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Affirmative Action/Equal Opportunity

Nevada State College is an Equal Opportunity/ Affirmative Action employer and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, age, creed, national origin, veteran status, physical or mental disability, and in accordance with college policy, sexual orientation, in any program or activity it operates. Nevada State College employs only United States citizens and aliens lawfully authorized to work in the United States.

Anti-Discrimination Policy

Nevada State College does not discriminate against faculty, students and staff on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, age, creed, national origin, veteran status, physical or mental disability, and in accordance with college policy, sexual orientation, in any program or activity it operates.

Sexual Harassment

Nevada System of Higher Education (NSHE) is committed to providing a place of work and learning free of sexual harassment. Where sexual harassment is found to have occurred, the NSHE will act to stop the harassment, to prevent its recurrence, and to discipline those responsible in accordance with the NSHE Code or, in the case of classified employees, the Nevada Administrative Code. Sexual harassment is a form of discrimination; it is illegal.

No employee or student, either in the workplace or in the academic environment, should be subject to unwelcome verbal or physical conduct that is sexual in nature. Sexual harassment does not refer to occasional compliments of a socially acceptable nature. It refers to behavior of a sexual nature that is not welcome, that is personally offensive, and that interferes with performance.

The Chancellor and each president shall designate no fewer than two administrators to receive complaints of alleged sexual harassment. The administrators designated to receive the complaints may include the following: (1) the Human Resources Officer at the institution; (2) the Affirmative Action Program Officer; or (3) any other officer designated by the president. If the Human Resources Officer or the Affirmative Action Program Officer or another officer designated by the president, is not the individual who initially receives the complaint of alleged sexual harassment, then the individual receiving the complaint must immediately forward the complaint to either the Human Resources Officer or the Affirmative Action Program Officer.

An individual filing a complaint of alleged sexual harassment shall have the opportunity to select an independent advisor for assistance, support, and advice and shall be notified of this opportunity by the Human Resources Officer or the Affirmative Action Program Officer, or by their designee. It shall be the choice of the individual filing the complaint to utilize or not utilize the independent advisor. The independent advisor may be brought into the process at any time at the request of the alleged victim. The means and manner by which an independent advisor shall be made available shall be determined by each institution or unit.

A student who believes that he or she has been subjected to sexual harassment by anyone is encouraged-but it is neither necessary nor required-to promptly tell the person that the conduct is unwelcome and ask the person to stop the conduct. A person who receives such a request must immediately comply with it and must not retaliate against the student for rejecting the conduct. The student may also choose to file a complaint with his or her major's Academic Dean or Department Chair, who will in turn immediately contact one of the officials listed above.

If the student feels uncomfortable about discussing the incident with the Academic Dean or Department Chair, the student should feel free to bypass the chair and file a complaint with one of the above officials or to any Academic Dean or Department Chair, who will in turn immediately contact one of the officials listed above to forward the complaint, whether or not the complaint is in writing, to discuss it and/or to report the action taken. The Academic Dean or Department Chair has a responsibility to act even if the individuals are not supervised by that Academic Dean.

Academic Integrity Policy

Academic integrity is a fundamental value at Nevada State College and is centered on honesty, trust, fairness, respect, and responsibility. Supporting and affirming these values is essential to promoting and maintaining a high level of academic integrity.

If knowledge is to be gained and properly evaluated, it must be pursued under conditions free from dishonesty. Deceit and misrepresentations are incompatible with the values of Nevada State College and shall not be tolerated under any circumstances. A violation of academic integrity is an act that is harmful to students, faculty and, ultimately, the institution.

Plagiarism involves directly quoting, summarizing, or paraphrasing the work of others without specific indication of sources, or handing in work that is not the student's own. Cheating or academic dishonesty is defined as the deception about one's own work or about the work of another.

Examples of cheating include, but are not limited to:

Submitting another's work as one's own or allowing another to submit one's work as though it were his or hers.
Several people completing an assignment that was not explicitly assigned as a group project and turning in multiple copies, all represented either implicitly or explicitly as individual work.
Failure to properly acknowledge authorities quoted, cited or consulted in the preparation of written work (plagiarism). Specific examples of plagiarism are:

Copying and/or presenting the words of others as one's own writing, including from Internet sources.
Copying words, even if you cite the sources, unless appropriate quotation is noted.
Expressing in your own words someone else's ideas as your own.

The use of a textbook or notes during an examination without the explicit permission of the instructor. This includes WebCT and take-home exams.
Giving or receiving unauthorized help on assignments.
Stealing a problem solution from an instructor.
Tampering with experimental data to obtain 'desired' results or creating results for experiments not completed.
Tampering with or destroying the work of others.
Submitting substantial portions of the same academic work more than once without permission of the instructor.
Falsifying college records, forms or other documents.
Falsifying clinical hours, supervised field experience hours, or student teaching hours.
Unauthorized access of computer systems or files.

At a minimum, the grade of "0" or "F" will be given for any assignment in which plagiarism or cheating is discovered. This grade will seriously affect the final grade in the course. Evidence of such dishonesty will be kept on file, and will not be returned to the student. Instructors have the responsibility to report such incidents to the Vice President for Academic Affairs. At the discretion of the instructor, or the Vice President for Academic Affairs, more serious penalties including an F in the course, academic probation, or expulsion from the college may be imposed, depending on the nature of the incident.

Academic Dishonesty

A faculty member who suspects a student of academic dishonesty must notify the student of the charge and proposed sanction, in writing, no later than ten (10) days after the alleged action or ten (10) calendar days after the last day of instruction, whichever comes first. Notification must be hand delivered or sent by certified mail. The student has ten (10) calendar days to appeal after receipt of the notification.

If the student admits guilt, or fails to appeal, the faculty member may impose an academic sanction commensurate with the offense.

If the student accepts the sanctions, the matter is ended.
If the student appeals the sanction insofar as it affects the final grade, the grade appeal process may be invoked.

If the student denies the charge, the student must state this, in writing, to the Academic Dean within the ten (10) calendar days noted above. Within the next five calendar days, the Academic Dean must inform the faculty member. The student should be allowed at least ten (10) calendar days to prepare for a hearing, but the student may waive this period.

If the Hearing Board determines guilt, it may recommend disciplinary sanctions to the Academic Dean. In any case, the faculty member is so apprised and may then impose an academic sanction consistent with the offense. The student has no further appeal rights except of a sanction affecting a final grade as noted above
If the Hearing Board finds the student not guilty, the matter is closed.

HEARING BOARD

The Hearing Board shall consist of the following members with due consideration being given to possible conflict of interest:

Two undergraduate students.
Three faculty members. **To ensure the impartiality of the Hearing Board, members must be appointed from programs other than those in which the case originated and in which the accused student is majoring.**

The Hearing Board shall set a hearing date within 21 calendar days after the matter has been referred.

The hearing procedure is as follows:

The Dean will call the accused student to appear before the Hearing Board. If the student wishes to be accompanied by an advisor or an attorney, the Board must be notified at least 48 hours in advance. The faculty member shall also be present, and may be accompanied by an advisor or by an attorney whenever the student chooses such counsel.
In the hearing, the Dean will state the content of the report of alleged academic dishonesty and the specific charges made.
The faculty member will appear before the board to present evidence against the student. The chair of the board may call other witnesses. The accused student and board members may cross-examine.
The student will appear before the Board to present evidence on his or her own behalf.
The board members will then meet in closed session to make a final decision.
If the student is found to be guilty, the Hearing Board shall consult about any past record of academic misconduct.
The Hearing Board then shall recommend appropriate disciplinary sanctions to the Dean and apprise the faculty member of its deliberations.

GRADE APPEAL POLICY & PROCEDURE

The procedures described are applicable only to examine a student's claim of an unfair academic evaluation made by the instructor. The academic evaluation, resulting in grade assignment, will be subject to appeal if the instructor's evaluation is based on any factors other than the student's performance in the course and/or adherence to course requirements.

In the event a student has a dispute with the grade received in a course she/he shall discuss the accuracy of the grade with the instructor. An instructor's clerical errors can be corrected by the completion of a CHANGE OF GRADE form, available from the Office of the Registrar. If a clerical error has not been made, and the student and instructor do not agree that the grading criteria were applied appropriately, the student can proceed to demonstrate intent to appeal the grade received.

No later than 20 working days after the instruction begins the following semester, the student must file with the Dean, Chair, or designee of the department offering the course in question, an INTENT TO APPEAL A GRADE form, available from the Office of the Registrar. A student who fails to file an INTENT TO APPEAL A GRADE form within the specified time period forfeits the right to appeal the grade. The Dean, Chair, or designee shall attempt to resolve the conflict. If the conflict is not resolved at this level, the student may initiate an official grade appeal.

An OFFICIAL GRADE APPEAL form, available in Office of Registrar, must be filed with the Dean, Chair, or designee, and course instructor (when possible), no later than 10 working days after the INTENT TO APPEAL A GRADE form has been filed.

A student who fails to file an OFFICIAL GRADE APPEAL form within the specified time period forfeits the right to that appeal.

Upon receiving the OFFICIAL GRADE APPEAL, the Dean, Chair or designee will have five working days to request a written response to the grade appeal from the instructor. The instructor will have 10 working days to provide a response to the student appeal. No later than 20 working days after receiving the OFFICIAL GRADE APPEAL, the Dean, Chair, or designee will inform the instructor and student in writing of the recommended final grade. If neither the instructor nor the student appellant contest the recommendation within five working days after receipt of the final grade recommendation, the recommendation is considered final and not subject to further appeal.

DEPARTMENTAL GRADE APPEAL COMMITTEE

Should the recommendation by the chair/designee be contested by the instructor and/or student appellant, the OFFICIAL GRADE APPEAL form and all related materials will be forwarded to a departmental grade appeal committee. The Chair or designee will appoint a grade appeal board within 10 working days of receipt of the notice from the instructor and/or student appellant that s/he does not accept the recommendation of the chair. The chair or designee will notify the instructor and student appellant of the composition of the department grade appeal board.

The chair or designee will serve as chair of the department appeal board in non-voting capacity.
The appeal board will consist of three voting members: one student, one 'in department' faculty, and one 'out of department' faculty. The instructor of the course in question cannot serve as a member on the appeals board. The instructor and student appellant have the right to comment to the Chair or designee regarding the composition of the board within five working days after the student has been notified of the board's composition. The final decision of the board's composition rests with the chair/ designee.
The appeal board shall not have subpoena power.
The principals may not be represented by counsel. The grade appeal hearing is a closed meeting to be attended only by board members, the instructor, and the student appellant. Principals shall provide information requested by the board within three working days prior to the hearing.
The appeal board shall convene no later than 25 working days after the submission of the OFFICIAL GRADE APPEAL to the department grade appeal board.
Within five working days of the first convening, the appeal board, through its chair or designee, shall make a recommendation of grade assignment.
If neither the instructor nor the student appellant contest the recommendation within five working days after the receipt of the grade recommendation from the department grade appeal board, the recommendation is considered final and not subject to further appeal.
No later than 20 working days after receiving the OFFICIAL GRADE APPEAL, the Dean, Department Chair, or designee will inform the instructor and student in writing of the recommended final grade.

COLLEGE GRADE APPEAL COMMITTEE

Should the recommendation by the department grade appeal board be contested by the instructor and/or student appellant, the OFFICIAL GRADE APPEAL form and all related materials will be forwarded by the Chair or designee to the Provost that offers the course within five working days.

The Provost will appoint a college grade appeal board within 10 working days of receipt of the OFFICIAL GRADE APPEAL. The Provost or designee will notify the instructor and student appellant of the composition of the college appeal board.

The college appeal board will consist of three voting members: two 'in department' faculty, and one 'out of department' faculty. The 'out of department' faculty member will not be the person who served on the department appeal board that considered this grade appeal. The 'out of department' faculty member will serve as chair. The instructor of the course in question cannot serve as a member on the appeals board. The instructor and student appellant have the right to comment to the Provost regarding the composition of the board within five working days after the student has been notified of the board's composition. The final decision of the board's composition rests with the Provost.
The appeal board shall not have subpoena power.
The principals may not be represented by counsel. The grade appeal hearing is a closed meeting to be attended only by board members, the instructor, and the student appellant. Principals shall provide information requested by the board within three working days prior to the hearing.
The appeal board shall convene no later than 25 working days after the submission of the OFFICIAL GRADE APPEAL to the Provost's office.
Within five working days of first convening, the college grade appeal board shall make the final decision of grade assignment. The decision is not subject to appeal. The appeal committee chair will notify the Provost, Academic, Department Chair, student appellant, instructor, and, in the case that the original grade is changed, the Office of the Registrar.
No later than 20 working days after receiving the OFFICIAL GRADE APPEAL, the Dean, Department Chair, or designee will inform the instructor and student in writing of the recommended final grade.

Nevada System of Higher Education Student Conduct Code

All students are responsible for following the regulations for the entire university and community college system. The 19 prohibited activities, as found in the Nevada System of Higher Education Code, Section 6.2.2 are listed below:

Commission of any acts specified in subsection 2.1.4 of the code: of Nevada activities, freedom of movement on the campuses or freedom for students to pursue their studies are the antithesis of academic freedom and responsibility, as are acts which in effect deny freedom of speech, freedom to be heard, and freedom to pursue research of their own choosing to members of the faculty or to invited guests of the University of Nevada.
The use of, or threat to use, force or violence against any member or guest of the system community, except when lawfully permissible.
Interference by force, threat, or duress with the lawful freedom of movement of persons or vehicles on college premises.
The intentional disruption or unauthorized interruption of functions of the system, including but not limited to classes, convocations, lectures, meetings, recruiting interviews, and social events, on or off premises of the system.
Willful damage, destruction, defacement, theft, or misappropriation of equipment or property belonging to, in the possession of, or on premises occupied by the system.
Knowing possession on any premises of the system of any firearms, explosives, dangerous chemicals or other instruments of destruction, or other dangerous weapons as defined by the laws of the state of Nevada, without the written authorization of the president of any system institution or the president's authorization of the president of any system institution or the president's authorized agent, unless such possession reasonably relates to duly recognized system functions by appropriate members of the faculty, other employees, or students.
Continued occupation of buildings, structures, grounds, or premises belonging to, or occupied by, the system after having been ordered to leave by the president of a system institution or the president's designee.
Forgery, alteration, falsification, or destruction of system documents, or furnishing false information in documents submitted to the University and Community College System Nevada.
Making an accusation which is intentionally false or is made with reckless disregard for the truth against any member of the system community by filing a complaint or charges under this code or under any applicable established grievance procedures in the system.
The repeated use of obscene or abusive language in a classroom or public meeting of the system where such usage is beyond the bounds of generally accepted good taste and which, if occurring in a class, is not significantly related to the teaching of the subject matter.
Willful incitement of individuals to commit any of the acts herein prohibited.
Disorderly, lewd, or indecent conduct occurring on system premises or at a system-sponsored function on or off such premises.
Any act prohibited by local, state, or federal law which occurs on system premises or at a system-sponsored function on or off such premises.
The use of threats of violence against a faculty member or the faculty member's family in order to secure preferential treatment for grades, loans, employment, or other service or privilege accorded by the system.
Any act of unlawful discrimination based on race, creed, color, sex, age, handicap, or national origin.
An act of sexual harassment when submission to a request or demand of a sexual nature is either an explicit or implicit term or condition of employment or of academic grading, or where verbal or physical conduct of a sexual nature has the effect of creating an intimidating, offensive, or hostile work or classroom environment.
Acts of academic dishonesty, including but not limited to cheating, plagiarism, falsifying research data or results, or assisting others to do the same.
Willfully destroying, damaging, tampering, altering, stealing, misappropriating, or using without permission any system, program, or file of the University and Community College System of Nevada.
Any other conduct which violates applicable, stated prohibitions, policies, procedures, rules, regulations, or bylaws of a system institution.

Nevada State College Alcohol Policy

In order to maintain an academic climate conducive to each member's success in the pursuit and transmission of knowledge, Nevada State College has established a set of policies and standards for all of its members to adhere to. For student members of this community, enrollment at the College carries certain obligations related to activities in the academic setting, including behavior inside and outside the classroom. Every student is accountable to the policies and regulations of the College and the directions of College officials. Students are expected to conduct themselves in such a manner as to be a credit to themselves and the College. The student enrolled at Nevada State College agrees to abide by, and make every effort to meet, the academic and behavioral standards of the College.

The following policies for student members of the community may also be the same, or similar to, policies affecting all members of the College. These have been included within this student judicial code to allow all students to familiarize themselves with these standards of behavior as well as the rights to which every student is a party.

ALCOHOLIC BEVERAGES

Nevada State College has an alcoholic beverage policy for students, that establishes the standards of behavior and the circumstances under which alcoholic beverages are allowed to be possessed, consumed or distributed by students. Included within this policy are specific policies for students hosting College sponsored events where alcoholic beverages may be served and/or sold.

In compliance with state law, no student may possess or consume alcohol if under 21 years of age; neither may a student offer alcoholic beverages to a minor (under 21 years).

The President has the authority to designate the time and place for special events where alcoholic beverages shall be served on the College campus (for student groups as well as the entire College community and guests). Students who are of legal age may consume alcohol at these events. Except as provided above, the storage, possession, or use of alcoholic beverages shall not be permitted on College-owned or College supervised property. In addition, any student who exhibits offensive behavior on College-owned or College supervised property, or while attending a College-sponsored event while under the influence of alcoholic beverages, shall be subject to College action.

A DRUGS FREE CAMPUS/COMMUNITY - LEGAL, HEALTHY, RESPONSIBLE USE OF ALCOHOL

Nevada State College has joined other colleges and universities across the nation in encouraging the elimination of alcohol and other drug abuse on our campus and in our community. The substance abuse policy adopted by the College supports the belief that the unlawful possession or use of drugs, including alcohol, and the abuse of alcohol and any drug by students constitutes a grave threat to their physical and mental well-being, and significantly impedes the processes of learning and personal development. While the majority of adults who drink alcohol do so in an acceptable and responsible manner, there is a substantial number who misuse and abuse alcohol, with resulting problems in health, academic, and vocational performance, social and personal relationships, and financial and legal areas.

INFORMATION ON CAMPUS EXPECTATIONS

In regards to the "Drug-Free Schools and Communities Act," the College informs students about the student code of conduct, which includes standards involving the use and/or abuse of alcohol and other drugs on campus, as well as established College disciplinary sanctions related to these violations.

CAMPUS DISCIPLINARY STANDARDS OF CONDUCT

The Board of Regents Handbook, Title 4, Chapter 20. Section 4 states the University and Community College System's alcohol policy. It governs storage, possession, and use of alcoholic beverages by people of legal age. It also mandates disciplinary action against: "any student who exhibits offensive behavior on College-owned or supervised property or at College-sponsored events while under the influence of alcoholic beverages." Nevada State College's policy prohibits the following: Use or possession of alcoholic beverages without authorization; use or possession of illegal and/or unauthorized drugs and drug paraphernalia; providing alcoholic beverages to a minor while on College property or at College sponsored activities.

CAMPUS DISCIPLINARY SANCTIONS

A student involved in violations of College standards of conduct will be required (unless expelled from the College) to participate in an education and assessment process as a condition of continued association with the institution. The following sanctions are presented as guidelines, indicating the range and the progression of sanctions- from educational programs through expulsion. These sanctions are applied on a case by case basis, depending on the specific nature of the alcohol and drug violation. Each student's case is evaluated in terms of that student's level of risk posed (health/danger to self and others) by his or her substance abuse:

Alcohol

For violations of campus policy related to possession or use: three-hour education seminar.

For violations of campus policy which include other offensive or recidivist behavior:

counseling and assessment
campus disciplinary probation
extended probation with counseling
suspension, and/or
expulsion

Drugs

For violations involving possession or use:

i. disciplinary probation and referral to assessment/treatment

ii. suspension, and/or expulsion

For violations involving sale of drugs:

i. suspension, and/or expulsion

LEGAL STANDARDS

In addition to College student conduct standards, a student will be subjected to all local, state, and federal laws related to substance abuse or the possession/use of alcohol. The following state laws are presented which apply to any student conduct on or in the vicinity of the campus. In these instances, the student is being regarded as a resident of the state of Nevada:

NRS 202.020 - Purchase, consumption or possession of alcoholic beverage by a minor; (2.) Any person under 21 years of age who, for any reason, possesses any alcoholic beverage in public is guilty of a misdemeanor.
NRS 202.040 - False representation by a minor to obtain intoxicating liquor. Every minor who shall falsely represent himself to be 21 years of age in order to obtain any intoxicating liquor shall be guilty of a misdemeanor.
NRS 202.055 - Sale or furnishing of alcoholic beverage to a minor; aiding a minor to purchase or procure alcoholic beverage. (I.) Every person who knowingly sells, gives, or otherwise furnishes an alcoholic beverage to any person under 21 years of age is guilty of a misdemeanor.
NRS 205.460 - Preparation, transfer, or use of false identification regarding person under 21 years of age; (1) Every person who counterfeits, forges, alters, erases, or obliterates, or... (3) Every person under the age of 21 years who uses or attempts to use or proffers any counterfeited, forged, erased or obliterated card, writing paper, document, or any photocopy print, Photostat, or other replica thereof. for the purpose and with the intention of purchasing alcoholic liquor or being served alcoholic liquor entering gambling establishments shall be guilty of a misdemeanor.

LEGAL SANCTIONS

Legal action provides for sanctions ranging from the imposition of fines to incarceration. These sanctions are imposed after due process is pursued. Legal sanctions are governed by the Nevada Revised Statutes (NRS). Such sanctions result from the referral of an alcohol or other drug violation which comes to the attention of the College Police Department and is referred to the District Attorney's Office. Legal action may take place concurrently with campus disciplinary action.

DRUG FREE SCHOOLS & COMMUNITIES ACT

As part of the "Drug-Free Schools and Communities Act." college campuses arc requested to provide all students with information on the campus rules, regulations, sanctions, legal action, and "at-risk behaviors" pertaining to alcohol and other drugs. More information on these topics may be obtained through the Counseling Office at (702) 992-2030 as well as information on the education, prevention, assessment and treatment services provided for alcohol or other drug abuse.