STUDENT HANDBOOK 2020-2021 ST TY & UDE ILI N B T A C T O N N U D O U C C T C A N Y O T R I T S H R W E We’re Here E IV N ST U for You! ERN STATE OFFICE OF ACCOUNTABILITY & STUDENT CONDUCT The mission of the Office of Accountability & Student Conduct at Northwestern State University of Louisiana parallels the mission of the institution, to be responsive, student-oriented, and committed to student development through learning and service. Furthermore, the Office of Student Conduct is committed to upholding the Northwestern State University Student Code of Conduct. Friedman Student Union | Room 309 | Natchitoches, LA 71497 | 318-357-5286 NSU POLICE WE’RE HERE TO HELP At Northwestern State our highest priority is the security and well-being of our University community. The University Police Department is available at any time to assist and protect every student in our community, performing all standard policing duties as well as security escorting to on-campus housing. (318) 357– 5431 IF YOU SEE SOMETHING, SAY SOMETHING NORTHWESTERN LO OF UI S I E A T N A T A S UNIVERSITY OF LOUISIANA STATE UNIVERSITY POLICE Student Handbook 2020-2021 nsula.edu Published by The Office of Accountability & Student Conduct Northwestern State University Natchitoches, Louisiana 71497 Revised 07-31-2020 Northwestern State University - 1 - nsula.edu Accreditation Northwestern State University is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges to award associate, baccalaureate, master’s, specialist’s degrees and doctorate degrees. Contact the Commission on Colleges at 1866 Southern Lane, Decatur, Georgia, 30033-4097 for questions about the accreditation of Northwestern. Notice of Non-Discrimination (Full Disclosure) It has been, and will continue to be, the policy of Northwestern State University to be an equal opportunity employer. All employment decisions are based on job related standards and must comply with the principles of equal employment opportunity. In keeping with this policy, the University will continue to recruit, hire, train, and promote into all job levels the most qualified persons without regard to race, color, gender identity or expression, religion, sexual orientation, national origin, disability, genetic information, age, pregnancy or parenting status, veteran status or retirement status. All personnel actions, such as compensation, benefits, transfers, layoffs, training, and education are administered without regard to race, color, gender identity or expression, religion, sexual orientation, national origin, disability, genetic information, age, veteran status or retirement status. The University is committed to equal opportunity for student success by providing access to educational programs, tuition assistance, and social and recreational activities for all students without regard to race, color, gender identity or expression, religion, sexual orientation, national origin, disability, genetic information, pregnancy or parenting status, age, veteran status or retirement status. Northwestern State University does not condone or authorize any kind of retaliation against any student or employee who makes a good faith report of conduct which they believe may constitute harassment, discrimination, or retaliation, opposed any prohibited discriminatory practice in any manner in an investigative, or other proceeding about a prohibited discriminatory practice. Additionally, the University provides equal access to the Boy Scouts of America and other designated youth groups. Student complaints or inquiries related to Title IX should be directed to the Director of Student Advocacy and Title IX Coordinator, Kim Johnson Liner, located in the Friedman Student Union, room 308. Employee Title IX issues should be directed to the Executive Director, Institutional Effectiveness & Human Resources, and Employee Title IX Coordinator, Veronica M. Biscoe, located in Caspari Hall, room 111. In accordance with Section 35.106 of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), all participants, applicants, organizations and interested individuals are advised and notified that the ADA Coordinator for Northwestern State University is Randi Washington (318-357-4460), located in room 108 of the Eugene Watson Library. For academic services, contact the Director of Disability Support, Randi Washington (318-357-4460), located in room 108 of the Eugene Watson Library. In addition, Northwestern State University complies with the Jeanne Clery Disclosure of Campus Security Policy and Campus Crime Statistics Act. Information about NSULA campus security and crime statistics can be found at https://universitypolice.nsula.edu/annual-security-report/. *Inquiries regarding employment application status should be made to the individual receiving the application packet. Northwestern State University - 2 - nsula.edu Table of Contents Campus Directory . .5 University Police ..................... 38 History and Traditions . .9 Veterans Affairs ...................... 39 Academics . .16 Voter Registration .................... 39 Academic Advising ................... 16 Financial Issues ...................... 39 Academic Calendar .................. 16 Financial Aid ......................... 42 Academic Standing .................. 16 Student Life . .44 Address Change ..................... 16 Student Body Diversity, Retention Final Grades ......................... 17 and Transfer Rates. 44 Release of Records ................... 17 Student Accountability ............... 44 Service Learning ..................... 18 Student Identification ................ 44 Student-Right-to-Know .............. 19 ADA Public Accommodations Policy .. 44 International Student Exchange Department of Wellness Program ........................ 19 and Recreation (WRAC). 45 Transcripts ........................... 19 Robert W. Wilson Services and Resources . .22 Recreation Complex. 45 Academic Advising Services. 22 Office of Student Activities The Orville J. Hanchey Gallery and Organizations. 46 and Gallery 2 .................... 22 Student Media ....................... 47 Bookstore ........................... 22 Student Affairs Council. 47 Off-Campus Instructional Sites ....... 23 Policies and Procedures . .49 Electronic and Continuing Education ..24 Alcohol and Drug Policy. 49 Cooperative Occupational ADA/Disability Services Work Program ................... 25 Conflict Resolution Procedure ... 56 Counseling and Career Services ...... 25 Support/Assistance Animal Policy .... 56 Student Employment - Work Study ... 26 Confidential Student Records ......... 61 Accessibility and Disability Services ... 26 Policy on Public Speech, Assembly, Campus Dining Services .............. 26 and Demonstrations ............ 61 Friedman Student Union ............. 30 On Campus Residency ............... 63 International Student Resource Center Greek Housing ....................... 64 & Study Abroad ................. 30 Policy on Research of Human Subjects .. 65 Louisiana Scholars’ College. 31 Regulations Governing Student Center for Inclusion and Diversity ..... 31 Organizations ................... 66 One Card/Student Identification Cards .. 31 Campus Safety and Emergency Theatre and Dance Events. 32 Procedures ...................... 67 Housing ............................. 32 Purple Alert .......................... 72 University Post Office ................ 33 Hazing Policy ........................ 74 Safe Haven .......................... 34 Risk Management for Student Student Health Services .............. 34 Organizations ................... 83 TRIO Student Support Services ....... 35 Cyberbullying ........................ 83 Instructional Technology Student Complaints .................. 83 and Student Support. 35 Sexual Misconduct Policy ............ 86 Student Labs. 36 Procedures for Resolution of Sexual Other Technology Resources ......... 37 Misconduct Complaints ......... 96 Testing Center ....................... 37 Code of Conduct . 103 Academic Success Center ............ 38 Campus Map . 140 Libraries ............................. 38 Northwestern State University - 3 - nsula.edu the official bank of Get our Collegiate Checking Account! Valid college student ID required No minimum to open No minimum balance to maintain $2.00 monthly service charge Unlimited check writing Free online banking and bill pay Free BOM mobile app Direct deposit available Free box of checks Be the first to receive your Financial Aid or Student Refund Check! **Online statement activation required to avoid the $2.00 monthly service charge. See BOM representative for more information. Natchitoches | Montgomery | Cloutierville Shreveport | Haughton | Benton | Many Alexandria | Ringgold | Castor | Hemphill bofm.com @bomest1903 Northwestern State University - 4 - nsula.edu CAMPUS DIRECTORY Campus Info. Line (318) 357-6011 Location Bldg Ext. Academic Affairs 211 Caspari Hall 071 (318) 357-5361 Academic Advising Services 119 Watson Library 092 (318) 357-6980 Academic Success Center 108 Watson Library 092 (318) 357-6616 Accountability and Student Conduct 309 Student Union 077 (318) 357-5286 Admissions 235 Student Services Center 055 (318) 357-4078 Advocacy 308 Student Union 077 (318) 357-5570 Alumni Affairs Alumni Center 011 (318) 357-4414 Athletics Athletic Fieldhouse 114 (318) 357-5251 Athletic Administration Athletic Fieldhouse 114 (318) 357-5251 Athletic Academic Coordinator Athletic Fieldhouse 114 (318) 357-4451 Athletic Assoc. Director Athletic Fieldhouse 114 (318) 357-4295 Athletic Compliance Prather Coliseum