Introduction

Graduate Program Information

Purpose of Handbook

The purpose of this student handbook is to provide graduate students with information concerning program offerings and to anticipate some of the frequently asked questions of graduate students. Please note that this handbook includes information to guide your progression, but it is not inclusive of all graduate school policies and procedures. The Graduate Catalog serves as the primary document for graduate program rules and policies. Graduate students are expected to be aware of and satisfy all regulations governing their work and study at the university. All students will follow the most current Graduate Programs Handbook until they enter candidacy. Once a student becomes a doctoral candidate (approved Admission to Candidacy), they will follow the handbook of the academic year in which they were admitted to candidacy until graduation.

You will be referred to other publications of the University, including Hilltopics (https://hilltopics.utk.edu). If you have further questions, check with your advisor.

Graduate School Introduction

“In order to serve the mission and vision of the graduate School and preserve the integrity of the Graduate Programs at The University of Tennessee, Knoxville, information related to the process of graduate education in each department is to be provided for all graduate students. Based on Best Practices offered by the Council of Graduate School, it is important that detailed articulation of the information specific to the graduate degrees offered in each department/program be disseminated. The department Graduate handbook does not deviate from established Graduate School Policies noted in the Graduate Catalog, but rather provides specific ways in which those policies are carried out.” (https://tiny.utk.edu/grad-catalog)

Vision, Mission, and Values of the College of Nursing

Vision

Leading Care. Creating Partnerships. Improving Health.

Mission

We improve health through nurse-led care by integrating education, practice, research, scholarship & innovation.
We prepare a diverse nursing workforce through exceptional student-centered learning and experiences.
We define health broadly and impact it by addressing policy, equity, and social justice with advocacy and leadership.
We embrace the volunteer spirit by investing in our people and listening to diverse perspectives to build a compassionate and caring workplace culture.
We work collaboratively with others to create innovative ideas that improve health for all.

Values

Valuing All: Diversity and Inclusivity Promotes a Sense of Belonging and Equitable Care

Originality: Innovative Ideas and Technologies Propel New Solutions and Outcomes

Leading with Integrity: Exceptional Leadership with Courage to Be Nimble and Transformational

Seeking Knowledge: A Spirit of Inquiry and Curiosity Guides our Day-to-Day Work

College of Nursing Administration

Dean
Dr. Victoria Niederhauser

Executive Associate Dean of Academic Affairs
Dr. Shelia Swift

Associate Dean for Practice & Global Affairs
to be determined

Associate Dean for Research
Dr. Tami Wyatt

Assistant Dean, Finance, Administration & Operation
Mr. Steven Johnson

Assistant Dean, Undergraduate Programs
Dr. Phillip Moore

Assistant Dean, Graduate Programs
Dr. Allyson Neal

Chair of DNP Program
Dr. Tracy Brewer

Chair of PhD Program
Dr. Sandra Thomas

Graduate Studies in the College of Nursing

Dr. Shelia Swift, Executive Associate Dean of Academic Affairs is responsible for the overall administration of academic programs. Dr. Allyson Neal serves as Assistant Dean of Graduate Programs. Dr. Tracy Brewer serves as Chair of the DNP program and, thus, has operational oversight for the program. Dr. Sandra Thomas serves as Chair of the PhD program and, thus, has operational oversight for the program. Concentration Coordinators provide operational oversight for each DNP concentration in conjunction with Dr. Brewer. Concentration Coordinators also serve on the Admissions committee and as faculty advisors to students once they are admitted. The Graduate Programs Assistant provides administrative support to the graduate nursing programs; the Office of Student Services provides academic advising to graduate students. Students will be assigned an academic advisor prior to starting their program. It is important to understand that the role of the academic advisor and faculty advisor differ (see section on advisement).

Faculty who teach in the DNP and PhD programs meet regularly to discuss curricular and operational aspects of the program. They submit recommendations for curricular change to the Graduate Curriculum Committee of the college.

Administrative issues are dealt with at the appropriate level:

Dr. Tracy Brewer [tbrewe12@utk.edu] as Chair of the DNP Program

Dr. Sandra Thomas [sthomas@utk.edu] as Chair of the PhD Program

Dr. Allyson Neal [aneal7@utk.edu] as Assistant Dean of Graduate Programs

Dr. Shelia Swift [sswift@utk.edu] Executive Associate Dean of Academic Affairs

Dr. Karen Lasater [klasater@utk.edu] as FNP Concentration Coordinator

Dr. Marion Malone [mmalon39@utk.edu] as PNP Concentration Coordinator

Dr. Jeremy Mills [jmills17@vols.utk.edu] as PMHNP Concentration Coordinator

Dr. Julie Bonom [jnewton@utk.edu] as Nurse Anesthesia Concentration Coordinator

Once admitted, each student is assigned a faculty advisor (see section on advisement).

University Policy Regarding Discrimination

All qualified applicants will receive equal consideration for employment and admission without regard to race, color, national origin, religion, sex, pregnancy, marital status, sexual orientation, gender identity, age, physical or mental disability, genetic information, veteran status, and parental status, or any other characteristic protected by federal or state law. In accordance with the requirements of Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972, Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, and the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990, the University of Tennessee affirmatively states that it does not discriminate on the basis of race, sex, or disability in its education programs and activities, and this policy extends to employment by the university. Inquiries and charges of violation of Title VI (race, color, and national origin), Title IX (sex), Section 504 (disability), the ADA (disability), the Age Discrimination in Employment Act (age), sexual orientation, or veteran status should be directed to the Office of Equity and Diversity, 1840 Melrose Avenue, Knoxville, TN 37996-3560, telephone 865-974-2498. Requests for accommodation of a disability should be directed to the ADA Coordinator at the Office of Equity and Diversity.

For additional information, visit the Office of Equity and Diversity website at: https://oed.utk.edu/

Distance Education Programs in the College of Nursing

Distance Education (DE) programs in the College of Nursing that lead to professional licensure or that require clinical placements or clinical coursework must abide by board and state regulations in the state where the student resides and/or will be completing the clinical experiences.

Students who reside outside of Tennessee who plan to complete a clinical placement in a state other than Tennessee, will need to take additional steps to comply with the requirements of that state. Before applying to and beginning a program, you should become familiar with your state’s licensing and professional requirements and that of the state in which you plan to reside as a practitioner. You may also reach out to the College of Nursing and speak to an advisor by calling (865) 974-7606. The university cannot guarantee that its DE programs in the College of Nursing will meet all the requirements for licensure in any particular state. If the student moves from the state of Tennessee after admission to the program, continuation in the program will depend on the availability of the program within the new state where the student physically resides. It is the student’s responsibility to notify the UTK College of Nursing of a change in physical residence.

Distance Education programs at the University of Tennessee cannot currently admit students from the state of California. Additional information about State Authorization & Professional Licensure Programs at the University of Tennessee, Knoxville, can be found at (https://volsonline.utk.edu/about-state-authorization/).

A list of U.S. Boards of Nursing (BON) host state/territory requirements for APRN nursing programs can be found via the National Council of State Boards of Nursing (NCSBN): https://www.ncsbn.org/671.htm

College of Nursing Student Services

The mission of the Office of the Dean of Students is to engage and support students throughout their learning experience by providing co-curricular programs and services. The Division of Student Life (http://studentlife.utk.edu) is charged with improving student life at the University of Tennessee. Its various departments encompass many different aspects of university life but all work toward one goal - providing students with an engaging and enlightening atmosphere of living and learning. The Division is committed to an uncompromising respect for diversity, strong partnerships with University programs and support of the University's academic mission.

Student Disability Services (SDS) (http://sds.utk.edu/) assists students with documented disabilities by determining their eligibility for services and then working with students to determine reasonable accommodations and services which will, in turn, give the student equal access to the University. Services include assistance for students with visual, hearing, learning, mobility, or other impairments. CON faculty respect the determination of SDS and provide appropriate accommodations as documented by that office. CON faculty members have been flexible and innovative in supporting students to attain academic and clinical competence in the face of disabilities, while still demanding that all students meet standards of safe clinical performance.

Graduate students have access to writing support services through both the College and via access to graduate-level writing courses offered through various departments on-campus. New graduate students receive instruction on scholarly writing and plagiarism during Graduate Student Orientation and through additional faculty-led workshops offered on an annual basis. Faculty are also available to students on a one- on-one basis for writing consultation, either through a student’s formal coursework or referral. Graduate-level writing courses are offered through the College of Education, Health, and Human Sciences and are available to students enrolled in the College of Nursing.

Center for Career Development and Academic Exploration (https://career.utk.edu/) provides career-related programs, resources, and services to students and alumni. It offers individuals the opportunity to explore majors and careers, plan and implement career goals, prepare for a job search, and connect with employers through the Handshake system, job fairs, and on- campus interviews. Students can schedule individual appointments to discuss assessment results, ask general questions, and obtain career related information. Career counselors provide industry-specific career advising on topics including resumes, interviewing, job search strategies, and for prospective students, graduate school admission. Students are encouraged to make appointments with the consultants for their colleges by contacting the Center for Career Development. Students can also take advantage of workshops, resume critiques, mock interviews, and classes offered by the staff and Peer Career Advisors. The Center for Career Development website also offers a comprehensive collection of resources regarding majors, careers, job search preparation, and graduate school admission.

One Stop Student Services (https://onestop.utk.edu/) streamlines the most common enrollment, registration, financial aid, and payment services at one location. One Stop provides knowledgeable, friendly, and convenient service on the ground floor of Hodges Library, as well as easy online access to help take care of business when it is most convenient. This department gives UT students one location to access the primary services of the registrar, financial aid, and bursar offices. Our goal is to make the student experience in managing enrollment, academic records, financial aid, and making payments as smooth, efficient, and friendly as possible. One Stop services and activities include:

Viewing and paying your bill online
Check your account balance
Get information on billing activity
Deposit checks and money orders in our twenty-four hour drop box
Enroll in a deferred payment plan
Receive credit balance refunds
View your academic history
Order official transcripts and diplomas
Get graduation and commencement information
Verify your enrollment or degrees
Get assistance with your class registration
Discuss your financial aid eligibility including loans, grants and scholarships
Check status of your financial aid awards
Drop off your required documentation

Academic Advising

In the CON Student Services Office https://nursing.utk.edu/students/academic-advising/ , the purpose of the academic advising program is to support, guide, and assist enrolled and prospective nursing students with regard to admission and progression, academic planning, career exploration, records and licensure/certification, and resource referrals within the University of Tennessee community. In the College of Nursing, the advisor is a professional staff member who is knowledgeable in admissions process and curriculum of the nursing programs, university support services and all functions of the College of Nursing Student Services Office. Our professional advisors hold advanced degrees and have extensive experience as student personnel administrators to serve the student and administrative needs of colleges and universities.

Graduate Student Advising

Our distance education students are provided with the same high-quality support as our traditional students, with services provided via alternative means for in-person appointments, including email, phone and web- based meeting systems.

All students are encouraged to consult with their advisors at any time. The student, not the advisor, bears the ultimate responsibility for educational planning, selecting courses, meeting course prerequisites, and adhering to policies and procedures.

The student should make an appointment with their faculty advisor each semester, prior to registration, to review and confirm the next semester’s courses based on the program of study at the time of admission, unless an individualized program of study has been approved by the Assistant Dean of Graduate Programs. Potential modifications to the program of study should be discussed with the faculty advisor and requests for modifications to programs of study should be routed through the faculty advisor to the Assistant Dean of Graduate Programs for review and approval. If approved, the Assistant Dean of Graduate Programs will work with the Office of Student Services Academic Advisor to create the revised documentation, which will be saved to the student’s academic file and copies sent to the faculty advisor and the student.

Should the student wish to change faculty advisors, the student should consult with the program chair, who will review the request and make a determination. If the request is approved, the program chair will facilitate the selection of and transition to a new faculty advisor, and will notify the Graduate Programs Office of the change.

The Office of Student Services Academic Advisors are available as a resource to students, providing advisement related to academic success, course sequencing, and support services available through the University.

DNP Students: Each student's Concentration Coordinator serves as their initial point of contact for questions related to the DNP coursework. The Concentration Coordinator will assist the student in all matters related to clinical experiences. Students will be assigned a faculty project chair whose scholarly interests align with the student during the second semester. The faculty chair is responsible for advisement in all matters concerning the DNP Scholarly Project. The concentration coordinator and the faculty project chair may be the same or different faculty.

PhD Students: Early in the student’s program, a nursing faculty advisor will be assigned by the program Chair. At the initial advising session, an academic plan will be completed. The faculty advisor will provide academic advisement, assist the student in selection of cognates, and review the student’s portfolio each semester. Once the dissertation committee is formed, they assume the advising role. The dissertation committee may or may not include the faculty member who provided initial advisement.

Full-Time vs. Part-Time Enrollment: Students who desire part-time enrollment must request a part-time academic plan from their faculty advisor. The request for part-time enrollment must be approved by the Assistant Dean of Graduate Programs, who then will direct the Office of Student Services Academic Advisor to create a custom academic plan that meets the student’s needs. The plan will be developed in consultation with the faculty advisor. The academic plan is filed in the student’s record. Full-time students follow the academic plan in the Graduate Student Handbook. Students in the Nurse Anesthesia concentration can only enroll on a full-time basis.

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