Selected Nevada State University Policies

Alcohol and Illegal Substance Abuse Policy

For information about the Substance Abuse Policy, please visit the Nevada State University Policies website.

I. Drug Free School and Communities

Nevada State College has joined other colleges and universities across the nation in encouraging the elimination of alcohol and other drug abuse on our campus and in our community. This policy supports the belief that the unlawful possession or use of drugs, including alcohol, and the abuse of alcohol and any drug by students constitutes a grave threat to their physical and mental well-being, and significantly impedes the processes of learning and personal development. While the majority of adults who drink alcohol do so in an acceptable and responsible manner, there is a substantial number who misuse and abuse alcohol, with resulting problems in health, academic, and vocational performance, social and personal relationships, and financial and legal areas.

II. Alcoholic Beverages

In compliance with state law, no student may possess or consume alcohol if under 21 years of age; neither may a student offer alcoholic beverages to a minor (under 21 years). 

The President has the authority to designate the time and place for special events where alcoholic beverages may be served on the college campus (for student groups as well as the entire college community and guests). Students who are of legal age may consume alcohol at these events.

Except as provided above, the storage, possession, or use of alcoholic beverages shall not be permitted on college-owned or college-supervised property. In addition, any student who exhibits offensive behavior on college-owned or college-supervised property, or while attending a college-sponsored event while under the influence of alcoholic beverages, shall be subject to college disciplinary action

III. Other Substances

The use or possession of illegal and/or unauthorized drugs and drug paraphernalia is strictly prohibited.

IV. Campus Disciplinary Sanctions for Violations of Alcohol and Illegal Substance Policies

A student involved in violations of college standards of conduct will be required (unless expelled from the college) to participate in an education and assessment process as a condition of continued association with the institution. The following sanctions are presented as guidelines, indicating the range and progression of sanctions–from educational programs through expulsion. These sanctions are applied on a case by case basis, depending on the specific nature of the alcohol and drug violation. Each student’s case is evaluated in terms of that student’s level of risk posed (health or danger to self and others) by his or her substance abuse.

• For violations involving alcohol, sanctions might include:
  • three-hour education seminar.
  • counseling and assessment
  • campus disciplinary probation
  • extended probation with counseling
  • suspension
  • expulsion

• For violations involving the possession or use of drugs, sanctions might include:
  • disciplinary probation and referral to assessment/treatment
  • suspension
  • expulsion
• For violations involving the sale of drugs, sanctions might include:
  • suspension
  • expulsion

V. Legal Sanctions

Legal action provides for sanctions ranging from the imposition of fines to incarceration. These sanctions are imposed after due process is pursued. Legal sanctions are governed by the Nevada Revised Statutes (NRS). Such sanctions result from the referral of an alcohol or other drug violation which comes to the attention of the college Police Department and is referred to the District Attorney’s Office. Legal action may take place concurrently with campus disciplinary action.

Hazing

Hazing has no place within a community of scholars. The Board of Regents of the Nevada System of Higher Education and Nevada State University affirm their opposition to any form of hazing.

Nevada State University advocates civility in society and an adherence to the fundamental principles of honesty, integrity, respect, fairness, development of the individual character, and sensitivity to the dignity of all persons. These principles should be fostered and nurtured in a broad spectrum of activities that yield social, intellectual, and physical benefits. Therefore hazing of any nature is unacceptable.

1. Hazing is defined as any method of initiation into or prerequisite to becoming a member of the Nevada State University community, or any group associated therewith, engaged in by an individual that intentionally or recklessly endangers another individual or group. Any activity upon which the initiation into or affiliation with an organization or group is directly or indirectly conditioned shall be presumed to be forced activity, the willingness of an individual to participate in such activity notwithstanding. Hazing may occur on or off the premises of the organization and/or educational institution. Hazing is most often seen as an initiation rite into a student organization or group, but may occur in other situations.
2. Hazing activities include but are not limited to:
   1. Any physical activity, such as whipping, beating, branding, forced calisthenics, exposure to the elements, forced consumption of food, liquor, drugs or other substance or any other brutal treatment or other forced physical activity that is likely to adversely affect the physical health of the person;
   2. Any situation which subjects the individual to extreme stress, such as sleep deprivation, forced exclusion from social contact, required participation in public stunts, or forced conduct which produces pain, physical discomfort, or adversely affects the mental health or dignity of an individual; and
   3. Any expectations or commands that force individuals to engage in an illegal act and/or willful destruction or removal of public or private property.
3. A reasonable person standard shall apply, and the discipline shall be proportionate to the infraction. All disciplinary actions or sanctions shall be congruent with NSHE Code Title 2, Chapter 10, and the NSU Student Code of Conduct. Both individuals and organizations committing an offense under this anti-hazing policy may be found in violation and be subject to appropriate disciplinary sanctions.
4. An allegation of hazing, reporting of a suspicion that hazing may have occurred, or a request for an investigation of hazing may be initiated by anyone. Violations shall be reported to the Office of the President.

All investigations of hazing and procedures for adjudication shall follow the Student Code of Conduct.

Tobacco on University Premises Policy

For information about the Tobacco on University Premises, please go to the Nevada State University Policies website. 

Sex Offender Policy

For information about the Sex Offender Policy, please visit the Nevada State University Policies website.

Sexual Assault Domestic Violence and Stalking

For information about the Sexual Assault, Domestic Violence, Dating Violence, and Stalking Policy, visit the Nevada State University Policies website.