General College Policies

Catalog Not a Contract     College Information     Completion Rates     Confidentiality     Non-Discrimination     Professional Malpractice/Liability     Injury/Illness     Services for Disabilities

Mercy College of Health Sciences encourages an open mind, a desire to comprehend, and a sense of respect for ethnic and cultural diversity.

Assessment Statement

Mercy College is committed to continuously improving the academic achievement of its students. To that end, the institution assesses knowledge, skills, and competencies of students as they progress through their academic program. The information obtained from assessment activities is essential for improving the learning opportunities and environments provided by the College. Assessment of student achievement is considered fundamental for the College to accomplish its mission and purposes.

Campus Safety Statement

Mercy College has information available regarding campus crime statistics. This information may be obtained from College admissions representatives. (See the Student Handbook for detailed campus crime statistics.)

Catalog Not a Contract

The Mercy College catalog is presented as informational only and is not a contract between Mercy College and its students. The information, policies, and procedures contained in the catalog are subject to change at any time with or without notice.

College Information

All College documents contain current pertinent information. Mercy College reserves the right to make changes as necessary, including changes in requirements, programs, policies, and fees. Changes shall go into effect whenever appropriate with such notice as is reasonable under the circumstances.

Completion Rates

Mercy College publishes information concerning student completion rates and performance on professional licensure/certification examinations. This information may be obtained from College admissions representatives.

Confidentiality

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. Third party access to non-directory information is not permitted without the student’s written consent, except as allowed by law. At its discretion the institution may provide directory information which is defined as: student name, address, telephone number, date and place of birth, major, dates of attendance, degrees and awards, most recent previous educational institution attended, and participation in College activities. FERPA also recognizes that information can, in case of an emergency, be released without consent when needed to protect the health and safety of others. (See the Student Handbook for a detailed Patient Confidentiality Policy.)

Non-Discrimination

It is the Mercy College policy to conduct academic and business activities in a manner that is free from discrimination and to provide equal opportunity for and equal treatment of students regardless 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.

Furthermore, Mercy College admits students of any 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 to all the rights, privileges, programs and activities generally made available to students at the school. The College does not discriminate on the basis 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 in the administration of its educational policies, admissions policies, scholarship and loan programs, or any other school-administered programs. (See the Student Handbook for detailed Non-Discrimination Policy.)

Professional Malpractice/Liability

Students who are currently enrolled in a Mercy College degree/certificate program, are functioning within the scope of their practice, and are being supervised by an approved instructor/preceptor during a scheduled clinical experience on Mercy’s campus or with a contracted affiliate are covered under the Professional Malpractice Insurance of Mercy Medical Center — Des Moines.

Injury/Illness

Students who become ill or are injured who are currently enrolled in a Mercy College degree/certificate program, are functioning within the scope of their practice, and are being supervised by an approved instructor/preceptor during a scheduled clinical experience on Mercy’s campus or with a contracted affiliate are referred to Mercy’s Employee Health Services department. (See the Student Handbook for detailed Injury/Illness Information.)