MSN Handbook

Governance

Governance

Students have input into the workings of Aspen University and the MSN program through a variety of mechanisms.

Input is sought at the completion of each course, through course evaluations. At the end of the RN to MSN or MSN programs, graduates are provided an opportunity to share about their overall program experience through an end-of-program survey taken during the Capstone course. A final way the student has course and program level input is their participation in biannual data dialogues with faculty and program leadership. You are encouraged to participate in these opportunities.

Formal committees at Aspen University and within the MSN program provide another avenue for student input. The two MSN committees that have student representation include the Curriculum Committee and the Program Advisory Board. Descriptions of these two committees follow:

Program Advisory Board

Purpose:

The Nursing Program Advisory Board acts in an advisory and consultative capacity to promote, assist, and perpetuate the goals and objectives of Aspen University MSN program. This committee meets twice per year.

Functions:

  • Identify emerging health care needs that may require programmatic and institutional response
  • Provide an opportunity for the exchange of viewpoints between business/professional persons, alumni, and academicians as they relate to nursing education.
  • Provide a direct liaison between faculty and the community for the purpose of promoting the activities and mission of the Aspen University MSN program and the nursing profession.
  • Advise and inform the Dean of Nursing on local, state, and national perceptions regarding nursing education and the nursing profession, suggest possible avenues for marketing the program.

Membership:

Dean of Nursing, and various members of the community of interest: current student, alumni, nurses, leaders in health care.

Curriculum Committee

Purpose:

The Curriculum Committee is responsible for the curriculum, specifically to develop, implement, and evaluate the MSN curricula. This committee is a subcommittee of the MSN Faculty Committee. This committee meets twice a year or as needed.

Functions:

  • Monitor and formulate policies governing the curriculum of the MSN program.
  • Lead the evaluation of the curriculum according to the MSN program evaluation plan
  • Recommend mechanisms for implementing the MSN program to the parent committee
  • Recommend curricular revisions for the MSN program to the parent committee
  • Recommend new MSN program options based on input from the community of interest


Membership:

Dean of Nursing and Health Sciences, at least 2 faculty members as dictated by curricular needs, 1 student from each MSN specialty tract.