Important Notices to Students
Fall 2026
University Notice of Non-Discrimination
Northwestern State University is and will remain an equal opportunity employer. All employment
decisions are based on job-related criteria and comply with equal employment opportunity
principles.
In accordance with this policy, the University will continue to recruit, hire, train, and promote to
all job levels the most qualified persons without regard to race, color, gender, religion, sexual
orientation, national origin, disability, genetic information, age, veteran status, pregnancy and
related conditions, 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, veteran status, or
retirement status.
The University is committed to equal opportunity for all students by ensuring access to
educational programs, tuition assistance, and social and recreational activities—regardless of
race, color, gender, religion, sexual orientation, national origin, disability, genetic information,
age, veteran status, or retirement status. Equal access is also provided to the Boy Scouts of
America and other designated youth groups, in accordance with applicable laws.
Concerns and inquiries may be directed to:
Veronica Biscoe, Executive Director, Institutional Effectiveness & Human Resources
Caspari Hall, Room 111
E: ramirezv@nsula.edu | P: (318) 357-6359
Julie Powell, Director of Title IX Compliance and Title IX Coordinator
Friedman Student Union, Room 306
E: tix@nsula.edu | P: (318) 357-5570
Inquiries concerning the application of nondiscrimination policies may also be referred to:
Regional Civil Rights Director, Office for Civil Rights, U.S. Department of Education
1200 Main Tower Building, Suite 2260, Dallas, Texas 75202 | P: (800) 669-4000
Title IX-Discrimination Notice
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 prohibits discrimination and sexual misconduct on the basis of sex, which includes
sexual harassment, sexual assault, dating violence, domestic violence, stalking, coercion, anddiscrimination based on sexual orientation, Retaliation through intimidation, threats, coercion,
or discrimination is also prohibited. It is the intention of the University to take any action
necessary to prevent or correct sexual misconduct in violation of this policy. (nsu.la/titleix)
Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972:
No person in the United States shall, on the basis of sex, be excluded from participation in, be
denied the benefits of, or be subjected to discrimination under any education program or activity
receiving Federal financial assistance. NSU is committed to equal opportunity for student success
by providing access to educational programs, tuition assistance, and social and recreational
activities for all students.
Direct complaints or inquiries to:
Julie Powell, Director of Title IX Compliance/Title IX Coordinator
Friedman Student Union, Room 306
E: tix@nsula.edu | P: (318) 357-5570
Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 and the Americans with
Disabilities Act (ADA of 1990)
Northwestern State University and the Office of Accessibility and Disability Support (OADS) 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 OADS coordinates services and
accommodations for students with disabilities and serves as an information center concerning
disability-related issues. OADS 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 OADS registered students.
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 for facilities is the following:
Jennifer Kelly, Executive Director for University Affairs
Caspari Hall, Room 128
E: andersonje@nsula.edu | P: (318) 357-4300
Student academic services:
Crissey Smith, Director of Accessibility and Disability Support
Watson Memorial Library, Room 111
E: oads@nsula.edu | P: (318) 357-5460
Faculty/staff accommodations and services:
Veronica Biscoe, Executive Director for Institutional Effectiveness & Human Resources
Caspari Hall, Room 111
E: ramirezv@nsula.edu | P: (318) 357-6359Drug-Free Schools and Campuses Regulations
Northwestern State University students are expected to be familiar with and abide by the policies
governing alcohol and drugs on campus.
Effective August 1, 2026, Louisiana House Bill 568 Act 305 was signed into law, stating that any
person caught smoking, vaping, or otherwise abusing such controlled dangerous substances while
on any property used for school, or within 2,000 feet of any such property, or while on a school
bus, will be held in violation of R.S. 40:966 through 970 of the Uniform Controlled Dangerous
Substance Law. This law increases penalties to a felony and is punishable by up to 1 year in jail and
a $1000 fine.
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.
Tobacco Free Policy
Effective August 1, 2014, Northwestern State University became a Tobacco-Free University. The
use of all tobacco products in any form, and the use of e-cigarettes are prohibited on all
campuses and property of Northwestern State University. This policy applies to all students,
faculty, staff, and visitors at all University events and all University facilities. Whether indoors or
outdoors. The Tobacco-Free policy also applies to housing located on the property of
Northwestern State University.To clarify the above statements, the use of tobacco products is always prohibited on all
Northwestern State University property, and as follows:
• In all interior space on Northwestern State’s main campus and all satellite locations
• In all property leased or operated by Northwestern State
• In all housing located on the Northwestern State campus
• In all indoor and outdoor athletic facilities, the entire facility
• In any vehicle owned or leased by Northwestern State
• In all personal vehicles while on the campus of Northwestern State, while parked or
moving.
In accordance with ACT No. 211, of the 2013 State of Louisiana Legislative Session, and in
accordance with Louisiana Revised Statute 40:1300.263, all public post-secondary institutions
shall be smoke-free, and nothing shall prohibit a public post-secondary institution from
developing a tobacco–free policy for its campus, the University has established a Tobacco-Free
Policy. “Smoke-Free” means the prohibition of smoking as defined in R.S. 40:1300.253(14).
“Tobacco-Free” means the prohibition of the use of tobacco derived or containing products, as
defined in R.S. 40:1300.263(B)(2). All facilities, property (whether owned or leased), and all
vehicles of Northwestern State University regardless of campus or location are Tobacco Free.
Clery
Northwestern State University complies with the Jeanne Clery Disclosure of Campus Security
Policy & Campus Crime Statistics Act. Information about NSULA campus security and crime
statistics can be found at the University Police and by clicking the Annual Security Report tab.
The report provides current safety and security policy statements and compiles crime statistics
from the past 3 years from different crime categories to help our community better understand
what type of criminal activity, if any, takes place on our campuses.
Jon Caliste, Director of University Safety and Compliance
NSU Police Department, 315 Caspari Street, Natchitoches, LA 71497
E: calistej@nsula.edu | P: (318) 677-3044
Missing Student
In compliance with the Missing Student Procedures 20 USC 1092 (j) (Section 488 of the Higher
Education Opportunity Act of 2008), it is the policy of Northwestern State University Student
Affairs and University Police to investigate any report of a missing student who resides on-
campus at Northwestern State University. This policy, with its accompanying procedures,
establishes a framework for cooperation among members of the University community aimed
at locating and assisting students who are reported missing.
A student shall be deemed missing when he or she is reported absent from the University for
more than 24 hours without any known reason. All reports of missing students shall be directed
to Northwestern State University Police, which shall investigate each report and determine
whether the student is missing under the Missing Student Policy.NSU Police Department, 315 Caspari Street, Natchitoches, LA 71497
P: (318) 357-5431 | F: (318) 357-4321
Notice of Student Consumer Information
In accordance with federal regulations, this message serves as your annual notification of the availability
of consumer information related to your enrollment and participation in federal student aid programs.
Our institution is required to provide you with access to a variety of important information regarding
financial aid, academic programs, campus safety, and your rights as a student. This information is
available online and can be accessed at the following website:
Below is a summary of the information available:
Financial Aid Information
• Types of federal, state, and institutional financial aid programs
• How to apply for financial aid and eligibility requirements
• Procedures for verification and awarding of aid
• Rights and responsibilities of financial aid recipients
Cost of Attendance
• Tuition and fees
• Estimated costs for books, course materials, supplies, housing, transportation, and personal
expenses
Academic Information
• Academic programs offered
• Instructional facilities
• Faculty and accreditation information
Student Outcomes
• Retention rates
• Graduation rates
• Placement and types of employment obtained by graduates
Health and Safety
• Annual Security Report (campus crime statistics, policies, and procedures)
• Fire Safety ReportStudent Rights
• Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA) information, including your rights to access and
control your educational records
Additional Disclosures
• Copyright infringement policies and sanctions
• Vaccination policies
• Constitution Day information
• Voter registration information
• Equity in Athletics Disclosure Act (EADA) report
The Annual Security Report (Annual Fire Safety Report included) is available at:
The Equity in Athletics Disclosure Act (EADA) Report is available at:
https://nsudemons.com/sports/2016/3/30/Compliance_Reports.aspx
Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA) information is available at:
Requesting a Paper Copy
You may request a paper copy of any of this information at no cost to you by contacting:
Ms. Reatha Cox
Vice President for The Student Experience
Northwestern State University
Student Services Center, Room 134
Natchitoches, Louisiana 71497
Phone: 318-357-5285
Email: coxr@nsula.edu
If you have any questions about this information, please contact our office using the information listed
above.