may result in disciplinary action. Students will be notified by official College email of any changes made throughout the academic year and the changes will be posted on the College website.
Watts College of Nursing – 2026-2027 Student Handbook | 22STUDENT POLICIES WATTS COLLEGE OF NURSING POLICY DEPLOYMENT Policy Name: Academic Advising Institution: Watts College of Nursing Supersedes: Policy Level: WCON Student Department: Administration Owner(s) Student Affairs Committee Contributing Departments: Approved by: Team Senate Manual Name: Student Handbook Original Effective Date: 7/2019 Revision Date: 7/2025 Scheduled Review Date: 7/2028 Scheduled Review Interval: 36 months DEFINITIONS Academic advising – An exchange of information and communication between a faculty advisor and student that assists the student in achieving academic and career goals and enhancing their relationship with the college. POLICY Academic advising is a faculty initiative that aims to make each student’s educational experience as meaningful and successful as possible. Advisement is a collaborative component of the educational experience, designed to provide students with the necessary information and resources to assume a proactive role in their education. Students may seek advice from faculty members or their faculty advisor. The academic advisor will guide the student’s academic activities and course of study. The advisor actively monitors the student if there are academic or professional concerns. Additionally, the advisor provides mentorship and support, serving as a consistent point of contact for students navigating the challenges of nursing school, promoting resilience, self-care, and growth mindset in the face of academic and clinical stressors. GUIDELINES Orientation & Initial Support During college orientation, new students will be informed of the Academic Advising Policy and the advising program. New students will be assigned an advisor upon entry into the program. Within the first three weeks of the semester, advisors will send emails to new students to schedule an advising appointment. New students are strongly encouraged to meet with their advisor upon entrance into the program. Ongoing Academic Support & Mentorship All students are strongly encouraged to meet with their advisor at least once each semester. Advisors are available to meet with students throughout the semester to provide guidance regarding academic requirements and policies and assist with developing career plans consistent with their goals, interests, and abilities.
Watts College of Nursing – 2026-2027 Student Handbook | 23STUDENT POLICIES Advisors may refer students to resources within and outside of the college. Watts College of Nursing (WCON) reserves the right to change a student’s advisor as needed. A student may request a change of advisor by writing to the Associate Executive Academics. Early Alerts & Intervention Course faculty will monitor students’ academic and clinical performance and will promptly notify the academic advisor when a student appears to be at risk (e.g., low grades, repeated absences, clinical concerns). The academic advisor will contact the student to provide guidance and support. Students are encouraged to proactively engage with their academic advisor if they are experiencing challenges that may impact their ability to meet course or clinical outcomes. Changing Advisors Watts College of Nursing (WCON) reserves the right to change a student’s advisor as needed. A student may request a change of advisor by writing to the Associate Executive Academics.
Watts College of Nursing – 2026-2027 Student Handbook | 24STUDENT POLICIES WATTS COLLEGE OF NURSING POLICY DEPLOYMENT Policy Name: Academic Honors Institution: Watts College of Nursing Supersedes: Policy Level: WCON Student Department: Owner(s) Executive Committee Contributing Departments: Approved by: Team Senate Manual Name: Student Handbook Original Effective Date: 7/1/2019 Revision Date: 7/2025 Scheduled Review Date: 7/2028 Scheduled Review Interval: 36 months POLICY Academic Honors are awarded at the completion of the semester prior to graduation. Summa Cum Laude the highest level of academic honor, is awarded to students with a cumulative grade point average for all nursing courses of 3.86 and higher Magna Cum Laude is awarded to students with a cumulative grade point average for all nursing courses of 3.75 to 3.85. Cum Laude is awarded to students with a cumulative grade point average for all nursing courses of 3.50 to 3.74.
Watts College of Nursing – 2026-2027 Student Handbook | 25STUDENT POLICIES WATTS COLLEGE OF NURSING POLICY DEPLOYMENT Policy Name: Academic Integrity Institution: Watts College of Nursing Supersedes: Policy Level: WCON Student Department: Owner(s) Student Affairs Contributing Departments: Approved by: Team Senate Manual Name: Student Handbook Original Effective Date: 7/1/2019 Revision Date: 5/2026 Scheduled Review Date: 5/2029 Scheduled Review Interval: 36 months STANDARDS American Nurses Association Code of Ethics for Nurses National Student Nurses’ Association Code of Academic and Clinical Conduct DEFINITIONS Academic integrity – A commitment, even in the face of adversity, to five fundamental values: honesty, trust, fairness, respect, responsibility, and courage (The International Center for Academic Integrity). Honor Court – A group of faculty and students that is convened to hear accusations related to academic misconduct, which consists of the President of the Student Government Association (SGA), one SGA advisor, one elected Class Representative from each level of the college and four (4) faculty members to be appointed by the President of Watts College of Nursing (WCON) or designee. Academic misconduct is defined by the following behaviors: Plagiarism – Occurs when a student, intentionally or through disregard for proper scholarly practice, presents another person's ideas, words, structure, or work as their own without appropriate acknowledgment. Proper scholarly practice requires that all sources be clearly credited for both quoted and paraphrased material. Plagiarism includes, but is not limited to: copying from published sources without proper quotation and citation. paraphrasing or summarizing another person's work without giving credit. citing an incorrect or misleading source. submitting another person's unpublished work as one's own, with or without permission. paying someone else to complete an assignment. purchasing or downloading pre-written work. using artificial intelligence (AI) tools with proper citation when required.
Watts College of Nursing – 2026-2027 Student Handbook | 26STUDENT POLICIES Cheating- Cheating is the act of using or attempting to use unauthorized materials, information, assistance, resources or presenting the work of another as one's own. Cheating includes, but is not limited to: plagiarism or unauthorized collaboration on any assignment. giving or receiving unauthorized assistance on tests/exams, quizzes, or assignments using unauthorized materials, devices, equipment, or resources during any academic activity. test/exam security breaches, such as photographing or distributing exam items, or accessing secure testing materials. discussing exam content, except during collaborative/group testing, secure exam review and faculty academic advisement. unauthorized use of artificial intelligence (AI) tools, including smart glasses and large language models (LLMs) such as CoPilot and Chat GPT. altering, falsifying, or misrepresenting information on any academic work. submitting the same or substantially similar work for more than one course without prior instructor approval. accessing resources, technological devices, or course content while on authorized breaks outside of the testing environment during tests/ exams or between individual and group testing. misrepresenting participation, preparation, or completion of required volunteer/service-learning hours. failing to follow instructor directions, course policies, or stated expectations related to academic integrity. Unauthorized Collaboration-Working with peers on assignments designated as individual or sharing answers or work when collaboration is not allowed. Clinical & Simulation Integrity Violations- Occur when a student falsifies, misrepresents, omits, or alters patient care information or required activities in clinical, laboratory, or simulation settings to gain academic credit or improve performance evaluation. Clinical integrity violations include, but are not limited to: Documenting clinical data (e.g., assessments, vital signs, interventions, medication administration, or patient responses) that were not personally performed, observed, or verified. Falsifying or altering clinical competency documentation. Signing off on skills, procedures, or clinical hours that were not completed as required. Using unauthorized notes, checklists, devices, or assistance during simulation, skills check-offs, or clinical evaluation activities. Removing laboratory or simulation documents or activities from the learning environment without authorization. Sharing information related to simulations or skills check-offs outside of what is made available by the course faculty. Misrepresenting participation, preparation, or completion of required clinical (float, observation, precepted experiences), laboratory or simulation assignments. Failing to report errors, omissions, or unsafe actions when required by course, laboratory, or clinical policy. Integrity in the laboratory, simulation, and clinical settings is a non-negotiable professional expectation. Because nursing education involves patient safety and professional accountability, integrity violations in clinical, laboratory or simulation settings may be treated as a major violation and may result in immediate course failure, clinical failure, or disciplinary action, even if no patient harm occurs. Lying-Any untruthful statement or omission. This includes flagrantly or willfully making untruthful statements or failing to provide complete truthful information about important issues material to the student's clinical or academic performance. Some examples include but are not limited to lying about reason for unscheduled absence from clinical experiences or mandatory classes and indicating work was performed when it was not. Fabrication-Intentional falsification or invention of data, information, or citation in an academic assignment, including falsification of clinical records. Facilitation-Helping or attempting to help another student commit academic dishonesty, such as sharing prior exam questions or completing work for another student.
STUDENT POLICIES POLICY Watts College of Nursing is committed to the fundamental values of academic integrity and students share with faculty and staff the responsibility for promoting a climate of integrity. Academic misconduct is a serious offense that implies deception in fulfilling academic requirements, which include but are not limited to plagiarism, cheating, lying, fabrication, unauthorized collaboration, clinical and simulation integrity violations, and facilitation of others' academic dishonesty. Students are also responsible for reporting observed integrity violations through their current assigned Level Lead. All accusations of alleged academic misconduct must be supported by objective, verifiable evidence. Accusations that cannot be substantiated with sufficient evidence will not result in a charge of misconduct. All faculty are responsible for addressing and reporting course-related concerns. Concerns regarding academic misconduct must be reported immediately to the appropriate Level Lead. Students must be notified promptly of any accusation(s) and provided the opportunity to review available evidence and respond. All interactions with the student must be documented, including the allegation(s), evidence reviewed, and the student's response. The College may implement interim measures during the review process, as appropriate, to maintain academic and clinical integrity. These include, but are not limited to: • Grade holds (e.g., assignment, exam, course grade) • Restricted participation in course activities or patient care responsibilities • Delayed assessment administration • Increased faculty oversight or supervision in clinical or laboratory settings Breaches of academic integrity are a direct violation of professional codes of conduct and the Watts College of Nursing Honor Code, which students agree to uphold upon matriculation into the program. Confirmed acts will result in disciplinary action. The President of WCON will determine necessary disciplinary actions based on the severity of the infraction. Depending on the nature and severity of the violation, prior history, and potential safety implications, disciplinary actions taken may include: • Educational/remedial responses • Assignment failure • Disqualification from eligibility for honors or leadership positions • Clinical failure • Course failure • Professional probation • Suspension • Program dismissal Violations may also affect personal references and letters of good standing needed by potential employers. Allegations of academic misconduct may be referred to the Honor Court for review. All persons external to Watts College of Nursing and/or persons not involved in or invited to the proceeding by the President of WCON shall be excluded from all proceedings specific to this policy. All participants are expected to maintain the confidentiality of the proceedings. Retaliation is prohibited against any individual who, in good faith, reports suspected academic misconduct or participates in the review process. Watts College of Nursing – 2026-2027 Student Handbook | 27
STUDENT POLICIES Watts College of Nursing – 2026-2027 Student Handbook | 28 PROCEDURE Step 1: Initial Review and Notification 1. Any individual who suspects academic misconduct is strongly encouraged to report their concern(s) to the appropriate Course or Level Lead within 24 hours. 2. Within three (3) working days of receiving the report, the Course Lead may: • Meet with the student to review the concern(s) and any supporting evidence • Notify the Level Lead. Step 2: Student Response: 1. If the student admits responsibility for the alleged violation: • The Associate Executive of Academics will initiate disciplinary action in accordance with the Academic Integrity policy. 2. If the student denies the allegation(s) or fails to respond to requests to meet: • The individual brining the allegation(s), or the Level Lead, must submit written notification to the Associate Executive of Academics within five (5) working days of the alleged incident. • The written submission must include a summary of the allegation(s) and all available supporting evidence Step 3: Administrative Review 1. The Associate Executive of Academics will review the submitted information within five (5) working days of receipt. 2. During this review period, additional information may be requested from the student, Level Lead, or other relevant parties. 3. Following review: • If sufficient evidence is found, the student will be notified in writing, and disciplinary action will be initiated in accordance with the Academic Integrity policy. • If sufficient evidence is not found, the student and the individual who submitted the allegation(s) will be notified in writing. • The Associate Executive of Academics reserves the right to convene an Honor Court proceeding to review the allegations and make recommendations Step 4: Request for Honor Court Review 1. The student may submit a written request to the President of WCON for review by the Honor Court within five (5) working days of receiving the written notification from the Associate Executive of Academics. 2. The President of WCON will determine whether to convene the Honor Court within three (3) working days of receiving the request. Step 5: Honor Court Proceedings 1. If convened, the President of WCON will notify all required participants in writing at least 24 hours prior to the proceeding. 2. The President of WCON will preside at the proceeding but will not have a vote when the vote is tied. 3. If it is deemed by the President of WCON, that any member of the Honor Court has a conflict of interest or lack the ability to be objective toward the person being charged, an alternate will be appointed. 4. The Honor Court will review the evidence related to the allegation(s). 5. The Honor Court will render a decision within three (3) working days. 6. The student is required to be present during the proceeding. • If the student fails to appear without acceptable cause, the absence will be documented, and the proceeding will move forward.
STUDENT POLICIES Watts College of Nursing – 2026-2027 Student Handbook | 29 Step 6: Decision and Records: 1. Decisions of the Honor Court will be determined by majority vote. 2. If the student is found responsible, the Honor Court may provide a recommendation to the President of WCON regarding the severity of the infraction and appropriate disciplinary action. 3. All documentation, including meeting minutes and decisions, will be permanently archived in a confidential file in the office of the President of WCON. 4. Decisions of the Honor Court are final, and no appeal will be permitted.
Watts College of Nursing – 2026-2027 Student Handbook | 30STUDENT POLICIES WATTS COLLEGE OF NURSING HONOR CODE The Honor Code upholds the high standards of Watts College of Nursing through a commitment to academic honesty and personal and professional integrity. As members of the College community, students, faculty and staff share responsibility for maintaining an environment of mutual trust, respect, and accountability. These standards reflect the ethical and professional expectations of the nursing profession and exist for the benefit for the entire College community. By signing, I pledge to refrain from any form of academic dishonesty or misconduct and to adopt the standards of the College and profession, including the following: I will not cheat, plagiarize, fabricate, falsify, or lie in my academic pursuit, nor will I accept those behaviors in fellow students. I will not engage in unauthorized collaboration, commit clinical or simulation integrity violations, or assist others in acts of academic dishonesty. I will respect the property of the College and others, including tests/exams, assignments, lab and simulation materials, and other academic resources, and will not copy, share, misuse, discuss or remove such materials without authorization. I will conduct myself honorably in all activities as a Watts College of Nursing student. Signature: ________________________________________________________ Print Name: _______________________________________________________ Date : _____________
Watts College of Nursing – 2026-2027 Student Handbook | 31STUDENT POLICIES WATTS COLLEGE OF NURSING POLICY DEPLOYMENT Policy Name: Academic Standing Institution: Watts College of Nursing Supersedes: Policy Level: WCON Student Department: Administration Owner(s) Administrative Affairs Committee Contributing Departments: Approved by: Team Senate Manual Name: Student Handbook Original Effective Date: 7/1/2019 Revision Date: 7/2025 Scheduled Review Date: 7/2028 Scheduled Review Interval: 36 months DEFINITIONS Academic Standing is the measure of academic progress determined by the completion of the academic semester for both current and previous academic performance. Determination of Academic Standing is used to assist students to achieve requirements of the program of study. POLICY Students will have assigned a designation indicating the status of Academic Standing at the end of each semester based on the performance in courses completed. Academic Standing designations are: Academic Good Standing Academic Probation Academic Suspension Academic Dismissal GUIDELINES Academic Good Standing Cumulative GPA greater or equal to 1.75 Eligible to participate in all College activities Academic Probation Cumulative GPA less than 1.75 Eligible to participate in all College activities May not enroll for more than 15 hours of study Regular meeting with faculty advisor
Watts College of Nursing – 2026-2027 Student Handbook | 32STUDENT POLICIES By the end of the next semester will have achieved a 1.75 or higher If GPA is less than 1.75, student will be placed on Academic Suspension for one semester Academic Suspension Cumulative GPA of less than 1.75 for a semester following Academic Probation Term of suspension is one full semester Students may not appeal for immediate reinstatement Registration hold will be placed on records Students must apply for readmission following the semester suspended within six (6) months of suspension. Readmission will be determined by the faculty If reinstated the student must follow all conditions of Academic Probation Completion of the program must be met within 150% of the timeframe of the program If the GPA after reinstatement is less than 1.75, the student will be permanently dismissed Academic Dismissal Student may also be permanently dismissed for the following: Breach of HIPAA Academic Integrity Professional Integrity violations
Watts College of Nursing – 2026-2027 Student Handbook | 33STUDENT POLICIES WATTS COLLEGE OF NURSING POLICY DEPLOYMENT Policy Name: Admissions Institution: Watts College of Nursing Supersedes: Policy Level: Student Department: Administration Owner(s) Executive Committee Contributing Departments: Approved by: Team Senate Manual Name: Student Handbook Original Effective Date: 7/2019 Revision Date: 5/2026 Scheduled Review Date: 5/2029 Scheduled Review Interval: 36 months POLICY The purpose of this policy is to detail the requirements of the process for admission. The Watts College of Nursing (WCON; College) is solely responsible for the admission of students into the program. The College of Nursing seeks to maintain a diverse student population, which is motivated and committed to the professional practice of nursing. The ideal applicant will demonstrate a good academic history, intellect to succeed in the program, and service to others. Watts College of Nursing accepts only United States Citizens and United States Lawful Permanent Residents. Meeting Watts’ minimum admission requirements does not guarantee acceptance into the College. Individual consideration is given to each applicant. If not accepted, an applicant may reapply only once. Watts College of Nursing reserves the right to withdraw the acceptance of any student to the program. All the admission requirements must be completed before the first day of orientation. Admission Requirements United States Citizen or United States Lawful Permanent Resident Watts College of Nursing accepts only United States Citizens and United States Lawful Permanent Residents. English Proficiency Students originally from outside of the United States and/or whose native language is not English are required to provide proof of English Proficiency. Students can complete the Test of English as a Foreign Language Internet-Based Test (TOEFL iBT) within 1 year of applying with a total score of 100 or higher, with a minimum subscore of 25. Alternatively, if a student attends an accredited institution in the United States and completes English I and II with a grade C or higher, this will be accepted instead of the TOEFL iBT.
Watts College of Nursing – 2026-2027 Student Handbook | 34STUDENT POLICIES 60 General Education Credits Completion or in-progress of 60 General Education Credit hours, completed from an accredited college or university at the time of application submission. • Each required course must be passed with a C or higher. • Anatomy and Physiology I and II must be taken within 5 years of enrolling • If the applicant attended a higher education institution outside of the United States, the international transcripts must be evaluated by World Education Services English Composition I (C) 3 semester hours English Composition II (C) 3 semester hours Literature (C) 3 semester hours Speech Communication/Public Speaking (C) 3 semester hours Anatomy and Physiology I with a lab (C) 4 semester hours Anatomy and Physiology II with a lab (C) 4 semester hours Human Anatomy and Physiology must cover all body systems, and be taken within five years of the date of matriculation into the nursing curriculum Microbiology with a lab (C) 4 semester hours Biology with a lab (C) 4 semester hours Chemistry with a lab (C) 4 semester hours Nutrition (C) 3 semester hours Fine Arts/Humanities (C) 7 semester hours College Math (C) 3 semester hours Statistics (C) 3 semester hours Introduction to Psychology (C) 3 semester hours Human Growth and Development (C) 3 semester hours Human Growth and Development must cover the lifespan Introduction to Sociology (C) 3 semester hours History (C) 3 semester hours
Watts College of Nursing – 2026-2027 Student Handbook | 35STUDENT POLICIES Pre-Admission Testing Prospective students must take the ATI TEAS (Test of Essential Academic Skills), a standardized test statistically proven to be a valid predictor of early nursing school success. Questions are designed to test the basic academic skills the applicant will need to perform successfully in the areas of Reading, Math, Science, English and Language Usage. Students can take the ATI TEAS a maximum of two times within an application cycle. Students must allow at least two weeks between attempts. References • Two references (1 of each academic and professional, but 2 academic or 2 professional also accepted) − Academic-academic advisor or teaching professor/faculty who has taught the applicant in a collegiate environment and can attest to the applicant's academic abilities − Professional- work-related (supervisor or manager). Admission Process Apply- To qualify for admission, prospective students must possess the following: • United States Citizen or United States Lawful Permanent Resident • Completion or in-progress of 60 General Education Credit hours, completed from an accredited college or or university at the time of application submission • Each required course must be passed with a C or higher. • Anatomy and Physiology I and II must be taken within 5 years of enrolling • If currently enrolled in courses to meet this requirement, official proof of enrollment will be required prior to matriculation. • Unofficial transcripts must be uploaded with application • If the applicant attended a higher education institution outside of the United States, the international transcripts must be evaluated by World Education Services. • ATI TEAS official proficient total score • Official scores accepted within 24 months of the application deadline • No more than 2 attempts allowed within the applicant’s application cycle • Two references (1 of each preferred, 2 academic or 2 professional also accepted) • Academic – academic advisor or teaching professor/faculty who has taught the applicant in a collegiate environment and can attest to the appicant's academic abilities • Professional – can attest to applicant's work/professional abilities (supervisor or manager) • Proof of English Proficiency (if English is not your native language) • TOEFL iBT (Test of English as a Foreign Language Internet-based Test): total score of 100, with a minimum of 25 for each section, is required within 1 year of application OR • Grade C or higher in English I and II at an accredited US institution • Pay a $50 application fee
Watts College of Nursing – 2026-2027 Student Handbook | 36STUDENT POLICIES Application Review Applications will be reviewed and evaluated. Admissions Decisions Admissions decisions include Accept, Waitlist, or Denied. The applicant will receive an email notification of the admission decision. If accepted, the applicant will have 2 weeks to accept their offer of admission and pay the $100 enrollment fee to secure their spot in the cohort. If the applicant does not accept and pay the fee withing two weeks, their seat will be forfeited. Waitlist students will be notified of their status regularly. Pre-Matriculation Process Before Matriculation, all new students must submit the following: • Official college transcripts from all schools attended o 60 required General Education credit hours (completed or in-progress) o If currently enrolled in the courses, official transcripts must include courses in-progress or in summer term If these courses are not included on transcript, an official letter from the college can be sent to wconregistrar@duke.edu and must be on college letterhead and include course number, name, credits and dates. • Official high school transcripts o Sent directly from the high school (may use Scribbles, Parchment, or National Student Clearinghouse) o College Foundation of North Carolina (CFNC) is not accepted Pre-Orientation Process After matriculation, the following is required. • Criminal background check* • Alcohol and Drug Testing* • Purchase uniform through approved vendor* • Proof of Health Insurance* • Proof of current Basic Life Support (BLS) training through the American Heart Association (BLS Provider Course)* • Immunization documentation • Completed Watts College of Nursing Medical Form • Other completed enrollment documents *Students are responsible for the cost Electronic Device: All students are required to have their own personal portable electronic device such as a laptop (smart phones are not acceptable). Each student is responsible for maintaining the necessary software, hardware, and upgrades to meet course and communication requirements. Refer to the Computer Requirements policy for further details.
Watts College of Nursing – 2026-2027 Student Handbook | 37STUDENT POLICIES WATTS COLLEGE OF NURSING POLICY DEPLOYMENT Policy Name: Approved Clinical Procedures Institution: Watts College of Nursing Supersedes: Policy Level: WCON Student Department: Owner(s) Curriculum Committee Contributing Departments: Approved by: Team Senate Manual Name: Student Handbook Original Effective Date: 7/1/2019 Revision Date: 6/5/2024 Scheduled Review Date: 7/2027 Scheduled Review Interval: 36 months APPLICABLE STANDARDS Nursing Practice Act – State of North Carolina POLICY Students are expected to abide by the Nursing Practice Act and to perform only procedures that have been approved for registered nurses under the direction or supervision of faculty, co-assigned nurse, or preceptor. Students are accountable for their actions taken in the course of their clinical experience and assume responsibility for patient care consistent with course outcomes and their level of experience and competence. The faculty determines the procedures students may perform in each clinical unit, which are outlined in the Watts College Student Clinical Skills Guidelines (Do’s & Don’ts). Students may NOT perform the following under any circumstances: Access the live Electronic Health Record from a personal electronic device. Accept verbal or telephone orders Accept, verify, receive, and/or acknowledge health care providers’ orders Accept or provide verbal report to an oncoming/outgoing nurse or other member of the healthcare team without instructor or co-assigned nurse present. Choose “Override” in the electronic medication administration system. Participate in any dual sign-off. Document under another person’s netID or alternate role. Use the Electronic Health Record secure chat feature for non-patient related personal communication. Administer medications in an emergency situation (Code or Rapid Response). Administer investigational substances. Administer antineoplastic/chemotherapy substances by any route other than oral.
Watts College of Nursing – 2026-2027 Student Handbook | 38STUDENT POLICIES Administer medication for the purpose of conscious sedation. Perform Hemoccult/Gastroccult testing at any DUHS facility Add or remove staples or sutures. Cut, incise, cauterize or remove human tissue. Access or de-access a Porta-Cath utilizing a Huber needle. Flush or administer medications via a Perm-Cath. Change central line dressings. Initiate or change the rate of a heparin drip, insulin drip, TPA, inotropes or other high alert medications requiring intensive monitoring or dual sign-off (except subcutaneous insulin-students can administer subcutaneous insulin after two licensed nurses have completed the dual sign-off). Perform heel sticks on infants. Perform Peritoneal Dialysis. Insert or remove an oral or nasal airway. Perform blood draws via venipuncture. Perform skills that involve a needle stick on individuals other than patients/clients. Perform skills that involve a needle stick without the direct approval of the instructor. Care for patients/clients on AIRBORNE isolation/precaution. Care for physically aggressive/threatening/violent patients/clients. Escort patients/clients off the clinical unit without approval of the clinical instructor AND primary nurse
Watts College of Nursing – 2026-2027 Student Handbook | 39STUDENT POLICIES WATTS COLLEGE OF NURSING POLICY DEPLOYMENT Policy Name: Artificial Intelligence Institution: Watts College of Nursing Supersedes: Policy Level: Student Department: Administration Owner(s) Curriculum Committee Contributing Departments: Approved by: Team Senate Manual Name: Student Handbook Original Effective Date: 07/2025 Revision Date: 12/2025 Scheduled Review Date: 12/2028 Scheduled Review Interval: 36 months DEFINITIONS Artificial Intelligence (AI): The ability of a digital computer or computer-controlled robot to perform tasks commonly associated with intelligent beings. Artificial intelligence has five chief components: learning, reasoning, problem solving, perception, and using language. (Britannica, 2025) Generative AI: A subset of artificial intelligence that can learn from and mimic large amounts of data to create new content such as text, images, music, videos, code, and more, based on patterns in data it was trained on from inputs and prompts. Examples include, but are not limited to, ChatGPT, Microsoft Copilot, Gemini, Prezi, Dall-E, and Grammarly. (Harvard University, 2025) Large Language Models (LLMs): An AI tool that utilizes deep methods on an extremely large data set as a basis for predicting and constructing human-like text based on prompts (example: GPT-3 is a large language model built by OpenAI). (Merriam-Webster, 2025) PURPOSE Generative AI tools are rapidly reshaping healthcare education and practice. Because future nurses will collaborate with AI-enabled systems — from clinical-decision and documentation support to patient-education chatbots — the Watts College of Nursing (WCON) expects every student to develop AI literacy while upholding the highest standards of academic integrity and professional ethics. This is in line with the college’s philosophy of fostering nursing education that: Prepares students for entry to modern-day professional nursing practice Accounts for the changing directions of healthcare and need for innovation in nursing education Enhances clinical decision-making through the teaching and learning process Enables students to care for diverse communities across the lifespan Cultivates a spirit of inquiry and a desire for lifelong learning This policy establishes expectations that are intentionally flexible so faculty can define course- and assignment-specific rules and expectations. Generative AI tools have both potential advantages and critical limitations and risks. Students remain solely responsible for verifying accuracy, currency, and ethical soundness of AI-assisted content.
Watts College of Nursing – 2026-2027 Student Handbook | 40STUDENT POLICIES Potential Advantages Brainstorming ideas, outlines, and learning resources Language translation Accessibility support Rapid summarization of complex evidence and information Critical Limitations/Risks Impediment of critical thinking and skill mastery Hallucinations (output that is fabricated, inaccurate, or improperly cited) Outdated information Embedded societal biases that can reinforce inequity Privacy concerns when entering sensitive data This policy will guide proper and responsible student use of AI tools and technologies while outlining expectations for academic integrity. POLICY Students have several responsibilities when utilizing generative AI in relation to their coursework, for studying purposes and/or as permitted to do so by course faculty: Transparency: Disclose all substantive AI assistance in submitted work (see guidance below on referencing generative AI tools/technologies). Verification: Cross-check facts and citations from AI against peer-reviewed or authoritative sources. Confidentiality: Never input personally identifiable patient data, protected health information, course or exam content, or information about student peers and/or Watts Team members into public AI systems. Skill Development: Use AI to augment, not replace, the discipline-specific reasoning, writing, and clinical judgment skills required of a professional nurse. Ethical Alignment: Ensure AI use is consistent with course and faculty guidance, as well as the American Nurses Association (ANA) Code of Ethics and the College’s Academic Integrity Policy. Guidance on the Use of Artificial Intelligence Tools/Resources Students must follow the AI guidelines listed in their course syllabus, assignment prompt(s), and this policy. Because courses offered by the College and assignments within those courses may differ, faculty may adopt one of the following general approaches to their course and/or assignments: Approach #1: Use prohibited Students are not allowed to use generative AI or other advanced automated tools. Each student is expected to complete each assignment without assistance from others, including automated tools. Approach #2: Use only with prior permission Students are allowed to use generative AI or other advanced automated tools if instructor permission is obtained in advance. Unless given permission to use those tools, each student is expected to complete each assignment without assistance from others, including automated tools.
Watts College of Nursing – 2026-2027 Student Handbook | 41STUDENT POLICIES Approach #3: Use only with acknowledgment Students are allowed to use generative AI or other advanced automated tools if that use is properly documented and credited. Approach #4: Use is freely permitted with no acknowledgment Students are allowed to use generative AI or other advanced automated tools; no special documentation or citation is required. Assignment guidelines might contain more specific limitations or directives on the use of generative AI or other advanced automated tools; therefore, special attention should be given to both the syllabus statement regarding acceptable use and those provided in the assignment itself. If no assignment guidelines regarding the use of AI tools/technologies are provided, the student is expected to defer to the course syllabus statement. Acceptable Versus Unacceptable Use Defined Acceptable use: Student use of generative AI or other advanced automated tools adheres to the five responsibilities outlined above (transparency, verification, confidentiality, skills development, and ethical alignment) and follows guidelines in the course syllabus and assignment guidelines, if provided. The student: Discloses the AI tool/resource as a source using the correct format (APA), if required per the syllabus and/or assignment guidelines. Verifies that the information is correct and from a reliable/reputable (e.g., peer-reviewed or authoritative) up-to-date source. Maintains confidentiality in all information/data input into the tool/resource. Uses the tool/resource to enhance – not replace – their critical thinking skills. Ensures that they follow program, course, and assignment guidelines regarding the use of AI tools/resources. Unacceptable use: Student use of generative AI or other advanced automated tools does not adhere to one or more of the responsibilities outlined above or they do not follow the guidelines in the course syllabus and assignment guidelines, if provided. Examples of unacceptable use include: Failing to disclose the use of an AI tool/resource in references/citations. Presenting work generated by AI tools/resources as the student’s own work. Including false information generated by AI tools/resources or hallucinated data/citations/references in the student’s work. Submitting an assignment that was mostly or completely generated by AI tools/resources without permission or prompting to do so. Including confidential data about patients, students, and/or Watts Team members in generative AI prompts/inputs. Failing to follow program, course, and/or assignment guidelines regarding the use of AI tools/resources.
Watts College of Nursing – 2026-2027 Student Handbook | 42STUDENT POLICIES PROCEDURE Academic Integrity & Misconduct Faculty reserves the right to request a meeting or oral knowledge check in cases of suspected misuse. Unacceptable use or suspected misuse may be treated as plagiarism or cheating according to the Academic Integrity Policy. This may trigger the Disciplinary Action process if sufficient evidence is provided. Penalties range from assignment penalties to dismissal from the program through the Disciplinary Action procedure. Citing Generative AI If permitted to use generative AI or other advanced automated tools as part of coursework, students may be required to give proper acknowledgement to the technology use. Unless instructed that acknowledgement is not required, students should default to always providing proper citations of AI tools/technologies. The citation must include the following elements: (1) The author of the model or product, (2) The date, or year of the version used, (3) The title, or the name of the model or product, and (4) The source, which does not need to be included if the publisher and author name are the same, and (5) The URL for the model or product. Examples of how to cite generative AI: OpenAI. (Year). ChatGPT-4o (Month, day, version) [Large Language model]. https://chat.openai.com/chat Copilot. (Year, Month, Date). Prompt(s). [Response to user question - use text, screenshot or hyperlink to original conversation]. Retrieved from [URL of the platform where the conversation took place] Parenthetical citation (in text citation): (OpenAI, year); (Copilot, year) Narrative citation: OpenAI (Year)
Watts College of Nursing – 2026-2027 Student Handbook | 43STUDENT POLICIES WATTS COLLEGE OF NURSING POLICY DEPLOYMENT Policy Name: Attendance Institution: Watts College of Nursing Supersedes: Policy Level: Student Department: Owner(s) Student Affairs Committee Contributing Departments: Approved by: Team Senate Manual Name: Student Handbook Original Effective Date: 7/1/2019 Revision Date: 6/5/2024 Scheduled Review Date: 7/2027 Scheduled Review Interval: 36 months DEFINITIONS Clinical/lab – Required experience; includes activities such as client care designated by the instructor or preceptor, preclinical conferences, post clinical conferences, observational clinical experiences , skills labs, and alternate assignments as assigned Mandatory/Required class – Tests, guest lecturers, projects, presentations, and other activities as determined by course faculty Lateness – Arriving after the scheduled clinical/course experience has begun but being present for over half of the scheduled experience hours Early departure – Leaving before the end of a scheduled clinical/course experience but being in attendance for over half of the scheduled experience hours Absence – Nonattendance or attending less than half of the scheduled experience hours No call, no show – Absence from a mandatory class, meeting or clinical experience without notification of faculty per policy guidelines Policy violation form – Formal documentation utilized in the event a policy infraction occurs POLICY It is the responsibility of the student to adhere to the course and clinical/lab schedules and the expectation that students will attend all classes punctually and for the entire duration. All clinical and lab experiences are mandatory/required, and full participation is required. The course faculty is responsible for identifying mandatory class times via course schedules and electronic learning management system announcements as appropriate. All students are responsible for reconciling all learning experiences missed. It is important to note that faculty refer to attendance records when selecting scholarship recipients and completing job references.
Watts College of Nursing – 2026-2027 Student Handbook | 44STUDENT POLICIES GUIDELINES A “no call, no show” from a clinical experience or a mandatory class/ meeting is a violation of the attendance policy. If this occurs, the student will receive counseling regarding attendance expectations and professional behavior. The student will receive and sign a policy violation form which will be kept in the student’s file. Clinical/Lab Experiences: Attendance is mandatory/required for all clinical and laboratory experiences. Repeated clinical absences may result in the inability for the student to meet course outcomes and demonstrate progression. This deficiency will result in a course failure. If deemed necessary, faculty may require the student to make up clinical hours. Clinical makeup may be in the form of a written assignment, virtual clinical, or in-person clinical experience. For lateness and/or early departure from clinical experiences, students must: Notify their clinical instructor and assigned unit as soon as possible, as outlined by the course guidelines. Failure to notify the clinical instructor and assigned unit as directed is considered a policy violation and will result in a policy violation form being completed. Meet with course faculty involved to discuss status regarding the ability to meet course outcomes. For absence from clinical experience, students must: Notify their clinical instructor and assigned unit as soon as possible, as outlined by the course guidelines. Failure to notify the clinical instructor and assigned unit as directed is considered a policy violation and will result in a policy violation form being completed. Meet with course faculty involved to discuss status regarding the ability to meet course outcomes. Continued patterns of absences, lateness and/or early departure from clinical experiences may result in additional action, including but not limited to: Meeting with the course faculty. Meeting with the course level lead. Development of a documented Clinical Performance Action Plan. Meeting with Associate Executive of Academics, or appropriate designee, to determine the need for further intervention. Class/Theory: Attendance in all classroom didactic lectures is an expectation and repeated absences may impact the ability to be successful in the course. For absence, lateness and/or early departure from a mandatory class/meeting, students must: Notify the involved faculty prior to the start time of the class/meeting. Continued patterns of absences, lateness and/or early departure from both mandatory and non-mandatory Class/Theory, may result in further action which might include: Meeting with the course faculty. Meeting with the course level lead. Meeting with Associate Executive of Academics, or appropriate designee, to determine the need for further intervention. All attendance (clinical experiences, mandatory and non-mandatory class/theory) will be monitored by faculty throughout the semester and documented in the student record. The course lead may choose to discuss attendance patterns with the student if deemed problematic. If at any time a student’s conduct is determined to be of an egregious nature, the President of Watts College of Nursing has the immediate authority to suspend or dismiss the student.
Watts College of Nursing – 2026-2027 Student Handbook | 45STUDENT POLICIES WATTS COLLEGE OF NURSING POLICY DEPLOYMENT Policy Name: Bereavement Leave Institution: Watts College of Nursing Supersedes: Policy Level: WCON Student Department: Owner(s) Student Affairs Committee Contributing Departments: Approved by: Team Senate Manual Name: Student Handbook Original Effective Date: 7/1/2019 Revision Date: 7/2025 Scheduled Review Date: 7/2028 Scheduled Review Interval: 36 months DEFINITIONS Immediate family – Includes parent/stepparent, guardian, brother/stepbrother, sister/stepsister, spouse, partner, and child/ stepchild. For purposes of this policy, “child” also includes an adopted child and a child for whom the student was a legal guardian. Other family – Grandparents, great-grandparents, grandchildren, parent in-law, brother/sister in-law, son/daughter-in-law, and uncle/aunt. POLICY In the event of a death of an immediate family member, students should notify the involved course faculty to be granted a bereavement leave. The standard bereavement leave will be three to five days depending on the relationship. The leave must be taken on consecutive scheduled school days. The leave days will not be treated as absences from class/clinical as outlined in attendance policy. The student will be responsible for the material/experiences covered during the leave. PROCEDURE Notify the Level Lead and Course Lead(s) as soon as reasonably possible regarding the need for bereavement leave. As soon as reasonably possible, communicate with Level Lead and course faculty to discuss plan of action to make-up course material/experiences GUIDELINES Up to five (5) consecutive school (course/clinical/lab) days for death of immediate family Up to three (3) consecutive school (course/clinical/lab) days for death of other family members
Watts College of Nursing – 2026-2027 Student Handbook | 46STUDENT POLICIES DOCUMENTATION: Students may be required to provide documentation of the family member’s death, such as a funeral program or obituary, to verify their bereavement leave. MAKE-UP WORK: Students are responsible for coordinating with their Course Lead(s) to make up any missed coursework or assessments during their absence. The Course Lead(s) will work with students to ensure a reasonable timeline for the completion of assignments.
Watts College of Nursing – 2026-2027 Student Handbook | 47STUDENT POLICIES WATTS COLLEGE OF NURSING POLICY DEPLOYMENT Policy Name: Campus Crime Statistics Disclosure Institution: Watts College of Nursing Supersedes: Policy Level: WCON Student Department: Owner(s) Executive Committee Contributing Departments: Approved by: Team Senate Manual Name: Student Handbook Original Effective Date: 7/1/2019 Revision Date: 7/2025 Scheduled Review Date: 7/2028 Scheduled Review Interval: 36 months APPLICABLE STANDARDS: Jeanne Clery Act POLICY The purpose is to detail the process for reporting and disclosing the crime statistics for Watts College of Nursing. Collection of criminal statistical data and information for the annual report to the Department of Education is accomplished through cooperative efforts between the President of Watts College of Nursing, Duke University Health System and Duke University. The President is responsible for implementation of this policy. PROCEDURE The Department of Education sends the electronic report form to the President of Watts College of Nursing. The President electronically submits the completed report to the Department of Education. Information contained in the annual report is available to prospective and current students, faculty, and staff through the College Catalogue and College website. A hard copy is also available upon request.
Watts College of Nursing – 2026-2027 Student Handbook | 48STUDENT POLICIES WATTS COLLEGE OF NURSING POLICY DEPLOYMENT Policy Name: Clinical Requirements Institution: Watts College of Nursing Supersedes: Policy Level: WCON Student Department: Owner(s) Curriculum Committee Contributing Departments: Approved by: Team Senate Manual Name: Student Handbook Original Effective Date: 7/1/2019 Revision Date: 7/2025 Scheduled Review Date: 7/2028 Scheduled Review Interval: 36 months DEFINITIONS POLICY In order to participate in clinical, students must be current in the following: North Carolina Consortium for Clinical Education and Practice Passport Student Annual Orientation Checklist Point of Care Competency Training All other requirements as directed by Duke University Health System (DUHS) and Watts College of Nursing (WCON) affiliates During course orientation, students are responsible for providing the proper documentation that ensures all training/requirements are valid through the end of the semester. Failure to provide this documentation will prevent students from attending clinical experiences. The last day of the month in which training was completed will be used to designate the end of training currency, unless otherwise specified on the documentation. Student compliance is documented on the North Carolina Consortium for Clinical Education and Practice Passport Student Annual Orientation Checklist. DUHS training and other agency-specific documentation is securely maintained onsite. These documents will be reviewed and updated at the beginning of each semester and as needed by the course faculty. GUIDELINES North Carolina Consortium for Clinical Education and Practice Passport Requirements General Orientation: Annual completion of Core Orientation PowerPoint, and a minimum score of 80% on the Orientation Test American Heart Association (AHA) – BLS Provider (CPR and AED) Program Immunizations: MMR, Varicella, TDaP, HBV, annual influenza. Additional immunizations may be required by clinical sites and/or WCON. Annual TB test attestation document or if previous positive result per clinical facility requirements
Watts College of Nursing – 2026-2027 Student Handbook | 49STUDENT POLICIES Alcohol and drug testing Criminal background check Verification of health insurance Annual Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA) Point of Care Competency Training Will consist of two components: Online modules through DUHS training website and demonstration of skill with faculty supervision. Competency training will be provided in lab at designated periods throughout the curriculum. Students out of course sequence must contact the appropriate Level Lead to schedule training. Additional Required Training As designated by WCON and clinical affiliates.
Watts College of Nursing – 2026-2027 Student Handbook | 50STUDENT POLICIES WATTS COLLEGE OF NURSING POLICY DEPLOYMENT Policy Name: Closure Policy Institution: Watts College of Nursing Supersedes: Severe Weather Policy Policy Level: WCON Student Department: Watts College of Nursing (WCON) Owner(s) Administration Contributing Departments: Approved by: Team Senate Manual Name: Student Handbook/Web Site Original Effective Date: March 2020 Revision Date: July 2025 Scheduled Review Date: July 2028 Scheduled Review Interval: 36 months APPLICABLE STANDARDS DEFINITIONS Closure – Watts College of Nursing (WCON; College) will alter or cease operations (classes, clinical, lab, and administrative services) due to weather, environmental factors, or emergency situations. Temporary closure – the halting of certain services, activities, classes, functions or operations for a specific period of time. Delayed – hours of operations that are altered to accommodate for circumstances that do not permit for normal hours of operation. Normal Operation – Monday – Friday, 8:00 am – 5:00 pm POLICY Watts College of Nursing may alter or for extended periods, close operations due to weather, environmental factors, or emergency situations. PROCEDURE 1. The President is responsible for making decisions regarding the alteration or closure of operations for any reason for the College. 2. The President will confer with the Chief Executive Officers for Business and Finance and Academics. 3. Should the President not be available, the administrative person covering either the Associate Executive for Business and Finance or the Associate Executive for Academics will make the decisions regarding operations. 4. The decision to close or alter operations can be based on information from the following resources – weather reports, directives of the Board of Directors, approval and accreditation bodies. 5. The President, or designee, will notify the Board of Directors, faculty, staff, and administration.
Watts College of Nursing – 2026-2027 Student Handbook | 51STUDENT POLICIES 6. The President, or designee, will notify students. 7. Updates, will be sent by the end of business day or prior to the next business day. 8. Notification as to closure, delayed opening, or return to normal operations, will be communicated as soon as decided. 9. Notification will be sent electronically and may be posted on WCON website, emergency.duke.edu, and the local TV stations. 10. Refer to the WCON Emergency Preparedness Education and Operations Plan for further guidance if needed.
Watts College of Nursing – 2026-2027 Student Handbook | 52STUDENT POLICIES WATTS COLLEGE OF NURSING POLICY DEPLOYMENT Policy Name: Communication Institution: Watts College of Nursing Supersedes: Policy Level: Student Department: Administration Owner(s) Student Affairs Committee Contributing Departments: Approved by: Team Senate Manual Name: Student Handbook Original Effective Date: 7/1/2019 Revision Date: 7/2025 Scheduled Review Date: 7/2028 Scheduled Review Interval: 36 months DEFINITION Learning Management System – electronic course management system employed by Watts College of Nursing (WCON), requiring ID and password POLICY This policy aims to stipulate student responsibilities regarding communication with college school administration, staff, and faculty and to outline the chain of communication within the college. Communication occurs in several ways including face-to-face, telephone, correspondence by mail, course website announcements, and official college email. Students are expected to keep their personal contact information up to date, including mailing address and telephone number. A college notification that is mailed to the mailing address last provided by the student shall be deemed to have been received by the student. When contacting students, administration, staff, and faculty will use the last telephone number(s) submitted to the administrative office. Significant administrative and course correspondence are conducted electronically. Students are expected to check their course website and email addresses Monday through Friday and at other times as mutually agreed upon to receive daily correspondence or messages and to respond within 24 hours. A student’s failure to respond within 72 hours to a college communication may result in disciplinary action at discretion of the Course Lead. Formal lines of communication provide guidance for students to communicate concerns, needs, and issues. PROCEDURE Students should follow the chain of command below and initiate communication at the appropriate level. A. Involved faculty member B. Level Lead C. Associate Executive Academics D. President
Watts College of Nursing – 2026-2027 Student Handbook | 53STUDENT POLICIES Students will: Notify the administrative office with appropriate documentation when a change in name, address, and/or telephone number has occurred Maintain current information in the student information system Utilize their college assigned email address for electronic college communication Use the WCON address and college assigned email for college business only, not for personal use
Watts College of Nursing – 2026-2027 Student Handbook | 54STUDENT POLICIES WATTS COLLEGE OF NURSING POLICY DEPLOYMENT Policy Name: Computer Requirements Institution: Watts College of Nursing Supersedes: Policy Level: Student Department: Administration Owner(s) Student Affairs Committee Contributing Departments: Approved by: Team Senate Manual Name: Student Handbook Original Effective Date: 7/1/2019 Revision Date: 7/2025 Scheduled Review Date: 7/2028 Scheduled Review Interval: 36 months All devices at Watts College of Nursing will need to access the wireless network as well as Duke Enterprise resources such as Canvas. All Watts College of Nursing students are required to have their own laptop in full working condition, meeting or exceeding the following standards. 1. Duke Recommended Computer Specifications 2. Students will have access to Microsoft Office 365. Additional software needs are available on the Duke OIT Software Site: Download free software or purchase discounted software. Student must log in with their NetID and password to access. 3. Video conferencing capability. 4. Required specifications for computerized testing on Examsoft/Examplify ExamSoft is an electronic testing platform that Watts College of Nursing uses to deliver tests and exams to students. ExamSoft requires registration, downloading and installation of the Examplify application. The Examplify application is available for Windows, Mac and iPad. Specific requirements can be found at Examplify: Minimum System Requirements Examplify will not run on Chromebooks, Android, or Linux operating systems. Students are responsible for keeping their personal device updated as minimum requirements change. 5. At this time, Watts College of Nursing does not recommend using an iPAD for testing purposes. 6. Required technical requirements for the Assessment Technologies Institute (ATI) program: https://www.atitesting.com/ educator/technical-requirements. Students are responsible for keeping their personal device updated as minimum requirements change.
Watts College of Nursing – 2026-2027 Student Handbook | 55STUDENT POLICIES WATTS COLLEGE OF NURSING POLICY DEPLOYMENT Policy Name: Confidentiality Institution: Watts College of Nursing Supersedes: Policy Level: WCON Student Department: Administration Owner(s) Regulation and Compliance Committee Contributing Departments: Approved by: Team Senate Manual Name: Student Handbook Original Effective Date: 7/1/2019 Revision Date: 7/2025 Scheduled Review Date: 7/2028 Scheduled Review Interval: 36 months APPLICABLE STANDARDS Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA) American Nurses Association Code of Ethics for Nurses National Student Nurses’ Association Code of Academic and Clinical Conduct Nursing Practice Act – State of North Carolina POLICY Students are responsible for adhering to applicable laws, clinical agency policies, and professional codes of conduct with respect to patient privacy and confidentiality. All patient information is confidential and should only be discussed with other health care professionals, faculty, and students directly involved in the patient’s care. Upon entry into the nursing program, and on an annual basis, each student is required to sign an agreement of confidentiality, which is placed in the student’s permanent file. Failure to comply with this policy will result in disciplinary action up to and including civil or criminal legal penalties. In order to comply with the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA), the Duke Confidentiality and Security Committee has limited student access to protected health information. Students may only view patient information on computers in the patient care areas within Duke University Health System. Accessing patient information via Virtual PIN (i.e. home, laptop, etc) is prohibited. Any printing, photography/screenshots or photocopying of protected health information is also prohibited. Violation of these restrictions may result in dismissal from the program. Students are responsible for protecting the confidentiality of all personal health information, whether it is transmitted electronically (including email, text messages, photos, audio, video, or any other electronic format), on paper, or through verbal communication. The Duke Confidentiality Agreement can be found at www.hr.duke.edu. Enter “Confidentiality Agreement” in the search box and hit enter.
Watts College of Nursing – 2026-2027 Student Handbook | 56STUDENT POLICIES WATTS COLLEGE OF NURSING POLICY DEPLOYMENT Policy Name: Credit Hour Institution: Watts College of Nursing Supersedes: Policy Level: WCON Student Department: Administration Owner(s) Curriculum Committee Contributing Departments: Approved by: Team Senate Manual Name: Student Handbook Original Effective Date: 7/1/2019 Revision Date: 7/2025 Scheduled Review Date: 7/2028 Scheduled Review Interval: 36 months POLICY Credit Hour Determination Credit hours are assigned based on Carnegie units. One unit represents 50 minutes over a 15-week semester. Credit Hour Formula Theory: 15 hours of class = 1 credit hour Clinical/Lab: 45 clinical/lab hours = 1 credit hour Nursing course credit hour totals include theory and clinical hours. Each theory credit hour represents one hour in class plus at least three hours of work outside of class each week. Each clinical credit hour represents three hours in the laboratory, simulation or clinical setting, plus at least one hour of outside work per week (Carnegie Model). Outside work includes time spent completing assigned readings, studying for tests and examinations, preparing written assignments, and other course-related tasks and receives no additional credit. Enrollment Status for Financial Aid Status Credit Hours Full-time 12 or more credits Three-quarters (3/4) time 9-11 credits Half-time 6-8 credits Less than half-time Less than 6 credits
Watts College of Nursing – 2026-2027 Student Handbook | 57STUDENT POLICIES WATTS COLLEGE OF NURSING POLICY DEPLOYMENT Policy Name: Crime and Emergency Reporting Institution: Watts College of Nursing Supersedes: Policy Level: WCON Student Department: Owner(s) Administrative Affairs Committee Contributing Departments: Approved by: Team Senate Manual Name: Student Handbook Original Effective Date: 7/1/2019 Revision Date: 7/2025 Scheduled Review Date: 7/2028 Scheduled Review Interval: 36 months APPLICABLE STANDARDS: Jeanne Clery Act POLICY The purpose is to outline the process for reporting any crimes and/or emergencies occurring on the College campus. It is the responsibility of students, faculty, and staff to be vigilant about their security and to report any activity that may be deemed criminal or unsafe. Incidents to report include: Criminal Offenses: • Criminal homicide: murder and non-negligent manslaughter, manslaughter by negligence • Sexual assault: rape, fondling, incest, statutory rape • Robbery • Aggravated assault • Burglary • Motor vehicle theft • Arson Hate Crimes (any of the above-mentioned offenses, and any incidents of) • Larceny-theft • Simple assault • Intimidation • Destruction/damage/vandalism of property
Watts College of Nursing – 2026-2027 Student Handbook | 58STUDENT POLICIES Violence against Woment Act (VAWA) Offenses • Domestic violence • Dating violence • Stalking Arrests and Referrals for Disciplinary Action • Weapons law violations • Drug abuse violations • Liquor law violations GUIDELINES In an emergency situation on the College campus, dial 911. Notify the Associate Executive of Business and Finance or designee who will be responsible for notifying the Duke Alert system. In an emergency situation on campus, automatic door locking devices are available to activate.
Watts College of Nursing – 2026-2027 Student Handbook | 59STUDENT POLICIES WATTS COLLEGE OF NURSING POLICY DEPLOYMENT Policy Name: Criminal Record Communication Institution: Watts College of Nursing Supersedes: Policy Level: WCON Student Department: Owner(s) Administrative Affairs Contributing Departments: Approved by: Team Senate Manual Name: Student Handbook Original Effective Date: 7/1/2019 Revision Date: 7/2025 Scheduled Review Date: 7/2028 Scheduled Review Interval: 36 months POLICY In the event of an arrest and/or conviction of a misdemeanor or felony, the student must notify the President of Watts College of Nursing no later than five (5) calendar days after the incident. Failure to notify the President of Watts College of Nursing within this time period will result in disciplinary action.
Watts College of Nursing – 2026-2027 Student Handbook | 60STUDENT POLICIES WATTS COLLEGE OF NURSING POLICY DEPLOYMENT Policy Name: Disciplinary Action Policy Institution: Watts College of Nursing Supersedes: Policy Level: Student Department: Owner(s) Student Affairs Committee Contributing Departments: Approved by: Team Senate Manual Name: Student Handbook Original Effective Date: 7/1/2019 Revision Date: 5/2026 Scheduled Review Date: 5/2029 Scheduled Review Interval: 36 months DEFINITIONS Probation – Specified time period in which the student must meet certain conditions as mandated by Administration and/or Student Governance Committee and demonstrate satisfactory improvement in designated areas. Probation will expire as determined by Administration. Failure to follow directives of Administration can result in dismissal from the program. Suspension – Separation of a student from the program for a definite time period by administration decision after which the student is eligible to return. Dismissal – Permanent severance of a student from the program by administrative and/or committee decision. Disciplinary Action Form – Form used by faculty to initiate disciplinary action and submitted to Administration. Policy Violation Form – Form used to document an infraction of policy. POLICY Students are expected to meet standards of professional conduct which include, but are not limited to, complying with college policies, the honor code, and federal, state, and local laws. If a student fails to comply with the College’s standards, administration and/or faculty will initiate disciplinary action. If at any time a student’s conduct is determined to be of an egregious nature, Administration has the immediate authority to suspend or dismiss the student. Details of any action taken will be retained in the student’s record for a predetermined period of time as determined by Administration. The student has the right to appeal disciplinary action through the appeals process.
Watts College of Nursing – 2026-2027 Student Handbook | 61STUDENT POLICIES PROCEDURE A Disciplinary Action Form is completed by the Level Lead or course faculty. The form is submitted to the Associate Executive of Academics. The Associate Executive of Academics reviews the Disciplinary Action Form and determines based on the concerns whether further steps are deemed necessary. If deemed necessary, the Associate Executive of Academics will forward the form to the Student Governance committee. The Student Governance committee will meet with the student and determine specific action to take. These could include: • Probation (Professional) • Suspension • Dismissal In the case of probation, the Student Governance committee will determine the cause, length, conditions; notifies the student of the decision and their right to appeal. In the case of suspension, the Associate Executive of Academics will determine the cause, length and conditions; notifies the student of the decision and their right to appeal.. The President has the authority to dismiss a student. Appeal Process: A student desiring to appeal a decision relating to disciplinary action must submit an electronic letter with a statement of reasons for appealing to the President. This statement must be filed within five (5) business days following notification of decision. The President will contact the student to discuss the appeal procedure and reason for appeal. The student will remain in current active status until the appeal procedure is completed. The President will present the student’s request to appeal to the Team Senate for review and decision within ten (10) business days. The student may be asked to appear before the Team Senate. The President will notify the student of the Team Senate decision within three (3) business days of the decision. The Team Senate decision is final. ATTACHMENTS Policy Violation form Disciplinary Action Form Probation Contract Suspension Form
Watts College of Nursing – 2026-2027 Student Handbook | 62STUDENT POLICIES WATTS COLLEGE OF NURSING POLICY VIOLATION FORM Date ______________________________________ Student Signature ________________________________________ Date:____________ Faculty Signature___________________________________________ Date:______________ Tracking: Completed form should be placed in Course Lead’s mailbox. Student ____________________________________ Level _______________________________________ Description: Applicable Policy: Expectation: Description (include date and time):
Watts College of Nursing – 2026-2027 Student Handbook | 63STUDENT POLICIES DISCIPLINARY ACTION FORM Student ____________________________________ Date ______________________________________ Course ______________________________________ Describe Occurrence(s): Provide specific dates, policy(s) violated, situation, and student response as appropriate. Student ___________________________________________________ Date ________________________ Faculty____________________________________________________ Date ________________________ Level Lead ________________________________________________ Date ________________________ Administration _____________________________________________ Date ________________________
Watts College of Nursing – 2026-2027 Student Handbook | 64STUDENT POLICIES DISCIPLINARY ACTION FORM (CONT.) For Administration Use Only Administration Reviewed:__________ Date:__________ Action Taken:_____________________________________________________________________________________________________________ Referred Back to Level:__________ Met with Student:_____________ Comments:________________________________________ Comments:________________________________________ Referred to Student Governance Committee:__________ Student Governance Committee: Date Scheduled:__________ Met with Student:__________ Comments:__________________________________________________________________________________________ Disciplinary Action taken: ______ No further action required ______ Probation (Professional) Date of Expiration:__________ ______ Suspension Date of Expiration:__________ ______ Dismissal Effective Date:_____________ Conditions: _______________________________________________________________________________________________ _________________________________________________________________________________________________________ _________________________________________________________________________________________________________ Student Notification of Decision (in-person or electronic): Date President received appeal request: _______________ Date: ___________________________ Student Signature: ______________________________________________ Student Signature:___________________________________________ Student Governance Committee:______________________________ Administration Signature:____________________________________ Date:_______________ Date:_______________ Date:_______________ Team Senate: Date: ___________________________ Decision: _____________________________________________________________________ Student Notification of Decision: (in-person or electronic): Student Appeal: ______None requested
Watts College of Nursing – 2026-2027 Student Handbook | 65STUDENT POLICIES PROBATION CONTRACT WATTS COLLEGE OF NURSING Name: _____________________________________________________ Unique ID#: _________________________________ Local Address: ___________________________________________________________________________________________ Duke Email Address: __________________________________________ Phone #: ____________________________________ ❑ Professionalism ______ You are being placed on probation for violation of _________________________________________________________ ______ Conditions ________________________________________________________________________________________ ________________________________________________________________________________________ ______ If all conditions of your probation contract are met, the expiration date for your probation will be: Student Signature: _______________________________________________________ Date: ___________ Student Governance Committee Signature: ____________________________________ Date: ____________ Administration Signature: ___________________________________________________ Date: ____________ _______________________________________________________________________________________________________ By signing this contract you acknowledge: • You are aware of your right to appeal this action • If you do not meet the requirements of this contract, you will be notified to meet with Administration and/or Student Governance committee and may be suspended or dismissed from Watts College of Nursing.
Watts College of Nursing – 2026-2027 Student Handbook | 66STUDENT POLICIES SUSPENSION FORM WATTS COLLEGE OF NURSING Student: ___________________________________________ Last 4 of Social Security Number: xxx-xx-__________ Personal Email (DO NOT USE @duke.edu): _____________________________________ Phone: ____________________________________________ Are you employed in the Duke Health System? __________________ Reason for Suspension: ________________________________________________________________________________ ❏ Beginning date ❏ Currently my grade is: ❏ Passing ❏ Failing ❏ Allowed to return to ___________________________course in ❏ Spring ________(year) ❏ Fall of________(year) I understand the following: ❏ My suspension may impact my Financial Aid eligibility. ❏ My College accounts (email, NetID, course sites) will be terminated. ❏ I will return my ID badge to Administration. ❏ I am required to return all assigned equipment to the Disabilities Liaison. ❏ I understand my right to appeal. ❏ Course failure resulting from Suspension will count as my one and only chance to repeat the course. ❏ Administration will determine eligibility to return. eligibility to return and notify me of my return date. ❏ If eligible, I must contact the Coordinator of Registration and Enrollment to collect my badge, and activate my accounts. Failure to contact the Coordinator of Registration and Enrollment may result in administrative withdrawal from the program. __________________________________________________________ _________________________ Student Signature Date __________________________________________________________ _________________________ Administration Signature Date __________________________________________________________ _________________________ Administration Signature Date
Watts College of Nursing – 2026-2027 Student Handbook | 67STUDENT POLICIES For official use only: Probation (Professional) ❏ Yes ❏ No Transcript to reflect: ❏ Suspension and date Readmission Date submitted to Coordinator of Registration and Enrollment: ________________________________________ DEPARTMENTAL ACTIONS FACULTY/STAFF SIGNATURE Administration: ID Badge received, Tuition balance reviewed Assigned disabilities equipment received (as required)
Watts College of Nursing – 2026-2027 Student Handbook | 68STUDENT POLICIES WATTS COLLEGE OF NURSING POLICY DEPLOYMENT Policy Name: Dress Code Institution: Watts College of Nursing Supersedes: Policy Level: WCON Student Department: Owner(s) Student Affairs Contributing Departments: Approved by: Team Senate Manual Name: Student Handbook Original Effective Date: 7/1/2019 Revision Date: 6/5/2024 Scheduled Review Date: 7/2027 Scheduled Review Interval: 36 months DEFINITION Clinical Grooming – General appearance expected while in the clinical or lab setting. Clinical Uniform – Worn in the lab setting or while caring for clients in clinical areas. Hospital Scrubs – Worn in designated specialty clinical areas. Alternate Clinical Attire – Uniform jacket worn in clinical, classroom or in the community setting while not providing care. POLICY This policy delineates guidelines for professional appearance in accordance with safety and infection control regulations. An appropriate appearance decreases distraction and fosters an environment conducive to learning. By adhering to the guidelines, students convey a positive image and uphold the professional standards of the College, Duke University Health System and affiliate agencies. An affiliating agency’s policy will supersede the Dress Code policy. A student may be excluded from class or clinical if the student’s appearance is offensive, presents a distraction, or is not in keeping with this policy. Students are responsible for all teaching/learning experiences missed. The President of Watts College of Nursing (WCON) or the Associate Executive of Academics will determine any exceptions(s) to the dress code on an individual basis.. PROCEDURE Duke University Health System photo identification stating status as a student is to be worn at chest level by the student at all times. Non-DUHS badge holders, must be approved by faculty; be non-permeable and able to be disinfected. Uniform Inspection- Will be conducted during New Student Orientation and may be performed at any time during the program. Directives will be given at that time specific to the individual student for both the classroom and clinical settings.
Watts College of Nursing – 2026-2027 Student Handbook | 69STUDENT POLICIES The College reserves the right to require the covering of any visible tattoos, the removal of body piercing jewelry and/or making ear gauges less conspicuous. Vulgar or obscene tattoos are to be covered during all classes, lab/clinical and other affiliated activities. Classroom and College Activities/Events: Standards of cleanliness, personal hygiene, and appearance must be maintained • No noticeable body odor • No odor of smoke/tobacco products • No smell of fragrances such as, but not limited to, cologne/perfume/ powder/lotion/soap/laundry products Clothing: • Clean, non-revealing, properly fitting, and in good repair • Bare midriffs, halter tops or spaghetti strap garments are not permitted • Dresses, skirts, and shorts should be no shorter than mid-thigh • Must not convey messages or symbols that are: crude, vulgar/profane, violent/death oriented, gang related, sexually suggestive, intolerant, illegal or inappropriate Hats/caps are not allowed during testing Shoes must be worn at all times Clinical Presentation Guidelines: Standards of cleanliness, personal hygiene, and appearance must be maintained • No noticeable body odor • No odor of smoke/tobacco products • No smell of fragrances such as, but not limited to, cologne/perfume/ powder/lotion/soap/laundry products Chewing gum is not allowed Hair: • Must be worn in a neat controlled style, away from the face and off the shoulders. • Must not fall in face or over the shoulder during nursing activities. Hair longer than shoulder length should be tied back/secured. • Flamboyant hair color is not permitted. Hair must be a color found in natural hair. • Hair ornamentation must be inconspicuous and similar to hair color • Hair may be completely covered with a solid navy blue, white or black head covering or scrub cap (no designs allowed). • Headbands are allowed, must be solid navy blue, white or black. • Decorative hair ornaments, crocheted bun covers, bonnets, bandanas and hats are not allowed. • Male facial hair must be neat and well-trimmed Fingernails: • Must be clean, trimmed to length no longer than the tip of the finger • Free of polish or with clear non-chipped polish • No artificial nail enhancements, this includes, but is not limited to, artificial nails, acrylic overlays or gels, tips, press-on nails, and any additional items applied to the nail surface
Watts College of Nursing – 2026-2027 Student Handbook | 70STUDENT POLICIES Cosmetics: • Must be limited and used with discretion • Artificial eyelashes may not impede the use of or touch any protective eyewear and must be of a natural length Jewelry: • Watch must have a solid white or black band with a professional face and counting or digital second hand • Watch must be functioning and fully charged • Rings: limited to one singular flat band; a silicone band can be worn • Small post earrings or stud earrings can be worn, no dangling earrings • Earrings for medical purposes will require a healthcare provider note • Necklaces are not allowed • No nose piercings or facial jewelry, may wear a clear stud/spacer/plug/ retainer in the pierced area Clinical Uniform Only WCON approved scrub tops and pants Worn only in the lab, clinical area and/or approved College activities Clean, neat, wrinkle-free, in good repair and fit properly ID badge, worn at chest level, is required at all times. No lanyards. Equipment: watch, stethoscope, pen light, bandage scissors Undergarments: • Solid white or flesh colored under the scrub top • Solid white, round-neck short or long sleeve wrist length undershirt under the scrub top Pants should break at the top of the shoe, must not touch the ground Skirt: • Minimum length is the bottom of the knee • White hosiery, no leggings allowed • Appropriate undergarments are to be worn with the skirt Shoes: • Clean and in good repair • Solid white or black closed-toe, closed-heel shoes with non-skid soles • Must be made out of waterproof/non-permeable, non-penetrable material, no mesh-like material. • White or black socks to match the color of the shoes Approved scrub jacket is the only acceptable garment worn over the uniform while providing client care.
Watts College of Nursing – 2026-2027 Student Handbook | 71STUDENT POLICIES Hospital Scrubs When arriving or leaving the hospital follow classroom and College activities/event guidelines Only hospital or unit-specific scrubs are permitted Uniform scrub jacket must be worn when going to areas of the hospital other than the assigned clinical area, unless instructed otherwise Clinical presentation guidelines apply in this setting Alternate Clinical Attire Uniform scrub jacket must be worn, unless instructed otherwise Business Casual: • Slacks or dress/skirt to the knee • Slacks and shirt with collar Denim jeans of any color or jean style pants, skorts or shorts are not permitted Excessively high heels and open toe/heel shoes are not permitted. The height of the shoes should be no greater than 3 inches. Clinical presentation guidelines apply in this setting Nursing faculty may impose other restrictions as deemed necessary, contingent upon clinical site/agency policies. Compliance with this policy is required throughout the entire enrollment in the nursing program. Noncompliance with this policy will result in disciplinary action up to and including dismissal from the nursing program. ATTACHMENT Uniform Inspection Checklist
Watts College of Nursing – 2026-2027 Student Handbook | 72STUDENT POLICIES UNIFORM INSPECTION CHECKLIST Student Name: _______________________________ Faculty Initials: _______ Date: ___________ CLINICAL PRESENTATION YES NO N/A DIRECTIVE(S) Hair neat, controlled, away from face and off the shoulder. Hair longer than shoulder length should be tied back/secured. Hair must be a color found in natural hair. Hair ornamentation inconspicuous and similar to hair color. Hair covering/headband/scrub cap: solid navy blue, white or black. Facial hair neat and well-trimmed.. Nails: Clean, trimmed to fingertip, free of color, or with clear non-chipped polish. No false nails/acrylic/gels, etc. Jewelry: Limited to one flat band/silicone band. Earrings: small post or stud earrings. No dangling earrings. Provider note for earrings with medical purpose. No necklace(s). No facial jewelry/nose piercing. May wear clear stud/spacer/ plug/retainer in the pierced area. Watch: sold white or black band with a professional face and functional counting or digital second hand. Cosmetics: limited and used with discretion. Artificial lashes are of a natural length. Standards of cleanliness, personal hygiene and appearance maintained. No odors/fragrances. Visible tattoos examined. Vulgar or obscene tattoos must be covered (long sleeved shirt/tattoo sleeve). No visible body piercings. Ear gauges inconspicuous. CLINICAL UNIFORM YES NO N/A DIRECTIVE(S) Uniform clean, wrinkle-free, fits properly. Undergarment: White or flesh colored undergarment Optional: short-sleeved or long-sleeved solid white round neck wrist-length undershirt. Pants break at the top of shoe, not touching the ground. White or black socks worn with pants, to match shoes. Shoes: clean solid white or black closed-toe, closed heel shoes with non-skid soles. Shoes are made out of non-permeable/ waterproof, non-penetrable material, no mesh-like material. Skirt: minimum length at or below bottom of the knees. White hosiery and appropriate undergarments are worn with the skirt. No leggings. Scrub jacket hem is acceptable length. Uniform Recheck Date: _____________ Faculty Initials: _____________
Watts College of Nursing – 2026-2027 Student Handbook | 73STUDENT POLICIES WATTS COLLEGE OF NURSING POLICY DEPLOYMENT Policy Name: Drop/Add Institution: Watts College of Nursing Supersedes: Policy Level: WCON Student Department: Administration Owner(s) Administrative Affairs Committee Contributing Departments: Approved by: Team Senate Manual Name: Student Handbook Original Effective Date: 1/2020 Revision Date: 7/2025 Scheduled Review Date: 7/2028 Scheduled Review Interval: 36 months DEFINITIONS Drop a course – Withdrawal from a course by student request before the Drop/Add Deadline Add a course – Add a course by student request before the Drop/Add Deadline POLICY Watts College of Nursing (WCON) recognizes that a student may need to drop a course for various reasons. Students voluntarily dropping a course must be able to complete the program within 150% of program length and are not required to go through the readmission process. The last day of attendance is noted as the last date of activity (participation) in the course and/or program. When a Requesting to drop a course, a meeting is required with the WCON Financial Counselor to make adjustments in financial aid. Dropping a course before the drop Deadline will not be documented on the student transcript. PROCEDURE Adding a course before the Add Deadline A student wishing to add a course before the add deadline must: Meet with Administration and Level Lead to receive approval Submit detailed plan for making up missed work
Watts College of Nursing – 2026-2027 Student Handbook | 74STUDENT POLICIES Dropping a course before the Drop Deadline A student wishing to drop a course before the drop deadline must: Meet with the Level Lead faculty and discuss the decision to drop from the course Complete Drop Form Return assistive learning devices to the Disability Liaison and obtain required signature (as required) Meet with the Financial Counselor to make adjustments in financial aid and to arrange payment of all financial obligations to the school. Meet with the Coordinator of Registration and Enrollment and submit the Drop From, and identification badge (ID). Contact Administration by the last day of the semester dropped from to indicate plan to return. Understand that failure to notify Administration of intent to return will result in administrative withdrawal from the program. Receive written notification of course start date from Administration. ATTACHMENT Drop/Add Form
Watts College of Nursing – 2026-2027 Student Handbook | 75STUDENT POLICIES DROP/ADD FORM Term: ____________________ Year: ____________________ Student Name: ____________________________________________________________ Student Id: _______________________________________________________________ COURSES ADDED: Date Course # Section Course Title Credits Course Lead Faculty Signature COURSES DROPPED: Date Course # Section Course Title Credits Course Lead Faculty Signature Hours BEFORE change: ________________ Hours AFTER change:________________ Student Signature: _________________________________________________________________ Date: ______________ Coordinator of Registration and Enrollment Signature: ____________________________________ Date: ______________ Financial Aid Signature: _____________________________________________________________ Date: ______________ (Only If Dropping Under 12 Semester Hours)
Watts College of Nursing – 2026-2027 Student Handbook | 76STUDENT POLICIES WATTS COLLEGE OF NURSING POLICY DEPLOYMENT Policy Name: Emergency Communication Institution: Watts College of Nursing Supersedes: Policy Level: WCON Student Department: Administration Owner(s) Administrative Affairs Committee Contributing Departments: Approved by: Team Senate Manual Name: Student Handbook Original Effective Date: 7/1/2019 Revision Date: 7/2025 Scheduled Review Date: 7/2028 Scheduled Review Interval: 36 months POLICY This policy delineates the means for communicating accurate and timely information to students, faculty, and staff in the event of an emergency situation. When usual activities of the college are interrupted, details of the emergency situation, campus closure, and expected resumption of classes will be conveyed. GUIDELINES Students will: Register with the Duke Alert system for emergency notifications Download the Duke LiveSafe mobile app Review the Duke Alert website at https://emergency.duke.edu/ Review all email, text message and/or Learning Management System communications The President of Watts College of Nursing or designee will: E-mail faculty Level Lead or designee will: Notify course faculty Contact students via email, text message, call chain, and/or Learning Management System Notify students in the clinical setting
Watts College of Nursing – 2026-2027 Student Handbook | 77STUDENT POLICIES WATTS COLLEGE OF NURSING POLICY DEPLOYMENT Policy Name: Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA) Institution: Watts College of Nursing Supersedes: Policy Level: Student Department: Administration Owner(s) Administrative Affairs Committee Contributing Departments: Approved by: Team Senate Manual Name: Student Handbook Original Effective Date: 1/2020 Revision Date: 7/1/2025 Scheduled Review Date: 7/2028 Scheduled Review Interval: 36 months POLICY Watts College of Nursing (WCON; the College) adheres to a policy of compliance with the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA). The policy (1) permits students to inspect their education records, (2) limits disclosure to others of personally- identifiable information from education records without students’ prior written consent, and (3) provides students the opportunity to seek correction of their education records where appropriate. DEFINITIONS Student – An individual who is, or who has become, in attendance at WCON. It does not include an individual who was an unsuccessful applicant for admission to the College. A student definition also includes alumni/former students. In Attendance – A student in attendance is participating in classroom and clinical in person. WCON defines attendance to begin the first day a student arrives on campus for orientation. Education Records – Education records include those records that are personally identifiable and which are maintained by WCON’s faculty or staff. Records could be information or data recorded in any medium, including but not limited to photos, handwriting, print, tapes, film, microfilm, and microfiche. The following are not considered education records: Records about students made by faculty and administrators for professional use and not shown to others. Campus police records maintained solely for law enforcement purposes and kept separate from the education records described above. Employment records, except where a currently-enrolled student is employed as a result of their status as a student (i.e., work-study) Records of a physician, psychologist, or other recognized professional or paraprofessional made or used only for treatment purposes and available only to persons providing treatment. These records may be reviewed by an appropriate professional of the student’s choice.
Watts College of Nursing – 2026-2027 Student Handbook | 78STUDENT POLICIES Records which contain only information relating to a person’s activities after that person is no longer a student at WCON. Application for admissions records to WCON in which the student is not currently in attendance. Personally Identifiable – Data or information that contains the name of a student; the student’s parent or other family member’s name; the address of the student, parent, or family member; a personal identifier, such as the social security number or student ID number; other information which would make the student’s identity easily traceable. Directory Information – The following categories of information have been designated directory information at WCON: Name(s) Addresses Duke Unique ID Telephone listing(s) Email Addresses Place of birth Photograph(s) Participation in officially recognized student organizations Dates of attendance Degrees and awards received Most recent previous educational institution attended WCON will give annual public notice to students of the categories of information designated as directory information and will allow a reasonable period of time after such notice for the student to inform WCON that they wish to suppress the information from being disclosed. Directory information may appear in public documents and may otherwise be disclosed without student consent unless the student objects as indicated. See Disclosure of Personally Identifiable Information section below for additional information. Disclosure – Permitting of access or the release, transfer, or other communication of education records orally or in writing, or by electronic means, or by any other means to any party. College Official – A person employed at WCON, in an administrative, supervisory, academic, or support staff position; a person or company with whom WCON has contracted (such as an attorney, auditor, or collection agent); a person serving on the Board of Trustees or a student serving on an official committee or assisting another school official in performing their tasks. School officials may only access and use education records as necessary to conduct official WCON business or for which – there is a legitimate educational interest. Legitimate Educational Interest – An interest in reviewing student education records for the purpose of performing an appropriate WCON research, educational, or administrative function. A school official has legitimate educational interest if the need to see an education record is necessary in order to perform their professional responsibilities. Interests essential to the general process of higher education, including teaching, research, public service, and directly supportive activities such as academic advising, general counseling, therapeutic counseling, discipline, vocational counseling and job placement, financial assistance and advisement, medical services, academic assistance activities, and co-curricular activities including specific interest clubs and student government.
Watts College of Nursing – 2026-2027 Student Handbook | 79STUDENT POLICIES ANNUAL NOTIFICATION OF RIGHTS Under FERPA, a school must annually notify eligible students in attendance of their rights under FERPA. The annual notification must include information regarding an eligible student’s right to inspect and review their education records, the right to seek to amend the records, the right to consent to disclosure of personally identifiable information from the records (except in certain circumstances), and the right to file a complaint with the Office regarding an alleged failure by a school to comply with FERPA. It must also inform eligible students of the school’s definitions of the terms “school official” and “legitimate educational interest.” FERPA does not require a school to notify eligible students individually of their rights under FERPA. Rather, the school may provide the notice by any means likely to inform eligible students of their rights. Thus, the annual notification may be published by various means, including any of the following: in a schedule of classes; in a student handbook; in a calendar of school events; on the school’s website (though this should not be the exclusive means of notification); and/or posted in a central location at the school or various locations throughout the school. Additionally, some schools include their directory information notice as part of the annual notice of rights under FERPA. (https://studentprivacy.ed.gov/resources/eligible-student-guide-family-educational-rights-and-privacy-act-ferpa) RIGHT TO INSPECT RECORDS Each student has a right of access to their education records, with the following exceptions: Financial records of the student’s parents. Confidential letters and confidential statements of recommendation placed in education records of students before January 1, 1975, provided that the letters and statements were used only for the purposes for which they were intended. Confidential letters of recommendation and confidential statements of recommendation which were placed in the education records of the student after January 1, 1975, in connection with admission to an institution, an application for employment, or the receipt of an honor or honorary recognition, provided that the student has waived his or her right to inspect and review those letters and statements of recommendation. • Persons applying for admission may waive in writing their right to inspect and review confidential letters of recommendation and confidential statements of recommendation. The waiver may apply to confidential letters and statements only if the applicant or student is, upon request, notified of the names of all individuals providing the letters or statements, and such letters and statements are used solely for the purpose for which they were originally intended. The WCON will not require such waivers as a condition for admission or receipt of any service or benefit normally provided to students. A waiver may be revoked in writing at any time, and the revocation will apply to all subsequent recommendations. Education records of other students, if included on the education record of the student. The student may only inspect his/her own information. Students wishing to review their records should submit the Request to Review Student Records form to the Registrar. The request should include the following: full name, records requested to be reviewed, and purpose of review. WCON will comply with record review requests within 45 days. For students living locally (within commuting distance of approximately 50 miles), arrangements can be made for the student to read their records in the presence of a staff member. Copies are not provided, including copies of transcripts from other institutions. Other arrangements can be made for students not living locally. A student who exercises the right to review their education record is also entitled to a reasonable request for explanation and interpretation of those records. If a student has made the request to review their record, none of those records shall be destroyed until the student’s request to inspect or review has been honored.
Watts College of Nursing – 2026-2027 Student Handbook | 80STUDENT POLICIES DISCLOSURE OF PERSONALLY IDENTIFIABLE INFORMATION WCON will not release personally-identifiable information in education records or allow access to those records without prior consent of the student, other than information deemed “directory information.” Unless disclosure is to the student themself, the consent must be written, signed and dated, and must specify the records to be disclosed and the identity of the recipient. Prior consent may not be required for disclosure of education records to the following: School officials of WCON who have been determined to have legitimate educational interests. Officials of other schools in which a student seeks or intends to enroll or is enrolled. Authorized representative of the Comptroller General of the U.S., the Attorney General of the U.S., the U.S. Secretary of Education, and state and local educational authorities, but only in connection with the audit or evaluation of federally supported educational programs, or in connection with the enforcement of, or compliance with, federal legal requirements relating to these programs. These officials will protect information received so as not to permit personal identification of students to outsiders, and the data shall be destroyed when no longer needed for the purposes above. In connection with a student’s application for, or receipt of, financial aid, but only to the extent necessary for such purposes as determining eligibility, amount, conditions, and enforcement of terms or conditions. State and local officials to which such information is specifically required to be reported by effective state law. Organizations conducting educational studies for the purpose of developing, validating, or administering predictive tests, administering student aid programs, and improving instruction. The studies shall be conducted so as not to permit personal identification of students to anyone other than representatives of the organizations, and the information will be destroyed when no longer needed for these purposes. Accrediting organizations for purposes necessary to carry out their functions. Parents of a student who is a dependent for income tax purposes (dependency must be documented). Appropriate parties in connection with an emergency, where knowledge of the information is necessary to protect the health or safety of the student or other individuals. In response to a court order or subpoena (WCON will make reasonable efforts to notify the student before complying with the court order). A victim of an alleged perpetrator of a crime of violence or a non-forcible sex offense. This disclosure may only include the final results of the disciplinary proceeding with respect to that alleged crime or offense, regardless of the finding. On request, the final results of a disciplinary proceeding where a student has allegedly perpetrated a crime of violence or non-forcible sex offense and has been found to have violated WCON rules or policies. The names of the victims, witnesses, or other students will not be disclosed without consent. Parents of a student under the age of 21 who has been found with an alcohol-related disciplinary violation. It is WCON’s practice not to provide student education record information to any party outside the institution with the exception of vendors contracted to provide a service to the institution and are considered school officials and a few entities that provide support for major WCON events, such as graduation. WCON will maintain, within with the student’s education records, a record for each request and each disclosure, except: disclosures to the student themself; disclosures pursuant to the written consent of the student; disclosures to instructional or administrative officials of WCON;
Watts College of Nursing – 2026-2027 Student Handbook | 81STUDENT POLICIES disclosures of directory information; disclosures pursuant to a Federal grand jury’s subpoena or other law enforcement subpoenas where the court or other agency issuing the subpoena has ordered the institution to not disclose the existence of the subpoena. The record of disclosure may be inspected by the student, the official custodian of the records, and other WCON and governmental officials. A student wishing to suppress the release of “Directory Information” may do so by completing the Request for Non-Disclosure form. The form may be obtained by contacting the Registrar. The student should weigh the implication of placing the suppression. By withholding the release of “Directory Information” WCON will: not include the student’s name, address, email address, or phone number in the student directory; refuse to release any information about the student to the student’s insurance company, current or future employers, all forms of media, and any non-institutional persons or organizations; give no personal information over the phone; will state “do not have any documentation that would support the release of information for a student by that name” to any person/organization/company that would seek information about a student’s status. The Request for Non-Disclosure does not prevent the disclosure of information to WCON personnel with a legitimate educational interest. The Request for Non-Disclosure remains in effect until the student rescinds the request. A student who wishes to revoke a Request for Non-Disclosure must contact the Registrar in writing. A request in place at the time of graduation or at the time of leaving WCON remains in effect in perpetuity. RIGHT TO SEEK CORRECTION OF RECORDS A student who believes that information contained in their education records is incorrect, misleading, or violative of privacy or other rights may submit a written request to the Registrar, specifying the document(s) being challenged and the basis for the complaint. The request will be sent to the custodian of the record in question. Within a reasonable period of time of receipt of the request, WCON will decide whether to amend the records in accordance with the request. If the decision is to refuse to amend, the student will be so notified and will be advised of the right to a hearing. A student request for a formal hearing must be made within 30 calendar days after the student receives notice from the record custodian that the record(s) will not be amended. The request for hearing must be made in writing to the Coordinator of Registration and Enrollment, signed by the student, and contain: 1) a statement that the student is requesting a formal hearing on a request to amend a record, 2) the date the student received notice from the record custodian, and the name of the record custodian, that the record would not be amended, 3) a summary of the attempts to resolve the matter with the records custodian and the result of those attempts, and 4) a summary of the evidence and arguments the student would present at a hearing. A hearing will be held within 30 calendar days after the receipt of the student’s request, and the student will be given ample advance notice of the date, place, and time of the hearing. Conduct of the Hearing: The hearing will be conducted by a WCON official who does not have a direct interest in the outcome. The student will have a full and fair opportunity to present evidence relevant to the issues raised and may be assisted or represented by individuals of their choice at their own expense, including an attorney. The WCON official conducting the hearing will, after considering all relevant information, make a recommendation to the Coordinator of Registration and Enrollment.
Watts College of Nursing – 2026-2027 Student Handbook | 82STUDENT POLICIES Decision of the Hearing: Within a reasonable period of time after the conclusion of the hearing, WCON will notify the student in writing of the decision. The decision will be based solely upon evidence presented at the hearing and will include a summary of the evidence and the reasons for the decision. If WCON decides that the information in the student’s records is inaccurate, misleading, or otherwise in violation of the privacy or other rights of the student, WCON will amend the record(s) accordingly. If, as a result of the hearing, WCON decides that the information is not inaccurate, misleading, or violate of the student’s right, the student has the right to place, in their record, a statement commenting on the information and/or explaining any reasons for disagreeing with WCON’s decision. Any such explanation will be kept as part of the student’s record as long as the contested portion of the record is kept and will be disclosed whenever the contested portion of the record is disclosed. LIMIT TO FERPA PROTECTION OF RECORDS FERPA’s protection of personally identifiable information in a student’s education record ends at the time of death. COMPLAINTS Complaints alleging violation of the provisions of FERPA may be submitted to: Family Policy and Compliance Office US Department of Education 400 Maryland Avenue SW Washington, DC 20202-5920 1-800-872-5327 ATTACHMENT FERPA Consent to Release Form Request to Review Student Records Form Request for Non-Disclosure Form Request to Revoke Non-Disclosure
Watts College of Nursing – 2026-2027 Student Handbook | 83STUDENT POLICIES WATTS COLLEGE OF NURSING STUDENT CONSENT TO RELEASE EDUCATION RECORDS The Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA) affords certain rights to students concerning the privacy of, and access to, their education records. If desired, students may complete this form allowing the release of specific education records to specific third parties, as identified below, and submit it to the Coordinator of Registration and Enrollment. For more information regarding FERPA, please see Watts College of Nursing FERPA policy located in the student handbook. Name of Student: ________________________________________________________________________________________ Name of person(s) to whom access to education records may be provided: _______________________________________________________________________________________________________ Relationship to Student: ___________________________________________________________________________________ The only type of information that is to be released under this consent is: ________ Academic Information ________ Disciplinary Information ________ Financial Information ________ Recommendations for employment or admission to other schools ________ Other (specify) _____________________________________________________________________________ The information is to be released for the following purpose: ________ Family communications about the Watts College of Nursing experience ________ Employment ________ Admission to an educational institution ________ Other (specify) _____________________________________________________________________________ I understand that: (1) I have the right not to consent to the release of my education records; (2) I have the right to inspect any written records released pursuant to this consent; and (3) I have the right to revoke this consent at any time by delivering a written revocation to the Coordinator of Registration and Enrollment, and that this consent shall remain in effect until I make such revocation. Name: (print) ________________________________________ Date: _____________________ Signature: __________________________________________
Watts College of Nursing – 2026-2027 Student Handbook | 84STUDENT POLICIES WATTS COLLEGE OF NURSING REQUEST TO REVIEW STUDENT RECORDS The Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA) is a Federal law designed to protect the privacy of education records and to establish the right of students to inspect and review their records. Under FERPA a student may request to review records held by the institution. The student should be as specific as possible about the records to review and purpose. A list of records held by the institutions may be found in the Watts College of Nursing FERPA policy in the Student Handbook. FERPA dictates an institution allow a student to review records. It does not require the institution to provide copies. In order to request a review of your records under the FERPA, please submit the following information. Purpose for Review: _______________________________________________________________________________________________________ _______________________________________________________________________________________________________ _______________________________________________________________________________________________________ _______________________________________________________________________________________________________ _______________________________________________________________________________________________________ _______________________________________________________________________________________________________ _______________________________________________________________________________________________________ Name: (print) ________________________________________ Date: _____________________ Signature: __________________________________________
Watts College of Nursing – 2026-2027 Student Handbook | 85STUDENT POLICIES WATTS COLLEGE OF NURSING REQUEST FOR NON-DISCLOSURE The Watts College of Nursing (WCON) respects the rights and privacy of students in accordance with the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA) of 1974. Under this Act, the school may disclose certain items, listed below and referenced as Directory Information, without the consent of the student. name address Duke unique ID telephone listing(s) e-mail addresses place of birth photograph(s) participation in officially recognized student organizations dates of attendance degrees and awards received most recent previous educational institution attended Under the provisions of the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act, as amended, you have the right to withhold the public disclosure of Directory Information Please consider very carefully the significance of the decision to withhold Directory Information. 1. A decision to withhold release of Directory Information will mean any future requests for such information from non-institutional persons or organizations such as other schools, prospective employers, family or friends, etc., will be refused. 2. No effort will be made to contact you when a request for information is made. Regardless of the effect upon you, the institution assumes no liability for honoring your instructions that such information be withheld. 3. This request will not prevent the release of information to school officials with legitimate educational interests, to state/federal/ local authorities conducting audits or evaluation of programs, to accrediting organizations, in conjunction with financial aid, in compliance with a subpoena or in a health or safety emergency. Anonymity in classroom technology tools is not prevented. 4. A student must be actively registered to invoke this request for nondisclosure. 5. The non-disclosure remains in effect until revoked using the bottom section of this form. A non-disclosure on file at the time of withdrawal or graduation from WCON remains in effect until revoked. Name: (print) ________________________________________ Date: _____________________ Signature: __________________________________________
Watts College of Nursing – 2026-2027 Student Handbook | 86STUDENT POLICIES WATTS COLLEGE OF NURSING REQUEST TO REVOKE NON-DISCLOSURE The Watts College of Nursing (WCON) respects the rights and privacy of students in accordance with the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA) of 1974. Under this Act, the school may disclose certain items, listed below and referenced as Directory Information, without the consent of the student. name address Duke unique ID telephone listing(s) e-mail addresses place of birth photograph(s) participation in officially recognized student organizations dates of attendance degrees and awards received most recent previous educational institution attended I understand that by submitting this form, previously withheld Directory Information will no longer be withheld. Name: (print) ________________________________________ Date: _____________________ Signature: __________________________________________
Watts College of Nursing – 2026-2027 Student Handbook | 87STUDENT POLICIES WATTS COLLEGE OF NURSING POLICY DEPLOYMENT Policy Name: Financial Responsibility Institution: Supersedes: Policy Level: WCON Student Department: Owner(s) Administrative Affairs Committee Contributing Departments: Approved by: Team Senate Manual Name: Student Handbook Original Effective Date: 7/1/2019 Revision Date: 7/2025 Scheduled Review Date: 7/2028 Scheduled Review Interval: 36 months DEFINITIONS: Financial obligations – All monies owed to Watts College of Nursing POLICY Students are responsible for all financial obligations to the College. All tuition and fees are to be paid or a copy of the verification of financial award letter be sent to the Associate Executive of Business and Finance prior to the start of the semester. Students must have a balance of zero in order to register for the class. WCON administers the collection of tuition and fees in a manner that is equitable, transparent and consistently applied to all students. Collection activities are conducted professionally, with respect for each student’s circumstances, and without coercion or bias. WCON seeks to maintain open communication and to provide students with guidance and resources to help them remain in good financial standing. Students with unpaid balances will receive notification in WattsHub and via their Duke email regarding their account status. The student is encouraged to contact the billing office to make arrangements to satisfy their account balances. Failure to implement or follow through on efforts to satisfy delinquent account balances will result in the account being referred to a collections agency. Until financial obligations are met, students may not be permitted to enroll in courses, participate in graduation activities/ ceremonies and will not receive the degree at graduation.
Watts College of Nursing – 2026-2027 Student Handbook | 88STUDENT POLICIES WATTS COLLEGE OF NURSING POLICY DEPLOYMENT Policy Name: Firearms, Explosives, and Weapons Institution: Supersedes: Policy Level: WCON Student Department: Owner(s) Administrative Affairs Committee Contributing Departments: Approved by: Team Senate Manual Name: Student Handbook Original Effective Date: 7/1/2019 Revision Date: 7/2025 Scheduled Review Date: 7/2028 Scheduled Review Interval: 36 months POLICY In accordance with the North Carolina law, WCON prohibits the possession of firearms, explosives, and weapons on WCON property. The possession of firearms, explosives and weapons are not allowed on any Duke University Health System, Duke University and on any WCON contracted clinical site property. GUIDELINES All fully qualified police officers commissioned by North Carolina’s Attorney General including Duke University police officers are authorized to carry firearms while on duty. Students will: Attend the required annual Duke armed intruder training. Refer to the WCON Emergency Preparedness Education and Operations Plan for further guidance if needed. Students must register with the Duke Alert system for emergency notifications. Students must review the Duke Alert website at emergency.duke.edu for emergency notifications Students are encouraged to download the Duke LiveSafe mobile app for important safety and security resources for Duke and the community.
Watts College of Nursing – 2026-2027 Student Handbook | 89STUDENT POLICIES WATTS COLLEGE OF NURSING POLICY DEPLOYMENT Policy Name: Fundraising Institution: Watts College of Nursing Supersedes: Policy Level: Student Department: Owner(s) Student Affairs Contributing Departments: Approved by: Team Senate Manual Name: Student Handbook Original Effective Date: 7/1/2019 Revision Date: 7/2025 Scheduled Review Date: 7/2028 Scheduled Review Interval: 36 months POLICY The College recognizes that student groups and organizations have a need for occasional fundraising activities for the group’s benefit or for the benefit of designated charities. The purpose of this policy is to outline the raising, collecting, and storing of funds for student groups and organizations at Watts College of Nursing. PROCEDURE Watts College of Nursing does not support monetary fundraising efforts or the sale of merchandise by any student group or student organization. Student groups or student organizations may solicit non-monetary items such as school supplies, clothing and food items to benefit approved community and civic organizations. No class, course, or student group/organization is permitted to have a separate banking account. Student groups and organizations should discuss their desire for fundraising activities with their assigned faculty advisor. Student groups and organizations must obtain approval for event fundraising from the President or designee. An email detailing the request must be submitted to the President within 10 days of the planned event. The President will notify the student group or organization making the request and faculty advisor(s) of approval/non- approval of the request within 3 working days. Students should promote the activity with accurate, respectful messaging approved by the organization’s faculty advisor(s). Student groups and organizations cannot use the College’s name or logo on materials unless approved. Misuse of collected donations or violations of this policy may result in disciplinary action and/or revocation of privileges for the student group or organization.
Watts College of Nursing – 2026-2027 Student Handbook | 90STUDENT POLICIES WATTS COLLEGE OF NURSING POLICY DEPLOYMENT Policy Name: Gifts and Contributions Institution: Watts College of Nursing Supersedes: Policy Level: Student Department: Administration Owner(s) Student Affairs Committee Contributing Departments: Approved by: Team Senate Manual Name: Student Handbook Original Effective Date: 7/1/2019 Revision Date: 7/2025 Scheduled Review Date: 7/2028 Scheduled Review Interval: 36 months DEFINITIONS Gifts or Courtesy – includes the receipt of anything of value without compensation in return, such as food, property, hospitality, referrals, gift certificates, etc. Staff – all Duke University Health System (DUHS) administrative staff, managers, employees, allied health professionals, nursing, medical staff members, volunteers and students. POLICY Students (as individuals or as a group) desiring to give a gift or make a monetary contribution to the College/other organizations are asked to consult with administration. This consultation clarifies the intended purpose, use, and amount of the donation, thereby ensuring both usefulness and propriety. A gift of any cash or cash equivalent (e.g., gift certificate or gift card) of any value to a faculty/staff member is prohibited. WCON follows the Duke University policy pertaining to gifts and contributions to faculty and staff. Gifts, meals, entertainment or other offers of goods or services may be received from an individual or group if the total gift amount does not exceed $25.00.
Watts College of Nursing – 2026-2027 Student Handbook | 91STUDENT POLICIES WATTS COLLEGE OF NURSING POLICY DEPLOYMENT Policy Name: Grade Institution: Watts College of Nursing Supersedes: Policy Level: WCON Student Department: Administration Owner(s) Curriculum Committee Contributing Departments: Approved by: Team Senate Manual Name: Student Handbook Original Effective Date: 7/1/2019 Revision Date: 1/12/2024 Scheduled Review Date: 7/2027 Scheduled Review Interval: 36 months POLICY The purpose is to detail the processes for grades, including semester grade point average, course grade determination, availability of course grades, disputed grade, disposal of graded course materials, and availability of test grades. A student’s measure of academic achievement is recorded on the transcript based on the following grading system: COURSE GRADE ALPHABETICAL EQUIVALENT GRADE POINT 92.00-100.00 A 4.0 89.00-91.99 B+ 3.5 83.00-88.99 B 3.0 81.00-82.99 C+ 2.5 78.00-80.99 C 2.0 75.00-77.99 D+ 1.5 70.00-74.99 D 1.0 69.99 or below F 0
Watts College of Nursing – 2026-2027 Student Handbook | 92STUDENT POLICIES Semester Grade Point Average (GPA) Grades earned and semester hours attempted at other institutions are not included in the calculation of the WCON grade point average. GPA is calculated from each final course grade and is calculated after each semester attempted. To calculate the GPA: Each course grade is assigned grade points as identified in prior table. Grade points awarded are multiplied by the course credit hours to give quality points. The quality points are divided by total credit hours attempted. All course grades are included in the calculation of the GPA. All grades remain part of the student record. The GPA will be calculated to the thousandth place, no rounding. Course Grade Determination Course grade will be determined by calculating grades of predetermined weight for tests and designated learning activities that are calculated to the hundredth place. There will be no rounding of any grade. Examples: Graded activity: Grade of 84.35, illustrates calculation to the hundredth place. No rounding: course grade of 88.51 will be a B. For clinical evaluations, each clinical objective must be appraised as “Proficient to Pass” on the Final (Summative) clinical evaluation tool. If clinical objectives are not met, the correlating course grade is an automatic failure. Clinical outcomes to be reviewed in Clinical Orientation. See course syllabus for the Clinical Grading Scale. Safe Medication Administration Assessment Students must demonstrate proficiency on the Safe Medication Administration Assessment per the course syllabus. Incomplete (I) Incomplete (I) is assigned until all course work is submitted, evaluated, graded, and must be completed within 29 days from the last day of the semester. The final course grade must be submitted to the registrar on or before the 30 days past the last day of the semester. Students who fail to complete work as designated will have Incomplete (I) changed to a course grade of F in the student record. Students who have not met all program requirements by the predetermined date will not be permitted to participate in graduation activities or graduation ceremony, and may be able to take an Incomplete (I). Availability of Course Grades Course grades will be submitted to the college office with the appropriate alphabetical equivalent. Deadline for submission of grades is within five (5) business days of the final exam of the course. Disposal of Graded Course Materials All course work completed and submitted will be discarded within 10 business days of course grades being submitted to the registrar. Availability of Test Grades Grades will be posted within five (5) business days of testing.
Watts College of Nursing – 2026-2027 Student Handbook | 93STUDENT POLICIES Disputed Grade The following procedure allows the student to dispute a grade and establishes a timeline with defined steps for resolution. PROCEDURE The student should discuss the matter with the responsible faculty within five (5) business days after notification of the grade. If the matter is not resolved, a meeting between the student, the faculty and the Associate Executive Academics will be arranged within the next five (5) business days (total of ten [10] days from notification of the grade). All documentation will be presented at the meeting. The time frame may be adjusted if the Associate Executive Academics and/or involved faculty are not available. The decision by the Associate Executive Academics will be given within three (3) business days. Transcripts The student must submit a completed transcript request form to the Office of the Registrar to obtain an official transcript. Refer to Watts Hub on WCON website for guidance.
Watts College of Nursing – 2026-2027 Student Handbook | 94STUDENT POLICIES WATTS COLLEGE OF NURSING POLICY DEPLOYMENT Policy Name: Graduation Institution: WCON Supersedes: Policy Level: Student Department: Administration Owner(s) Administrative Affairs Committee Contributing Departments: Approved by: Team Senate Manual Name: Student Handbook Original Effective Date: 1/2020 Revision Date: 7/2025 Scheduled Review Date: 7/2028 Scheduled Review Interval: 36 months DEFINITIONS Financial obligations – All monies owed to Watts College of Nursing (WCON; College) Graduation – successful completion of all course and program requirements awarded with a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) degree Graduation Activities – activities to recognize/honor those who will graduate Graduation Ceremony – a formal event where eligible students will receive the BSN degree POLICY Students are required to meet all academic and financial obligations in order to graduate. Students who have not met all academic requirements by the predetermined date will not be permitted to participate in graduation activities or graduation ceremony, and may be able to take an Incomplete (I). Incomplete (I) is assigned until all course work is submitted, evaluated, and graded. The final course grade must be submitted to the Coordinator of Registration and Enrollment within 30 days of the final day of the semester in which the Incomplete was taken. Students who fail to complete work as designated will have (I) changed to a course grade of F in the student record. Students who have financial obligations may not be permitted to participate in the graduation activities/graduation ceremony and will not receive the degree. Students who are suspended or are in an active process of appeal from the college at the time of graduation will not be permitted to participate in the graduation activities or graduation ceremony. Students who did not participate in the graduation ceremony will receive the degree by mail. PROCEDURE Completion of Degree Audit. Complete Graduation Form three weeks prior to graduation. Return ID badge prior to or within one week of graduation. Return any assistive learning devices to the Disability Liason.
Watts College of Nursing – 2026-2027 Student Handbook | 95STUDENT POLICIES ATTACHMENTS Watts College of Nursing Graduation Form WATTS COLLEGE OF NURSING GRADUATION FORM Student: ______________________________ Date: ____________ Social Security Number (last 4 digits only): xxx-xx-______________ Student ID#: _________________________ Personal Email Address (not duke.edu): ___________________________________________________ Cell Phone Number: _____________________________ Address: Name you want printed on your Degree: __________________________________________________ SECTION 1: STUDENT TO COMPLETE A. Permission for Transcript/References Students must complete and submit the Watts College of Nursing transcript request form in order for the College to release transcripts. Third party companies must gain consent from the graduate in order to receive a Watts College of Nursing transcript. B. Waiver In compliance with the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act, you are requested to check one of the following: _______ A non-confidential reference. (I may have access to this reference.) _______ A confidential reference. (I waive my right of access to this reference.) ___________________________________ Student Signature C. Permission for Contacting Employers I hereby authorize Watts College of Nursing, Durham, North Carolina to contact my employer for the purpose of confirming employment by the accrediting body. ___________________________________ Student Signature
Watts College of Nursing – 2026-2027 Student Handbook | 96STUDENT POLICIES **Are you a current employee of DUHS Employer: Accepted Position as a Registered Nurse at: _________________________________________________________ Start Date: _________________________________________ Student: ___________________________________________ SECTION 2: WCON OFFICE TO COMPLETE Department Signature/Initials Date Finance – Tuition Balance Financial Aid ID Badge Return _________________________________________________________ ____________________________ Signature – Associate Executive of Business and Finance Date
Watts College of Nursing – 2026-2027 Student Handbook | 97STUDENT POLICIES WATTS COLLEGE OF NURSING POLICY DEPLOYMENT Policy Name: Grievance Institution: Watts College of Nursing Supersedes: Policy Level: Student Department: Administration Owner(s) Student Affairs Committee Contributing Departments: Approved by: Team Senate Manual Name: Student Handbook Original Effective Date: 7/1/2019 Revision Date: 7/2025 Scheduled Review Date: 7/2028 Scheduled Review Interval: 36 months DEFINITIONS Burden of Proof – A student who files a grievance has a burden of proving, by a preponderance of the evidence, that they have been wronged. Confidentiality – Maintaining as confidential, to the extent possible, all matters related to a grievance on a criterion of “need to know.” Grievance – A grievance is an allegation by a student that a violation, misapplication, or misinterpretation of a Watts College of Nursing (WCON) policy or procedure has occurred. Grievant – The grievant is a current WCON student who files a grievance. Respondent – The respondent is the person against whom a grievance is filed. Working days – The days of the week (Monday through Friday) that the College is open. Grievance Panel – Four faculty members (one from each level of the program) who volunteer or are appointed by the President of the College, and five students (one from each level of the program and one at large student). POLICY The relationship between students, faculty and staff is of vital importance to the learning process, necessitating a course by which divergent viewpoints can be aired and resolved. Watts College of Nursing is committed to resolving grievances in a fair, orderly, and expeditious manner. The procedure that follows is designed to ensure objective and just treatment of students, faculty and staff in a mutually respectful atmosphere. Every effort should be made to settle differences amicably and to rectify the grievance through the Informal Grievance Procedure.
Watts College of Nursing – 2026-2027 Student Handbook | 98STUDENT POLICIES All documents generated, including minutes of the grievance panel and decisions by administrative parties, will be permanently archived at the conclusion of the grievance procedure. Eligibility The grievant and the respondent(s) must be present at a grievance panel hearing. When a grievant fails to appear for a hearing without acceptable cause, the grievance will be considered abandoned, provided proper notification is documented. If the respondent is not present at a hearing after being given proper notice, the respondent’s absence will be documented and the hearing will proceed. Participation Individuals external to the College will be excluded from proceedings pertaining to this policy. Attorneys or law students are not permitted to render legal assistance during a grievance hearing. Grievance Panel members must not have been involved in the previous steps of the grievance procedure. The panel members will select a chairperson from its membership and seven members will constitute a quorum for a hearing. The President of Watts College of Nursing will notify individuals whose attendance is required at a grievance hearing a minimum of 24 hours prior to the hearing. Scope The grievant may remain in the course and/or clinical activities pending all appeals if, in the opinion of the President of Watts College of Nursing, the safety and quality of client care or the public image of the college and/or Duke University Health System would not be compromised. A grievance will be considered settled if not appealed to a higher step within the established time limit and shall not be subject to any further proceedings. PROCEDURE Grievance Inquiry Step 1 – The grievant must initiate the process with the Associate Executive of Academics within five (5) working days of the incident or action leading to the grievance. Step 2 – The grievant may meet with the respondent(s) against whom they have a grievance and make a good faith effort to resolve the grievance. The grievant has the obligation to fully inform the respondent(s) of the problem and what would be a reasonable resolution to the complaint. If the grievant has concerns regarding safety, the grievant can discuss with the Associate Executive of Academics. Step 3 – The respondent(s) has the responsibility to consider the matter seriously and to respond to the issues within five (5) working days. Step 4 – If the grievance inquiry is not resolved, the grievant may proceed with the Grievance Procedure.
Watts College of Nursing – 2026-2027 Student Handbook | 99STUDENT POLICIES Grievance Procedure Step 1 – Within five (5) working days of the conclusion of the Grievance Inquiry, the grievant must file a written grievance with the President of Watts College of Nursing. The grievance should state the college policy or procedure that allegedly has been violated, describe the facts and evidence supporting the alleged violation, indicate what redress the grievant seeks, and provide a brief history of the attempts to resolve the grievance. Step 2 – The President of Watts College of Nursing will render a decision in writing within three (3) working days. Appeal Process Step 1 – The grievant may appeal the Grievance Procedure decision within three (3) working days by submitting a request for a Grievance Panel from the President. Step 2 – The grievance panel’s function is limited to the hearing of an appeal. Members of the grievance panel will hold information related to the grievance in the strictest of confidence. Complete minutes will be recorded and signed by the chairperson of the grievance panel. Step 3 – The Grievance Panel will render a decision within three (3) working days, which is final. A copy of the decision will be filed in the grievant’s record. GUIDELINES The Slate Authorization Unit of the University of North Carolina System Office serves as the official state entity to receive complaints concerning post-secondary institutions that are authorized to operate in North Carolina. If students are unable to resolve a complaint through the institution’s grievance procedures, they can review the Student Complaint Policy (PDF) and submit their complaint using the online complaint form at https://studentcomplaints.northcarolina.edu/form. For more information contact: North Carolina Post-Secondary Education Complaints 223 S. West Street, Suite 1800 Raleigh, NC 27603 919.962.4550 To file a complaint with the Consumer Protection Division of the North Carolina Department of Justice, please visit the State Attorney General’s web page at: http://www.ncdoj.gov/complaint. North Carolina residents may call 877.566.7226. Outside of North Carolina, please call 919.716.6000. En Espanol 919.716.0058. If you choose to mail a complaint, please use the following address: Consumer Protection Division Attorney General’s Office Mail Service Center 9001 Raleigh, NC 27699-9001
Watts College of Nursing – 2026-2027 Student Handbook | 100STUDENT POLICIES WATTS COLLEGE OF NURSING POLICY DEPLOYMENT Policy Name: Harassment Institution: Watts College of Nursing Supersedes: Policy Level: WCON Student Department: Administration Owner(s) Student Governance Committee Contributing Departments: Approved by: Team Senate Manual Name: Student Handbook Original Effective Date: 7/1/2019 Revision Date: 7/2025 Scheduled Review Date: 7/2028 Scheduled Review Interval: 36 months DEFINITIONS Harassment – Unwelcome or malicious conduct, whether verbal or physical, that creates a hostile or intimidating environment; may be based upon a person’s gender, gender identity/orientation, color, race, religion, national origin, age, disability, marital, veteran, or other protected status. Harassment also occurs when a person uses a position of authority to engage in unwelcome sexual advances, requisition for sexual favors, or other verbal or physical conduct of a sexual nature. Complainant – the person making an allegation or complaint of harassment Respondent – the person against whom the allegation or complaint of harassment is made Allegation – a statement by a complainant that they believe an act of harassment has occurred Complaint – a formal notification, either orally or in writing, of the belief that harassment has occurred POLICY Watts College of Nursing (WCON; College) is committed to maintaining an inclusive and respectful learning environment that is free of discrimination, harassment and related misconduct for all individuals in the College community. In keeping with this commitment, the College will not tolerate harassing conduct that interferes with College performance or that creates an intimidating, hostile, or offensive educational environment. An individual who brings a complaint in good faith will not be adversely affected as a result of reporting harassment. PROCEDURE WCON follows the Duke Human Resources policy for Prohibited Discrimination, Harassment and Related Misconduct. Administrative responsibility for implementing the Duke Prohibited Discrimination, Harassment and Related Misconduct Policy rests with the Office for Institutional Equity (OIE). The Associate Vice President for Harassment and Discrimination Prevention and Compliance is also Duke’s designated Title IX Coordinator and responsible for implementing Title IX. Title IX is a federal law that prohibits sexual harassment. View OIE’s website for more information about the Prohibited Discrimination, Harassment and Related Misconduct policy, Duke’s non-discrimination statement, OIE and Title IX. The website also provides contact information for the Associate Vice President for Harassment and Discrimination Prevention and Compliance. Office for Institutional Equity: https://web.duke.edu/equity or 919.684.8222
Watts College of Nursing – 2026-2027 Student Handbook |101STUDENT POLICIES WATTS COLLEGE OF NURSING POLICY DEPLOYMENT Policy Name: Hazing Institution: Watts College of Nursing Supersedes: Policy Level: Student Department: Administration Owner(s) Student Governance Committee Contributing Departments: Approved by: Team Senate Manual Name: Student Handbook Original Effective Date: 6/23/2025 Revision Date: Scheduled Review Date: 7/2028 Scheduled Review Interval: 36 months OVERVIEW Purpose. Watts College of Nursing (WCON; the College) is committed to fostering an environment of mutual respect, safety, and inclusion. In fulfillment of these aims, the purpose of this policy is to identify Hazing as prohibited conduct; outline relevant procedures for reporting, investigating, and resolving Hazing allegations; and outline sanctions that may be imposed for Hazing. The policy also provides information on applicable local, State, and Tribal laws related to Hazing; outline the College’s prevention and awareness programs related to Hazing; and addresses how the College will maintain and make available a Campus Hazing Transparency Report as well as a public website addressing Hazing. Scope. This policy applies to all WCON students regardless of location. Hazing is prohibited both on and off-campus, in all official and unofficial activities, including (but not limited to) those activities related to organizational membership, team bonding, or social functions. Applicable Laws. • Public Law 118-173, otherwise known as the Stop Campus Hazing Act, was enacted on December 23, 2024. The law amended the Jeanne Clery Disclosure of Campus Security Policy and Campus Crime Statistics Act, § 485(f) of the Higher Education Act of 1965, as amended (HEA), which it also renamed the Jeanne Clery Campus Safety Act (Clery Act). The Stop Campus Hazing Act requires each domestic institution of higher education that participates in federal financial assistance programs authorized under Title IV of the HEA to comply with certain policy, disclosure, and prevention requirements related to Hazing involving student organizations. • NC Gen. Stat. § 14-35 (2023) makes it unlawful for any student in attendance at any university, college, or school in the State to engage in Hazing, or to aid or abet any other student in the commission of Hazing. Hazing is defined in NC Gen. Stat. § 14-35 (2023) as follows: “to subject another student to physical injury as part of an initiation, or as a prerequisite to membership, into any organized school group, including any society, athletic team, fraternity or sorority, or other similar group.” Furthermore, NC Gen. Stat. § 14-38 (2023) provides that any person subpoenaed as a witness on behalf of the State shall be required to testify if called upon to do so. However, the law also provides that no student or other person so testifying shall be amenable or subject to indictment on account of, or by reason of, such testimony.
Watts College of Nursing – 2026-2027 Student Handbook | 102STUDENT POLICIES DEFINITIONS The following definitions shall be used for purposes of including Hazing incidents in the crime statistics the College reports in the Annual Security Report (as required by 20 U.S.C. 1092(f)(1)(F)(iv)) and to the U.S. Department of Education (as required by 20 U.S.C. 1092(f)(5)). Furthermore, the definition of “student organization” also applies everywhere in this policy the phrase “student organization” is used. Hazing means “any intentional, knowing, or reckless act committed by a person (whether individually or in concert with other persons) against another person or persons regardless of the willingness of such other person or persons to participate, that— • is committed in the course of an initiation into, an affiliation with, or the maintenance of membership in, a student organization; and • causes or creates a risk, above the reasonable risk encountered in the course of participation in the institution of higher education or the organization (such as the physical preparation necessary for participation in an athletic team), of physical or psychological injury including— – whipping, beating, striking, electronic shocking, placing of a harmful substance on someone’s body, or similar activity; – causing, coercing, or otherwise inducing sleep deprivation, exposure to the elements, confinement in a small space, extreme calisthenics, or other similar activity; – causing, coercing, or otherwise inducing another person to consume food, liquid, alcohol, drugs, or other substances; – causing, coercing, or otherwise inducing another person to perform sexual acts; – any activity that places another person in reasonable fear of bodily harm through the use of threatening words or conduct; – any activity against another person that includes a criminal violation of local, State, Tribal or Federal law; and – any activity that induces, causes, or requires another person to perform a duty or task that involves a criminal violation of local, State, Tribal, or Federal law.” *20 U.S.C. 1092(f)(6)(A)(vi) Student organization means “an organization at an institution of higher education (such as a club, society, association, varsity or junior varsity athletic team, club sports team, fraternity, sorority, band, or student government) in which two or more of the members are students enrolled at the institution of higher education, whether or not the organization is established or recognized by the institution.” *20 U.S.C. 1092(f)(6)(A)(vii). REPORTING STATISTICS Annually, Watts College of Nursing will compile statistics for incidents of Hazing reportedly occurring on or within the College’s Clery Geography that were reported to a Campus Security Authority or local law enforcement agency. Such Hazing statistics will be compiled using the definition of Hazing. Annual Security Report. Hazing statistics for the three most recent calendar years for which data are available will be disclosed in the College’s Annual Security Report.1 *20 U.S.C. 1092(f)(1)(F) Reporting to the U.S. Department of Education. The College will disclose Hazing statistics in the data reported to the U.S. Department of Education (ED) via the annual Campus Safety and Security Survey, no later than the date specified annually by ED. *20 U.S.C. 1092(f)(5) 1 The Stop Campus Hazing Act requires colleges and universities to begin to collect statistics on Hazing incidents no later than January 1 of the first year after the law’s enactment (i.e., beginning January 1, 2025). Therefore, the College will disclose Hazing statistics for the first time in the 2026 Annual Security Report for the 2025 calendar year only. Each subsequent Annual Security Report will record Hazing statistics in the applicable calendar year in which the Hazing incident was reported to a Campus Security Authority or local law enforcement agency. However, statistics will not be recorded for Hazing incidents reported prior to 2025.
Watts College of Nursing – 2026-2027 Student Handbook | 103STUDENT POLICIES Calculating the Number of Hazing Incidents. Hazing statistics shall be compiled per each single Hazing incident and in accordance with the definition of Hazing. If the same person or persons commit more than one Hazing act, and the time and place intervals separating each such act are insignificant, such acts shall be reported as a single Hazing incident. If, however, the time and place intervals separating each such act are significant, each act shall be reported as a separate Hazing incident. *20 U.S.C. 1092(f)(7) PROHIBITED CONDUCT Hazing, as defined in this section, is expressly prohibited under this policy. For purposes of holding students and student organizations accountable for reported Hazing incidents, the College defines Hazing as: Any intentional, knowing, or reckless act committed by a person (whether individually or in concert with other persons) against another person or persons regardless of the willingness of such other person or persons to participate, that— • is committed in the course of an initiation into, an affiliation with, or the maintenance of membership in, a student organization; and • causes or creates a risk, above the reasonable risk encountered in the course of participation in the institution of higher education or the organization (such as the physical preparation necessary for participation in an athletic team), of physical or psychological injury including— – whipping, beating, striking, electronic shocking, placing of a harmful substance on someone’s body, or similar activity; – causing, coercing, or otherwise inducing sleep deprivation, exposure to the elements, confinement in a small space, extreme calisthenics, or other similar activity; – causing, coercing, or otherwise inducing another person to consume food, liquid, alcohol, drugs, or other substances; – causing, coercing, or otherwise inducing another person to perform sexual acts; – any activity that places another person in reasonable fear of bodily harm through the use of threatening words or conduct; – any activity against another person that includes a criminal violation of local, State, Tribal or Federal law; and – any activity that induces, causes, or requires another person to perform a duty or task that involves a criminal violation of local, State, Tribal, or Federal law. *20 U.S.C. 1092(f)(6)(A)(vi) Hazing also involves any other activity not addressed by this definition that is expected of someone joining or participating in a student organization that humiliates, degrades, abuses, or endangers them, regardless of a person’s willingness to participate. This includes, but is not limited to, the following: • verbal abuse, intimidation, or manipulation, or coercion into degrading acts. • blindfolding, forced physical activity, personal servitude, and • forcing individuals to perform embarrassing or socially isolating activities or tasks. Retaliation against any person who: reports Hazing, is the victim of Hazing, witnesses Hazing, participates in an investigation related to Hazing, or otherwise is involved in implementing any aspect of this policy is strictly prohibited. DISCIPLINARY AUTHORITY Only student organizations that are recognized by, registered with, or established by the College shall be subject to WCON’s disciplinary authority. WCON reserves the right to hold a sub-group of an organization accountable for Hazing policy violations, rather than the entire student organization, when circumstances reasonably indicate a sub-group, not the entire student organization, committed a Hazing policy violation.
Watts College of Nursing – 2026-2027 Student Handbook | 104STUDENT POLICIES While student organizations that are not recognized or established by WCON are not subject to the College’s disciplinary authority, individuals who engage in violations of the standards of conduct outlined in this Hazing policy will be held accountable regardless of whether the student organization in which the Hazing activities occurred is recognized by, registered with, or established by the institution. While each report will be evaluated on a case-by-case basis, the College generally considers the following non-exhaustive criteria when determining whether conduct might reasonably be associated with a student organization: • The conduct is sanctioned by the student organization and/or any of its officers (“sanctioned by” may include, but is not limited to, the following: active or passive consent or encouragement; having prior knowledge that the conduct was likely to occur; or helping to plan, advertise, or promote the conduct); or • The conduct is committed during the course of an activity financed by the organization, or financed as a result of one or more members of the student organization contributing personal funds in support of the activity or conduct in question; or • The conduct occurred on property owned, controlled, rented, leased, or used by the organization or any of its members; or • The purpose of the activity was related to initiation, admission into, affiliation with, or as a condition for continued membership in the student organization; or • Non-members of the student organization learned of the activity through members, advertisements, or communications associated with the student organization, or otherwise formed a reasonable belief that the conduct or activity was affiliated with or sanctioned by the student organization; or • Members of the student organization attempted to conceal the activity or protect other members who were involved; or • One or more officer(s) of the organization had prior knowledge or reasonably should have known that the incident would take place. REPORTING HAZING Any individual who experiences or witnesses Hazing is strongly encouraged to report the incident immediately. Any incident involving an in-progress crime or emergency should be reported immediately to the local law enforcement agency with jurisdiction by dialing 911. Reporting Options. Reports can be made in person, by phone, or by email using the contact information below. The identity of individuals who report Hazing will not be shared to the fullest extent possible. • Report Concerning Activities to Duke Police (911 or 919-684-2444). • Anonymous reports can be made using the Duke Silent Witness Program. Anonymous crime reporting can be a valuable tool for encouraging people to share information without fear of retaliation—but it comes with several limitations. If the report lacks sufficient detail or key data, it may inhibit WCON’s ability to follow up. Support and Resources. The identity of individuals who report Hazing will be kept confidential to the extent possible. Any individual who is affected by Hazing is encouraged to seek support through WCON’s student counseling services. Support is available for both victims and those involved in Hazing situations. PROCEDURE All reported incidents of hazing will be investigated promptly and thoroughly. The investigation may include interviews with the affected individual(s), witnesses, and relevant parties.
Watts College of Nursing – 2026-2027 Student Handbook | 105STUDENT POLICIES SANCTIONS Respondents who violate the College’s Hazing policy will be subject to conduct sanctions, which may include probation, mandatory training/education and suspension. Respondents can also face sanctions under other College policies as well as criminal or civil penalties imposed under applicable law. Disciplinary Action Process: If Hazing is confirmed, the following disciplinary actions may be imposed: Individual Sanctions: Suspension, expulsion, removal from leadership positions, or other appropriate actions based on the severity of the hazing. Organizational Sanctions: Suspension, disbandment, or other penalties for student organizations, teams, or groups involved in hazing activities. Other Consequences: Depending on the situation, legal action or referral to law enforcement may occur. JURISDICTIONAL LAWS In addition to the College’s Hazing policy, members of the campus community should be aware of applicable jurisdictional laws pertaining to Hazing. Local Laws. There are no applicable local laws relating to Hazing in the College’s jurisdiction. State Laws. Hazing is a misdemeanor under North Carolina state law. It is unlawful for any student in attendance at any university, college, or school in this State to engage in Hazing, or to aid or abet any other student in the commission of this offense. Under North Carolina law, Hazing is defined as follows: “to subject another student to physical injury as part of an initiation, or a prerequisite to membership, into any organized school group, including any society, athletic team, fraternity or sorority, or other similar group. Any violation of this section shall constitute a Class 2 misdemeanor, which carries criminal penalties that could include up to 60 days in jail and a $1,000 fine, depending on prior convictions. TRANSPARENCY REPORT WCON shall publish a Campus Hazing Transparency Report (“Transparency Report”) that summarizes findings concerning any student organization established or recognized by the College that has been found to be in violation of the WCON’s Hazing policy. *20 U.S.C. 1092(f)(9)(A) Availability. The Transparency Report shall be published in a prominent location on the public website of the College. *20 U.S.C. 1092(f)(9)(D) Report Contents. The Transparency Report shall include, at a minimum, the following information for each incident in which a student organization was found to be in violation of the College’s Hazing policy: • the name of the student organization. • a general description of the violation that resulted in a finding of responsibility. • whether the violation involved the abuse or illegal use of alcohol or drugs. • the findings of the institution. • any sanctions placed on the student organization by the College • the date on which the incident was alleged to have occurred • the date on which the investigation into the incident was initiated; • the date on which the investigation ended with a finding that a Hazing violation occurred; and • the date on which the College provided notice to the student organization that the incident resulted in a Hazing violation. *20 U.S.C. 1092(f)(9)(A)(iii)(I-III)
Watts College of Nursing – 2026-2027 Student Handbook | 106STUDENT POLICIES The Transparency Report will include a description of the purposes of, and differences between, the Transparency Report and the Hazing statistics published in the Annual Security Report. *20 U.S.C. 1092(f)(9)(E) Privacy. The Transparency Report shall not include any personally identifiable information, including any information that would reveal personally identifiable information, about any individual student in accordance with section 444 of the General Education Provisions Act (commonly known as the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act of 1974, or FERPA). *20 U.S.C. 1092(f)(9)(C) Report Maintenance. The Transparency Report will be updated not less than 2 times each year for the period, beginning on the date on which the Transparency Report was last published and ending on the date on which such update is submitted. *20 U.S.C. 1092(f)(9)(A)(iii) • Updates to the Transparency Report will be published as soon as practicable following the final determination that a student organization violated the College’s Hazing policy. • Typically, the College will publish an updated Transparency Report by no later than June 15 and December 15 each year. If either date falls on a day the College is closed, an updated Transparency Report will be published on the next business day. • All updates to the Transparency Report shall remain in the report published on the public website for no less than 5 calendar years following publication of such updates. *20 U.S.C. 1092(f)(9)(D)(iii) Recordkeeping. WCON shall maintain a copy of each updated Transparency Report for no less than seven (7) calendar years following publication of the Transparency Report, in accordance with applicable Federal record retention requirements. *34 C.F.R. § 668.24(e)(3)(ii) INVOLVEMENT OF WCON CLERY COMPLIANCE OFFICER In meeting these requirements, WCON shall consult the Clery Compliance Officer to ensure that any policies, procedures, statistics, reports (including the Transparency Report), or other disclosures developed or updated to comply, in whole or in part, with the Stop Campus Hazing Act fully address the requirements of the Clery Act.
Watts College of Nursing – 2026-2027 Student Handbook | 107STUDENT POLICIES WATTS COLLEGE OF NURSING POLICY DEPLOYMENT Policy Name: Health and Safety Institution: Watts College of Nursing Supersedes: Policy Level: WCON Student Department: Owner(s) Student Affairs Committee Contributing Departments: Approved by: Team Senate Manual Name: Student Handbook Original Effective Date: 7/1/2019 Revision Date: 7/2025 Scheduled Review Date: 7/2028 Scheduled Review Interval: 36 months DEFINITION Allergy – immune response by the body to a substance (i.e. pollen, fur, a particular food, dust, latex) to which it has become hypersensitive Bloodborne pathogens and infectious Disease – Bloodborne pathogens are infectious microorganisms present in blood that can cause disease in humans. These pathogens include,but are not limited to, hepatitis B virus (HBV), hepatitis C virus (HCV), and human immunodeficiency virus (HIV). Latex Allergy – immune reaction resulting from contact with products containing latex Latex Sensitization – antibody formation and cellular reactions to latex exposure Latex-Safe Environment – an area with minimal measurable latex allergen. A latex-safe environment reduces the risk of a reaction in latex sensitive people and the risk of latex sensitization. POLICY Students must maintain full compliance with the health and safety requirements throughout their tenure with the College. Failure to do so will result in dismissal. Duke Employee Occupational Health and Wellness maintains the student’s medical form and is a resource for these requirements. Any condition/medication regimen that could pose a safety risk in the clinical setting must be communicated to the Level Lead and clinical instructor prior to the clinical experience. Students must report any illness or accident that occurs during college/ clinical activities to the appropriate course faculty. Medical clearance may be required. The cost of all medical treatments during enrollment is the responsibility of the student.
Watts College of Nursing – 2026-2027 Student Handbook | 108STUDENT POLICIES LATEX Any student who has or develops symptoms consistent with latex allergy/sensitivity is advised to consult a qualified allergist for evaluation prior to lab or clinical experiences. The evaluation will be at the student’s expense. Students who have been diagnosed with a latex allergy/sensitivity or have been medically advised to avoid latex must coordinate with the Level Lead and clinical instructors to plan for their safety. Medical clearance will be required. The WCON Latex Allergy/Sensitivity form completed by the student’s provider must be on file. Watts College of Nursing, and Duke University Health System will provide a latex-safe environment designed to minimize latex exposure for all patients, students, visitors and staff. Latex safe is not latex free. While every effort is implemented to provide a latex safe environment, there are products utilized within the hospital and learning environments that contain natural rubber latex (i.e. urinary catheterization kits and practice mannequins). It is the student’s responsibility to communicate effectively with faculty and monitor their environment for possible risks of exposure. Students must take all precautions to reduce the risk of exposures and allergic reactions, which may include carrying an epinephrine auto-injector at all times if ordered by the student’s healthcare provider. It is the responsibility of the student with a latex sensitivity to understand and acknowledge the risks associated with continued exposure to latex during clinical/lab experiences, even when reasonable accommodations are made. Bloodborne pathogens and infectious Disease Blood and body fluids precautions (i.e. universal precautions) must be used by all students and faculty who come in contact with any human blood, body fluid, or other potentially-infectious materials. Personal protective equipment will be available to all students and must be utilized as appropriate. Safety Data Sheets are available to all students, faculty and staff online through DUHS safety website, www.safety.duke.edu.
Watts College of Nursing – 2026-2027 Student Handbook | 109STUDENT POLICIES WATTS COLLEGE OF NURSING POLICY DEPLOYMENT Policy Name: Identification of Location of Student Institution: Watts College of Nursing Supersedes: Policy Level: WCON Student Department: Administration Owner(s) Administration Contributing Departments: Approved by: Team Senate Manual Name: Student Handbook Original Effective Date: 8-6-21 Revision Date: 6/5/2024 Scheduled Review Date: 7/2027 Scheduled Review Interval: 36 months POLICY Identification of student physical address is used in distance education for Location Identification of Student Enrollment: Upon acceptance into Watts College of Nursing, students engaged in distance learning will provide the registrar with a copy of their driver’s license, state issued identification card, or other approved documents containing their address. The student will also complete the enrollment agreement to include their current address. Change of Location: If during their tenure at WCON, a student has a change of their physical location, the student must: • Contact the WCON registrar and complete the Notice of Change Form • Provide the registrar with any additional documents Impact of Change of location: If the change of location is to another state or to an area in the state that would not allow the student to complete the clinical aspect of the program, the student would be unable to complete the program.
Watts College of Nursing – 2026-2027 Student Handbook | 110STUDENT POLICIES WATTS COLLEGE OF NURSING POLICY DEPLOYMENT Policy Name: Jury Duty Institution: Watts College of Nursing Supersedes: Policy Level: WCON Student Department: Administration Owner(s) Student Affairs Committee Contributing Departments: Approved by: Team Senate Manual Name: Student Handbook Original Effective Date: 7/1/2019 Revision Date: 7/2025 Scheduled Review Date: 7/2028 Scheduled Review Interval: 36 months POLICY Watts College of Nursing acknowledges the importance of participation in civic affairs and supports students called to serve as jurors. Jury duty days will not be treated as absences from class/clinical as outlined in the Attendance Policy. Students are responsible for all teaching/learning experiences missed. PROCEDURE When issued a call to jury duty, students must: Communicate with the Level Lead and course faculty to discuss summons and to develop a plan of action to make-up missed course material/experiences. Upon return, present proof of jury duty or subpoenaed-appearance service (including dates of service).
Watts College of Nursing – 2026-2027 Student Handbook | 111STUDENT POLICIES WATTS COLLEGE OF NURSING POLICY DEPLOYMENT Policy Name: Late Assignment Institution: Watts College of Nursing Supersedes: Policy Level: WCON Student Department: Administration Owner(s) Curriculum committee Contributing Departments: Approved by: Team Senate Manual Name: Student Handbook Original Effective Date: 7/1/2019 Revision Date: 5/2026 Scheduled Review Date: 5/2029 Scheduled Review Interval: 36 months POLICY The purpose is to provide grading criteria for all assignments submitted after the designated due date and time. Any extension request must be made and approved by the instructor involved prior to the designated due date and time. Requests made after regular college business hours may not be approved. PROCEDURE Clinical Assignments • Some clinical assignments will be graded using the course specific rubric. • Clinical Evaluation Tools submitted after the designated due date and time will only be accepted with an approved extension requested before the due date/time. Late or incomplete submission of the Clinical Evaluation Tool will be reflected under Clinical Outcome #3 • Weekly submissions will reflect a grade of "Beginning" • Midterm evaluation submissions will reflect a grade of "Not Progressing", and a Clinical Performance Action Plan will be initiated. • Final evaluation submissions will be addressed per the discretion of the Course Faculty after consultation with the Level Lead. Considerations may be given to: patterns of timely submission communication from the student and progression toward meeting other indicators under Outcome #3. • Actions taken may include: coaching on professional expectation policy violation or clinical failure Patterns of late submission of the Clinical Evaluation Tool will be addressed per the discretion of the Course Faculty after consultation with the Level Lead. Considerations may be given to: • communication from the student • progression toward meeting other indicators under Outcome #3
Watts College of Nursing – 2026-2027 Student Handbook | 112STUDENT POLICIES Laboratory Assignments • A policy violation form will be completed and signed by the student for lab assignments not submitted by the due date and time. • Some lab assignments will be graded using the course specific rubric. Online Learning Activities • An online learning activity submitted after the designated due date and time wil result in the deduction of 10%per day for a maximum of five (5) calendar days. • A grade of zero (0) will be recorded for an online learning activity submitted six (6) calendar days or greater after the designated due date and time. • Discussion forum components submitted after the designated due date and time will graded per course specific rubric. Class/Lecture Assignments • A grade of zero (0) will be recorded for a class/lecture assignment not submitted by the designated due date and time. • Any extension must be approved by the course faculty. Paper/Project • A paper/project submitted after the designated due date and time will result in the deduction of 10% per day for a maximum of five (5) calendar days. • A grade of zero (0) will be recorded for a paper/project submitted six (6) calendar days or greater after the designated due date and time. • Actions taken may include: coaching on professional expectation policy violation initiation of a Clinical Performance Action Plan clinical failure
Watts College of Nursing – 2026-2027 Student Handbook | 113STUDENT POLICIES WATTS COLLEGE OF NURSING POLICY DEPLOYMENT Policy Name: Leave of Absence Institution: Watts College of Nursing Supersedes: Policy Level: WCON Student Department: Administration Owner(s) Student Affairs Committee Contributing Departments: Approved by: Team Senate Manual Name: Student Handbook Original Effective Date: 7/1/2019 Revision Date: 7/2025 Scheduled Review Date: 7/2028 Scheduled Review Interval: 36 months DEFINITIONS Leave of absence (LOA) – Approved absence from course(s), by student request, prior to course registration, for one semester only. POLICY Watts College of Nursing (WCON) recognizes that a student may need to take a leave of absence from the program for various reasons. Students voluntarily taking an approved leave of absence must be able to complete the program within 150% of program length and are not required to go through the readmission process. When requesting a Leave of Absence, a meeting is required with the Financial Counselor to make adjustments in financial aid and arrange payment of all financial obligations to the college. PROCEDURE A student who wishes to request a Leave of Absence will: Meet with Administration to discuss the desire to take a Leave of Absence and complete the Leave of Absence Request Form, indicating the desired date of return to the program Return assistive learning devices to Duke Student Disability Access Office Meet with the Financial Counselor to make adjustments in financial aid and to arrange payment of all financial obligations to the college. Submit the completed Leave of Absence Request Form to the Registrar and return the following items: identification badge (ID) and security badge. Receive written notification of LOA request decision (approval or denial) from Administration. Contact the Coordinator of Registration and Enrollment of intent to return to the program by the last day of the semester on Leave of Absence, as indicated on Leave of Absence Request Form. Failure to notify the Coordinator of Registration and Enrollment of intent to return will result in administrative withdrawal from the program. Student is responsible for contacting the Coordinator of Registration and Enrollment regarding start date of next semester. ATTACHMENTS Leave of Absence Request Form
Watts College of Nursing – 2026-2027 Student Handbook | 114STUDENT POLICIES WATTS COLLEGE OF NURSING LEAVE OF ABSENCE REQUEST FORM Student: __________________________________________ Last 4 of Social Security Number: xxx-xx-__________ Personal Email (do not use @duke.edu): ___________________________________ Student Unique: __________________ Phone: ___________________________________________ Are you employed in the Duke Health System? __________ Reason for Leave of Absence: _________________________________________________________________________________________________ _________________________________________________________________________________________________ ❑ Semester of Leave of Absence: ❏ Spring _________ (year) ❏ Fall _________ (year) ❏ Requesting to return to _______________________ course in ❏ Spring _________ (year) ❏ Fall _________ (year) Home Address Permanent Address (Next of Kin) I understand the following: ❑ Taking a Leave of Absence may impact my Financial Aid eligibility. ❑ Only one semester of Leave of Absence is authorized. ❑ My college accounts (email, NetID, course sites, Net Access) will be terminated. ❑ I will return my ID badge and security badge to the Registrar. ❑ I will receive written notification of approval or disapproval of Leave of Absence. ❑ If approved to return, I must contact the Coordinator of Registration and Enrollment to indicate intent to return to the program by the last day of the semester of Leave of Absence. Failure to contact the Coordinator of Registration and Enrollment will result in administrative withdrawal from the program. ❑ Student is responsible for contacting the Coordinator of Registration and Enrollment regarding start date of next semester. However, my approved date to return may be delayed due to course availability. _________________________________________________________ ________________________ Student Signature Date _________________________________________________________ Financial Aid Signature
Watts College of Nursing – 2026-2027 Student Handbook | 115STUDENT POLICIES Date submitted to Registrar ____________________ ID Badge returned ___________________________ Electronic file to reflect: ❑ LOA for Fall/Spring ___________ (year) _________________________________________________________ ________________________ Administration Date Approved/Denied Anticipated Date of Return: __________________________ Date Student Notification of Decision: ______________________ Assistive Learning Device Returned: ________________________
Watts College of Nursing – 2026-2027 Student Handbook | 116STUDENT POLICIES WATTS COLLEGE OF NURSING POLICY DEPLOYMENT Policy Name: Nondiscrimination Institution: Watts College of Nursing Supersedes: Policy Level: Student Department: Administration Owner(s) Student Affairs Committee Contributing Departments: Approved by: Team Senate Manual Name: Student Handbook Original Effective Date: 7/2019 Revision Date: 7/2025 Scheduled Review Date: 7/2028 Scheduled Review Interval: 36 months DEFINITION Discrimination: Adverse or unfair treatment of an individual or group based on protected characteristics, such as race, color, religion, national origin, disability, veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, sex, pregnancy status, genetic information, age, or other characteristics. Discriminatory Conduct: Actions, decisions, or practices that limit or deny educational opportunities based on these attributes. APPLICABLE STANDARDS Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 Title IX of the Educational Amendments Act of 1972 Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 Title II of the Americans with Disabilities Act ADA) of 1990 ADA Amendments Act of 2008 Age Discrimination Act of 1975 Clery Act & Violence Against Women Act (VAWA) American Nurses Association (ANA) Code of Ethics Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing (ACEN) Standards and Criteria POLICY Watts College of Nursing follows the Duke Human Resources policy for Prohibited Discrimination, Harassment, and Related Misconduct. Watts College of Nursing (WCON; College) is committed to encouraging and sustaining a learning environment that is free from prohibited discrimination and harassment based on race, color, religion, national origin, disability, veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, sex, pregnancy status, genetic information, age, or other protected characteristics. Policies and procedures of recruitment, admission, financial aid and employment of students are in compliance with Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, Title IX of the Educational Amendments Act of 1972, Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, Title II of the
Watts College of Nursing – 2026-2027 Student Handbook | 117STUDENT POLICIES Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) of 1990, the ADA Amendments Act of 2008, the Age Discrimination Act of 1975, the Clery Act, Violence Against Women Act (VAWA) and other applicable federal and state laws and regulations. These protections extend to all aspects of the student experience, including participation in academic coursework, clinical education, College-sponsored events, student organizations, advising, and any other educational activities offered by the College. In addition to legal requirements, the College upholds the ethical principles outlined in the American Nurses Association (ANA) Code of Ethics, which affirms the inherent dignity, worth, and unique attributes of every person. Watts College of Nursing is also committed to meeting the Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing (ACEN) and Duke University Health System (DUHS) standards that promote diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging across the nursing education environment. These frameworks guide the College in fostering an inclusive and respectful community where all individuals are supported and valued. NONDISCRIMINATION STATEMENT Watts College of Nursing does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, national origin, disability, veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, sex, pregnancy status, genetic information, or age in the recruitment and admission of students, recruitment and employment of faculty and staff, or in the educational program or activities of the College. PROCEDURE Watts College of Nursing follows the Duke Human Resources policy for Prohibited Discrimination, Harassment, and Related Misconduct. Questions or complaints about discrimination can be directed to the Office for Institutional Equity (OIE). The Associate Vice President for Harassment and Discrimination Prevention and Compliance is also the designated Title IX Coordinator and responsible for implementing Title IX. View OIE’s website for more information about the policy, Duke’s non-discrimination statement, OIE, and Title IX. The website also provides contact information for the Associate Vice President for Harassment and Discrimination Prevention and Compliance. Office for Institutional Equity: https://web.duke.edu/equity or 919.684.8222. TITLE IX Individuals with questions or concerns with Title IX may contact: Department of Title IX Compliance 114 S. Buchanan Blvd. Bay 8 Durham, NC 27708 919.684.8222
Watts College of Nursing – 2026-2027 Student Handbook | 118STUDENT POLICIES WATTS COLLEGE OF NURSING POLICY DEPLOYMENT Policy Name: Placement of Students Institution: Watts College of Nursing Supersedes: Policy Level: WCON Student Department: Owner(s) Student Governance Committee Contributing Departments: Approved by: Team Senate Manual Name: Student Handbook Original Effective Date: 7/1/2019 Revision Date: 7/2025 Scheduled Review Date: 7/2028 Scheduled Review Interval: 36 months DEFINITIONS Normal progress – successful completion of nursing courses within time frame indicated in the curriculum plan POLICY The purpose is to delineate the criteria for priority in placement of students within courses in the program. When class space is limited, Administration will grant returning students placement based on a number of factors, including academic performance, professional conduct, and date written request to return was received. Once a student is placed in a course the placement is secured. Criteria for Priority in Placement First Priority – Students who are progressing according to the curriculum plan Second Priority – Students who are returning as scheduled from a leave of absence (LOA) Third Priority – Students who withdrew passing (WP) from a course Fourth Priority – Students who failed a course and are eligible to return by Administration. Fifth Priority – Students who withdrew failing (WF) from a course and are eligible to return by Administration. Sixth Priority – Students who are returning as scheduled from a suspension (S) Seventh Priority – Students who are accepted for readmission Eighth Priority – Students who transferred from other nursing programs
Watts College of Nursing – 2026-2027 Student Handbook | 119STUDENT POLICIES PROCEDURE Administration will determine whether students who withdrew failing from or failed a course will be allowed to return. When space is limited, the Criteria for Priority in Placement above will be used to determine placement in a course. Students who failed a course will be ranked by Administration using objective criteria including final grade, test average, final exam grade, and number of tests passed without group points. Clinical performance, use of advisor, use of faculty, and professional conduct will factor into ranking. In cases of a prioritization tie, students will be re-evaluated using objective criteria until the tie is broken.
Watts College of Nursing – 2026-2027 Student Handbook | 120STUDENT POLICIES WATTS COLLEGE OF NURSING POLICY DEPLOYMENT Policy Name: Professional Integrity Institution: Watts College of Nursing Supersedes: Policy Level: WCON Student Department: Administration Owner(s) Student Affairs Committee Contributing Departments: Approved by: Team Senate Manual Name: Student Handbook Original Effective Date: 1/2020 Revision Date: 7/2025 Scheduled Review Date: 7/2028 Scheduled Review Interval: 36 months DEFINITIONS Professional Integrity – Displays and promotes conduct and behaviors consistent with agency and governmental standards. Office of Human Resources at the National Institutes of Health. Professional Integrity https://hr.nih.gov/competency/professional-integrity Watts College of Nursing (WCON; College) embraces following the Duke University Health System (DUHS) core values of caring for our patients, their loved ones and each other. The College also supports the following DUHS core values: Diversity: We embrace differences among people. Excellence: We strive to achieve excellence in all that we do. Integrity: Our decisions, actions, and behaviors are based on honesty, trust, fairness and the highest ethical standards. Safety: We hold each other accountable to constantly improve a culture that ensures the safety and welfare of all patients, visitors and staff. Teamwork: We have to depend on each other and work well together with mutual respect to achieve common goals. In addition to upholding the core values of DUHS, Watts College of Nursing is committed to maintaining the highest standards of professional integrity as defined by the nursing profession. All students are expected to demonstrate professional conduct, accountability, and respect in accordance with: American Nurses Association (ANA) Code of Ethics for Nurses: Provision 1 The nurse practices with compassion and respect for the inherent dignity, worth, and unique attributes of every person. http://nursingworld.org/DocumentVault/Ethics -1/Code-of-Ethics-for-Nurses.html National Student Nurses ’ Association Code of Ethics: Core Values – Professionalism. http://www.nsna.org/nsna-code-of-ethics.html Defines Professionalism as, “Characteristics that describe an individual striving to maintain the highest standards for one’s chosen path – honesty, integrity, responsibility and conducting oneself with responsibility, integrity, accountability, and excellence.”
Watts College of Nursing – 2026-2027 Student Handbook | 121STUDENT POLICIES POLICY Watts College of Nursing selects students with qualities/behaviors that reflect the nursing profession. Students are expected to meet standards of professional conduct which include, but are not limited to, modeling professional integrity and adhering to the Watts College of Nursing core values, the Duke Nursing Professional Practice Model, the American Nurses Association Code of Ethics for Nurses and the National Students Nurses’ Association Code of Ethics. Violations of adhering to the standards of professional integrity may result in disciplinary action. If at any time a student’s conduct is determined to be of an egregious nature, the President and Administration has the immediate authority to suspend or dismiss the student.
Watts College of Nursing – 2026-2027 Student Handbook | 122STUDENT POLICIES WATTS COLLEGE OF NURSING POLICY DEPLOYMENT Policy Name: Public and Press Relations Institution: Watts College of Nursing Supersedes: Policy Level: WCON Student Department: Administration Owner(s) Administrative Affairs Committee Contributing Departments: Approved by: Team Senate Manual Name: Student Handbook Original Effective Date: 7/1/2019 Revision Date: 7/2025 Scheduled Review Date: 7/2028 Scheduled Review Interval: 36 months POLICY Duke Health Communications and Marketing approves activities pertaining to public and press relations. Activities include but are not limited to electronic media, photographs, articles, and posters. Materials are to be submitted to and approved by the President of Watts College of Nursing or designee before forwarding to Duke Health Communications and Marketing.
Watts College of Nursing – 2026-2027 Student Handbook | 123STUDENT POLICIES WATTS COLLEGE OF NURSING POLICY DEPLOYMENT Policy Name: Radiation Exposure Institution: Watts College of Nursing Supersedes: Division: Policy Level: WCON Student Department: Owner(s) Administrative Affairs Committee Contributing Departments: Approved by: Team Senate Manual Name: Student Handbook Original Effective Date: 7/1/2019 Revision Date: 7/2025 Scheduled Review Date: 7/2028 Scheduled Review Interval: 36 months DEFINITIONS Brachytherapy is a procedure that involves placing radioactive material inside a patient’s body. Brachytherapy is one type of radiation therapy and is sometimes called internal radiation. POLICY Students and faculty at WCON may be exposed to limited radiation during the course of their education in the clinical environments. GUIDELINES Students participating in rotations to radiology, oncology, catheterization laboratory (cath lab), and/or peri-operative experiences may have exposure to radiation associated with x-rays. Students are to minimize radiation exposure as directed by facility policy. If protective equipment is unavailable, students will be required to leave the area. Students will not be assigned to patients receiving brachytherapy/internal radiation.
Watts College of Nursing – 2026-2027 Student Handbook | 124STUDENT POLICIES WATTS COLLEGE OF NURSING POLICY DEPLOYMENT Policy Name: Readmission Institution: Watts College of Nursing Supersedes: Policy Level: WCON Student Department: Owner(s) Student Affairs Committee Contributing Departments: Approved by: Team Senate Manual Name: Student Handbook Original Effective Date: 7/1/2019 Revision Date: 5/2026 Scheduled Review Date: 5/2029 Scheduled Review Interval: 36 months DEFINITION Former student – Students who were enrolled in the BSN nursing curriculum and withdrew from the program and eligible for readmission. POLICY A former student is allowed to apply for readmission only once and must meet all current admission requirements. Time limits on general education courses and total number of semesters of study apply. Credit for prior nursing courses will be granted as determined by the faculty. A student dismissed from Watts College of Nursing is ineligible for readmission. PROCEDURE To be readmitted to the program, the applicant will: Complete an application for readmission. Submit official transcripts of all academic work completed during the withdrawal period. Submit a written statement from a healthcare provider, counselor, or therapist to provide medical clearance if withdrawal was due to health reasons. Following submission of the above, the: The application and student record is reviewed and referred to the Team Senate. The Team Senate decides whether the application is accepted or rejected and, if applicable, determines placement of the student in the program. Refer to the Placement of Students policy for placement of readmitted students within nursing courses.
Watts College of Nursing – 2026-2027 Student Handbook | 125STUDENT POLICIES WATTS COLLEGE OF NURSING POLICY DEPLOYMENT Policy Name: Reasonable Accommodations Process Institution: Watts College of Nursing Supersedes: Accommodations for Students with Disabilities Policy Level: WCON Student Department: Administration Owner(s) Regulation and Compliance Committee Contributing Departments: Approved by: Team Senate Manual Name: Student Handbook Original Effective Date: 7/1/2019 Revision Date: 7/2025 Scheduled Review Date: 7/2028 Scheduled Review Interval: 36 months APPLICABLE STANDARDS Section 504 of Federal Rehabilitation Act, 1973 Americans with Disability Act (ADA), 1990 ADA Amendments Act, 2008 DEFINITIONS Disability – A documented physical or mental impairment that substantially limits one or more major life activities of such individual; a history or record of such an impairment; or being regarded as having such an impairment. Major life activities examples include breathing, walking, talking, hearing, seeing, eating, learning, reading, concentration, and thinking. Disabilities may include, but are not limited to: Intellectual Deafness or hearing loss Blindness and Low Vision Psychological Mobility Chronic Illness Reasonable Accommodations – A modification(s) or adjustment to an instructional activity, equipment, facility, program or service that enables a qualitied student with a disability to have an equal opportunity to fulfill requirements necessary for admission, matriculation, and graduation from a nursing program. Modifications may be made to policies, practices, and procedures that accommodate and allow students with disabilities equal access to the nursing program, unless doing so would result in altering the essential functions as provided in the WCON Technical Standards.
Watts College of Nursing – 2026-2027 Student Handbook | 126STUDENT POLICIES POLICY Watts College of Nursing (WCON) is committed to providing equal access to academically qualified students with disabilities in compliance with Section 504 of the Federal Rehabilitation Act of 1973, the American with Disabilities Act of 1990, and the ADA Amendments Act of 2008. Accordingly, the school will provide reasonable accommodation(s) for the student who is approved by the Duke Access and Accommodation Services-Student Disability Access Office (SDAO). Students accepted to WCON will need to be able to meet the academic and technical standards of the program. PURPOSE: Provide students with a means and process to gain approval for reasonable accommodations for disabilities as defined by the American Disabilities Act. PROCEDURE Students who wish to be considered for reasonable accommodations at WCON must self-identify to the Duke Access and Accomodation Service/Student Disability Access Office (https://access.duke.edu/students/accommodate-student- portal/). Prior to beginning the first semester at WCON, students are strongly encouraged to seek accommodations if needed or indicated. Students may initiate request for accommodations at any point during the program that the student deems necessary. The Watts College of Nursing Disability Liaison is available to the student throughout the accommodation process, from initial inquiry and/or request through approval or denial of accommodation to assist with guidance in the process or answering questions. It is the responsibility of the student seeking accommodations to collaborate with the WCON Disability Liaison. Students who wish to be considered for reasonable accommodation must follow the SDAO process for requesting accommodations. The SDAO maintains all documents supplied by the student and their provider confidentially; WCON does not receive or maintain any copies of these records. Decisions regarding reasonable accommodations will be made by the SDAO and will be based on the specifics of each individual case. It is the responsibility of the student requesting accommodations to maintain communication with the Student Disability Access Office and to follow through with directives from the Office. It is the responsibility of WCON to provide the accommodation approved by the Student Disability Access Office. Accommodations (Pregnancy): Routine pregnancy is not a disability covered by WCON or DUHS policies on disability accommodations. Impairments related to pregnancy may be covered. Students seeking pregnancy-related accommodations should submit a request to TitleIX@duke.edu.
Watts College of Nursing – 2026-2027 Student Handbook | 127STUDENT POLICIES WATTS COLLEGE OF NURSING POLICY DEPLOYMENT Policy Name: Recording Institution: Watts College of Nursing Supersedes: Policy Level: WCON Student Department: Owner(s) Curriculum Committee Contributing Departments: Approved by: Team Senate Manual Name: Student Handbook Original Effective Date: 7/1/2019 Revision Date: 7/2025 Scheduled Review Date: 7/2028 Scheduled Review Interval: 36 months POLICY Audio and/or visual recording of class of any kind via handheld devices, computers, recorders, smart pens, and/or any other means is permitted after prior permission has been obtained from the Faculty member and/or speaker. Faculty will notify students that a class will be recorded before the class session begins. Faculty members and/or speakers reserve the right to deny a student(s)’ request to video and/or audio record any presentation. Once given, such permission may be withdrawn. All course recordings are property of Watts College of Nursing and the faculty and/or speaker. Student recordings are for private study, only. Any duplication and/or distribution without the faculty member and/or speaker’s permission is strictly prohibited and subject to disciplinary action. This policy also applies to other materials provided by the faculty member and/or speakers (e.g. handouts, activities, lecture notes, etc.) as well as pictures taken during class.
Watts College of Nursing – 2026-2027 Student Handbook | 128STUDENT POLICIES WATTS COLLEGE OF NURSING POLICY DEPLOYMENT Policy Name: Refund and Cancellation Institution: Watts College of Nursing Supersedes: Policy Level: WCON Student Department: Owner(s) Administrative Affairs Committee Contributing Departments: Approved by: Team Senate Manual Name: Student Handbook Original Effective Date: 7/1/2019 Revision Date: 2/2026 Scheduled Review Date: 7/2028 Scheduled Review Interval: 36 months POLICY A student who withdraws or is administratively withdrawn from the college while a semester is in progress, may be eligible for a refund of tuition. The amount of tuition refunded depends upon the effective date of your separation from the college. Refer to the Withdrawal policy for guidance on the withdrawal process. PROCEDURE Students who cancel their enrollment prior to the start of Week 1 will receive a full refund of tuition paid. If the College cancels a course due to low enrollment, 100% of paid tuition and fees will be refunded. The last day of attendance is noted as the last date of activity (participation) in the course and/or program. The student will be charged for the entire 15-week semester if the withdrawal takes place on or after week 3 of the semester. Should a course be cancelled for low enrollment, 100% of paid tuition and fees will be refunded. The following timeline will be used to determine the amount of the tuition refund available to the student who withdraws from the program. Tuition is paid by the semester. Tuition only will be refunded. Additional expenses are not included in the refund. Week 1 100% refund Week 2 50% refund Week 3 and after 0% refund Refunds owed to students will be made within 45 days. After last day to withdraw: no refund The Coordinator of Registration and Enrollment (CRE) will notify and confirm with Duke Bursar and Student Information Services and Systems Office (SISS) student status in the program. Administration will determine if an unpaid balance or learning resources is due upon withdrawal or interruption of schooling. If the student is due a refund, any unpaid balance of learning resources will be subtracted from the refund. If no refund applies, students are responsible for payment of any unpaid balance to the College or present proof of purchase of learning resources to Administration at the time of withdrawal or interruption of schooling. WCON participates in the Title IV federal aid programs, it follows federal guidelines with respect to the refund and repayment of these funds. Additional information regarding this procedure may be obtained from the Financial Aid Counselor.
Watts College of Nursing – 2026-2027 Student Handbook | 129STUDENT POLICIES WATTS COLLEGE OF NURSING POLICY DEPLOYMENT Policy Name: Repeat Institution: Watts College of Nursing Supersedes: Policy Level: Student Department: Administration Owner(s) Administrative Affairs Committee Contributing Departments: Approved by: Team Senate Manual Name: Student Handbook Original Effective Date: 1/2020 Revision Date: 7/2025 Scheduled Review Date: 7/2028 Scheduled Review Interval: 36 months COURSE REPEAT POLICY Watts College of Nursing courses receive credit with an earned letter or pass/fail grade. Students taking courses utilizing the theory grading scale of A- F; must receive a grade of D or better to receive any credit for the course. Only grades of C or better are considered for progress toward degree completion. A course with an earned grade of D or F may be repeated only once as approved by Administration. A maximum of two courses may be repeated to remain enrolled in the program. COURSE REPEAT GRADING The grade earned in the repeated course as well as the original grade earned will appear on the transcript; both grades count in the grade point average, but the credit for only one counts toward the required number of credits for degree progress and degree completion of the 60 credit hour program.
Watts College of Nursing – 2026-2027 Student Handbook | 130STUDENT POLICIES WATTS COLLEGE OF NURSING POLICY DEPLOYMENT Policy Name: Satisfactory Academic Progress Institution: Watts College of Nursing Supersedes: Policy Level: WCON Student Department: Administration Owner(s) Administration Contributing Departments: Approved by: Team Senate Manual Name: Student Handbook Original Effective Date: 1/2020 Revision Date: 5/2026 Scheduled Review Date: 5/2029 Scheduled Review Interval: 36 months DEFINITIONS SAP Compliant: Student is meeting all three requirements of Satisfactory Academic Progress (SAP): Cumulative Grade-Point Average, Pace and Maximum Timeframe Financial Aid Warning: Financial Aid Warning status is assigned to a student who fails to meet one or more of the SAP measures at the conclusion of a payment period (semester). Students placed on Financial Aid Warning will be notified by email. The student may continue to receive financial aid for one subsequent payment period (semester) under this status despite the determination that the student is not making SAP. If a student does not enroll in classes for their Financial Aid Warning semester, it will apply to the next semester in which they do enroll. Students who fail to meet SAP standards after the financial aid warning semester will lose their eligibility to receive federal student aid unless they submit an appeal that is approved. Financial Aid Probation: Financial Aid Probation status is assigned to a student who fails to make SAP (following Financial Aid Warning status) and who has successfully appealed. If the appeal decision is to reinstate the student’s eligibility for Title IV funds, the student may be placed on probation for one additional term on the condition that the student is required to achieve minimum SAP standards at the end of the probationary semester. If it is statistically impossible to achieve the minimum SAP standards by the end of the probationary period, the institution can place the student on an academic plan. The Financial Aid Office will develop an academic plan that, if followed, would ensure that the student is able to meet the college’s academic progress standards by a specific point in time and allow them to continue to receive Federal financial aid funds. The student may continue to receive Title IV aid during the probationary/academic plan term. If the student has not met satisfactory academic progress standards by the end of the probationary term, or if the conditions of the academic plan are not met, they will be ineligible for further Title IV aid until meeting SAP standards once again.
Watts College of Nursing – 2026-2027 Student Handbook | 131STUDENT POLICIES POLICY To receive Title IV Federal Financial Aid at Watts College of Nursing, students must be in good academic standing, to be maintained at all times during the program. Satisfactory Academic Progress (SAP) is evaluated to ensure a student completes their degree in a timely manner and the minimum requirements must be met to receive Federal Financial Aid. Satisfactory Academic Progress is measured at the end of each semester by the following: 1. Cumulative Grade Point Average (GPA) 2. Pace – successful completion of a percentage of all attempted courses 3. Maximum timeframe allowed to complete the program 1. Cumulative Grade Point Average Cumulative Grade Point Average (GPA) – (Qualitative Measure). If students fail to maintain a cumulative grade point average of 1.75 will be out of SAP compliance. 2. Pace Pace is the successful completion of a percentage of all attempted courses – (Quantitative Measure). Students must successfully complete two-thirds (67%) of all attempted credits (cumulative). Failure to complete 67% will result in being out of SAP compliance. Transfer General Education courses and Watts College of Nursing courses both count towards pace. Transfer General Education course credits with satisfactory grades are those for which a grade of A+/-, B+/-, C+ and C, are acceptable for pace attempt and completion. Except for non-credit remedial courses. Any Watts College of Nursing course for which a student receives a grade counts as attempted, but only grades of A, B+,B, C+, or C count as attempted and successfully completed. All other grades count as attempted but not successfully completed. Students who withdraw from a course or receive a course failure may repeat the course only once. A maximum of two courses may be repeated. The grade earned in the repeated course as well as the grade earned originally appear on the transcript; both grades count in the cumulative grade point average and completion rate, but credit for only one can count toward the graduation requirements. Courses dropped during Add/Drop (second Friday of the semester) period do not count towards pace or added to a student’s transcript. 3. Maximum Timeframe In order to continue to receive financial aid, a student must complete his or her program of study before 150% of the credits required to graduate have been attempted. Since 120 total credits (60 transfer education credits, 60 Watts College credits) are required to graduate, this makes the 150% point at 180 credits. Attempted credits from all enrollment periods plus all accepted transfer credits are counted. All terms of enrollment (including full-time and part-time) are included whether or not the student received financial aid and regardless of the age of the coursework. A student becomes ineligible for aid when it becomes mathematically impossible for them to complete the program within the 150% timeframe and they must submit an appeal to The Watts College of Nursing SAP appeals committee with an appeal form and academic plan. Satisfactory Academic Progress Review Satisfactory Academic Progress will be reviewed at the end of each semester. A student who fails to meet any of the standards described above will be placed on financial aid warning for the next semester, if the student does not meet SAP after the warning semester they will not be eligible for any Title IV financial aid, but may appeal to the Watts College SAP appeals committee. If the appeal is approved the student will be placed on probation or academic plan moving forward.
Watts College of Nursing – 2026-2027 Student Handbook | 132STUDENT POLICIES Appeal Process A student who becomes ineligible for Title IV assistance should appeal the determination if they believe there were extraordinary circumstances that prohibited them from meeting SAP guidelines. This appeal needs to be submitted six weeks prior to the next academic semester. A letter of appeal outlining the basis on which they are appealing the termination of federal student aid should be submitted by the student either in writing or via email directly to the Associate Executive of Business who will forward all information to the Watts College of Nursing SAP appeals committee. Students may also submit other documentation that supports their appeal from medical professionals, counselors, or other third party professionals (non-family members) who understand the details of the situation. Students should also include an explanation of what has changed in their situation that will allow them to demonstrate satisfactory academic progress at the next evaluation. The appeal will be reviewed by The Watts College of Nursing SAP appeals committee who will review the student’s academic progress in light of any extenuating circumstances and make a determination regarding whether the student’s federal Title IV aid eligibility can be reinstated. The decision will be documented in the student’s financial aid record and student will be sent notification through their Duke Email account. Financial Aid Probation and Academic Plan If the appeal decision is to reinstate the student’s eligibility for Title IV funds, the student may be placed on probation for one term on the condition that the student is required to achieve minimum SAP standards at the end of the probationary semester. If mathematically impossible to achieve the minimum SAP standards by the end of the probationary period but possible for the student to meet all SAP guidelines prior to their scheduled graduation date, the institution may place the student on an academic plan instead of probation. The Associate Executive of Academics will develop an academic plan that, if followed by the student, will ensure that the student is able to meet the university’s academic progress standards prior to the student’s scheduled graduation date and allow them to continue to receive federal financial aid funds. The student may continue to receive Title IV aid during the probationary/academic plan term. If the student has not met satisfactory academic progress standards by the end of the probationary term, or if the conditions of the academic plan are not met each semester, the student will become ineligible for further Title IV aid and will have to work to re-establish financial aid eligibility. Incompletes, Withdrawals, Noncredit Remedial Courses, Transfer Credits and Grade Changes Courses with grades of (I) Incomplete or (W) Withdrawn will be counted as courses attempted but not completed. Noncredit remedial courses will be counted as neither courses attempted nor completed. Credits transferred from another institution shall be counted as both attempted and completed. If a student has a grade change during a given semester and is on Financial Aid Warning due to not meeting SAP can request a SAP re-evaluation. Repeated Courses All Watts College of Nursing courses are given credit and count towards degree completion with an earned grade of C or better. A course grade of D+, D or F may be repeated only once as approved by administration. A maximum of two courses may be repeated to remain in the program. The grade earned in the repeated course as well as the grade earned originally appear on the transcript; both grades count in the grade point average, but the credit for only one counts toward the required number of credits for continuation and completion of the 60 credit program required for graduation and SAP pace requirement. Loss of Financial Aid Eligibility A student becomes ineligible for all federal student aid funds if Watts College of Nursing SAP review indicates he or she does not meet the required GPA, is not maintaining the required pace, has exceeded or is expected to exceed the permitted maximum time frame after exhausting the financial aid warning semester and has been unsuccessful in the SAP appeals process.
Watts College of Nursing – 2026-2027 Student Handbook | 133STUDENT POLICIES Communication of Status Students will be notified via their Duke email account after the end of each semester if their financial aid status relating to SAP is unsatisfactory and they will placed on financial warning or they have consequently lost eligibility to receive Title IV aid after not meeting SAP after financial aid warning semester. The process for appeal will be included in the email when notifying students that their SAP status is unsatisfactory after the financial aid warning semester grades post and student is still not meeting SAP. After submitting a SAP appeal, students will be notified of the outcome within 10 business days via their Duke E-mail account. If the appeal is approved, we will communicate directly with the student whether they have been placed in a probationary status or academic plan status along with the associated consequences and requirements. If the appeal is denied, we will communicate this to the student as well including the reason why the appeal could not be approved. Regaining Financial Aid Eligibility As a result of not meeting SAP requirements, a student who was previously eligible for Federal Student Aid may wish to reestablish financial aid eligibility while continuing their program on a self-funding basis. A student receiving Federal financial aid who loses financial aid eligibility may continue to attend the program subject to meeting the general satisfactory academic progress policy, but during a period without financial aid, the student will be responsible for all expenses associated with attending the program. A student wishing to re-establish financial aid eligibility must agree to meet the requirements of a provided academic plan and fulfill that plan. The student may regain eligibility by securing a cumulative grade point average of 2.0 and/or resolving other SAP requirements by completing courses with satisfactory grades in a defined time period. The student may then be approved to receive aid for the aid period after re-establishing eligibility.
Watts College of Nursing – 2026-2027 Student Handbook | 134STUDENT POLICIES WATTS COLLEGE OF NURSING POLICY DEPLOYMENT Policy Name: Security Warning Institution: Watts College of Nursing Supersedes: Policy Level: WCON Student Department: Owner(s) Administrative Affairs Committee Contributing Departments: Approved by: Team Senate Manual Name: Student Handbook Original Effective Date: 7/1/2019 Revision Date: 7/2025 Scheduled Review Date: 7/2028 Scheduled Review Interval: 36 months APPLICABLE STANDARDS: Jeanne Clery Act POLICY The purpose is to outline the process for issuing a timely warning to students, faculty, and staff of a crime that is reportable under the Clery Act or that represents a threat to the college community. Every attempt will be made to distribute the security warning soon after the incident is reported; however, the release of the report by Duke University Health Sysem Security Services is subject to the availability of facts concerning the incident. PROCEDURE The President of Watts College of Nursing (WCON) or designee will notify the Duke Alert System. The President of Watts College of Nursing or designee will distribute the security warning report to students, faculty, and staff via email and/or learning management system. When an incident occurs the following information will be sent to all students, faculty, and staff via email and/or the learning management system. SECURITY WARNING REPORT – ALERT 1. Incident: 2. Location: 3. Action to be taken: For updates regarding the college’s status, students will: Monitor official college email and/or the learning management system. Monitor the WCON website or the Duke Alert website at emergency.duke.edu.
Watts College of Nursing – 2026-2027 Student Handbook | 135STUDENT POLICIES WATTS COLLEGE OF NURSING POLICY DEPLOYMENT Policy Name: Severe Weather Institution: Watts College of Nursing Supersedes: Policy Level: WCON Student Department: Owner(s) Administrative Affairs Committee Contributing Departments: Approved by: Team Senate Manual Name: Student Handbook Original Effective Date: 7/1/2019 Revision Date: 7/2025 Scheduled Review Date: 7/2028 Scheduled Review Interval: 36 months POLICY In the event that severe weather is anticipated and/or develops during the published college/academic calendar, the decision whether the college activities are to be delayed or cancelled will be made by the President of Watts College of Nursing (WCON) or designee. The President, or designee, is responsible for notifying the media of delays or cancellations related to inclement weather. Faculty is responsible for rescheduling class and clinical experiences as deemed necessary. Students will be notified in advance of schedule changes and will be held responsible for abiding by such changes. The decision to attend class/clinical is an individual one if class/clinical is not cancelled and should be made after serious consideration of all prevailing circumstances. GUIDELINES For updates regarding the college’s operating status or closing information: Monitor official college email and the learning management system. Monitor WCON website or the Duke Alert website at emergency.duke.edu. Refer to the WCON Emergency Preparedness Education and Operations Plan for further guidance.
Watts College of Nursing – 2026-2027 Student Handbook | 136STUDENT POLICIES WATTS COLLEGE OF NURSING POLICY DEPLOYMENT Policy Name: Social Media Institution: Watts College of Nursing Supersedes: Social Networking Policy Level: WCON Student Department: Administration Owner(s) Student Affairs Committee Contributing Departments: Approved by: Team Senate Manual Name: Student Handbook Original Effective Date: 1/2020 Revision Date: 7/2025 Scheduled Review Date: 7/2028 Scheduled Review Interval: 36 months DEFINITIONS Social networking and social media sites are online communities used increasingly in all aspects of our professional and personal lives to communicate and distribute information. Well-known examples of these sites include Facebook, Instagram, YouTube, TikTok, LinkedIn, Snapchat and X (formerly known as Twitter). The increase in usage of this type of on-line sites has resulted in new ways to share events, connect with others and gather feedback on issues. Along with positive effects are new concerns that we want to make students aware of, such as the increased diligence we need to have in communicating on these sites to maintain an atmosphere of integrity, honesty, and respect that is free of harassment, exploitation, and intimidation. To help guide us in the use of these tools, we have created this policy. PURPOSE Watts College of Nursing (WCON) supports the professional and responsible use of social media. Social media sites often serve as a bridge between the individual’s work-life and personal-life and therefore the potential for professional boundary violations or conflict of interest may occur. The purpose of this policy is to provide students with guidelines related to social media in college student related context. This policy also serves to protect the privacy and safety of your patients, peers, and the members of the WCON and Duke Health community. Additionally, this policy ensures that student use of social media aligns with the institutional values of the College and the Duke University Health System (DUHS). Social Media Guidelines: Students may encounter confidential information within the College or within the patient care environment during clinical experiences. Consistent with clinical facility Confidentiality Statements, the student will refrain from any of the following on social media: Using patients’ name (any identifier including initials, room numbers, patient age, hospital name, etc.) and personal protected health information (PHI) in any way (patient x-rays results, lab results,etc.). Discussing PHI and/or “friending” patients. No online conversations with patients or their families Disclosing confidential information about the College, its employees, or its students Stating personal opinions as being endorsed by WCON
Watts College of Nursing – 2026-2027 Student Handbook | 137STUDENT POLICIES Using information and conducting activities that may violate WCON academic policies, or may violate local, state, or federal laws, and regulations Posting of embarrassing, threatening or harassing statements on either a personal page or website (Facebook, Instagram, X (formerly Twitter), Snapchat, etc.). This could be grounds for disciplinary action and possible dismissal from the program Posting pictures of students, faculty, and/or staff of the College without explicit permission at a clinical facility, site or lab space. Students are encouraged to utilize social media with knowledge that there are also risks. These risks include the fact that information can take on a life of its own. Content once posted can be shared with others. You are legally liable for what you post on your site and your posts on the site of others. Search engines can research posts years after the publication dates. Archival systems save information including deleted postings. POLICY WCON and Duke Health prohibits the use of its equipment to access or participate in social media sites for personal use. Students should ensure there are clear delineations between professional and personal use of social media and social networking sites. If self-identified as a WCON student online, clearly state that thoughts and views are personal and not representative of Watts College of Nursing and Duke Health. Disclaimer Statement-”The views expressed here are my own and not those of ...”. Do not post or use the WCON, Duke University, or Duke Health logo unless it is specifically approved. Personal social media and online activity should not interfere with course/clinical activities. These activities should be restricted to breaks and off hours. WCON abides by the directives of the Duke University Health System Social Media Policy. Social media sites will not be used to discuss confidential matters relating to the college, faculty, staff, students or clinical experiences. While the WCON faculty do not regularly review content posted to social media sites, they have the right to request removal of any content for any reason, including but not limited to, content that is deemed threatening, obscene, a violation of intellectual property rights or privacy laws, or otherwise injurious or illegal. Posts that include content from students that is defamatory, harassing, libelous or inhospitable to a reasonable academic/work environment is considered a violation of the Professional Integrity Policy and may result in disciplinary action. Refer to the following resource from the National Council of State Boards of Nursing (NCSBN) for additional guidance on social media use for nurses: https://www.ncsbn.org/public-files/NCSBN_SocialMedia
Watts College of Nursing – 2026-2027 Student Handbook | 138STUDENT POLICIES WATTS COLLEGE OF NURSING POLICY DEPLOYMENT Policy Name: Student Records Institution: Watts College of Nursing Supersedes: Policy Level: Student Department: Administration Owner(s) Administrative Affairs Committee Contributing Departments: Approved by: Team Senate Manual Name: Student Handbook Original Effective Date: 1/2020 Revision Date: 7/2025 Scheduled Review Date: 7/2028 Scheduled Review Interval: 36 months POLICY Watts College of Nursing (WCON; the College) adheres to a policy of compliance with the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA). See Watts College of Nursing FERPA Policy. Education records of current students are maintained as paper and electronic files. Graduate records are maintained electronically. Pre-entrance and current medical records are kept on file in the Duke Employee Occupational Health and Wellness Office. Student Records are maintained as noted below. Admission Record: Retention: From receipt of application to matriculation and completion of year 3 Maintained in locked files in Administrative Suite or electronically saved Materials in record: • Application • Transcript evaluation • Transcripts of post-secondary education • Standardized test scores • Criminal background check report • Technical Standards Agreement Form • Two references • Consent to Alcohol and Drug Testing Form • Drug test results
Watts College of Nursing – 2026-2027 Student Handbook | 139STUDENT POLICIES Current Student Record: Retention: Until administrative need is satisfied Maintained in locked files in Administrative Suite or electronically saved Materials in record: • Current transcript • Enrollment Agreement • Signed Handbook form • Application • Transcripts of post-secondary education • Leave of Absence (LOA) and Withdrawal Permanent Student Record: Retention: 3 years after graduation and final transcript is permanent Maintained in locked files in Administrative Suite or electronically saved Materials in record: • Final transcript Students not completing the program: The WCON transcript will be maintained as an electronic file. Disposition of Permanent and other critical Student Records in the event of Closure of the College: In the event of the College ceasing operation, all pertinent documents related to records and transcripts will be sent to the Duke Office of Audit, Risk, and Compliance for permanent storage.
Watts College of Nursing – 2026-2027 Student Handbook | 140STUDENT POLICIES WATTS COLLEGE OF NURSING POLICY DEPLOYMENT Policy Name: Substance Use Institution: Watts College of Nursing Supersedes: Policy Level: WCON Student Department: Owner(s) Student Affairs Contributing Departments: Approved by: Team Senate Manual Name: Student Handbook Original Effective Date: 7/1/2019 Revision Date: 7/2025 Scheduled Review Date: 7/2028 Scheduled Review Interval: 36 months DEFINITIONS Alcohol (Alcoholic Beverage) – Any beverage or liquid that has alcohol content (does not include products used for legitimate medical purposes regulated by statute). Chain-of-Custody – Procedures implemented to ensure the integrity of the urine/blood specimen by tracking its handling and storage from the time of the collection through the testing and final disposition. Drug – Any substance (other than alcohol) that is capable of altering mood, perception, or judgment of the individual, which shall include any prescribed drug, illegal drug, or over-the-counter drug capable of impairing the student’s performance. Illegal Drug – Any drug or controlled substances, which are illegal to possess under Federal, State, or local laws. Illegal drugs also include any legal drug, which has been obtained illegally, for which a valid prescription is required, or which is being used in violation of the terms of a valid prescription. Indication of Impairment – Any appearance, behavior, speech, odor, or other reasonable evidence that would indicate or suggest that the student has consumed alcohol or any illegal drug(s) during or prior to school hours which impairs or could impair judgment/performance. NIDA – National Institute for Drug Abuse Prescribed Drug – Any drug prescribed by a licensed medical practitioner. Positive Test Result – Presence of alcohol/drug(s) based on parameters of testing facility. Reasonable Cause or Suspicion – A belief that a student is impaired and is under the influence of alcohol or illegal drug which can be drawn from specific or particular facts, documented and reasonably inferred from any or all of the following: (1) observable phenomena, such as the direct observation of drug and alcohol use, drug possession or the physical symptoms of being under the influence of drugs or alcohol; (2) pattern of consistent abnormal conduct or erratic behavior; (3) arrest or conviction for a drug and /or alcohol related offense; (4) safety accident, unusually careless acts or incidents where safety precautions were violated; or (5) during the investigation of situations involving the diversion of drugs and/or other controlled substance(s).
Watts College of Nursing – 2026-2027 Student Handbook | 141STUDENT POLICIES POLICY Watts College of Nursing (WCON; College) believes that having a drug free environment is necessary to accomplish its mission. Students who use, possess, sell, divert, purchase, serve or manufacture illegal drugs or alcohol during any College activity will be subject to disciplinary action. WCON provides support and assistance to students with problems associated with substance dependency through the services of a designated resource person. Students seeking treatment for drug and/or alcohol use will remain enrolled provided they follow the prescribed course of rehabilitation/treatment, remain in good academic standing, and are able to perform their duties in a competent and professional manner. When prescribed medications and/or over-the-counter medications that adversely affect the student’s ability to effectively and safely perform the requirements of a student nurse, Administration should be notified. Administration will determine alterations in student assignments resulting from the use of the above medications on a case-by-case basis. WCON may conduct testing for drugs or alcohol when there is reasonable cause or suspicion. Positive test results will be viewed as evidence of violation of this policy. Refusal to consent to testing or failure to comply with treatment/rehabilitation following positive test results will result in dismissal from the program. WCON will take disciplinary action without testing if the circumstances clearly indicate impairment or a situation where the possession, sale, use, or distribution of alcohol or drugs occurs. During the investigation of violations of the Substance Use Policy, the confidentiality of the alleged violation will be protected to the extent possible and access to the information limited. All records and information related to actions taken on students shall be maintained in accordance with the acceptable chain-of-custody, and applicable laws, regulations and WCON policies. PROCEDURE Impairment Checklist The faculty and/or Administration will complete the Impairment Checklist form. Reasonable Cause or Suspicion If there is an indication of impairment, the student will: Be immediately relieved of duties. Be escorted by faculty or Administration to a confidential location. Meet with Administration who will explain reasonable cause or suspicion and testing procedure. Read and sign the “Consent to Test” form. Read and sign the “Substance Testing Agreement” form. Immediately be scheduled for drug and/or alcohol testing. Be escorted to the testing lab by Security who will remain at the lab for the duration of the test. Be discouraged from driving a vehicle. Involved faculty or Administration will assist the student in acquiring transportation from the facility. Be relieved from all class, clinical and school responsibilities pending the results of the tests. The Medical Review Officer will: Receive all positive laboratory test results. Conduct necessary assessment and evaluation including student explanation for positive test results. Notify Administration of positive test results.
Watts College of Nursing – 2026-2027 Student Handbook | 142STUDENT POLICIES If the test results are positive, the student may: Be suspended from the College. Sign the “Last Chance Assistance Agreement” form. Have the opportunity to explain the presence of any substance(s) detected to the Medical Review Officer. Be informed of the need to make an appointment with the designated resource person to discuss treatment/rehabilitation. Sign a release of information form allowing the designated resource person to discuss ongoing treatment with Administration. Cooperate and follow recommended treatment. Meet with the Administration to discuss return to the College following recommendation from the designated resource person and clearance from physician for fitness for duty. If test results are negative, the student will: Return to class and clinical immediately. Absences from class and clinical, because of the waiting period for test results, will not be documented on the student’s permanent record. Searches When the College has a reasonable suspicion that the student is involved with the use, possession, sale or distribution of alcohol/drugs, WCON has the right to request an inspection of student property, including but not limited to the contents of packages or other belongings. A “Consent to Search” form is signed by the student. The search is conducted in the presence of the student by a designated hospital employee (Security). Failure to cooperate, or refusal to allow inspection, will result in disciplinary action. GUIDELINES The cost for initial substance testing and all subsequent costs related to substance testing and treatment are the responsibility of the student. Administration will be consulted prior to the investigation of a student or a request made of the student for alcohol or drug testing. All tests will be conducted by independent NIDA approved labs and in compliance with federal and state laws. Prior to any student being tested for drugs or alcohol, a consent form must be properly executed. Administration will maintain a record of the event in a confidential file. Administration, in conjunction with the student, will notify parents/guardians of students under the age of 21 of positive test results. ATTACHMENTS Impairment Checklist form Alcohol and Drug Testing Agreement form Consent to Test form Last Chance Agreement form
Watts College of Nursing – 2026-2027 Student Handbook | 143STUDENT POLICIES WATTS COLLEGE OF NURSING Impairment Checklist Student: __________________________________________________ Date: _____________________ Faculty: __________________________________________________ Phone: ____________________ I. Faculty concern about student behavior: ________________________________________________________________________________________________________ ________________________________________________________________________________________________________ ________________________________________________________________________________________________________ ________________________________________________________________________________________________________ II. Student behavior: 1. Does individual seem dazed, confused, or disoriented? ❑ Yes ❑ No 2. Have you observed individual to have difficulty with movements, balance, or coordination (loss of balance, stumbling or staggering, jerky movements, lean on objects for balance)? ❑ Yes ❑ No 3. Is there a concern about the individual’s speech, content of speech, pace of speech or slurring of words? ❑ Yes ❑ No Concern: ____________________________________________________________________________________________ 4. Is there any concern about physical appearance (eyes red or glassy, unkempt or unshaven)? ❑ Yes ❑ No Concern: ____________________________________________________________________________________________ 5. Have there been concerns/reports about this individual in regards to any unusual behavior today? ❑ Yes ❑ No Describe: ____________________________________________________________________________________________ ____________________________________________________________________________________________________ ____________________________________________________________________________________________________ 6. Has individual been observed sleeping while in the clinical setting? ❑ Yes ❑ No
Watts College of Nursing – 2026-2027 Student Handbook | 144STUDENT POLICIES 7. Has this individual been involved in any school incident or accident today or in the past couple of days? ❑ Yes ❑ No III. Evidence of possible substance use at school: 1. Is there odor of alcohol on individual’s breath? ❑ Yes ❑ No 2. Have you observed or discovered the individual to have any possession of alcohol, possession of other drugs, or drug paraphernalia today? ❑ Yes ❑ No 3. Have you or anyone else witnessed this individual’s use of alcohol or other drugs today? ❑ Yes ❑ No Witness: _____________________________________________________________________________________________ IV. Other observations of possible impairment: ____________________________________________________________________________________________________ ____________________________________________________________________________________________________ _______________________________________________ _______________________________________________ Faculty (Submitting Report) Witness
Watts College of Nursing – 2026-2027 Student Handbook | 145STUDENT POLICIES ALCOHOL AND SUBSTANCE TESTING AGREEMENT I understand that I must comply with the following procedures/process under the Alcohol and Drug Use Policy: I am aware that the cost for initial substance testing and all subsequent costs related to substance testing and treatment are my responsibility. Read and sign Consent To Test Form. Read and sign Last Chance Agreement Form. When test results are positive, as determined/confirmed by the Medical Review Officer, I must make an appointment to be seen by a designated resource person on next business day. Read and sign release form allowing Medical Review Officer to release test results to the designated resource person, allow the designated resource person to request follow-up lab tests, and inform Administration of compliance with recommendations for treatment by the designated resource person. Upon assessment by the designated resource person and determination of ability to return to school after negative test results, I must be seen on the next business day by a physician for assessment for fitness for duty and clearance to return to school. Contact must be made with the College of Nursing to notify them of clearance for return to school and the College of Nursing will establish a return to school date. I am aware that upon return to school, I may be randomly tested for a time period recommended by the designated resource person. I understand the procedures stated above and agree to comply. I further understand that failure to do so will result in dismissal from the Watts College of Nursing. __________________________________________________ __________________________ Name Date __________________________________________________ __________________________ Witness Date
Watts College of Nursing – 2026-2027 Student Handbook | 146STUDENT POLICIES CONSENT TO TEST Under the Watts College of Nursing Substance Use Policy, you have been asked to submit to alcohol or drug testing. You may refuse to be tested. Refusal to be tested, or failure to cooperate in the testing process, will result in dismissal from Watts College of Nursing. We have selected testing laboratories with strict procedures to ensure test accuracy. All samples showing positive results are tested again as a safeguard. There are other safeguards outlined in our policy. If you consent to this test, please sign the statement below: I agree to submit a sample for alcohol and/or drug testing as requested by the testing laboratory. I promise it will be an actual sample, and I will not attempt to falsify the results. I authorize the Watts College of Nursing, the testing laboratory it uses, and the professionals involved in this process to review the test reports. _________________________________________ _________________________________________ _____________ SIGNATURE OF STUDENT PRINTED NAME DATE STATEMENT OF WITNESS I witnessed the student’s signature above. _________________________________________________ _________________________________________________ WITNESS DATE IN CASE OF REFUSAL TO CONSENT The student named above refused to consent to testing after an opportunity to review and understand this form. _________________________________________________ _________________________________________________ WITNESS DATE TO BE COMPLETED AT TESTING LAB PRIOR TO BEING TESTED: Please list any medication (prescription or non-prescription) you have taken or used in the last thirty (30) days: _______________________________________________________________________________________________________ _______________________________________________________________________________________________________ _______________________________________________________________________________________________________
Watts College of Nursing – 2026-2027 Student Handbook | 147STUDENT POLICIES LAST CHANCE ASSISTANCE AGREEMENT 1. I promise to fully cooperate and participate in an approved counseling/rehabilitation program in accordance with instructions and requirements of program administrators. I understand my participation in a counseling or rehabilitation program may be reviewed on a weekly basis. 2. I authorize counseling or rehabilitation representatives to confer with Administration regarding my attendance, progress and suitability for continuation of education or return to school, as the case may be, including the disclosure of medical/psychiatric evaluation of me. 3. I understand that if I continue my education or return to school, I must follow all college policies and procedures. 4. I understand and agree I will willingly submit to unscheduled drug and/or alcohol testing at any time within the next two years. If I refuse to take a test, or if I show a positive test result for the category(ies) of substances tested, it will be cause for dismissal from school. 5. I understand and agree my future education depends upon my remaining forever free of the substance abuse for which I am counseled, and this “LAST CHANCE” opportunity is conditioned accordingly. Such conditions, including those above, are recognized to be in addition to the school’s right to alter my educational relationship with it at-will, and for reasons not set forth above. _______________________________________________ Signature of Student _______________________________________________ Printed Name _______________________________________________ Date _______________________________________________ Witness _______________________________________________ Title
Watts College of Nursing – 2026-2027 Student Handbook | 148STUDENT POLICIES WATTS COLLEGE OF NURSING POLICY DEPLOYMENT Policy Name: Technological Devices Institution: Watts College of Nursing Supersedes: Policy Level: WCON Student Department: Administration Owner(s) Student Affairs Contributing Departments: Approved by: Team Senate Manual Name: Student Handbook Original Effective Date: 7/1/2019 Revision Date: 6/5/2024 Scheduled Review Date: 7/2027 Scheduled Review Interval: 36 months POLICY Cellular phones, pagers, smart watches, and other technological devices are to be used with discretion and must not interfere with learning experiences. These devices may only be used in a clinical facility with the permission of the faculty. Administration and/or faculty can instruct the student to turn a device off at any time. GUIDELINES Cellular phones, pagers, and other technological devices must be: In compliance with safety restrictions and facility guidelines On a vibrate or silence mode during learning experiences Access to the live Electronic Health Record with personal technological devices is strictly prohibited.
Watts College of Nursing – 2026-2027 Student Handbook | 149STUDENT POLICIES WATTS COLLEGE OF NURSING POLICY DEPLOYMENT Policy Name: Testing Institution: Watts College of Nursing Supersedes: Policy Level: WCON Student Department: Owner(s) Curriculum Committee Contributing Departments: Approved by: Team Senate Manual Name: Student Handbook Original Effective Date: 7/1/2019 Revision Date: 7/2025 Scheduled Review Date: 7/2028 Scheduled Review Interval: 36 months POLICY Watts College of Nursing (WCON; College) is committed to providing clear guidelines for testing. Students are responsible for upholding and maintaining academic integrity during testing. Any form of cheating during testing is considered academic misconduct, a violation of professional integrity, and is a serious offense that implies deception in fulfilling academic requirements. Methods for proctoring can be in person or via remote technology with approval from the Associate Executive of Academics. DEFINITIONS Cheating Cheating is the act of wrongfully using or attempting to use unauthorized materials, information, study aids, or the ideas or work of another in order to gain an unfair advantage. It includes, but is not limited to: plagiarism on any assignment copying another student’s work-including but not limited to tests/exams, quizzes, assignments, or exams, with/without student’s cooperation. using or consulting unauthorized materials, equipment or artificial intelligence (AI) technologies, such as ChatGPT, on tests/exams, quizzes, assignments or examinations. altering or falsifying any information on tests/exams, quizzes, assignments or examinations. unauthorized access to tests/exams and electronic testing platforms, this includes screen recording and screenshots. discussion of test/exam question(s) outside of approved activities (e.g., secure exam review, group testing).
Watts College of Nursing – 2026-2027 Student Handbook | 150STUDENT POLICIES PROCEDURE Prior to testing, all personal technological items including smart watches, smart pens and other smart devices must be turned off and placed in a separate, secure area. Sticky notes/papers etc., other than manufacturer stickers, should be covered or removed from electronic devices. Only writing implements, blank paper, and an approved electronic device are allowed to be with the student for testing. No food or drink allowed. Students must place their Watts College of Nursing (WCON) badge in a place designated by the exam proctor and/or course faculty prior to the beginning of the test/exam. Students should be seated at a distance determined by faculty and/or state health and safety protocols The testing environment, including electronic devices, approved basic calculators, tablets, clothing and accessories may be inspected at any point. Proctoring and/or video surveillance will occur with all testing. Testing directives will be provided by faculty. For all tests/exams, students will be required to use their personal approved electronic device that meets the minimum requirements per policy and/or platforms that allow for remote proctoring. At the start of the test/exam, students sign/acknowledge an honor code statement that reads, “I will not lie, cheat, or steal in my academic pursuit, nor will I accept the actions of those who do.” Faculty will not answer questions during a test/exam. For in-class testing, if a question/concern arises during a test/exam, students should write their question on a blank piece of paper and raise their hand to get the proctor’s attention. Standard test/exam items: fill in the blank numeric, multiple choice, multiple response select all that apply, hotspot, and ordered response. The multiple-choice item can be text or a graphic. Each student has 1.5 minutes per standard test/exam item to complete a test unless accommodations have been approved per policy. (i.e.: 75 minutes to complete a 50-question test/exam, 150 minutes to complete a 100-question test/exam). Time allotted may differ for ATI proctored tests/exams. If testing must occur off campus, course faculty will provide instructions regarding test security and proctoring prior to the test/exam date. Once a student has taken an exam/test, a retake/repeat is not permitted. Standard Test/Exam Items Standard test/exam items include fill in the blank numeric, multiple choice, multiple response select all that apply, hotspot, and ordered response. The multiple-choice item can be text or a graphic. Each student has 1.5 minutes per standard test/exam item to complete a test unless accommodations have been approved per policy. (i.e.: 75 minutes to complete a 50-question test/exam, 150 minutes to complete a 100-question test/exam). Time allotted may differ for ATI proctored tests/exams.
Watts College of Nursing – 2026-2027 Student Handbook | 151STUDENT POLICIES Next-Generation NCLEX (NGN) Test/Exam Items Select alternate format test/exam items may include unfolding case studies, trend, bow-tie, matrix, drag and drop, drop-down, and highlight. These items may be presented in multiple formats including a table, text, or cloze. NGN items are scaffolded through the curriculum beginning in Level I. Each student has 2 minutes per select alternate format test/exam item, unless accommodations have been approved per policy; this does not include standard multiple response select all that apply test/exam items. Time allotted may differ for ATI proctored tests/exams. Additional time may be allotted for unfolding case study test items. Tardiness & Absences Students must notify faculty as soon as possible, prior to the scheduled start time, of any anticipated tardiness or absence from the test/exam. Students who are late to any test/exam may be required to test at a later date/time. If a student misses an exam, they may be allowed to make up one test/exam per course during the semester within five business days of original test date. Extensions to the timeline require appropriate and sufficient documentation. Documentation will be reviewed and require approval of the Associate Executive of Academics. If a student misses a second test/exam, in a course, faculty will discuss the student’s eligibility to test with the Associate Executive of Academics. Students who miss any additional tests/exams may receive a grade of zero on those assessments. Final Exam makeup will require approval by the Associate Executive of Academics within five (5) business days of the original testing date. Extensions to this timeline will require appropriate and sufficient documentation. Documentation will be reviewed and require approval of the Associate Executive of Academics. Student absences from test/exam will be tracked by course faculty. Grades & Test/Exam Reviews Partial credit will be awarded for correct answers on select test/exam items that require more than one answer. If no correct answers are selected for these test/exam items, the minimum possible score is 0. For select test/exam items points may be deducted for incorrect answers. Grades are posted on the learning management system within five (5) business days of testing. After all students have completed the test/exam there will be a one-time, in person, secure group test/exam review with faculty. This will be the only opportunity for students to review their individual test/exam. A secure exam review will not be provided for the final exam in any course. Students may make an appointment with course faculty or their faculty advisor to discuss strategies to enhance academic success.
Watts College of Nursing – 2026-2027 Student Handbook | 152STUDENT POLICIES WATTS COLLEGE OF NURSING POLICY DEPLOYMENT Policy Name: Tobacco/Smoke-free Environment Institution: Watts College of Nursing Supersedes: Policy Level: WCON Student Department: Owner(s) Student Affairs Contributing Departments: Approved by: Team Senate Manual Name: Student Handbook Original Effective Date: 7/1/2019 Revision Date: 7/2025 Scheduled Review Date: 7/2028 Scheduled Review Interval: 36 months POLICY Watts College of Nursing (WCON) is smoke/tobacco-free. The use of any tobacco-based products, including but not limited to cigarettes, cigars, cigarillos, hookahs, chewing tobacco, snuff, bidis, kreteks, dissolvable tobacco, heated tobacco products (e.g., IQOS, Pax), herbal cigarettes, and electronic smoking devices (e.g., e-cigarettes, vaping products), is strictly prohibited both indoors and outdoors on all WCON and Duke University Health System (DUHS) campuses and facilities.
Watts College of Nursing – 2026-2027 Student Handbook | 153STUDENT POLICIES WATTS COLLEGE OF NURSING POLICY DEPLOYMENT Policy Name: Transfer of Credit Institution: Watts College of Nursing Supersedes: Policy Level: Student Department: Owner(s) Administrative Affairs Committee Contributing Departments: Approved by: Team Senate Manual Name: Student Handbook Original Effective Date: 7/2019 Revision Date: 7/2025 Scheduled Review Date: 7/2028 Scheduled Review Interval: 36 months POLICY Watts College of Nursing (WCON; College) accepts transfer credit from only accredited postsecondary institutions. Upon acceptance; a student’s transcript(s) will be initially reviewed for approval of transfer credit. The curriculum does not offer advanced placement for LPNs. Challenging or auditing a course is not permitted. General Education Requirements Each course must be passed with the minimum grade, number of credit hours, and meet the specified content and time frames listed in the Admissions Policy. College Board Advanced Placement Examinations Watts College of Nursing awards transfer credit for approved College Board Advanced Placement (AP) Examinations. The minimum score required is 3. Transfer Credit for Approved Advanced Placement (AP) Examinations AP Exam Minimum Score Required Credit Awarded Biology 3 4 semester hours Chemistry 3 4 semester hours English Language and Composition 3 3 semester hours English Language and Composition 4,5 6 semester hours History (US, World, European) 3 3 semester hours Math (Calculus AB, Calculus BC) 3 3 semester hours Psychology (Intro) 3 3 semester hours Statistics 3 3 semester hours
Watts College of Nursing – 2026-2027 Student Handbook | 154STUDENT POLICIES Nursing Courses Watts College of Nursing limits transfer credit for nursing courses from other accredited and approved Registered Nurse (RN) nursing programs to no more than 30 credit hours of nursing and must complete the final two semesters of nursing at Watts College of Nursing. A transfer course must be comparable in content and competencies. Attainment of a course grade of “C” or above is necessary. A course syllabus and summary of clinical evaluation are required to grant credit, which is determined on an individual basis. Transfer Students Applicants from other accredited and approved (RN) nursing programs may apply for transfer admission. All admission requirements are applicable to the transfer student along with the following additional information: The transfer applicant must submit a personal letter stating the reason(s) for requesting the transfer. It should accompany the application for admission. A summary of clinical evaluation is requested with official transcripts from the accredited and approved school of nursing. A course syllabus for all completed nursing courses must accompany the school transcript. Attainment of a course grade of “C” or above for each course approved for transfer and satisfactory clinical performance grades are necessary for transfer of course credit. It is required that the two references be from faculty members of the school of nursing. Transfer applications cannot be reviewed until all materials have been received. Placement within Watts College of Nursing is determined on an individual basis according to established policy and space availability. Upon acceptance, the applicant may request a review of nursing courses for transfer credit. There is a processing fee for review and placement services for transfer students.
Watts College of Nursing – 2026-2027 Student Handbook | 155STUDENT POLICIES WATTS COLLEGE OF NURSING POLICY DEPLOYMENT Policy Name: Tuition and Fees Institution: Watts College of Nursing Supersedes: Policy Level: WCON Student Department: Owner(s) Administration/Executive Committee Contributing Departments: Approved by: Team Senate Manual Name: Student Handbook Original Effective Date: 7/1/2019 Revision Date: 1/2024 Scheduled Review Date: 7/2027 Scheduled Review Interval: 36 months DEFINITIONS Tuition – Charges for semester hour credit for classroom and clinical instruction Fees – Charges for cost related to resources and activities of the College 12 or more credits – full-time enrollment status 9–11 credits – three-quarters time enrollment status 6–8 credits – half-time enrollment status 1–5 credits – less than half-time enrollment status POLICY During the budget preparation period tuition and fees will be reviewed, assessed, and determined annually. Students who are full time and assigned 12 credit hours or more will be charged the full tuition amount. Students assigned 11 hours or less will be charged per credit hour. Fees are determined for the required resources and activities that support the educational endeavors of the College. Fees are per semester and may vary based on the semester’s required resources and activities. Fees are the same amount regardless of full time or part time status. Tuition and fees are due prior to the start of classes. Any student that has received an external scholarship, grant or loan will be required to present documentation of the pending award/loan to the finance department prior to the first Friday of the corresponding Semester. The document should detail the date and the amount the student has or is expected to receive. A student will be permitted to register and attend class only when a zero balance for both tuition and fees (pending financial aid) has been met. Students returning from a LOA/withdrawal, who owe an outstanding financial obligation to the College, will not be allowed to enroll.
Watts College of Nursing – 2026-2027 Student Handbook | 156STUDENT POLICIES Any student not meeting all financial obligations to the College will not be eligible to receive transcripts or degree verifications. The College reserves the right to make changes to the tuition and fees. Students will be given notice of at least 30 days prior to the change. On or before July of each year, students will be notified of the tuition and fees for the upcoming academic year (Fall and Spring Semesters). At any time during enrollment, students unable to meet their financial obligations will be subject to dismissal. Students dismissed from class based upon a failure to meet their financial obligation must meet with the President of Watts College of Nursing, return all WCON-issued property and complete the Program Withdrawal Form.
Watts College of Nursing – 2026-2027 Student Handbook | 157STUDENT POLICIES WATTS COLLEGE OF NURSING POLICY DEPLOYMENT Policy Name: Withdrawal Institution: Watts College of Nursing Supersedes: Policy Level: Student Department: Administration Owner(s) Administrative Affairs Committee Contributing Departments: Approved by: Team Senate Manual Name: Student Handbook Original Effective Date: 1/2020 Revision Date: 6/2026 Scheduled Review Date: 6/2029 Scheduled Review Interval: 36 months DEFINITIONS Course withdrawal – Withdrawal from a course by student request after Drop/Add Deadline. Refer to the academic calendar for deadline. Program withdrawal – Withdrawal from the program by student request or administrative action with or without the ability to apply for readmission. POLICY Watts College of Nursing (WCON; College) recognizes that a student may need to withdraw from a course or the program for various reasons. When requesting to withdraw from course or program it is required that the student meet with the Financial Counselor to make adjustments in financial aid and with WCON Administration to arrange payment of all financial obligations to the College. Administration reserves the right to issue an administrative withdrawal to remove a student at any point in the program. Refer to the Refund and Cancellation policy for further information on refunds. PROCEDURE The last day of attendance is noted as the last date of activity (participation) in the course and/or program. The Date of Determination of Withdrawal is the date the College determines that a student is no longer enrolled due to official notification, cessation of attendance, or administrative action, as documented in the student record and required for accreditation and regulatory compliance. Withdrawal from a Course Students who withdraw from a course may repeat that course only once. A maximum of two courses may be repeated within the program. A withdrawal from a course while the student is in failing status shall be recorded as the first course attempt. Students are permitted only one additional course attempt to successfully complete the program.
Watts College of Nursing – 2026-2027 Student Handbook | 158STUDENT POLICIES The Coordinator of Registration and Enrollment (CRE) will record the appropriate designation(s) on the student transcript: (W) Withdrew Passing from Course (WF) Withdrew Failing from Course A student considering withdrawal from a course must: Meet with the Course Lead and discuss the decision to withdraw from the course. Meet with Administration to complete the Course Withdrawal Form. Return assistive learning devices to Administration and obtain required signature (as required) Meet with the Financial Counselor to make adjustments in financial aid and to arrange payment of all financial obligations to the College Meet with the CRE and submit the Course Withdrawal Form and identification badge (ID). Contact the CRE by the last day of the semester withdrawn from to indicate plan to return. Understand that failure to notify the CRE of intent to return will result in administrative withdrawal from the program. Contact the CRE for semester start date. Withdrawal from Program The CRE will record the appropriate designation(s) on the student transcript: (WE) Program Withdrawal, Eligible for Readmission (WI) Program Withdrawal, Ineligible for Readmission A student who desires to withdraw from the program must: Meet with Administration to discuss the decision to withdraw from the program and complete the Withdrawal from the Program form and exit interview. Return assistive learning devices to administration and obtain required signature (as required). Failure to return assigned materials will result in a charge for the item. Meet with the Financial Counselor to make adjustments in financial aid and to arrange payment of all financial obligations to the school. Meet with the CRE and submit the Program Withdrawal Form and identification badge (ID). ATTACHMENTS Course Withdrawal Form Program Withdrawal Form
Watts College of Nursing – 2026-2027 Student Handbook | 159STUDENT POLICIES COURSE WITHDRAWAL FORM WATTS COLLEGE OF NURSING Student: ________________________________________________ Last 4 of Social Security Number: xxx-xx-____________ Personal Email (DO NOT USE @duke.edu): _____________________________________ Phone: ____________________________________________ Are you employed in the Duke Health System? ___________ Withdrawal from: ❑ Course Name & Number ________________________________________________________ (specify) Currently my grade is: ❑ Passing ❑ Failing Reason for withdrawal: _________________________________________________________________ ❑ Course Name & Number ________________________________________________________ (specify) Currently my grade is: ❑ Passing ❑ Failing Reason for withdrawal: _________________________________________________________________ ❑ Course Name & Number ________________________________________________________ (specify) Currently my grade is: ❑ Passing ❑ Failing Reason for withdrawal: _________________________________________________________________ ❑ Course Name & Number ________________________________________________________ (specify) Currently my grade is: ❑ Passing ❑ Failing Reason for withdrawal: _________________________________________________________________ ❑ Course Name & Number ________________________________________________________ (specify) Currently my grade is: ❑ Passing ❑ Failing Reason for withdrawal: _________________________________________________________________ ❑ Requesting to return in ❑ Spring____________(year) ❑ Fall____________(year) Home Address Permanent Address (Next of Kin)
Watts College of Nursing – 2026-2027 Student Handbook | 160STUDENT POLICIES COURSE WITHDRAWAL FORM (CONT.) I understand the following: ❑ Withdrawing from course(s) may impact my Financial Aid eligibility. ❑ Withdrawing from a course will count as my one and only chance to repeat that course. ❑ Withdrawing from more than two courses may result in a permanent withdrawal from program. ❑ I am required to return all assistive learning devices to administration ❑ My college accounts (email, NetID, learning management system) will be terminated. ❑ I must contact Administration of my intent to return to the program by the last day of the semester withdrawn from. Failure to contact Administration will result in administrative withdrawal from the program. ❑ Receive written notification of start date from Administration. My approved date to return may be delayed due to course availability. Last Date of Attendance: ____________________________________ Determined Date of Withdrawal: ______________________________ __________________________________________________________ _________________________ Student Signature Date __________________________________________________________ _________________________ Administration Date __________________________________________________________ Business Office Signature Transcript to reflect: Course ____________ ❑ Withdraw Passing ❑ Withdraw Failing Course ____________ ❑ Withdraw Passing ❑ Withdraw Failing Course ____________ ❑ Withdraw Passing ❑ Withdraw Failing Course ____________ ❑ Withdraw Passing ❑ Withdraw Failing Course ____________ ❑ Withdraw Passing ❑ Withdraw Failing Date submitted to Coordinator of Registration and Enrollment: ________________________________
Watts College of Nursing – 2026-2027 Student Handbook | 161STUDENT POLICIES PROGRAM WITHDRAWAL FORM WATTS COLLEGE OF NURSING Student: ________________________________________________ Last 4 of Social Security Number: xxx-xx-____________ Personal Email (DO NOT USE @duke.edu): _____________________________________ Phone: ____________________________________________ Are you employed in the Duke Health System? ___________ Home Address Permanent Address (Next of Kin) Last Date of Attendance: _____________________ Determined Date of Withdrawal: ______________________ __________________________________________________________ _________________________ Student Signature Date __________________________________________________________ _________________________ Administration Signature Date For official use only: DEPARTMENTAL ACTIONS FACULTY/STAFF SIGNATURE Administration: Exit Interview completed Assigned assistive learning devices received (as required) *Tuition balance reviewed * ID Badge received *Duke Disability Access office materials received Administratively Withdrawn ____________________________