Nov/Dec Student Newsletter
Dear Students, The holidays are fast approaching and that means the semester will be completed soon. I wish you the best as you prepare for your final exams. Stay focused and remain true to your study habits. The holiday season provides us with a chance to refresh and renew. During the holidays, take time to rest and relax with family and friends. We are blessed to have you as part of the Bellin College family. The College will close at 4:30 p.m. on Thanksgiving eve, November 27, 2013. We will be closed for the holidays on December 24-25, 2013 and December 31, 2013 January 1, 2014. May the New Year bring joy and success to each of you! I look forward to an exciting year in 2014!
Connie J. Boerst Dr. Connie J. Boerst President/CEO
Dates to Remember Thanksgiving Break November 28 & 29, 2013 Finals Week December 9-13, 2013 Winter Break December 13, 2013 – January 20, 2014 Spring Semester Classes Begin January 20, 2014 Senior Pictures January 16 & 17 Room 112
For the latest updates visit: www.bellincollege.edu
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YOU SPOKE – WE LISTENED Have you ever wondered after filling out survey after survey if anyone ever looks at what you say? At Bellin College, the answer is an emphatic YES! Changes do take time, and not every suggestion or comment is adopted, but we do listen and value your constructive comments. I want to share one recent example where you spoke, and we listened. In the nursing program, each HESI exam has a grading scale associated with it so that the HESI score can be translated to a percent grade for the course. When we adopted the HESI testing system four years ago, we implemented their recommended scale. Over the last three years, we have made adjustments with both the pharmacology version 1 test and the medical surgical test based on our review of student outcomes and placement in the curriculum. Even with these adjustments, students expressed concern that the grade they received on the HESI exam did not accurately reflect their performance when compared to their overall course grade. With three years of data, this fall we completed a detailed analysis of how our students compare to national averages on the same tests, as well as the HESI recommended benchmarks. Following that review along with consideration of student feedback, we have revised the grading scale that will be used for all HESI exams beginning in Spring, 2014.
HESI EXAMS: Grading System
950 and above 900‐949 875‐899 850‐874 825‐849 800‐824 750‐799 700‐749 600‐699
Bellin College Grade 100 97 93 90 87 83 78 75 69
Below 600
65
HESI Exam Score
The revised grading scale does not change our criteria for remediation. HESI has strong data to support that students who do not hit the desired level (typically 850) are less likely to pass the NCLEX exam. We want to use the remediation to bring your scores up to the 850 or higher levels. Please let us know if you have any questions and know that we do listen. You may not directly benefit from changes that are made based on your feedback, but your constructive comments do improve experiences for future students.
Student Senate
Student Senate is an organization that allows students to organize and actively participate in the decision‐making of student services and activities. It is also a means for students to have an active and open dialog with Bellin College Administration. Over the course of the year, Student Senate sponsors several College‐wide events that promote student involvement and/or wellness.
All students are members of Bellin College’s Student Senate and are welcome to attend meetings, although, there are representatives from each class who will report back with any important
information. Student Senate is an easy and fun way to get involved at Bellin College. It allows students to voice their opinions and make a difference. Everyone is welcome and we love to see new faces!
Upcoming Meetings: December 3, 2013 January 28, 2014 February 18, 2014 March 11, 2014 April 15, 2014 May 6, 2014
All meetings will be at 7:00 p.m. in Room 112.
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BSNA Update Bellin Student Nursing Association (BSNA) is dedicated to preparing nursing students to become valuable healthcare members who reflect the standards and ethics of the nursing profession by promoting health through community service, increasing awareness of nursing issues and development of leaders. Upcoming events include: a holiday food/supply donation to Freedom House, T-shirt sale "You might be a nursing student if..." to help fund the trip to the state convention in February, and a spring community event and blood/food drive.
The officers for this year are: President: Cassandra Cooley President Elect: Natalie Werth Vice President: Jani Morgan Projects Director: Amanda Novitski/Caitlyn Lloyd Secretary: Kyleigh Lesjak Treasurer: Lindsay Schroth, Fundraising Director: Krysta Schbesta Legislative Director: Jacilyn Herman Junior Class Rep: Natalie Werth Senior Class Rep: Lori Liest & Kelsey Zaztrow Advisor: Dr. Mary Rolloff
Next Meeting: Nov. 18, 2013 from 4:00-5:30 p.m. Room 107
IHI Open School – Bellin College Chapter The IHI Open School is part of an international effort to improve the quality and safety of care provided to patients. Through the Open School, students have the opportunity to enhance their knowledge, skills and abilities related to quality care and to engage in activities designed to assist students in making a difference in the life of each patient they encounter. IHI has a lot of great events coming up:
Everyone is welcome to attend IHI meetings! At the next meeting we’ll be discussing ideas for Patient Safety Week. Next Meeting: Monday, November 18 at 4:00 p.m. in Room 103
The officers for this year are: President: Hannah Jochman President elect: Abigail Cropsey Vice President: Amanda Rader Treasurer: Courtney Fiest Secretary: Yeni Elena-Carrasco
Float Sale in December Patient Safety Week in February National Forum in Orlando
For the latest updates visit: www.bellincollege.edu
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Do you Instagram? We’d love to see your photos! Join us on Instagram &
#bellincollege to share!
Save the Date! Higher Learning Commission (HLC) College Re-Accreditation Visit: April 7, 8 and 9, 2014 Bellin College is scheduled for its re-accreditation visit with the Higher Learning Commission next spring, April 7, 8, and 9, 2014. Accreditation ensures students, as well as employers, that our students are receiving a quality education. Without it a college may not be eligible for participation in federal and state financial aid programs. Proper accreditation is also important for the transfer of college credit, and is a prerequisite for many graduate programs. The College currently has 3 accreditations:
The Higher Learning Commission, which gives as “permission” to teach and function as an institution of higher education; The Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE): the primary reviewer of our BSN and MSN programs (review due 2018) The Joint Review Committee on Education in Radiologic Technology (JRCERT): the reviewer of our BSRS program (review due 2015)
Preparation is underway, the College is working to compile the necessary information to present to the reviewers in the spring. So, what do you need to do? Nothing at this point. We simply want you to be aware of this project. During the semester, you may be asked by a faculty member to use a paper, project, presentation, or portfolio that you completed as an example of work that meets program outcomes. As we get closer to the visit, we’ll be asking for student volunteers to sit down with the HLC reviewers to share your Bellin College student experiences. This is an exciting time for the College! It gives us the opportunity to do a thorough review of our processes, to show what we are doing well, and to examine areas where we can improve. If you have any questions please contact Dr. Kathy Zellner.
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HESI Update: For all Sophomores, Juniors, and Seniors Nursing Students: Recently the representative for the HESI Testing products was on campus and provided us with very helpful information on how students can get the most out of their tests and results. One of the areas we have been under – utilizing is the exam report you receive from HESI following an exam. In the report students receive recommendations for individualized remediation specific to the results of your test. By analyzing the questions you got right or wrong, the program is able to generate a list for you to review content, media, case studies, etc. I would strongly encourage you to take advantage of these reports. Students have access to their remediation plans as long as they are enrolled in the system. No matter where you are in the curriculum, it is not too late to take advantage of these resources. Your success is our goal, and working together we can achieve greatness! One strategy you can use to increase your success on the HESI exams is to take advantage of the practice tests provided through your Evolve resources. In Evolve, log into your course resources. Click on practice tests, and then the content area you desire. Click on “Practice” and then “Practice Quiz.” The practices quizzes are each 15‐30 questions long, but will give you a taste of the type of questions, as well as rationales for why answers were right or wrong. Appreciating the rationales can help with test taking skills. You can repeat the quizzes as often as you like – each draws from a pool of questions so you are likely to get different questions each time.
HESI TESTING DATES: Fall 2013 REMEMBER: The Computer Resource Center will be closed to all except for test writers during the testing sessions. The schedule for HESI exams is being finalized for spring. The exams are listed on the timetable. Take note as you fill your calendar for spring as to what exam times you need to schedule. NOVEMBER: Class of 2014, May 15M: Medical/Surgical: Monday, Nov. 25 0800‐1000 DECEMBER: Class of 2014, May Trad: Medical/Surgical: Monday, Dec. 9 0900‐1100 (A‐H) Tuesday, Dec. 10 1430‐1630 (J‐Z) Class of 2014, Oct. 15M: Fundamentals: Friday, Dec. 13, 1030‐1230 Class of 2015, May Trad: Psych‐Mental Health: Monday, December 2, 0830 ‐ 1030 (O‐W) Tuesday, December 3, 0900 ‐ 1100 (B‐M) Class of 2016, May Trad: Fundamentals: Monday, Dec. 2 1500‐1700 (A‐M) Fundamentals: Friday, Dec. 6 1430 – 1630 (N‐Z) As always, if questions or concerns, please do contact me at:
[email protected] Student Evaluation of Course and Faculty: End of Session 2013: Course evaluations will be distributed for ALL 15 month courses the mid‐October and will remain open for 2 weeks. Your feedback regarding courses and faculty is valued and used to make improvements Please watch your e‐mails and respond promptly when notified! For the latest updates visit: www.bellincollege.edu
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Bellin College Awards
Having a tough time in class? Looking for a little extra study help?
The College grants two awards each year at the spring graduation ceremony, and they are outlined below.
A tutor may just be the answer. Tutors have been there, done that and can give you practical advice for study tips. Find me in the One Stop Shop. I will connect you to a tutor and the path to success in the classroom.
Graduating Student Award: Lucyanna Hitch Award for Excellence Eligible applicants include candidates for graduation in good standing from October 2013, December 2013, and May 2014. This award recognizes the graduating student from any program (BSN, BSRS, and MSN) who best exemplifies the College Values of Excellence, Integrity, Community, and Caring. This is an annual award given in memory of, and tribute to, Lucyanna Hitch, a dedicated College advocate. The award recipient is announced at graduation in May and receives a recognition plaque in addition to a modest cash award. Award recipients are commemorated on the cumulative award plaque permanently on display in the Student Activities Conference Room, Room 102A. This award involves an application process. Calls for Applications will specify the application requirements: Application Cover Form Narrative Faculty Letter of Recommendation
Don’t wait until it’s too late! Janelle Maricque Advisor and Career Services Coordinator (920) 433‐6663
[email protected]
The application deadline will be announced in spring 2014. If you have any questions, please contact the Selection Committee Chair – Kathie DeMuth.
Faculty Award: Nishioka Family Faculty Excellence Award
All students are encouraged to nominate a nursing faculty member who has been influential in their program of study. This award honors a nursing faculty member for contributions in the areas of professional nursing advancement, nursing education advancement, professional behavior and growth, and support of the College. The award is sponsored through a generous contribution from Dr. Hiro Nishioka. The award recipient is announced at commencement in Spring, receives funds for professional development, and is commemorated on the cumulative award plaque permanently on display in Conference Room 212. This award involves a nomination process. Calls for Nominations will specify the nomination criteria and provide the nomination form. The nomination deadline will be announced in spring 2014. If you have any questions, please contact the Selection Committee Chair - Lynn Murphy.
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Student Success When you are following your passion, your mind becomes energized. When you are determined to make something happen, your mind starts visualizing, mapping, and going through all sorts of “what if—then this” scenarios. Your mind is actively engaged in dynamic inquiry. You become more alert to new ideas, fresh thoughts and things you see that spark problem‐solving thinking. Incredible insights and creative intuitions start to flow effortlessly and you begin to solve problems that you never thought you were capable of solving. All this mental energy enables you to reach out to thoughts that might offer solutions, and to other people of like passion who can mentor you. Remember:
A positive mind will create energy. Negative thinking destroys creativity. So, fire up your self‐confidence…..LET YOURSELF BELIEVE! Here’s how to do it:
Be positive See yourself doing it Don’t prejudge What you do—matters to you and to others Open your eyes and your creative mind
Think positive energy
Read many things Do new things Make many mistakes Ask more “what if” questions Believe that you can be successful Learn and laugh with others
Believe it is possible. Visualize your ideas into reality. Never quit once you find what you are looking for or until you have created a new way to solve your problem. Believe that you can be successful! By Dr. Nancy Burruss, Dean of Student Services ____________________________________________________________________________________________________
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Emergency Procedures & Campus Safety Students should familiarize themselves with the Bellin College campus emergency evacuation plans posted throughout the building. During a fire drill all students and employees are expected to vacate the building. The College is equipped with emergency phones and call buttons. There are emergency phones in the parking lots which can be identified by their blue lights. These phones access 911 Emergency responses. There is also an emergency call button located in the campus Wellness Center. The College has a cardiac arrest mobile unit (A.E.D. or Automated External Defibrillator) located at the reception desk in the Atrium. Campus Safety: This is a shared responsibility between the College and its campus community members. There are security personnel on campus when students have access to the building. For assistance during regular business hours (8:00 a.m. – 4:30 p.m.) contact the Student Service Office. Security personnel will be patrolling the campus during non-business hours, and will be stationed at the reception desk in the atrium. Inclement Weather/Class Cancellations: If the hours of operation of the college are altered (cancellation of classes, labs, and/or practicum) details will be communicated via the College Information Line, website and/or local radio and televisions stations. Students are responsible for using personal judgment regarding their safety and travel to the college during inclement weather. If the College closes for reasons other than weather, check the website. Information Line: (920) 433-1933) Information about any closings will typically be available as early as 5:00 a.m. for day classes, labs, and practicum, and typically by 1:00 p.m. for evening classes, labs, and clinical experiences.
Bellin College Hours General guidelines: Students may enter the Main Entrance Door on the first floor or the back doors by using their ID badges. The College is open to the public from 8:00 a.m. - 4:30 p.m., Monday through Friday. The Main Entrance Door will be open during regular business hours. Students’ ID badge will allow access before and after regular business hours. Students are expected to leave the building by 8:00 p.m. Hours are subject to change, namely, during holidays and summer months. A complete list of campus hours in the Undergraduate Student Handbook. Student Access to the Building: Monday – Friday 7:00 a.m. - 8:00 p.m., Saturday & Sunday – Closed Library Access: Monday-Friday 7:30 a.m. – 8:00 p.m., Saturday & Sunday – Closed Computer Resource Center: Monday – Friday 7:00 - 8:00pm, Saturday & Sunday – Closed Health Sciences Resource Center: (Practice Lab): Monday – Friday 8:00 a.m. - 7:00 p.m., Saturday & Sunday – Closed Wellness Center: Monday – Friday 7:00-8:00 p.m., Saturday & Sunday – Closed BC Express: Monday – Friday 7:00 a.m. - 2:00 p.m., Saturday & Sunday – Closed
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