Online study provides flexibility and geographical diversity. It also requires dedication to keeping organized and on-task.

Graduate work requires more commitment in terms of time and organization than undergraduate.

• Schedule study time and protect it. Be careful not to let other commitments interfere with study appointments- nurses tend to over commit!

• Scope of scholarship or knowledge acquisition is not finite. There is no “What do I need for the test?" Rather, it should be "What do I need to know to provide safe care?"

• As you progress through your graduate studies, you may develop unique content expertise. Faculty members will be your guides in terms of depth and scope. It is your responsibility to seek out the expertise needed.

• Know your limits and be prepared to explore what you “don’t know.”

• Graduate students must complete their degree requirements within 5 years.

Avoid major life changes where possible.

Graduate study requires more focus and dedication than you may anticipate (it is much different than undergraduate education). Therefore, we recommend being mindful when taking on additional large-scale non-academic social, community, and non-work related commitments during your study (job or family changes, committee work, volunteer service, etc).

Use your Loyola email address.

As a Loyola student, you are provided with a Loyola email address on the Loyola server in the format name@my.loyno.edu. You must use your Loyola email address, rather than a personal email, for Loyola-related correspondence to prevent any confusion or issues. For example, an email from "namern@workemail.com" may end up in faculty’s spam folder. You are also uniquely identifiable by your Loyola email address.

• All Loyola correspondence will be sent to your Loyola email.

• Double check your phone’s settings, as it may default to sending from your personal email.

• Check email at least once daily Monday-Friday at minimum.

Course progression is very prescriptive. There are not a lot of options to take courses in alternate years or semesters without extending your plan of study.

Coursework due dates are not recommendations, they are requirements. Contact your faculty to request an extension if needed. Make no assumptions.

Be considerate of your colleagues, both faculty and classmates. 

• Polite, professional communication yields more positive results.

• Consider tone. ALL-CAPS may come across as "shouting."

• Written communication can be misinterpreted, so consider your words carefully.

• Instead of complaining, suggest workable and practical options or alternatives.

• A lack of planning on your end does not necessarily constitute an emergency on someone else's, so plan ahead.

• Faculty work to respond promptly during regular business/office hours. Responding over the weekend and holidays is extending an additional courtesy. Do not expect that faculty are available 24/7.

Follow the correct chain of command.

• Course concerns/questions/problems should be directed to your faculty member first, then your program director, and then the dean of your college. All other options should be exhausted before contacting the provost of the university.

• Your studies will grow and develop you in ways you didn't know were possible. Enjoy the process and take advantage of every learning opportunity on this journey to your degree.

[back to orientation]