Many student interactions with the RAP committee require the student to submit a petition to explain the circumstances of their situation. The petition process allows students to request an exception to policy, permission to step out of the nursing curriculum sequence, address professional conduct issues, or to dispute a grade. Regardless of the circumstances, the process of writing a petition is the same.
Please also see the Handbook section on Interplay between PLU’s Student Code of Conduct and the School of Nursing. Students should work with their advisors to be sure petitions are complete and accurate.
1. Students considering a petition must contact their advisor as soon as possible. Advisors can help them determine the best course of action: what type of petition the student should pursue, how to craft this petition, and the process involved.
2. After meeting with their advisor, students may also request a meeting with the Advisor, Admission, and Placement Coordinator to discuss the petition process further and determine a timeline for completion.
3. Using a RAP Petition Form, the student will draft a statement that outlines their request, their reason for this request, and their proposal for future study and/or course(s) of action. This statement will vary depending upon the student’s circumstances and request. Students should consult with their advisor to determine what kinds of information should be included in the statement.
4. Additional documentation, such as primary care provider notes, may also be required.
5. Students may request letters of support from current nursing faculty, but this is not required.
6. Once the petition statement is complete, students must submit it to their advisor for feedback and suggestions.
7. Once the advisor deems the statement suitable, the student may submit the statement, along with any supporting documentation, to the Advisor, Admission, and Placement Coordinator.
8. The petition will be reviewed at the next available Recruitment, Admissions, and Progression (RAP) committee meeting.
9. The student has the option to make a personal presentation at this meeting, and to bring along one academic advisor or designated faculty substitute. Students may also choose to bring witness to the event if applicable. However, personal attendance at the RAP meeting is not required.
10. Based upon their collective evaluation of the petition, the RAP committee will make a recommendation to the Dean regarding the petition. This recommendation will include an approval or denial of the petition, and may contain suggested or required course(s) of action from the student.
11. The Dean will review the petition and the committee’s recommendation before making the final determination.
12. Students will be informed by mail of the outcome. At this point, petition decisions are final.
13. Students may contact the University Dispute Resolution Committee (UDRC) if they feel the processes for the petition did not follow School of Nursing or University policy. The UDRC review is limited to whether a School of Nursing or University policy, including the policy on Equal Opportunity, was violated.
14. Students who have petitions denied should consult with their advisor to determine how best to proceed with their nursing education.
15. Students who have petitions approved, but fall out of sequence with their cohort, will be placed in a new cohort on a space available basis.