NOVA SOUTHEASTERN UNIVERSITY NOVA Revised June 2012 2012–2013 Student Handbook 2012–2013 STUDENT HANDBOOK 3301 College Avenue Fort Lauderdale, Florida 33314-7796 800-541-6682 • www.nova.edu Nova Southeastern University Student Handbook Nova Southeastern University is accredited by the Commission on Colleges of the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools to award associate’s, bachelor’s, master’s, educational specialist, and doctoral degrees. Policies and programs set forth in this handbook are effective through the academic year 2012– 2013. Changes in the content of the NSU Student Handbook may be made, at anytime, by the university, division, or college administration. Adequate notice of anticipated changes will be given to the student, whenever possible. This student handbook supersedes all previous handbooks, documents, and directives where they may be in conflict. The student handbook is the governing document for all program-related information. Please become familiar with the policies and procedures listed within. Failure to read this handbook does not excuse students from the rules, policies, and procedures contained in it. The university recognizes that individual programs require different times for the completion of academic studies leading to a degree. Therefore, the time frame is a matter within the discretion of each academic program. All program/center catalogs, bulletins, and handbooks carry this information. Students should refer to their individual program’s or center’s catalog and/or student handbook for further information about academic programs, policies, and procedures. 02-076-12NOM Contents MESSAGE FROM THE PRESIDENT .........................1 Campus Security Report ....................................... 34 Cellular Phone Policy ........................................... 34 Closing Hours ........................................................ 34 OVERVIEW OF NSU Vision Statement, Complicity ............................................................. 34 Mission Statement, and Core Values .....................5 Computers ............................................................. 34 University Administrators ......................................5 Acceptable Use of Computing Resources ....... 34 Deans .......................................................................6 Computing Account Security Agreement ...... 36 Centers, Colleges, and Schools ...............................6 Access to NSU Online Systems ...................... 37 Accreditation ...........................................................7 Electronic Mail Communications ................... 37 NSU History ............................................................7 Web Pages—Use of Material ........................... 37 Consensual Relations Between Faculty Members and Students ............................ 38 STUDENT LIFE Contracting on Behalf of the University ............ 38 Student Affairs ..................................................... 11 Disabilities ............................................................. 39 Campus Traditions ................................................ 13 Academic Accommodation(s) ......................... 39 Newspaper ............................................................. 14 Facility and Grounds Accommodation(s) ....... 40 Radio Station ........................................................ 14 Discriminatory Conduct ....................................... 41 Student Organizations .......................................... 14 Drug-Free Schools and Campuses ........................ 41 Web Space for Student Organizations ................. 15 Drug Policy—Zero Tolerance ............................... 42 Emergency Situations ........................................... 42 STUDENT RIGHTS AND RESPONSIBILITIES Failure to Comply ................................................. 43 Reservation of Power ............................................ 21 False Information .................................................. 43 Nondiscrimination Statement ............................. 21 Falsification of Records ......................................... 43 Code of Student Conduct Fire Safety .............................................................. 43 and Academic Responsibility .............................. 21 Fraud ...................................................................... 43 Code of Student Conduct Statement .................. 22 Gambling ............................................................... 43 NSU Statement of Student Rights and Responsibilities ................................. 22 Grievance Procedures for Nonacademic Disputes ......................................... 44 Academic Standards ........................................ 22 Guests .................................................................... 44 Conduct Standards .......................................... 24 Health Policies ...................................................... 44 Supplementary Standards ................................ 25 Communicable Diseases Guidelines ................ 44 Violations ......................................................... 26 Immunization Requirements ............................ 45 Sanctions ........................................................... 26 Health Insurance ............................................... 46 Appeal Process .................................................. 27 Hurricane Procedures ........................................... 46 Hurricane Watch .............................................. 47 SPECIFIC UNIVERSITY POLICIES AND PROCEDURES Hurricane Warning ........................................... 47 Admissions Policy ................................................. 31 Procedures for Residence Halls ........................ 47 Alcohol Policy ..................................................... 31 Safety Procedures .............................................. 47 Abuse /Physical Assault ......................................... 33 Broadcast Information ...................................... 48 Acceptance of Professional Fees .......................... 33 Reopening Information .................................... 48 Arson ..................................................................... 33 Identification Cards .............................................. 48 Bomb Threats ....................................................... 33 Interference with University Breaking and Entering .......................................... 33 Investigations and Disciplinary Proceedings ....... 49 Jurisdiction of University Office of Student Financial Assistance ........... 68 Policies and Procedures ........................................ 49 Student Employment ........................................ 69 Lake Swimming .................................................... 49 Satisfactory Academic Progress ........................ 69 Life-Threatening Behavior ................................... 49 Veterans Benefits ............................................... 70 Littering /Projecting Objects ................................. 50 Office of the University Bursar ........................ 71 Misuse of Telephones ............................................ 50 Office of the University Registrar .................... 72 Noise ..................................................................... 50 Office of Undergraduate Admissions ............... 74 Off-Campus Violations ......................................... 50 University Call Center and One-Stop Shop .. 74 Parent /Legal Guardian Notification .................... 50 Libraries ................................................................ 74 Parking and Traffic Policies .................................. 50 Miami Dolphins Training Facility ...................... 75 Pets ......................................................................... 51 Nova Singers ........................................................ 75 Privacy of Records (FERPA) ................................ 51 NSU Athletics ..................................................... 75 Release of Student Information ....................... 52 NSU Student Counseling .................................... 76 Deceased Student Records ............................... 52 SharkPrint ............................................................. 76 HIPAA Statement ............................................ 52 Public Safety ......................................................... 77 Public Laws ........................................................... 53 Recreation ............................................................ 78 Sexual Misconduct and Harassment ................... 53 Residential Life and Housing .............................. 78 Sexual Misconduct Policy ................................ 53 Shark Dining Services .......................................... 80 Harassment Statement ..................................... 55 Dining Locations ............................................... 80 Sexual Harassment Policy ................................ 55 Meal Plans ......................................................... 81 Solicitation and Posting Policy ........................... 57 Undergraduate Student Success ........................... 82 Stalking ................................................................. 57 University Health Care Centers .......................... 82 Student Publications ............................................ 57 Sanford L. Ziff Health Care Center ................ 82 Theft or Unauthorized Possession