Contact: David West (west@alpha.nsula.edu )
News Bureau
Northwestern State University
Natchitoches, LA 71497
(318) 357-6466

2/21/2001

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

NATCHITOCHES - Northwestern State University's College of Nursing will offer only three of five clinical sections that were scheduled this summer, according to Dean of Nursing Dr. Norann Planchock.

Two of the five clinical sections will not be offered because of a shortage of available faculty. Full-time faculty at NSU are on nine-month contracts and are not required to teach summer sessions. Planchock said some faculty members who usually teach in the summer will not be available this year because of a variety of factors not related to salary or teaching loads.

"Some of our faculty have family obligations and other opportunities this summer," said Planchock. "We have tried to structure the summer sections to minimize the effect on students. We know this will have a big impact on some students, but we have explored all available options before making this decision."

The decision will affect 120 students in the associate degree program who will complete their clinicals one semester later. Another 207 students will be able to take clinical courses. Students in the associate program go through a four-semester program in sequence. Baccalaureate students have a five-semester program in sequence.

Planchock said the College of Nursing would need nine additional faculty to teach all the clinical courses. She pointed out that faculty in the program must meet rigorous requirements established by state and national licensing and accrediting bodies.

For more information, contact Planchock or Shirley Cashio at (318) 677-3100.

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