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, 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, 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, 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 Director of Student Advocacy and Title IX Coordinator, Julie Powell (318-357-5570), Room 308 of the Friedman Student Union or email obannonj@nsula.edu. Employee Title IX issues should be directed to the Executive Director of Institutional Effectiveness and Human Resources, Veronica M. Biscoe (318-357-6359), Room 111 Caspari Hall or email ramirezv@nsula.edu.

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 Executive Director of University Affairs, Jennifer Kelly (318-357-4300), located in New Fine Arts, 104 Central Avenue, Ste. 102 or email andersonje@nsula.edu.

For student academic services, contact the Director of Access and Disability Support, Taylor Camidge (318-357-5460) located in Room 108-C Watson Memorial Library or email camidget@nsula.edu.

For faculty/staff accommodations and services, contact Executive Director of Institutional Effectiveness and Human Resources, Veronica M. Biscoe (318-357-6359), Room 111 Caspari Hall or email ramirezv@nsula.edu.

Title IX Notices 

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, and discrimination based on sexual orientation, gender identity or gender expression. Retaliation through intimidation, threats, coercion, or discrimination is also prohibited. It is the intention of the University to take whatever action may be needed to prevent or correct sexual misconduct and, if necessary, sanction individuals who act in violation of this policy.

NSU is committed to eliminating sexual misconduct in our community, advocating for students who have experienced sexual assault or sexual harassment, and respecting the rights of both complainants and respondents.

Northwestern State prohibits discrimination and sexual misconduct on the basis of sex, which includes sexual harassment, sexual assault, dating violence, domestic violence, stalking, and coercion. NSU also prohibits discrimination based on sexual orientation, gender identity, or gender expression. This policy includes protection for women, men, and all members of the LGBTQIA+ community.

For more information, please see NSU’s 2023-2024 Student Handbook.

For assistance, please visit the NSU Not Alone webpage at: https://www.nsula.edu/studentexperience/notalone/

Contacts for Assistance:

• Director of Student Advocacy & Title IX Coordinator, Julie Powell, (318) 357- 5570
• VP for Student Experience and Dean of Students, Reatha Cox, (318) 357-5285
• Director of Accountability and Student Conduct, Traci LaBom Norris (318) 357-5286
• Counseling and Career Services (318) 357-5621
• Student Health Services (318) 357-5351

Contacts for Emergencies:

• University Police (318) 357-5431 (This number can contact an NSU Counselor 24/7 or a Confidential Advisor)
• 911
• Sexual Assault Hotline (800) 656-4673

Power Based Violence/Sexual Misconduct Policy Introduction:

This Uniform Policy (Policy) regarding Power-Based Violence (PBV), promulgated pursuant to Act 472 of the 2021 Regular Legislative Session of the Louisiana Legislature, sets forth processes and procedures to guide public postsecondary education stakeholders in maintaining safety and protection for students and employees. Power-based violence is defined as any form of interpersonal violence intended to control or intimidate another person through the assertion of power over the person. It includes, but is more expansive than, sexual misconduct and Title IX misconduct. Act 472 directs the Board of Regents (BOR) to establish uniform policies and best practices to implement measures to address the reporting of power- based violence on Institutions’ campuses, the prevention of such violence, communication between Institutions regarding incidents of power-based violence, and the provision of medical and mental health care for these alleged victims.

Policy Statement:

Northwestern State University prohibits discrimination based on sex in accordance with federal and state law, including ACT 472 of the 2021 Legislative Session of the Louisiana Legislature (Act 472), Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972 (Title IX) and Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 (Title VII), the Violence Against Women Act (VAWA), the Jeanne Clery Disclosure of Campus Security Policy and Campus Crime Statistics Act (Clery Act), and other applicable laws. The comprehensive scope of this Policy includes procedures to address both power-based violence (which includes sexual misconduct) and Title IX Conduct. This policy is designed to help NSU create and maintain safe learning, working, and living environments for all individuals who participate in the institutions activities and programs, including online instruction. This Policy reflects NSU’s strong commitment to promoting an environment that is free from power-based violence which includes sexual misconduct and Title IX conduct. Inquiries about the application of this policy should be directed to Ms. Julie Powell, Title IX Coordinator for Students, or Ms. Veronica Biscoe, Title IX Coordinator for Employees, whose contact information is available on the Title IX website. This Policy is not intended to infringe upon or restrict rights guaranteed by the United States Constitution, including the right to free speech under the First Amendment or the due process clauses of the Fifth and Fourteenth Amendments.

Nondiscrimination:

Title IX is a federal law that prohibits discrimination based on sex in any federally funded education program or activity. Title IX prohibits the use of federal money to support sex discrimination in education programs and provides individuals protection against such practices. In compliance with federal law and USDOE federal guidance, including the provision of Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 (Title VII), Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972 (Title IX), Section 503 and 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) of 1990, the ADA Amendments Act of 2008, the Age Discrimination in Employment Act of 1967 (ADEA), Executive Order 11246, Executive Order 13988, The Vietnam Era Veterans Readjustment Assistance Act of 1974 as amended by the Jobs for Veterans Act, the Uniformed Services Employment and reemployment rights Act, as amended, and the Genetic Information Nondiscrimination Act of 2008, an Institution shall not discriminate against individuals on the basis of their race, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, religion, color, national or ethnic origin, age, disability, military service, covered veteran’s status, or genetic information in its administration of education policies, programs, or activities; admissions policies; scholarship and loan programs; athletic or other Institution-administered programs; or employment. As part of Northwestern State University’s commitment to maintaining a community free of discrimination, and in compliance with Title IX’s mandate, the University will address allegations of power-based violence, including sexual harassment and sexual assault, in a timely and effective manner. Further, Institutions will provide resources as needed for affected persons (Reporters, Complainants, Respondents, and third parties within the University’s community), and will not tolerate retaliation against any person who reports or participates in the investigation of alleged power-based violence or sex/gender discrimination.

Reporting Incidents of Power-Based Violence:

To make a Report, a reporting individual should report the incident to the Title IX Coordinator. For Students: Title IX Coordinator & Director of Student Advocacy – Julie Powell (318) 357-5570 or obannonj@nsula.edu. For Employees: Executive Director for Institutional Effectiveness, Human Resources, Title IX Coordinator – Veronica Biscoe, (318) 357-6359 or ramirezv@nsula.edu Reports can be made in-person, via email, or through the online reporting form, Title IX Reporting Form link to Reporting Incidents of Power-Based Violence

For more information on Power Based Violence, please visit: https://www.nsula.edu/studentexperience/notalone/

Contacts for Assistance:

• Director of Student Advocacy & Title IX Coordinator, Julie Powell, (318) 357-5570
• VP for Student Experience and Dean of Students, Reatha Cox, (318) 357-5285
• Director of Accountability and Student Conduct, Traci LaBom Norris (318) 357-5286
• Counseling and Career Services (318) 357-5621
• Student Health Services (318) 357-5351

Contacts for Emergencies:

• University Police (318) 357-5431 (This number can contact an NSU Counselor 24/7 or a Confidential Advisor)
• 911
• Sexual Assault Hotline (800) 656-4673

Campus Climate Survey Regarding Sexual and Relationship Violence

 In March 2016, Northwestern State’s Office of the Dean of Students administered the Louisiana Board of Regents mandated Everfi Campus Climate Survey to 3750 students who attend the Natchitoches campus. The purpose of this survey was to gain insight about the campus atmosphere regarding sexual and relationship violence. To view the results, please click here: https: NSU Campus Climate Survey 2016 Statement.

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 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. The 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 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 Accessibility and Disability Support Website: http://studentaffairs.nsula.edu/disability-support/ https://www.nsula.edu/disabilitysupport/

Director of Accessibility and Disability Support: Taylor Camidge, Eugene Watson Library, Room 108C, 318-357-5460, camidget@nsula.edu.

Coordinator, Accessibility and Disability Support: Landon Amberg, Eugene Watson Library, Room 108D, 318-357-4460, ambergl@nsula.edu

Director, Facilities Services: Dale Wohletz, Facilities Services Complex, 318-357- 4519, wohletz@nsula.edu.

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, here.

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 indoor or outdoor. 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

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.

University Policies 

Academic Year 2023-2024

Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA)

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 Director of University Affairs, Jennifer Kelly (318- 357-4300), located in New Fine Arts, 104 Central Avenue, Ste. 102 or email andersonje@nsula.edu. For student academic services, contact the Director of Accessibility and Disability Support, Taylor Camidge (318-357-5460) located in Room 108-C Watson Memorial Library or email camidget@nsula.edu. For faculty/staff accommodations and services, contact Executive Director of Institutional Effectiveness and Human Resources, Veronica M. Biscoe (318-357-6359), Room 111 Caspari Hall or email ramirezv@nsula.edu.

Student Academic Honesty Statement

If knowledge is to be properly evaluated, it must be pursued under conditions free from deceit and misrepresentation, which are incompatible with the fundamental activity of this academic institution. Northwestern State University expects students to fulfill academic requirements independently and with integrity. Academic integrity is founded on values of honesty, trust, fairness, respect, and responsibility. Violations include, for example, cheating or deception in any form, plagiarism (including duplicity), misuse of resources, falsification, and facilitating another student’s academic dishonesty. Acts of academic dishonesty violate the ethical principles of the University community and compromise work completed by others. For violations of academic honesty, a student may receive a grade of zero on the assignment and/or a grade of F in the class and will be referred to the Office of Accountability & Student Conduct to create a disciplinary record and/or receive any additional sanctions. For a comprehensive description of Academic Infractions refer to Article 4 Section 1 of the Student Handbook.

Sexual Harassment & Assault 

Please refer to the following website for complete information: https://www.nsula.edu/notalone/

Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972

This act prohibits discrimination based on sex in educational programs and activities that receive 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 without regard to race, color, gender, religion, sexual orientation, national origin, disability, genetic information, age, pregnancy or parenting status, veteran status, or retirement status. Student complaints or inquiries related to Title IX should be directed to the Director of Student Advocacy/Title IX Coordinator, Julie Powell, obannonj@nsula.edu, 318-357-5570, located in room #308 of the Student Services Center.

Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Statement

Northwestern State University defines diversity as including, but not limited to differences in age, gender identity and expression, religion, language, sexuality, socioeconomic status, ethnicity, race, mental and physical abilities, and geographic background. In our mission to understand our differences, we also hope to realize our commonalities and recognize how all these parts of our identities shape each of our experiences of the world. We are dedicated to fostering a community based on empathy, thoughtful dialogue, personal growth, and action.

Social Media 

Every Northwestern State University student is encouraged to help create an environment that promotes learning, dignity, and mutual respect for everyone in classrooms and on social media. Students should be aware of their association with and responsibilities to NSU while using social media, whether on official NSU sites or in personal communication. Students must also keep in mind that once digital content is created, they have very little control over how that content is shared or how permanent it becomes, and so the impact of statements and the online persona must be considered, especially regarding potential classmates and employers. Students should exercise their freedom of speech to communicate online with respect, which includes adhering to the Student Code of Conduct and reading and responding carefully to others in order to understand their point-of-view. Students must take responsibility for their words and criticism should be constructive, respect diversity, and show tolerance of differences. Students should make it clear that they are stating an opinion and not acting as an official representative of NSU when using social media for personal communication. When that may seem unclear, it may be useful to use a disclaimer such as, “views and opinion expressed are my own and do not reflect those of NSU.”

Campus/Classroom Civility Statement

Northwestern State University students, faculty, and staff are expected to create an environment that promotes academic excellence, personal dignity, mutual respect, and individual responsibility in both face-to-face and electronic educational settings regardless of the content of the ideas and opinions being shared. Our diverse backgrounds as individuals combined with ideas and concepts being taught and discussed require that we demonstrate respect for ideas and opinions that may differ from our own. It is part of the educational process to think critically about our own reactions, beliefs, and opinions, and examine why we hold them. Students who use inappropriate language, are verbally abusive, display defiance or disrespect to others, or behave aggressively toward others, speak at inappropriate times, take frequent breaks, interrupt the class by coming to class late or leaving early, engage in loud or distracting behaviors, use cell phones or other noise-making electronic devices like watches with alarms, listen to music on headphones or play with computers or hand-held games during the class period may be asked to leave the class and may be subjected to disciplinary action. The instructor of a course may deem additional behaviors or actions inappropriate; these actions or behaviors will be outlined in the course syllabus. Students who are online and make others feel unwelcome, disrespected, harassed, use inappropriate language, are verbally abusive, or display defiance or disrespect to others may also be subjected to disciplinary action under the Northwestern State University Student Code of Conduct and Sanctions. The infractions and sanctions are available on the NSU website at NSU Student Handbook. The instructor of a course may deem additional behaviors or actions inappropriate; these actions or behaviors will be outlined in the course syllabus.

Class Attendance

Class attendance is an obligation and a privilege. All students are expected to attend their enrolled classes. Failure to do so may jeopardize students’ scholastic standing in their courses and may lead to suspension from the University. Course instructors are required to state expectations regarding class attendance during the first week of classes in writing to the students and must maintain a permanent attendance record for each class. Instructors may establish grading policies that incorporate attendance requirements, including policies and penalties for class absence, tardy attendance, make-up work, and late coursework. Instructors may excuse an absence for documented illness and doctor appointments, personal and family issues, and other similar situations at their discretion pursuant to the class attendance policy and shall excuse absences for official University-excused activities¹ reported by University personnel, religious observances supported by students’ religious beliefs, official military orders and first responder orders during emergencies, scheduled court appearances, and jury duty. In professional degree programs (e.g., Nursing, Allied Health, Education), students are required to meet the minimum number of attendance or clinical hours each semester in each course. In the case of planned absence, students are responsible for anticipating such conflicts and discussing them with their instructors in advance, preferably at the beginning of the semester. In the case of unplanned absence, students shall submit documentation to their instructors upon their return to the respective class. Students tardy for a class meeting should resolve the matter with their instructors at the end of the class period during which the tardiness occurred. Otherwise, the instructor may treat tardiness as an absence pursuant to the class attendance policy. Students are responsible for all class activities missed during their absences, whether excused or unexcused. Acceptance of make-up work and penalties for late work are determined by instructors’ discretion pursuant to the written attendance policy for the course. For students with excessive unexcused absences (ten percent or more of the total class meetings), instructors may complete the Non-Attendance Report of Grade Form and submit it to the academic dean of the course recommending that the student be dropped from the roster of that class. A grade of “F” shall be given if a student has unsatisfactory academic performance in the course and may be given if the student has five or more unexcused absences for MWF classes, four or more unexcused absences for MW or TR classes, two or more unexcused absences from classes that meet for three hours one time a week (Monday-Saturday), and two or more weeks of unexcused absences from Internet classes.

*Updated August 14, 2023