College-wide Policies and Procedures (N-Z)

Readmission Policy to the College after Academic and/or Disciplinary Dismissal

Students who have left the College without filing a Request for Academic Leave Form, or are absent for three or more semesters, or who have been dismissed for disciplinary or academic reasons may apply for readmission. Applications for readmission are available through and are submitted to the Office of Student Services. Readmission to the College will be based on a completed application, personal statement, transcripts, and/other supporting documents to assist in the readmission process.

If a student wishes to return following dismissal from the College for academic reasons, he/she must petition the Student Academic Progression Committee prior to applying for readmission at least three months before the beginning of the term in which enrollment is desired. A Petition for Academic Readmission Form is available through the Office of Student Services. The Student Academic Progression Committee will evaluate requests for readmission to the College based on the following criteria:

• The student’s personal statement in which (a) convincing reasons are presented as to why the student wishes to be considered for readmission, (b) a summary of the student’s activities and/or achievements during the dismissal period, (c) evidence indicative of academic performance that will be better than before dismissal. A minimum of two letters of recommendation are required from faculty members (one from within the program of study) supporting readmission are required and will be considered by the committee in conjunction with the student’s personal statement.
• Evidence of the student’s ability to perform at the required academic level, within two consecutive semesters, to raise his/her GPA to the minimum level required for satisfactory academic standing in his/her classification.

The Student Academic Progression Committee will evaluate written petitions using the criteria listed above and determine, on a case-by-case basis, whether or not to grant readmission to the College.

Readmission Policy to the College for Military Leave, Medical Withdrawal, Voluntary Withdrawal, or not Maintaining Continuous Attendance

Students or former students who left the College because of military leave, medical withdrawal, voluntary withdrawal, or did not maintain continuous attendance may apply for readmission. Applications for readmission are available through and are submitted to the Office of Student Services. Readmission will be based on a completed application, continued qualification for admission to the College, and an earned cumulative GPA required for College admission for all credit hours voluntarily completed since their dismissal. Note: any additional credit hours are voluntary.

Veterans returning after military leave to perform military service will be readmitted at the same academic status achieved when last in attendance the College, provided the absence does not exceed five years.

Reporting Incidents

Students should promptly report any vandalism or security incidents to the Facilities Manager. Between the hours of 4 p.m. and 7 a.m., incidents should be reported directly to the Mercy Medical Center Public Safety Office, 515-247-3111.

Serious Disease Policy and Procedure

Students with infectious, long-term, life-threatening, or other serious diseases may continue to attend the College as long as they are physically and mentally able to meet their academic responsibilities without undue risk to their own health or the health of other students, patients or employees.

Serious Disease Definition

Serious diseases for the purposes of this policy include, but are not limited to, cancer, heart disease, multiple sclerosis, hepatitis, tuberculosis, human immunodeficiency virus (HIV), and acquired immune deficiency syndrome (AIDS). The College will support, where feasible and practical, educational programs to enhance student awareness and understanding of serious diseases.

Serious Disease Procedure

The mere diagnosis of HIV, AIDS, AIDS-Related Complex (ARC), or AIDS virus antibodies, or any other serious communicable disease is not in itself sufficient basis for imposing limitations, exclusions, or dismissal from College programs. Harassment of individuals with or suspected of being infected with any disease is not acceptable behavior at the College and is strictly prohibited.

In working with students diagnosed with HIV, AIDS or any other serious communicable disease, the College will proceed on a case-by-case basis. With the advice of medical professionals these factors will be considered in determining the student’s enrollment eligibility:

• The condition of the person involved and the person’s ability to perform clinical or academic responsibilities
• The probability of infection of other members of the College community based on the expected interaction of the person in the College setting
• The possible consequences to other members of the College community, if infected
• Reasonable accommodations and modifications necessary to meet the individual’s needs
• Risk to the person’s health by remaining in the College community
• Other appropriate factors.

Any determination with respect to a student’s enrollment eligibility will be made following consultation with the affected student, the student’s treating physician (if available), and such other persons as needed.

Disclosure will take place only if deemed medically advisable and legally permissible. The appropriate Health Department will be informed of all cases of diseases required to be reported under state or federal law.

Social Media Policies for Students

Social media and networking sites (Facebook, MySpace, YouTube, blogs, etc.) are dynamic communication tools that help people connect and communicate with various groups and individuals. The College supports student participation in online communities as a communication, learning and networking tool.

Because social media is both new and ever-changing, the following guidelines have been developed to help students navigate the online opportunities while following College policies and procedures and protecting their personal and professional reputation.

The following “best practices” have been compiled to serve as a guide as students participate in social networking for a College group or as an individual.

Generally

When participating in social networking sites remember:

• Students should be honest about their identity. Participate only under the student’s name.
• Students should have all the facts before posting something. Cite sources where applicable.
• Be respectful and courteous in posting and communicating.
• Students should think before posting. There’s no such thing as a “private” social media site. Search engines can turn up posts years after the publication date. Comments can be forwarded or copied. Archival systems save information even after it has been deleted.
• Maintain confidentiality. Never post patient, other confidential or proprietary information.

Personal/Club Sites

• In personal posts, students should be clear that they are sharing their personal views and are not representing Mercy College or a Mercy College student organization, if the student mentions in the posting that they are a student.
• Students are legally liable for what they post on their own site and on the sites of others. Individual bloggers have been held liable for commentary deemed to be proprietary, copyrighted, defamatory, libelous or obscene (as defined by the courts). Employers are increasingly conducting web searches on job candidates before extending offers. Students should be sure that what they post today will not cause concerns in the future.
• Do not use the logo, name or any College marks or images on a personal or club site. The College logo and name are copyrighted and for official use only.
• Students should only use photos of people who have given them permission to do so. Do not post photos from course materials, campus-based presentations or any photographs of a medical or personal nature even if the student thinks they are de-identified. Students should use good judgment when posting photos of themselves on sites that prospective employers may be able to view.
• Never post copyrighted material of any sort.

Protecting Student identity

While students should be honest about themselves, they should not provide personal information that identity thieves could use against them. Students should not list their home address or telephone number or their work telephone or e-mail address.

Political Endorsements

When posting on behalf of a student organization, students should not endorse or support any political candidate. Student Code of Conduct and Discipline Policy and Procedures

Student Code of Conduct Policy

The purpose of the Student Code of Conduct is to provide and maintain an environment conducive to learning at Mercy College, including all clinical education sites. In cases where student engages in inappropriate conduct, the student will be subject to disciplinary action.

Inappropriate conduct includes, but is not limited to the following: academic dishonesty, alcohol and controlled substances infractions, violations of tobacco-free environment policy, arson, assault, inappropriate computer use, disorderly conduct, fire alarms and equipment tampering, gambling, hazing, hate crimes, possession of unauthorized keys or identification badge, breach of patient confidentiality, perjury, submitting fraudulent records, property damage, harassment or abuse including sex, race, religious, color, ethnic origin, gender identity, sexual orientation, age, disability, cultural harassment or abuse, stalking, theft, trespass, weapon possession, use of tobacco of any kind on campus or at a clinical site, use of foul language, accessing pornography while on campus, and inappropriate dress.

Acts in violation of city, county, state, or federal ordinances, regulations or laws may violate the Student Code of Conduct. The College may begin the disciplinary process whether or not the act results in an arrest and/or conviction. Alternate transportation from the reporting site will be arranged for the student if the conduct observed involves substance abuse.

Professional and Ethical Conduct

Professional and ethical conduct means that students will demonstrate:

• Honesty
• Accountability
• Confidentiality
• Respect for all persons of race, color, national and ethnic origin, age, sexual orientation, gender identity, religion, creed, physical or mental disability, status as a disabled veteran or veteran of war, or any other factor protected by law.
• Adherence to all College policies and procedures
• Active participation in the learning process
• Safe practice when caring for clients
• Appropriate requests for supervision / guidance
• Accountability for the conduct of personal guests

Examples of inappropriate behavior include, but are not limited to:

• Abuse and/or neglect of clients and patients
• Accessing pornography at the College
• Unsafe clinical practices
• Cheating
• Plagiarism
• Falsifying reports
• Breach of patient confidentiality
• Use of inappropriate or threatening language
• Physical assault
• Chemical or emotional impairment
• Conviction of any crime involving illegal drugs, child abuse, or moral turpitude
• Possession of dangerous weapons
• Use of computers or software in violation of the Acceptable Use of Information Technology Resources Policy.
• Discrimination/harassment of any kind on the basis of a protected class status
• Violation of Tobacco-Free Environment Policy

Student Discipline Procedure

Mercy College reserves the right to initiate discipline at any step of the disciplinary process depending on the severity of the inappropriate conduct.

Students who are admitted to or who are seeking admission to a distance education program follow the same procedure and their meetings may occur via phone, conference call, internet conference, or utilizing web camera technology.

Step 1. College staff who observe or are notified of an act of student misconduct shall attempt to resolve minor, inappropriate conduct privately with the student. The incident will be documented with a report forwarded to the appropriate School Dean for academic issues or the Director of Student Services for nonacademic misconduct violations. If the student misconduct is unresolved, or if additional violation(s) of the Student Code of Conduct are observed, the misconduct shall be reported to the Program Chair of the student’s program. If the observing party is the Program Chair, the behavior or violation should be reported to the appropriate School Dean.

Step 2. The Program Chair or appropriate School Dean (refer to Step 1.) will meet with the student and prepare a written warning or develop a written action plan as warranted stating the consequences of the violation and any future violations and will refer the student to the Student Success Center. A copy of this warning and/or written action plan will be placed in the student’s file and removed at graduation if there is/are no further violations. The Program Chair will monitor the student’s conduct.

Step 3. Discipline for serious and illegal inappropriate conduct will begin at Step 3 of the Disciplinary Procedure and unresolved or repeated inappropriate conduct from Step 2 will continue at Step 3.

Incidents of a student’s serious and/or illegal inappropriate conduct will be reported to the appropriate School Dean or the Director. Students may be temporarily suspended during an investigation of any alleged incident of serious and/or illegal inappropriate conduct. The appropriate Dean will make a decision on the disciplinary action to be imposed. The College will also report illegal conduct to the appropriate authority for legal action.

Documentation of the incident(s) and a written action plan, if warranted, to resolve the behavior, may be signed by the appropriate Dean and will be placed in the student’s permanent file. The student shall be provided with notice of the written action plan, and the student may file a grievance as set forth in the Student Code of Conduct Grievance Procedure.

The appropriate School Dean or designee will monitor the student’s conduct. Further repeated violations or inappropriate conduct can result in temporary suspension, suspension, dismissal, or expulsion from the College. The student will also be referred to the Student Success Center.

Violations of the Academic Integrity Policy may result in a lower grade for the class, or failure on the test or assignment, temporary suspension, suspension, dismissal or expulsion.

Students with unresolved or repeated inappropriate conduct continued from Step 2 will meet with the appropriate Dean.

Disciplinary action may continue for Student Code of Conduct violations that occurred prior to a student’s withdrawal from Mercy College.

Mercy College reserves the right to refer a student to the Student Success Center, temporarily suspend, suspend, dismiss, or expel a student from the College or a College-related activity if the student’s conduct is inappropriate.

Student Discipline Definitions

Temporary Suspension: A student can be suspended from all college classes and activities and not permitted to be on college property or assigned clinical sites for the period of time during which an investigation is being conducted or the discipline is occurring.

Suspension: A student can be suspended from all college classes and activities and not permitted to be on college property or assigned clinical sites for a specified period of time due to an infraction of the Student Code of Conduct.

Dismissal: A student dismissed from a program or the college may be permitted to return to the college through the Readmission Policy to the College for Academic and/or Disciplinary Reasons located elsewhere in the Student Handbook.

Expulsion: A student expelled from the College is not permitted to return to the College through the readmission process. Disciplinary action may continue for actions or events that occurred prior to a student’s withdrawal from the College.

Student Rights Policy and Procedures under the Student Code of Conduct

A student accused of a violation of the Student Code of Conduct has the following rights:

1. To receive documentation of the charge of the alleged inappropriate conduct within a reasonable timeframe.
2. To file a grievance form contesting the allegation.
3. To hear all the evidence upon which the allegation is based and to respond to the allegation.
4. To remain silent about any incident in which the accused is a suspect on the basis of self-incrimination.

Student Grievance Committee

The Student Grievance Committee is an ad hoc committee appointed by the Vice President for Academic Affairs and Provost. The voting membership consists of one of the School Deans (cannot be the dean from the school related to the grievance) and one faculty member of each school. The Student Grievance Committee hears student complaints that progress to Step 3 of the Student Code of Conduct Grievance Procedure.

Student Code of Conduct Grievance Procedure

Students disputing a Dean’s decision regarding the student’s breach of the Student Code of Conduct may file a Student Code of Conduct Grievance Form with the Director of Student Services or designee no later than five (5) academic working days following notification of the final decision or written action plan as set forth in Student Discipline Procedure.

Students who are admitted to or who are seeking admission to a distance education program follow the same procedure and their meetings may occur via phone, conference call, internet conference, or utilizing web camera technology.

Step 1. Upon receipt of a timely filed grievance, the Director or designee will arrange a meeting of the Student Grievance Committee within five (5) academic working days of receipt of the written grievance. The five (5) day academic working deadline may be extended if circumstances warrant an extension. The Director shall inform all parties to the initial grievance of the date, time, and place of the committee meeting and forward necessary materials to committee members. The student and any other party to the original grievance will attend and will be given a reasonable time to present relevant information. Attorneys are not allowed to attend the Student Grievance Committee meeting on behalf of any parties involved.

Step 2. A Dean or designee shall preside over the Student Grievance Committee that shall review relevant materials, and hear discussion presented by all parties and consider the matter. The voting members of the Student Grievance Committee shall make a recommendation to the Dean presiding.

Step 3. The Dean in his or her discretion shall be free to accept or reject the recommendation of the Committee. The Dean shall make a decision and inform all parties of the decision within five (5) academic working days of receipt of the recommendation of the Student Grievance Committee. The five (5) academic working days deadline may be extended if warranted. The decision of the Dean shall be final and binding unless appealed as set forth below.

Step 4. The Dean shall place a signed and dated copy of the written decision in the separate grievance file maintained with the Vice President for Academic Affairs & Provost’s Office.

Any student who has filed an academic or student code of conduct grievance should continue to attend all classes, labs, and clinical sessions unless specifically notified to the contrary.

Student Code of Conduct Grievance Appeal Procedure

Students disputing the Dean’s decision regarding a Student Code of Conduct Grievance may file a written appeal with the Vice President for Academic Affairs & Provost no later than five (5) academic working days following notification of the Dean’s decision.

Step 1. The appeal must state the reasons justifying further consideration of the decision rendered by the Vice President.

Step 2. The Vice President shall review the Student Grievance Committee records and the student’s written appeal. If warranted, additional information may be requested by the Vice President from the participants of the Student Grievance Committee.

Step 3. The Vice President will make a decision within five (5) academic working days of the receipt of the Student Code of Conduct Grievance Appeal letter from the student. The five (5) academic working days deadline maybe extended if warranted. The decision of the Vice President regarding the Student Code of Conduct Grievance Appeal shall be final and binding.

Student Academic Complaint Procedure

Students disputing an academic decision, including final grades, affecting their academic records, may grieve the decision within five (5) academic working days of notification of the academic decision.

Note: If a student does not grieve an academic decision, such as a grade on a test, paper or project within five (5) academic working days of receipt of the decision, the student waives the right to grieve the academic decision.

Students who are admitted to or who are seeking admission to a distance education program follow the same procedure and their meetings may occur via phone, conference call, internet conference, or utilizing web camera technology.

Step 1. Student shall attempt to resolve the matter privately with instructor and relevant party within five (5) academic working days following the disputed academic decision.

Step 2. If the student is dissatisfied with the decision rendered in Step 1, the student will meet with the Program Chair no later than five (5) academic working days following the private attempt to resolve the matter. The Program Chair will notify the student and instructor of their decision within five (5) academic working days of the meeting. If the Program Chair and instructor is the same individual, the student will meet with the School Dean. The School Dean will notify the student of their decision within five (5) academic working days of the meeting.

Step 3. If the student is dissatisfied with the decision rendered in Step 2, the student may file a written grievance with the Director of Student Services no later than five (5) academic working days following notification in Step 2 at which time the Student Academic Complaint Grievance Procedure as set forth below will be followed.

Academic Complaint Grievance Forms are available from the office of the Director of Student Services or by emailing Dr. Karen Anderson: kanderson8@mercydesmoines.org

Student Academic Complaint Grievance Procedure

Students disputing the program chair’s or School Dean’s decision regarding a student academic complaint may file an Academic Complaint Grievance Form with the Director of Student Services no later than five (5) academic working days following notification of the decision in Step 3.

Students who are admitted to or who are seeking admission to a distance education program follow the same procedure and their meetings may occur via phone, conference call, internet conference, or utilizing web camera technology.

Step 1. Upon receipt of a timely filed grievance, the Director will arrange a meeting of the Student Grievance Committee (refer to Student Grievance Committee) within five (5) academic working days of receipt of the written grievance. The five (5) academic working days deadline may be extended if circumstances warrant an extension. The Director shall inform all parties to the initial grievance of the date, time, and place of the committee meeting and forward necessary materials to committee members and the student. The student and any other party to the original grievance will participate and will be given a reasonable time to present relevant information. Attorneys are not allowed to attend the Student Grievance Committee meeting on behalf of any parties involved.

Step 2. The Dean or designee shall preside over the Student Grievance Committee that shall hear and review materials and discussion presented by all parties. The voting members of the Student Grievance Committee (refer to Student Grievance Committee) shall make a recommendation to the Dean.

Step 3. The Dean in his or her discretion shall be free to accept or reject the recommendation of the Committee. The Dean shall make a decision and inform all parties of the decision within five (5) academic working days. The decision of the Dean shall be final and binding unless appealed as set forth below.

Step 4. The Dean shall place a signed and dated copy of the written decision in the separate grievance file maintained with the Vice President for Academic Affairs and Provost’s Office.

Any student who has filed an academic or student code of conduct grievance should continue to attend all classes, labs, and clinical sessions unless specifically notified to the contrary.

Student Academic Complaint Grievance Appeal Procedure

Students disputing the Dean’s decision regarding a Student Academic Grievance may file a written appeal with the Vice President for Academic Affairs & Provost no later than five (5) academic working days following notification of the Dean’s decision.

Step 1. The appeal must state the reasons justifying further consideration of the decision rendered by the Dean.

Step 2. The Vice President shall review the Student Grievance Committee records and the student’s written appeal. If warranted, additional information may be requested by the Vice President from the participants of the Student Grievance Committee.

Step 3. The Vice President will make a decision within five (5) academic working days of the receipt of the Student Academic Grievance Appeal letter from the student. The five (5) academic working days deadline may be extended if warranted. The decision of the Vice President regarding the Student Academic Grievance Appeal shall be final and binding.

Records of Student Academic Complaints

In compliance with Federal Title IV regulations, the Higher Learning Commission for accreditation expects an affiliated institution to maintain records of the formal, written academic student complaints. Records of Mercy College student complaints will be filed in the office of the Vice President of Academic Affairs and Provost. These records will include information about the disposition of the complaints, including those referred to external agencies for final resolution. These records will be available for review by HLC evaluation teams.

Student Privacy Rights Policy under Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA)

Mercy College complies with the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA) of 1974 and amendments, which governs access to and release of student academic and financial records.

Annual FERPA Notification

Under the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA) students are afforded certain rights when it comes to their education records. The information below outlines these rights:

Disclosure of Personally Identifiable Information

A student’s education records are not accessible to a parent or guardian without the student’s written consent, unless the parent or guardian provides a certified copy of the most recent Federal income tax return that shows the student is a dependent. However, if the College believes it is in the student’s best interest, information from the education records may be released to a parent or guardian in cases such as:

• When a student’s health or safety is in jeopardy
• When a student engages in alcohol- or drug-related behavior that violates College polices
• When a student has been placed on academic warning
• When a student has voluntarily withdrawn from the College or has been required by the College to withdraw
• When a student’s academic good standing or promotion is at issue
• When a student has been placed on disciplinary probation or restriction
• When a students engages in behavior calling into question the appropriateness of the student’s continued enrollment in the College

The student have the right to consent to disclosures of personally identifiable information contained within their education records, except where FERPA authorizes disclosure without consent. Information may be released:

• To the student
• To the parents of a dependent student
• To a university official
• To a party seeking directory information
• To a party receiving the information pursuant to a judicial order or lawfully issued subpoena
• Regarding student disciplinary proceedings as expressly permitted by FERPA
• To parties otherwise authorized to receive the information pursuant to FERPA

If a student would like information to be released to a third party, please file a “Student Information Release Authorization” Form with the Registrar.

Access to Education Records

Mercy College students, former students, graduates, and parents of minor students have the right to review the student’s official records. Records may be reviewed by appointment with the Registrar which will be scheduled within 10 working days of a request. The person requesting the review should indicate what records they wish to review. A record may be reviewed in the office and in the presence of the Registrar or designee. Students who are admitted to or who are seeking admission to a distance education program follow the same procedure and their meetings may occur via phone, conference call, internet conference, or utilizing web camera technology.

Amendment of Education Records

If a student believes their education records are inaccurate or misleading, they may make a request in writing to the Registrar, identifying which records they wish to have amended and provide supporting documentation as to why they desire this amendment.

Filing a Complaint

If the student feels the College has failed to comply with FERPA requirements, they have the right to file a complaint with the U.S. Department of Education’s office that administers FERPA at:

Family Policy Compliance Office
U.S. Department of Education
400 Maryland Avenue, SW
Washington, DC 20202-5901

Directory Information/Privacy Blocks

As an enrolled student, directory information (name, address, phone number, email address, photographs, electronic images, date and place of birth, major fields of study, current enrollment status, participation in officially recognized activities, dates of attendance, degrees, awards and academic honors received, Dean’s List selection, previous institutions attended, program and promotion materials on participants in various sports and similar public activities, including weights and heights of athletic team members) may be released. If a student would rather not have their information released as directory information, they can complete a nondisclosure form available in the Registrar’s Office, Mercy Court. The student must file this request two weeks before the beginning of the semester. Once a student fills out this form, their directory information will be withheld for life, even after they are no longer a student, unless they rescind the request.

A few other notes:

• If a student blocks directory information, it may still be inspected by those College officials authorized by law to inspect education records without consent.
• If a student choses to block their directory information, it can’t be released to friends, family, prospective employers, the news media, advisors, student activities and honor societies.
• Some reasons for considering a privacy block on student directory information include harassment, or the advice of a legal or medical professional.
• If a student would like to keep their public data private but release information so it can be published in commencement programs and honor lists, contact the Registrar.

College Officials with Legitimate Educational Interests

A student’s education records may be disclosed, without consent, to College officials with legitimate educational interests. These include people employed by the College in administrative, supervisory, academic, research or support staff roles; people contracted by the College for particular services; people serving on the Board of Directors; students serving on official committees or assisting other school officials in performing tasks, or volunteers or other non-employees with legitimate educational interests. And a legitimate educational interest is present if the College official needs to review an education record in order to fulfill professional responsibilities.

Faculty Recommendations

Faculty members may write letters of recommendation using a standard College reference form upon the student’s written request and completion of a Release of Information Form.  The College form is based on objective data and rates performance of technical skills, establishing and maintaining appropriate relationships with patients, maintaining confidentiality, documentation, patient education, organization skills, efficient use of time, and cooperation and collaboration with health team members.  The request and a copy of the recommendation will be maintained in the student’s file. (Refer to Student References under Employment Opportunities.)

Student Permanent Record Policy

All permanent student records are maintained in the Registrar’s office. Faculty and administrative staff having a legitimate need to review a student file should contact the Registrar.

Health records for all admitted and currently enrolled students are collected and reviewed by Student Health Nurses. Once submitted the records become the property of the College and cannot be returned. All student health records are maintained in a separate confidential file and do not become part of the permanent file after graduation or withdrawal.

College graduate records will be maintained in the Registrar’s office for a period of five years following graduation. After the five-year period has lapsed, confidential digital copies of each graduate’s file will be maintained in the Registrar’s office. Certificate completion records are maintained in the same manner.

Records of students who have withdrawn from a program prior to graduation will be maintained in the same manner as College graduates. These records will be maintained for a period of five years following withdrawal from the College. The transcripts (Mercy College of Health Sciences and all postsecondary) of withdrawn students will then be transferred to digital copies and will be maintained in the Registrar’s office.

A student’s permanent educational record will contain the following:

• Written authorization for each disclosure of information
• A Disclosure of Information Record of all authorized releases
• Application(s) for Admissions
• High school transcript and/or G.E.D. Certificate
• All postsecondary institution transcripts
• Mercy College transcript
• Senior Nursing Summary, if applicable

Current College student records will contain the following:

• Written authorization for each disclosure of information
• Disclosure of Information Record of all authorized releases
• Application(s) for Admission
• High school transcript and/or G.E.D. Certificate
• All postsecondary institution transcripts
• Checklist for Completed Application
• Mercy College transcript
• Copies of correspondence with students

The file of a student who has withdrawn from the College will contain the following:

• Written authorization for each disclosure of information
• Disclosure of Information Record of all authorized releases
• Application(s) for Admission
• High school transcript and/or G.E.D. Certificate
• All postsecondary institution transcripts
• Mercy College transcript
• Copies of correspondence with students

Inactive applicant files (students who did not complete the admissions process or who were admitted but did not register for classes will be maintained in the Admission Department  for one year from the date of application, and then be destroyed.

Tobacco-Free Environment Policy

All College property and grounds are tobacco free. The use of all tobacco products (including cigarettes, cigars, chewing tobacco, snuff, pipes, etc.) on college property is prohibited. Prohibition includes any and all buildings of the College, grounds, parking lots, sidewalks or plazas. While on campus or on campus property, College students shall not use tobacco products.

For students considering employment at Mercy Medical Center – Des Moines, a nicotine-free hiring policy applies.

Weapon Permit Policy

The College prohibits anyone from possessing, carrying or storing weapons of any kind on College property, or in privately owned vehicles parked in College parking lots, even if there is no intent to use the item as a weapon, and even if the item is kept in the locked car or other secure place.

Weapon Definition

Weapon is defined as any form of weapon or explosive; chemical, toxic or biological devices; all firearms; sharp edged instruments, martial arts weapons, and any other item that may be used with the intent to commit violence, as defined above, against person or property.   If a student is unsure whether an item is considered a weapon under this policy, contact Mercy Medical Center Public Safety. 

This College Student Handbook is presented as information only and is not a contract between Mercy College and its students. The information, policies, and procedures contained in this Handbook are subject to change at any time with or without notice. Students are responsible for reading and following the information contained in the Handbook, including school-specific policies and procedures. The Admissions Manager will ensure that all admitted students receive instructions on how to access the Student Handbook online.  The student is responsible for knowing and complying with the information contained in the College Student Handbook and any changes to the policies and practices as posted on the College’s learning management system (E-LEOS) and College website.