INTEGRATED

NURSING

PATHWAY

Program Policies and Guidelines

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Table of Contents

Introduction……………………………………………………………………………4

INP Location and Program Staff………………………………………………………4

INP Values, Mission, Goals……………………………………………………………5

INP Program Structure………………………………………………………………....6

Program Design………………………………………………………………...6

Collaborative Advising Model…………………………………………………6

Cohort-Based Learning…………………………………………………………6

Curriculum for the INP Program……………………………………………….7

INP Program Expectations and Policies………………………………………………..8

Academic Advising…………………………………………………………….8

Academic Integrity……………………………………………………………..8

Academic Standing…………………………………………………………….8

Academic Success……………………………………………………………..8

Alternate Status………………………………………………………………...9

APA Writing Style……………………………………………………………..9

Attendance Policies…………………………………………………………….9

Civility………………………………………………………………………….9

Evaluation of Speakers………………………………………………………..10

Graduation from CCA………………………………………………………...10

Instructional Issues…………………………………………………………….10

Leave of Absence……………………………………………………………...10

Orientation – CCA…………………………………………………………….11

Orientation – CU………………………………………………………………11

Professional Behavior………………………………………………………….11

Service Learning……………………………………………………………….11

Student E-mail…………………………………………………………………11

Withdrawal from Program……………………………………………………..12

Working While in the Program………………………………………………..12

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Student Resources…………………………………………………………………….12

Academic Assistance………………………………………………………….12

Accessibility Services…………………………………………………………13

Financial Aid………………………………………………………………….13

Safety and Security……………………………………………………………13

Other CCA Policies…………………………………………………………………...13

Notice of Non-Discrimination………………………………………………...13

Sexual Misconduct, Discrimination and Harassment…………………………14

Student Privacy………………………………………………………………..14

Tuition and Program Fees……………………………………………………………..14

Clinical Requirements for the University of Colorado College of Nursing…………...15

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INTEGRATED NURSING PATHWAY PROGRAM STUDENT

GUIDEBOOK

The Integrated Nursing Pathway (INP) program was established in 2010 in collaboration with

the University of Colorado College of Nursing (CU CON) to provide access to a Bachelor’s of

Science degree in nursing to qualified Aurora Community College (CCA) students.

Since this program is unique in many ways and incorporates courses from both the Community

College of Aurora and the University of Colorado College of Nursing, guidelines and policies

have been developed that are also unique and specific to this program. This guidebook is

intended to serve as a resource to address any questions or concerns that may arise. It should be

the first source when searching for information or answers to questions regarding the program

while at CCA.

Students who are accepted into the INP program are expected to adhere to the policies for the

program both at CCA and CU CON, as well as to the other applicable general student policies

for CCA.

LOCATION

Office and Staff:

The INP office is located on the Lowry Campus of CCA, West Quad Building, Room 203G.

o Dean of Allied Health: Victor Vialpando

o Director of Allied Health: Beth Lattone

o Advisor, Allied Health: Gina Iannelli

The Allied Health Department is within the School of Professional Studies and Sciences, under

the direction of Victor Vialpando, Dean of Academic Affairs.

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INP PROGRAM MISSION, VALUES, & GOALS

VALUES, MISSION, GOALS

INP MISSION

The INP program’s mission aligns with the overall mission of CCA (visit:

https://www.ccaurora.edu/about-cca/our-mission), but also is more specific in that it will provide

excellent preparation for the pre-nursing student to integrate into CU CON program.

INP VALUES

The INP program values:

Integrity

Critical thinking

Commitment

Diversity

Social awareness

Cultural sensitivity

Teamwork

INP GOALS

INP program goals are to graduate students after their first year in the program with an Associate

of General Studies (AGS), prepared to move into more technical nursing courses at CU CON.

Students should be able to:

Think critically

Write analytically

Communicate effectively

Work collaboratively

Be personally accountable

To view CCA’s Mission, Values and Goals, visit: http://www.ccaurora.edu/about-cca/our-

mission.

To view CON’s Mission, Values and Goals, visit:

http://www.ucdenver.edu/academics/colleges/nursing/about-us/Pages/Mission.aspx

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INP PROGRAM STRUCTURE

PROGRAM DESIGN

The Community College of Aurora and the University of Colorado College of Nursing offer an

innovative, integrated pathway to earn a Bachelor of Science in Nursing degree. The Integrated

Nursing Pathway Program provides outstanding preparation for professional nursing practice.

Designed to provide access for community college students to a bachelor's degree in nursing, it

emphasizes the value of a diverse student population as a way of achieving excellence in

practice.

This cohort-based program is designed so that students take their first two semesters of classes at

CCA. These are classes that are typically prerequisites for most nursing programs but which

students take once they have been accepted into the INP program. After graduating with an AGS

degree (60 credit hours are applied from prerequisite classes and the classes within the program),

students transition and matriculate to CU CON as a student in the nursing program.

COLLABORATIVE ADVISING MODEL

Unique to this program is the collaborative advising model. Two advisors, one from CCA and

one from CU CON, work collaboratively with faculty to support students from the start of the

program through to graduation from CU. This consists of periodic individual meetings with each

student to assess any academic or cohort issues, providing workshops on topics that are pertinent

to the program, such as writing skills, study skills, financial aid, etc., and providing information

that will make progress through the program as effective and efficient as possible. Students have

access to the advisors on both the CCA and CU campuses.

COHORT-BASED LEARNING

Another aspect of the INP program is the concept of cohort-based learning. In this style of

learning all students accepted into the program take all courses together.

The cohort-based model of learning is advantageous to students by:

Improving academic performance through peer support

Increasing exposure to diverse ideas and perspectives

Providing an opportunity to learn from one another

Creating professional ties that may benefit students after graduation

Classes with specific course numbers are only open to INP students; however, there may be

classes which are opened up to other CCA students once the INP students have been registered.

Students are registered for their classes by the program advisor. It is the responsibility of the

student to register for classes that need to be taken outside of the program.

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After graduation from CCA, students progress to CU CON with their cohort, having had the

benefit of two full semesters of integrated group work and the knowledge and camaraderie that

comes from such a learning environment. Through the HPR course held each semester, CCA

students are socialized to the field of nursing, become familiar with CU’s faculty and campus,

and are prepared to transition to CU CON in the summer following the start of the program.

CURRICULUM FOR THE INP PROGRAM

To view the program curriculum, visit the INP program website (ccaurora.edu/nursing) and click

the link for Integrated Nursing Pathway Course Curriculum. Students are registered for the fall

and spring classes at CCA by the program advisor. Course schedules will be sent out prior to the

start of both semesters.

Students must be able to attend the courses as scheduled and have options in place should

unexpected events occur. This includes such things as transportation, work schedules, child care,

etc., or enrollment in any other courses that interfere with the set courses within the INP

program. These should be in place before the start of the program in the fall.

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INP PROGRAM EXPECTATIONS AND POLICIES

ACADEMIC ADVISING

Students will meet with their program advisors (CCA and CU) at least once during each

semester. The first meeting will take place at the beginning of the program, and if necessary,

another meeting will take place towards the end of the semester. Students will meet with their

advisors again during the second semester. These meetings are to assess the progress of the

student, discuss any academic or personal concerns that are affecting his/her progression in the

program, and for the advisors and students to become better acquainted.

Students are always welcome to meet with their advisor (s) at any time during the program, both

while at CCA and at CU CON.

ACADEMIC INTEGRITY

Students are expected to be responsible, ethical and honest in their academic work. The INP

program will follow the CCA policies on Academic Dishonesty and also adhere to the

consequences of violation of these policies. Students will be responsible for reading the

Instruction Policy on Academic Dishonesty as well as the Consequence of Academic Dishonesty

on the CCA online catalog under Academic Matters: http://www.ccaurora.edu/catalog/academic-

matters.htm.

ACADEMIC STANDING

Good academic standing is defined as obtaining a grade of C or better based on all course

attempts in all classes while in the INP program at CCA, with a cumulative GPA of 3.0 before

transitioning to CU. Failure to remain in good academic standing may result in dismissal from

the program.

ACADEMIC SUCCESS

The following are expectations of students in the INP program:

Final grades for any class while enrolled in the INP program must be a C or above;

A minimum cumulative GPA of 3.0 must be obtained by the end of the second semester

in the program;

Ability to use D2L;

Use of student e-mail to correspond with program faculty and advisors;

Effective communication skills;

Proper writing skills and knowledge of or ability to learn APA style for papers; and,

Adherence to the guidelines of the syllabi of all classes.

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ALTERNATE STATUS

Students who are accepted as an alternate in the INP program are not considered to be officially

in the program unless a place opens up should a student in the program leave for any reason.

However, an alternate to the program is expected to abide by the policies of the program and

conduct themselves accordingly. He or she can apply to any nursing program, including directly

to the CU CON, once the first two semesters of the INP classes are completed if a place in the

program is not available.

APA WRITING STYLE

Students are expected to know American Psychological Association (APA) formatting for some

of their papers. The APA Manual is required for this class and must be followed.

ATTENDANCE POLICIES

Class attendance requirements for all INP classes are specific to each instructor. The INP faculty

and advisors reserve the right to discuss attendance with the appropriate CCA instructors.

Students are expected to follow course policies for attendance in each of their classes.

For the Health Professional (HPR) class, attendance is highly recommended unless an

emergency or illness prevents it. All non-urgent appointments are expected to be made outside of

class time. It is the responsibility of the student to notify both HPR instructors of an absence as

well as class teammates if they will miss a group project on the day of absence; this must be

done in advance of class through student e-mail and D2L.

CIVILITY

Students in the INP program represent the Community College of Aurora and are expected to

treat instructors and fellow students with consideration and respect, and to be courteous and

professional in all learning environments related to the program. Students must abide by program

and classroom policies and procedures. Civility also dictates that individuals work together

politely, calmly, and reasonably to resolve any concerns or disputes using good faith effort. Any

kind of incivility, including but not limited to such things as speaking disrespectfully, contesting

an instructor’s policies or grading in a disrespectful manner or outside of policy, bullying any

other student, showing disrespect to an invited speaker, gossiping or sharing inappropriate

information about fellow students or staff members on social media or in general, or failing to

attempt to resolve concerns about the INP program through the appropriate processes will not be

tolerated and could be grounds for dismissal from the program. All students are expected to

comply with this basic code of civility while engaged in program activities at the University of

Colorado campus facilities as well.

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EVALUATION OF SPEAKERS

Evaluating the strength and effectiveness of speakers is a very important component of the INP

HPR class. It is critical that instructors know the speakers they have chosen are appropriate for

the topic and convey information in an understandable manner. Completing an evaluation is

required of all students and is a part of the overall grade. Please use these evaluations to

honestly, but respectfully, evaluate each speaker so the program can use this information for

future guest speaker choice.

GRADUATION FROM CCA

Students must apply for graduation in May by Dec. 1st of the fall semester and should indicate

that they will graduate with an Associate of General Studies degree. Any student wishing to

receive an Associate of Science degree as opposed to an AGS should consult with an academic

advisor prior to the first semester of coursework in the program.

INSTRUCTIONAL ISSUES

If a student is dissatisfied with a grade earned on an assignment or for a course, the first step is to

discuss it with the involved faculty member. If no resolution can be reached, the student may

then talk to the chair of the department. Any student who is having difficulty in a class unrelated

to coursework should discuss the issue with the INP program advisor. Information on filing a

grievance can be located on MyCCA under Policies and Procedures.

LEAVE OF ABSENCE

Continued registration is a requirement for active status in the INP program. If a student needs to

interrupt his/her progress in the program and she/he is in good academic standing, a Leave of

Absence (LOA) may be requested. To initiate the request, the student must complete the LOA

form with the INP advisor at CCA. INP administrators will determine if the LOA is warranted.

Students may not take an LOA for academic reasons.

A student may be granted an LOA for up to one academic year (fall, spring, and summer

semesters). If a student is granted the LOA, the student will halt the program until she/he can

join the next cohort. The student will be expected to notify the CCA INP program advisor of

his/her intent to return by June 1. Failure to do so warrants dismissal from the program. If a

student petitions for an LOA after the designated drop/add period, then he/she will be subject to

full payment of tuition for that semester. If the student is receiving financial aid, then she/he

must also provide the Office of Financial Aid notice of the LOA.

Students wishing to take classes during the LOA must first discuss this with the program

coordinator and the INP advisor.

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ORIENTATION – CCA

There is a mandatory orientation for the INP program. This is typically the Friday before classes

start at CCA. The date of the orientation day is indicated on the INP website under the

Application Information. Students are expected to make arrangements to have the entire day free

for orientation events. Once students are accepted, the orientation agenda and location will be

sent to them by either U.S. Postal service or student e-mail. Orientation may include visits at

both campuses.

ORIENTATION – CU CON

After graduation from CCA and prior to starting classes at CU CON, students are required to

attend a CU CON orientation at the Anschutz campus. Details regarding the orientation will be

sent to students during the second semester at CCA.

PROFESSIONAL BEHAVIOR

It is expected that students in the INP program will dress professionally when performing service

learning, giving presentations, or when otherwise representing the program outside of the CCA

classroom. In class, it is expected that students will wear appropriate clothing conducive to

learning in the classroom. It is also expected that students will conduct themselves in a

professional manner when representing the INP program and CCA.

SERVICE LEARNING

During the one of the two semesters of the HPR class, students will be required to participate in a

service learning project. Students are expected to adhere to the parameters of the contract with

the service learning organization, represent the INP program, and conduct themselves in a

professional manner.

STUDENT E-MAIL

CCA policy states that all e-mail communication with a CCA student be made through the

student’s CCA e-mail account. Any e-mail communication other than with a student’s CCA e-

mail “@student.cccs.edu,” may remain unanswered by CCA faculty, staff or administration. It is

the student’s responsibility to check his/her student e-mail frequently to stay current with the

program requirements and any pertinent CCA information.

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WITHDRAWAL FROM PROGRAM

If a student intends to withdraw from the program, he or she must meet with the CCA INP

advisor and complete the Program Withdrawal Form. It is the responsibility of the student to

drop courses, if he/she so chooses. The INP program will follow the course withdrawal policies

of CCA. Visit the “My Student Record” section of the college catalog for withdrawal

information.

If a student is interested in returning to the INP program after withdrawing, he or she must re-

apply and be re-accepted to the program. If a student is accepted, he/she may be required to start

the program over and retake some or all of the classes.

WORKING WHILE IN THE PROGRAM

The demands of the INP program are such that working full time while meeting the requirements

and rigor of the courses would be difficult. The INP program should be considered a full-time

job – one which requires flexibility and availability. Much of the HPR course consists of group

work, and students need to meet outside of class to work on projects and papers. A student’s

grade is determined, in part, on how well they perform in their group and their willingness to

meet. Having a schedule which allows for this kind of interaction will best suit a student.

While students can and do work while in the program, the best circumstance to do both would be

to have a flexible job or one where the student’s supervisor is knowledgeable about the rigors of

a nursing program. Reducing work hours as a student progresses throughout the program could

also be of benefit. It is expected that students enrolled in the INP program will make it a priority

over work.

STUDENT RESOURCES

ACADEMIC ASSISTANCE

It is expected that students who are experiencing academic difficulty in any of the classes within

the program while at CCA would access the tutoring services through CCA or by using private

services. It is important that students address any academic concerns as early as possible to avoid

falling behind in class, doing poorly on exams, risking the need to retake a class or being

dropped from the program.

Visit http://www.ccaurora.edu/students/support-services/tutoring-services for information on

these services, including information on private tutors and useful academic resources.

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ACCESSIBILITY SERVICES

Please visit http://www.ccaurora.edu/accessibility for information on Accessibility Services

FINANCIAL AID

Please visit http://www.ccaurora.edu/students/paying-college/financial-aid for information on

Financial Aid. INP students are expected to know the full extent of their financial obligation

before entering the program. Scholarship information may be found on both the CCA and CU

websites.

SAFETY AND SECURITY

CCA strives to keep its students safe in the classroom and on campus. Please make yourself

aware of the safety and security policies in place on both campuses. To find out more about these

policies, useful links, and important contacts, please visit MyCCA and look for Safety and

Security under the Welcome tab.

Campus Security phone numbers are:

CenterTech Campus: 303-360-4727

Lowry Campus: 303-419-5557

OTHER CCA POLICIES

NOTICE OF NON-DISCRIMINATION

The Community College of Aurora prohibits all forms of discrimination and harassment

including those that violate federal and state law, or the State Board for Community Colleges and

Occupational Education Board Policies 3-120 and 4-120. The College does not discriminate on

the basis of sex/gender, race, color, age, creed, national or ethnic origin, physical or mental

disability, veteran status, pregnancy status, religion, genetic information, gender identity, or

sexual orientation in its employment practices or educational programs and activities. The

Community College of Aurora will take appropriate steps to ensure that the lack of English

language skills will not be a barrier to admission and participation in vocational education

programs.

The College has designated Cindy Hesse, Director of Human Resources, as its Affirmative

Action (AA) Officer, Equal Opportunity (EO), and Title IX Coordinator with the responsibility

to coordinate its civil rights compliance activities and grievance procedures. If you have any

questions, please contact her by e-mail at Cindy.Hesse@CCAuorora.edu, by phone at 303-360-

4752 or by US mail at 16000 East CentreTech Parkway, Administration Building, Office #

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A207E, Aurora, Colorado 80011. Ms. Tamara White, Dean of Student Services serves as the

Deputy Title IX Coordinator and may be reached by e-mail at Tamara.White@CCAurora.edu, by

phone at 303-360-4746 or at 16000 East CentreTech Parkway, Administration Building, Office #

A106F, Aurora, Colorado 80011.

You may also contact the Office for Civil Rights, U.S. Department of Education, Region VIII,

Federal Office Building, 1244 North Speer Boulevard, Suite 310, Denver, CO 80204, telephone

(303) 844-3417.

SEXUAL MISCONDUCT, DISCRIMINATION AND HARASSMENT

In accordance with the policies of CCA, it is expected that INP students will not be subjected to unlawful discrimination and/or sexual misconduct on the basis of sex/gender, race, color, age, creed,

national or ethnic origin, physical or mental disability, veteran status, pregnancy status, religion or

sexual orientation in educational programs or activities.

If you feel you have been subjected to discrimination and/or sexual misconduct based on federal or

state civil rights laws, you must report the complaint to CCA’s Title IX Coordinator, Cindy Hesse,

Director of Human Resources, 16000 E. CentreTech Pkwy., Suite A207-D, Aurora, CO 80011, 303-

360-4752.

Visit http://www.ccaurora.edu/discrimination for more information and reporting procedures.

STUDENT PRIVACY

To view student privacy rights, please visit:

http://www.ccaurora.edu/students/student-right-know/ferpa

TUITION AND PROGRAM FEES

TUITION

Tuition for the CCA portion of the program can be found at:

http://www.ccaurora.edu/students/paying-college/tuition-fees

Tuition for the CU portion of the program can be found at: http://www.ucdenver.edu/student-

services/resources/CostsAndFinancing/tuition/undergrad/Pages/Nursing.aspx

After the start of the INP spring semester at CCA, students will be required to submit several

payments in anticipation of transitioning to CU. They are:

$200.00 - a non-refundable tuition deposit to reserve student's place in the traditional

pathway program. This will be applied toward tuition, fees, and/or any other student debt

during the first term of attendance at the College of Nursing;

$158.00 - a non-refundable fee required of each entering student for a background check

and drug screen.

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CLINICAL REQUIREMENTS FOR THE UNIVERSITY OF COLORADO

COLLEGE OF NURSING

All admitted students must comply with the clinical education requirements established by the

University of Colorado College of Nursing. Students must pass a drug screen, have any criminal

activity cleared for admission (completed through a background check), submit proof of all

necessary immunizations and complete CPR/Basic Life Support for Health Professionals

Certification through the American Heart Association. Failure to complete the necessary

paperwork and/or comply with established deadlines may result in the withdrawal of a student’s

admission to the program.

(12/2016)