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PREAMBLE��

Mission Statement��

The 91��ɫ Administrative Faculty Senate (hereafter known as “Senate”) is committed to elevating the student experience by empowering administrative faculty through representation, collaboration, and shared governance. We strive to ensure that the input of administrative faculty – those who directly and indirectly support student learning, engagement, and success – is integral to institutional decision-making and continuous improvement of 91��ɫ.����

Shared Values������

The 91��ɫ Administrative Faculty Senate upholds the following values:��

• Center Students������

Prioritize decisions and initiatives that enhance student access, development, retention, achievement, and alumni engagement. Continuously evaluate and improve efforts to ensure student needs and experiences remain at the center of all institutional work.����

• Advance Inclusion������

Foster inclusive environments and ensure full participation by promoting equitable access to resources and opportunities. Identify and remove barriers through intentional solutions, structural change, and shared accountability.����

• Empower Growth������

Support the professional development, leadership, and recognition of administrative faculty. Equip individuals to grow with the institution and strengthen student-centered services and programs.����

• Engage Intentionally������

Engage proactively and purposefully with faculty, students, staff, and leadership. Align administrative faculty efforts with institutional needs through collaboration, co-creation, and shared responsibility.����

• Model Integrity����

Practice transparency, accountability, and ethical leadership. Choose courage over comfort and speak up about inequities—even when it’s hard—to ensure values are lived, not just stated.����

• Cultivate Well-Being������

Foster a culture of care, empathy, and balance for administrative faculty and the broader community. Thrive together by offering support generously and asking, “How can I help?”��

• Practice Accountability������

Own measurable progress toward student success, equity, and institutional effectiveness. Use feedback to continually refine policies, practices, and culture with intention and care.��

• Innovate Solutions-Oriented Practices����

Embrace creativity, collaboration, and evidence-informed approaches to address institutional challenges and enhance the student experience. Commit to reflection, learning, and adapting in service to students and each other.����

• Lead with Vulnerability������

Recognize vulnerability as a strength that fosters authenticity, courageous leadership, and connection. Create space for openness, reflection, and emotional honesty in our work.��

Intent��

The intent of these bylaws is to facilitate the business of the Administrative Faculty Senate of 91��ɫ (NSHE Handbook, Title 2 (the “Code”), Chapter 1, Sections 1.4.7 – 1.4.8). These procedures supplement those outlined in the NSHE Code and the 91��ɫ Bylaws. The bylaws of the Senate shall be in accordance with all the provisions of the NSU bylaws and the NSHE Code.����

Purpose��

These bylaws establish the basis for effective participation and deliberation in formulating, evaluating, recommending and implementing decisions by which the University is governed. The bylaws provide the governance structure of the University administrative faculty based on a philosophy of shared responsibility for University leadership, to facilitate coordination and cooperation between and among governing bodies, and to provide avenues to promote institutional cohesiveness and shared governance.������

Provisional Status��

These bylaws are provisional for the establishment of an Administrative Faculty Senate. They expire on or before 1/31/2027 and will be replaced with revised bylaws.����

ARTICLES��

ARTICLE 1. ELIGIBILITY & MEMBERSHIP��

1.1 Eligibility. All administrative faculty members who hold greater than a .50 FTE professional contract with 91��ɫ as defined in Title 4, Chapter 3, Section 2 of the Board of Regents Handbook, and whose title is Director-level (or equivalent) or below are eligible to serve be a member of the Senate and serve on its committees.��

1.1.1 Administrative faculty occupying executive offices with a title including the words “President”, “Provost”, “Vice President”, “Associate Vice President”, “Dean”, “Chief,” or “General Counsel” are not eligible for Administrative Faculty Senate membership or voting in Senate elections.��

1.1.2 In March the Parliamentarian will conduct an annual census of administrative faculty to determine the correct number of representatives allowed to serve in the Senate. The census will determine the number of senators for the following academic year.����

1.2 Senators. Senators are elected representatives of the administrative faculty. Senators may be elected as Divisional senators or At-Large senators.����

1.2.1 Divisional senators represent the division in which they work (Academic Affairs; Student Affairs; Advancement; Finance and Business Operations; Culture, Policy & Planning/Office of the�� President). Each division elects two Senators. For the year 2025-2026, there will be 10 Divisional senators.����

1.2.2 If a Divisional senate seat cannot be filled with a Divisional representative, the seat will convert to an At-Large seat for a one-year term.����

1.2.3 At-Large senators represent all administrative faculty, regardless of their own division or department. The number of At-Large senators will equal half the number of Divisional Senators. For the year 2025-2026, there will be 5 At-Large senators.����

1.2.4 All administrative faculty as defined in 1.1.1 are eligible to serve up to two consecutive 2-year terms and will be eligible for re-nomination after one year of non-participation. For purposes of this section a “term” shall include a full term or partial term to fill a vacancy.��

1.2.5 If there are no volunteers or nominations for a vacancy, a non-participation year as defined by 1.2.3 can be excused to offer the employee eligibility for immediate re-election. Such action must be approved by a majority of Senators.��

1.3 Ex-Officio Members. Ex-Officio members provide valuable perspectives and subject matter expertise, contribute to discussions, and help foster intergroup collaboration. Ex-Officio members serve in advisory capacity only; they are not members of the Senate and do not hold voting rights.��

1.3.1 One representative identified from each of the other institutional governance groups will serve as Ex-Officio members for a one-year term.����

1.3.2 Other Ex-Officio members may be added on an ad hoc basis as determined by the Executive Cabinet.��

1.3.3 Three senators will serve as Ex-officio members for the other institutional governance groups. Individuals will be nominated by a senator or volunteer. They will be elected by Senate vote in the August meeting and will serve a one-year term.����

1.4 Executive Team Liaisons. Two members of the University Executive Team will serve as liaisons for informational and advisory purposes. These liaisons, assigned by the President, will not be members of the Senate and do not hold voting rights.��

ARTICLE 2. PARTICIPATION, ATTENDANCE, TERMS, PROXIES, AND REMOVAL��

2.1 Participation. Consistent senator participation facilitates communication with constituents and allows the Senate to run smoothly and achieve its goals.����

2.1.1 Senators must obtain approval from their supervisors to serve.��

2.1.2 Senators are required to participate in at least one Senate or institutional committee activity during their term.��

2.1.3 Senators are responsible for informing their constituents of Senate proceedings and soliciting constituents’ input on matters under consideration by the Senate. Senators will act and vote in the best interests of their constituents as well as the long-term interests of students and the institution.��

2.1.4 Further responsibilities and qualifications specific to roles of members – including committee membership, institutional committee membership, and officer roles – can be found in the Related Information section of this document.����

2.2 Attendance. After each Senate meeting, the Communications and Engagement Officer reviews the attendance record of each senator.��

2.2.1 A senator who is absent for two regularly scheduled Senate meetings per year without a proxy (see 2.4), as verified by the Communications and Engagement Officer, shall be automatically dismissed from service, and notified via email.��

2.2.2 At that time, the number required for a quorum shall be reduced accordingly. The Senate Chair will initiate a Special Election (see 4.3) to fill the vacancy.��

2.3 Terms. With the exception of the Chair and Chair-Elect, all terms are two years. The year of service is the academic calendar: July 1 – June 30.����

2.4�� Proxies. Senators who cannot attend meetings are responsible for designating a proxy. The senator is responsible for informing the proxy about items and actions on the agenda. Sitting senators cannot serve as proxy.������

2.4.1 A short-term proxy is needed if a senator anticipates being unavailable for a single meeting, up to two meetings a year.����

2.4.2 A long-term proxy is needed if a senator anticipates being unavailable for four or more consecutive meetings but intends to return prior to the end of the academic year. Long-term proxies are limited to six months.��

2.4.3 Officers are not permitted to have long-term proxies.��

2.5 Removal of Senators and Officers. A senator or an officer may be removed by a two-thirds vote of the Senate. Only an elected senator may make a motion to hold a removal vote. If the motion passes, the Senate will vote immediately for a binding decision.����

ARTICLE 3. OFFICERS��

3.1 Officers. Officers provide leadership and coordination for Senate business and activities. Responsibilities and qualifications for the roles of officers can be found in the Related Information section of this document.��

3.1.1 Chair. The Chair of the Administrative Faculty Senate holds a pivotal leadership role within 91��ɫ, responsible for steering the Senate toward fulfilling its mission. They are responsible for managing the Senate, creating timely and accurate agendas, and acting as liaison to University Executive Administration and other governance executive boards. The Chair serves a one-year term, can be elected for a second term as Chair, and serves one year as Past Chair.������

3.1.2 Chair-Elect. The Chair-Elect supports the Chair in overseeing Senate committees, assisting with agendas, leading projects, and acting as Chair when needed. The Chair-Elect serves for one or two years as Chair-Elect (depending on whether the current Chair is re-elected for a second consecutive term) before becoming Chair.��

3.1.3 Communications and Engagement Officer: The Communications and Engagement Officer is responsible for documentation and organizational support, including meeting notes and maintaining the Senate’s archives. This role manages internal and external committee communications to promote transparency, engagement, and accessibility. This officer chairs the Communications, Engagement, and Collaboration Committee.��

3.1.4 Parliamentarian: The Parliamentarian ensures that the Senate operates within the framework of its bylaws and established parliamentary procedures. This role supports fair, inclusive, and orderly conduct of meetings and assists in interpreting governance rules as needed. This officer chairs the Policy, Elections, and Bylaws Committee and conducts all elections.����

3.2 Upon becoming officers, the Chair and Chair-Elect relinquish their seats in the Senate. A special election will be conducted to fill the vacant seats (see 4.3).����

3.3 Aside from the Chair and Chair-Elect (see 3.1.1 and 3.1.2), no term limits shall be imposed on the remaining officers as long as they are sitting senators, guided by the rules of participation (see 1.2.3).��

3.4 If an officer vacancy occurs during the term, the Executive Cabinet will serve as a nominating committee and will present Senate a list of candidates as soon as possible for consideration prior to a Senate vote at the next regularly scheduled Senate meeting.����

3.5 The Executive Cabinet will submit a budget request in each annual budget cycle. The request will include stipends of officers and general operating funds.����

ARTICLE 4. ELECTION PROCESS AND PROCEDURES��

4.1 Senator Election. Senators are elected by their peers in a Body vote (see 6.1.2). These elected senators are announced to campus following the conclusion of the election. Senators are expected to attend governance orientation or training as provided by the university.������

4.1.1 To avoid replacing the entirety of the Senate each year, 7 of the terms in the 2025-2026 inaugural year will be one-year terms and 8 will be two-year terms. Going forward, all Senate terms will be two years.����

4.1.2 If a Senator becomes unable to serve, the Chair will instruct the Parliamentarian to conduct a Special Election (see 4.3).��

4.1.3 All administrative faculty, as defined in 1.1.1, may cast votes for their Divisional representative and one At-Large representative during Senate elections.����

4.2 Officer Elections. Chair and Chair-Elect are elected by their peers in a Body vote (see 6.1.2). These Officers are announced to campus following the conclusion of the election.��

4.2.1 Communications and Engagement Officer and Parliamentarian are to be elected by Senate vote in the first Senate meeting of the year.��

4.2.2 Any current or incoming senator who will be seated in the upcoming term is eligible to be nominated for an officer position.��

4.3 Special Elections. Special Elections may be conducted in cases of multiple nominees, vacated seats, or Officer elections. Special Elections are conducted in the manner in which the first election was conducted.����

4.3.1 Senate seats vacated by the election of a Chair or Chair-Elect shall be filled by special election, conducted by the Parliamentarian. These elections will be conducted electronically and be concluded within 30 days of the seat(s) being vacated.����

ARTICLE 5. MEETING PROCESS AND PROCEDURES����

5.1 Agenda. The Chair shall prepare an agenda which will be included with one week’s advance notification of the meeting.����

5.1.1 All requests for action must first appear on the Senate agenda as information items. The faculty or Division with authority over the request shall coordinate, if relevant, with the appropriate Senate committee, as determined by the Chair, to have their policy or proposal reviewed prior to presentation to the Senate.��

5.1.2 Agenda requests shall be submitted to the Chair for approval no later than two weeks prior to the desired Senate meeting date.��

5.1.3 The Senate must address agenda requests no later than the second regular meeting following the receipt of requests.����

5.2 Schedule. The Senate holds regular meetings every month. The date, time, and place of each meeting will be posted on the agenda one week before the meeting.��

5.2.1 Senate meetings are open to all faculty and staff unless specified as “closed” on the agenda or if voted on at the beginning of the meeting, after motion by a senator. During the closed portion of the meeting, only senators and ex-officio members are permitted to attend unless invited by the Chair.��

5.2.2 The Senate may hold special meetings at any time, called by the Chair or requested by petition of at least one-third of the senators. These meetings shall be publicized in the same manner as regular meetings. These meetings will not be included in attendance records (see 2.2).��

5.3 Quorum. A majority of the voting members of the Senate shall constitute a quorum. Designated proxies will be counted for quorum. All committee meetings must also meet quorum at the beginning of their meeting, or an alternate meeting date must be chosen. In the absence of quorum, discussion and deliberation may take place.����

5.4 Minutes. A copy of the minutes of each Senate meeting shall be distributed to each member of the Senate and posted to the Senate Canvas library within two weeks of the meeting.��

5.5 Rules of Order. The Senate will use an agreed-upon system of order for managing meetings. Committee Chairs may decide how best to run committee meetings.����

5.6 Campus Poll. The Senate may solicit campus opinion on an issue through a poll. The results are not binding upon the Senate.��

5.7 Issue Group. At the request of a majority vote of Senate, when there is disagreement on an issue, an Issue Group will be formed to attempt to reach a consensus position, and a time frame will be established. An equal number of participants shall represent each side of the issue. If no consensus is reached, the Issue Group shall develop a joint statement of the differences. All recommendations of the Issue Group are returned to the Executive Cabinet for inclusion in the next meeting agenda.��

5.8 Petitions. Administrative faculty may petition the Senate to force an administrative faculty-wide vote on any issue before the Senate. If 10% of all Senate-eligible administrative faculty sign a petition addressed to the Chair, the Senate must conduct a Body vote as per 6.1.2 within 10 working days.��

ARTICLE 6. VOTING PROCESS AND PROCEDURES��

6.1 The will of the NSU administrative faculty on any given matter is determined through one of two procedures, following presentation as information to the Senate: (1) Senate vote or (2) Body vote.��

6.1.1 Senate vote – A vote of the Administrative Faculty Senate. All motions require a simple majority of voting members present. Motions to close or limit debate or to return to the previous motion require a two-thirds majority vote of those present. All Senate votes other than elections are taken by open voting (e.g., voice votes/show of hands), unless a majority of Senators present vote in favor of a secret ballot on the question or request an electronic vote.��

6.1.2 Body vote – A vote of the entire body of administrative faculty. The Senate will have two weeks to conduct the vote after a question is considered at a Senate meeting. A simple majority of voting faculty is sufficient to resolve any question.��

6.2 Actions approved by the entire faculty shall be presented to the University President by the Chair, and the vote will be recorded in the associated Senate meeting minutes. The Chair or their designee will report the results of the vote to the entire body of administrative faculty within three business days.����

ARTICLE 7. COMMITTEES����

Committees are established bodies within the Senate tasked with conducting specialized work, research, or planning in support of the Senate’s mission and objectives. Committees may be standing, ad hoc, or special, and are responsible for making recommendations, developing proposals, or carrying out objectives assigned by the Senate. Except for Institutional Committees, each committee operates under the authority of the Senate and reports on its activities and findings regularly.��

7.1 Committee Chair Eligibility and Term.����

7.1.2 Except where noted below (Sections 7.3.1, 7.3.2, and 7.3.5), committee chairs are elected by a majority vote of the Senate. Committee Chairs are limited to a one-year term.����

7.2 Committee Composition and Term. Committees have a minimum of three members and shall strive for multi-divisional representation.��

7.2.1 All administrative faculty are eligible to serve on Senate committees. Only Senators are eligible to serve as Committee Chair or Ex-officio representatives.��

7.2.2 Student representatives may participate in a committee. They are selected in any democratic manner directed by the 91��ɫ Student Alliance bylaws and serve in an ex-officio capacity.����

7.2.3 Standing committee assignments are for two-year terms.��

7.2.4 Committee members follow the same procedures as Senate members in delegating proxies (see Section 2.4).��

7.3 Standing Committees. The Senate includes a variety of standing committees that address both campus-wide issues and Senate issues. The Executive Cabinet may move to initiate or inactivate standing committees as needed. To proceed, the motion requires a majority vote in the Senate. Below are the standing committees of the Senate. More information regarding responsibilities can be found in Related Information.����

7.3.1 Communications, Engagement, and Collaboration Committee. The Communications, Engagement, and Collaboration Committee advances the visibility, transparency, and effectiveness of the Senate by promoting clear communication, cultivating engagement opportunities for administrative faculty, and facilitating meaningful partnerships across the university. The committee works to ensure that administrative faculty voices are heard, valued, and aligned with the broader institutional mission. The Communications and Engagement Officer chairs this committee.����

7.3.2 Policy, Elections, and Bylaws Committee. The Policy, Elections, and Bylaws committee upholds the integrity, transparency, and effectiveness of the Senate by administering fair elections, ensuring bylaws and policy alignment with institutional regulations, and guiding the Senate in procedural governance matters. The Parliamentarian chairs this committee.����

7.3.3�� Student Success and Wellness Committee. The Student Success and Wellness Committee ensures that administrative faculty perspectives are integrated into student support, wellness, engagement, and success strategies by serving as a liaison to student-facing units and programs. The committee works to identify issues faced by students and recommends potential solutions to the Senate. A senator chairs this committee.����

7.3.4 Professional Development and Recognition Committee. The Professional Development and Recognition Committee cultivates a vibrant professional community by advancing continuous learning, recognizing exemplary performance, and fostering collaboration among administrative faculty. The committee promotes development and recognition initiatives that not only enhance individual and organizational effectiveness but also directly support student success by ensuring administrative faculty are equipped to contribute meaningfully to the student experience and institutional mission. A senator chairs this committee.��

7.3.5 Administrative Faculty Senate Executive Cabinet. The Administrative Faculty Senate Executive Cabinet is comprised of the officers, committee chairs, and ex-officio senators and serves as the Senate’s leadership core. The Executive Cabinet oversees Senate operations, advances strategic priorities, and serves as the primary liaison between the Administrative Faculty Senate and University administration. The Senate Chair serves as Chair of the Executive Cabinet.������

7.4 Ad Hoc Committees. Ad hoc committees are formed on an as-needed basis as determined by a majority vote of the Senate.��

7.5 The Committee Chair sets the priorities and direction of each committee in July. Matters within the scope of a committee’s work may be submitted to the Committee Chair by committee members.����

7.5.1 The Senate Chair shall assign the committee a timeframe in which to respond to matters and shall inform the Senate of the Committee Chair’s directions to the committee and the expected timeline.��

7.5.2 The timely recommendations of a standing or ad hoc committee, upon a matter within its jurisdiction, shall be accepted and implemented upon a majority vote of the Senate.��

7.5.3�� If a committee does not recommend action upon a matter within the expected timeframe, the matter may be brought directly to the Senate floor by any senator for disposition.��

7.6 Committee Chairs are responsible for presenting a written report on committee activities to the Communications & Engagement Officer as requested. The Executive Cabinet determines the rotational schedule for the committee reports to be reviewed within Senate meetings.����

7.7 No provision contained herein shall be interpreted as restricting the Senate Chair, with the concurrence of the Executive Cabinet, from forming ad hoc or standing committees or restricting a standing committee from forming subcommittees.��

7.8 Institutional Committees. Administrative faculty support institutional committees through representative and collaboration relationships. Administrative faculty will be nominated or volunteer for these commitments on an as-needed basis. Information on institutional committees can be found in Related Information. Any administrative faculty member can serve on an institutional committee unless specifically noted otherwise. The Communications, Engagement, and Collaboration Committee is responsible for collaborating with these representatives to communicate information to the Senate.����

ARTICLE 8. STATEMENT OF AUTHORITY����

Chapter 1, Section 2 of the NSU Bylaws requires that policies and procedures having institutional impact be submitted to the Administrative Faculty Senate for review and recommendation. Information about institutional and academic policies processes is located on the 91��ɫ website, under GP 1 and GP 2 (/policy-category/general-policy/).��

8.1 Public Comment Period. Policies submitted through GP 1 or GP 2 have a public comment period. The Administrative Faculty Senate Executive Cabinet is responsible for ensuring that this comment period is communicated to all administrative faculty.����

8.2 Institutional Policy Review. All new or amended institutional policies shall be submitted to the Administrative Faculty Senate Executive Cabinet for distribution to the appropriate committees based on the subject-matter jurisdiction of the committee and the goal of the policy. The committees provide suggested revisions to the policy development lead or designee.��

8.3 Institutional Policy Recommendation. A reviewed policy voted out of Senate committees shall be presented to the Senate for a vote (see 6.1.1). A policy receives Administrative Faculty Senate recommendation when a majority of senators vote to recommend the reviewed policy as presented, and the Senate Chair’s signature is affixed.��

8.3.1 Any policy which undergoes substantive edits (including but not limited to: addition or deletion of sections or subsections, redefinition of key terms, a narrowing or broadening of policy applicability) after receiving a Senate recommendation must again proceed through the review and recommendation process.��

8.4 Academic Policy (GP2) Process: According to GP 2, selected administrative faculty will be responsible for providing input into academic policy development. All administrative faculty will be informed of the public comment period. Ex-officio members of the Senate may provide additional information from the administrative faculty or other constituent groups.����

ARTICLE 9. AMENDMENT OF BYLAWS��

Amendment of these bylaws may be accomplished in the following manner:��

9.1 A proposed amendment is submitted by an administrative faculty member to the Policy, Election, and Bylaws Committee.��

9.1.1 The proposed amendment shall be circulated to all Senate members one week prior to a properly called and constituted Senate meeting.��

9.1.2 The proposed amendment shall be discussed in the Senate meeting.��

9.1.3 If the proposed amendment is approved by two-thirds of the voting Senate members, the amendment takes effect in ten business days.��

9.2 The bylaws are reviewed in January for possible updates by the Policy, Elections, and Bylaws Committee.��

ARTICLE 10. SUSPENSION OF BYLAWS��

No part of these bylaws shall be suspended except as provided herein. Suspension of any provision, excluding those enumerated in Articles 9 and 10, may be affected only with the consent of two-thirds (2/3) of the voting members present at a properly called and constituted Senate meeting.��

The following provisions shall not be subject to suspension under any circumstance:��

• Quorum requirements as defined in Article 4.��

• Voting thresholds necessary to initiate or approve specific actions (e.g., constitutional amendments, officer removal, and budget approvals).��

• Procedural rules governing due notice and agenda distribution.��

This safeguard is intended to preserve the integrity, consistency, and enforceability of the governing framework and to prevent circumvention of critical democratic processes. Suspension authority is granted only to enable flexibility in operational matters where strict application may impede the Senate’s responsiveness or adaptability.��

CONTACTS��

Administrative Faculty Senate Executive Cabinet email address (update with ITS)��

NS Governance Canvas Course (add link)��

RELATED INFORMATION��

Administrative Faculty Senate Office and Other Positions: Overview, Qualifications, and Responsibilities�� – ��

Administrative Faculty Senate Standing Committee: Full Overview, Composition, and Responsibilities –�� ��

Administrative Faculty and Institutional Committees: Current information about institutional committees and administrative faculty associated with them – ��

NSHE Code Chapter 1, Section 1.4.7 – 1.4.8:��

��

NSHE Handbook Title 4, Chapter 3, Section 2��

��

NSU Website Address for Academic Faculty Senate bylaws����

/policy/current/faculty-senate-bylaws/��

HISTORY��

APPROVALS

Approved by Administrative Faculty Senate, Chair on July 30, 2025

Approved by NSU President, Dr. Pollard, on July 30, 2025

*Approved Condition: Provisional Senate bylaws until January 31, 2027

The post Administrative Faculty Senate Bylaws – Provisional (MH 6) appeared first on 91��ɫ.

APPENDIX A: DEFINITIONS

Capitalized terms in this list are proper nouns (e.g. titles of documents, personnel titles, organizational units, formal groups, and roles), and are capitalized when referenced in the body text. Acronyms (in parentheses) are defined on first reference in each section, and as needed for clarity within the document.

The post Hazing Policy (SA 7.1) appeared first on 91��ɫ.

The post Academic Policy Webpage appeared first on 91��ɫ.

Link to PDF: POLICY ON ACADEMIC POLICY & PROCEDURE (GP 2)

Sec. 1. POLICY STATEMENT

This procedure governs the development, review and approval of Academic Policies. Academic Policies are defined as those policies which impact academic programs, curriculum, academic operations, research and academic personnel matters. Further, these procedures will be utilized for decision making on other shared governance academic matters that are not governed by an existing policy.

Sec. 2. POLICY

We define four categories of Academic Policy:

1. Curriculum
Governs the policies for development and management of the academic curriculum, including, but not limited to, degree programs, courses, core curriculum, course modality and pedagogy

2. Academic Personnel
Defines the personnel policies (appointment, promotion, tenure, employment, roles and responsibilities, sabbaticals and performance reviews) for 91��ɫ academic faculty and describes how we recognize and reward our faculty for their academic work and scholarship

3. Academic Operations
Governs various aspects of academic student and program management, including, but not limited to, student academic standing, academic integrity, student records, add/drop deadlines, grades, finals schedule, semester dates, etc.

4. Research
Establishes institutional expectations and requirements for engaging in research and sponsored projects at 91��ɫ, including, but not limited to, intellectual property, principle investigator eligibility, grant management, conflict of interest, research and lab safety, Institutional Review Board and research integrity

The Academic Policy Procedure outlines distinct roles and responsibilities for policy development, review and approval for each of these categories of Academic Policy. We define the following groups for purposes of assigning roles and responsibilities under this policy

Academic Leadership is defined to include the Provost, Vice Provosts, Associate Vice Provosts, Deans and Associate Deans within the Division of Academic Affairs.

Academic Faculty is defined to include all tenure-track and tenured faculty, lecturers, part-time instructors (PTIs) and clinical faculty except for those in Academic Leadership.

Executive Team is defined to include the President, Provost, Vice Presidents, Chief of Staff and General Counsel.

Deans’ Council is defined to include the Provost, Deans and Associate Deans within the Division of Academic Affairs and makes decisions according to its charter.

All policies and procedures are developed in alignment with our institution’s mission and vision statement; academic freedom; NSHE policies and procedures; NWCCU accreditation requirements; and Federal, State, and local laws and regulations.

Sec. 3. PROCEDURE

Initiate��

The following members of the university community can propose the development, revision or elimination of an Academic Policy in a particular category.

1. Curriculum
Any member of the Academic Faculty or Academic Leadership

2. Academic Personnel
Any member of the Academic Faculty or Academic Leadership

3. Academic Operations
Any member of the Academic Faculty or Academic Leadership or the University Registrar

4. Research
Any member of the Academic Faculty or Academic Leadership, the Director of the Office of Grants Awards Services, or the Vice President of Finance, Business and Operations

Policy proposals can be submitted via email to academicpolicy@nevadastate.edu. Policy proposals should include a brief description of the new policy, policy revision or policy elimination and a short rationale for the need.

Consult

The Provost and the Academic Faculty Senate Chair, or their official administrative delegate, will review each policy proposal submission, affirm the appropriate category for the policy and send the proposal out for consultation. Such consultation is intended to explore the need for the proposed policy and elucidate key information to inform the policy draft. The following individuals and/or groups would be consulted for the indicated Academic Policy category.

1. Curriculum
School Curriculum Committees

2. Academic Personnel
Deans’ Council, Vice Provost for Faculty Affairs, and Academic Faculty Senate Faculty Affairs Subcommittee Chair

3. Academic Operations
University Registrar, Director of Academic Advising, and NSSA President

4. Research
Executive Team, Institutional Review Board Chair

Launch

The Provost and Academic Faculty Senate Chair will review Academic Policy proposals along with the comments from the consultations. The Provost and Academic Faculty Senate Chair shall decide whether or not to move forward with the policy development. If there is not consensus between the two, then a vote of the designated Academic Faculty Senate subcommittee determines whether to launch development of the policy.

At the launch phase, a proposed policy may be designated by the Provost and Academic Faculty Senate Chair as Expedited. An Academic Policy proposal may be Expedited if it is determined to be a minor or non-substantial change to an existing policy, an emergency policy, or a time-sensitive, externally mandated policy.

Draft

When a policy proposal is approved for launch, the Provost and Academic Faculty Senate Chair shall select an individual to develop the written policy draft. Those designated as eligible to initiate Academic Policy by category are also eligible to be the lead drafter in that category.

Feedback

Once a complete draft of an Academic Policy is received, it is submitted to designated individuals and groups for feedback. The following individuals and/or groups are solicited for feedback on the draft policy in the indicated Academic Policy category.

1. Curriculum
School Curriculum Committees, Academic Faculty Senate Curriculum Subcommittee, Registrar, the Accreditation Liaison Officer, and the Director of Academic Advising

2. Academic Personnel
Deans’ Council, Vice Provost for Academic Faculty Affairs, Academic Faculty Senate Academic Faculty Affairs Subcommittee, and Associate Vice President of Human Resources

3. Academic Operations
University Registrar, Director of Academic Advising, Deans’ Council, Academic Faculty Senate Academic Faculty Affairs Subcommittee and Vice President for Student Affairs (conduct issues only)

4. Research
Vice Provost for Research, Director of Office of Grant Awards Services, and Academic Faculty Senate Academic Faculty Affairs Subcommittee

In addition to this solicited feedback from designated individuals and groups, unless they are designated as Expedited, Academic Policy drafts shall be open for public comment.

Once the draft is ready for public comment, it will be and announced via campus policy communications channels.

Any 91��ɫ employee or student with a campus login may submit comments and suggested revisions on the policy and procedure draft.

The public comment period will be open for a minimum of 30 academic business days (i.e. Non-holiday weekdays during the B-contract faculty work period).

All public comment will be captured via a non-disclosed comments form available to the NSU community. Non-disclosed comments are kept confidential and not shared with the general public.

Individuals are required to provide their name along with their comments. Anonymous comments are not accepted.

All feedback received will be provided to the Provost and the Academic Faculty Senate Chair, or their official administrative delegate.

Edit

The feedback received will be provided to the drafter. The drafter will edit the policy draft taking into consideration the feedback received. In addition, the Provost and Academic Faculty Senate Chair may designate an additional editor to review the policy to ensure that it is clearly written, internally consistent, formatted appropriately and in alignment with other 91��ɫ, NSHE, accreditation, and federal policies.

Recommend

After the edit phase, a policy draft is submitted to the appropriate Academic Faculty Senate subcommittee, as designated in the Academic Faculty Senate Bylaws. The policy draft package includes all written feedback received from the solicitation and from public comment. The Academic Faculty Senate subcommittee reviews and makes one of the following three recommendations:

Recommendation to Approve

Recommendation to Disapprove

Recommendation to Revise

If a policy is recommended for Approval or Disapproval, it is moved forward to the next stage. If a policy is recommended to Revise, the policy is returned to the Feedback stage. Comments from the recommending body are included in the feedback.

Expedited policies are not eligible for “Recommendation to Revise”; the recommending body must recommend to either Approve or Disapprove.

Advance

Once a proposed policy has been Recommended to Approve or Recommended to Disapprove, it is reviewed by Deans’ Council. Deans’ Council determines whether or not to advance the proposed policy. The policy development process terminates if a policy is not advanced.

The Provost does not participate in Deans’ Council votes on policy advancement.

Note: There is not an Advance step for policies in the Curriculum category and such policies go directly from Recommend phase to Decide phase.

Decide

If a proposed policy has been Recommended to Approve and Advanced, it is submitted to General Counsel for legal review.

Once a policy has been advanced, it is sent to the following individual or group for decision.

1.Curriculum
Academic Faculty Senate (or designated subcommittee according to their bylaws)

2. Academic Personnel
Academic Faculty Senate (or designated subcommittee according to their bylaws) and Provost

3. Academic Operations
Provost

4. Research
Provost

Before rendering a decision that is contrary to a recommendation, the decider will meet with the appropriate Academic Faculty Senate subcommittee to discuss.

Sign

Once an Academic Policy is approved, the Academic Policy Review Routing Form and final policy draft is routed to the President for signature. This policy and form is sent to president@nevadastate.edu with a copy to academicpolicy@nevadastate.edu.

The President signs the Academic Policy Review Routing Form, which includes a record of the recommendation and decision actions. This signature becomes part of the university’s official records. The Academic Policy Review Routing Form will be maintained in the academic policy file for historical reference.

The policy is effective immediately upon signature until amended or rescinded.

Implement

Academic Affairs will post the final policy and procedure to the academic policy webpage.
Academic Affairs units will implement approved Academic Policies according to their roles.
Academic Leadership and Academic Faculty Senate designees are responsible for periodically reviewing Academic Policies and initiating revisions when needed.

Enforce

The following units will coordinate the enforcement of Academic Policies according to the designated categories.

1.Curriculum
Registrar’s Office

2. Academic Personnel
Human Resources and Vice Provost for Faculty Affairs

3. Academic Operations
Registrar’s Office

4. Research
Vice Provost for Research and Office of Grant Awards Services

The post GP 2 Policy on Academic Policy and Procedure (Effective August 15, 2025) appeared first on 91��ɫ.

POLICY STATEMENT

In accordance with state law, 91��ɫ (NSU) maintains a Tobacco- and Electronic Smoking Device -free educational and work environment. NSU recognizes the negative health impacts of direct and secondhand smoking and the use of electronic smoking devices (ESDs).

91��ɫ is committed to providing a safe and healthy working and learning environment for the students, academic faculty, administrative faculty, classified employees, contractors, and public on its campuses.

POLICY

Smoking and the use of tobacco products including electronic smoking devices is prohibited in all NSU owned and leased buildings/facilities, per NRS 202.2483 and 202.249. Additionally, smoking and/or using ESDs in, near, or adjacent to any entrance of a public building and any open and/or public spaces on the campuses of NSU is prohibited. NSU promotes and encourages a 100% tobacco- and ESD-free environment.

DEFINITIONS

Electronic Smoking Device (ESD) – Any noncombustible product containing nicotine, or any other substance intended for human consumption that can be used by a person in any manner for the purpose of inhaling vapor or aerosol from the product. Examples of ESDs include e-cigarettes, e-cigars, e-pipes, e-hookah, vape pens, or similar product names or descriptors.
Marijuana Product (as a tobacco product): All parts of the plant Cannabis sativa L., whether growing or not; the plant’s seeds; the resin extracted from any part of such plant; and every compound, manufacture, salt, derivative, mixture, or preparation of such plant, its seeds, or its resin. Does not include the mature stalks of such plant, fiber produced from such stalks, oil or cake made from the seeds of such plant, any other compound, manufacture, salt, derivative, mixture, or preparation of such mature stalks (except resin extracted therefrom), fiber, oil, or cake, or the sterilized seed of such plant which is incapable of germination.
Marijuana-related: Using a brand, corporate name, trademark, logo, symbol, motto, selling message, recognizable pattern or colors, or any other indicia of product identical to, similar to, or identified with, those used for any marijuana product or company that manufactures, produces, or distributes a marijuana product.
91��ɫ Campuses: All properties, facilities, structures, and vehicles owned, leased, rented, occupied, operated, or controlled by 91��ɫ in any location, whether indoors or outdoors. This includes all indoor spaces, such as buildings, classrooms, hallways, classrooms, waiting rooms, meeting venues, community areas, performance venues, and private residential spaces within 91��ɫ residential living facilities/housing. It also includes all campus and residential grounds, sidewalks, streets,
paths, landscaped spaces, parking lots, recreational areas, and personal vehicles that are on campus.
Secondhand Smoke: Smoke inhaled involuntarily from tobacco being smoked by others. Smoke from burning tobacco products, like cigarettes, cigars, hookahs, or pipes.
Smoking: Inhaling, exhaling, burning, or carrying any lighted or heated cigar, cigarette, pipe, hookah, or any other lighted or heated tobacco or plant product intended for inhalation including the use of Electronic Smoking Devices.
Tobacco: Any product containing, made, or derived from nicotine-rich leaves that is intended for human consumption, whether chewed, smoked, absorbed, dissolved, inhaled, snorted, sniffed, or ingested by any other means.
Tobacco Product: Any substance containing tobacco leaf, including but not limited to cigarettes, cigars, pipe tobacco, hookah tobacco (shisha), snuff, chewing tobacco, dipping tobacco, bidis, blunts, clove cigarettes, or any other preparation of tobacco; and any product or formulation of matter containing biologically active amounts of nicotine that is manufactured, sold, offered for sale, or otherwise distributed with the expectation that the product or matter will be introduced into the human body by inhalation, ingestion, or absorption. Does not include any cessation product specifically approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration for use in
treating nicotine or tobacco dependence.
Tobacco-Related: Applies to the use of a tobacco brand or corporate name, trademark, logo, symbol, or motto, selling message, recognizable pattern or colors, or any other indicator of product identical to or similar to, or identifiable with, those used for any brand of tobacco products or company which manufactures Tobacco Products or Smoking products.
Vaping: Inhaling and exhaling vapor containing nicotine and flavoring produced by a device designed for this purpose.

COMPLIANCE AND OTHER SUPPORT – SMOKE/EDS FREE CAMPUS

I. Promotion and Sale of Smoking and Tobacco/ESD Products Prohibited

Tobacco-related advertising or sponsorship is not permitted on NSU premises, sponsored events, or in publications produced by the institution. Tobacco products, ESD’s, hookahs, and other similar smoking-related products shall not be sold or distributed, even as samples, on ������’s premises with the exception of advertising in a newspaper or magazine that is not produced by 91��ɫ, and which is lawfully sold, bought, or distributed on 91��ɫ property.

II. Smoking Cessation Support for Students and Employees

NSU is committed to helping students, employees, and others make healthy and informed lifestyle choices, including those who want to cease smoking or using tobacco products. Free resources are available to all NSU employees and students including the Nevada Tobacco Quitline. Additional cessation information and resources are listed in Appendices A and B of this policy.

III. Compliance

This policy focuses on improving the health of the NSU community. Individuals are encouraged to respectfully inform others about the policy and the free smoking cessation resources as noted in Appendix B. Students, employees, and others who violate this policy are subject to applicable disciplinary, legal, and/or administrative action.

IV. Exceptions

91��ɫ respects cultural practices that include the use of tobacco as well as the possible need to conduct research on this substance.

With documented pre-approval from ������’s Vice President of Finance and Business Operations or their delegate/designee, the use of tobacco products is permitted when used in connection with the practice of cultural activities by Native Americans that are in accordance with the American Indian Religious Freedom Act, 42 U.S.C. sections 1996 and 1996a allowing for the use of ceremonial tobacco.

STATUTES

This policy exists to define the use of Tobacco and ESDs on the NSU campus, as is outlined in multiple State of Nevada laws and governing documents.

● Nevada Revised Statutes prohibit smoking and using electronic smoking devices inside government buildings owned and/or occupied by any component of the Nevada System of Higher Education. (N.R.S. 202.2483)
● Nevada Revised Statutes permit additional, voluntarily designations and establishments as smoke-free. (N.R.S. 202.2483 (7)
● Nevada Revised Statutes allows for the restriction of tobacco use in public to protect health and safety. (N.R.S. 202.249)
● Nevada Revised Statutes requires that signage be posted prohibiting smoking. (N.R.S. 202.2483 (9).
● The State of Nevada Employee Handbook prohibits smoking in, near or adjacent to any entrance of a public building. A “no smoking zone” must span at least 30 feet from building entrances/exits. (State of Nevada Employee Handbook, p. 36).
● NSU policy prohibits the use of marijuana and marijuana-related products. (NSU Policy Marijuana Use on Campus (PS 4).

HISTORY

PS 6.1 is an update of PS 6.

CONTACTS

• Primary Contact(s): FBO | (702) 992-2311 |��fbo@nevadastate.edu
• Resource Contact(s): Sustainability Council | n/a | sustainability@nevadastate.edu

APPENDIX A

Negative Health Impacts of Smoking 91��ɫ acknowledges the multiple negative health impacts of smoking, using electronic smoking devices, and using tobacco products. It also acknowledges that
these negative health impacts affect not just individuals who are smoking, using electronic smoking devices, and using tobacco products but also the people who are around them. Some of the negative health impacts of smoking include the following:

● The Surgeon General has determined that tobacco use in any form, active and passive, is a significant health hazard.
● Tobacco smoke contains carcinogens.
● Exposure to secondhand smoke causes disease, including heart disease, stroke, respiratory disease, and lung cancer, as well as premature death.
● There is no risk-free level of exposure to second-hand smoke.
● Electronic smoking devices emit disease-causing toxic substances and exposure to aerosol from electronic smoking devices is tantamount to levels of exposure comparable to those of passive smokers.
● Many of the harmful substances in tobacco smoke are also present in marijuana smoke.

APPENDIX B

This policy also identifies support services available to assist campus stakeholders in making healthy, informed lifestyle choices related to smoking and ESD use.
Support Services Information

● Become anEx (www.becomeanex.org)
● Nevada Tobacco Quitline (1-800-QUIT NOW) (https://nevada.quitlogix.org/en-US/) – Déjelo Ya: dando sus primeros pasos hacia una vida libre del tabaco.
● Help! I Want to Quit Smoking by American Heart Association
● Quit Smoking, Vaping and Tobacco Use – Ending Tobacco Use and Nicotine Addiction
● This is Quitting (18-24 year olds) (Text DITCHVAPE to 88709)
● Southern Nevada Health District (https://www.southernnevadahealthdistrict.org/ )
● Nevada Tobacco Quitline (1-800-QUIT NOW) (https://nevada.quitlogix.org/en-US/)
● My Life, My Quit (https://nv.mylifemyquit.org/index)
● Freedom From Smoking (https://www.freedomfromsmoking.org/)
● Nevada Clean Indoor Air Act: (https://www.southernnevadahealthdistrict.org/Health-Topics/nevada-clean-indoor-air-act/ )
● Southern Nevada Tobacco 21 Initiative (https://www.southernnevadahealthdistrict.org/Health-Topics/tobacco-21/ )
● Nevada Tobacco Prevention Coalition (http://www.tobaccofreenv.org/)
● Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Smoking & Tobacco Use, (https://www.cdc.gov/tobacco/index.htm)

APPROVALS

Approved by Vice President for Finance and Business Operation, Gloria J Walker, January 27, 2025
Approved by President, Dr. DeRionne Pollard, January 30th, 2025.

The post Tobacco/Electronic Smoking Devices on University Premises (PS 6.1) appeared first on 91��ɫ.

DEFINITIONS

Key terms and phrases used in this policy are defined in Appendix A.

Section 1: POLICY STATEMENT

General Policy 1: Policy on Institutional Policy and Procedure (GP 1) codifies the 91��ɫ life cycle for institutional policy. All institutional policies and procedures are subject to the terms outlined in GP 1, unless addressed by another General Policy.

Section 2: POLICY

91��ɫ will provide accessible institutional policies through standardized development processes.

Institutional policy and procedure shall:

– Be developed using the most current GP 1 procedure;

– Support the institution in achieving its mission;

– Advance the institution’s strategic plan;

– Use institutional standardized templates and format;

– Promote operational efficiency and excellence;

– Implement 91��ɫ Higher Education (NSHE) policy;

– Comply with statutes, regulations, ordinances, and industry standards and requirements;

– Advance commitments to diversity, equity, inclusion, accessibility and justice;

– Minimize organizational risk.

Institutional policies are developed by a Policy Development Team (PDT) and reviewed by an Institutional Policy Advisory Council (IPAC) so that impacted individuals and subject-matter experts have direct involvement in developing the policies that affect them.

Policy development timelines outlined in the GP 1 procedure are subject to change based on institutional obligations, the academic calendar, employee contracts and capacities. Any portion of policy development that requires the input of off-contract employees shall pause during off- contract times, except in the case of emergency or compliance exceptions.

The approval authorities for institutional policy and procedure are the President and the Responsible Unit Vice President, or the Vice President’s designee. Vice Presidents may delegate their approval authority. Only the President may provide a final decision on policy and this authority may not be delegated. This decision becomes part of the university’s official records. Policy approval and decision signatures are documented on the Institutional Policy Review Routing Form.

GP 1 shall be reviewed by the Policy Development Team, or an equivalent set of representatives as appointed by their constituents, within 18 months of implementation. Academic policies are developed according to General Policy 2: Policy on Academic Policy and Procedure (GP 2).

Section 3: STATUTES, REGULATIONS, & ORDINANCES

Institutional policies and procedures shall adhere to governing statutes, regulations and ordinances, including:

Federal Statutes

The general and permanent laws of the United States are consolidated and codified by subject matter in the United States Code.

Nevada Statutes

The Nevada Revised Statutes (NRS) are the current codified laws of the State of Nevada.

The State Administrative Manual (SAM) is a compilation of policy statements concerning the internal operations of State government.

Nevada System of Higher Education (NSHE) Handbook

The Board of Regents Handbook provides the governing documents and policies for NSHE.

Accreditation

Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities (NWCCU) requires institutional compliance with relevant standards, policies, and eligibility. The criteria for NWCCU accreditation can be found at ��

Institutional policy may also be established in the absence of specific statutes where a particular policy and procedure is necessary to conduct business.

Section 4: PROCEDURE

Institutional policy shall be developed according to the following procedure, as applicable:

PHASE 1: PRE-DEVELOP

Subsection 1: Initiate

Any 91��ɫ internal community member with an active NSHE ID and portal access may identify the need for new institutional policy or a change to existing policy and submit a Policy Initiation Request Form which will be routed to the Institutional Policy Advisory Committee (IPAC). (See Appendix B: IPAC Charter).

The Policy Initiation Request Form found under Related Forms and Resources, shall include:

��– A summary of the policy’s purpose, scope and alignment with institutional goals;

��– Recommendations for a Policy Development Lead (PDL) and Policy Development Team

(PDT) members, if applicable;

– Request for expedited policy development based on standards outlined under Exceptions.

The Department of CPP shall:

– Receive, process, and track Policy Initiation Request Forms;

– Communicate with the Policy Initiation Request Form Submitter (Submitter) and IPAC Facilitator throughout the process;

– Update the policy webpage to reflect that the request has been received within 10 calendar days.

The IPAC shall review the request for the following:

– Whether the need identified by the Submitter exists;

– Whether a policy already exists that addresses the need;

– Whether a policy is necessary and valid at the institutional level;

– Whether a policy would infringe on academic freedom, freedom of speech, or create identity-based discrimination;

– Whether the request qualifies for expedited policy development, as outlined under Exceptions.

Unless the IPAC unanimously votes “Do not recommend” all proposed policy will be forwarded to the Executive Team as recommended for development.The IPAC will complete the IPAC Review Form and provide it to the Executive Team and the Submitter.

The Executive Team shall evaluate the request and approve or deny action by completing the Policy Request Executive Team Approval Form and providing it to the IPAC Facilitator.

If approved for action, the Executive Team shall:

– Designate the Responsible Unit;

– Assign a Policy Development Lead from the Responsible Unit

– Approve or deny expedited policy exceptions;

– Identify the timeline for action.

All Policy Initiation Request details, including the record of IPAC recommendations and the Executive Team’s decision and justification shall be shared using an Office of Information & Technology Services-recognized method. If denied for action, the Executive Team shall provide justification. The justification must indicate the BOR Handbook, NSHE Procedures and Guidelines Manual, code, statute, or ordinance necessitating the denial.The IPAC Facilitator shall inform the Submitter, IPAC, and Department of CPP of the decision.

Subsection 2: Launch

If approved for action, the Department of CPP shall, as needed:

– Schedule a consultation with the PDL or Responsible Unit;

– Provide the PDL with guidance on the creation of the PDT;

– Provide the PDL or Responsible Unit with related forms and resources;

– Assign a policy category, code and title.

Following the consultation, the PDL shall invite members to join the team. The PDL shall email all elected governance groups and school deans inviting them to nominate representative(s) to the PDT or to abstain from participation. The PDT may consist of:

– Member(s) of the Responsible Unit;

– Subject-matter experts;

– Individuals representing each elected governance group;

– Individuals representing uniquely impacted groups, if applicable.

After the submissions of nominations for the PDT, the IPAC Facilitator shall, with input from the IPAC as needed:

– Confirm that the PDT includes members in alignment with its scope and purpose and request revisions, as needed;

– Provide the Department of CPP with a PDT membership list. The Department of CPP shall:

– Update with the PDT membership list within 10 calendar days of receipt.

Once the PDT has been created, the PDL shall establish a means of team collaboration and communication using an Office of Information & Technology Services-recognized method.

PHASE 2: DEVELOP

Subsection 3: Draft

The PDL shall:

Plan and facilitate PDT work sessions;

Draft the policy and procedure using the Institutional Policy and Procedure

Template found in Related Forms and Resources;

Consult with legal counsel to ensure compliance with statutes, regulations, and ordinances;

Evaluate the policy and procedure using the Policy Impact Questionnaire found in Related Forms and Resources.

Subsection 4: Edit

The PDL may submit the policy and procedure draft to elected governance groups, impacted campus groups and other subject-matter experts for feedback during the drafting process, as needed. When satisfied that all feedback on the draft has been appropriately addressed, the PDL shall move the draft to initial review.

Subsection 5: Initial Review

The PDL shall submit the policy and procedure draft via email to policy@nevadastate.edu. Upon receiving the draft, the IPAC shall complete an initial review, confirming that:

The need identified by the Submitter was addressed;

The policy doesn’t overlap with existing policy;

The policy doesn’t infringe on academic freedom, freedom of speech, or create identity- based discrimination;

The policy doesn’t obviously violate any statutes, regulations or ordinances.

As needed, the IPAC Facilitator shall request revisions from the PDL. Once completed, the PDL shall resubmit. After IPAC review, the PDL shall provide the draft to the Responsible Unit Vice President who may request revisions or confirm as ready for the public comment period.

PHASE 3: REVIEW AND APPROVE

Subsection 6: Public Comment

To initiate public comment, the PDL shall email the confirmed draft to policy@nevadastate.edu.

The Department of CPP shall:

Open a public comment period for a minimum of 30 calendar days by publishing the draft on the policy webpage;

Inform the campus community via Office of Information & Technology Services-recognized institutional communication channels.

Any 91��ɫ internal community member with an active NSHE ID and portal access may submit comments. Individual and group feedback shall be submitted via the institutional public comment mechanism facilitated by the Department of CPP. All public comment shall be captured via a non-disclosed feedback form available to the university community. Public comments are not publicly disclosed. Once all feedback has been collected, the Department of CPP shall provide it to the PDL within 10 calendar days.

The PDT shall consider all public comment period feedback and revise the policy as needed. The PDT shall track decisions to include or exclude specific feedback and document justification for excluding feedback.

If necessary, depending on the number of comments and scope of feedback, the PDT

may choose to restart the draft process at Subsection 3: Draft.

If satisfied that all feedback has been appropriately addressed, the PDT may choose to move to draft finalization.

The Department of CPP shall update the policy website with the draft status. To finalize the draft, the PDL shall:

Complete the Policy Impact Questionnaire;

Submit the final draft, completed questionnaire and the Policy Review Routing Form, found in Related Forms and Resources, to the Responsible Unit Vice President.

The Responsible Unit Vice President shall:

Note any edits on the Policy Review Routing Form;

Sign the Policy Review Routing Form as approved with revisions or approved as is;

Email the Policy Review Routing Form to the PDL and copy policy@nevadastate.edu.

Once any edits are completed, the PDL shall email the final draft, Policy Impact Questionnaire, and Policy Review Routing Form to ��policy@nevadastate.edu. The Department of CPP shall provide the policy and procedure final draft and Policy Impact Questionnaire to the IPAC for review within 10 calendar days.

The IPAC shall complete review of the final draft, confirming that the policy and procedure:

Is written clearly, with thorough attention to process and procedure;

Is formatted using the Institutional Policy and Procedure Template;

Addresses the need identified by the Submitter;

Doesn’t overlap with existing policy;

Doesn’t infringe on academic freedom, freedom of speech, or create identity-based discrimination;

Doesn’t obviously violate any statutes, regulations or ordinances. Facilitator shall:

Note any edits on the Policy Review Routing Form;

Sign the Policy Review Routing Form as approved with revisions or approved as is;

Email the Policy Review Routing Form to the PDL and copy policy@nevadastate.edu.

Subsection 7: Legal Review

Once any edits are completed, the PDL shall email the policy and procedure final draft, Policy Impact Questionnaire, and Policy Review Routing Form to the institution’s General Counsel at gc@nevadastate.edu and copy policy@nevadastate.edu.

General Counsel shall:

Review the policy and procedure final draft for legal sufficiency and note any required edits on the Policy Review Routing Form;

Sign the Policy Review Routing Form as approved with revisions or approved as is;

Email the Policy Review Routing Form to the PDL and copy policy@nevadastate.edu.

The PDL shall finalize the draft and email it to policy@nevadastate.edu.

Subsection 8: Recommend

Elected Governance Groups Recommendation:

The Department of CPP shall provide the final policy draft, Policy Impact Questionnaire, and Policy Review Routing Form to each elected governance group chair or their designee.

Each elected governance group shall independently facilitate recommendation to approve according to their standards. The elected governance group chair or their designee shall electronically sign the Policy Review Routing Form indicating whether the elected governance group recommends, does not recommend, or abstains. The elected governance group recommendation indicates the group’s review and support for a policy to proceed to approval. The chair or their designee does not act in his or her individual capacity; rather they make recommendations based on the decisions or action of the elected governance group.

Non-response within the allowed timeline shall be noted as abstention. In this case, the Department of CPP shall confirm abstention from each constituency group chair or their designee prior to advancing. CPP will notify that the process is moving forward.

If any elected governance group does not recommend the policy, the chair or their designee shall indicate the decision justification on the Policy Review Routing Form.

Subsection 9: Advance

Once all constituency groups have signed the Policy Review Routing Form or have been deemed to have abstained, the Responsible Unit Vice President shall review the recommendations.

If any elected governance group did not recommend the policy, the Responsible Unit Vice President may request that the PDL incorporate edits to the draft. If substantial revisions are completed, the draft may be routed back to Phase 3: Review and Approve.

Once edits are completed, the elected governance group chairs or designees shall be provided with an opportunity to change their recommendation.

Once the Responsible Unit Vice President approves the draft, they shall indicate their approval on the Policy Review Routing Form and meet with the President to advocate for the policy’s approval. In advance of their meeting, the Responsible Unit Vice President shall email the policy and procedure final draft, completed Policy Impact Questionnaire, and completed Policy Review

Routing Form to president@nevadastate.edu��and copy policy@nevadastate.edu.

Subsection 10: Decide

The Office of the President shall:

Facilitate obtaining the President’s electronic signature on the Policy Review Routing Form;

Email the completed Policy Review Routing Form to policy@nevadastate.edu.

If the policy is approved against the recommendation of an elected governance group or is denied, the President shall provide a justification on the Policy Review Routing Form. The justification may indicate statutes, regulations, ordinances, or existing institutional policies and procedures necessitating the denial, if applicable. The policy is effective immediately upon approval by the President and until suspended or repealed. The Department of CPP shall maintain the Institutional Policy Review Routing Form and Policy Impact Questionnaire in the policy file for historical reference.

PHASE 4: IMPLEMENT

Subsection 11: Distribute

The Department of CPP shall:

Publish the final policy and procedure to the policy webpage within 10 calendar days of receipt;

Notify the community that the policy has been published using officially recognized, by Office of Information & Technology Services communication channels.

The Responsible Unit shall:

Verify the policy is published correctly and notify policy@nevadastate.edu if there are any errors;

Facilitate communication and training related to the policy and procedure, if applicable.

PHASE 5: MAINTAIN

Subsection 12: Enforce

The Responsible Unit shall coordinate the enforcement of the policy and procedure.

Subsection 13: Re-Initiate

Policies and procedures may be revised for several reasons, including but not limited to:

Changes in federal, state, regulatory, statutory, or local legislation;

Changes to institutional operations.

Revisions may be initiated by the Responsible Unit or any 91��ɫ internal community member who submits a Policy Initiation Request Form, including a summary of the recommended revisions to the policy or procedure. Revisions should be completed by the Responsible Unit or its division.

The Department of CPP shall update the policy webpage to show that the policy initiation request for revision has been received. The IPAC shall determine if the revisions requested are considered substantial or non-substantial. ��The decision as to whether a revision is substantial or non-substantial will be made by a majority vote of the IPAC members.

For non-substantial revisions:

The Responsible Unit will appoint the PDL;

The request does not need to go through the normal procedure in Phase 2 and may skip the feedback stage;

The request may skip the procedure in Phase 3 including the recommend or advance stages, though it is recommended that the non-substantial revisions are communicated with internal community members;

The Responsible Unit Vice President shall indicate approval of non-substantial revisions in the Policy Review Routing Form. If approved, a completed Policy Review Routing Form shall be emailed to policy@nevadastate.edu.

For substantial revisions:

The Responsible Unit shall appoint the PDL and a PDT will be formed with input from the IPAC;

The request may be considered for fast-track exception;

The request will be routed to the beginning of Subsection 4: Feedback and proceeds through Phase 3.

The Department of CPP shall publish revised policies and procedures within 10 calendar days of receipt.

Subsection 14: Suspend or Repeal

If a policy becomes temporarily or permanently invalid, redundant, or otherwise unnecessary, the Responsible Unit may submit a request to suspend or repeal it by email to policy@nevadastate.edu. After a request for suspension or repeal, the policy will be routed to Phase 3 for review and recommendation, unless required by law, regulation or NSHE policy. The policy will remain in effect until the completion of Phase 3.

Subsection 15: Archive

The Department of CPP shall document versions and dates in the History field of the summary box at the top of the policy and procedure. They shall also archive and make available upon request:

Historical versions of policies and procedures;

All forms related to a policy.

Any individual can request an archived policy, procedure and/or related forms by emailing policy@nevadastate.edu.

Subsection 16: Policy Review Cycle

Policy and procedure reviews may be prompted by, but not limited to:

Emergency situations;

Regulatory or statutory changes;

Institutional operational changes which impact how the policy is implemented;

Audit;

Time.

All policies shall be reviewed within four years from the date the policy version was published and every four years thereafter if there is no revision to the policy. If any elected governance group voted to not recommend a policy, the initial review timeline shall begin within 18 months.

Section 5: COMPLIANCE

All policies and procedures are developed in alignment with our institution’s mission and vision statement; NSHE policies and procedures; Accreditation requirements; and Federal, State, and local laws and regulations. Every member of the institution including students, employees, contractors, and the public, while on campus, shall comply with all policies and corresponding procedures and are subject to progressive discipline in cases of non-compliance.

For issues or to report non-compliance, contact the unit responsible for oversight of the individual:

Section 6: EXCEPTIONS

Fast-Track Policy Development

Policy recommenders may request fast-track policy development by indicating their request on the Policy Initiation Request Form and providing justification. Fast-track policy development may include shortened timelines or altered development steps and shall vary on a case-by-case basis to meet the specific situational requirements. A policy may be eligible for fast-track development if the IPAC deems the justification valid and necessary. Policy development may also be eligible for fast-track development in order to address a real-time emergency or adhere to compliance requirements, including but not limited to:

NSHE policies and procedures;

Accreditation requirements;

Statutes, regulations, and ordinances.

Emergency and compliance are the only reasons a policy may be implemented during off- contract periods. In this situation, the Executive Team would act as the IPAC.

The IPAC reviews all fast-track requests and makes a recommendation to the Executive Team for approval of both the policy and the fast-track request. The IPAC Facilitator shall inform the campus community of all fast-track approvals. In instances of fast-track, the IPAC Facilitator shall work with elected governance group executive committees to discuss methods to expedite review.

Fast-track policies may:

Have smaller PDTs which do not request members from elected governance groups;

Have shortened timelines.

Academic Policy Development

Academic policies are developed according to General Policy 2 (GP 2): Policy on Academic Policy and Procedure.

Section 7: APPEAL

Any 91��ɫ internal community member who believes there has been an error, injustice, or oversight may submit a formal written appeal request via the General Appeal Request Form found under Related Forms and Resources. This request allows for reconsideration, review, or revision of a policy or procedure decision directly affecting them. The Department of CPP shall assign a policy appeal number. All appeals will be reviewed by Responsible Unit Vice President and the elected governance group chairs and decided by the President. Recommendations and decisions will be documented in the General Policy Appeal Decision Form found under Related Forms and Resources.

Section 8: RELATED FORMS & RESOURCES

Policy Webpage: University Policy – 91��ɫ

Definitions (Appendix A)

IPAC Charter (Appendix B) PHASE 1: PRE-DEVELOP

Policy Initiation Request Form (Form 1)

Policy Request IPAC Review Form (Form 2)

Policy Request Executive Team Approval Form (Form 3) PHASE 2: DEVELOP

Institutional Policy and Procedure Template (in development/ based on this template)

Policy Impact Questionnaire (Form 4) PHASE 3: REVIEW & APPROVE

Institutional Policy Review Routing Form (Form 5) APPEAL

General Policy Appeal Request Form (Form 6)

General Policy Appeal Decision Form (Form 7)

APPENDIX A: DEFINITIONS

Capitalized terms in this list are proper nouns (e.g. titles of documents, personnel titles, organizational units, formal groups, and roles), and are capitalized when referenced in the body text. Acronyms (in parentheses) are defined on first reference in each section, and as needed for clarity within the document.

academic policy (AA): policies which fall into academic categories and govern academic operations, ensuring standards for curriculum, academic personnel, academic operations, and research.

administrative policy (AD): policies that fall into administrative categories ensure operational efficiency and alignment with legal and ethical standards.

Institutional Policy and Procedure Template: a standardized document that models the formatting to be used and content areas to be completed when creating or updating institutional policy and procedure.

Department of Culture, Planning, and Policy (CPP): this institutional department facilitates the policy development process. The department of CPP provides standardized policy development tools, templates, and timelines. The department of CPP does not independently develop or implement policies and procedures.

elected governance group: this term refers to officially recognized elected bodies within 91��ɫ that represent distinct constituencies to ensure their voices are included in institutional decision-making. Currently, these groups include Classified Employee Council, Faculty Senate, and 91��ɫ Student Alliance.

Executive Team: President and Vice Presidents of 91��ɫ.

fast-track: an expedited development process applicable to policies approved for shortened timelines or altered development steps.

General Appeal Request Form: a data collection tool provided by the Department of CPP that is completed and submitted by an individual seeking a reconsideration, review, or revision of a policy or procedure decision or action.

General Policy (GP): open category of policies that apply to the institution at large and do not fall into another designated category.

institutional policy: an academic or institutional rule with university-wide applicability that has been officially approved by the 91��ɫ President. An institutional policy may either mandate or constrain action; it may promote compliance with laws; or it may reduce the university’s risk. All institutional policies will also include a procedure outlining implementation steps.

institutional procedure: standardized step-by-step instructions to complete a task related to a policy with a concise beginning, middle, and end, that generates consistent outcomes.

Institutional Policy Advisory Council (IPAC): a standing council charged by the President to review all institutional policy initiation requests. The council is comprised of representatives who come together to support the development of institutional policies.

Institutional Policy Advisory Council (IPAC) Facilitator: the Department of CPP employee who is appointed by the Division of CPP Vice President to serve as the liaison between the Executive Team, General Counsel, and IPAC, the Policy Development Team (PDT), and the policy initiation requestor.

institutional policy and procedure life cycle: the phases of policy development.

launch: to decide to move forward with a proposed proposal development.

legal sufficiency: the adequacy of a policy or procedure to comply with all relevant legal statutes and regulations. This involves the review and endorsement by the General Counsel to ensure that the proposed policy or procedure is legally sound and does not expose the university to legal risks.

Nevada System Higher Education (NSHE): the state government unit in Nevada that oversees its public system of colleges and universities.

non-substantial revisions: changes to the text of a policy including: reformatting, grammatical and punctuation revisions, and editorial or technical updates that do not materially affect the substance of the policy and do not change the rights or what is expected of the individuals to whom the policy applies. For example: changes in unit names, individual titles, related forms and resources listed, or contact information; or corrections for broken links or typographical errors.

Institutional Policy Review Routing Form: tracking sheet used to document feedback, review, and pre-approval signatures.

Policy Development Lead (PDL): the individual accountable for and charged by the 91��ɫ Executive Team with the responsibility for the development of a specific institutional policy and/or procedure. The PDL is the primary point of contact throughout the policy development process. The PDL must be a member of the Responsible Unit or its division.

Policy Development Team (PDT): the group led by the PDL that executes the development of the policy. This group is usually made up of the PDL, Responsible Unit representative, elected governance group representatives, subject-matter experts, and representatives of impacted groups.

Policy Impact Questionnaire: a worksheet for assessing impact used to develop efficient policies that benefit the most diverse range of community members possible.

Policy Initiation Request Form: data collection tool facilitated by CPP that is completed and submitted by an individual seeking to recommend a new policy.

Policy Initiation Requestor: any faculty, staff member, or student who identifies an institution-wide issue and submits a Policy Initiation Request Form.

policy review cycle: process of regular assessment and revision, as needed, of a specific policy to ensure continued accuracy and relevance.

policy statement: a brief summary of the purpose and content of the policy.

procedure: a detailed set of instructions or steps outlining how to implement and comply with a specific policy. Procedures offer guidance for executing tasks consistently, ensuring adherence to university standards.

public comment: feedback captured to allow internal community members to provide input or raise concerns while a policy is being drafted.

regulations: regulations are official directives issued by governing bodies, such as NSHE or state and federal agencies, that must be followed by 91��ɫ. They outline legal requirements and are mandatory for compliance by the institution.

repeal: to withdraw formally or officially, or revoke, a policy by a later action or higher authority.��

responsible unit: a single department, division, office or school that is designated to implement a specific policy upon approval. Once a policy is posted, the Responsible Unit is accountable for ongoing accuracy of the policy and procedure as well as policy modification, suspension, or archive if it becomes obsolete.

standard: a specified expectation.

Statutes: statutes are formal laws enacted by legislative bodies, such as the 91��ɫ Legislature or the U.S. Congress, which define the legal framework within which 91��ɫ operates. These laws establish broad mandates and principles that the university must follow. Statutes serve as the authoritative source of law, and their implementation and interpretation often guide the development of policies and regulations at the university.

subject-matter expert: individual who contributes to policy development to ensure the facts and details are correct so that the policy will meet the needs of the community members and comply with legal statutes.

substantial revisions: changes that alter the meaning or scope of an existing policy or procedure, or any other changes that are not considered to be non-substantial revisions. For example: updating a policy or procedure statement, changing who a policy applies to, adjusting the responsibilities of a specific unit, or altering the impact on community members.

The post GP 1 Policy on Institutional Policy and Procedure appeared first on 91��ɫ.

POLICY STATEMENT

91��ɫ is a diverse community committed to creating and maintaining a safe campus where all persons who participate in University programs and activities can work and learn together in an atmosphere free of all forms of harassment, discrimination, or intimidation. Sexual harassment, sexual assault/sexual misconduct, domestic violence, dating violence, and stalking are violations of University policy.

91��ɫ will respond promptly to reports of sexual harassment, sexual assault/sexual misconduct, domestic violence, dating violence and stalking.

DEFINITIONS

Coercion: the use of violence or threats of violence against a person or the person’s family or property, depriving or hindering a person in the use of any tool, implement or clothing, attempting to intimidate a person by threats or force, or when committed with the intent to compel a person to do or abstain from doing an act that the person has the right to do or abstain from doing.

In the context of sexual misconduct, coercion is the use of pressure to compel another individual to initiate or continue sexual activity against an individual’s will. Coercion can include a wide range of behaviors, including intimidation, manipulation, threats, and blackmail. A person’s words or conduct are sufficient to constitute coercion if they impair another individual’s freedom of will and ability to choose whether or not to engage in sexual activity.

Consent: An affirmative, clear, unambiguous, knowing, informed, and voluntary agreement between all participants to engage in sexual activity. Consent is active, not passive. Silence or lack of resistance cannot be interpreted as consent. Seeking and having consent accepted is the responsibility of the person(s) initiating each specific sexual act regardless of whether the person initiating the act is under the influence of drugs and/or alcohol.

The existence of a dating relationship or past sexual relations between the participants does not constitute consent to any other sexual act.

The definition of consent does not vary based upon a participant’s sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or gender expression.

Affirmative consent must be ongoing throughout the sexual activity and may be withdrawn at any time. When consent is withdrawn or cannot be given, sexual activity must stop.

Consent cannot be given when a person is incapacitated. Incapacitation occurs when an individual lacks the ability to fully, knowingly choose to participate in sexual activity. Incapacitation includes impairment due to drugs or alcohol (whether such use is voluntary or involuntary); inability to communicate due to a mental or physical condition; the lack of consciousness or being asleep; being involuntarily restrained; if any of the parties are under the age of 16; or if an individual otherwise cannot consent.

Consent cannot be given when it is the result of any coercion, intimidation, force, or threat of harm.��

Dating Violence: Nevada law does not distinguish between Dating Violence and Domestic Violence. For Clery reporting purposes crimes meeting the below definition will be reported as dating violence:

Dating violence is an act committed by a person who is or has been in a “dating relationship” with the reporting party:

(a) The existence of such a relationship shall be determined based on the reporting party’s statement and with consideration of the length of the relationship, the type of relationship, and the frequency of interaction between the persons involved in the relationship. “Dating relationship” means frequent, intimate associations primarily characterized by the expectation of affection or sexual involvement. The term does not include a casual relationship or an ordinary association between persons in a business or social context; and

(b) Dating violence is committed by a person who is or has been in a social relationship of a romantic or intimate nature with the reporting party. Dating violence includes, but is not limited to, mental, sexual or physical abuse or the threat of such abuse. Dating violence does not include acts coved under the definition of domestic violence. For the purpose of complying with requirements of this section and 34 CFR 668.41, any incident meeting this definition is considered a crime for the purpose of Clery Act reporting.

Domestic Violence: Domestic violence occurs when a person commits one of the following acts against or upon the person’s spouse or former spouse, any other person to whom the person is related by blood or marriage, any other person with whom the person is or was actually residing, any other person with whom the person has had or is having a dating relationship, any other person with whom the person has a child in common, the minor child of any of those persons, the person’s minor child or any other person who has been appointed the custodian or legal guardian for the person’s minor child:

(a) A battery.

(b) An assault.

(c) Compelling the other person by force or threat of force to perform an act from which the other person has the right to refrain or to refrain from an act which the other person has the right to perform.

(d) A sexual assault.

(e) A knowing, purposeful or reckless course of conduct intended to harass the other person. Such conduct may include, but is not limited to: stalking, arson, trespassing, larceny, a sexual assault, destruction of private property, carrying a concealed weapon without a permit, injuring or killing an animal.

(f) A false imprisonment.

(g) Unlawful entry of the other person’s residence, or forcible entry against the other person’s will if there is a reasonably foreseeable risk of harm to the other person from the entry.

Preponderance of the Evidence: The evidence establishes that it is more likely than not that the misconduct occurred.

Sexual Assault: A person who subjects another person to sexual penetration, or who forces another person to make a sexual penetration on himself or herself or another, or on a beast, against the will of the victim or under conditions in which the perpetrator knows or should know that the victim is mentally or physically incapable of resisting or understanding the nature of his or her conduct, is guilty of sexual assault. (NRS 200.366(1))

Stalking: A person who, without lawful authority, willfully or maliciously engages in a course of conduct that would cause a reasonable person to feel terrorized, frightened, intimidated, harassed or fearful for the immediate safety of a family or household member, and that actually causes the victim to feel terrorized, frightened, intimidated, harassed or fearful for the immediate safety of a family or household member, commits the crime of stalking. (NRS 200.575(1))

PROCEDURES

Reporting Domestic Violence, Dating Violence, Sexual Assault, and Stalking

The University encourages all members of the college community who believe that they have experienced sexual misconduct or gender based violence to seek immediate medical attention and take steps to preserve pertinent information and tangible materials, regardless of whether or not an individual wishes to make a report to the University or law enforcement.

How to File a College Complaint

Individuals who believe that they are victims of dating violence, domestic violence, sexual assault, or stalking should notify the College’s Title IX Coordinator. Complaint forms are also available online at /title-ix/ Lastly, employees may also notify their supervisors, department chair or director of a unit.

Title IX Coordinator: TitleIXCoordinator@nevadastate.edu��

Next Steps & Anticipated Timelines

Upon receipt of a report of domestic violence, dating violence, sexual assault, or stalking, the Title IX Coordinator will conduct an investigation to determine if disciplinary charges are warranted.�� If, after conducting an investigation of the allegation, the Title IX Coordinator believes that there is sufficient information to support a violation of University policy, the case is referred to the appropriate administrative officer for adjudication.

For students, cases are referred to the Dean of Students and adjudicated under the Student Code of Conduct /university-policies/student-code-of-conduct/

• Staff cases are referred to the appropriate Academic Department or Office of Human Resources.

For staff, cases are referred to the Office of Human Resources.

• The University seeks to resolve such complaints within 60 business days from receipt of a report, excluding days classes are not in session. Circumstances may require the University to extend this overall time frame or any individual time frame discussed in this Policy. Examples of reasons why time frames may need to be extended include the complexity of the case, delays due to fall/spring/summer/holiday breaks, inclement weather, and other extenuating circumstances. Exceptions to these time frames will be communicated to the Complainant and Respondent.

Standard of evidence

When an incident of domestic violence, dating violence, sexual assault, or stalking is reported to 91��ɫ, these violations are adjudicated based on standard of evidence known as “preponderance of the evidence” during any institutional conduct proceeding arising from such a report.

Evidence Preservation

Although in the immediate aftermath of an incident, an individual may not be interested in reporting the incident to the University or in pressing charges, preserving evidence immediately can be vital to a successful investigation if, in the future, an individual decides to move forward with a civil, criminal, or University conduct case, or seeks a protective order.

Here are some tips on preserving evidence:

a. Avoid any of the following before seeking medical attention: showering, bathing, douching, brushing of teeth, going to the bathroom, drinking, and/or change of clothing.

b. Similarly, any clothing, towels or bedding should remain untouched pending collection by law enforcement. Whether or not an individual has chosen how to proceed at the time of the medical examination, taking the step to gather evidence will preserve the full range of options to seek resolution through the pursuit of criminal investigation or through the College’s complaint processes.

c. If an individual has any bruising or injuries, they should take photos of the bruising with a camera and document the date and time of the photograph (cell phones automatically do this). If an individual goes to the hospital they can do this as it is deemed necessary.

Medical attention is also strongly encouraged.�� If a survivor of sexual assault would prefer to remain anonymous, they can receive an evidentiary exam at no cost at an area hospital without filing a police report.�� These exams are filed under a Jane/John Doe name. If a survivor chooses to file a police report, it should be noted that a police report states what happened and does not require the survivor to press charges.�� The choice remains with the individual whether to press charges.

Individuals or Organizations that Can Assist Victims

The following support services are available should victims want to access them:

• Vice President of Student Affairs at (702) 992-2511.
• Title IX and the Office of Compliance at (702) 992-2322.
• To notify and report the crime off-campus, contact the Henderson Police Department at (702) 267-5000 or the appropriate jurisdiction, or 9-1-1.
• University Police Services at (702) 895-3669 or 9-1-1 from a campus phone.

Options about the Involvement of Law Enforcement

• You have the option to report to, or decline to report to the University Police Services and local law enforcement: Although the University strongly encourages prompt reporting of dating violence, domestic violence, sexual assault, or stalking individuals have the option of reporting to (a) local law enforcement; (b) the University, including University Police Services; (c) both (a) and (b); or (d) none of the above. This means that individuals have the right to decline to notify the University or law enforcement officials.

• If you want to notify local law enforcement, the University can assist you in notifying those authorities: If an individual wants to notify local law enforcement, then the University will, upon request, help that individual make a report to local law enforcement.�� A report to local law enforcement is separate from a report to the University.

• Process of Making a Police Report: Depending on the circumstances of an incident, University Police Services may meet you at the hospital, on campus, or at the police station. An officer will document the case with a written report. It is very important for an individual to provide the most comprehensive, accurate details of the crime to the officer. Sometimes a person may have distorted memories of the event; it is okay for a person to say “I don’t remember” or “I’m not sure,” without any penalty. A police interview can take up to a few hours, depending on the circumstances of the case. Questions often include the timeline of events, what (if anything) was said, whether there was additional physical assault or injury, if weapons were used, and any descriptive features that were noticed about the Respondent. It is likely the officer may go over the events of an assault repeatedly when writing the report; this is intended to gather as many details as possible, to make the strongest case. Information is gathered then given to a detective who will review the same information. All individuals have the right to stop a report at any time, not complete the report, or request a break, if they feel overwhelmed.

• Contact Information: An individual who wishes to pursue criminal action in addition to, or instead of, making a report to the College for dating violence, domestic violence, sexual assault, or stalking may contact law enforcement directly by calling: 911 (for emergencies) or 702-985-3669 for University Police Services or in-person at one of the locations mentioned above.��

Availability of Protective Orders

In some cases, an individual may wish to consider a Protection from Abuse Order from the local courts. This is a civil proceeding independent of the University. If a court order is issued the University will, to the extent possible, assist the protected person in benefiting from the restrictions imposed by the court and will also facilitate on-campus compliance with the order.

Separate from protective orders, the University can in some cases issue a “no contact” order pending the outcome of a University investigation.�� Such a directive serves as notice to both parties that they must not have verbal, electronic, written, or third-party communication with one another.

Efforts to Protect Confidentiality of Victims of Domestic Violence, Dating Violence, Sexual Assault, or Stalking

The University will attempt to protect the confidentiality of victims of dating violence, domestic violence, sexual assault, or stalking the following ways:

• In completing any publicly-available recordkeeping, including Clery Act reporting and disclosures, such as the daily crime log, the University takes all efforts to avoid the inclusion of personally identifying information about the victim, to the extent permissible by law.

• In addition, when the University assesses or delivers protective measures and accommodations, the University will attempt to keep personally identifiable information about the victim as confidential (shared only with persons with a need to know) to the extent that maintaining such confidentiality would not impair the ability of the University to provide such support. The Title IX Officer and/or the Dean of Students will determine what, if anything must be disclosed and to whom. This decision will depend on the facts and circumstances of the unique situation and the measure being requested.

Written Information Made Available Victims of Domestic Violence, Dating Violence, Sexual Assault, or Stalking

The University will provide the following information to students and employees:

• Written notification is made to students and employees about existing counseling, health, mental health, victim advocacy, legal assistance, visa and immigration assistance, student financial aid and other services available for victims both on-campus and in the community.

• Written notification is made to victims about options for, available assistance in, and how to request changes to academic living, transportation, and working situations, if so requested by the victim and if such accommodations are reasonably available, regardless of whether the victim chooses to report the crime to campus police or local law enforcement.

Any student or employee who reports to 91��ɫ that the student or employee has been a victim of domestic violence, dating violence, sexual assault, or stalking, whether the offense occurred on or off campus, shall be provided with a written explanation of the student or employee’s rights and options.��

Disciplinary Action in the Case of Alleged Domestic Violence, Dating Violence, or Stalking��

91��ɫ is committed to creating and maintaining workplace and educational environments that are free from all forms of sexual discrimination, including sexual misconduct.�� Any act involving sexual harassment, violence, coercion, and intimidation will not be tolerated. The University prohibits the offenses of domestic violence, dating violence, sexual assault, and stalking. It is the practice of NS’s Title IX Coordinator to investigate any allegations of sexual misconduct and to take immediate action by providing interim resources and accommodations to both the accused and the accuser.

About These Proceedings��

• Such proceedings provide a prompt, fair, and impartial investigation and resolution and are conducted by officials who receive annual training on the issues related to domestic violence, dating violence, sexual assault, and stalking in addition to how to conduct an investigation and hearing process that protects the safety of victims and promotes accountability.

• The accuser and the accused are entitled to the same opportunities to have others present during an institutional disciplinary proceeding; including the opportunity to be accompanied to any related meeting or proceeding by an advisor of their choice; and

• Both the accuser and the accused shall be simultaneously informed, in writing, of:
  • The outcome of any institutional disciplinary proceeding that arises from an allegation of domestic violence, dating violence, sexual assault, or stalking.
  • The institution’s procedures for the accused and the victim to appeal the results of the institutional disciplinary proceeding.
  • Any change to the results that occurs prior to the time that such results become final, as well as when such results do become final.

• NS will, upon written request, disclose to the alleged victim of a crime of violence (as that term is defined in section 16 of title 18, United States Code), or a non-forcible sex offense, the report on the results of any disciplinary proceeding conducted by NS against a student who is the alleged perpetrator of such crime or offense If the alleged victim is deceased the next of kin of such victim shall be treated as the alleged victim.

• An institution, or an officer, employee, or agent of an institution, may not retaliate, intimidate, threaten, coerce, or otherwise discriminate against any individual for exercising their rights or responsibilities under any provision in this section.

List of Potential Sanctions��

Students, faculty, or staff who are found in violation of University policy by committing acts of domestic violence, dating violence, sexual assault, or stalking may be subject to discipline up to and including termination and/or expulsion, in accordance with the NSHE Code (or in the case of students, any applicable student code of conduct) or, in the case of classified employees, the Nevada Administrative Code. Other lesser sanctions may be imposed, depending on the circumstances. Complaints may also be filed against visitors, consultants, independent contractors, service providers and outside vendors whose conduct violates this policy, with a possible sanction of limiting access to institution facilities and other measures to protect the campus community.

For students, the following list includes all the possible sanctions that NS may impose following the results of any institutional disciplinary proceeding from an allegation of dating violence, domestic violence, sexual assault, or stalking. Depending upon the severity of the violation, and whether a repeat or multiple violations are involved, recommendations for sanctions may be imposed in any order or combination.�� In addition to the disciplinary, educational, community, and health initiative sanctions identified below, and in the College’s sole discretion, a student/student organization may be required to perform specific restitution service, to complete counseling or other specialized treatment or support services, and/or be required to participate in an activity or program whose purpose is to redirect behavior. This is monitored by NS’s Dean of Students.

Any violation of the Code that is motivated by race, ethnicity, religion, gender, sexual orientation, age, creed, national origin, disability, or veteran status may subject the student/student organization to the imposition of a sanction more severe than would be imposed in the absence of such motivation.

A sanction may have an accompanying administrative fee, in which case the student will be notified at the time the sanction is assigned. Payment of an administrative fee will be considered part of the successful completion of the sanction.

Failure to comply with any such sanction or requirements will constitute an additional violation of the Code, and may result in additional and increased sanctions in accordance with the procedures set forth in this Code.

SANCTIONS:

RESTRICTIONS, LOSS OF PRIVILEGES, AND EXCLUSION FROM ACTIVITIES.�� Exclusion/restriction from participation in privileges, extracurricular activities, holding office, or represent the University. Loss of use privileges for designated University facilities, denial of the use of a vehicle on campus, and/or other restrictions consistent with the violation committed.

CONDUCT PROBATION. The terms of probation will be determined at the time the probation is imposed. Probation may include exclusion from participation in privileges or extracurricular activities. The student/student organization placed on probation shall be notified in writing that the commission of prohibited acts will lead to additional and/or increased conduct sanctions.

DISCIPLINARY CONDUCT SUSPENSION. This is the temporary separation of the student from the University for a specified period of time and/or until specific conditions, if imposed, have been met. A disciplinary suspended student shall not participate in any University-sponsored activity and shall be barred from all University campuses and properties. The student will be notified in writing of the suspension. The official transcript of the student shall be marked “Not In Good Standing” The parent(s) or legal guardian(s) of students under the age of eighteen (18) years shall be notified of the action. After the suspension period has elapsed, the student will be placed on conduct probation for a period of time that is equal to the amount of time that the student was suspended. At the end of the probationary period, the student will be classified as being in “good standing” provided that no further Code violations have occurred.

EXPULSION OR TERMINATION. Permanent separation of the student from the University. The expelled student shall not participate in any University-sponsored activity and shall be barred from all NSHE campuses and properties. The official transcript of the student shall be marked “Conduct Expulsion Effective (date).” The parent(s) or legal guardian(s) of a student under the age of eighteen (18) years shall be notified of the action.

REQUIRED EDUCATIONAL/RESTITUTION ACTIVITIES. Mandatory participation in educational activities or programs of community restitution service on campus or in the community, as approved.

ADMINISTRATIVE CONDUCT HOLD. A status documented in the Registrar’s official file that precludes the student from registering for classes and/or accessing official transcripts until clearance from the Dean of Students.

INTAKE/ASSESSMENT/TREATMENT REFERRALS. A student may be referred to NS’s counseling services or a community mental health provider to complete an intake and assessment involving alcohol, controlled substance, or other identified issues arising from a violation. At the University’s discretion, proof of participation or completion of treatment may be required. When appropriate, a student may be referred to an off-campus provider for such services at the student’s expense.

Range of Protective Measures Available

These measures may include, but are not limited to:

– the implementation of a NS-issued no-contact order

– academic accommodations

– residential accommodations

– transportation accommodations

– employment accommodations

– safety consultations with University Police Services

– personal protection devices

– on-campus escorts

Resources

The University provides additional information on sexual harassment and sexual violence trainings. New faculty, staff and student workers will be notified of sexual harassment and sexual violence prevention training during orientation.��Current faculty and staff can access training through the��aw Room. Students are assigned training through CampusClarity.

In addition, NS’s Office of Human Resources also provides training on Title IX and Sexual Harassment and oversees the University’s web-based training programs that include trainings on Campus SaVE Act and Title IX.

NS’s LawRoom/CampusClarity Training Library includes:

STUDENT TRAINING LIBRARY:

– Alcohol, Drugs, Sexual Assault harm-reduction & Training

– Title IX and Campus SaVE Act (main course)

– Title IX and Campus SaVE Act training (main course)

STAFF/FACULTY TRAINING LIBRARY:

-Overview of Title IX and Campus SaVE Act.

-Prevent harassment, discrimination & retaliation

-Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act

Students and staff may report an incident to the Student Conduct Office via the NS Portal. In addition, any staff member who is concerned about the health, safety, and/or well-being of a student can make a referral to the CARE Team.

CONTACTS

Office/Unit: Division of Culture, Planning and Policy |Contact: Edith.Fernandez@nevadastate.edu| Phone: 702-992-2358

Office/Unit: Title IX Coordinator | Contact TitleIXCoordinator@nevadastate.edu

Office/Unit: VP of Student Affairs | Contact: Stefanie.coleman@nevadastate.edu | Phone: 702-992-2511

RELATED INFORMATION

��N/A

HISTORY

Revised January 3, 2024, to update institutional name and Title IX Coordinator.

APPROVAL

Approved by Provost on September 16, 2019

Approved by President on September 16, 2019

The post Sexual Assault, Domestic Violence, Dating Violence, and Stalking Policy (PS 8) appeared first on 91��ɫ.

OWNER: 91��ɫ IRB
Email: irb@nevadastate.edu
Phone: 702-992-2645
CATEGORY: Research
POLICY ID#: RE 2.1
EFFECTIVE DATE: 05/31/2024
VIEWING/DOWNLOADING OPTIONS:
Web – Formatted (this page)
Download Policy

POLICY STATEMENT

This policy applies to Human Subjects Research involving 91��ɫ Student Education Records under the oversight of the 91��ɫ Institutional Review Board (IRB), and Human Subjects Research for which 91��ɫ or its affiliates rely on an external IRB for oversight. This policy does not apply to Directory Information.

DEFINITIONS

Deidentification: The removal of personally identifying information from a dataset. There is not a single deidentification technique, but rather a collection of approaches and tools that may be used with different types of data, with different levels of effectiveness.

Directory Information: Includes the student’s name; address; telephone listing; electronic mail address; photograph; major field of study; enrollment status (e.g., undergraduate or graduate, full-time or part-time); dates of attendance; participation in officially recognized activities and sports; degrees, honors, and awards received; and the most recent educational agency or institution attended.

Human Subject:��Living human being about whom (not necessarily from whom) a researcher obtains information. Data may be obtained through interaction or intervention with the person, or may be existing information that can be linked specifically to an identifiable individual.

Institutional Review Board (IRB):��Campus committee established to review proposed Research protocols to ensure the protection of Human Subjects..

Research:��Systematic, intentional, formalized plan of investigation designed to develop or contribute to generalizable knowledge

Student Education Records:��Under the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act of 1974 (FERPA), those records that are directly related to a student and maintained by an educational agency or institution or by a party acting for the agency or institution. The term does not include:

1. Records that are kept in the sole possession of the maker, are used only as a personal memory aid, and are not accessible or revealed to any other person except a temporary substitute for the maker of the record;
2. Records of the law enforcement unit of an educational agency or institution, subject to the provisions of Code of Federal Regulations §99.8;
3. Records relating to an individual who is employed by an educational agency or institution, that:
   • Are made and maintained in the normal course of business;
   • Relate exclusively to the individual in that individual’s capacity as an employee, and;
   • Are not available for use for any other purpose;
4. Records relating to an individual in attendance at the agency or institution who is employed as a result of their status as a student are Student Education Records and are not excepted under part (3) of this definition;
5. Records on a student who is 18 years of age or older, or is attending an institution of postsecondary education, that are:
   • Made or maintained by a physician, psychiatrist, psychologist, or other recognized professional or paraprofessional acting in their professional capacity or assisting in a paraprofessional capacity;
   • Made, maintained, or used only in connection with treatment of the student, and;
   • Disclosed only to individuals providing the treatment. For the purpose of this definition, “treatment” does not include remedial educational activities or activities that are part of the program of instruction at the agency or institution;
6. Records created or received by an educational agency or institution after an individual is no longer a student in attendance and that are not directly related to the individual’s attendance as a student;
7. Grades on peer-graded papers before they are collected and recorded by an instructor.

PROCEDURES

I. Use of 91��ɫ Student Education Records

91��ɫ Student Education Records may be used for Research purposes only when one of the following applies:

A. The records do not include personally identifiable information;

B. 91��ɫ determines that the records will be used by school officials with legitimate educational interest;

C. The student (or the student’s parent or guardian, when appropriate) provides written permission via an informed consent document. Written permission must include all of the following:

1. Description of the records to be disclosed, including a list of the specific types of data (e.g., GPA, use of student services offices and resources);
2. Purpose of the disclosure;
3. Party or class of parties to whom the disclosure may be made.

II. Institutional Review Board (IRB) Review

The study team must describe the use of Student Education Records in the IRB application and provide the following, if applicable:

A. Documentation that 91��ɫ has determined that the records will be used by school officials with legitimate educational interest, except for use of deidentified 91��ɫ Student Education Records under Section III below;

B. If the researcher is obtaining written permission from students (or the student’s parent or guardian, when appropriate) to access Student Education Records, the informed consent document or mechanism used to secure such permission.

The IRB ensures that all requirements of this policy are met.

III. Deidentifying Student Data

Properly performed Deidentification involves removing or obscuring all identifiable information until all data that can led to individual identification is expunged or masked. When data is not effectively Deidentified, there remains the possibility that some information may be linked back to the original students in the dataset. This undermines the privacy protections offered by the IRB review process. Even non-sensitive information that is not specifically covered by FERPA may, when combined with other information, allow an individual to be identified.

Deidentified data from Student Education Records may be released in the form of aggregate data (e.g., tables showing enrolled students by race/ethnicity, age, sex) or individual-level results (e.g., learning assessment data by major). Individual-level data may be released with or without an attached record code that is not based on the student’s FERPA-protected information or other personally-idenfying information. A record code allows a researcher to track performance or match results of individual students without knowing their individual identities; the researcher can use the code only to match individual records across Deidentified data files.

The Office of Institutional Effectiveness assigns a record code to sensitive data identifiers during data organization. When data from Student Education Records are requested for IRB-approved research, Institutional Effectiveness personnel will share such data using only the record code, thus Deidentifying the data.

Some data considered particularly sensitive, such as information entered into Maxient (e.g., student conduct issues), is only released in Deidentified format.

IV. Use of Personally Identifiable Education Records without Written Permission

91��ɫ researchers may be considered school officials with legitimate educational interests and may use Student Education Records of 91��ɫ students for Research purposes without written permission when the Research is necessary in order for the school official to fulfill a professional responsibility. This includes Research designed to study the effectiveness of an instructional technique, curricula, or classroom management method in a 91��ɫ course.

V. Copyright Ownership of Students’ Coursework

According to federal copyright law, students retain copyright ownership to written and artistic creations (e.g., essays, discussion board posts, photographs, exam responses) they submit as coursework. Copyright ownership does not prevent researchers from analyzing such works. However, researchers conducting educational research projects who wish to quote or otherwise reproduce students’ coursework in publications or presentations must receive a copyright release to do so. Language regarding copyright releases may be included in informed consent documents approved by the IRB.

VI. Prohibition on Use of Artificial Intelligence (AI) in Analysis of Student Data

Information from Student Education Records, whether Deidentified or not, may not be uploaded to any AI platform or system (e.g., ChatGPT, Claude) for data analysis, as 91��ɫ cannot ascertain nor control how AI platforms may store, use, or share uploaded information.

FORMS/INSTRUCTIONS

• IRB proposal forms available on NS IRB Canvas page

ADDITIONAL CONTACTS

91��ɫ IRB
Email: irb@nevadastate.edu
Phone: 702-992-2645

Office of the Registrar
Email: registrar@nevadastate.edu
Phone: 702-992-2110

RELATED INFORMATION

• Health and Human Services (HHS) regulation
• RE 1.1 for the Protection of Human Subjects
• AA 19.1
• S. Department of Education Privacy Technical Assistance Center, “”
• Ask UP, “” (September 7, 2021)

HISTORY

Replaces RE 2. Updated to define and clarify procedures related to deidentification and to add language about students’ copyright ownership of their coursework and prohibition on use of AI in analysis of student records data.

The post Use of 91��ɫ Students’ Education Records in Research (RE 2.1) appeared first on 91��ɫ.

Section 1: The Nevada System of Higher Education

1.01 The Board of Regents (BOR)

Nevada’s Board of Regents governs the Nevada System of Higher Education (NSHE). Elected to serve a six-year term, the 13 Regents set policies and approve budgets for Nevada’s entire public system of higher education.

The Regents govern eight institutions: College of Southern Nevada; Desert Research Institute; Great Basin College; 91��ɫ; Truckee Meadows Community College; University of Nevada, Las Vegas; University of Nevada, Reno; and Western Nevada College. NSHE provides educational opportunities to more than 100,000 students.

The Board leadership is comprised of a Chair and Vice Chair who are elected by the Board’s membership. The term for the Chair and Vice Chair is one year (January 1 – December 31), and the Chair is limited to serving two consecutive terms.

1.02 ��

The chancellor is appointed by the Board of Regents to serve as chief executive officer for the Nevada System of Higher Education (NSHE). The chancellor supervises the eight NSHE presidents and ensures the Board of Regents polices are implemented throughout the system. The chancellor serves as the System liaison with the governor, state legislators, and other public officials and community leaders.

1.03

1.04

Section 2: 91��ɫ

2.01 Campuses and Teaching Sites

2.01.01 Main Campus

The main Campus is located in Henderson, near the intersection of I-11 and 91��ɫ Drive. The switchboard may be reached at (702) 992-2000.

2.01.02 TMCC Campus

91��ɫ offers a BA in Visual Media on the Truckee Meadows Community College campus in Reno.

2.01.03 College of Southern Nevada Campus

The School of Nursing uses facilities provided by the Ralph and Betty Englestad School of Health Sciences on the campus of the College of Southern Nevada Charleston Campus.

2.02 Mission, Vision, and Core Values of 91��ɫ

2.02.01 Mission

At 91��ɫ, excellence fosters opportunity. Excellence in teaching leads to innovative, technology-rich learning opportunities that promote the acquisition of interdisciplinary knowledge and skills. Quality, affordable four-year degree programs open the door to career success and enhanced quality of life for a diverse population of students. Our graduates, in turn, foster the greatest opportunity – the promise of a stronger community and a better future for all of Nevada.

2.02.02 Vision and Core Values

91��ɫ will deliver on its promise to Nevada by becoming a model of teaching excellence, a pioneer in innovative student support, and an agent of economic growth and social justice. Our core values assist us in accomplishing this vision:

• Embrace the Journey: we foster a culture of high-achieving teams and empower individuals to be the difference.
• Blaze Trails: If we think there is a better way, we look at the research, trust our instincts, and try it!
• Climb Mountains: We aspire to be experts in transforming the lives of our students and their families. We strive toward excellence in our jobs and advancement in our careers.
• Build Bridges: Diversity is our strength. We treat each other with care and respect and help one another to be successful.

2.03 Strategic Planning

As prescribed by the Board of Regents, 91��ɫ has a strategic planning process that maintains a current strategic plan in which priorities are defined and through which the institution’s mission is carried out in accordance with the strategic directions and guiding principles established by the Board of Regents (NSHE Handbook, Chapter 4, Section 3: Institutional Strategic Plans).

The current NSU strategic plan covers the years 2020-2025. NSU will begin planning for the next strategic plan in the 2024-25 academic year.

2.04 Accreditation

91��ɫ is accredited by the . Inquiries regarding an institution’s accredited status by the Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities should be directed to the administrative staff of the institution. Individuals may also contact:

Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities
8060 165th Avenue N.E., Suite 100
Redmond, WA 98052 (425) 558-4224

2.04.01 Program-Specific Accreditations or Approvals

The following programs have discipline-specific accreditations or approvals:

Baccalaureate Degree in Nursing

The Bachelor of Science in Nursing program at 91��ɫ is accredited by:

655 K Street, NW, Suite 750
Washington, DC 20001
(202) 887-6791

The Nursing program also holds full approval by:

(888) 590-6726
nursingboard@nsbn.state.nv.us

As of summer 2024, the School of Nursing’s Simulation Center is provisionally accredited by the Society for Simulation in Healthcare.

Baccalaureate Degrees in Education

All 91��ɫ School of Education Teacher Education programs meet the Nevada Department of Education teacher licensure requirements.

700 E. Fifth Street
Carson City, NV 89701
(775) 687-9115

Graduate Degree in Speech-Language Pathology

The Master’s of Education (M.Ed.) in Speech-Language Pathology {residential} at NSU is accredited by:

2200 Research Boulevard, #310
Rockville, MD 20850
(800) 498-2071 or (301) 296-5700
accreditation@asha.org

• • Accreditation effective date: July 22, 2023
  • Accreditation Cycle: July 1, 2023 through June 30, 2028

2.05 Affirmative Action/Equal Opportunity

2.05.01 Equal Employment Opportunity

NS Statement on Equal Employment Opportunity

91��ɫ is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action employer and is committed to excellence through diversity. 91��ɫ will not tolerate discrimination based on race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, ancestry, sexual orientation, disability, or Vietnam-era and/or disabled veteran status, in any of its programs, organizations, and/or conditions of employment and admission.

2.05.02 Policy Statement on Faculty Disability Accommodation

See the NSHE Handbook, Title 4, Chapter 8, Section 8.14: General Policy of the Board of Regents on Compliance with ADA. Faculty should contact the Office of Human Resources directly for specific information on disability accommodations.

Refer to the following for more information about the ADA

2.06 Administrators

Administrators (e.g., deans, vice presidents, vice provosts), except the president, shall be appointed by the president and hold office at the pleasure of the president, under whose direction they serve. Such individuals have no right of tenure in the positions that they hold. All official business between personnel at 91��ɫ and the Chancellor’s office shall be conducted through the formal organizational structure of NSU.

2.07 Academic Units

NSU is organized into academic schools and the University library; some schools are further organized into academic departments. Schools and the library are administered by a dean, who reports directly to the Provost. A department is administered by a chair, who reports directly to the academic dean. Schools may also assign program directors/coordinators as needed to oversee specific programs; they report directly to the unit’s academic dean.

In the case of a conflict, NSHE policies supersede University policies, unless otherwise explicitly stated.

2.07.01 ��School of Liberal Arts, Sciences, and Business
2.07.02 ��School of Education
2.07.03 ��School of Nursing
2.07.04

2.07.05 Responsibilities of Department Chairs, Program Directors, and Program Coordinators

Department chairs, program directors, and program coordinators are appointed by and serve at the pleasure of the president upon the recommendation of the dean of the academic unit and the provost. They provide leadership within a school as defined by the dean of the academic unit and serve on a twelve-month contract. Department chairs coordinators shall be��teaching members of the faculty with appropriate faculty rank, eligible for tenure as a member of the faculty, and responsible to the dean of the academic unit.

Duties of the department chairs are included in the Department Chairs Policy. Program directors and program coordinators may include personnel responsibilities, curriculum responsibilities, or both. Specific duties are assigned by the academic dean of the unit.

2.08 91��ɫ Foundation

The 91��ɫ Foundation oversees the University’s philanthropic assets and activities. Gifts to the Foundation are used to increase scholarships and opportunities for deserving and diverse students; to promote excellence and achievement among faculty; to bolster public engagement to complement our academic strengths; and to strengthen our people, programs, and facilities to support and promote academic success. The Foundation is governed by a volunteer board of trustees comprised of community leaders who raise funds, advocate for the University, and ensure responsible, effective stewardship of contributions.

��

Section 3: Governance

3.01 Introduction

The Board of Regents has jurisdiction over all units of the Nevada System of Higher Education. The Chancellor, who is appointed by the Board of Regents and responsible directly to it, is the chief administrative officer of NSHE. The Chancellor is to keep the Board fully informed of the standards of scholarship, the fiscal integrity, and the administrative efficiency maintained at each institution.

In accordance with the policies established by the Board of Regents, the governance of 91��ɫ has been designed to include a system of shared governance to ensure maximum input and involvement by the entire NSU community and to represent institutional constituents. They are the Faculty Senate, its committees and recognized Senate affiliates, the Classified Staff Council, the President’s Leadership Team, and the 91��ɫ Students Alliance (NSSA).

3.02 Faculty Senate

The Faculty Senate represents academic and administrative faculty at NSU. The purpose of the Faculty Senate is to recommend to the provost and the president rules and regulations for the governance of the University as may be proper for the maintenance of high educational standards and the well-being and effective functioning of the University. It shall approve the curriculum and recommend to the president necessary policies and practices in support of the mission of the University. The Faculty Senate’s areas of jurisdiction are the academic program, academic and administrative faculty, academic regulations, educational materials, and other related matters.

See the NSU Bylaws Chapter 4: Faculty Senate and the Faculty Senate Bylaws for more information.

3.03 91��ɫ Student Alliance (NSSA)

The 91��ɫ Student Alliance officially represents the student body of 91��ɫ and has the purpose of promoting communication and facilitating understanding among students, faculty, and administrators.

3.04 Decision Making and Policy Formation

The Division of Culture, Planning, & Policy (CPP) oversees the development and maintenance of 91��ɫ’s institutional policies and procedures. Institutional policies and procedures are intended to provide clarity to��stakeholders while mitigating institutional and stakeholder risk, advancing equity, and ensuring compliance with state and federal laws��as well as the procedures and guidelines of the Nevada System of Higher Education. Institutional policies align operations, set behavioral expectations across the institution, and��communicate roles and responsibilities.��​

CPP has the important task of helping the 91��ɫ community develop policies that are accessible, flexible,��efficient, and supportive of the most diverse range of stakeholders possible.

We strive to involve and empower our institution’s subject matter experts and those directly impacted by all institutional policies. NS stakeholders, including students, academic faculty, administrative faculty, classified employees, executive staff, recognized student clubs and organizations, and other campus groups are encouraged to get meaningfully involved in policy development by providing input on draft policies or by joining a policy development team. Standardized policy and procedure tools, templates, and timelines empower policy developers to consistently organize and communicate information.

All institutional policies are reviewed by general counsel and approved by the relevant division vice president and the president of 91��ɫ. Learn more at .

Governance bodies on campus include Faculty Senate, the 91��ɫ Student Alliance, and the Classified Employees Council.

3.05 Institutional Budgeting Process

The Executive Budget Committee serves as an advisory and recommending body to the president on matters pertaining to the institutional operating budget. The Committee helps define budget policies and ensure financial resources are allocated in a manner that supports programs and services, which further the institution’s vision and goals. The Committee shall seek input from the University community about general operating budget matters as a means to inform priority funding recommendations in alignment with the University’s strategic plan. The members of the committee shall help facilitate communication regarding the operating budget in an informative manner with the University community.

��

Section 4: Faculty Employment Policies

4.01 Definitions

4.01.01 Definition of Faculty

The faculty shall consist of the corps of instruction and the administrative officers as defined in . This includes professors, associate professors, assistant professors, lecturers (including those at the levels of senior lecturer and distinguished lecturer), teaching personnel with other titles approved by the Board of Regents, and duly certified librarians.

4.01.02 Part-Time Faculty

Part-time faculty are non-tenured, temporary faculty employed at a single NSHE institution or at more than one NSHE institution and are hired on Letters of Appointment (LOAs). Payments are scheduled according to the timelines below:

Fall Semester (4 equal payments)

• 1st working day of October
• 1st working day of November
• 1st working day of December
• 1st working day of January

��Winter Session (1 payment)

• 1st working day of February

Spring Semester (4 equal payments)

• 1st working day of March
• 1st working day of April
• 1st working day of May
• 1st working day of June

��Summer Session 1 – 6 wk (1 payment)

• 1st working day of July

Summer Session 1 – 12 wk (3 equal payments)

• 1st working day of July
• 1st working day of August
• 1st working day of September

��Summer Session 2 – 6 wk (2 equal payments)

• 1st working day of August
• 1st working day of September

4.02 Faculty Employment

4.02.01 Minimum Qualifications for Employment

It is the policy of the NSHE that all academic faculty positions (including those on Letters of Appointment) and administrative faculty positions shall require a minimum of a bachelor’s degree, or appropriate professional experience in lieu of post-secondary education equivalent to such degree, and that all such academic degrees shall have been awarded by an accredited institution as recognized by the United States Department of Education and/or the Council on Higher Education Accreditation (CHEA). All job requisitions or advertisements for administrative and academic faculty positions shall include explicit reference to these requirements. If the applicant earned their degree(s) outside of the United States, the applicant must have their transcripts evaluated by an approved evaluating entity; the expense of the evaluation shall be borne by the applicant. 91��ɫ shall independently verify academic credentials within 30 calendar days of the effective date of employment and shall develop a procedure to ensure that the verification process takes place. 91��ɫ shall independently verify academic credentials obtained after an employee’s original hire date prior to recognizing such credentials in official personnel files, academic catalogs, institutional publications, other official documents, or for the purpose of promotion or title change. (BOR Title 2, Chapter 5, Section 5.10.2)

91��ɫ requires that tenure-track academic faculty must hold a doctorate or equivalent terminal degree in their discipline. Lecturers and PTIs teaching undergraduate courses must hold a minimum of a master’s degree, with the exception of clinical and lab instructors in the School of Nursing, who must hold at least a BSN and sufficient years of experience in the clinical specialty to meet NSBN and CCNE requirements. Academic faculty, including PTIs, teaching graduate courses must hold a doctorate or equivalent terminal degree in their discipline.

4.02.02 Recruitment and Appointment at 91��ɫ

Faculty appointments and reappointments are recommended by the dean of the academic unit to the provost, who then makes a recommendation to the president.

According to the Board of Regents, each institution shall publish comprehensive, clearly stated written policies and procedures for the recruitment and appointment of faculty members.

The president shall be responsible for the initial appointment and salary of faculty members and administrative employees as well as all promotions of each group and shall be authorized to make all reappointments of faculty members and administrative employees, except as otherwise specified in the BOR Handbook or Policies and Procedures Manual. The president has the right and authority to grant leaves of absence for up to one (1) year for members of the faculty to undertake work that benefits NSHE or for such reasons as the president may deem proper.

4.03 Notice of Resignation and Nonreappointment of Contracts

4.03.01 Resignation

All resignations by an academic or administrative faculty member should be in writing and should be submitted to the appointing authority at least 30 calendar days in advance of its effective date. A faculty member who wishes to resign or does not plan to continue their appointment should notify their direct supervisor (dean or department chair) in writing at the earliest opportunity to allow time for a replacement to be found.

Faculty on 9-month contracts are paid in twelve annualized, equal payments from July 1 to June 30. July 1 through the beginning of the fall semester is a prepayment for the upcoming academic year. The end of the spring semester through June 30 is a post-payment for the preceding academic year.

Faculty on 9-month contracts should resign on December 31 or June 30. If employment is terminated between July 1 and the beginning of the fall semester, any salary and associated portion of benefits received is a prepayment for the upcoming academic year and the 9-month faculty member will be required to reimburse 91��ɫ for all prepayments received.

4.03.02 Notice of Nonreappointment of Contracts

��See NSHE Code, Chapter 5, Section 5.9: Notice of Nonreappointment and Notice of Termination for System, Except DRI.

4.03.03 Layoffs for Curricular Reasons

See NSHE Code, Chapter 5, Section 5.4.8: Procedures for Lay Off Due to Curricular Reasons.

4.04 Evaluation of Faculty

4.04.01 Regents’ Policy

BOR policy can be found in NSHE Code, Chapter 5, Section 5.12. In accordance with the policy of the Board of Regents, 91��ɫ requires an annual evaluation of all faculty. Tenure-track faculty shall receive a third-year (pre-tenure) review as well as a review upon application for promotion and/or tenure.

4.04.02 Faculty Evaluation at 91��ɫ

4.04.02.1 Overview

Faculty evaluation consists of several objectives. All faculty members are evaluated annually. Tenure-track faculty members are subject to additional evaluation steps that take place in the third year of employment and at the point of their applying for tenure and/or promotion; non-tenure-track lecturers are also subject to additional evaluation upon application for promotion. The annual evaluation will serve as the basis for determining merit salary increases when merit pay has been approved.

4.04.02.2 Annual Evaluation

• A faculty member shall receive at least one written annual review of their professional performance per academic year. The evaluation shall be formative as well as summative. The evaluation is completed by the appropriate administrator in the faculty member’s academic unit (e.g., dean, department chair, or designee) and reviewed and approved by the dean (where the dean is not the reviewer). Faculty should refer to the Promotion, Tenure, and Review Expectations for their academic unit for details on requirements.
• The annual evaluation shall be based upon faculty performance and the faculty member’s self-evaluation for the previous calendar year. These materials shall be used to evaluate the faculty member’s performance in teaching, librarianship, and/or other professional duties; scholarship (for tenure-track/tenured faculty only); and service.
• It is the faculty member’s responsibility to provide their academic administrator with the relevant materials for this review. During the annual evaluation, each faculty member shall develop, in consultation with their immediate academic supervisor, a set of goals for the coming year.
• Both the faculty member and the evaluator(s) shall signify that the evaluation has been discussed by signing the evaluation. A copy shall be placed in the faculty member’s personnel file; electronic copies shall be given to the faculty member and the Office of Academic Affairs.
• If a faculty member feels that the final evaluation is inaccurate and/or detrimental, the faculty member should follow procedures provided in the NSU Bylaws. The faculty member’s response shall be attached to the evaluation.

4.04.02.3 Pre-Tenure Review (Third Year Review)

See the Promotion and Tenure Policy for details.

The goal of third year review (pre-tenure review) is to promote faculty development by providing probationary faculty an opportunity for a more in-depth, formative review than is provided by the annual faculty evaluation. Third year review is a formal step in the continuous evaluation of faculty performance.

Pre-tenure review serves to guide probationary faculty toward successful promotion and tenure review. In cases where the evaluator concludes that satisfactory progress has not yet been achieved, then together, the faculty member and the reviewer shall draw up a development plan and identify resources necessary for improvement. However, neither satisfactory performance on the review nor fulfillment of the development plan can be construed as a guarantee of promotion or tenure.

Third year review is optional for non-tenure-track lecturers.

4.04.02.4 Promotion and Tenure Review

See the Promotion and Tenure Policy for details.

Tenure resides at the institutional level. The principle of academic faculty tenure imposes reciprocal responsibilities upon the institution and the faculty member: The institution provides academic freedom and continued employment on a 100 percent workload basis until retirement, dismissal for cause, or release because of financial exigency. The faculty member is obligated to maintain high standards of professional performance and professional ethics.

A candidate for tenure must not only meet the designated minimum period of service, but also must meet what are at that time the long-range needs of the institution and must show a history of evaluations that merits the award of tenure.

4.04.02.5 Unit-Level Promotion, Tenure, and Review Expectations

��Each academic unit has specific expectations for promotion, tenure, and annual reviews. Faculty should refer to the expectations for their unit:

• University Library Promotion, Tenure, and Review Expectations
• School of Education Promotion, Tenure, and Review Expectations
• School of Liberal Arts, Sciences, and Business Promotion, Tenure, and Review Expectations
• School of Nursing Promotion, Tenure, and Review Expectations

4.04.02.6 Academic Portfolio Support

The Center for Teaching and Learning Excellence (CTLE) provides trainings regarding how to put together academic portfolios for promotion and tenure purposes, as well as other professional development opportunities. Individual units may also provide trainings on academic portfolios to their academic faculty members.

4.05 Discipline and Removal of Faculty Members

See:

• NSHE Code, Chapter 5, Section 5.9: Notice of Nonreappointment and Notice of Termination for System, Except DRI;
• NSHE Code Chapter 5, Section 5.10: Termination Upon Exhaustion of Leave or Falsification of Credentials;
• NSHE Code Chapter 6: Rules and Disciplinary Procedures for Faculty Except DRI, and Degree Revocations
• NS Bylaws, Chapter 6, Section 12: Dismissal

4.06 Faculty Contracts

See NSHE Code, Chapter 5, Section 5.4.2-5.4.4 and NS Bylaws.

4.7 Compensation

4.7.01 Salaries

The Board of Regents policy on faculty salaries is found in NSHE Code, Chapter 5, Section 5.5.

4.7.02 Salary and Academic Obligation Dates

Full-time faculty on 9-month appointments are paid their annual salary in equal monthly installments over twelve months. They are contracted to work during the academic obligation periods in the fall and spring semesters. Full-time faculty on 12-month appointments are obligated year-round. See the 91��ɫ academic calendar for obligation dates.

��4.7.03 Summer, Winter, and Overload Pay

Nine-month contracts do not obligate faculty to teach during the summer. Faculty members are not guaranteed summer employment.

Payment of compensation to faculty members for employment during the summer session shall be at a rate established in the NSHE Procedures and Guidelines Manual, Chapter 3, Section 6: Summer Term Salary Schedules. See NS’s Academic Faculty Summer, Winter, and Overload Pay Policy for additional details.

4.7.04 Merit Pay

Annual salary increments shall not be automatic but based upon merit as determined by a faculty member’s professional performance as evaluated annually. Refer to the Academic Faculty Merit Pay Policy and Administrative Faculty Merit Pay Policy for more information.

��4.7.05 Extra-Contractual Compensation

Academic and administrative faculty may earn extra contractual compensation up to the maximum allowed under the Extra-Contractual Compensation (ECC) policy.

4.8 Emeritus/Emerita Title

See the Emeritus/Emerita/Emerit Status Policy.

4.9 Faculty Career Development

Faculty, Classified staff, and executive staff are encouraged to participate in development activities and study. Career development opportunities may include, but are not limited to, the following:

1. Grants-in-Aid program;
2. External professional programs and conferences; and
3. System-wide/institutional faculty and staff professional development programs.

4.9.01 Grants-in-Aid Program

91��ɫ offers a Grant-in-Aid tuition assistance program to academic and administrative faculty and their family members (spouses and financial dependents under the age of 24). For more information, see NSHE Handbook Title 4, Chapter 3, Section 11.

Section 5: Faculty Rights and Responsibilities

5.01 Academic Freedom

91��ɫ recognizes that there are rights and responsibilities that exist concomitant with the academic freedoms underpinning the professional work of its faculty. NSU operates under the requirements set forth in NSHE Code, Chapter 2: Academic Freedom and Responsibility.

5.02�������� Research Misconduct

See the��Research Misconduct Policy.

5.03 Faculty Workload Policy

The general purposes of a workload policy are to ensure a reasonable and equitable assignment of faculty responsibilities across the institution, to ensure that faculty members contribute comparable levels of effort to the institution’s collective work, and to ensure that faculty members are rewarded on the basis of their contributions. The normal workload, not to be confused with the teaching load, for faculty includes teaching, librarianship, and/or other professional duties; service to the institution; and, for tenured and tenure-track faculty, scholarship.

See the Academic Workload Policy for details.

5.03.01 Reassignment of Workload Responsibilities

Reassigned time may be granted for program development, special projects, research, approved graduate study, and administrative assignments, provided the teaching load could otherwise be handled within existing budgetary and personnel limitations. When the workload of committee assignments or research is uncommonly high, a compensating reduction in teaching load may be granted upon recommendation of the dean and the approval of the provost. Faculty seeking reassigned time should refer to the Faculty Instructional Course Release Policy.

In all cases, it is expected that the time and effort for re-assigned workload must be equivalent to the normal faculty workload. Additionally, when a faculty member is granted reassigned time for a project, the expectation is that the project will be completed within the time specified on the original request for a teaching load reduction.

5.04 Faculty Instructional Policies

The established vision, mission, and programs of 91��ɫ require the best teaching-learning experiences for students. The accomplishment of this ideal relies on the effective functioning of the institution’s faculty, both singularly and in groups.

��5.04.01 Office Hours

See the Academic Workload Policy for details.

5.04.02 Syllabi

Syllabi are required for all courses. Course syllabi are to be distributed to the class at the beginning of each term via the learning management system (Canvas). Faculty should use the syllabus template built into Canvas to design their syllabi. Follow each unit’s guidelines on whether a copy of each syllabus should be provided to the dean’s office.

5.04.03 Textbook Policy

See the Course Materials Selection Policy.

5.04.04 Academic Curriculum Development

Academic curriculum and course development, changes, and evaluation are responsibilities of every instructional faculty member. When possible, academic curriculum development will be accomplished as part of a faculty member’s normal workload. Each academic dean and/or department chair is responsible for providing leadership in the scheduling and management of curriculum and course development. Additions, deletions, or changes in any academic curriculum, course, or program must be approved by the appropriate groups, which may include the academic��dean, the unit-level curriculum committee, the Faculty Senate Curriculum Committee, the Faculty Senate, the Provost’s Office, and in certain cases, the Board of Regents and the Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities (NWCCU).

For more information, see the Academic Curriculum Review Policy.

Diplomas may only list Board-approved degrees and majors, as listed in the APIS directory (NSHE P&G Manual Chapter 6, Section 13), as well as concentrations for BAS degrees and certificates. For questions about whether a concentration within a degree will appear on students’ diplomas, check with the Office of the Registrar.

5.04.05 Attendance and Academic Engagement Policy

Faculty members shall maintain an attendance record for all classes. When submitting final grades, faculty must report the last date of attendance for any students receiving grades of F.

Students must academically engage in a course to be counted as attending and to receive financial aid for the course. For in-person and hybrid courses, attendance at a course session is sufficient. Documenting that a student has logged into an online class is not sufficient to demonstrate academic attendance. Examples of acceptable evidence of academic engagement in an online class include:

• Attending a synchronous class, lecture, recitation, or field or laboratory activity where there is an opportunity for interaction between the instructor and students;
• Submitting an academic assignment;
• Taking a quiz or exam;
• Participating in an interactive tutorial, webinar, or other interactive computer-assisted instruction;
• Participating in a study group, group project, or online discussion that is assigned for the course;
• Interacting with the instructor about academic matters.

Attendance records must include at least one academic engagement checkpoint in the first two weeks of fall and spring terms; relevant dates will be published for accelerated terms. For more information, see the Enrollment Cancellation for Nonattendance Policy.

A statement about the attendance/academic engagement policy and procedures is included in the Student Responsibilities section of Canvas templates.

5.04.06 Faculty Absence from Class

Faculty members are expected to attend all scheduled sessions of their classes. Faculty members who must miss one or more class sessions shall contact their direct supervisor as soon as possible to make arrangements and notify students as appropriate.

5.04.07 Class Rosters

All class rolls are available to faculty via the Faculty Center. It is recommended that faculty members consult their class rolls frequently to monitor enrollments, which may change during the first few days of class. Any student who attends but is not listed on a class roster should be sent to the Registrar’s Office to determine the reason for the omission. Any student who registers after classes have begun, typically during the add/drop period, will appear on the Faculty Center class roll.

5.04.08 Change of Schedule (Drop and Add Process)

Changes in schedules do not become official until the student adds or drops a class through their myNSU account. Student questions should be directed to the Office of the Registrar. The add/drop deadline for each term, including accelerated terms, is published in the annual academic calendar.

5.04.09 Non-attendance Reporting

Financial aid recipients are ineligible for funds the University has awarded for a particular class if they do not attend at least one class meeting. Students are NOT entitled to keep a financial aid award if they do not attend the class. When non-attending students are not reported in a timely manner before financial aid awards are disbursed to students, both the institution and the student may be liable for repaying the portion of the award that the student is not eligible to receive.

To comply with Federal Financial Aid regulations, 91��ɫ developed the Enrollment Cancellation for Nonattendance Policy.

5.04.10 Grades

NS uses a grading scale of A through F, including +/- grades (e.g., A-, B+; no A+ grade is assigned). Some courses are graded on a Satisfactory/Unsatisfactory (S/U) basis.

5.04.10.1 Grading Policy

Faculty members are expected to know all regulations and policies related to grades. In addition, all faculty members are expected to provide the students in their classes with an explanation of the grading policy to be used in each course. A student has the right to know in advance what factors shall be used (e.g., tests, exams, quizzes, projects, discussions) in evaluating class performance; they also have the right to ascertain their standing in a course. Prior to the withdrawal date of the term, students shall receive evaluative feedback so they may best determine their standing in the class.

5.04.10.2 Submitting Grades

Faculty members must submit final grades to the Registrar’s Office by the deadline specified for each term; due dates are posted in the academic calendar. Class rosters, available in the Faculty Center, are the vehicle for entering grades. If a faculty member experiences difficulty in entering��grades or obtaining rosters through the Faculty Center, the Registrar should be contacted immediately. Information concerning final grades will be disseminated to academic faculty by email before the term ends. In general, final grades are due by noon on the Wednesday after the last day of each term.

5.04.10.3 Changing a Grade

Faculty members are expected to make every effort to ensure that grades submitted to the Registrar’s Office are correct. If an error is made, faculty must submit a “Change of Grade Form” for each grade change. The “Change of Grade Form,” available in the portal, must be approved by the department chair and/or academic dean and submitted to the Registrar‘s Office for processing.

5.04.10.4 Incomplete Grades

See the Policy on Incomplete (I) and Not Recorded (NR) Grades.

5.04.10.5 Grade Records

All faculty members shall retain accurate grade book records of individual assignments in Canvas. If a faculty member keeps a separate grade book (electronic or physical) with any grades or notes, the grade book record must be kept for three years after the end of the term.

5.04.10.6 Grade Appeals

See the Grade Appeals Policy.

5.04.11 Final Exams

Where appropriate for the course material, faculty members should schedule a final exam in each of their courses during the regularly scheduled class time. 91��ɫ does not schedule a separate finals week. Whether the final exam is comprehensive or not is left to the discretion of the faculty member.

5.04.12 Credit by Examination and Advanced Placement

See the NSU Academic Catalog for information on and .

5.04.13 Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA)

In compliance with the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA), a federal law enacted in

1974, students’ scores or grades should not be displayed publicly. Even with names obscured, numeric student identifiers are considered personally identifiable information and must not be made public. Grades, transcripts, or degree audits distributed for purposes of advisement should not be placed in open mail boxes located in public places. Graded papers or tests should not be left unattended on a desk in plain view in a public area, nor should students sort through papers or tests to retrieve their own work. Class rosters and grade sheets should be handled in a confidential manner, and the information contained in them should not be re-disclosed to third parties.

Parents, spouses, and others do not have a right to information contained in a student‘s education record unless specifically granted by the student. Students who choose to have their grades disclosed to parents or other individuals must complete the . These forms are processed in the Registrar’s Office.

Faculty may directly communicate course progress (e.g., test scores, assignment grades) with an individual student via NSU student email or through Canvas; for these purposes, student use of Canvas and student email indicates prior consent for this communication.

5.04.14 Student Rights

As outlined in the 1974 Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA), students have the right to inspect and review their education records, request the amendment of their records (if proven inaccurate or misleading), limit disclosure of personally identifiable information contained in their education record, and file a complaint with the U.S. Department of Education concerning alleged failures of the institution to comply with the law. 91��ɫ makes every effort to comply with FERPA by protecting the privacy of student records and by evaluating requests for release of information from those records. However, FERPA authorizes the release of directory information without the student’s prior consent under certain conditions which are set forth in the Act. NSU has defined its directory information in accordance with the law.

Directory information is information contained in an educational record of a student which would not generally be considered harmful or an invasion of privacy if disclosed. At 91��ɫ the following is designated as public or directory information: the student’s name, physical addresses, email addresses, telephone number, major field of study, degree sought, expected date of completion of degree requirements and graduation, degrees and awards received, dates of attendance at the institution, full-time or part-time enrollment status, the previous educational agency or institution attended, participation in officially recognized activities, and other similar information. Directory information is information that the institution may disclose, but it is not required to do so. 91��ɫ does not disclose Social Security Numbers, personal identification numbers, grades, grade point averages, class schedules, academic actions, or the number of credits the student is taking unless the student has signed a consent form that specifically identifies to whom the information is to be released.

Faculty and staff who have a need to know are permitted access to students’ records in the course of their duties as University officials. As such, the law requires them to act in a legally specified manner with regard to education records. FERPA applies to the education records of persons who are or who have been in attendance, including students in cooperative and correspondence programs. Education records are records that are 1) directly related to a student and 2) maintained by an educational agency or institution or by a party acting for the agency or institution. Access to PeopleSoft is not tantamount to authorization to view students’ data. Faculty members are deemed to be “school officials” and can access data in PeopleSoft or the Faculty Center if they have a “legitimate educational interest.” A legitimate educational interest exists if the faculty member needs to view the education record in order to fulfill professional responsibilities. Neither curiosity nor personal interest can be considered as a legitimate educational “need to know.”

Under the Copyright Law of 1976, students also own the copyright to written and artistic works (e.g., essays, discussion posts, photographs) created and submitted as coursework. Faculty wishing to quote student coursework must ask for a copyright release.

For more information, visit and the NSU Academic Catalog statement on .

5.04.15 The Copyright Act of 1976

The Copyright Act of 1976 provides the following guidelines for classroom copying in not-for-profit educational institutions:

1. 1. Single Copying for Teachers: A single copy may be made of any of the following by or for a teacher for scholarly research or for use in teaching or for preparation to teach a class:

• A chapter from a book;
• An article from a periodical or newspaper;
• A short story, short essay, or short poem, whether or not form a collective work;
• A chart, graph, diagram, drawing, cartoon, or picture from a book, periodical, or newspaper.

2. Multiple Copies for Classroom Use: Multiple copies (not to exceed in any event more than one copy per pupil in a course) may be made by or for the teacher teaching the course for classroom use or discussion; provided that

• The copying meets the test of brevity and spontaneity as defined below,
• Meets the cumulative effect test as defined below,
• Each copy includes a notice of copyright.

3. 3. Definitions

A. Brevity

• Poetry: brevity is defined as a complete poem if less than 250 words and if printed on not more than two pages or from a longer poem, an excerpt of not more than 250 words. This numerical limit may be expanded to permit the completion of an unfinished line of a poem.
• Prose: brevity is defined either as a complete article, story, or essay of less than 2,500 words or an excerpt from any prose work of not less than 500 or more than 1,000 words or ten percent of the work, whichever is less. This numerical limit may be expanded to permit the completion of an unfinished paragraph.
• Illustration: brevity is defined as one chart, graph, diagram, cartoon, or picture per book or per periodical issue
• “Special” works: this term refers to certain works in poetry, prose, or “poetic prose,” which often combine language with illustrations and are intended either for children or a more general audience and fall short of 2,500 words in their entirety. Despite the prior definition of brief prose, such “special works” may not be reproduced in their entirety; however, an excerpt comprising not more than two of the published pages of such special work and containing not more than ten percent of the words found in the text may be reproduced.

B. Spontaneity

• The copying is at the instance and inspiration of the individual teacher;
• The inspiration and decision to use the work and the moment of its use for maximum teaching effectiveness are so close in time that it would be unreasonable to expect a timely reply to a request for permission.

C. Cumulative Effect

• The copying of the material is for only one course in the school in which the copies are made;
• Not more than one short poem, article, story, or essay or two excerpts copied from either the same author; no more than three texts from the same collective work or periodical volume may be copied during one class term. This limitation does not apply to current news periodicals, newspapers, and current news sections of other periodicals;
• There shall not be more than nine instances of such multiple copying for one course during one class term. This limitation does not apply to current news periodicals, newspapers, and current news sections of other periodicals.

5. Prohibitions to Sections 1 and 2 Above: Despite the copying guidelines in Sections 1 and 2, the following shall be prohibited:

A. Copying shall not be used to create, replace, or substitute for anthologies, compilations, or collective works. Such replacement or substitution may occur whether copies of or excerpts from various works are accumulated or used separately.

B. There shall be no copying of or from works intended to be “consumable” in the course of study or of teaching. These include workbooks, exercises, standardized tests, test booklets, answer sheets, etc.

C. Copying shall not:

• Substitute for the purchase of books, publishers‘ reprints, or periodicals;
• Be directed by a higher authority;
• Be repeated with respect to the same item by the same teacher from term to term;
• Be charged to the student beyond the actual cost of photocopying.

For more information, see the following web page:

5.04.16 Copyright Fair Use Exception

Fair Use is the right to use a copyrighted work in some situations without the permission of the copyright owner. It is now codified in Section 107 of the U. S. Copyright Act. The factors that determine whether a given situation is fair use are:

• the purpose and character of the use, including whether such use is of a commercial nature or is for nonprofit educational purposes;
• the nature of the copyrighted work;
• the amount and substantiality of the portion used in relation to the copyrighted work as a whole;
• the effect of the use upon the potential market for or value of the copyrighted work.

While noncommercial use is more likely to be deemed fair use than commercial use, an educational purpose alone does not make a use fair. The more transformative the use, the more likely it is to be considered fair use, regardless of the other factors. Some photocopying of material for classes may be allowable under the Fair Use Doctrine; see section 5.03.15 above.

The U.S. Copyright Office maintains a , which is a searchable database of judicial decisions regarding fair use.

5.04.17 Learning Management System

1. Canvas is the official Learning Management System for courses at 91��ɫ.
2. Canvas must be used to deliver or link to course content, and it must be used exclusively for electronic collection and storage of sensitive student data, including assessments in accordance with the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA).
3. These policies represent minimum requirements; schools may implement additional policies, provided they do not conflict with the one listed here.

��5.04.18 Course Format and Contact Hours

������’s Policy on the Credit Hour states the amount of contact time required for each unit of credit earned in a course. This varies by type of course and number of credits. Faculty members are responsible for ensuring they meet the minimum contact time for their course. Courses must meet for the full term and class sessions cannot be canceled for reasons other than unavoidable faculty absences.

Contact Time Required (15-Week Lecture Course)

To be listed in the class schedule as a hybrid course, at least 25% of the contact time must be met online. Students are charged a Distance Education Fee for hybrid and online courses. In online courses, the course material and activities (e.g., synchronous lectures, video or written lectures, activities, discussions) should equal the number of contact hours that would be required in an in-person course.

Faculty may not informally or individually change the format of their course (e.g., moving an in-person course online or vice versa), other than short-term arrangements due to a faculty absence. If a long-term change to a course format is required, the faculty member should contact the dean to discuss the possibility.

5.04.19 Student Disability Accommodations

The Disability Resource Center (DRC) ensures NSU complies with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), as amended, and section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973. The DRC provides resources to faculty and students, including reviewing and approving reasonable classroom and learning accommodations. DRC policies are posted on the NSU policy library.

Faculty will be notified if a student in their class has approved accommodations. The DRC isn’t allowed to disclose a student’s specific disability, any diagnosis, or other elements of the student’s medical record, and faculty cannot share information about a student’s accommodations with other faculty, students, or a student’s parents.

Faculty are required to implement all DRC-approved student accommodations; they should not provide other accommodations that have not been approved by the DRC. Most exams and other timed tests for students with accommodations (e.g., extra time, quiet testing environment) occurs in the DRC. Instructors may choose to proctor the exam privately, but must ensure that all approved accommodations related to testing are in place.

Faculty rights and responsibilities regarding student accommodations are outlined in DRC 2: DRC Policy Overview. Instructors with any questions or concerns about disability accommodations should reach out to the DRC leadership by emailing drc@nevadastate.edu or calling (702) 992-2180.

The CTLE provides a , as well as scheduled programming and one-on-one consultations related to inclusive course design. Faculty interested in assistance should email ctle@nevadastate.edu.

5.05 Grant Proposals, Research Involving Human Subjects, and Intellectual Property

5.05.01 Guidelines for Research and Grant Proposals

91��ɫ has developed a process for submission of grant proposals by faculty. Contracts and grants are external funds received through formal written application to federal, state, and local agencies, corporations, foundations, and other agencies. These funds supplement the institution’s state-appropriated funding to assist the institution in meeting its goals. While contracts and grants may assist NSU in providing a margin of excellence, the institution does not rely on grant funds to replace the regular operating budget. With few exceptions, grants and contracts are awarded to 91��ɫ or the Foundation rather than to the proposal initiator/project director; NSU accepts fiduciary responsibility for such grants and contracts awarded, acting as the fiscal agent. Therefore, the institution is responsible for fulfilling the project’s objectives and requirements, with the exception of faculty study grants awarded directly to a faculty member (as approved by NS’s Office of Grants Awards Services). ������’s contracts and grants procedures are in compliance with policies established by NSHE.

The development of an idea for a grant proposal generally begins with a faculty member’s discussion with their immediate administrative supervisor or academic dean. The proposed grant must relate directly to and ensure conformity with the purpose and mission of 91��ɫ. If the proposal is approved by the appropriate administrator/dean, the initiator should reach out to the Office of Grants Awards Services (OGAS) to review the funding opportunity by submitting a . The initiator will then be provided with a “Preliminary Grant Checklist and Approval Form.” The initiator must identify funding sources, prepare a proposal synopsis, and submit the completed approval form to OGAS. OGAS will route the grant approval form to the Provost’s Office and the Executive Team for approval. If the proposal is approved, the initiator may begin formal proposal activities, including developing a detailed budget proposal and providing required certifications and documentation for the application.

��5.05.02 Research Involving Human Subjects

91��ɫ has implemented an Institutional Review Board (IRB) and developed policies related to research involving human subjects. All faculty and students of the NSU community contemplating research involving human subjects are responsible for familiarizing themselves with the requirements of the current Institutional Review Board (IRB) Guidelines of the Office for Human Research Protections (OHRP) located at the following link

See the Institutional Review Board Policy for the Protection of Human Subjects for a definition of research, requirements for review, and other procedures related to human subjects research. The contains all materials needed to apply for IRB approval. For research projects involving students’ educational records, review the Use of NSU Students’ Educational Records in Research policy.

5.05.03 Intellectual Property

See NSHE Handbook, Title 4, Chapter 12: Intellectual Property, Research, and Entrepreneurial Activity.

5.05.04 Participant Payments

Refer to the Business Office guidance on using and for participant compensation. If a non-NSHE subject will receive more than $200 total in compensation during a single calendar year (from all payments combined), you must collect a W-9 form for taxation purposes.

5.06 Faculty Grievances

See the 91��ɫ Bylaws: Grievance Procedures for Academic and Administrative Faculty.

5.07 Travel

Travel funds are available through the academic units, departments, and Office of the Provost Seed Grant program. These funds provide for travel by faculty members for the following purposes:

1. To attend professional functions and meetings as a means of professional growth and development;
2. To conduct research related to scholarly activities;
3. To represent 91��ɫ outside of the Las Vegas Valley as requested by the institution.

See the campus for details on travel approvals and processing. Faculty should refer to the travel funds procedures for their unit for specific details and availability of funds.

5.07.01 Field Trip Transportation

Transportation for field trips that involve students must follow the guidance provided in the Travel Manual; details depend on the length of the trip and distance of travel. If departmental funds are available, renting a vehicle from a contracted supplier may be an option.

Students must sign the . Refer to the Travel Manual for more information. Students driving their own vehicles must sign the . The organizer of the field trip is responsible for collecting signed forms.

5.08 General Support Information

5.08.01 Administrative Assistance

Each unit is assigned administrative assistance. Student workers, employed by the institution through its financial aid and assistantship programs, are also made available when possible.

5.08.02 Announcement of Events to the Student Body

The Office of Information & Technology Services can assist faculty with posting announcements on Canvas. Complete the Technical Support Request form on the portal for consideration.

The Office of Marketing & Events can assist faculty with posting announcements on the portal and campus info screens. Complete the Post a Campus Announcement form on the portal. Faculty can also request social media coverage of special events, though coverage is not guaranteed.

��5.08.03 Bookstore

The academic dean (or designee) or department chair will coordinate the ordering of texts and other student materials through the bookstore. All faculty members receive a 10% discount on purchases made through the bookstore.

5.08.04 Payroll and Benefits

New employees will attend a Human Resources benefits orientation. Inquiries regarding payroll deductions, retirement benefits, and health and life insurance may be directed to the Office of Human Resources.

5.08.05 Scorpion Café

Food services are available on the main campus. Refer to the NS website for operational hours.

5.08.06 Campus Mail Service

Mail is delivered daily to the campus mailroom and distributed along with campus mail to the various departments. Faculty members are assigned a mailbox in their unit. There is no charge for any outgoing mail of an official nature. Campus mail should be placed in the special envelopes provided for internal communication. Mail service is for official 91��ɫ business only.

5.08.07 Campus News

News items can be submitted to the weekly . Announcements and information are also distributed via the Academic Affairs Newsletter, the Division of Student Affairs SALT Shaker, and other campus publications.

5.08.08 Computers and Computer Terminals

Each full-time faculty member is supplied with a desktop computer or laptop in their office. Part-time faculty have access to computers in workgroup areas as well as computer labs across campus. In addition, the institution has workstations located in the library and in all classrooms. These computers include the Microsoft Office suite and provide access to file sharing, printing, and the internet.��For those working remotely, checkout laptops are available through the library and Information & Technology Services. Faculty needing equipment beyond what was initially provided should contact their department administrative assistant.

Visit the NSU website for more information on all available computer labs.

5.08.09 Copying Equipment

Copiers/printers are distributed throughout the campus. Faculty members shall determine the degree of quality necessary and use the most economical method to achieve it (e.g., black and white rather than color printing, when appropriate). Copyright laws shall be observed.

5.08.10 Exercise and Recreational Facilities

NSU has a fitness center located in M-200, near the Dawson Building. An NSU ID card is required to use the facilities. Visit the NSU website for hours of operation.

��5.08.11 Grading Machines

Faculty members interested in using the institution’s grading machines can obtain special test forms from their academic unit. Certain machines are coupled to computers for an analysis of tests answered on these forms. The current location of these machines can be obtained from the academic dean or chair.

5.08.12 Keys

The distribution of office keys is handled by Facilities. Each key is assigned to an individual and must be picked up and/or returned by the individual. Upon termination, all keys must be returned in order to complete offboarding. Building and common room access is provided using the Scorpion Card. Office key and building access requests can be submitted by the unit administrative assistant upon approval of the academic dean and/or department chair.

5.08.13 Maintenance

Problems shall be called to the attention of the unit’s administrative assistant for submission to Facilities, or submitted directly to Facilities at facilities@nevadastate.edu

5.08.14 Office Supplies

Each unit has a procedure for obtaining office supplies. Contact the administrative assistant for assistance.

5.08.15 Public Relations

The Office of Marketing and Events is responsible for coordinating media interviews/information and determining the appropriate spokesperson(s).

Addressing Media Inquiries:��The Marketing Office, through its Marketing & Communications Manager, is the first point of contact for media requests for information and interviews. The Vice President of Advancement will be informed of the media request along with the Chief of Staff & Strategy and the Deputy Chief of Staff.

• The Marketing & Communications Manager will collaborate with the Director of Marketing & Events to review the nature of the inquiry and deadline, relevant persons to gain information or respond, and brainstorm responses.
• The Marketing & Communications Manager will consult with the Vice President and Deputy Chief of Staff on the appropriate party to respond and the potential response.
• The Marketing & Communications Manager will advise the Chancellor’s Communications Office of the inquiry and proposed response if media inquiry has political or NSHE sensitivities. Notification of the Board of Regents may also be required based on consultation with the president.
• Executive leadership, academic deans, and department heads will need to respond to incoming media requests from the Marketing Office as soon as possible on the request for a spokesperson or for additional information. This will enable us to fulfill the media request in a timely manner.
• The Marketing Office will provide media relations support to the identified spokesperson(s). This will include interview coordination, assistance with key messages, talking points, potential interview questions, and presence at the interview.
• The Marketing & Communications Manager will follow up with the reporter to coordinate interview logistics and publication/broadcast.

Identifying media opportunities:��The Marketing Office proactively seeks opportunities to communicate 91��ɫ news and events to the media. Employees are responsible for notifying the Marketing & Communications Manager by email, as far in advance as possible, about newsworthy events or happenings on campus so the department can determine the best way to promote them to media, if appropriate. Lack of sufficient notice about news and events on campus (e.g. less than one week’s notice) may limit the department’s ability to provide effective media relations support.

Media relations during times of crisis:��The Marketing Office, in conjunction with the Chief of Staff & Strategy, is responsible for all contact with the media during a crisis or emergency situation. If an employee receives a media inquiry during a crisis situation, they are asked not to respond and instead to immediately forward the request to the Director of Marketing & Events for appropriate action, which will be implemented according to the 91��ɫ Emergency Operations Plan.

5.08.16 Center for Teaching and Learning Excellence

The Center for Teaching and Learning Excellence (CTLE) provides academic faculty with professional development opportunities through individual and group support regarding instructional design, effective teaching strategies, educational technology, accessibility, and other topics related to teaching and learning.��It is open to both full-time faculty and part-time instructors.

For information on the services, workshops, faculty learning communities, Canvas LMS trainings, certificate programs, and other activities offered by the CTLE, contact ctle@nevadastate.edu or visit the and/ or the .

5.08.17 Classroom Technology Assistance

Instructional Technology staff are available to provide overviews of the classroom technology available in campus buildings. Email support@nevadastate.edu for assistance. The CTLE has also created about the touch panels that control campus technology.

��5.08.18 Purchasing and Contracts

For purchasing policies and procedures, refer to the NS Purchasing and PCard User Manual and Purchasing Quick Reference Guide available from the Purchasing webpage.

91��ɫ’s Contracts Group must negotiate and execute all purchasing-related contracts for the University. Requestors should contact Contracts@nevadastate.edu as soon as they know a contract is required. Do not sign any written or digital contract. The NS Contracts Group will ensure the contract is compliant with state and federal laws and regulations as well as 91��ɫ and NSHE requirements. When completely reviewed and signed, the NS contract initiator will receive a copy for attachment to the future purchase.

5.08.19 University Library

The Marydean Martin Library offers services to all NSU students, faculty, and staff. Faculty are encouraged to promote its use to students.

NSU identification cards serve as a library card. The Library’s collection of multimedia materials is easily located through the use of the . Members of the campus community may also request materials from other southern NSHE institutions or through . The Library also and allows students to reserve study rooms.

Library instruction, including orientation and subject-specific guidance, is available to classes on a pre-scheduled basis. Faculty are expected to be present while the instruction is given by a librarian.

Those using the physical Library space are expected to comply with the Marydean Martin Library .

��

Section 6: General Personnel Policies

6.01 NSHE Policies

Faculty shall comply with all NSHE and 91��ɫ policies, including but not limited to those found in:

6.02 Personnel Categories

6.02.01 Faculty Members

The faculty shall consist of instructional and library faculty and administrative officers as defined in Section 1.1: Definitions.

6.02.02 Classified Personnel

Classified employees shall consist of professional and administrative personnel and staff as defined in Nevada Revised Statutes (see ).

6.03 Employment

6.03.01 Equal Employment Opportunity

91��ɫ does not discriminate on the basis of sex in any education program or activity that it operates. Non-discrimination on the basis of sex is mandated by Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972 (20 U.S.C. §§ 1681 et seq.) and the corresponding implementation regulations (34 C.F.R. Part 106). The University’s commitment to nondiscrimination in its education programs and activities extends to applicants for admission and employment.

Inquiries concerning the application of these provisions may be referred to one or both of the following:

Title IX Coordinator
91��ɫ
1300 91��ɫ Drive
Henderson, NV 89002
Telephone: (702) 992-2322
Email: TitleIXCoordinator@nevadastate.edu

Assistant Secretary of the United States Department of Education
U.S. Department of Education, Office for Civil Rights
400 Maryland Avenue, SW
Washington, D.C. 20202-1100
Telephone: 1-800-421-3481; FAX: 202-453-6012; TDD: 1-800-877-8339
Email: OCR@ed.gov

Information pertaining to the University’s grievance procedures and grievance process, including how to report or file a complaint of sex discrimination, how to report or file a formal complaint of sexual harassment, and how the University will respond can be found in the Sexual Assault, Domestic Violence, Dating Violence, and Stalking Policy.

6.03.02 Employment of Relatives

See , Section 7: Nepotism.

6.03.03 Employee Orientation

Each new employee is required to participate in a new employee orientation scheduled and communicated by Human Resources. They shall also be responsible for reading and familiarizing themselves with the contents of the appropriate policy and/or procedures manuals at NSU.

New employee orientation is designed to provide an overview of the campus and University, covering the following broad categories: mission and values, how to access information, IT support, benefits and additional perks, campus facilities, training, and University departments and governance.��

New employees are encouraged to actively participate, ask questions, and seek clarification during the orientation sessions. The goal of the orientation is to ensure that each employee is equipped with the necessary knowledge and resources to thrive in their role and contribute to the success of NSU.

6.03.04 Drug-Free Campus Policy

See the Substance Abuse Policy.

6.03.05 Tobacco-Free Campus

See the Tobacco on University Premises Policy.

6.04 Holidays

See the Academic Calendar for a list of all holidays recognized by the University and NSHE. Classes are cancelled and campus is closed on holidays, unless otherwise announced; faculty should not cancel additional class meetings other than those falling on the days listed no the Academic Calendar.

6.05 Leave

6.05.01 Vacation/Annual Leave

Faculty on a 12-month appointment accrue annual time off at the rate of two days for each full month of employment. A maximum of 48 days of annual leave can be carried forward from one fiscal year to the next. Leave must be used in half- or full-day increments. Faculty on a 9-month appointment do not accrue annual time off. They are required to be on duty during the fall and spring semesters on those days when classes are in session. See obligation calendar.

Leave should be requested in Workday.

See the NSHE Handbook : Annual Leave.

6.05.02 Sick Leave

Full-time academic and administrative faculty on 9- and 12-month contracts receive 30 days of sick leave on their first day of employment. After the first year of employment, two days of sick leave are accrued after each month of employment. Leave must be used in half- or full-day increments. A maximum of 96 days of sick leave can be carried forward from one fiscal year to the next. Sick leave is paid time off and may be used for:

• Personal illness;
• Care of family members with illness, injury, medical, optometry or dental appointments. Up to 15 days of sick leave may be used each year to care for family members;
• Bereavement; faculty may take up to 19 days of sick leave for the death of an immediate family member.

Sick leave may be requested in Workday.

��6.05.03 Sabbatical Leave

See the Sabbatical Leave Policy.

6.05.04 Military Leave with Pay

See NSHE Handbook Title 4, Chapter 3, Section 22: Military Leave.

6.05.05 Family and Medical Leave (FMLA)

The (FMLA) allows all eligible employees to take up to 12 weeks off for the qualifying reasons below:

• Twelve workweeks of leave in a 12-month period for:
  • the birth of a child and to care for the newborn child within one year of birth;
  • the placement with the employee of a child for adoption or foster care and to care for the newly placed child within one year of placement;
  • to care for the employee’s spouse, child, or parent who has a serious health condition;
  • a serious health condition that makes the employee unable to perform the essential functions of his or her job;
  • any qualifying exigency arising out of the fact that the employee’s spouse, son, daughter, or parent is a covered military member on “covered active duty;” or
• Twenty-six work weeks of leave during a single 12-month period to care for a covered service member with a serious injury or illness if the eligible employee is the service member’s spouse, son, daughter, parent, or next of kin (military caregiver leave).

FMLA protects the employee’s job while on leave and it is used concurrently with all sick and annual paid leave.

See the NSHE Handbook Title 4, Chapter 3, Section 21: Family Medical Leave/Fair Labor Standards Act.

6.06 Retirement

6.06.01 Retirement Systems

The Office of Human Resources can provide detailed information on the retirement systems you may be eligible for under NSHE and state regulations.

6.06.02 Phase-in Retirement Program

The Phase-in Retirement Program allows employees to phase into retirement over an agreed period of time not to exceed 5 years. During the phase-in period, the employee works less than full-time but equal to or more than half-time so that they retain benefits eligibility. Both the employee and employer contributions to the employee’s retirement account during the phase-in period will be based on the employee’s salary at 100% FTE.

6.7 Employee Assistance Program

The Employee Assistance Program (EAP) is a confidential assessment and referral program where employees can get assistance in dealing with everyday issues like stress, finances, relationships, parenting, finding child or elder care, and much more. Employees can also get confidential help with personal or work-related difficulties, including depression, anxiety, and grief. EAP services are provided through ComPsych. Consultants are available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.

6.8 Campus Identification Cards

All faculty members are expected to carry an official NSU ID card. This card serves to identify faculty to security personnel and as access FOBs for building and pod entrance.

6.9 Personnel Records

The Human Resources Office maintains current employee records and must be informed of any changes in name, address, marital status, number of children or other dependents in the immediate family, and/or tax withholding status. This information affects the amount of an employee’s payroll deduction for federal withholding tax, insurance premiums, and benefits.

An employee’s personnel record is kept confidential to the maximum extent protected by law. Outside parties or agencies are not provided with information in employee personnel files unless specifically authorized by an employee in writing or as required by law.

��6.10 Changes of Name, Address, Phone Number, and Tax Information

Faculty members are expected to keep their academic dean, department chair, and the Office of the Provost informed of current addresses and telephone numbers.

The Human Resources Office maintains current employee records and must be informed of any changes in name, address and/or tax withholding status. Tax exemption certificates should be updated as employees gain or lose exemptions.

6.11 Parking

Parking is free on the main campus. Faculty may park in any open spot that is not designated as a reserved space.

6.12 Tipping/Gratuities

Tips paid with institutional funds (including travel cards) should be no more than 20% of the subtotal of the bill. Employees must follow all state and NSHE regulations regarding allowable expenses.

Refer to section 5.09.18: Purchasing.

6.13 Conflicts of Interest

See HR 1: Conflict of Interest and Compensated Outside Services Policy.

NSU must comply with federal, state, and NSHE regulations related to conflicts of interest and compensated outside services. All academic and administrative faculty must identify all potential conflicts of interest and all compensated outside service by submitting a disclosure form annually.

6.14 Guidelines for Faculty Outside Work or Consulting

See NSHE Handbook Title 4, Chapter 3, Section 9: Compensated Outside Professional Services.

6.15 Harassment

6.15.01 Board of Regents’ Statement about Sexual Harassment

See the NSHE Handbook, Title 4, Chapter 8, Section 13: Policy against Unlawful Discrimination and Harassment; Complaint Procedure.

6.15.02 91��ɫ Sexual Harassment and Sexual Assault Policy

91��ɫ is a diverse community committed to creating and maintaining a safe campus where all persons who participate in University programs and activities can work and learn together in an atmosphere free of all forms of harassment, discrimination, or intimidation. Sexual harassment, sexual assault/sexual misconduct, domestic violence, dating violence, and stalking are violations of University policy.

91��ɫ will respond promptly to reports of sexual harassment, sexual assault/sexual misconduct, domestic violence, dating violence, and stalking. See the Sexual Assault, Domestic Violence, Dating Violence, and Stalking Policy.

6.16 Office Gift-Giving

Gifts for colleagues (such as friendly tokens acknowledging life events, remembrances, flower funds, hospitality funds, or celebratory tributes) must be completely voluntary. Any gifts or contributions should be of nominal value and in keeping with the spirit of the event.

6.17 Appropriate Use Policy for Information Technology Resources and Social Media

6.17.01 Responsible Use of Technology Resources and Email

All members of the NSU community are expected to use technology resources in a responsible manner and comply with all applicable laws and NSU policies. Refer to the Responsible Use of Technology Resources Policy and the Acceptable Use of E-mail Policy for more information.

See NSHE Handbook Title 4, Chapter 1, Section 23: Computing Resources Policy and the Standards of Conduct for the Use of Computers in NSU-Related Activities.

6.17.02 Social Media Policy

The purpose of social media is to offer a reliable and consistent communication resource for students, faculty, and the greater community while maintaining a positive and recognizable brand that reflects the goals, mission, and culture of 91��ɫ.

All proposals to create an official 91��ɫ social media account using the academic title/unit or program name must be presented to the Office of Marketing & Events and the social media specialist for review and approval. Social media accounts, both new and existing, must follow University branding and accessibility standards.

No employee or student should use their personal 91��ɫ email to create a campus social media account. A social media-specific email should be requested from the Office of Information & Technology Services to be used to create social media accounts.

Social Media Branding

Profile Photo: All 91��ɫ social media accounts must have the approved 91��ɫ logo with a black background and our name written in the approved font underneath the logo.

Username: Must be a form of “NevadaState” or “NS” followed by the organization name

Bio/About: Must include name of office and general contact information: Contact be.social@nevadastate.edu

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