2024–2025 Student Handbook College of Optometry
I Nova Southeastern University Student Handbook 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This handbook and the policies and programs set forth herein are effective through the academic year 2024–2025 or until superseded.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. 25-02-023SAT Nova Southeastern University Student Handbook I
II Nova Southeastern University Student Handbook Table of Contents FOREWORD/RESERVATION OF POWER.............2 Foreword. .............................................................2 Reservation of Power...........................................3 UNIVERSITY VISION STATEMENT, MISSION STATEMENT, AND CORE VALUES.........4 NSU’s Vision..........................................................4 NSU’s Mission.......................................................4 NSU Core Values...................................................4 POLICIES AND PROCEDURES NOVA SOUTHEASTERN UNIVERSITY..........5 STATEMENT ON STUDENT RIGHTS AND RESPONSIBILITIES........................................7 University Equal Opportunity/ Nondiscrimination Policy....................................7 Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA)............................................8 Release of Student Information...........................10 Conduct Notifications.............................................10 Deceased Student Records...................................10 Health Care Privacy (HIPAA) Statement..........10 Degree Conferral Process...................................11 CODE OF STUDENT CONDUCT AND ACADEMIC RESPONSIBILITY......................12 Academic Standards.......................................... 12 Academic Inactivity Policy................................14 Conduct Standards............................................ 15 NSU University-Wide Religious Holiday Policy..................................................... 15 NSU Interfaith Work-Restricted Religious Holiday Calendar......................................................16 A. General Administrative Policies and Guidelines....................................................18 A.1 Alcohol Policy......................................................18 A.2 Appropriate Conduct and Consensual Relationships Policy...............................................20 A.3 Drug-Free Schools and Campuses.............20 A.4 Excused Absences for Participation in Cocurricular Activities.............................................21 A.5 Flexibility in Policies........................................22 A.6 Health Policies...................................................22 A.7 Student Account Holds...................................24 A.8 Image Use Statement......................................24 A.9 Indebtedness to the University....................25 A.10 Leave of Absence Policy...............................27 A.11 International Travel Registration Requirement and Program....................................27 A.12 Jurisdiction of University Policies and Procedures.........................................................28 A.13 Off-Campus Residency.................................28 A.14 Student Organization Rights and Responsibilities.................................................28 A.15 University Computer and Telecommunications Use Policy..........................29 A.16 University Copyright and Patent Policy..............................................................32 A.17 University Title IX/ Sexual Misconduct Policy......................................33 A.18 Bathroom Policy..............................................33 B. Specific Conduct Violations......................... 34 B.1 Alcoholic Beverages........................................34 B.2 Animals...............................................................34 B.3 Assault/Violence..............................................35 B.4 Bribery.................................................................35 B.5 Cheating..............................................................35 B.6 Complicity...........................................................35 B.7 Contracting on Behalf of the University.....35 B.8 Damage or Vandalism to Property..............36 B.9 Dangerous Items...............................................36 B.10 Disorderly Conduct........................................36 B.11 Distributing or Posting Printed Media........36 B.12 Drugs, Drug Paraphernalia...........................36 B.13 Emergency Equipment and Procedures...37 B.14 Facilitating Academic Dishonesty..............37 B.15 Failure to Disclose Criminal Offenses........37 B.16 False Information (Including Fabrication, Fraud, and Falsification of Records)...................38 B.17 Fire.......................................................................38
Nova Southeastern University Student Handbook III B.18 Gambling and/or Games of Chance..........38 B.19 Guests.................................................................39 B.20 Harassment or Harm to Others..................39 B.21 Hate-Based Conduct Violations.................39 B.22 Hazing................................................................39 B.23 Health and Safety..........................................40 B.24 Identification Cards......................................40 B.25 Interference with University Investigations, Disciplinary Proceedings, or Records.................................................................40 B.26 Lake Swimming................................................41 B.27 Littering/Projecting Objects........................41 B.28 Misuse of Computers or Telecommunications (Technology).....................41 B.29 Noise...................................................................41 B.30 Online/Internet Social Networking Usage....................................................41 B.31 Parking and Motor Vehicle Policy...............42 B.32 Plagiarism.........................................................42 B.33 RecWell Center Policies and Procedures.........................................................42 B.34 Removal or Ejection from a University-Sponsored Event.................................42 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........................................................43 B.40 Stalking............................................................44 B.41 Fraternity and Sorority Life Manual/Policies........................................................ 44 B.42 Theft or Unauthorized Possession...........44 B.43 Unauthorized Entry......................................44 B.44 Unauthorized Possession of University Property................................................44 B.45 Unauthorized Recording.............................44 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................................. 45 D. University Disciplinary Procedures..............47 D.1 Introduction.........................................................47 D.2 Student Judicial Resolution (SJR)..............50 D.3 Judicial Conference.........................................50 D.4 Administrative Judicial Proceeding............53 D.5 University Title IX/Sexual Misconduct Disciplinary Procedures.........................................56 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 Center for Academic and Professional Success..........................................63 Center for Student Counseling and Well-Being...................................................63 Mako Media Network.........................................63 Military Affairs Veterans Resource Center......64 NSU Alumni Association...................................64 NSU Athletics.....................................................64 NSU Health..........................................................65 Student Medical Center..........................................65 NSU Public Safety Department.........................65 Office of Campus Life and Student Engagement........................................ 66 Office of Financial Aid.......................................67 Office of Innovation and Information Technology....................................67 Office of International Affairs...........................67 Office of Pre-Health.......................................... 68 Office of Recreation and Wellness.................. 68 Office of Residence Life.................................... 68 Office of Student Affairs at the Regional Campuses.......................................... 68 Office of Student Affairs Marketing................. 69 Office of Student Conduct................................ 69 Office of Student Disability Services............... 69
IV Nova Southeastern University Student Handbook Office of Student Leadership and Civic Engagement............................................. 69 Office of the University Bursar......................... 70 Office of the University Registrar.................... 70 Office of Undergraduate Admissions.............. 70 Office of University Housing............................ 70 One-Stop Shop.................................................. 70 Shark Dining Services........................................ 71 SharkCard Services............................................ 71 SharkPrint...........................................................72 Student Activity Fee Accounts Office..............72 Title IX/Sexual Misconduct ...............................72 Tutoring and Testing Center..............................72 University Libraries............................................73 Wireless Networking.........................................73 Writing and Communication Center (WCC)....73 COLLEGES AND ACADEMIC UNITS....................74 ACCREDITATION................................................... 74 DIVISION-SPECIFIC POLICIES AND PROCEDURES HEALTH PROFESSIONS DIVISION............ 75 HEALTH PROFESSIONS DIVISION......................77 Building Hours....................................................77 Charges and Payments......................................77 Tuition Credit Policy—Voluntary Drops and Withdrawals................................................77 Short-Term Preloans..........................................78 Martin and Gail Press Health Professions Division Library..................................................78 Tampa Bay Regional Campus Library..............80 Lost and Found...................................................81 Computer Laboratories.....................................81 Student Lounge/Student Area..........................81 HPD POLICIES AND PROCEDURES.....................82 Acceptance of Professional Fees......................82 Background Checks...........................................82 Health Forms Requirements.............................83 Certificate of Physical Examination....................83 Immunization Requirements................................83 Urine Drug Screen...................................................84 Dress Code..........................................................85 Food in the Lecture Halls, Laboratories, and Clinics...........................................................85 Identification Requirements and Fieldwork Prerequisites.....................................85 Email....................................................................85 Notices, Messages, and Posters........................85 Parking Lot/Garage.......................................... 86 Photographs and Recordings........................... 86 Postexposure Policies and Procedures........... 86 Return of University Property...........................87 Security Checks..................................................87 Social Events and Extracurricular Activities....87 Student Assistance Program.............................88 Student Employment........................................ 89 Student Insurance Requirement...................... 89 Opt-Out Required...................................................90 Cell Phones, Computers, Tablets, and Electronic Devices.............................................90 Visitors............................................................... 90 Visits to Other Institutions...............................90 COLLEGE-SPECIFIC POLICIES AND PROCEDURES COLLEGE OF OPTOMETRY..........................91 COLLEGE OF OPTOMETRY..................................93 Administration. ..................................................93 Mission Statement.............................................94 Accreditation......................................................95 Reservation of Power.........................................95 Fees and Expenses............................................ 96 Core Performance Standards for Admission and Progress...................................................... 96 Intellectual, Conceptual, Integrative, and Qualitative Abilities................................................96
Nova Southeastern University Student Handbook V Interpersonal Communication.............................96 Motor Skills.................................................................97 Strength and Mobility.............................................97 Hearing........................................................................97 Visual. ..........................................................................97 Tactile. .........................................................................97 Behavioral and Social Attributes........................98 Health Care Privacy (HIPAA) Statement......... 98 Disability............................................................ 98 Grievance Procedures for Nonacademic Disputes..................................... 98 Email................................................................... 98 ACADEMIC AFFAIRS............................................99 Baccalaureate Degree...................................... 99 Honors Program................................................ 99 Curriculum. ........................................................ 99 Examination Policies and Procedures............. 99 Grading Policies and Procedures....................100 Grade Point Average (GPA).................................101 Grade Disputes........................................................101 Incomplete Coursework........................................101 Penalty for Late Registration..............................102 Academic Standing..........................................102 Academic Dismissal.........................................102 Academic Honors.............................................103 President’s List........................................................103 Dean’s List................................................................104 Graduation with Honors.......................................104 Leave from Studies..........................................104 1. Leave of Absence (LOA)...................................104 2. Administrative Break in Enrollment.............104 3. Course Status During an Administrative Break in Enrollment ..............................................105 4. Communication with the CO During a Leave of Absence/Administrative Break in Enrollment...........................................................105 5. Return from Administrative Break in Enrollment...........................................................106 6. Leave of Absence Records.............................106 Student Examinations......................................106 Clinical Remediation........................................107 Readmission Policy..........................................107 Reexamination and Remediation Policy........108 Didactic Courses.....................................................108 Clinic Courses..........................................................109 The Student Performance Advisory Committee (SPAC)............................................110 Procedure to Appeal Mandated Academic Dismissal..........................................110 Appeals Board....................................................111 Appeals Board Hearing Guidelines.....................111 Appeals Board Responsibilities...........................111 Appeals Board Membership................................112 Hearing Process and Protocol.............................112 Notification of the Appeals Board Decision....112 Requirements for Graduation..........................113 Volunteer Service..............................................113 Clinical Patient Encounter Log.........................113 Course and Instructor Evaluation....................114 Computer-Related Requirements Specific to the College of Optometry............................114 Address Change/Name Change.......................114 Attendance........................................................ 115 Religious Holidays...................................................115 Intersession Policies.........................................115 College of Optometry Dress Code...................115 Development of Professional Maturity...........117 Advisers. ............................................................ 117 Student Counseling................................................117 Tutoring...................................................................... 117 National Board Examination............................117 Class and Examination Schedules......................118 Externships........................................................ 118 CODE OF BEHAVIORAL STANDARDS...............118 Honor Court.......................................................119 Article I. Purpose.....................................................119 Article II. Jurisdiction.............................................119 Article III. College of Optometry Rules of Conduct.................................................................119
VI Nova Southeastern University Student Handbook Article IV. Honor Court Administration............120 Article V. Records...................................................124 Article VI. Reporting..............................................125 Article VII. Procedures for Appeal....................125 Article VIII. Revisions............................................125 BACHELOR OF SCIENCE (B.S.) IN VISION SCIENCE............................................126 Curriculum. ....................................................... 126 Requirements for Graduation.........................126 Examination Policies and Procedures............126 Grading Policies and Procedures....................127 Grade Point Average (GPA)................................127 Grade Disputes.......................................................127 Incomplete Coursework.......................................128 Penalty for Late Registration..............................128 Academic Standing, Readmission, and Remediation..............................................128 MASTER OF SCIENCE (M.S.) IN CLINICAL VISION RESEARCH.......................129 Curriculum. ....................................................... 129 Requirements for Graduation.........................129 Examination Policies and Procedures............130 Grading Policies and Procedures....................130 Grade Point Average (GPA).................................131 Grade Disputes........................................................131 Incomplete Coursework.......................................132 Academic Standing..........................................132 Readmission Policy..........................................132 Reexamination and Remediation Policy........ 133 The Student Performance Advisory Committee (SPAC)........................................... 133 Procedure to Appeal Mandated Academic Dismissal......................................... 133 Appeals Board..................................................134 Code of Behavioral Standards........................134 CHANGES IN THE STUDENT HANDBOOK........134 APPENDIX................................................... 135 NSU Fort Lauderdale/Davie Campus Map.....136
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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 NSU’s Vision Enhance Nova Southeastern University’s reputation as a leading professional-dominant, doctoral research university providing competitive career advantages to our students and fostering alumni and partnership connections. NSU’s Mission The mission of Nova Southeastern University—a selective, doctoral-research university—is to deliver leading academic programs in a dynamic, innovative environment. We foster academic excellence; leadership; integrity; and scientific, economic, and community contributions through engaging and empowering our students, faculty, staff, alumni, and partners. NSU Core Values Student-Centered Academic Excellence Scholarship and Research Innovation Opportunity Community Diversity Integrity
Policies and Procedures Nova Southeastern University
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Nova Southeastern University Student Handbook 7 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 opportunity to fulfill their intellectual potential through pursuit of the highest standards of academic excellence. 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 qualities flow from membership in any academic community committed to such goals, including • respect for others • professionalism and collegiality 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, it is the policy of Nova Southeastern University not to engage in any discrimination or harassment against any individuals and to comply with all federal and state laws, orders, and regulations. Any such acts are unacceptable and strictly prohibited by the university. 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 policy applies to all activities and programs.
8 Nova Southeastern University Student Handbook Inquiries about perceived discrimination, related policies, and Title IX may be referred to NSU’s Title IX coordinator, the U.S. Department of Education’s Office for Civil Rights, or both. NSU’s Title IX coordinator is Laura Bennett. Laura Bennett Title IX Coordinator/Managing Director of Title IX Compliance (954) 262-7858 • laura.bennett@nova.edu nova.edu/title-ix Mailing Address Office of Human Resources 3300 S. University Drive Fort Lauderdale, FL 33328-2004 The office of the Title IX coordinator is remote/virtual with team offices in the Campus Support Building (170B and 174). Please visit nova.edu/title-ix to review NSU’s Title IX nondiscrimination policy and grievance procedures, to report information about conduct that may constitute sex discrimination, or to make a complaint of sex discrimination under Title IX. 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 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.
Nova Southeastern University Student Handbook 9 • 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: • 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
10 Nova Southeastern University Student Handbook 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 personally 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 (nova.edu/roi). However, the university is under no obligation to discuss and/or release personally identifiable information from a student’s education record to a third party, except in limited circumstances under FERPA, or when legally compelled to do so. 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 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.
Nova Southeastern University Student Handbook 11 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 Process Once students have completed 100 percent of the degree requirements, the earned Nova Southeastern University degree will automatically be conferred. As long as student accounts are free from any academic or financial holds, students will be invited to participate in their college’s commencement ceremonies, and each student’s diploma, along with a complimentary academic transcript, will be mailed to the student’s address on file. For more information, visit the registrar’s website at nova.edu/registrar/services /degree-conferral.
12 Nova Southeastern University Student Handbook Code of Student Conduct and Academic Responsibility The university is a community of scholars in which the ideals of freedom of inquiry, freedom of thought, freedom of expression, and freedom of the individual are sustained. However, the exercise and preservation of these freedoms and rights require a respect for the rights of all in the community to enjoy them to the same extent. It is clear that in a community of learning, willful disruption of the educational process, destruction of property, and interference with the orderly process of the university as defined by the university administration or with the rights of other members of the university cannot be tolerated. Students enrolling in the university assume an obligation to conduct themselves in a manner compatible with the university’s function as an educational institution. To fulfill its functions of imparting and gaining knowledge, the university retains the power to maintain order within the university and to exclude those who are disruptive to the educational process. In support of the Code of Student Conduct and Academic Responsibility, any violations of the Code of Student Conduct and Academic Responsibility and/or university policies and procedures may result in disciplinary action and/or criminal prosecution. Violations of academic and/or supplementary standards will be handled through the student’s academic college or center. Student violations of conduct standards, university policies, and/or procedures will be handled by the Office of the Senior Vice President for Enrollment Management and Student Affairs or through the individual college, when appropriate. An academic unit, as a result of professional education standards/requirements, may have additional procedures to address student misconduct. Reports of student sexual misconduct are subject to the Title IX/Sexual Misconduct Policy and related procedures, which may ultimately result in sanctions as described in the Code of Student Conduct and Academic Responsibility. When a report of student sexual misconduct falls outside of the jurisdiction of Title IX, it will be referred for adjudication in accordance with the Code of Student Conduct and Academic Responsibility. Changes to the Code of Student Conduct and Academic Responsibility will be posted on the Student Affairs website. Students are required to be familiar with the rules, policies, and Code of Student Conduct and Academic Responsibility. All student organizations are subject to university rules and regulations concerning conduct as set forth in this handbook, whether an incident occurs on campus or anywhere off campus. Procedures for investigating and adjudicating each kind of incident are provided later in this handbook. In circumstances where this handbook defines a violation more stringently or differently than local or state law, the handbook’s definition shall supersede. The university is not limited to or bound by the definitions contained in local or state statutes or case law in addressing code of conduct violations. Academic Standards The university is an academic community and expects its students to manifest a commitment to academic integrity through rigid observance of standards for academic honesty. The university can
Nova Southeastern University Student Handbook 13 function properly only when its members adhere to clearly established goals and values. Accordingly, the academic standards are designed to ensure that the principles of academic honesty are upheld. The following acts violate the academic honesty standards: • cheating—intentionally using or attempting to use unauthorized materials, information, or study aids in any academic exercise • fabrication—intentional and unauthorized falsification or invention of any information or citation in an academic exercise • facilitating academic dishonesty—intentionally or knowingly helping or attempting to help another to violate any provision of this code • plagiarism—the adoption or reproduction of ideas, words, or statements of another person as one’s own without proper acknowledgment Students are expected to submit tests and assignments that they have completed without aid or assistance from other sources. Using sources to provide information without giving credit to the original source is dishonest. Students should avoid any impropriety or the appearance thereof in taking examinations or completing work in pursuance of their educational goals. Students are expected to comply with the following academic standards: • Original work—Assignments, such as course preparations, exams, texts, projects, term papers, practicum, or any other work submitted for academic credit must be the original work of the student. Original work may include the thoughts and words of another author. Entire thoughts or words of another author should be identified using quotation marks. At all times, students are expected to comply with the university and/or program center’s recognized form and style manual and accepted citation practice and policy. Work is not original when it has been submitted previously by the author or by anyone else for academic credit. Work is not original when it has been copied or partially copied from any other source, including another student, unless such copying is acknowledged by the person submitting the work for the credit at the time the work is being submitted, or unless copying, sharing, or joint authorship is an express part of the assignment. Exams and tests are original work when no unauthorized aid is given, received, or used before or during the course of the examination, reexamination, and/or remediation. Students’ use of generative artificial intelligence (e.g., ChatGPT, Google Bard, DALL-E, Midjourney, etc.) or similar resources on any coursework or academic assessments without the prior permission of their faculty member, or the use of these resources in any way that violates the academic standards of NSU and/or a student’s academic program, is expressly prohibited. • Referencing the works of another author—All academic work submitted for credit or as partial fulfillment of course requirements must adhere to each academic program’s specific accepted reference manuals and rules of documentation. Standards of scholarship require that the writer give proper acknowledgment when the thoughts and words of another author are used. Students must acquire a style manual approved by their program and become familiar with accepted scholarly and editorial practice in their program. Students’ work must comport with the adopted citation manual for their particular center. At NSU, it is plagiarism to represent another person’s work, words, or ideas as one’s own without use of a center-recognized method of citation. Deviating from center standards is considered plagiarism at NSU.
14 Nova Southeastern University Student Handbook • Tendering of information—All academic work must be the original work of the student. Knowingly giving or allowing one’s work to be copied, giving out exam questions or answers, or releasing or selling term papers is prohibited. This includes the posting of course content, exam questions and/ or answers, or other work submitted for academic credit to online sources or otherwise making such materials publicly available without the prior consent of appropriate faculty members and/ or their academic program. • Acts prohibited—Students should avoid any impropriety, or the appearance thereof, in taking examinations or completing work in pursuance of their educational goals. Violations of academic responsibility include, but are not limited to, the following: − plagiarism − any form of cheating − conspiracy to commit academic dishonesty − misrepresentation − bribery in an attempt to gain an academic advantage − forging or altering documents or credentials − knowingly furnishing false information to the institution • Additional matters of ethical concern—Where circumstances are such as to place students in positions of power over university personnel, inside or outside the institution, students should avoid any reasonable suspicion that they have used that power for personal benefit or in a capricious or arbitrary manner. Academic Inactivity Policy NSU requires all students to make consistent progress toward obtaining a degree or certificate at the university. Any student who does not complete a course and earn credit(s) for three consecutive semesters/four terms will be considered inactive and withdrawn from the university, excluding any semesters/terms where the student is on an approved leave of absence, administrative break in enrollment, or other university-approved period of temporary absence. Students withdrawn pursuant to this policy who wish to continue their academic program are required to follow the readmission process as detailed in their college or academic program’s student handbook/catalog. Readmission is solely at the discretion of the student’s college or academic program and may include specific conditions, including the repeat of courses or the entirety of the academic program, when deemed appropriate by the college/academic program. Additionally, students may be subject to the admissions standards and academic program requirements as outlined in the student handbook/catalog for the academic year in which the student is seeking readmission. While this policy is intended to set forth the maximum period of academic inactivity, colleges and academic programs are permitted to adopt more stringent standards, i.e., shorter time periods of inactivity that will lead to withdrawal. Students should consult with their college or academic program for additional information about the maximum period of academic inactivity applicable to their course of study.
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