Undergraduate Student Handbook

The Undergraduate & Graduate Programs Office is your first stop for all advising inquiries related to your program, progression, or any other questions you may have. 

Students are encouraged to review the faculty's policies and guidelines and become familiar with these documents.

The NP-Led MHW clinic offers a number of resources to the Faculty of Nursing community, including wellness coaching and one-to-one counselling, as well as emotional regulation and stress-management tools and workshops and drop-in hours. 

The faculty's Indigenous programs and resources offer support for Indigenous students in the Faculty of Nursing, as well as opportunities for students who want to learn more about Indigenous culture and truth and reconsiliation. 

Enrolment Services is the centralized advising service for the Office of the Registrar. Contact them for support with tuition and fees, loans and student aid, awards, transcripts, and other campus services.

The First Year Degree Guide provides students entering Year One with information about the courses required in the first year of the BScN program, as well as important information on building your schedule and registering in courses.

The Academic Requirements (AR) Tool in your Student Centre allows you to view your degree progression and see how your courses are applied towards your degree requirements. 

Students are encouraged to become familiar with the Academic Calendar, including important sections such as:

• Faculty of Nursing Undergraduate Regulation
• Academic Schedule
• Examinations 
• Academic Standing
• Tuition & Fees
• Reappraisal of Graded Term Work and Final Grades
• Student Appeals
• Integrity & Conduct    

The Undergraduate Nursing Student at the time of graduation will demonstrate:

1. Safe, competent, compassionate, respectful, and ethical nursing practice.
    
2. Exemplary personal and interpersonal professional behaviours in accordance with the College  of Registered Nurses of Alberta (CRNA) Nursing Practice Standards and the Canadian Nurses Association Code of Ethics for Registered Nurses (2017).
    
3. Understanding of the impact of contextual factors (political, economic, social, cultural, ecological and global) and diversity on health and health transitions.
    
4. Relational, collaboration, and advocacy skills to facilitate positive health transitions for individuals, families, groups, communities and/or populations.
    
5. Integration of core principles of assessment, psychomotor and technical skills, and effective teaching/learning strategies guided by theoretical and philosophical assumptions about humans in the practice of client care.
    
6. Knowledge of the fundamental concepts of prevention and health promotion for individuals, families, groups and/or populations and incorporate them into nursing care delivery plans.
    
7. Competence in the nursing care of individuals, families, groups, communities and populations in the context of the broad determinants of health across the lifespan and based on disciplinary nursing knowledge.
    
8. Utilization and integration of current research findings as appropriate to enact and improve practice.
    
9. Documentation and articulation of clinical reasoning and clinical decision-making in varied contexts.
    
10. Inter-professional and inter-sectoral practice competence.
     
11. Skills of leadership to sustain and promote healthy environments and promote health for clients and health care professionals and workers.
     
12. Knowledge of regional, national, and global healthcare systems, processes and ecological changes that affect healthcare practices.
     
13. Self-directed life-long learning skills, utilizing effective teaching/learning strategies and principles.
     
14. Preparation to meet the College of Registered Nurses of Alberta Entry to Practice Competencies, and to write the national licensure examination upon completion of the program.

There are four standards identified by the College of Registered Nurses of Alberta (CRNA) that registered nurses and nursing students are held to at all times. These standards are:

• Standard 1: Professional Responsibility and Accountability
• Standard 2: Knowledge-based Practice 
• Standard 3: Ethical Practice
• Standard 4: Service to the Public

These standards are the minimum practice expectations of RNs and students, and inform the public and members of the health care team of what they can expect from nursing professionals. 

Nursing students are held to these four standards at all time, and failure to meet these standards may result in a student being removed from the practice setting. 

The College of Registered Nurses of Alberta (CRNA) has set out nine competencies that graduates are expected to meet when entering the practice of registered nursing. These entry level competencies (ELCs) are defined by CRNA as "an observable ability of a registered nurse at entry-level that integrates the knowledge, skills, abilities, and judgment required to practice nursing safely and ethically”. 

Throughout the nursing program, meeting these competencies is critical in order to progress as a student nurse and develop the skills needed to enter into nursing practice. 

The competencies are:

1. Clinician 

2. Professional 

3. Communicator 

4. Collaborator 

5. Coordinator 

6. Leader 

7. Advocate 

8. Educator 

9. Scholar

The purpose of academic accommodation is to provide students with documented disabilities equal opportunity to master the essentials of a post-secondary education.  Students with disabilities at the University of Calgary have met all admission requirements but may have done so with the use of accommodations.  Similarly, they are expected to meet all academic and non-academic requirements.  Adaptive technology and other academic accommodations do not relieve students of their responsibility to develop the essential skills and abilities expected of all students.

The nature and type of academic accommodations vary from student to student and are dependent upon the student's disability and the academic requirements.

It is the student’s responsibility to request academic accommodations. If you are a student with a documented disability who may require academic accommodation, you must officially register with Student Accessibility Services. Students who have not registered with the Student Accessibility Services are not eligible for formal academic accommodation. You are also required to discuss your needs with your instructor within the first week of classes.

It is important for students with documented disabilities, who have met the admission criteria, to note that the University of Calgary will provide academic accommodations to all students who have provided documentation of disability to the satisfaction of Student Accessibility Services, to the extent that the accommodation does not cause undue hardship to the University of Calgary or lower the performance standards of any given academic program.  The provision of academic accommodations is based on a balance of rights and shared responsibilities, and, as such, reflects the responsibilities and obligations of students with disabilities, course instructors, staff, and practicum supervisors for the provision of academic accommodation and the ongoing development of an accessible learning environment.

A package of forms is sent to all students via email in late June, prior to the program commencing in the Fall. Students are required to review these documents and sign/initial as required to demonstrate understanding, prior to submitting the completed documents back to the Faculty of Nursing. These forms include:

• Acknowledgement of Clinical Practice Attendance Requirements
• Acknowledgement of Clinical Practice Expectations
• Clinical Simulation Learning Centre (CSLC) Confidentiality Agreement
• Responsibility of Students in Relation to Clinical Practicum (Schedule B Acknowledgement and Undertaking)
• Notice Regarding Requirement for Police Information Checks
• Student Immunization/N95 Acknowledgement and Consent
• Health Sciences Placement Network (HSPnet) Consent form

All students in the Faculty of Nursing are required to provide a current Police Information Check (also referred to as a Criminal Record Check) which must include a Vulnerable Sector Search prior to the start of clinical practice. The PIC must not have been completed more than three months prior to the start of classes. PICs completed prior to this time will not be valid for use in the BScN program.

The Undergraduate & Graduate Programs Office will send detailed instructions and a personalized letter to support PIC applications. Students should not  apply for a PIC until they receive this letter.  PICs completed too early will not be accepted and you will be required to re-do this requirement and pay the associated costs. 

In most cases, a PIC is valid for the duration of your nursing program. However, in some cases our clinical practice partners may request a new PIC to be completed prior to placement at their site.

All nursing students are required to complete a series of immunization and diagnostic tests as outlined on the Student Immunization Worksheet. Documented proof of completion must be provided to the Faculty of Nursing prior to commencement of the program. Failure to provide the required documents may prevent students from particiapting in clincial practice. 

A copy of the Student Immunization Worksheet and the Student Immunization Acknowledgement and Consent will be provided to all students prior to the start of the program, as part of the admission package.

Should you have additional questions after reviewing these forms, please e-mail the Immunization Program Coordinator at: nursingimmunization@ucalgary.ca

Throughout the nursing program, students are required to ensure that immunizations are current and must provide proof of updates to the Faculty of Nursing. Failure to do so will result in students being removed from practice courses until such time as adequate proof has been provided. Please note requirements may change during the program as determined by Alberta Health Services and other clinical practice partners guidelines. 

A N95 mask is a type of mask that you may be required to wear in the practice setting to help protect against certain communicable diseases. In order to ensure that the mask is giving you adequate protection, you need to be fit tested. There are different sizes and types of N95 masks.  It is not a one-size-fits-all mask.

All nursing students must be fit tested for a N95 mask prior to commencement of Year 2. N95 mask fit testing must be completed every two years (or more frequently, if noted on the fit testing card). This can be completed through any agency that offers N95 fit testing, provided that they test on AHS approved masks.

You may contact any of the following companies in Calgary to receive N95 fit testing.  Please note that the list is for information purposes only and the inclusion of a company on this list is not an endorsement of the company by the Faculty of Nursing or the University of Calgary. This is not an exhaustive list and there may be other companies in Calgary that you can use at your discretion.

• Eisan Consulting
• First Aid Training Calgary
• SureHire

If you are from outside Alberta and are having difficulty getting the fit testing done in your province you can wait until you are in Calgary to have it completed.  Please do this ASAP when you arrive and have proof into the immunization office prior to the first day of classes.

Please ensure that whatever company you use meets the following criteria:                                                                                                                      

• They provide you with proof of the fit test.  This is usually a card and needs to include the following information:  your name, student ID number, the company name, the date you were tested, the expiry date, the make, model, and size of the mask you were fit tested for, and which testing method they used (a photocopy of this card is the documentation that you need to submit as proof).
• They provide you with education prior to being fit tested.  For example: when the mask should be used, what the limitations of the mask are, how to put on and take off the mask, how to do a seal check, etc.
• They do a medical screening to ensure that it is safe for you to wear a N95 mask.
• They are fit testing you with a N95 mask that Alberta Health Services (AHS) uses. NOTE: masks used by AHS may change year-to-year due to supply chain. 

If you need any additional information about N95 fit testing please contact:  nursingimmunization@ucalgary.ca

Normally, a student will not be permitted to withdraw from a nursing practice course in order to avoid failure in that course.

Nursing courses within a given term are corequisite to one another. Normally, if a student withdraws from or is otherwise removed from a practice course, they will need to withdraw from the corequisite theory courses as well, and will retake the full term of courses at a future date. The student must meet with the Associate Dean Undergraduate Programs (or delegate) to determine a progression plan.

To fulfill course requirements, attendance at all scheduled on-site and off-site nursing practice is required.  This includes attending all labs/orientations during the first week of classes.  If you are ill or experience an unforeseen circumstance, you must inform your Nursing Instructor as soon as possible.   

A student who misses more than two nursing practice days, due to illness or unforeseen circumstance, may be at risk for not successfully completing the course.  In addition, they will be required to meet with the Associate Dean, Undergraduate Practice Education.  The student may be required to complete makeup activities. Students who miss two days of practice will meet with the NPCC and a Learning Plan may be initiated.

It is important that students familiarize themselves with the “Nursing Practice Attendance Operating Standard” in its entirety. 

To ensure that students are meeting the attendance expectations for each nursing practice course, the number of absences for each student will be tracked. 

Students whose program is interrupted due to unforeseen circumstances (e.g. failure, illness, injury, etc.) may be required to complete all coursework at the next available offering.  Each situation will be reviewed on an individual basis by the Associate Dean, Undergraduate Programs. 

Students are not permitted to contact placement sites directly or to attempt to arrange their own placements. Any questions or concerns regarding practice sites, or interest in specific sites for Term 8, must be directed to the placement team. 

Clinical placements can be scheduled outside of normal business hours, including evenings and weekends. Placement site assignments and schedules are not released until very shortly before the start of the term. To ensure a comprehensive learning experience throughout your program, placements may not be close to your residence and will not necessarily be your first choice.

Students are expected to schedule other commitments around their nursing schedule; no accommodations will be made for placement location/times for employment, recreational or volunteer commitments. 

Individual placement requirements will vary depending upon the level of the course (i.e. Term) and the placement location.  These requirements may include but are not limited to: completion of learning modules, signing of agreements (i.e. confidentiality), on-site orientation, etc.

For students at the University of Calgary Main Campus, placements may be anywhere in Calgary and surrounding communities (Airdrie, Cochrane, Okotoks, etc). 

For students at Rural Community Route and Indigenous Community Route sites, placements may be up to 150 Km from the program site. 
 

Students are responsible to have reliable transportation to clinical sites, regardless of location. 

Placements may not be close to your residence, and not all sites are easily accessible by public transit. Accommodations cannot be made for placement requests based on location/transportation.  

Connect Care is an electronic health platform that shares health information to improve patient care. Students require Connect Care access for clinical placements. All Connect Care training is mandatory prior to the start of the clinical experience.

Students must be available to attend in-person Instructor Led Training (ILT) 10 business days prior to the start of the term.

Attending any clinical site without the mandatory CC training/access is prohibited.

The Faculty of Nursing “Attire for Undergraduate Students in the Practice Setting Operating Standard" ensures nursing students, as University of Calgary representatives and future Registered Nurses, dress appropriately in all practice settings.  

Uniforms (scrubs) are required for practice in hospitals, the Clinical Simulation Learning Centre and a variety of other clinical practice sites. The Faculty of Nursing requires a standard uniform and specific instructions regarding the uniform will be provided to students. Where uniforms are not required, specific instructions will be given.

Faculty of Nursing Uniforms are sold exclusively at the University Bookstore.  A variety of sizes and styles are available allowing students to mix-and-match.  Further details regarding styles and pricing are available at: calgarybookstore.ca

All students are required to wear a name badge in the practice area and the Clinical Simulation Learning Centre. Students will receive a webform link to provide their preferred information prior to the start of Year 2. Although badges must have both a first name and last initial, students are permitted to use a first name which may be different from their formal name. Students also have the option to add up to three pronouns to their name badge if they choose.

The fee for the name badge will be automatically added to your Year 2 courses at the time of registration. This fee is non-refundable and will appear under Supplementary Fee on your Student Centre. The name badges will be distributed during clinical/lab. If your badge is lost, please contact the Undergraduate & Graduate Programs office nursing@ucalgary.ca to order a replacement. The cost for a replacement name badge is $25.00.
Proper footwear must be worn during practice whether on and off campus. All shoes will be leather or vinyl, have a closed heel and toe to offer adequate support and protection against injury or exposure to spills and punctures. Footwear must have a low heel and adequate shock absorbing,
non-marking, slip resistant sole. Footwear is to be well maintained, clean, dry and in good condition.

A watch marking seconds is required. Fob watches worn on clothing are preferred in clinical areas to facilitate improved hand hygiene, but wrist watches with cleanable/ waterproof face and straps are permitted. Watches with gemstones/raised decoration or fabric wristbands are not
permitted. Note: Some practice settings have policies restricting the use of smart watches in patient care areas.

A stethoscope is required for all clinical practice courses. Students may purchase this from any supplier. The Medical Bookstore at the Cumming School of Medicine carries several models: https://shop.ucalgary.ca/medical-bookstore/stethoscopes

Normally Practice Evaluations (mid-term and final) are accessible only to Associate Deans and administrators who manage the student file.  However, the Nursing Practice Course Coordinator may also access evaluations from previous courses when the Associate Dean decides that access will either benefit the student or protect the safety of the patient.  Access under these circumstances will be documented in the student file.

A Nursing Instructor may identify a need to share information with the Nursing Instructor in a sequential term in order to provide early support/resources for the benefit of the student’s ongoing learning.  In such cases, the student will be informed.

In order to obtain references from Professors in the Faculty of Nursing, students must complete a Reference Consent Form for Students. 

To ensure Nursing students follow documentation standards and guidelines which align with the College of Registered Nurses of Alberta (CRNA), please review the "Student Signature on Documentation Operating Standard". 

The Clinical Simulation Learning Centre (CSLC) utilizes simulation in nursing education. The CSLC team is dedicated to creating environments for students and faculty which enhance learning through simulation. The team provides opportunities for experiential learning in a safe and supportive environment. Integral to the mission of the CSLC is the utilization and conduction of research to advance nursing knowledge and human health. Activities within the CSLC are based on the best available evidence related to simulation, education and nursing professional practice.

Textbooks and Supplies 
$1500

Immunizations and required tests
$55+

Undergraduate Nursing Society (UNS) Membership
$5

Costs are typically higher in the year you enter clinical practice as there are a number of items you need to purchase that will be used for the duration of your nursing program

Textbooks, Supplies and Supplementary Fees: Varries 

Uniform and Shoes: $250-300

Stethoscope: $100-250

CPR Certification Course: $105
CPR must be recertified annually 

Police Information Check: $15
PICs are normally valid for the duration of your program

N95 Fit Testing: $45
N95 fit tests are normally valid for two years

Transportation Costs for Off-Campus Practice (i.e. gas, parking, etc.): Varies

Undergraduate Nursing Society (UNS) Membership: $5

Textbooks, Supplies and Supplementary Fees: Varies

Uniform and Shoes: $150

CPR Recertification: $85
CPR must be recertified annually

Transportation Costs for Off-Campus Practice (i.e. gas, parking, etc.): Varies

NCLEX Examination Fee: $360

CARNA Application Fee and Temporary Permit: $700

The Academic Calendar provides important information regarding the regulations of the University and of your program. It is every University of Calgary student's responsibility to know and comply with the relevant regulations. Being familiar with the information contained in the Calendar will also assist you in planning and moving through your program successfully. 

All guidelines and procedures specific to the Faculty of Nursing are available on the faculty website.

Reappraisal of graded term work and final grades is governed under the university's central regulations. The General Principles, as outlined in the Academic Calendar (Section I.1), are:

1. Reappraisals of graded term work and academic assessments occur at the department/faculty level that originated those decisions.

2. Reappraisals of term work are generally settled at the department/faculty level. The reappraisal process is outlined in Sections I.2 Reappraisal of Graded Term Work and I.3 Reappraisal of Final Grades (Final Academic Assessments). 

3. Students are responsible to present their arguments as effectively and as fully as possible. Mere dissatisfaction with a grade is not a valid reason for requesting a reappraisal.

Prior to appealing a graded term work or final grade, students must complete the reappraisal process. Appeals of reappraisals of graded term-work are made to the Faculty offering the course, whose Faculty Appeals Committee is the final level of appeal for graded term-work.

Appeals of reappraisals of final grades are made first to the Faculty Appeals Committee of the Faculty offering the course, and then to the University Appeals Committee in accordance with the Student Misconduct and Academic Appeals Policy. The University Appeals Committee is the final level of appeal for final grades.

Appeals in the Faculty of Nursing must be made following the "Faculty of Nursing: Academic Assessment and Graded Term Work Appeal Procedure". This applies to grade, credit or fail designation, and professional behaviour appeals. 

For process information and additional resources regarding appeals, visit the Student Appeals Office website: ucalgary.ca/student-appeals. Students may obtain information and support with understanding grade reappraisal appeals processes and with submitting an appeal from the Student Ombuds Office. For more information, visit ucalgary.ca/student-services/ombuds. 

Final examinations are scheduled by the Registrar’s Office.  The exam period is posted in the University of Calgary Calendar.  A final exam can be scheduled anytime during this time period.  Students must be available for exams up to the last day of the examination period, and the final exam schedule is not typically released until midway through the term.

Final examinations may be scheduled during days, evenings and on Saturdays during the final examination period and are not expected to be at the same time as the course was offered. 

Students should not book any travel plans until the final exam schedule is released. 

Deferred final examinations are allowed in the following circumstances:

• Debilitating Illness
• Unforeseen Crisis/Serious Personal Hardship
• Religious or Spirtual Grounds
• Three Exams in 24 Hours
• University Representation/Faculty Approved Activity

Students can apply for a deferred exam, as well as submit any supporting documentation, via their Student Centre. 

Travel/vacation/social/recreational activities will not be accepted as valid reasons for requesting a deferred examination. Students should not book any travel plans until after the final exam schedule is released. 

The University of Calgary Academic Calendar contains all of the relevant regulations related to final exams. 

For support with your UCalgary IT account and IT resources, such as password resets, multifactor authentication, D2L and Office 365, connect IT Support, part of UService.

This one-stop portal provides all the campus services, work tools and applications you need to manage your academic or professional career at the University of Calgary.

Your my.ucalgary.ca Student Centre gives you access to a number of campus resources, which includes the following:

• Course registration
• Timetable
• Official grades
• Transcript requests
• Academic requirements
• Fee payment
• Personal information updates
• Exam schedule

The University of Calgary uses Desire2Learn (D2L) to communicate important information to students including course outlines, required textbooks, assignments and discussions. 

It is also a communication tool to facilitate student to student, student to instructor, and group work interactions.

Students should log on to D2L via the MyUofC Portal via Quick Links or d2l.ucalgary.ca

Wireless technology may be used to enhance and expand the teaching-learning environment.  Students are advised that they may require a laptop or tablet for some in-class participation throughout the nursing program. 

A directory of student services available at the University of Calgary, including:

• Career Services
• Faith and Spirituality Centre
• International Student Services
• Centre for Career & Personal Development
• Writing Symbols Lodge
• Peer Helpers Office
• Scholars Academy
• Student Accessibility Services
• Student Non-Academic Misconduct Policy
• Student Ombuds Office
• Student Success Centre
• Student Wellness Services
• Welcome Centre
• Women’s Resource Centre

Wellness Services offer a variety of one-time and ongoing mental health services, which can be accessed by students. More information is available here.

The Faculty of Nursing has a Mental Health and Wellness Clinic available to students, staff and faculty, which is staffed by a Nurse Practitioner (NP). Individual and group workshops and services are available. 

Knowing how to effectively and efficiently find quality information is not only relevant to academic purposes (i.e. assignments and research papers); it is also essential for nursing practice. The University Library offers a wide variety of services, facilities and information resources to assist you with your research and practice information needs.

Please note, the Nursing collection is housed in the Health Sciences Library located in the Health Sciences Centre, near Foothills Hospital. For assistance with your research or accessing resources, please contact the Nursing Librarian, Dr. Alix Hayden, at ahayden@ucalgary.ca. 

The Student Success Centre is available to support you in your personal, academic, and career success. From when you first arrive at the University of Calgary through to when you graduate, the Student Success Centre provides services and programs to ensure that you make the most of your time at the University of Calgary. The following programs and services are available to ALL undergraduate students:

• Writing Support tutors are available by appointment for all students wanting to learn strategies to write more effectively and gain a better understanding of how to improve their written assignments. Writing workshops are also held in the fall and winter semesters.
• Leadership Programs are offered by way of the University of Calgary Leadership Program (UCL) providing training in personal, team and community leadership and the Emerging Leaders Program designed for first-year students.
• Student Success Workshops are offered throughout the fall and winter semesters covering a variety of topics to help support your academic success.
• Career Planning and Coaching Services are available through personal one-on-one planning/coaching sessions with Career Development Specialists and informative workshops on relevant topics are also available.
• Orientation and First Year Experience Programs help to ease the transition for new students to the U of C and sets you on the right path.

The Undergraduate Nursing Society (UNS) is a student organization offering leadership and participatory opportunities with members chosen/elected by their peers. UNS endeavours to enrich the lives of nursing students professionally, academically and socially through a variety of initiatives including faculty, university and community volunteerism, fundraising for causes inside and outside the faculty and events. The UNS plays a vital role in communication to nursing students across all years of the undergraduate program.

Groups that fall under UNS include the Nursing Inclusivity Committee and the peer mentorship team. As well, the faculty’s online program, NurseMentor, is open to undergraduate nursing students who wish to have additional support from a UCalgary Nursing alumni mentor. Additional information about this program can be found at: nursing.ucalgary.ca/alumni/nursementor

UNS executive members sit on a number of faculty committees, providing opportunities to learn – and potentially have a say - about the governance of the Faculty. All students are encouraged to become involved in any way that is comfortable: email is checked on a regular basis at uns@ucalgary.ca and participation in any form is always welcome.

The Nursing Graduate Students' Association (NGSA) is a student-led volunteer association which aims to connect and empower graduate nursing students through services, leadership, and professional development. 

Our role is to foster a supportive community of nursing graduate students through:

• providing opportunities for professional development
• promoting social interaction and collaboration among graduate students, faculty, and community members
• representing the interests of nursing graduate students to the Graduate Students Association (GSA)

Undergraduate students are represented by the University of Calgary's Students' Union (SU). The SU manages the MacEwan Student Centre (Mac Hall) and a number of resources, as well as student clubs and acts as a voice for undergraduate students. They have many different ways for students to get involved on campus.

Graduate students are represented by the Graduate Students' Association. The GSA acts as the collective voice for graduate students on campus, including representing academically-employed graduate students in labour relations. The GSA offers workshops, events and other resources to support graduate students both academically and professionally. 

The Awards & Financial Aid Office can provide information regarding awards, bursaries, loans and other forms of funding for your studies. They are also the only office that is able to complete documentation related to loans, etc.