Student Policies

A. Purpose

The purpose of this policy is to define the role and responsibilities of the Faculty Academic Coach (FAC) within the School of Nursing (SON) at the University of Texas Rio Grande Valley (UTRGV) and to establish guidelines for implementing and sustaining Faculty Academic Coaching as an integral component of the Student Success Initiative. This policy aims to support undergraduate nursing students by enhancing their academic achievement, fostering professional growth, and promoting timely progression through the BSN program, ultimately contributing to increased NCLEX pass rates and the development of competent nursing professionals.

B. Persons Affected

• Undergraduate Nursing Students – At-risk and high-risk students who will receive targeted academic coaching and support to improve their academic performance, professional readiness, and progression through the BSN program. All students benefiting from the enhanced learning environment fostered by Faculty Academic Coaches (FACs).
• Faculty Academic Coaches (FACs) – Faculty members certified by inside-track coaching is responsible for providing personalized coaching, developing performance improvement plans, and supporting students in overcoming academic and personal challenges.
• Student Success Initiative Committee (SSIC) – Members responsible for identifying at-risk and high-risk students, assigning FACs, and monitoring the effectiveness of coaching interventions.
• SON Student Success Coordinator (SSC) – The coordinator responsible for facilitating the assignment of FACs, overseeing program implementation, and ensuring timely communication between students and faculty.
• SON Administration – Leadership tasked with monitoring program outcomes, supporting FACs, and integrating Faculty Academic Coaching into the broader mission and goals of the School of Nursing.

C. Definitions

1. Faculty Academic Coach (FAC) – A faculty member within the School of Nursing who are certified to assess and provides personalized academic and professional support to undergraduate nursing students, focusing on improving academic performance, fostering skill development, and supporting timely progression through the program.
2. At-Risk Students – Undergraduate nursing students identified as needing additional academic support due to performance below established benchmarks. This includes but is not limited to:
   1. First Semester – Students scoring below 70% on one or more Fundamentals or Health Assessment exams.
   2. Second Semester – Students with final grades below 80% in Fundamentals or Health Assessment or scoring below 70% on Adult Health I or Mental Health exams, including Level 1 scores in one or more of the following ATI proctored assessments: Fundamentals or Mental Health
   3. Third Semester – Students with final grades below 80% in Adult Health I or Mental Health or scoring below 70% on Adult Health II or Family Health exams, including Level 1 scores in one or more of the following ATI proctored assessments: Medical/Surgical, Maternal, Pediatrics, Nutrition, or Pharmacology.
   4. Fourth Semester – Students with final grades below 80% in Adult Health II or Family Health or scoring below 70% on Leadership or Community Nursing exams, including Level 1 scores in one or more of the following ATI proctored Assessments: Fundamentals, Mental Health, Medical/Surgical, Maternal, Pediatrics, Nutrition, Pharmacology, Leadership, or Community Health.
3. High-Risk Students – Students who require intensive intervention due to academic or clinical challenges, including:
   1. Returning students who did not achieve final grades of 75% or greater in key courses (e.g., Fundamentals, Health Assessment, Adult Health I or II, Family Health).
   2. Students with Below Level 1 scores in ANY ATI proctored assessments.
   3. Students readmitted to the program after failing a course.
4. Student Success Coordinator (SSC) – The individual responsible for managing the Faculty Academic Coaching program, including identifying at-risk and high-risk students, assigning FACs, and facilitating communication between stakeholders.
5. Student Success Initiative Committee (SSIC) – A committee tasked with evaluating student performance data, identifying students in need of support, and implementing strategies to enhance academic success across the School of Nursing.
6. Student Performance Improvement Action Plan – A policy, which is customized, studentdriven plan developed with the guidance of a FAC to identify academic goals, interventions, and actionable steps for success within the current semester and beyond.
7. InsideTrack Framework – A coaching model designed to support student success through building relationships, assessing needs, advancing progress, and motivating students toward achieving academic and personal goals.
8. GROW Framework – A structured coaching model used by FACs to help students identify their goals, assess their current situation, explore options, and develop actionable next steps.
   • Goal: What do you want?
   • Reality: Where are you now?
   • Options: What could you do?
   • What’s Next: What will you do?
9. SMART Goals – Specific, Measurable, Attainable, Relevant, and Time-bound goals that guide students in achieving academic and personal success.
10. Student Success Assessment – A comprehensive evaluation conducted by the FAC to identify a student’s strengths, weaknesses, and needs in areas such as academics, time management, finances, and health.
11. ATI Proctored Assessment – Standardized exams provided by Assessment Technologies Institute (ATI) to evaluate nursing students' understanding of course content and preparedness for the NCLEX.
12. NCLEX (National Council Licensure Examination) – The standardized examination that nursing graduates must pass to obtain licensure as a registered nurse.
13. Timely Progression – The ability of a student to successfully complete academic requirements and progress through the nursing program within the prescribed timeline.

D. Policy

It is the policy of The University of Texas Rio Grande Valley School of Nursing (UTRGV SON) to describe the process and guidelines for addressing academic performance, clinical performance, and professional conduct.

E. Procedures

1. Step 1: Faculty Academic Coaching Role Clarification

   Faculty Academic Coaching will be explained to all new students as part of their new student and family orientation to the UTRGV SON BSN Program. Role clarification will be addressed emphasizing the following:

   • Applying the Inside Track framework, Faculty Academic Coaching provides a personal contact point for at-risk and high-risk students and is intended to Build Supportive Relationships, Assess Personal and/or Academic Success Needs, Advance Progress in Personal and/or Academic Success using the GROW Framework, Build Motivation, and Strategize.
   • Faculty Academic Coaching does not provide counselling, financial advice, disability and dyslexia support, health or wellbeing or any other specialist advice, but rather refers students to the appropriate service, providing support to book if needed.
2. Step 2: Student Body Assessment

   The course coordinator and course lead will conduct a student body assessment to identify at- risk and high-risk students at the beginning of each semester and immediately following each major exam to identify at-risk or high-risk students. The course coordinator and course lead will coordinate with the Student Success Coordinator.

3. Step 3: Faculty Academic Coach-Student Assignment and Notification

   The Student Success Coordinator (SSC) will assign each student identified as at-risk or high-risk a Faculty Academic Coach (FAC) and send out corresponding email notifications to both parties within one week of identification. Where possible the FAC should remain with the student on their academic journey from induction through to graduation.

4. Step 4: FAC Student Invitations and Initial Coaching Session

   FACs will invite identified at-risk students (non-mandatory) and high-risk students (mandatory) to participate in faculty academic coaching within 72 hours of student assignment notification. The initial coaching session, approximately 45 min, will occur within one week of the accepted invitation. An in-person coaching is highly recommended for the first session to allow the FAC to build rapport with the student and conduct a thorough student success assessment.

5. Step 5: FAC Regular Sessions

   Regular sessions with students to monitor progress toward personal and/or academic goals will be scheduled to allow for adjustment of plans as needed. Each consecutive session will last about 30 minutes and will include a FAC led frame, assessment, discussion of goals and interventions, and summary. All sessions will be documented using the FAC session form. Bi- Weekly and monthly grand rounds will be conducted virtually to assess students' progress and challenges.

6. Step 6: FAC Responsibilities and Student Rights

   FACs will provide students with a coach instructed/student developed action steps and interventions based on student stated goals to ensure student success within the current semester courses. FACs will end the initial and every session afterwards with a summary of actions that will be taken to meet personal and/or academic goals as well as interventions. In the event of a problem arising in the FAC/Student relationship, students have the right to take the matter to the SSC or Director of the BSN Programs.

7. Step 7: FAC Record Keeping

   A record of the Faculty Academic Coaching session is made using an online form, which is stored in the Student Success Initiative Program Teams account and is available to all FACs. A copy of the form will also be retained in the student's file.

8. Step 8: End-of-Semester Reviews

   At the end of each semester, an End-of-Semester Review will be conducted by the FAC and Student to assess if personal and/or academic goals were met and reflect on achievements throughout the semester and areas for improvement. Assessment findings will be reported to the SSIC.

F. Related Statutes or Regulations, Rules, Policies, or Standards

Although Performance Improvement Plans are documented, conversations with a FAC are private. FACs are obligated to share what is discussed, even without student consent, in the event that the following occurs:

• The FAC believes the student or someone close to the student is in danger
• The FAC learns of a violation of the UTRGV SON Student Conduct Code
• The FAC learns of any conduct that violates UTRGV’s sexual misconduct policy

G. Attachments

H. Dates Reviewed or Amended

Dates: Reviewed by AD_SS_E January 21, 2025
Date sent to SONFO: January 21, 2025

Date Reviewed: AD_SS_E: January 21, 2025
Date sent to SONFO: January 21, 2025
SONFO Approved on February 7, 2025
Signature of SONFO Chair: Kochurani Joseph
Dean signature: Lilia Fuentes, DNP, APRN, FNP-BC

A. Purpose

The purpose of this policy is to outline the process and guidelines for the assessment of academic performance, clinical performance, and professional conduct.

B. Persons Affected

The policy is to create a development plan of success for the University of Texas Rio Grande Valley (UTRGV) School of Nursing (SON) students in academic performance, clinical performance, and professional conduct.

C. Definitions

1. Academic performance: Students who score below the academic threshold grade of 75 on exams and below Level 2 on Assessment Technologies Institute (ATI) exams.
2. Clinical performance: Students who score below the academic threshold grade of 75 on clinical paperwork, assignments, presentations, or overall clinical grade.
3. Professional conduct: Students who do not abide by the SON Undergraduate Handbook clinical requirements ethical violations, or any other relevant factors related to professional conduct.

D. Policy

It is the policy of The University of Texas Rio Grande Valley School of Nursing (UTRGV SON) to describe the process and guidelines for addressing academic performance, clinical performance, and professional conduct,

E. Procedures

1. Performance measures: This includes academic performance below a certain threshold, clinical practice concerns, and professional conduct.
2. Documentation and communication:
   1. The student will be notified by a faculty member or SON Academic coach via verbal or electronic communication with a scheduled time to meet with the student face-to-face or via Zoom (exams will not be reviewed via Zoom).
   2. The student will be provided with the Student Performance Assessment Form (see attached) that must be completed prior to meeting with the faculty.
3. Development plan for success:
   1. Students will meet with Faculty/SON academic coach to discuss and review the Student Performance Assessment Form
   2. Once performance issues are identified, a Student Success Action Plan will be developed by the faculty and student.
   3. The Student Success Action Plan will be implemented and tailored to address the specific areas of concern which may include a combination of academic support, additional coursework, clinical practice opportunities, or other interventions.
4. Timeline and Progress Monitoring: Students will be required to meet weekly with Faculty/advisor to ensure the student is making satisfactory progress.
5. Faculty Support and Resources:
6. Resources will be documented on the available Student Success Action Plan to support students during the plan for success process. This includes referrals for tutoring, mentoring, counseling, or other UTRGV and SON academic support services.
7. Evaluation and Determination of Success: The plan for the success period will end once the student achieves a score at 75 and above on assessments/examinations, improved clinical performance, and professional conduct.
8. Consequences for Unsuccessful Success Plan: If the student is unable to successfully complete the student success action plan, the student may be required to retake the course as defined in the nursing student handbook if approved by the UAPG Committee or may be dismissed from the SON for inappropriate behaviors as defined in the SON Student Handbook.
9. The Student Performance Assessment and the Student Success Action Plan will be part of the student’s administrative file.
10. Appeals process for course failures will be followed as defined in the UTRGV SON Student Handbook.

F. Related Statutes or Regulations, Rules, Policies, or Standards

Statutes: Review School of Nursing Handbook

G. Dates Reviewed or Amended

Approved by SONFO September 18, 2023
Approved by Dean, Dr. Lilia A. Fuentes September 18, 2023

Lewis, C. L., Swanzy D. M., Lynch, C. M., & Dearmon, V.A. (2019). GROWTH: A strategy for nursing student retention. Journal of Nursing Education, 58(3), 173-177. https://doi.org/10.3928/01484834-20190221-09doi: 10.3928/01484834-20190221-09.

Revisions approved by task force November 12, 2024
Referred to SONFO Chair November 14, 2024.
Revision approved by SONFO on November 25, 2024
Approved by Lilia A. Fuentes, Dean-School of Nursing on December 10, 2024

A. Purpose

The purpose of this policy is to define principles of ethical conduct, the expectations from each student and the outcomes when breached.

B. Persons Affected

1. Undergraduate Students
2. Graduate Students

C. Definitions

1. We are honest:

   “We do our own work and are honest with one another in all matters. We understand how any act of dishonesty conflicts as much with academic achievement as with the values of honesty and integrity” (Vaquero Honor Code, 2025).

2. We have integrity:

   “We will make personal and academic integrity fundamental in all of our endeavors” (Vaquero Honor Code, 2025).

3. We are respectful:

   “We act civilly and cooperate with one another for the common good. We will strive to create an environment and a culture in which people respect and listen to one another. We recognize a university is, above all, a place for the exchange of ideas, popular and unpopular. It is the one institution in society that encourages challenges to conventional wisdom. Consequently, we pledge to encourage the exchange of ideas and to allow others to participate and express their views openly” (Vaquero Honor Code, 2025).

4. Professional nursing:

   “Professional nursing means the performance of an act that requires substantial specialized judgment and skill, the proper performance of which is based on knowledge and application of the principles of biological, physical, and social science as acquired by a completed course in an approved school of professional nursing” (TBON, 2025).

5. Unprofessional conduct:

   “Unprofessional conduct and/or criminal conduct such as fraud, theft, patient abuse, exploitation, or falsification. The evidence must be documented in writing and relegated to a nursing peer review committee” (TBON, 2025).

6. Behavioral misconduct:

   Conduct that threatens or endangers the health or safety of self or others, including, but not limited to, acts such as physical abuse, verbal abuse, threats, or breach of the standards cited in this policy.

7. Reportable conduct:

   TBON Statute
   Sec. 301.401. DEFINITIONS. In this subchapter:

   1. “Conduct subject to reporting" means conduct by a nurse that:
      1. violates this chapter or a board rule and contributed to the death or serious injury of a patient;
      2. causes a person to suspect that the nurse's practice is impaired by chemical dependency or drug or alcohol abuse;
      3. constitutes abuse, exploitation, fraud, or a violation of professional boundaries; or
      4. indicates that the nurse lacks knowledge, skill, judgment, or conscientiousness to such an extent that the nurse's continued practice of nursing could reasonably be expected to pose a risk of harm to a patient or another person, regardless of whether the conduct consists of a single incident or a pattern of behavior.
   2. "Minor incident" means conduct by a nurse that does not indicate that the nurse's continued practice poses a risk of harm to a patient or another person. This term is synonymous with "minor error" or "minor violation of this chapter or board rule" (Prohibited Practices and Disciplinary Actions, 2003).
8. Academic dishonesty:

   “Scholastic dishonesty includes but is not limited to cheating, plagiarism, collusion, facilitating academic dishonesty, fabrication, failure to contribute to a collaborative project, and sabotage”. All violations of Academic Integrity will be reported to Student Rights and Responsibilities through Vaqueros Report It. "

9. HIPPA:

   Federal legislation directing healthcare providers, employees, consultants, and venders of the legal requirement to preserve confidentiality of all information whether electronic, verbal, or written. Students are required to attend this. Commitment by signing a document at the clinical practice sites. A sample document is attached. Usage of social media: electronic (selfies, phone, images, information)/ verbal ( include not limited friends , family, and patients).

10. American Nurses Association Code of Ethics for Nurses (Code) and Interpretive Statements:

    “The Code of Ethics for Nurses (Code) establishes the ethical standard for the profession and provides a guide for nurses to use in ethical practice and decisionmaking without dictation a specific framework or method. The Code is a nonnegotiable moral standard of nursing practice for all settings” (American Nurses Association, 2025, p. 1-4).

    1. Provision 1: “The nurse practices with compassion and respect for the inherent dignity, worth, and unique attributes of every person.”
    2. Provision 2: “The nurse’s primary commitment is to the recipients of nursing care, whether an individual, family, group, community, or population.”.
    3. Provision 3: The nurse establishes a trusting relationship and advocates for the rights, health, and safety of the recipients of nursing care.”
    4. Provision 4: “Nurses have authority over nursing practice and are accountable for their nursing practice consistent with their obligations to promote health, prevent illness, and practice optimal care.”
    5. Provision 5: “The nurse has moral duties to self as a person of inherent dignity and worth including an expectation of a safe place to work those fosters flourishing, authenticity of self at work, and self-respect through integrity and professional competence.”
    6. Provision 6: “Nurse, through individual and collective effort, establish, maintain, and improve the ethical environment of the work setting that affects nursing and the well-being of nurses.”
    7. Provision 7:” Nurses advance the profession through multiple approaches to knowledge development, professional standards, and the generation of policies for nursing, health, and social concerns.”
    8. Provision 8: “Nurses build collaborative relationships and networks with nurses, other healthcare and non-healthcare disciplines, and the public to achieve greater ends.”
    9. Provision 9: “Nurses and their professional organizations work to enact and resource practices, policies, and legislation to promote social justice, eliminate health inequities, and facilitate human flourishing.”
    10. Provision 10: Nursing, through organizations and associations, participates in the global nursing and health community to promote human and environmental health, well-being, and flourishing.”

D. Policy

It is the policy of the UTRGV School of Nursing (SON) to inform all students of the Vaquero Honor Code, the Texas Board of Nursing legislative definition of professional nursing and the rules of conduct, and the American Nurses Association Code of Ethics. Furthermore, it is the policy of the UTRGV SON to inform all students of the outcomes when breach of these professional and legislative requirements is breached.

Note: “A person, including an employee, volunteer, or other person associated with an inpatient mental health facility, a treatment facility, or a hospital that provides comprehensive medical rehabilitation services, who reasonably believes or who knows of information that would reasonably cause a person to believe that the physical or mental health or welfare of a patient or client of the facility who is receiving chemical dependency, mental health, or rehabilitation services has been, is, or will be adversely affected by abuse or neglect caused by any person shall as soon as possible report the information supporting the belief to the agency that licenses the facility or to the appropriate state health care regulatory agency.” (Reports of Abuse and Neglect or of Illegal, Unprofessional, or Unethical Conduct, 2024)

Note: “ A physician or other person who reports an overdose of a controlled substance under this section shall include in the report information regarding the date of the overdose, the type of controlled substance used, the sex and approximate age of the person attended or treated for the overdose or for whom treatment was sought, the symptoms associated with the overdose, the extent of treatment made necessary by the overdose, and the patient outcome. The physician or other person making the report may provide other demographic information concerning the person attended or treated or for whom treatment was sought but may not disclose the person's name or address or any other information concerning the person's identity.” (Reports of Abuse and Neglect or of Illegal, Unprofessional, or Unethical Conduct, 2024)

.

E. Procedures

1. The policy will be presented at Student Orientation.
2. The policy will be presented on the first day of class along with the syllabus review.
3. The policy will be presented on the first day of clinical practice.
4. The student will sign an attestation form on the first day of clinical practice.
5. The student will sign an attestation to comply with HIPPA federal regulations on the first day of clinical practice.
6. The assigned clinical faculty will create a link for students to upload the signed attestation form.
7. The pre-licenensure student will comply with the SON and UTRGV policies and procedures.

The licensed student will comply with all SON and UTRGV policies and procedures as well as Texas statutes (see below).
Retrieved February 12, 2025, from
April 2022 Rules and Regulations
Reports of Abuse and Neglect or of Illegal, Unprofessional, or Unethical Conduct, Reports of Abuse and Neglect or of Illegal, Unprofessional, or Unethical Conduct (accessed Jun. 5, 2024).

F. Breach of code of ethics, code of honor and legislative requirements:

1. Individual reporting the alleged academic dishonesty, and/or violations of the Student Code of Conduct, will be guided to file a report to Vaqueros Report It.
2. Upon receiving a report of alleged academic dishonesty, and/or violations of the Student Code of Conduct, an official investigation will proceed.
3. Students (Graduate and Undergraduate) enrolled in the SON will comply with SON and UTRGV policies and Sanctioning Guidelines. Sanctions. Retrieved February 12, 2024 from Sanctioning Guidelines
4. Consequences resulting from confirmed unacceptable conduct, and/or academic dishonesty, will result in disciplinary action or dismissal from the program.
5. Students (Graduate and Undergraduate) enrolled in the SON who violate policies and Sanctioning Guidelines will be subject to disciplinary action and may be dismissed from the program by the Dean of the SON.
6. The UTRGV SON policy and any dismissal do not preclude any processes under the UTRGV Student Code of Conduct or Honor Code.
7. Allegations of misconduct or violation of not adhering to the SON, UTRGV, or Texas Statutes will be investigated as appointed by the Dean.
8. If academic dishonesty is confirmed, the student will be dismissed from the program.
9. Report of the conduct other than academic dishonesty (Breach of Texas Statutes by licensed students) to the instructor of record, will result in an official investigation as appointed by the Dean.
10. Students who are dismissed from the program are not eligible to reapply or be readmitted to any other UTRGV nursing program for readmission.
11. Dismissal from the program is final.

Related Statutes or Regulations, Rules, Policies, or Standards

Code of Ethics for Nurses (2025). American Nurses Association. Code of Ethics for Nurses
Prohibited Practices and Disciplinary Actions (September 1, 2003) Prohibited Practices and Disciplinary Actions
Retrieved February 12, 2025, from UTRGV Sanctioning Guidelines
Retrieved February 11, 2025, from Code of Ethics 2025
Retrieved February 11, 2025, from
Vaquero Honor Code
Retrieved February 11, 2025, from
ScienceDirect Article
Texas Board of Nursing -  Practice FAQ
Retrieved February 12, 2025, from
April 2022 Rules and Regulations
Reports of Abuse and Neglect or of Illegal, Unprofessional, or Unethical Conduct, Reports of Abuse and Neglect or of Illegal, Unprofessional, or Unethical Conduct (accessed Jun. 5, 2024).
Sanctions. Retrieved February 12, 2024 from
Academic Integrity Violations Sanctioning Guidelines
Vaqueros Report It

H. Dates Reviewed or Amended

Dates: Feb 12, 2025
Sent to SONFO Mar 27, 2025

Task force referred to SONFO chair on March 27, 2025
Policy approved by SONFO: Kochurani Joseph on March 31, 2025
Policy approved by SON Dean, Dr. Lilia Fuentes on April 17, 2025