School of Nursing Forms Honor Society for Associate Degree Students
In fall 2024, the School of Nursing was chartered as the Zeta Chi Chapter of Alpha Delta Nu, the sole honor society for associate degree nursing students.
At Excelsior, associate degree nursing students are invited to provisional membership after successful completion of NUR 109 Foundations in Nursing Practice. To be considered for provisional membership, a student must have earned a grade of B or better in each nursing course without a previous course failure and demonstrated conduct within the online classroom and in the clinical areas that reflects integrity and professionalism. As of March, the School of Nursing has invited more than 680 eligible students to join the chapter.
“Membership in Alpha Delta Nu opens doors for students, connecting them with resources that support their growth and future success in the profession.” – Kristy Rowley, department chair, School of Nursing
“Being recognized by the Alpha Delta Nu Nursing Honor Society is a tremendous achievement that highlights the dedication, academic excellence, and professionalism of our associate degree nursing students,” says Kristy Rowley, department chair in the School of Nursing. “This honor society not only celebrates their hard work but also provides valuable opportunities for continuing education, professional networking, and career advancement. The School of Nursing is excited about this partnership because it reinforces our commitment to fostering excellence and lifelong learning in nursing. Membership in Alpha Delta Nu opens doors for students, connecting them with resources that support their growth and future success in the profession.”
As part of the induction process to become a full member, students actively participate in a service-learning project. The chapter decided on an asynchronous mentorship program, and students use discussion boards to answer their peers’ questions about each course in the program. Students are assigned oversight of a few courses for a week, check the discussion board at least three times during the week they are assigned, and respond to any questions that have been posted.
“The great part is that these students are the ones who did really well in the course [assigned], which provides a great platform for them to begin mentoring and sharing their expertise,” says Kylie Ackerman, a full-time faculty member in the School of Nursing and the faculty advisor for the Zeta Chi Chapter.
The chapter grants a student full membership in the final semester of study, after completion of NUR 290 Nursing Capstone: Advanced Clinical Practicum, if the student earns a grade of B or better in all nursing courses without any previous nursing course failures, participates in the annual chapter project, and meets certain other requirements. An induction ceremony will take place near the end of this academic year.
