UBC Nursing

MPKH, BSN, RN · May 17, 2009

From what I know, she applied last year, was offered an interview, but was rejected. Rejected as in not wait listed...as in completely rejected. She applied this year, and was not offered an invitation to an interview. So normally, that would be the end of the communication she would be getting from UBC Nursing--they had no reason to make further contact with her after informing her that she would be not interviewing with them this year...it was another rejection, you could say. Then on the day the acceptance, rejection and wait list emails were sent, she got an acceptance letter.

I'd like to bring it up to the committee, but like I said, I don't know how to do so without pointing fingers, or worse, seem like I'm invading privacy. I'm hoping its an honest mistake, because if it's not, I honestly don't know what to think.

springsheen · May 17, 2009

If I were on the admission committee, I would have no problem answering why an applicant who did not receive an interview was granted acceptance into the program. I would recognize that applicants do deserve to know, even if the answer is as simple as an alternate evaluation process that they don't know of.

I am sure this is not the only time that an UBC admission committee has had to answer to such issues. The Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences has had to answer to their accidental acceptance letters many times, throughout numerous years, to many people.

As for the privacy issue, you don't need to name the person in question if you don't want to. However, my concern is always that when a person is admitted into a program that will allow them to be healthcare workers in charge of the well-being of others individuals, that person needs to fully qualified. If not, something needs to done.

MPKH, BSN, RN · May 18, 2009

You have a very good point there...but I am still not sure how to bring it up to them. Do I just go "I know somebody who was denied an interview this year, but received an admission letter, and i was just wondering why" Would they not be suspicious..?

Maybe I'm just being overly cautious.

lazz1 · May 18, 2009

Hey guys,

I've been reading these last few posts and I don't think it's a wise move to bring up the mysterious acceptance letter to the admissions committee. Unless you are absolutely certain this happened, then perhaps I would address the issue by writing a letter of complaint. I would not call or go in person.

Someone that I spoke to about this brought up the point that UBC has the control to accept anyone who they feel is qualified. This is a valid point to bring up, but of course it is frustrating for those who went through the entire process. I advise to either write a letter if it really bothers you or trust that UBC has a reasonable explanation for why this might of happened.

MPKH, BSN, RN · May 18, 2009

I'm 99.9% certain it happened. We (the girl) and I were both shocked that she received an acceptance email...even she said she does not understand how or why she's admitted when she did not received an interview this year, and was not on the wait list last year. There was no logical reason that we could come up with. She called it a miracle...I call it a mystery. I agree that UBC has the control to accept anyone who they feel is qualified, but how are they to know who's qualified without going through the procedure? They didn't seem to think she was qualified enough last year for even a spot on the wait list, and they didn't seem to think she was qualified for an interview this year....and this is supposed to be qualified for full admission?? I'm sorry if this is sounding really rude, but I just do not feel that it's a good argument. If they do have a reasonable explanation, I would like to know. If it was a honest mistake, I'd understand--maybe a slip of finger, or two people having similar names. We all make mistakes, with some carrying more weight than others. If it was something else, I'd want to know too.

jamnyu · May 18, 2009

i think you better get this resolved or you are going to give yourself an ulcer! LOL

ok, seriously, if you don't resolve this issue, how will you feel about applying to UBC in the

future? would you ever really trust the process? i think you owe it to yourself to sort this out.

however, did your friend accept her offer? UBC may catch their mistake when she tries.

all said though...i hope you make it off the waitlist!

springsheen · May 18, 2009

Hey guys,

While UBC does have the absolute right to admit whoever they want, they also have a history of accidentally admitting those who are clearly not qualified. When processing the vast number of applications, mistakes do happen.

SimplicityGirl, if you feel that by bringing this up to the admission committee the standing of your own application will be affected, then there are a few points to consider.

1. This is a valid issue to be concerned about if you are 99.9% sure that it happened. A questionable applicant has been accepted into a program where she will be working to maintain and improve the well-being of others, not only physically, but also emotionally.

2. If you do feel that the School of Nursing staff will react negatively after voicing a genuine and valid concern, then, do you really want to be a student within this program, working under their direction? It will speak volumes about their character as well.

I mean, on what basis do they have to be mad at an applicant for this type of concern? It's not as if you went through someone's trash to find out about this information. It was told to you, I'd assume, willingly. Of course, like mentioned before, there are multiple ways to bring this to their attention.

You know what, this almost feels like an ethical question that they can present to you during an interview. Or, there certainly are scenarios that are analogous to this.

jamnyu · May 18, 2009

moh21 makes some very good points

i think it is also true that they have a responsibility to the people of BC to admit the best people in a fair way

interestingly, if you go to the UBC site they say they retain the right to admit/reject as they see fit...AT ANY TIME...so i think this means that a mistaken offer can be recinded at their discretion, whenever they choose, i suppose this also covers them in cases were they find out some unfavourable info. on someone after an offer

i was chatting with my friend from UBC - okanagan (as discussed previously) and she does not understand at all how this could have happened because complete files are not carried over AND CURRENT references are needed as well

the people i met at the interview all seemed very friendly and open about the process...maybe assume they truly are and your concerns can be addressed?

MPKH, BSN, RN · May 18, 2009

Hmm. Well I read it off her Facebook note/status, and then asked her about it...and she admitted that it was true, and showed me the email. So it's not like I really pried. Facebook is a pretty public thing--anyone can search anyone up on it. I'd like to know, but I'm still not sure how to bring it to their attention.

springsheen · May 18, 2009

Like what Jamnyu said, it's safe to assume from the interview process that the School of Nursing faculty and staff has faced some tough ethical issues in the hospital, the classroom, and administrations. In comparison, this is a piece of cake.

This is no life/death situation. In the big picture, this is merely an admission status. They will have no problem dealing professionally with this. Ultimately, all they have to decide is whether or not to rescind an offer of acceptance.

Finding out on Facebook and conversing with her is not a violation of privacy if you did inform the staff (unless she had you sign some confidentiality agreement, hah). It is information she willingly gave to the public.

If you don't want to let the staff know who you are, you can probably do it through an anonymous e-mail of some sort. But, the most efficient and professional way to do it is to just privately voice your concern with someone within the Nursing Student Services, or Stephanie Boudreau.

MPKH, BSN, RN · May 18, 2009

I am planning on writing the following letter to the [email protected] email.

To Whom This May Concern:

Hi, I am not sure if this is the correct place for this, and if it isn't, would you kindly direct me to the department that is appropriate. Thank you.

I have a concern about the admission process. I know of an acquaintance who applied last year, and was rejected. She applied this year, and was not offered an invitation to the interview. However, last Wednesday, she received an admission letter. While I do understand that UBC Nursing has the right to accept or reject applicants at any given time, I am curious as to how this incident may have occurred? Is there an alternate application evaluation process that is not mentioned on the website?

Thank you for your time and patience.

Sincerely,

SimplicityGirl. (I will insert my actual name on the email)

What do you guys think? Suggestions, comments, disses?

jamnyu · May 18, 2009

that looks really professional

you may also want to involve an independent outside body like enrolment services,

or a student group or the university advocate

good luck