Lawsuit over grade changes?

[Jackson12]

I am currently enrolled in my third semester of an ADN program. It was announced at the beginning of this semester that when we start our next semester the grade requirements will change from a 10 point grading scale to a 7 point grading scale. I generally try to keep a positive attitude but there are about 100 students in the program and many have chosen this particular school so they can maintain a higher GPA compared to other schools that have higher requirements. The school of course requires you to sign updates to the handbook or you may not attend class. There is talk of students filing a suit against the school stating they are breaking their initial contract with us by changing the grades. I have heard of schools doing this but cannot locate any documentation of it (I am assuming they have settled out of court).

Generally I am not one to complain but this use to be a well named school with a positive reputation in the community. In the past 3 years they have had a large turnover in staff that is still continuing now. They have lost there national accreditation but still have their regional. (I have heard that the national accreditation is based on how many instructors have a Master's degree).

Can anyone offer information or suggestions on this?

Thank you.

[Esme12, ASN, BSN, RN]

Just to be clear:

My intention was not to to sue my attending institution but find out what the limits and experiences were/are for nurses who had attended programs an came across situations like this one.

My intention was not to to sue my attending institution

Well...actually if you look at the title of your thread...

Lawsuit over grade changes

Implies that you are considering a lawsuit.

For me it is clear this school has issues.

They have lost there national accreditation

First the school gives you no guarantee of your grading scale...just that they will grade you. It is not written in a contract and is up to the institution to set grading guidelines. As long as the do not change your past grades in keeping with the new grading scale...there isn't really anything you can do IMHO. We cannot give legal advice here so I suggest for any real problems you need to speak with a lawyer.

Was this school accredited when you started the program? Unfortunately, the loss of national accreditation can affect your future as it is the gold standard. Schools that once have accreditation and lose it usually gain it back and will have the students graduated retroactively as an accredited program.

There have been students who has sued over grades but they we changed retroactively or they were dismissed from the program due to accusations of cheating...which never occurred.

You (not you you but the collective you) chose this school with easier academic standards for an easier A, that is no longer the case, there is little you can do. The school is trying to win back accreditation and you are along for the ride.

[Esme12, ASN, BSN, RN]

MODERATOR NOTE:

Please debate the posts not the poster.

[ThatBigGuy]

You have three options:

1. Suck it up.

2. Transfer.

3. Use the appropriate grievance process to address the situation as far as you want to pursue it (every school has a policy for you to follow), but be prepared to either 1. suck it up or 2. transfer.

Check your handbook very carefully. If there is wording to the effect that grading can change willy nilly, then you're toast. If there is no wording to that effect (willy nilly is not a technical term), use the appropriate channels to air your grievances. If you do this in a calm and professional manner (no screaming, calling people names, or showing up at hearings in shorts) then you will have participated in a valuable life lesson that will prepare you for the workforce, win or lose.

[NurseLover01]

I know this thread is old, but, if the school is accredited, then they have to follow certain regulations and standards, that being said, if a college changes it's requirements after you have started your program, then you are grandfathered in, and may follow the new, or stick with the old requirements!! Please do not let some of these comments get to you! This unfortunately is not a thing to sue over! This is however something that can be taken to the accreditation agency that accredits your school!! They can not force change after you signed your original syllabus......It is up to the school to tell students in a timely manor, and have correct dates for which the changes will take place. The student can stay with the old or choose to go with the new requirements!! Hope this helps!!

[NurseLover01]

Please do not listen to the BSN, schools may not change requirements to an already in progress program!! It has to told to students in a timely manor, and students have the option to either stick with the old requirements or go with the new ones! They can only revise the classes that start after the revision! Even if it was posted for 3 months and it was 2 semesters in, you still have that option! Good luck and hope this helps!!