MSN-RODP
Process for Home Campus Assignment

The Master of Science in Nursing Regents Online Degree Program (MSN-RODP) is offered through a consortium of all six (6) Tennessee Board of Regents Universities. These Universities (Austin Peay State University, East Tennessee State University, Middle Tennessee State University, Tennessee State University, Tennessee Technological University, and  The University of Memphis) are committed to addressing the nursing shortage which critically affects Tennessee and the nation. Collaboration among the six (6) participating universities assures students access to high-quality, affordable, student-centered nursing education opportunities. This program is designed to offer didactic/theory courses online through all six TBR Universities and to coordinate clinical study in each student's home area (when possible). The consortium model allows these universities to share their most valuable resources to enrich program offerings.

• Classes are taught by faculty from all six (6) universities. Students have access to faculty from across the state. Faculty assigned to teach each course are recognized as experts in the content area regardless of Institution of employment.

• Students are not assigned to 'home campus sections' of the didactic courses. Open registration allows students from all home campuses to network and develop peer relationships statewide.

• Full library services are available online from the RODP Virtual Library and students have access to libraries at the six (6) participating universities.

• Each institution offers the same curriculum.

• Faculty and student mentors are available across all home campuses.

• The centralized coordinator assists all students with admission, registration, and the enrollment process regardless of home campus assignment.

As a part of this collaboration, a process for home campus assignment has been established which will ensure appropriate distribution of students among the participating universities. Regardless of home campus, each institution offers the same curriculum and all courses are taught by the best qualified faculty within the system. In addition, this program is committed to the goals set forth by the Geier Consent Decree and has taken extra steps to ensure compliance. The steps are outlined in a Memorandum of Understanding agreed to by the participating universities in order to offer this program. Therefore, all MSN students from the designated middle Tennessee counties will be randomly assigned among the participating universities in middle Tennessee (APSU, MTSU, TSU).

A summary of the home campus assignment process is provided below:

• As applications are received for the MSN-RODP, they will be evaluated by the MSN-RODP Executive Committee for admission recommendation and home campus assignment. Students applying from the following Middle Tennessee counties:  Bedford, Cannon, Cheatham, Coffee, Davidson, Dickson, Franklin, Giles, Hickman, Houston, Humphreys, Lawrence, Lewis, Lincoln, Marshall, Maury, Montgomery, Moore, Perry, Robertson, Rutherford, Sumner, Stewart, Wayne, Williamson, and Wilson, will be randomly assigned by the MSN Executive Committee to one of the three middle Tennessee home campuses:  APSU, MTSU, or TSU.
  
• Assignment to a home campus for students residing in middle Tennessee shall occur in the following fashion:  (A) The MSN Executive Committee shall review the MSN-RODP applications on the previously agreed-to schedule to determine which applicants meet or exceed the minimum standards; (B) For those who meet the MSN-RODP standards, the MSN Executive Committee shall group the applicants on the basis of academic ability. The MSN Executive Committee will determine how to group similarly prepared students.  (C)  Once grouped on the basis of academic ability, the MSN Executive Committee will then designate on an equal basis the students' home campuses among APSU, MTSU, and TSU.  (D)  The only criterion for assigning students to a home campus shall be the equitable distribution of students based on undergraduate academic achievement.  (E)  If any one of the three schools is unable to accommodate new students during an admission cycle, then the students will be assigned on an equal basis to the remaining schools.
  
• Middle Tennessee MSN-RODP students will not have a choice as to the designation of a home campus.
  
• Once assigned to a home campus by the MSN Executive Committee, the student must then meet the regular graduate admissions requirements of the designated home campus.
  
• A student who lives in middle Tennessee and is assigned to a home campus but chooses not to attend that home campus shall not otherwise be eligible to attend a different home campus at a later date.

Due to the fact that the MSN-RODP Nursing Program is part of the Federal Geier Court Order - Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) , items specified in the order regarding admission, home campus assignments, etc. cannot be waived or appealed.

In addition, admission to the Family Nurse Practitioner concentration may be limited due to the availability of clinical placement sites at all participating home campuses.

Questions about the home campus assignment process should be addressed to Dr. Pam Holder. The MSN-RODP Executive Committee is committed to this process in order to provide students access to this nursing education opportunity. The MSN-RODP offers access to web-based courses and the degree program from your home or laptop computer.