Graduate Student Handbook

The faculty and staff of the Christine E. Lynn College of Nursing at Florida Atlantic University welcome you to our innovative Graduate programs in nursing. We are committed to both the study and practice of caring and we hope that you will experience that as you engage in study with us. The Graduate Studies office staff is available to assist you at each stage of your time with us in graduate study, from orientation, course work through to graduation.

We have designed an innovative schedule for our graduate programs to allow our students either to gain experience in the faculty and other scholarly roles by participating as a Graduate, Research or Teaching Associate, or to maintain a current position that requires commitment during the week. Please know that successful graduate study will require extensive independent work beyond weekend timing and all students should make plans to accommodate their life commitments to allow them to get the most from our program.

Your advisor is key to helping you plan your courses including cognates and to help you in developing a research plan. Make appointments to see him/her often. A section of this book will allow you to enter your advisor’s name, phone and email address for easy reference.

The real strength of any graduate program is its faculty. You will meet many in your coursework, but some faculty teach primarily in the undergraduate or master’s level and we will help you to come to know them and their research. Feel free to contact any of the faculty directly and make an appointment to talk about your work. You can see the recent publications of faculty listed in the faculty section of the college website and posted near the office of associate dean for research and scholarship on the third floor.

The Graduate Program office has an open door policy. Feel free to call, email or stop by as you need. This handbook is available online for reference and should answer many of your questions as you begin graduate study.

• Katherine Chadwell, DNP, MBMSc, ARNP, GNP-BC, CPHQ
  Associate Professor & Interim Assistant Dean Graduate Practice Programs
  kchadwel@health.fau.edu

• Howard K. Butcher, PhD, RN
  Professor and Director, PhD Program in Nursing
  hbutcher@health.fau.edu