50 signatures reached
To: The President of Broward College, Dean of Nursing, Associate Dean of Nursing and Professor Smith
Academic Audit
As nursing students, our shared goal is not only to pass exams but to develop the competence, confidence, and clinical judgment required to care safely for pediatric clients. Recently, many students have expressed ongoing concerns regarding the structure and integrity of our Pediatric Nursing course under Professor Smith. These concerns directly impact our ability to learn effectively and succeed.
Students have reported several consistent issues, including misalignment between lecture material, assigned readings, and exam content; limited access to necessary learning resources; unclear expectations regarding course requirements; and inconsistent grading practices without adequate feedback. These challenges make it difficult for students to meet learning outcomes despite significant effort and dedication.
In response to these concerns, multiple students have expressed interest in requesting a formal academic audit of the course. An academic audit is not a personal complaint against any instructor. Instead, it is a standard, professional review conducted to ensure that a course meets Broward College’s academic expectations. The purpose is to verify that the class aligns with the syllabus, the textbook, program outcomes, and published evaluation criteria. It also ensures that grading is conducted fairly, transparently, and consistently.
The intention behind this petition is not to create conflict but to advocate for an equitable and supportive learning environment. As future nurses, we depend on high-quality instruction and properly aligned coursework to develop the clinical judgment necessary for safe practice. Our patients’ well-being depends on our education being accurate, thorough, and consistent.
This petition will respectfully request that the college review the course to ensure:
- Clear and consistent expectations
- Fair and transparent grading practices
- Alignment between exams, lectures, and assigned materials
- Access to all required learning resources
- A supportive academic structure that promotes student success
If you believe that we deserve fair evaluation, properly aligned exams, accessible resources, and a learning environment that supports—rather than hinders—our development, your participation is important. Advocacy is most effective when done collectively, and a unified student voice allows concerns to be heard clearly and safely.
If you are interested in participating in or signing the petition for an academic review, please reach out. Together, we can promote transparency, academic integrity, and improvements that benefit current and future students in this program.
Thank you for your continued resilience, professionalism, and dedication to your education and to each other.
With respect and solidarity,
NUR 1310 Pediatric Nursing Students
NUR 1310 Pediatric Nursing Students
Why is this important?
The request for an academic audit of the Pediatric Nursing course is grounded in our responsibility as nursing students to ensure that our education meets the standards necessary for safe and competent clinical practice. Nursing programs are designed to build the critical thinking, clinical judgment, and professional confidence required to care for vulnerable populations—especially pediatric clients. When course structure, assessment methods, and instructional practices do not align with these goals, it undermines both student learning and future patient safety.
This audit is important because it seeks to verify that the course adheres to Broward College’s academic standards, including alignment between lectures, assigned readings, syllabus objectives, program outcomes, and exam content. Consistency in these areas is essential for students to meet learning expectations and accurately demonstrate their knowledge. When misalignment occurs, students may struggle not due to lack of effort or ability, but because the instructional framework does not support their success.
Furthermore, fair and transparent grading practices are essential to academic integrity. Students must receive consistent evaluation and constructive feedback to identify areas for improvement. Limited access to learning resources or unclear expectations can create inequitable barriers that negatively impact performance and morale. These issues diminish the reliability of assessments and hinder the development of accurate clinical judgment.
Requesting an academic audit is not an act of opposition; it is an act of professionalism. It reflects our commitment to ensuring that the course prepares us for safe practice, NCLEX success, and ethical responsibility to our future patients. This review also supports the college in maintaining its reputation for delivering high-quality nursing education and responding appropriately to student concerns.
Ultimately, this audit is important because it promotes transparency, protects educational integrity, and ensures that all students receive the structured, fair, and supportive learning environment they deserve. Our goal is to strengthen the course, enhance learning outcomes, and uphold the standards expected of a rigorous nursing program. By advocating for this review, we are acting in the best interest of current students, future cohorts, and the profession of nursing as a whole.