University Policies

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The conduct of all persons affiliated with the University of Nevada, Las Vegas is governed by Rules and Disciplinary Procedures for Members of the University Community. This code outlines the responsibilities of students, faculty, staff, and administration as well as the rules, sanctions, and hearing procedures in effect on the campus. Additionally, a student conduct code provides standards for student behavior.

Printed copies of these codes are available in the Vice President for Student Life’s office, Flora Dungan Humanities, Room 330, 702-895-3656.

STATEMENT OF PURPOSE
UNLV is first and foremost an academic community, with its fundamental purpose being the pursuit of learning and student development. UNLV believes that any instance of academic misconduct hurts the entire community and that the values of honesty, trust, respect, fairness, responsibility and professionalism are paramount. Therefore, to uphold and support standards of personal honesty and integrity for all members of the campus community consistent with the goals of a community of scholars and students seeking knowledge, it will be the policy of UNLV to enforce these standards through fair and objective procedures governing instances of alleged student academic misconduct.

POLICY
I. EXPECTATIONS
Academic integrity is a legitimate concern for every member of the campus community; all share in upholding the fundamental values of honesty, trust, respect, fairness, responsibility, and professionalism. By choosing to join the UNLV community, students accept the expectations of the Academic Misconduct Policy and are encouraged when faced with choices to always take the ethical path. Students enrolling in UNLV assume the obligation to conduct themselves in a manner compatible with UNLV’s function as an educational institution.

1. HONESTY
   Honesty is the foundation of teaching, learning, research and service and is the prerequisite for full realization of trust, fairness, respect and responsibility. Students and faculty alike must be honest with themselves and others.
2. TRUST
   The UNLV community fosters a climate of mutual trust, encourages the free exchange of ideas, and enables all to reach their highest potential. Only with trust can the public at large believe in the social value and meaning of an institution’s scholarship and degrees.
3. FAIRNESS
   We strive to establish clear standards, practices, and procedures, and we expect fairness in the interactions of students, faculty and administrators. Important components of fairness are predictability, clear expectations, and a consistent and just response to dishonesty.
4. RESPECT
   As an academic community of integrity, we recognize the participatory nature of the learning process and honor and respect a wide range of opinions and ideas. Students and faculty must respect themselves and each other as individuals. All must show respect for the work of others by acknowledging their intellectual debts.
5. RESPONSIBILITY
   Every member of an academic community—each student, faculty member and administrator—is responsible for upholding the integrity of scholarship and research. Individuals must take responsibility for their own honesty and must discourage and seek to prevent misconduct by others.
6. PROFESSIONALISM
   Because students are aspiring professionals, our community expects them to exercise professional conduct during their career as students and uphold the core value of academic integrity.

II. ACADEMIC MISCONDUCT VIOLATIONS - DEFINITIONS
Academic misconduct is defined as any of the following:

1. Using the words or ideas of another, from the Internet or any source, without proper citation of the sources, commonly called plagiarism.
2. Receiving external assistance during an examination or any academic exercise for credit unless expressly permitted by the instructor. This includes, but is not limited to:
   1. Providing or receiving aid not permitted by the instructor in connection with any academic assignment;
   2. Unauthorized use or possession of camera telephones, text messages, computer disks, audio recorders, calculators, solution materials, photocopies, materials from previous classes, commercial research services, notes or other means to copy or photograph materials used or intended for academic evaluation not authorized by the instructor for use during the academic evaluation or assignment;
   3. Communication in any manner with another student not permitted by the instructor during an examination;
   4. Working with others on graded course work, including in-class and take-home examinations, unless expressly permitted by the instructor; or
   5. Possessing, reading, buying, selling or using any materials intended for an academic evaluation or assignment in advance of its administration without the knowledge and consent of the instructor.
3. Turning in the same work in more than one class (or when repeating a class), unless permission is received in advance from the instructor.
4. Falsifying information for inclusion in an assigned paper, project or exercise; including inventing or altering data from a laboratory or field project, or creating fictional citations for a paper.
5. Attempting to influence or change any academic evaluation, assignment or academic records for reasons having no relevance to academic achievement. This includes, but is not limited to, bribery, threats and making unauthorized changes to any academic record.
6. Falsifying or misrepresenting hours or activities in relationship to an internship, externship, field experience, clinical activity or similar activity.
7. Acting or attempting to act as a substitute for another, or using or attempting to use a substitute, in any academic evaluation or assignment.
8. Facilitating, permitting or tolerating any of the above-listed items.

III. PROCEDURES FOR HANDLING STUDENT ACADEMIC MISCONDUCT
These procedures are designed to encourage a fair and appropriate response to allegations of student academic misconduct. They may be modified in individual cases, so long as the student agrees to the proposed modifications, is provided an opportunity to respond to allegations of academic misconduct within a reasonable time after the allegations have been made, and the modifications do not violate fair process.

1. Anyone with a good-faith basis for believing a student has violated this policy may report the alleged violation to the responsible instructor, chair / director, dean or appropriate designee within the academic unit. The person who pursues the allegation may be the responsible instructor or a designee appointed by the supervisor of the academic unit in which the course is located. It is expected that appropriate review and consultation with a supervisor and/or chair/director is a part of this process.
2. A faculty member or primary course instructor who suspects that a student has committed an act of academic misconduct shall notify the student and offer the student an opportunity for an initial meeting to discuss the allegation and to present any relevant information. When possible, this initial meeting shall occur within seven calendar days of discovery of the alleged violation.
3. Proceedings in case discussions are informal and non-adversarial. The responsible instructor/designee may make a verbal agreement on, or provide the student with a written or electronic notice of, a scheduled meeting. The responsible instructor/designee may request a witness to be present for this meeting. In compelling circumstances, this initial meeting may also be referred to the appropriate Office of Student Conduct (OSC) officer or designee. This option shall occur only after consultation with OSC.
4. The purpose of this initial meeting will be to review and discuss the charges before a decision is reached. The responsible instructor/designee may use documentary evidence, provided the student is allowed to respond to it at the meeting. At the sole discretion of the responsible instructor/designee, a student may bring relevant witnesses and/or an advisor. Neither the responsible instructor/designee nor the student may have legal counsel as their advisor at an initial meeting. An advisor is not permitted to participate directly or speak for the student, but may only be present during initial meetings or any subsequent university hearings.
5. At this initial meeting, the following results may occur:
   
   1. The allegations are dismissed.
   2. The student accepts responsibility for the violation and accepts the academic sanction(s).
   3. The responsible instructor/designee believes a violation occurred with the student not admitting responsibility and requesting a hearing.
   4. The student accepts responsibility for the violation but does not accept the academic sanction(s) and requests a hearing.
6. In any of the above circumstances, the UNLV Alleged Academic Misconduct Report form (see Appendix A) should be completed, with a signed copy being provided to the student. Authority and jurisdiction for actual determination of academic misconduct and appropriate academic sanctions are with the primary instructor of the class and/or assignment in accordance with the academic unit chairs/directors/supervisors approval. If the responsible instructor/designee facilitating the initial meeting is not the primary instructor, appropriate communication regarding such sanctions is necessary before signing the UNLV Alleged Academic Misconduct Report form.
7. Upon completion of this initial meeting, if the responsible instructor/designee believes academic misconduct has occurred at any level, he or she shall notify the Office of Student Conduct (OSC) for resolution of a UNLV Student Conduct Code violation. Notification to OSC shall include a copy of the signed UNLV Alleged Academic Misconduct Report form and copies of any relevant documentation used in determining the violation.
8. OSC will notify the charged student per notification procedures specified in the UNLV Student Conduct Code, which can be found at www.unlv.edu/studentlife/judicial/. The student will be informed of his or her applicable rights and the process(es) for accepting the academic and judicial sanctions and/or appealing the academic decision and sanctions.
9. If the student does not attend the initial meeting, the instructor shall forward the charge to the Office of Student Conduct.

IV. HEARING AND APPEAL PROCEDURES FOR ACADEMIC MISCONDUCT

1. In any case where a student requests a hearing beyond the initial meeting, it shall occur in the following order:
   1. The student shall file the appeal of the decision and any sanctions to the chair/director/designee of the academic department/unit in which the alleged academic misconduct occurred. This appeal must be filed within 10 college working days of the students receipt of the findings of the initial meeting. The chair/director/ designee shall render a decision within 10 college working days of the receipt of the appeal, sending the findings to the student, instructor, department/unit and Office of Student Conduct.
   2. If the student wishes to appeal the findings of the chair/director/designee, he or she must file the appeal of the decision and any sanctions to the UNLV Academic Integrity Appeal Board. This appeal must be filed within 10 college working days of the students receipt of the chair/director/designee findings. Appeals will be delivered to the Faculty Senate Office. The Academic Integrity Appeal Board will meet and render a decision within 10 college working days of the receipt of the appeal, sending its decision to the student, instructor, department/unit and Office of Student Conduct. The decision of the Academic Integrity Appeal Board will serve as the final place of appeal, and may allow witnesses from each party.
   3. In cases involving suspension or expulsion, the Academic Integrity Appeal Boards decision shall constitute a recommendation to the president, who shall have final authority.
2. A student alleged to have committed academic misconduct is not permitted to drop the class in question before the matter is resolved without the responsible instructor’s expressed permission, and may not be permitted to do so if dropping the class would negate the academic sanction.

V. SANCTIONS FOR ACADEMIC MISCONDUCT
Potential sanctions for academic misconduct may include, but are not limited to, any one of the sanctions listed below singularly or in combination with each other:

1. Academic Sanctions
   1. Resubmitting an assignment
   2. Reduction of points/letter grade for the assignment
   3. Dropping a class
   4. Reduction of points/letter grade for class
   5. Failing grade for assignment
   6. Failing grade for class
   NOTE: Each of the above may be agreed upon at the initial meeting.
2. Conduct Sanctions
   
   1. Transcript notation (approved by dean/director of Allied Health Sciences)
   2. Academic Integrity Seminar
   3. Reflection letter of understanding
   4. Disciplinary warning or probation
   5. Removal from program, school or college (approved by dean/director of Allied Health Sciences)
   6. Suspension
   7. Expulsion
   8. Withdrawal of credit for previously accepted course or requirement
   9. Revocation of a degree or certificate
   10. Referral to the appropriate legal authorities

VI. GENERAL POINTS

1. All time limits specified in this policy should be extended for good cause.
2. This policy is not intended to address differences of opinion over grades issued by an instructor exercising good faith and professional judgment regarding a student’s work.
3. Before any action is taken under this policy that may result in the withdrawal, suspension or expulsion of an international student, both the student and the academic program are advised to consult with the UNLV Office of International Students and Scholars.

VII. ACADEMIC INTEGRITY APPEAL BOARD

1. The Academic Integrity Appeal Board members will come from a variety of areas on campus and will serve two-year terms, with the exception of the members from the UNLV Faculty Senate Academic Standards Committee. To create the overall campus-wide pool of Academic Integrity Appeal Board members:
   
   1. The faculty of each college/school shall designate:
      • Two faculty members
   2. Each dean’s office/directors of Allied Health Sciences office shall designate:
      • Two administrators/professional staff
      • Two undergraduate students
      • Two graduate students
   3. In addition, the following will be members of the pool:
      
      1. All members of the UNLV Faculty Senate Academic Standards Committee during their term on the committee.
      2. When an appeal of an academic misconduct case is forwarded to the Academic Integrity Appeal Board, the hearing panel for each case will consist of the following, drawn from the pool:
         • Two faculty
         • One administrator/professional staff member
         • One member of the UNLV Faculty Senate Academic Standards Committee, who will serve as Chair of the Board
2. Any member of the Academic Integrity Appeal Board pool may serve on a hearing panel unless there are compelling academic discipline issues to be addressed at such hearing. In such cases, specifically designated pool members may be assigned from the college/school in which the alleged academic misconduct occurred. All efforts to eliminate or avoid conflict of interest and bias will be given in each case.
3. Before serving on an Academic Integrity Appeal Board hearing, members shall complete an orientation and training on academic integrity and misconduct.
4. Recruitment, training and facilitation of the Academic Integrity Appeal Board will be the responsibility of the Office of Student Conduct, in collaboration with the UNLV Faculty Senate; and with appropriate authority and jurisdiction being afforded to university designees as dictated in the NSHE and UNLV Student Conduct Codes.

VIII. TRANSCRIPT NOTATION FOR ACADEMIC MISCONDUCT

1. In instances where it is determined that the academic misconduct is of both an intentional and egregious nature, the conduct sanction shall be recorded on the student’s official and unofficial transcript with a transcript notation. The transcript of the student shall be marked Disciplinary Notation due to Academic Dishonesty in (class) during (semester). The transcript notation shall occur only upon completion of the student conduct proceedings. The conduct sanction notation shall not affect the grade point average, course repeatability or determination of academic standing. This conduct sanction notation is intended to denote a failure to accept and exhibit the fundamental value of academic honesty.
2. Once a conduct sanction notation is made, the student may file a written petition to the Academic Integrity Appeal Board to have the notation removed. The decision to remove the conduct sanction notation shall rest in the discretion and judgment of a majority of a quorum of the board; provided that:
   1. At the time the petition is received, at least 180 calendar days shall have elapsed since the conduct sanction notation was recorded; and,
   2. At the time the petition is received, the student shall have successfully completed the designated non-credit Academic Integrity Seminar, as administered by the Office of Student Conduct; or, for the person no longer enrolled at the university, an equivalent activity as determined by the Office of Student Conduct; and,
   3. The Office of Student Conduct certifies that to the best of its knowledge the student has not been found responsible for any other act of academic misconduct or similar disciplinary offense at the University of Nevada, Las Vegas or another institution.
3. Prior to deciding a petition, the Academic Integrity appeal board will review the record of the case and consult with the Office of Student Conduct and responsible instructor or appropriate chair/director/supervisor. The decision of the appeal board shall not be subject to subsequent appeal board reconsideration for at least 180 calendar days, unless the appeal board specifies an earlier date on which the petition may be reconsidered. Subsequent appeal board determinations pertaining to the removal of the conduct sanction notation may be appealed to the Vice President for Student Life. If the vice president removes the conduct sanction notation from the student’s transcript, the vice president shall provide a written rationale to the appeal board.
4. No student with a student conduct notation on the student’s transcript shall be permitted to represent the university in any extracurricular activity, or run for or hold an executive office in any student organization that is allowed to use university facilities or that receives university funds.

Sexual Harassment Policy and Complaint Procedure
When sexual harassment exists on the university campus, both the integrity and the learning environment are threatened. Students, community members, and employees should feel safe and comfortable here. The university environment is a place for learning and growing—sexual harassment interferes with that process.

UNLV strives to create and maintain a safe environment where everyone can enjoy freedom from sexual harassment and intimidation.

As a matter of course, the Board of Regents of the Nevada System of Higher Education and the University of Nevada, Las Vegas, have established policies regarding sexual harassment/discrimination and consensual relations within the Nevada System of Higher Education (NSHE) Sexual Harassment Policy and Complaint procedure. It is available on the Human Resources web page at http://hr.unlv.edu.

The consensual relations policy and other valuable information about the federal laws and policies governing sexual harassment are available on the web page for the Office of the Vice President for Diversity and Inclusion at http://diversity.unlv.edu.

1. Principles
   Academic freedom in education and research and the right of freedom of speech for enrolled students are fundamental principles of UNLV and the Nevada System of Higher Education. Nothing in these policies limits or removes the right of free speech or the academic freedom of enrolled students engaged in the learning process or relaxes their responsibilities as members of the campus community. This computer use policy seeks to achieve objectives necessary for the legitimate and proper use of the UNLV computing resources. It is intended that these ends should be achieved in ways that respect the legitimate interests and rights of all those who use computers and related facilities. UNLV acknowledges its responsibilities to respect and advance free academic inquiry, free expression, reasonable expectations of privacy, due process, equal protection of the law, and legitimate claims of ownership of intellectual property.
    
2. Use of Computing Resources
   The student computing resources of the University of Nevada Las Vegas, are the property of UNLV and are intended for the support of currently enrolled students. Student computer labs and mainframe computers are provided as a service to enrolled students. Use is a privilege, not a right. Appropriate use of UNLV computing resources means: (1) respecting the rights of other students, (2) protecting the integrity of the physical and software facilities, (3) complying with all pertinent license and contractual agreements, (4) use of only assigned account(s) or account information, and (5) obeying all UNLV and Nevada System of Higher Education (NSHE) regulations, and state and federal laws. Inappropriate use of computing or networking resources, as defined in this policy, may result in student judicial sanctions and/or the loss of computing privileges. Inappropriate use would include but is not limited to:
   1. Duplicating or using copyrighted materials without appropriate licenses and/or permission.
   2. Copying, renaming, altering, examining, or deleting the files, programs, or work of another person or UNLV without permission.
   3. Using a computer to harass, send offensive messages, or knowingly cause a computer or system crash.
   4. Attempting to disrupt services of the computing and network systems, including the knowing propagation of computer viruses or the bombardment of individuals, groups, or the system with numerous repeated unwanted messages.
   5. Using computer resources for non-university or non-academic work, such as for private business or for a non-UNLV-sanctioned club.
   6. Moving, reconfiguring, or tampering with equipment or engaging in activity of any kind that could disrupt services or damage computers or printers.
   7. Using the computing accounts of other people without their permission.
   8. Accessing or attempting to access a host computer, either at UNLV or through a network, without the owner’s permission, and/or through use of log-in information belonging to another person. This does not apply to FTP, web, or other servers that are setup for the specific purpose of being available for public access.
       
3. OIT Computer Lab Rules
   The UNLV computer labs are provided to support the academic computer needs of all currently enrolled UNLV students. Use of the labs for other purposes, commercial or otherwise, is prohibited. The rules below are intended to maintain an environment in the labs where all students can work effectively. Violation of these rules could result in suspension from the lab.
   
   1. Students must have their UNLV identification card (Rebel Card) with them to use any UNLV computer lab.
   2. An account that allows access to the UNLV computer labs can be obtained by currently enrolled UNLV students. However, this account is to be used only by the student to whom it is given. Accounts should not be shared with others.
   3. Students should not duplicate or use copyrighted materials without appropriate licenses and/or permission.
   4. The privacy of others should be respected, and courteous behavior is expected in the facilities.
   5. When using lab facilities, students are expected to maintain the decorum of a library at all times. Individuals should not engage in behavior that will disturb or distract other students.
   6. The use of cell phones in labs designated as “quiet labs” is prohibited. In other labs, cell phones should be taken outside when receiving a call, and ringers should be turned to vibrate when possible.
   7. Changing the current hardware and software configuration is prohibited. To make specific or unusual hardware or software requests, contact the computer facilities manager.
   8. Students may use their own specialty paper in the facilities. However, they must ask the on-duty lab monitor to inspect the paper before putting it into the printer.
   9. Individuals should not engage in behavior that creates a hostile atmosphere for other students wishing to use the lab. For further explanation of this rule, see the policy below.
       
4. Policies and Procedures Regarding Offensive Behavior in Computer Facilities
   
   1. The computer facilities at UNLV are solely intended to support the academic computer needs of all students. Offensive behavior by some can create an environment that detracts from the ability of others to fully utilize the facilities. Loudness or otherwise creating a disturbance is behavior incompatible with the proper function of the facilities. People persisting in engaging in such impermissible behavior will be asked to leave.
   2. The computer facilities at UNLV exist to assist students in their academic work. This includes both formal assignments and informal supplemental learning and research. The use of the computer facilities for non-academic purposes is prohibited. While offensive behavior is impermissible, using material, for academic purposes, that others might find offensive is protected by both the First Amendment and the NSHE Computing Resources Policy. However, as UNLV is a university community, the spirit of civility requires that all those who use the computer facilities show respect and consideration for the sensibilities of others.
   3. Students who are planning to work with material that others might find offensive—such as vulgar language, explicit sexual material or material from hate groups —should attempt, whenever possible, to use those computers with screens that are least likely to be viewed by passersby. If a student is offended by material displayed prominently on a computer screen, he or she should inform the facilities staff, who will resolve the problem based on procedures established by the Office of Information Technology. We all share the goal of keeping the UNLV computer facilities an environment where all students feel free to work. Your cooperation is greatly appreciated.
      
      Computer-related policies can be found at http://oit.unlv.edu/about_us/policies/student_compuse.html

It shall be the policy of the University of Nevada, Las Vegas that dangerous weapons will not be permitted on campus without the express written approval of the Director of Public Safety. This policy shall apply to all persons on the campus of the University of Nevada, Las Vegas, except law-enforcement officers in the performance of their duties.

Dangerous weapons include, but are not limited to, all weapons named in Nevada Revised Statutes (NRS) 202.350. For purposes of this policy, facsimile weapons are also banned.

Any person found carrying such weapons upon their person may be prosecuted for carrying concealed weapons. If the weapons are found on the campus, they shall be seized by the University Police. If the weapon, by its nature, is not illegal, it shall be returned to its owner when the owner has made arrangements for its removal from campus.

The Nevada Revised Statutes empower the university to establish regulations for the health, safety, and welfare of all. In this interest, the university will restrict the presence of animals on campus by enforcing the following two guidelines:*

1. Any animal permitted on campus must be controlled by the owner or responsible person on a walking leash at all times.
2. If the animal creates solid waste, it is the responsibility of the owner or person responsible to gather and properly dispose of it. Failure to comply with these guidelines subjects the responsible party to a fine, or to the university withdrawing permission for access through the campus.

*Exception: Animals used for scientific purposes, in designated museums, seeing eye/hearing dogs, or animals indigenous to an arboretum.

Neither the storage, possession, nor use of alcoholic beverages is allowed on the university campus or other university property unless prior approval has been obtained in writing from the university president. The only exception is in the case of a student over the age of 21 in his or her own residence hall room. Student-sponsored events at which alcoholic beverages will be served may be held in the Student Union, on the Student Union courtyard or on the north field by those recognized student organizations that accept the responsibilities outlined in the UNLV Alcohol Events Policy. Copies of the UNLV Alcohol Use Policy may be obtained from the Office of the Vice President for Student Life, FDH-330.

University parking and traffic regulations, administered by university parking enforcement and by a student-faculty committee, govern all vehicles operated on the campus, and violators are subject to a fine. The regulations, adopted by the Board of Regents and filed with the secretary of state under the provisions of Nevada Revised Statute 396.435, are enforceable in the civil courts as well as through the internal processes of the university. Each student must complete an automobile registration card and obtain a parking permit during registration. Students should obtain a copy of the regulations booklet at that time. Stickers and information also can be obtained from the Department of Parking Enforcement office at times other than the registration period.

University facilities including campus grounds, are provided primarily for the support of the regular educational functions of the university and the activities necessary for the support of these functions. The university’s functions take precedence over any other activities in the use of university facilities.

Freedom to speak and to hear will be maintained for students, faculty, and staff, and university policies and procedures will be used to provide a full and frank exchange of ideas. An effort will be made to allow a balanced program of speakers and ideas. An invitation to speak at the university does not imply that the university endorses the philosophy or ideas presented by the speaker.

No individual or organization may sell, solicit, or peddle on university property without permission nor may funds be solicited from alumni of the university without initial permission of the Vice President for University and Community Relations and final approval of the president.

Any fund-raising efforts by student organizations off campus must be approved by the Vice President for Student Life.

University facilities may not be used for the purpose of raising monies to aid projects not related to some authorized activity of the university or of university groups, and no efforts at conversion and solicitation by uninvited non-campus groups or individuals will be permitted on campus.

The university campus is maintained for the orderly operation of the school. Other uses are permitted only when they will not interfere with the normal functions of the university. The campus is governed by a university sign policy regarding distribution and posting of handbills and other printed materials. The Student Union has separate signage policies involving its spaces and functions.

The Nevada Revised Statutes empower the university to establish regulations for the health, safety, and welfare of all. In order for those who use sidewalks and walkways safely, the university bans the use of skateboards. The recreational use of skateboards is prohibited on the University of Nevada, Las Vegas campus.

Violation will result in the university withdrawing permission for access through the campus and/or disciplinary actions. If any damage has occurred, the parties responsible will make restitution. If the situation involves a minor, the parents will be notified of their financial responsibility. Such a violation may result in confiscation of the skateboard.

The Nevada Revised Statutes place certain restrictions on the smoking of tobacco in state and public buildings. In the interest of human health and safety, the university prohibits the smoking of tobacco in university buildings. Smoking may be permitted only when so designated in areas identified by the facilities management department. Failure to comply with these guidelines subjects the responsible party to administrative action.

Certain courses may require students to work with potentially hazardous materials in the laboratory, darkroom, or workshop as part of the course work. Instructors will provide instructions regarding the safe handling of all materials. Questions regarding the use of these materials should be directed to the specific academic department