2023–2024 Student Handbook Ron and Kathy Assaf College of Nursing
Nova Southeastern University Student Handbook I 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. This handbook and the policies and programs set forth herein are effective through the academic year 2023–2024 or until superseded. Changes in the content of the 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. Students are required to comply with all policies and procedures written in the entire handbook. 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. 23-05-058SAT 23-07-016SAT 23-05-063SAT
II Nova Southeastern University Student Handbook
Nova Southeastern University Student Handbook III Table of Contents A.4 Excused Absences for Participation in Cocurricular Activities. .......................................23 A.5 Flexibility in Policies. ...................................24 A.6 Health Policies...............................................24 A.7 Holds on Student Records.........................26 A.8 Image Use Statement..................................26 A.9 Indebtedness to the University................27 Force Majeure....................................................27 University Fees. ................................................28 A.10 Leave of Absence Policy...........................28 A.11 International Travel Registration Requirement and Program................................29 A.12 Jurisdiction of University Policies and Procedures.....................................................29 A.13 Off-Campus Residency. ............................29 A.14 Student Organization Rights and Responsibilities.............................................29 A.15 University Computer and Telecommunications Use Policy..................... 30 A.16 University Copyright and Patent Policy......................................................... 34 A.17 University Title IX/Sexual Misconduct Policy............................................... 34 B. Specific Conduct Violations......................... 34 B.1 Alcoholic Beverages. ................................... 34 B.2 Animals............................................................35 B.3 Assault/Violence..........................................36 B.4 Bribery.............................................................36 B.5 Cheating..........................................................36 B.6 Complicity.......................................................36 B.7 Contracting on Behalf of the University. .36 B.8 Damage or Vandalism to Property..........36 B.9 Dangerous Items...........................................36 B.10 Disorderly Conduct. ...................................37 B.11 Distributing or Posting Printed Media....37 B.12 Drugs, Drug Paraphernalia.......................37 B.13 Emergency Equipment and Procedures..38 B.14 Facilitating Academic Dishonesty..........38 B.15 Failure to Disclose Criminal Offenses....38 NOVA SOUTHEASTERN UNIVERSITY STUDENT HANDBOOK............................................ I TABLE OF CONTENTS. ..........................................III MESSAGE FROM THE PRESIDENT. ........................1 FOREWORD/RESERVATION OF POWER.............2 Foreword...................................................................... 2 Reservation of Power................................................ 3 UNIVERSITY VISION STATEMENT, MISSION STATEMENT, AND CORE VALUES.........4 Vision 2025 Statement.............................................4 Mission Statement......................................................4 NSU Core Values. ....................................................... 5 POLICIES AND PROCEDURES NOVA SOUTHEASTERN UNIVERSITY................... 7 STATEMENT ON STUDENT RIGHTS AND RESPONSIBILITIES........................................9 University Equal Opportunity/ Nondiscrimination Policy.........................................9 Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA). .......................................................................11 Release of Student Information........................12 Conduct Notifications..........................................12 Deceased Student Records................................12 Health Care Privacy (HIPAA) Statement............13 Degree Conferral Policy..........................................13 CODE OF STUDENT CONDUCT AND ACADEMIC RESPONSIBILITY..................... 14 Academic Standards................................................15 Academic Inactivity Policy.................................... 16 Conduct Standards...................................................17 NSU University-Wide Religious Holiday Policy..17 NSU Interfaith Work-Restricted Religious Holiday Calendar...................................................18 A. G eneral Administrative Policies and Guidelines.............................................. 20 A.1 Alcohol Policy................................................ 20 A.2 Appropriate Conduct and Consensual Relationships Policy. ...........................................22 A.3 Drug-Free Schools and Campuses..........22
IV Nova Southeastern University Student Handbook B.16 False Information (Including Fabrication, Fraud, and Falsification of Records)...............38 B.17 Fire...................................................................39 B.18 Gambling and/or Games of Chance. .....39 B.19 Guests.............................................................39 B.20 Harassment or Harm to Others..............39 B.21 Hate-Based Conduct Violations. ........... 40 B.22 Hazing........................................................... 40 B.23 Health and Safety...................................... 40 B.24 Identification Cards....................................41 B.25 Interference with University Investigations, Disciplinary Proceedings, or Records...............................................................41 B.26 Lake Swimming............................................41 B.27 Littering/Projecting Objects....................41 B.28 Misuse of Computers or Telecommunications (Technology). ...............42 B.29 Noise..............................................................42 B.30 Online/Internet Social Networking Usage...............................................42 B.31 Parking and Motor Vehicle Policy...........42 B.32 Plagiarism.....................................................43 B.33 RecWell Center Policies and Procedures.....................................................43 B.34 Removal or Ejection from a University-Sponsored Event.............................43 B.35 Requests or Orders....................................43 B.36 University Housing and Residence Life Policies and Procedures.............................43 B.37 Retaliation.....................................................43 B.38 Smoking/Tobacco-Free Policy...............43 B.39 Solicitation. ................................................. 44 B.40 Stalking........................................................ 44 B.41 Fraternity and Sorority Life Manual/Policies. .......................................... 44 B.42 Theft or Unauthorized Possession....... 44 B.43 Unauthorized Entry. ..................................45 B.44 Unauthorized Possession of University Property.............................................45 B.45 Unauthorized Recording..........................45 B.46 Video and/or Audio Copyright Violation. ............................................45 B.47 Violation of Disciplinary Status/Conditions................................................45 B.48 Worthless Checks......................................45 C. University Title IX/ Sexual Misconduct Policy................................. 46 D. University Disciplinary Procedures..............47 D.1 Introduction.....................................................47 D.2 Judicial Conference..................................... 50 D.3 Administrative Judicial Proceeding. .......53 D.4 University Title IX/Sexual Misconduct Disciplinary Procedures. ....................................55 E. Additional Grievance Procedures Available. .....................................56 E.1 Grievance Procedure for Discrimination Based on Disability..............................................56 E.2 Nonacademic Grievance Procedure........ 61 NSU RESOURCES AND ADMINISTRATIVE OFFICES.................................62 ATMs. ...........................................................................62 Bookstore...................................................................62 Campus Shuttle........................................................62 Enrollment Management and Student Affairs (EMSA)..........................................63 Center for Academic and Professional Success...........................................63 Center for Student Counseling and Well-Being..............................................................63 Office of Campus Life and Student Engagement......................................... 64 Office of International Affairs.......................... 64 Office of Recreation and Wellness..................65 Office of Residence Life.....................................65 Office of Student Academic Services............65 Office of Student Affairs at the Regional Campuses.............................................65 Office of Student Affairs Marketing............... 66 Office of Student Conduct. .............................. 66 Office of Student Disability Services............. 66 Office of Student Leadership and Civic Engagement............................................... 66 Office of Undergraduate Admissions.............67 Student Activity Fee Accounts Office............67 Tutoring and Testing Center. ............................67 Office of Student Financial Assistance..........67 Office of the University Bursar.........................67 Office of the University Registrar................... 68 One-Stop Shop. ................................................... 68 Mako Media Network............................................. 68 Military Affairs Veterans Resource Center....... 68 NSU Alumni Association....................................... 68 NSU Athletics. .......................................................... 69 NSU Health................................................................ 69
Nova Southeastern University Student Handbook V Student Medical Center..................................... 69 NSU Public Safety Department........................... 70 Office of Innovation and Information Technology..........................................71 Office of University Housing..................................71 SharkCard Services. .................................................71 SharkPrint...................................................................72 Shark Dining Services.............................................72 Title IX/Sexual Misconduct . .................................72 University Libraries..................................................73 Wireless Networking...............................................73 Writing and Communication Center (WCC). ...73 UNIVERSITY ADMINISTRATORS.........................74 COLLEGES AND ACADEMIC UNITS. ...................76 DEANS. ..................................................................77 ACCREDITATION...................................................78 Division-Specific Policies and Procedures........79 Health Professions Division...................................79 HEALTH PROFESSIONS DIVISION...................... 81 Building Hours............................................................81 Charges and Payments. ..........................................81 Tuition Credit Policy—Voluntary Drops and Withdrawals. ......................................................81 Short-Term Preloans................................................82 Martin and Gail Press Health Professions Division Library.........................................................82 Tampa Bay Regional Campus Library............... 84 Lost and Found.........................................................85 Computer Laboratories..........................................85 Student Lounge/Student Area.............................85 HPD Policies and Procedures........................... 86 Acceptance of Professional Fees........................ 86 Background Checks................................................ 86 Health Forms Requirements.................................87 Certificate of Physical Examination................87 Immunization Requirements. ...........................87 Urine Drug Screen............................................... 88 Dress Code................................................................ 89 Food in the Lecture Halls, Laboratories, and Clinics................................................................. 89 Identification Requirements and Fieldwork Prerequisites......................................... 89 Email. .......................................................................... 89 Notices, Messages, and Posters.......................... 89 Parking Lot/Garage................................................ 90 Photographs and Recordings.............................. 90 Postexposure Policies and Procedures............. 90 Return of University Property.............................. 91 Security Checks........................................................ 91 Social Events and Extracurricular Activities. ... 91 Student Assistance Program................................ 91 Student Employment..............................................93 Student Insurance Requirement..........................93 Affirmative Opt-Out Required. ........................93 Cell Phones, Computers, Tablets, and Electronic Devices................................................... 94 Visitors........................................................................ 94 Visits to Other Institutions.................................... 94 COLLEGE-SPECIFIC POLICIES AND PROCEDURES RON AND KATHY ASSAF COLLEGE OF NURSING........................................97 Ron and Kathy Assaf College of Nursing......... 98 Administration. ........................................................ 99 Fees and Expenses............................................... 100 Mission Statement...................................................101 Vision Statement.....................................................101 Core Values...............................................................101 Reservation of Power.............................................101 Accreditation—Nursing Program...................... 102 National Licensure and Certification................ 102 Bachelor of Science in Nursing (B.S.N.)— NCLEX-R.N........................................................... 102 M.S.N.—Advanced Practice Registered Nurse................................................ 102 Licensure Requirement. ................................... 103 Academic Policies and Procedures................. 103 Academic Progression.......................................... 103 Exam Reviews and Follow Up. ........................... 103 Grading System...................................................... 103 Grading Progression. ............................................ 103 Transcript Notations..............................................104 Agreement for Incomplete Grades...................105 Student Evaluation of Courses and Didactic Instruction...............................................106 Course Failures. ......................................................106 Grade Disputes. ......................................................106 Dropping a Course................................................. 107 Academic Withdrawal from a Course/Program..................................................... 107
VI Nova Southeastern University Student Handbook Withdrawal, Drop, and Readmission................ 107 Withdrawal........................................................... 107 Undergraduate Students................................. 107 Graduate Students.............................................108 Students Enrolled in Programs that Have Drop/Add Programs..........................................108 Readmission. .......................................................108 Readmission Following Dismissal. ....................109 Transfer Credits. .....................................................109 Postgraduate Certificate A.P.R.N.......................110 Transfer of Students in Graduate Program. ....110 A. Transfer between tracks in M.S.N.— Traditional program............................................110 B.Transfer into the M.S.N.— Traditional role track........................................... 111 Leave from Studies.................................................. 111 1. Leave of Absence (LOA)................................. 111 2. Administrative Break in Enrollment.......... 112 3. Course Status During an Administrative Break in Enrollment ........................................... 112 4. Communication with the ACON During a Leave of Absence/Administrative Break in Enrollment............................................ 113 5. Return from Administrative Break in Enrollment. ....................................................... 113 6. Leave of Absence Records. ......................... 113 Graduation Requirements.................................... 113 Bachelor of Science in Nursing (B.S.N.)....... 114 Master of Science in Nursing (M.S.N.— Traditional Master’s Role). ................................ 114 Master of Science in Nursing (M.S.N.— A.P.R.N. Role)....................................................... 114 Doctor of Nursing Practice (D.N.P.)............... 115 Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.) in Nursing with a Focus on Nursing Education or Administrative Leadership.......................... 115 Graduation with Honors—Diploma.................... 115 President’s List......................................................... 116 Dean’s List................................................................. 116 Applying for Graduation....................................... 116 Campus Transfer. .................................................... 116 Health Forms and Examinations......................... 116 Health Insurance...................................................... 117 Client Safety. ............................................................ 117 Background Checks................................................ 117 Immunization Requirements. .............................. 118 Eligibility for Florida R.N. Licensure and Required Disclosure. .............................................. 118 Academic Support. ...........................................118 Student and Alumni Organizations.................... 118 Sigma Theta Tau.................................................. 118 Florida Nursing Student Association. ........... 119 Advisement............................................................... 119 Academic Advising............................................. 119 Registration. ......................................................... 119 Degree Works Report........................................ 119 Channels of Communication................................ 119 Program Contact Numbers............................. 120 Ron and Kathy Assaf College of Nursing Hours. ..................................................... 121 Community Activities. ........................................... 121 Undergraduate Service Hours............................. 121 Student Complaints................................................ 121 Resource Requirements........................................ 121 General Minimum System Requirements..... 121 Internet Service Provider..................................... 122 Audio and Videotaping........................................ 123 Computers in Classroom...................................... 123 Textbooks and Supplies....................................... 123 Course Assignment Format................................ 123 Student Performance Standards. ................... 124 Attendance. ............................................................. 124 Student Responsibility for Missed Assignments.......................................... 124 Faculty Member Responsibility for Missed Assignments.......................................... 124 Clinical/Laboratory/Practicum Absence. ... 125 Clinical Rotations and Practicum Experiences..................................... 125 Graduate A.P.R.N. Students............................ 125 Promptness.......................................................... 126 Religious Holiday Policy................................... 126 Dress Code............................................................... 126 Identification Badges............................................ 128 Service Animals...................................................... 128 Classroom Behavior. ............................................. 128 Netiquette................................................................ 128 Social Media............................................................. 128 Drug Screening....................................................... 129 Drug Policy—Zero Tolerance............................... 129 Behavioral and Academic Disciplinary Policies and Procedures. ................................. 130 Committee on Student Progress....................... 130 Process and Procedure...................................... 131
Nova Southeastern University Student Handbook VII Student Code of Conduct, Student Academic and Disciplinary Procedures, and Academic Dishonesty.................................... 131 Academic Warning/Probation/Dismissal....... 132 Academic Warning............................................ 132 Academic Probation.......................................... 132 Academic Dismissal........................................... 133 Behavioral Warning/Probation/Dismissal...... 133 Behavioral Warning........................................... 133 Behavioral Probation. ....................................... 133 Behavioral Dismissal. ........................................ 134 Academic Honesty Committee...................... 134 Process and Procedure......................................... 134 Student Appeals..................................................... 134 Policy and Procedure for Appeals. ............... 134 Appeals Committee Responsibilities. .......... 135 Appeals Committee Membership. ................ 135 Hearings Protocol and Procedure................. 135 Appeals Committee Hearing Process.......... 136 Notification of the Appeals Committee Decision.......................................... 136 Identification of the Chemically Impaired Nursing Student...................................................... 136 Undergraduate Academic Programs.............. 137 Entry Nursing Program Description................. 137 General Math Competency.................................. 137 Course Remediation.............................................. 137 Course Remediation—NUR 3032. ..................... 137 Exit Requirements for the B.S.N. Programs... 138 For the B.S.N. Programs. ................................. 138 Graduate Academic Programs........................ 139 Post-Licensure Student Practicum or Clinical Requirements........................................... 139 M.S.N.—Traditional Program Description........ 139 Exit Requirements for M.S.N. Program. .......... 139 M.S.N. Advanced Practice Registered Nurse: Family Nurse Practitioner, Adult-Gerontology Acute Care Nurse Practitioner, or Psychiatric-Mental Health Nurse Practitioner Program Descriptions................... 139 Post-M.S.N. in Advanced Practice Registered Nurse Certificate Programs...........140 Exit Requirements for Advanced Practice Registered Nurse Program..................................140 D.N.P. Program Description. ...............................140 B.S.N. to D.N.P. Program......................................140 D.N.P. Project............................................................ 141 Exit Requirements for D.N.P. Program. ............ 141 Ph.D. Program Description and Progression. . 141 D.N.P. to Ph.D. Program. ....................................... 141 Research Hours....................................................... 142 Comprehensive Examination.............................. 142 Dissertation Requirements.................................. 142 Dissertation Committee Makeup....................... 142 Dissertation Proposal Defense........................... 143 Format for Proposal Defense. ............................ 143 Dissertation Defense............................................. 143 Format for Dissertation Defense.......................144 Exit Requirements for Ph.D. Program..............144 APPENDIX. .......................................................... 146 NSU Fort Lauderdale/Davie Campus Map. .... 147
Nova Southeastern University Student Handbook 1 Welcome to Nova Southeastern University and the Shark nation! During your time at NSU, you will receive a quality education that will prepare you for a rewarding future in your career, your community, and your life. You will learn from the expertise of our diverse faculty and be challenged in new ways. Over time, you will grow academically and personally as you work with professors and your peers. You will push past any limits you have set for yourself as you learn the skills that will allow you to dominate your chosen profession. Life at NSU extends well beyond the classroom, so I encourage you to explore your interests with our on-campus clubs, organizations, athletics, and internship opportunities. Your course at NSU is yours to chart, and I am confident that you will make the best choices and have enriching experiences. I urge you to keep your aim beyond your reach as you pursue your goals, guided by integrity above all. Your journey at NSU doesn’t end when you graduate, as you will always be connected to the Shark alumni family of 210,000+ strong globally—and growing! Go Sharks, and FINS UP! Sincerely, George L. Hanbury II, Ph.D. President and CEO Nova Southeastern University Message from the President
2 Nova Southeastern University Student Handbook Foreword/Reservation of Power Foreword For the purpose of promoting its educational mission, Nova Southeastern University (NSU) has the inherent right to preserve order and maintain stability through the setting of standards of conduct and the prescribing of procedures for the enforcement of such standards. In addition to maintaining order and stability, whenever possible, the university aims to utilize its disciplinary procedures as a developmental process. In accordance with this philosophy, educational assignments may be added to any disciplinary penalties. The foundation underlying such student standards relies on the tenet that the exercise of individual rights must be accompanied by an equal amount of responsibility. This assures that the same rights are not denied to others. By becoming a member of the university community, a student acquires rights in, as well as responsibilities to, the whole university community. These rights and responsibilities are included in this handbook. Students are required to comply with all NSU regulations as well as all local, city, county, state, and federal laws at all times. All students are subject to the policies and procedures as contained herein. The term “students” includes any individual enrolled in a course or academic program offered by NSU, whether in a degree-seeking program or not. In addition, any student residing in university residence facilities is subject to these policies and procedures for violations occurring within those facilities. Any act that constitutes a violation or an attempt to violate any of the policies or procedures contained herein may establish cause for disciplinary and/or legal action by the university. In circumstances where this handbook defines a violation more stringently or differently than local/state law, the handbook’s definition shall supersede. The university is not limited to or bound by the definitions contained in the local/state statutes or case law in addressing student conduct violations. Students are also subject to rules and regulations that apply to academic programs of the various schools and colleges of the university, including, but not limited to, the Code of Student Conduct and Academic Responsibility. Students should familiarize themselves with their individual college academic, conduct, and professionalism standards, in addition to the information contained in the NSU Student Handbook. Students who engage in conduct that endangers their health or safety, or the health or safety of others, may be required to participate and make satisfactory progress in a program of medical evaluation and/or treatment if they are to remain at the university, reside in university housing, participate in any program, service, or activity offered by NSU, or if their physical presence is to be permitted on campus or university properties. The determination as to the student’s participation and progress is to be made by the NSU Student Behavioral Concerns Committee. The university reserves the right to place conditions upon or require the withdrawal of a student from enrollment, university housing, or participation in any program, service, or activity offered by NSU, and/or to prohibit the student’s physical presence on university campuses and properties when the student’s continuation or presence therein, in the university’s judgment, is detrimental to the health or safety of the student or others. Policies and procedures associated with the Student Behavioral Concerns Committee can be found on the NSU Student Conduct website at nova.edu/studentconduct/Student%20Behavioral%20Concerns%20 Committee%20Policies.html.
Nova Southeastern University Student Handbook 3 In lieu of, or in addition to, disciplinary action, NSU also reserves the right to impose fines, take legal action, rescind housing privileges, revoke study abroad privileges, withhold student records, revoke other privileges, and impose other penalties as may be deemed appropriate. Students should also be aware that disciplinary action may impact eligibility for scholarships or other institutional financial aid. Furthermore, admission of a student to NSU for any semester does not imply or guarantee that such student will be reenrolled in any succeeding academic semester. Students may also be subject to disciplinary proceedings for acts committed before their admission and/or enrollment at NSU. Reservation of Power The NSU Student Handbook is not intended to be a contract or part of a contractual agreement between NSU and the student. From time to time, it may be advisable for the university to alter or amend its procedures or policies. Reasonable notice may be furnished to the university community of any substantive changes, but is not required. Whenever specific titles are used in these procedures, they shall include the appropriate designee of the person bearing these titles. Whenever references to the singular appear in this handbook, the plural is also intended; whenever the plural is used, the singular is also intended. Wherever a reference is made to the masculine gender, the feminine gender is included. Failure to read this handbook does not excuse students from the rules, policies, and procedures contained within the student handbook. The rights and responsibilities that follow take effect immediately upon publication of this document.
4 Nova Southeastern University Student Handbook University Vision Statement, Mission Statement, and Core Values Vision 2025 Statement By 2025, NSU will be recognized as a preeminent, professional-dominant, doctoral-research university that provides competitive career advantages to its students and produces alumni who serve and lead with integrity. Mission Statement The mission of NSU—a selective, doctoral-research university—is to deliver innovative academic programs in a dynamic, lifelong learning and research environment fostering integrity, academic excellence, leadership, and community service through engaged students, faculty, and staff.
Nova Southeastern University Student Handbook 5 NSU Core Values INTEGRITY Integrity involves honesty and fairness, consistency in instruction, ethics of scholarship, freedom of inquiry, and open and truthful engagement with the community through effective communication, policies and practices. ACADEMIC EXCELLENCE Academic excellence is the provision of the highest quality educational and learning experiences made possible by academically and professionally qualified and skilled instructional faculty and staff, opportunities for contextual learning, state-of-the-art facilities, beautiful surroundings, and effective resources necessary to support learning at the highest level. Additionally, academic excellence reflects the successful relationship between engaged learners and outstanding instructional faculty and staff. COMMUNITY NSU is a community of faculty staff, students and alumni that share a common identity and purpose who engages with the university’s external community through diverse services, clinical programs, and community-based research and resources. Our community extends into professional, intellectual, as well as geographical domains that both support and are the focus of our educational mission. DIVERSITY Diversity includes, but is not limited to, race, ethnicity, culture, religion, philosophy, gender, physical characteristics, socioeconomic status, age, and sexual orientation. It also includes differences in views, interpretations, and reactions, with mutual respect for all. Diversity makes NSU a stronger university and enriches a learning environment focused on preparing individuals to live and work in a global society. INNOVATION Innovation is the creative and deliberate application of teaching, research, scholarship and service for effective education, and the development of useful products or processes providing a value added to the community. OPPORTUNITY Opportunity fosters the possibility for anyone associated with NSU to acquire an education or an educational experience through creative, yet sound pedagogical programs. SCHOLARSHIP/RESEARCH Research and scholarship products are disseminated and evaluated through intellectual discourse, application, assessment, and other mechanisms of the relevant peer community. STUDENT CENTERED Students are the focus of institutional priorities, resource decisions, and planning. We are stewards of student needs and advocates for student academic success and professional development. (The Vision 2025 Statement, Mission Statement, and Core Values were adopted by the NSU Board of Trustees on March 29, 2021.)
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Policies and Procedures Nova Southeastern University
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Nova Southeastern University Student Handbook 9 Statement on Student Rights and Responsibilities As a community, Nova Southeastern University (NSU) is committed to furthering scholarship, academic pursuits, and service to our society. All students have an equal opportunity to fulfill their intellectual potential through pursuit of the highest standards of academic excellence. Nova Southeastern University students enjoy the right to learn in an environment that is free from discrimination based on the University Equal Opportunity/Nondiscrimination Policy included below. It is important that rights of NSU students be embraced by the university community and observed in the spirit of the university’s mission. Certain rights and obligations flow from membership in any academic community committed to such goals, including • respect for the equal rights and dignity of others • to be treated equally in academic and social settings • to live and/or attend classes in a physically safe campus environment • the expectation of a positive living/learning environment • the ability to initiate a complaint relating to the Code of Student Conduct and Academic Responsibility • personal and intellectual freedom, which are fundamental to the idea of a university • dedication to the scholarly and educational purposes of the university • participation in promoting and ensuring the academic quality and credibility of the institution • to provide service to our community and beyond • to engage in service opportunities that enhance learning outcomes, both on and off campus • to associate with student organizations of one’s own choosing Students are responsible for obtaining, learning, and observing the established university and academic center policies as listed in all official publications. All members of the NSU community should inform the appropriate university official of any violation of the Code of Student Conduct and Academic Responsibility. University Equal Opportunity/Nondiscrimination Policy Consistent with all federal and state laws, rules, regulations, and/or local ordinances (e.g., Title VII, Title VI, Title III, Title II, Rehab Act, ADA, Title IX, and the Florida Civil Rights Act), it is the policy of Nova Southeastern University not to engage in any discrimination or harassment against any individuals because of race, color, religion or creed, sex, pregnancy status, national or ethnic origin, nondisqualifying disability, age, ancestry, marital status, sexual orientation, gender, gender identity, military service, veteran status, or political beliefs or affiliations, and to comply with all federal and state nondiscrimination, equal opportunity, and affirmative action laws, orders, and regulations. Any such acts are unacceptable and strictly prohibited by the university.
10 Nova Southeastern University Student Handbook In addition, the law prohibits retaliation against an individual for opposing any practices forbidden under this policy, for bringing a complaint of discrimination or harassment, for assisting someone with such a complaint, for attempting to stop such discrimination or harassment, or for participating in any manner in any investigation or resolution of a complaint of discrimination or harassment. This nondiscrimination policy applies to NSU’s education activities and programs, including admissions; enrollment; scholarships; loan programs; athletics; employment; and access to, participation in, and treatment in all university centers, programs, and activities. NSU admits students of any race, color, religion or creed, sex, pregnancy status, national or ethnic origin, nondisqualifying disability, age, ancestry, marital status, sexual orientation, gender, gender identity, military service, veteran status, or political beliefs or affiliations, to all the rights, privileges, programs, and activities generally accorded or made available to students at NSU, and does not discriminate in the administration of its educational policies, admission policies, scholarship and loan programs, and athletic and other school-administered programs. The person listed below has been designated to handle inquiries and complaints regarding perceived discrimination and NSU nondiscrimination policies. For inquiries or complaints regarding perceived discrimination based on sex, gender, gender identity, pregnancy status, marital status, or sexual orientation, please contact Laura Bennett Title IX Coordinator (954) 262-7858 • laura.bennett@nova.edu or titleix@nova.edu Website and online reporting form available at nova.edu/title-ix. Office location Remote/Virtual or Campus Support Building, Room 174 3550 SW 76th Avenue Fort Lauderdale, FL 33328 Inquiries about the application of Title IX may be directed to the Title IX coordinator, the Office for Civil Rights, or both. All other inquiries or complaints regarding perceived discrimination should be directed to Benjamin Johnson, Ed.D. Dean of Students (954) 262-7281 • bj379@nova.edu At Nova Southeastern University, we strive to foster an inclusive campus environment where belonging matters and where self-expression is encouraged. NSU is implementing a preferred name and pronouns policy that will allow students and employees to identify themselves within the NSU community with preferred names that differ from their legal names and/or with preferred pronouns. Additionally, students and employees will now be able to designate preferred names as well as their legal names and their preferred pronouns in the various technological mediums. To find out all the details regarding the official policy, FAQs, and general instructions and tips on changing preferred names and pronouns, visit nova.edu/bedi/names-pronouns.html.
Nova Southeastern University Student Handbook 11 Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA) The Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act of 1974 (FERPA) affords students and alumni certain rights with respect to their education records. These rights include the following: • The right to inspect and review the student’s education records within 45 days of the day the university receives a request for access. A student should submit to the Office of the University Registrar a written request that identifies the record(s) the student wishes to inspect. The Office of the University Registrar will arrange for access and notify the student of the time and place where the records may be inspected. • The right to request the amendment of the student’s education record that the student believes is inaccurate or misleading. Students who believe their education records contain information that is inaccurate or misleading, or is otherwise in violation of the students’ privacy or other rights, may discuss their concerns informally with the Office of the University Registrar. If the decision is in agreement with the student’s requests, the appropriate records will be amended. If not, the student will be notified within a reasonable period that the records will not be amended and will be informed by the Office of the University Registrar of the student’s right to a formal hearing. • The right to consent to disclosures of personally identifiable information contained in the student’s education records, except to the extent that FERPA authorizes disclosure without consent. One exception that permits disclosure without consent is disclosure to school officials with legitimate educational interests. A school official is a person employed by the university in an administrative, supervisory, academic, research, or support staff position (including law enforcement unit personnel and health staff); a person or company with whom the university has contracted (such as an attorney, auditor, collection agent, loan servicing agent, or the National Student Clearinghouse); a person serving on the board of trustees; or a student serving on an official committee, such as a disciplinary or grievance committee, or assisting another school official(s) in performing their tasks. School officials have a legitimate education interest if the school officials need to review an education record in order to fulfill their professional responsibility. Upon request, the university may disclose educational records, without consent, to officials of another school in which a student seeks or intends to enroll or is already enrolled, so long as the disclosure is for purposes related to the student’s enrollment and transfer. • The right to file a complaint with the Family Policy Compliance Office, U.S. Department of Education, 400 Maryland Avenue SW, Washington, D.C., 20202-4605, concerning alleged failures by Nova Southeastern University to comply with the requirements of FERPA. • The right to be notified of students’ rights under FERPA annually. The Office of the University Registrar sends a FERPA notification via email to all students each fall. Nova Southeastern University hereby designates the following student information as public or directory information; such information may be disclosed by the institution for any purpose, at its discretion:
12 Nova Southeastern University Student Handbook • student name • local and home address • telephone numbers • email addresses • photo ID • major field of study • participation in sports • place of birth • dates of attendance • degrees, honors, and awards received • enrollment status • year in school • anticipated graduation date • photographs and video recordings taken in public places Please know, however, that Nova Southeastern University’s directory information policy is to never release this information to any third-party vendors. Release of Student Information A student can give consent to permit Nova Southeastern University to discuss and/or release personal identifiable information to a third party such as a spouse, a parent, a guardian, etc. Students can manage this consent in Self-Service Banner/SharkLink by selecting the Student Resources page from the left navigation menu and clicking Release of Information Consent in the Student Resources section. A student may also withhold directory information (as defined above) by completing the Request to Prevent Disclosure of Directory Information Form. A student is warned, however, that some of the consequences of preventing disclosure of directory information may be undesirable: a student’s name will not be published on the Dean’s List or commencement program, and requests from prospective employers are denied, and the student cannot be communicated with over the telephone. The only legal means of communicating with a student who submitted a Request to Prevent Disclosure of Directory Information Form is in person or through NSU email. Students may visit the registrar’s website at nova.edu/registrar/services/ferpa.html for more information about rights with respect to their education records. Conduct Notifications University personnel may use administrative discretion with parental or legal guardian notification, in writing and/or by phone, of a student younger than 21 years of age when violations of university alcohol or drug policies occur, or when a student’s health or safety is at issue. Deceased Student Records Records of a deceased student will be made available to the parent(s), spouse, or executor/executrix of the deceased student and other authorized parties upon written request. The request must include the
Nova Southeastern University Student Handbook 13 need for the records, must identify the requestor’s relationship to the deceased student, and must be accompanied with an official record certifying authorization to receive the student records—e.g., assignment as executor/executrix. An official copy of the death certificate must accompany the request, if the university does not have prior notice of the student’s death. The university reserves the right to deny the request. For additional assistance on this matter, students should contact the Office of the University Registrar. Health Care Privacy (HIPAA) Statement The Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act of 1996 (HIPAA) requires “covered entities” to abide by the regulations governing the privacy, confidentiality, and security of protected health information, defined as individually identifiable health information created, received, maintained, or transmitted at or by a covered entity, whether such information is electronic, written, or spoken. NSU is considered a “hybrid entity” for purposes of compliance with the HIPAA Privacy and Security Regulations, as NSU’s business activities include both covered and noncovered functions. As such, NSU Health’s covered health clinics are subject to the requirements of the HIPAA Privacy and Security Regulations, as well as policies implemented by NSU. Pursuant to the HIPAA Privacy and Security Regulations, each covered NSU Health clinic is responsible for enacting privacy and security policies and procedures. Thus, the various NSU Health clinics that provide patient care in a HIPAA-covered setting have enacted such policies and procedures. All NSU Health clinic workers, including, but not limited to, faculty members, employees, and trainees, are responsible for following the policies and procedures implemented by the applicable NSU Health clinic. In addition, the HIPAA regulations require that NSU provides training to its health clinic faculty members, employees, and trainees with respect to its HIPAA Privacy, Security, and Research policies and procedures. NSU has developed a comprehensive online education program designed to comply with the HIPAA Regulations and to educate its workforce members and others who use, disclose and/or access protected health information. Applicable NSU Health and/or mental health profession students and trainees will be required to complete the education program coordinated through their respective college/academic program. Violations of the NSU policies and procedures regarding privacy and security of protected health information will be reported to the appropriate supervising authority for potential disciplinary action, up to, and including, dismissal in accordance with the applicable college/academic program policies. Further, NSU faculty members and students may be subject to the HIPAA privacy and security policies and procedures enacted by various non-NSU Health/health care facilities in which they train. It is the responsibility of the faculty members and students to familiarize themselves with such policies and procedures upon entering each facility. Any questions concerning the HIPAA privacy policies can be directed to the HIPAA liaison of the faculty members/students’ NSU Health clinic, the NSU chief privacy officer, or the NSU chief information security officer. Please see the NSU Health Clinics HIPAA Privacy Policies and Procedures on the NSU Office of HIPAA Privacy website at nova.edu/hipaa-privacy. Degree Conferral Policy Upon completion of all program requirements, NSU students must submit an application to receive their degree/diploma. Instructions relating to the submission of a degree/diploma application and additional information can be located on the Office of the University Registrar’s website at nova.edu/registrar /instructions.html. NSU students are expected to submit a degree application by the time they reach
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