Academic Policies, Procedures & Regulations Academic Regulations

MN Admission Requirements

Candidates are accepted under the general regulations of SGS. Meeting minimal requirements does not ensure admission.

• Candidates must have a BScN degree (a BN or BSN or BNSc is considered equivalent) and have obtained at least a mid-B (75% or 3.0 GPA) standing in the final year of undergraduate study, and in addition, must have obtained at least a B standing in their next to final year.  
• Candidates must submit official university transcripts; a curriculum vitae; two letters of reference; and a letter of intent outlining goals and expectations that clearly indicate the intended field of study. Candidates must submit proof of current nursing registration, or they must be eligible for registration.
• In addition to all the above requirements, candidates seeking admission to the NP and HSLA fields of study must have a minimum of 3,900 hours of RN experience (equivalent to two years of full-time experience) by August 15 in order to begin the program in September (clinical placements in the BScN program cannot be counted).  

PMNP Admission Requirements

• Applicants are admitted under the General Regulations of SGS.
• Applicants to the PMNP diploma program must have completed a master’s degree in nursing or an equivalent graduate degree that includes clinical nursing experience and a minimum of two years of clinical nursing experience.
• Preference is given to applicants who have one or more years in an advanced nursing practice role (in addition to clinical experience) and support within their employment setting.
• Applicants seeking admission to the PMNP Diploma must also have worked a minimum of 3,900 clinical hours as an RN, equivalent to two years experience (placements as part of your BScN and MN degrees do not count).
• Applicants must hold current registration as a RN or equivalent.

Applicants who Identify as Indigenous

Bloomberg Nursing is committed to increasing the number of Indigenous students in our MN program through a priority pathway. Applicants who identify as First Nations (status, non-status, treaty, and non-treaty), Metis and Inuit are eligible and will need to submit documentation supporting their Indigenous identity, in addition to their academic and supplementary application requirements for their chosen program. Applications will be reviewed by Indigenous community members and will be considered on the basis of their qualifications, rather than in relation to other applicants. Admission prerequisites, minimum grades, and selection criteria for the supplementary application materials will be consistent for all applicants regardless of pathway.

International Student Applications

Positions in our graduate program are available to international student applicants on a competitive basis with all other applicants. Details can be obtained from http://www.future.utoronto.ca/international and http://bloomberg.nursing.utoronto.ca/future-students/international-students

English Facility Requirements

English is the language of instruction and examination at U of T, and success in our degree programs requires a high level of English language proficiency.

Applicants for whom English is an additional language will need to provide evidence of adequate English facility for admission consideration, unless the applicant qualifies for an exemption. 

For more information about English language requirements, please refer to:
http://www.future.utoronto.ca/apply/english-language-requirements

Sessional Dates

Please see the Sessional Dates on the Bloomberg Faculty of Nursing website.

For School of Graduate Studies dates, please see:  SGS Sessional dates

Registration and Withdrawals

In most academic programs at the University, registration is a two-step process: enrolling in courses and then paying/deferring fees. Rather than enrolling in their own courses, students at Bloomberg Nursing will automatically be enrolled in their courses by the Registrar’s Office. Students must pay tuition and fees, or defer them, to finalize registration for their program.

Simultaneous Program Registration

Simultaneous registration in the MN program and another program or courses is not permitted. This includes additional programs or courses within the University of Toronto or another institution.   

Using ACORN

Students can check their fee invoice through U of T’s Accessible Campus Online Resource Network (ACORN).  The “minimum payment to register” amount will be listed. Students who defer fee payment or whose payment is deferred pending receipt of OSAP or other awards, acknowledge that they continue to be responsible for payment of all charges, including any service charges that may be assessed. For details, please visit Student Accounts.

Academic Records, Transcripts & Forms

Final course results are added to each student’s record at the end of each session. GPAs are calculated at the end of each session. Within established deadlines, students can use ACORN to obtain final grades.

The transcript of a student’s record reports: courses in progress; the standing in all courses attempted along with course average; information about the student’s academic status including record of suspension and refusal of further registration; and completion of degree requirements.

Students using ACORN can view their entire academic record, order transcripts, print tax forms, print invoices and view their financial account balances and detailed charge and payment information. A step-by-step guide on how to use ACORN is available online.

Students requiring written proof of registration or completion can go to the School of Graduate Studies Student Forms & Letter Requests website to request a Confirmation of Enrolment letter or a Completion of Requirements letter.

Mailing Address

It is each student’s responsibility to ensure that both their mailing and permanent addresses are up-to-date on ACORN.

UTORid

Students must convert their JOINid to a UTORid before classes begin: https://www.utorid.utoronto.ca/   

In order to activate the UTORid students will need to submit their photo and documentation online. Students will be able to pick up their TCard (student ID) when they arrive on campus.

T-Card

The T-Card is a wallet-sized card bearing the student’s photograph that serves as evidence of registration in the Faculty, and as a library card. It is used for identification purposes within the University, such as Faculty examinations, student activities, and Athletic Association privileges. The loss of the card must be reported promptly to the Assistant Dean & Registrar, and the card must be surrendered if a student withdraws from the University or transfers to another College or Faculty. There is a fee for the replacement of lost cards.

E-Mail Address

As a student at the University of Toronto, setting up a UTemail account is mandatory. The @mail.utoronto.ca is the only email account faculty and staff will use to communicate with students starting each September. After students have activated their UTORid they should go to https://mail.utoronto.ca to set up the email account. Once the @mail.utoronto.ca email address is confirmed, student must update the information in their ACORN account: www.acorn.utoronto.ca

Termination of Registration

If a student fails to meet the required academic standards of their graduate program the MN Program Director will be informed, and failures will be reviewed by the Committee on Standing. See the Termination of Registration: Info for Students SGS webpage for more information.

Withdrawals

Withdrawing from the MN Program

Students may withdraw from the program for numerous reasons including personal circumstances or academic difficulties.

Process to Withdrawal from the Program

Students who wish to withdraw from the program at any point must follow the process outlined below:

1. Meet with the MN Program Director to discuss the reason for withdrawal
   1. Once approved by the MN Program Director, complete the Program Withdrawal Form
   1. Send the completed form to the Enrolment & Academic Records Officer
   1. Return Clinical Practicum Badge

Students who withdraw from their program may re-apply in the future by completing a new application. Some coursework completed prior to withdrawal may be counted as credit toward the new degree program.

Depending upon when a student withdraws, they may receive a fees rebate. A refund schedule is available at Student Accounts. Students may be required to refund all or a portion of their awards to the University. Contact the Assistant Director of Student Financial Services and the Graduate Awards Office at SGS with any awards-related questions.

Leave of Absence

There are three types of leaves for graduate students at the University of Toronto: Medical or Other/Personal Leave, Parental Leave, or a Temporary Stop Out. Please consult the SGS webpage: Understanding Leaves of Absence for more detailed information.

Process for Requesting a Leave from the MN Program

Students who wish to take a leave of absence from the program must follow the process outlined below:

1. Meet with the MN Program Director to discuss the reason for the leave.
2. Once approved by the MN Program Director, complete the Leave of Absence (LOA) form.
3. Send the completed LOA form to the Enrolment & Academic Records Officer, Student Services.
4. Await email instructions from Student Services if the LOA is approved and follow through. Students may be required to take additional steps related to an LOA such as returning clinical placement ID badge.

Once on leave, students will not be registered, nor will they be required to pay fees for this period. Accordingly, students may not make demands upon the resources of the University. Students may however choose to opt into continued access of campus services by paying the non-academic incidental fees.

Note that given the sequencing of courses in the MN program, it is normally not possible to take a leave for less than 12 months.

Medical or Other/Personal Leave

Students may apply for a leave of absence if a student is facing serious health or personal problems (including mental health-related distress). Students who apply for a medical leave will need to provide medical documentation. No additional documentation is required to apply for a leave on personal grounds.

Parental Leave

Students can take parental leave at the time of their own or their partner’s pregnancy, or following the birth or adoption of children, and/or to provide full-time care during the child’s first year. Parental leave must be completed within 12 months of the date of birth or custody. Where both parents are graduate students taking leave, the combined total number of sessions may not exceed four. Students considering taking a parental leave may be eligible for funding and should review information about the SGS Parental ​Grant program.

Program Temporary Stop-Out

Students in the MN Program  may request to temporarily stop-out and re-register within 12 months, with the approval of the Program Director without re-applying to the program. Unlike a leave of absence, the stop-out period is included in the time period for degree completion.

Full-time students who decide to temporarily stop-out from their program need to complete the Program Temporary Stop-Out form and submit it to the MN Program Director for consideration.

PMNP students who decide to temporarily stop-out should consult with the MN Program Director to discuss their progression in the program.

Personal Time Off Policy

The School of Graduate Studies Personal Time Off Policy enables graduate students to take personal time off each academic year. Under this policy, a graduate student can take up to 15 days off annually during an academic year (September to August) in addition to statutory holidays and days designated as University closures or holidays to support their wellbeing and mental and physical health. Personal time off does not result in any changes to registered student status or funding status; students remain registered and continue to receive any funding to which they are entitled as well as pay all fees during the academic session.

Please note, sick leaves or absences for health reasons do not fall under the category of personal time off. Students who need extended time off for personal or medical reasons should consider the option of requesting a leave of absence.

Since research- and professional-stream programs are structured differently, there are some key differences between the implementation of the Personal Time Off policy across the various graduate programs at  Bloomberg Nursing.

For students in professional-stream programs, such as the MN and PMNP programs, the timing of personal time off will be determined by each program’s curriculum, considering both coursework and practicum placement schedules. Normally coursework is not scheduled in July and August, and so those times will be best for taking personal time off.

Please note that the Personal Time Off policy applies only to the student role and does not apply to any employment a student may have with the university. If a student holds any kind of employment relationship with the University (e.g., Teaching Assistant, Research Assistant) the student should speak with their employment supervisor and consult the applicable collective agreement(s), if any, on all matters and questions pertaining to their employment, including for obtaining approval of any time off work. 

Personal Information

Personal information is a vital part of the student’s official University record and is used to issue statements of results, transcripts, graduation information, diplomas and other official documents. The University is also required by law to collect certain information for the Federal and Provincial Governments; this is reported only in aggregate form and is considered confidential by the University.

Any change in the following must therefore be reported immediately to the Registrar:

1. legal name;
2. citizenship status in Canada.

Personal I.D. (Student Number)

Each student at the University is assigned a unique identification number. The number is confidential. The University, through the Policy on Access to Student Academic Records, strictly controls access to Person I.D. numbers. The University assumes and expects that students will protect the confidentiality of their Person I.D.s.

Freedom of Information and Protection of Privacy Act (FIPPA)

The University of Toronto respects the privacy of student.

Personal information that students provide to the University is collected pursuant to section 2(14) of the University of Toronto Act, 1971.

It is collected for the purpose of administering admissions, registration, academic programs, university-related student activities, activities of student societies, safety, financial assistance and awards, graduation and university advancement, and reporting to government.

In addition, the Ministry of Colleges and Universities (MCU) has asked that we notify students of the following:  The University of Toronto is required to disclose personal information such as Ontario Education Numbers, student characteristics and educational outcomes to the MCU under s. 15 of the Ministry of, Colleges and Universities Act, R.S.O. 1990, Chapter M.19, as amended. The Ministry collects this data for purposes such as planning, allocating and administering public funding to colleges, universities and other post-secondary educational and training institutions and to conduct research and analysis, including longitudinal studies, and statistical activities conducted by or on behalf of the Ministry for purposes that relate to post-secondary education and training.  Further information on how MCU uses this personal information is available on the Ministry’s website.

At all times it will be protected in accordance with the Freedom of Information and Protection of Privacy Act. Please refer to www.utoronto.ca/privacy or contact the University Freedom of Information and Protection of Privacy Office regarding questions related to privacy.

A Statement on Privacy

A part of nursing students’ professional education and development into nurse leaders and clinicians will involve participation in various professional organizations, honor societies (such as Sigma Theta Tau) or other groups that are not directly connected with Bloomberg Nursing or the University of Toronto. Bloomberg Nursing faculty members or instructors may contact students during their studies to indicate that they are eligible to join such organizations, societies or groups.  At no time will members of  Bloomberg Nursing or the University of Toronto forward student names or contact information to external organizations or groups without permission. If students do not wish to receive such invitations from  Bloomberg faculty members or instructors, please advise the Faculty Registrar in writing.

Fees & Payment

Tuition Fees

Tuition fees normally consist of academic fees (including instruction and library) and incidental/ancillary fees (including Hart House, Health Services, Athletics and student organizations). Additional ancillary fees may also be assessed for enrolment in some specific courses. Fees are subject to change at any time by approval of the Governing Council.

Student fee invoices are available on ACORN. We suggest that students make their tuition payment by September 1, 2025 in order for the payment to be received in advance of the registration deadline. If not paid in full, any outstanding account balance is subject to a monthly service charge of 1.5% per month compounded (19.56% per annum). Outstanding charges on a student account from prior sessions are subject to a service charge as of the 15th of every month until paid in full.  Service charges start on October 15.

Students with outstanding accounts may not receive official transcripts and may not re-register at the University until these accounts are paid.

For information on how to pay student fees and payment deadlines, please visit Student Accounts: www.fees.utoronto.ca.

Bloomberg Nursing breakdown of fees.

Fees for International Students

In accordance with the recommendation of the Government of Ontario, certain categories of students who are neither Canadian citizens nor permanent residents of Canada are charged higher academic fees. Refer to the Student Accounts for details.

Some students who are not Canadian citizens or Permanent Residents may be eligible to pay domestic fees. To check eligibility for an International Fee Exemption, please visit the International Fee Exemption webpage.  

Sanctions on Account of Outstanding Obligations

The following are recognized University obligations:

• tuition fees;
• academic and other incidental fees;
• residence fees and charges;
• library fines;
• loans made by Colleges, the Faculty or the University;
• Health Service accounts;
• unreturned or damaged instruments, materials and equipment;
• orders for the restitution, rectification or the payment of damages, fines, bonds for good  behaviour, and requirement of public service work imposed under the authority of the Code of Student Conduct.

The following academic sanctions are imposed on students with outstanding University obligations:

1. Official transcripts of record will not be issued;
2. Registration will be refused to continuing or returning students.

Payments made by continuing or returning students will first be applied to outstanding University debts and then to current fees.

Fees and Other Charges

The University reserves the right to alter the fees and other charges described in the Handbook.

Finances and Funding

It is the policy of the University of Toronto that no student admitted to a program at the University of Toronto should be unable to enter or complete the program due to lack of financial means. The MN program is self-funded. Awards and scholarships are available to support students in financing their graduate degree, MN students can also apply for Teaching Assistant positions to help provide additional income.

Teaching Assistant Positions

Qualified MN students can apply for Teaching Assistant positions to help provide additional income. Students holding TA positions can have a range of responsibilities, depending on their TA assignment. Responsibilities may include grading, supporting simulation lab activities, and leading in-person tutorials. Some TA positions offer the opportunity to serve as guest lecturers and clinical instructors (in a hospital or community setting). Information about TA positions and applying for positions can be found on the Bloomberg Nursing website.

Financial Aid

Ontario Student Assistance Program

This government student loan program is the primary source of financial assistance for full-time students. The OSAP application form is available online at http://osap.gov.on.ca.

Students are encouraged to apply by the end of June to ensure that their funding is released in a timely manner. Students are able to apply to OSAP no later than 40 days prior to the end of their study period; however, students who apply after the suggested application deadline of late June will not receive any exceptions for late tuition payments.

For information on eligibility, appeals, document requirements and the status of the application, please contact the University Registrar’s Office at osap.staff@utoronto.ca.

International students are eligible to be considered for grant assistance. However, because Canada Immigration requires all international students to show that they have adequate resources before admitting them to Canada, a grant will normally be awarded only if there is evidence that the student’s circumstances have changed since their arrival. In no instance will the amount be sufficient to cover a student’s total university costs. Please see Centre for International Experience website on information for international students.

Bloomberg Nursing Student Crisis Fund

The Bloomberg Nursing Student Crisis Fund was established in 2018 to assist currently enrolled students who encounter an unanticipated serious financial crisis beyond their control. The Student Crisis Fund is designed to provide temporary, short-term, financial assistance to students who are managing demanding academic requirements while struggling with unexpected financial challenges.

Provided in the form of a one-time bursary, crisis funding is not intended to provide long-term or ongoing relief for recurring expenses.  It is expected that prior to requesting crisis funds, students first consider other sources of funding available to them.

All students including part-time (PMNP) and international students are eligible.  Students are encouraged to reach out to the Assistant Director, Student Financial Services to complete an online request form together; he can be reached at a.gray@utoronto.ca.The funding amount varies based on need and is decided on a case-by-case basis.

SGS Financial Assistance and Advising

SGS offers several grants and bursaries for registered graduate students and can work with a students’ home unit to provide financial aid solutions.

• SGS Financial Assistance: Grants and Bursaries — Travel and conference grants, parental leave support, emergency grants, gym bursaries, completion funding, short-term loans and grant assistance.
• Student Aid — OSAP, University of Toronto Financial Aid (UTAPS), other provincial loans, and U.S. loans.
• Accessibility Awards & Resources — Programs and awards for students who are registered with Accessibility Services.

Financial Aid and Award Advisors are available to assist students with managing educational expenses, budgeting and can provide advice on navigating the various financial aid and funding opportunities for graduate students.

Students in Professional Programs: Scotiabank Student Line of Credit

U of T has negotiated an enhanced line of credit agreement with Scotiabank for professional master’s students, in which referred interest rates have been negotiated by the University with rates ranging from prime to prime plus 1%, depending on the program. For further information on this program, please visit http://www.future.utoronto.ca/finances/financial-aid/other-loans-and- student-lines-credit

Scholarships & Awards

Bloomberg Nursing

Internal and external awards are available to incoming and continuing graduate students. These awards are given to students based on academic merit and/or financial need. Details of the awards/fellowships are available in the Awards section on the Bloomberg Nursing website.

For MN students, the In-Course Award Application will open in winter 2026.  These awards are for students enrolled in Year 1 of the program and are disbursed in the fall of Year 2.

SGS

The School of Graduate Studies (SGS) has information about awards and grants available to graduate students. Graduate students may access information about Awards & Funding on the SGS website.

Course Enrolment

Bloomberg Nursing will enrol graduate students in their required courses. Enrolment in fall and winter courses usually occurs at the end of August. Enrolment in spring courses usually occurs in early April. Students will enrol themselves in any Nursing elective courses on ACORN. Students enrolled in courses agree by virtue of that enrolment to abide by all of the academic and non-academic policies, rules and regulations of the University and of their academic division, as set out in the SGS Calendar and the Master of Nursing Handbook, and confirm responsibility for payment of associated fees, and agree to ensure that the accuracy of personal information such as the current mailing address, telephone number, and utoronto.ca email address is maintained.

Students who are unable to obtain a Student Preparedness Permit as well as a “Pass” in Synergy prior to when practicum placements begin may be de-enrolled in courses. See ‘Practicum Requirements’ in this document below for more information.  

MN students must enrol on a full-time basis.

Courses Outside Bloomberg Nursing

Students in the MN program who take elective courses, such as courses that are taken as part of a collaborative specialization program, must enrol through other UofT faculties. PMNP Diploma students are not permitted to take additional courses beyond the required courses for the diploma. Students can identify potential elective courses using key-word searches on ACORN. Students should consult with the MN Program Director when choosing elective courses and need to complete the following steps to enrol in a course outside of Bloomberg Nursing:

Steps:

Students identify a course, ensure the MN Program Director approves, reach out to the course instructor to check whether they are willing to accept students from outside the department and then check that any pre-requisite requirements have been met.

Students complete the Course Add/Drop form from SGS website and have the course instructor sign off.

The course add form is then submitted to the Enrolment & Academic Records Officer, Bushra Shahrin (bushra.shahrin@utoronto.ca) at Student Services. The request will be sent on to the MN Program Director. If the request is approved, the MN Program Director will sign off and return the form to Student Services and the student.

The form is then forwarded to the host department for the course. The host department will advise on their process for enrolment. Please note that they will give preference to their own students first, so it is a good idea to have a back-up plan in case the student is not able to enrol. If the host department is able to open up a space, Student Services will approve the enrolment on ACORN. 

Students should check ACORN for confirmation of enrolment and approval.

Enrolment Limitations

The University makes every reasonable effort to plan and control enrolment to ensure that all our students are qualified to complete the programs to which they are admitted, and to strike a practicable balance between enrolment and available instructional resources. Sometimes such a balance cannot be struck, and the number of qualified students exceeds the instructional resources that we can reasonably make available while at the same time maintaining the quality of instruction. In such cases, we must reserve the right to limit enrolment in the programs, courses, or sections listed in the calendar, and to withdraw courses or sections for which enrolment or resources are insufficient. The University will not be liable for any loss, damages, or other expenses that such limitations or withdrawals might cause.

Practicum Placements

All Master level programs at Bloomberg Nursing include courses combining scholarship and practical field work experiences. The purpose of the practicum experience is to consolidate learning from the graduate program in a real-life setting, utilizing the knowledge and skills of advanced practice nurse preceptors or, in the case of NP students sometimes physician preceptors.

Important Information about Practicum Placement Partners

Successful completion of our graduate programs is contingent on students’ ability to meet all program requirements, including completion of required practicum experiences. Students have access to a wide variety of practicum opportunities and settings including healthcare delivery organizations, other healthcare supporting organizations, and government departments. Students may only complete practicums in Ontario within organizations with which we have formal student placement or affiliation agreements. Initiation of new student placement agreements are considered with agencies where there is a possibility of a volume of student engagement over time. However, negotiation and development of new student placement agreements may take six months or longer to secure. Occasionally, it is not possible to secure a student placement agreement because of organizational policy requirements that prohibit the University of Toronto or the healthcare agency to reach an agreement. As a result, students may need to relocate or travel up to 90 minutes each way from their home address to complete some or all of their practicum experiences.

Practicum Requirements

To be eligible for practicum placements in our graduate program, every student must obtain a Student Preparedness Permit. Students must submit information and documents as outlined below to the secure login-based online system, Synergy. Students must receive a “Pass” in Synergy in order to participate in practicum placements and proceed in the program. Students are obligated to pay all costs incurred to satisfy requirements for the Student Preparedness Permit. Neither the University nor Bloomberg Nursing pays for or reimburses students for costs associated with obtaining requirements for the Student Preparedness Permit or for Synergy.

Year 1 Students

The information below must be provided to Synergy prior to the start of September.

• Immunization Form for New Students
• Proof of full COVID-19 vaccination
• Mask Fit N95 Model Number and Expiry Date (See Appendix C for Mask Fit Policy). 
• Police Record Check – Vulnerable Sector Check (see Appendix D for Bloomberg Nursing Guidelines Related to Police Record Checks)
• Annual Student Police Record Consent Form
• Workplace Safety Student Declaration
• HSPnet Student Consent Form
• CPR (Basic Life Support [BLS]/Advanced Cardiovascular Life Support [ACLS]/Pediatric Advanced Life Support [PALS]) Certification and Expiry Date
• Proof of College of Nurses of Ontario (CNO) Registration/Renewal (or equivalent)

Year 2 Students

The information below must be provided to Synergy prior to the start of September.

• Immunization Form for Returning Students (if last year’s TB test was negative)
• Updated original Year 1 Immunization Form (if second Hep B series or other immunizations were in progress during Year 1)
• Mask Fit N95 Model Number and Expiry Date
• Police Record Check – Vulnerable Sector Check

• Annual Student Police Record Consent Form
• CPR (Basic Life Support [BLS]/Advanced Cardiovascular Life Support [ACLS]/Pediatric Advanced Life Support [PALS]) Certification and Expiry Date
• Proof of College of Nurses of Ontario (CNO) Registration/Renewal (or equivalent)

Ethical and Professional Conduct for Nursing Students

Professional Comportment

It is an expectation that nurses demonstrate a high degree of respect towards others as a fundamental aspect of professional comportment. Nursing students must understand and enact this professional standard:

• in their actions and interactions with patients and family members,
• in their communications about patient care and other issues with colleagues,
• in their conduct, manner, and demeanor across all learning environments (e.g., classroom, lab, and clinical practicum environments) as well as with faculty, staff, and peers,
• and generally, as a member and representative of a professional organization.

Further discussion on this important theme of professional comportment will occur throughout the program. In preparation for beginning each clinical placement, students are expected to review and follow the University of Toronto’s Standards of Professional Practice Behavior for all Health Professional Students (2021).

Guidelines for Ethical & Professional Conduct for MN Students

The nursing profession espouses a commitment to promoting well-being by providing competent and compassionate care. MN students uphold the ethical standards of conduct of the profession. The Bloomberg Nursing Guidelines for Ethical & Professional Conduct for Nursing Students are designed to help students in all programs (undergraduate, masters and doctoral) provide ethical nursing care and meet the Faculty’s expectations regarding ethical and professional conduct.

These guidelines complement the University of Toronto’s Code of Behaviour on Academic Matters, the  University of Toronto’s Code of Student Conduct, and the Standards of Professional Practice Behaviour for all Health Professional Students.

College of Nurses of Ontario Code of Conduct

The CNO protects the public by promoting safe nursing practice. The Code of Conduct (Code) is a practice standard describing the accountabilities all nurses registered in Ontario have to clients, employers, colleagues and the public. It explains what people can expect from nurses. The Code also describes what nurses must do to maintain professionalism, competence, and ethical behaviour to deliver safe client care. The Code is informed by legislation, such as the Ontario Human Rights Code and recommendations in the Truth and Reconciliation Commission of Canada: Calls to Action (2015). As MN students are already Registered Nurses, they are accountable for their behavior according to the Code. Any breaches of the Code may be reported by the Faculty to the College of Nurses as part of our legal and professional requirement.

Social Media Guidelines

Social media continues to be a powerful and engaging tool to connect with members of the public on a variety of important issues and topics and is a great resource for sharing and promoting research, events, or highlighting an individual’s career growth.

When using social media, students, staff, and faculty should remember to protect their personal and professional reputation by effectively managing their social media presence. 

Students, staff, and faculty members of Bloomberg Nursing are encouraged to adhere to the following guidelines. Additional resources pertaining to the nursing profession for faculty or students can also be found below.

General Recommendations:

Be honest, be thoughtful, and be respectful about the purpose of the community where posts are made. Do not post confidential or proprietary information about Bloomberg Nursing, its students, its alumni, employees, vendors or business partners. Use good ethical judgment and follow university policies. When using a personal social media account, it is recommended that students, staff, and faculty are clear that their opinions are their own and not that of the University of Toronto or Bloomberg Nursing.

Be Respectful

Always be professional and respectful on social accounts. Language should be civil and not contain discriminatory or derogatory remarks. Do not engage in extensive or negative debates. Please review the University of Toronto Guideline on Workplace Harassment and Civil Conduct. Bloomberg Nursing students should also review the RNAO Social Media Guidelines for Nurses.

Copyright and Confidentiality

Students, staff, and faculty should not share personal information, including email addresses, phone numbers, or anything else they would not want a wider public audience to see. Videos, reels, or TikToks of Bloomberg Nursing classroom content including simulation lab experiences is prohibited. Do not audio record, film, or photograph peers, faculty, students or staff, without their express consent.

Before posting, students should make sure they are not breaking copyright law or sharing confidential information. This can include sharing embargoed materials, content and publications, or using copyrighted images. Support others by giving credit where it is due, tag other departments or organizations if their articles or stories are shared.

Do not share images of patients or stories of patients that would be in breach of the nursing student code of conduct. Do not share identifying information or images of hospitals or institutions without the organization’s consent.

Please review hospital or community organization’s guidelines regarding social media. Students may speak with their Clinical Instructor if they are unsure.

Using Social Media in the Classroom

The use of class or program specific hashtags to encourage discussions on social media is permitted, keep in mind that all such discussions are in a public forum and it is recognized that not all students will be comfortable sharing information in this format. Students may consult with their course instructor for an alternate platform to engage in a closed forum discussion.

Accuracy

Ensure that the content being posted is accurate, properly sourced, and free of typos and spelling errors. It is better to verify the post first instead of having to retract or correct it later. If an error is made, it should be corrected quickly and visibly.

Be social, timely and active

The best way to grow a social media following is to post regularly and share content that is current and of interest to the audience. Like and share colleagues’ posts to build a sense of community and become a valued social media community member.

In addition to these guidelines, placement agencies, clinical partners, or employers may also have information on social media best practices. It is the responsibility of students to review and adhere to these practices to protect themselves and their reputation.

Be alert to potential threats

If students staff or faculty have concerns about personal safety, reach out to the Community Safety Office or if there is an imminent threat, contact local police services (911) or the RCMP.

Report bad behaviour

Abusive behaviour online can be reported to the hosting platform. If the behaviour doesn’t meet the reporting standard but is disagreeable, block the account. Links to how to report abusive behaviour by platform are listed below:

• X (Formerly Twitter)
• Facebook
• Instagram
• LinkedIn
• TikTok

Additional Resources for Social Media Use

• Teaching with Social Media – Centre for Teaching Support & Innovation, U of T
• Social Media and E-Safety – Community Safety Office, U of T
• Social Media Platforms for Academics: A Breakdown of the Networks – The Academic Designer
• How to Protect Your Personal Information on Social
• Always Up-to-Date Guide to Social Media Image Sizes
• Where to find public domain images and how to attribute creative commons images 

Academic Integrity

Academic Integrity is a fundamental component of teaching and research at the University of Toronto. The university has policies and procedures to ensure that academic work is produced with integrity and honesty. Cases of cheating, plagiarism, and other forms of misconduct are taken seriously and dealt with formally. It is important for all students to familiarize themselves with both the Code of Behaviour on Academic Matters and the Code of Student Conduct.

Code of Behavior on Academic Matters

The preamble of the Code of Behaviour

 states:

The concern of the Code of Behaviour on Academic Matters is with the responsibilities of all parties to the integrity of the teaching and learning relationship. Honesty and fairness must inform this relationship, whose basis remains one of mutual respect for the aims of education and for those ethical principles which must characterize the pursuit and transmission of knowledge in the University.

What distinguishes the University from other centres of research is the central place which the relationship between teaching and learning holds. It is by virtue of this relationship that the University fulfills an essential part of its traditional mandate from society, and, indeed, from history: to be an expression of, and by so doing to encourage, a habit of mind which is discriminating at the same time as it remains curious, which is at once equitable and audacious, valuing openness, honesty and courtesy before any private interests.

This mandate is more than a mere pious hope. It represents a condition necessary for free enquiry, which is the University’s life blood. Its fulfillment depends upon the well-being of that relationship whose parties define one another’s roles as teacher and student, based upon differences in expertise, knowledge and experience, though bonded by respect, by a common passion for truth and by mutual responsibility to those principles and ideals that continue to characterize the University.

This Code is concerned, then, with the responsibilities of faculty members and students, not as they belong to administrative or professional or social groups, but as they co-operate in all phases of the teaching and learning relationship.

Such co-operation is threatened when teacher or student forsakes respect for the other–and for others involved in learning–in favour of self-interest, when truth becomes a hostage of expediency. On behalf of teacher and student and in fulfillment of its own principles and ideals, the University has a responsibility to ensure that academic achievement is not obscured or undermined by cheating or misrepresentation, that the evaluative process meets the highest standards of fairness and honesty, and that malevolent or even mischievous disruption is not allowed to threaten the educational process.

These are areas in which teacher and student necessarily share a common interest as well as common responsibilities.

Copyright in Instructional Settings

If a student wishes to record, photograph, or otherwise reproduce lecture presentations, course notes or other similar materials provided by the instructor, they must obtain the written consent of the instructor beforehand. Otherwise, all such reproduction is an infringement of copyright and is absolutely prohibited. In the case of private use by students with disabilities, the instructor’s consent will not be unreasonably withheld.

No materials from any course (e.g., syllabus, assignment rubrics, PowerPoints or case studies) can be uploaded to other internet sites (e.g., Course Hero) without written permission from the instructor as this is considered academic misconduct.

Sanctions

Sanctions and offences under the Code – The University imposes sanctions on those who are found to have committed an academic offence. A sanction is the penalty that can be imposed by the Chair, Dean, or the University Tribunal.

Determining the appropriate sanction for an academic offence depends on many factors, including but not limited to:

• The context and seriousness of the offence
• The number of times a student has committed an academic offence
• The point at which a student admits to an offence and thereby demonstrate insight and remorse.

Plagiarism

When completing written assignments, it is important that students are aware that the Faculty and the University regard incidents of plagiarism as very serious academic offences and penalties can be severe. Guidelines related to academic honesty and how to guard against plagiarism can be found the Risky Situations and Smart Solutions section  below and on the U of T Academic Integrity website. U of T also has advice for students on ‘How Not to Plagiarize’.

Use of Generative AI

The use of generative artificial intelligence (AI) tools and apps is strictly prohibited in all course assignments (e.g., papers, reflections, presentations), take home exams, and clinical reflections unless explicitly stated otherwise by the course instructor. Generative AI  includes but is not limited to:

• ChatGPT
• Gemini
• Microsoft Copilot and
• other generative AI writing and coding assistants.

Use of generative AI in a course may be considered use of an unauthorized aid, which is an academic offence. This policy is designed to promote student learning and intellectual development and to help students achieve the course learning outcomes.

Risky Situations & Smart Solutions

The University of Toronto has resources to help students avoid academic misconduct. The Academic Integrity at U of T website contains information about policies, procedures, and resources related to Academic Integrity.

Risky Situations	Smart Strategies
Examples of situations that can raise a serious risk of academic misconduct and violation of the University’s Code of Behaviour on Academic Matters	The following Smart Strategies are designed to provide students and instructors with information, tips, and resources to help them promote and maintain academic integrity at the University of Toronto.
Be careful of these real academic integrity risks Altering test answersCellphone in your pocket during an examCrediting or citing sourcesFailing to appropriately cite informationForgery of a death certificateHaving a friend write a testHidden study notesImproperly cited sourcesResubmitting a previous assignmentSubmitting a friend’s old assignmentSubmitting a purchased assignmentSubmitting shared workSubmitting someone else’s work as your ownUnreferenced quotes and passagesUnreferenced sourcesUsing a fake or forged medical formUsing answer-providing sites such as Chegg on a marked assessmentUsing ChatGPT or other generative AI tool on a marked assessment	Strategies for Students Adding your own voice to a research assignmentAsking questions about academic integrityCell phones in an examCitations, quoting and paraphrasingFormulating research questionsGroup workPersonal care and wellnessPlagiarism detection softwareRecording lecturesSharing academic workTaking notesWriting help and academic integrityWriting tests or exams

Assignments

The ability to communicate in a scholarly manner, both verbally and in written form, is an expectation of the baccalaureate nurse and will be a consideration in the grading of assignments. All submitted papers and assignments remain the intellectual property of the individual student.

The required style manual for the formatting of essays and assignments at the Bloomberg Faculty of Nursing is Publications Manual of the American Psychological Association (7th ed.).  Washington: American Psychological Association, 2019.

Writing Advice

MN students at Bloomberg Nursing can access general graduate level writing and other academic communication workshops through the Graduate Centre for Academic Communication and writing supports for specific coursework through the Health Sciences Writing Centre.

Submitting Assignments

Course Instructors for each course are responsible for collecting and returning all written assignments either online or in-person. For in-person submission, Course Instructors must set up an arrangement whereby papers can be signed in upon receipt. Students are responsible for ensuring that the course instructor receives the submitted paper.

Students are advised to make a copy of their assignments before submitting them.

Reviewing Assignments

Students wishing to review their assignment should arrange to meet directly with the instructor (or Teaching Assistant) virtually or in-person.

Due Dates

The course instructor for each course will determine the due date for assignments and consider individual requests for an extension of the due date. 

• Negotiation to submit an assignment after the due date because of extenuating circumstances must be discussed with the course instructor. The student must make this request in writing prior to the due date. A medical certificate may be required in the case of illness. If a student is requesting, and the course instructor is considering granting an extension that is greater than 1 week, the course instructor will consult with the MN Program Director. 
• The final grade for late assignments, where no alternate due date has been granted, or when submitted after the renegotiated due date, will be lowered by 5% for each day that the paper is late, weekends included. Late penalties applied to assignments will be calculated in final grades, even if this results in the course failure. 
• An oral presentation, for which no alternate date has been negotiated, which is not presented on the assigned date, will receive a grade of 0. 
• The above extension policies do not apply to matters that require a petition (e.g., final exam/final assessments). Students seeking academic consideration due to chronic health issues, or a disability should contact the Student Life Accessibility Services Office. Religious observances will be accommodated according to Policy on Scheduling of Classes and Examinations and Other Accommodations for Religious Observances.   

Course Work Extensions Beyond the End Date of the Course

Students are expected to complete coursework by the deadline(s) of both the School of Graduate Studies and Bloomberg Nursing and are advised to plan their projects and assignments accordingly.   

The authority to grant an extension for the completion of work in a course beyond the original SGS deadline for that course (end of course as stated in the SGS Calendar) rests with the graduate unit in which the course was offered, not the instructor of the course. Students should still discuss extensions with the course instructor, but the student must also submit a formal request for a course extension using the SGS form Extension to Complete Coursework. The completed form should be submitted to the MN Program Director for approval. 

A student on extension who is unable to complete the required course work in the extension period specified by the graduate unit may apply to the MN Program Director for a continuation of the extension however, the student must make such a request before the expiry date of the extension period in place. Additional information about timelines, guidelines and processes for Coursework Extensions can be found on the SGS website.

Examinations

Examinations for individual courses are held throughout the school year. All students are expected to be available until the end of scheduled examination periods. Students who make personal commitments during the examination periods do so at their own risk; no special consideration will be given and no special arrangements made in the event of conflicts in such circumstances.

Online Examinations

Online exam(s) within courses may use online invigilation provided by  ProctorU® a live online proctoring service that allows completion of the assessment from an off-campus location. A highly trained human proctor will observe students’ completion of the exam using specialized software. Recordings will be made and held for a limited period of time in order to ensure academic integrity is maintained. Bloomberg Nursing has a contract with ProctorU® that protects the privacy of the recordings, and other personal information. 

Requirements: Students taking their examinations online will be proctored by ProctorU® using their Guardian Browser software throughout the duration of the exam. Access to a computer that can support remote recording is the student’s responsibility. Students will need to ensure that they can complete the exam using a reliable computer with a webcam and microphone available, as well as a high-speed internet connection. Please note that students will be required to show their T-Card or other student ID card prior to beginning to write the exam. 

Students will receive additional information and an opportunity to test their setup prior to the exam date. For additional information about online proctoring please see the course information in Quercus and the ProctorU® support page, or visit UofT Online Proctoring Guidelines at Online Proctoring – Centre for Teaching Support & Innovation 

General Process Description for Using ProctorU Live+: Students must first confirm their identity with photo ID with the human proctor and write their exam in a private location. The proctor then closely monitors students and their immediate environment throughout the entire exam using webcams and remote desktop monitoring through high-speed Internet connections. All components of proctoring must be maintained for the duration of the exam. During the exam, the proctor may reach out to the student if they lose the ability to proctor the exam (camera view obstructed/loss of remote desktop view). If the proctor contacts the student during the exam through a pop-up message, voice, or a loud beep, the student is required to respond to the proctor. Failure to respond to the proctor to allow proctoring compromises the integrity of the exam. Non-compliance with exam protocols flagged by the invigilator will be investigated to determine whether an academic offence has been committed as per the University of Toronto Governing Council Code of Behaviour on Academic Matters. At the completion of the exam, a report of student exam-taking behaviours is generated and reviewed by the instructor, program coordinator/lead faculty, and IT staff. Exam grades will not be released to students until the integrity of the exam has been verified through ProctorU®, the Bloomberg Nursing staff, and the instructor(s) 

Privacy and Information Security – Bloomberg Nursing has a contract with ProctorU® that protects the privacy of the recordings, and other personal information. Students will be video recorded while writing the exam, students may want to consider preparing the background (room/walls) so that personal details are removed or take the exam in a room with a neutral  background. It is recommended that students using ProctorU services remove the Guardian Secure Proctoring Browser and LogMelnRescue chat tool after completion of the exam.  

In-Person Examinations

Instructions for in-person exams are at the discretion of the instructor.

Deferred Examinations

Examinations may be deferred in rare situations related to unexpected extenuating personal circumstances. Students must send a written request to the MN Program Director a minimum of one week prior to the exam to request a deferred exam. If a makeup sitting for an exam deadline extension is granted, an alternate date will be set as close to the date of the original exam date as possible. Students will be required to complete and abide by the Declaration of Confidentiality for Students Sitting Tests/Examinations at Other Than the Regular Specified Time.

Missed Examinations and Tests

Examinations and tests should be missed only in the case of extraordinary circumstances. Students are expected to contact the course instructor prior to the exam/test if extraordinary circumstances arise that would prevent taking the exam/test as scheduled. Students must also complete the missed exam form available on the Bloomberg Nursing website.

For all missed exams/tests, students must provide appropriate documentation to the course instructor immediately upon return. https://www.registrar.utoronto.ca/records-academics/verification-of-illness-or-injury/

Examinations/tests are rescheduled as close to the date of the original exam/test as possible. Normally only one make-up exam date is set which could be during reading or break weeks, and students are expected to be available. Prior to writing the exam students will sign a Declaration of Confidentiality indicating that they have not discussed the exam with others.

Reviewing Exam Results

Students wishing to review their exam results should arrange to meet directly with the instructor (or Teaching Assistant) virtually or in-person.

Grading

University Assessment and Grading Practices Policy

The University of Toronto enacted the University Assessment and Grading Practices Policy to ensure:

• that assessment and grading practices across the University are consistent and reflect appropriate academic standards.
• That student performance is evaluated in a manner that is fair, accurate, consistent, and objective and in compliance with these academic standards.
• That the academic standing of every student can be accurately assessed even when conducted in different divisions of the University and evaluated according to different grading scales.

Students should consult the SGS Calendar for information on grade scales and grading procedures.

Truncated Refined Letter Grade Scale	Numerical Scale of Marks
A+	90-100%
A	85-89%
A-	80-84%
B+	77-79%
B	73-76%
B-	70-72%
FZ = Fail	0-69%

A final grade of ‘FZ’ or ‘INC’ does not count toward degree credit. A student who obtains a permanent incomplete or a failing grade must repeat the course or substitute another course in its place. If the failed course is a required course, the student must successfully repeat the course, normally in the next term in which the course is offered after receiving written notification of the FZ grade. A second failure of this or any other course will constitute grounds for recommendation to SGS by the Committee on Standing that the student’s registration be terminated. In this and all matters related to program standing, students have recourse through the Academic Appeals Process.

Academic Progress

If a MN student receives a failing grade on an assignment, the instructor will contact the student to discuss the failing paper/exam and strategies for success. If a student receives a failing grade in a course, the MN Program Director will contact the student to discuss their progress in the program. If a student fails any one course twice or any two courses, it is Bloomberg Nursing’s policy to terminate the student’s registration in the program.

Procedure for the Re-Assessment of an Assignment

A graduate student can initiate the reassessment of an assignment process when the student disputes a grade received on an in-course assignment (e.g., midterm paper, in-course test). Quizzes, discussion posts, presentations, final assignments, and final examinations are not included in this process.

This procedure has been developed to ensure that a standard procedure is followed for the reassessment of assignments for graduate students. It draws from the University of Toronto Governing Council University Assessment and Grading Practices Policy for rereading an examination (Item 2.3.2) and aligns with the SGS procedural guidelines for the external rereading of an examination.

If a student fails a course and disputes the grade, the student should initiate an academic

appeal through the Graduate Department Academic Appeals Committee-GDAAC. Steps for this process are outlined below and in the SGS calendar (general regulations #10).

The review of term work begins with an informal review and culminates in a formal reassessment, if needed, as follows:

Informal Review

• Students may discuss with the course instructor the feedback and grade on a piece of term work regardless of its value.
• Individual pieces of work may include: in-course tests, essays, written group projects.
• A request to meet with the course instructor is to be made within 7 days of a student receiving the grade for the piece of work.
• Meetings with the course instructor/professor will provide the student with an opportunity to clarify feedback on their piece of term work and to discuss strategies to assist the student to be successful in the course.

Formal Re-Assessment

• If a student is not satisfied with the outcome of the preliminary step toward resolution referenced above, a formal request for re-assessment of an in-course piece of work may be made. A request for a formal re-assessment is made to the MN Program Director after the student has discussed the piece of work with the Course Instructor.
• A request for a formal re-assessment of a piece of work can be made provided that the piece of work is worth 20% or more of the final grade in the course.
• The entire piece of work will be subject to re-assessment; students cannot request that only certain sections or components of an assignment be reread.
• To initiate a formal request for a re-assessment (i.e., re-grading) of a piece of work, students are to submit the request in a word document by email to the

MN Program Director within 10 days of the completion of the informal review process.

• When requesting the re-assessment, students must provide details of the informal review process undertaken and clearly detail the specific components of the assignment grade they are challenging. In the case where the assignment has a grading rubric, students must submit the rubric and identify the criteria on the rubric they believe was graded incorrectly along with an explanation of why the criteria should be evaluated higher. Without such documentation, or with insufficient rationale for re-evaluation, the MN Program Director may decline the request for review of the assignment/test. Please note that students should provide a rationale for a 10% or greater improvement in their grade in order for the re-assessment procedure to be justified.
• The MN Program Director will send an anonymized and clean (no grading comments) copy of the assignment to a faculty member familiar with the content being evaluated in the assignment. The student and the instructor involved in the original evaluation will remain anonymous with respect to the rereading process, as much as possible, and the administration of the rereading procedure should be independent of the student and instructor.
• The average of the course instructor’s assigned grade and the grade assigned by the faculty reviewer will stand as the student’s final grade on the assignment, which may be higher, lower, or the same.

Appeals

Departmental Appeals

Graduate students may appeal substantive or procedural academic matters, including grades, evaluation of comprehensive examinations and other program requirements; decisions about the student’s continuation in any program; or concerning any other decision with respect to the application of academic regulations and requirements to a student. Students may not appeal admissions decisions, fees, and voluntary withdrawal from a graduate program. With the exception of appeals related to Termination of Registration, appeals are initiated within Bloomberg Nursing first.

Appeals Process

Informal Resolution

Students must first attempt to resolve the matter with the instructor or other person whose ruling is in question. Should the matter not be resolved with the instructor, and should the student wish to pursue the matter, they must discuss the matter with the MN Program Director. If the dispute cannot be resolved through informal discussion, students may make a formal appeal in writing to the Graduate Department Academic Appeals Committee (GDAAC).

Filing an Appeal

Registered MN students (or MN students who were registered at the time the ruling or action was taken) may petition GDAAC by submitting a Notice of Appeal to the GDAAC Secretary, Kristen Reichold (Kristen.Reichold@utoronto.ca) within eight weeks after the date of the decision being appealed. In addition to the Notice of Appeal, the email to the GDAAC Secretary should include any supporting documentation to support the petition (e.g., email correspondence, U of T verification of illness form, a letter from the accessibility services) and a written submission statement. The submission statement should summarize:

• the decision being petitioned;
• background (relevant facts and allegations);
• nature and grounds of the petition;
• remedy or resolution sought.

Please consult the SGS website for detailed information about Academic Appeals and the GDAAC process.

SGS Graduate Academic Appeals Board

If a student wishes to pursue the matter further, they may file a Notice of Appeal from the Chair’s decision of the Department appeal to the SGS Graduate Academic Appeals Board. The student must file the Notice within eight weeks of the date of the decision of the Chair of the Department.

Centre for Learning Strategy Support

The Centre for Learning Strategy Support provides resources to help students understand their learning, improve academic skills, provide tips for tests, exams, essays and presentations, and help with managing exam stress.

The Graduate Centre for Academic Communication

The Graduate Centre for Academic Communication provides graduate students with advanced training in academic writing and speaking via the School of Graduate Studies.

Course Evaluations

Administration of Course Evaluations

At Bloomberg Nursing, all undergraduate and graduate courses are evaluated as required by the University of Toronto Provostial Guidelines on the Student Evaluation of Teaching in Courses. The University of Toronto’s centralized course evaluation framework and online delivery system is used to evaluate teaching for all courses delivered at Bloomberg Nursing.