Important Notices to Students
Notice of Non-Discrimination:
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, 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, religion, sexual orientation, national origin, disability, genetic information, age, pregnancy or parenting status, 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, religion, sexual orientation, national origin, disability, genetic information, age, pregnancy or parenting status, veteran status or retirement status.
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 Dean of Students, Frances Conine (318-357-5286) located in room #309 of the Friedman Student Union. Employee Title IX issues should be directed to the Director of EEO, Veronica Biscoe (318-357-6359) 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 the Vice-President of the University Affairs, Marcus Jones (318-357-5701 or 6586) located in Suite 102, CAPA Building. For the academic services, contact the Director of Disability Support and Tutoring, Catherine Faucheaux (318-357-4460 or 5045) located in room #234 and 240A&B of the Friedman Student Union.
Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 and the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA of 1990):
Northwestern State University and the Office of Disability Support (ODS) are committed to making students with disabilities full participants in university programs, services, and activities through its compliance with Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 and the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) of 1990. The ODS coordinates services and accommodations for students with disabilities and also serves as an information center concerning disability-related issues. The ODS is committed to providing equal educational opportunities to students by minimizing the impact of functional limitations upon their academic and non-academic lives through providing reasonable accommodations to ODS registered students.
Reasonable accommodations are modifications to a course, program, service, or employment that do not fundamentally alter the course or program. Appropriate accommodations are determined through the individual intake appointment by reviewing documentation submitted by a qualified and licensed professional, discussion with the student, and evaluating the essential requirements of a course or program. After the intake appointment, a student will have approved accommodations available for use at their discretion.
NSU Disability Support Website: http://studentaffairs.nsula.edu/disability-support/
Chief ADA Officer: Marcus Jones, JD, Vice President of University Affairs, 01 VPU CAPA Building, Suite 102, 318-357-5701, marcusj@nsula.edu.
Director of Disability Support & Tutoring: Catherine C. Faucheaux, LCSW, Friedman Student Union, Rm. 234, 318-357-4460, faucheauxc@nsula.edu.
Counselor, Disability Support & Tutoring: Holley Shivers, MA, Friedman Student Union, Rm. 240A&B
318-357-5045, shiversh@nsula.edu.
Director, Facilities Services: Dale Wohletz, Facilities Services Complex, 318-357-4519, wohletz@nsula.edu.
Title IX Notices:
Policy
Northwestern is committed to a campus environment free from all forms of sexual misconduct. No student should be subjected to unsolicited or unwelcome sexual conduct, either verbal or physical. Sexual harassment violates University policy as well as state and federal laws.
Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972 prohibits discrimination based on sex in educational programs and activities that receive federal financial assistance. To ensure compliance with Title IX and other federal and state civil rights laws, Northwestern State University has developed internal policies that prohibit discrimination and sexual misconduct on the basis of sex.
Reporting Incidents
Students should report incidents of sexual misconduct, sexual harassment, or sexual assault to the Title IX Coordinator for Students, Frances Watkins Conine, Dean of Students, at 318-357-5286, Room 309 of the Student Union.
If the conduct is criminal in nature, students should immediately contact University Police at 318-357-5431.
Grievance procedures may be formal or informal and may vary according to the parties involved. Therefore, students are encouraged to resolve Title IX complaints with the assistance of the Dean of Students Office. When appropriate, students may elect to address the complaint directly with the party involved or with supervisor of that person if he or she is a university employee. In all cases, students may elect to work with an advocate.
NSU Title IX Website: http://studentaffairs.nsula.edu/title-ix-2/
University Obligations
To take immediate and appropriate steps to investigate and incident
To take prompt action to protect victims, end the harassment, resolve the situation and prevent future incidents
To maintain confidentiality weighed against maintaining a safe environment
To notify complainant and the alleged harasser of outcomes
Drug-Free Schools and Campuses Regulations:
Northwestern State Alcohol & Drug Policy
Northwestern State University students are expected to be familiar with and abide by the policies governing alcohol and drugs on campus.
The university prohibits possession or consumption of alcohol on campus and the possession of alcoholic beverage containers except as provided by university policy that complies with all state and federal statutes. Northwestern State University conforms to all local, state and federal laws regarding the use of alcohol and other drugs on campus. Northwestern is a member of the Drug-Free schools and campuses and abides by their standards regarding policies, athletic programs, educational programs, enforcement and assessment. Students and employees who fail to abide by university policies regarding alcohol and other drugs will be subject to disciplinary action according to established university policies and procedures that conform to local, state and federal laws.
Students and employees of Northwestern State University are hereby informed that the unlawful manufacture, distribution, dispensing, possession or use of controlled substances is prohibited on university property. Students and employees of the University found to be illegally manufacturing, distributing, dispensing, possessing or using controlled dangerous substances on university property shall be subject to disciplinary action in accordance with applicable policies of the University of Louisiana System Board of Supervisors and Northwestern State University as well as Federal, State of Louisiana and local laws. In addition to university disciplinary action, students and employees found to be illegally manufacturing, distributing, dispensing, possessing or using controlled substances shall also be subject to criminal prosecution. The term "controlled dangerous substance," means a drug, substance or immediate precursor in Schedule I through V of Louisiana RS40:964.
A complete listing of NSU sanctions, Federal, State and local laws, health risks and alcohol and drug support services are found in the NSU Student Handbook page 68 and pages 35-50. http://www.nsula.edu/assets/Student-Handbooks/FINAL-STUDENT-HANDBOOK-2014-2015.PDF