Policies and Guidelines

This section, Guidelines and Policies, includes many university policies developed by the Faculty Senate, and administrative faculty to promote fair treatment of students and support the standards established for student conduct by the Nevada System of Higher Education through the Board of Regents, to be carried out by all faculty and staff on campus. The administrative faculty in the Office of Student Conduct may address violations of one or more of these policies through the procedures established in the Student Code of Conduct for the successful resolution of a compliant of student misconduct. Many of these policy statements and guidelines feature the contact information for the specific office, agency or administrator charged with the sponsorship of services related to the policy in question. For more information, please contact the Office of Student Conduct, (775) 784-4388.

Policy for Sale, Service, Distribution or Use of Alcoholic Beverages

In order to provide a safe and healthy environment for students, to comply with federal, state and local law, and to support the academic mission of the university, the following policy for the sale, service, distribution and use of alcoholic beverages has been adopted. This policy applies, but is not limited to, the following: receptions, banquets, dinners, picnics, or any cultural or social activity. Advance request and approval from the associate vice president for Student Life Services to serve alcohol at an activity is required for all student organizations, campus departments and individuals as follows.

1. A request may be made for alcoholic beverages at any activity sponsored by a student organization on university property or on property occupied by a student organization where all participants in attendance are 21 years of age or older.
2. A request may also be made for alcoholic beverages at activities sponsored by campus departments or guests using university facilities. Approval of alcohol requests will take into consideration the nature of the activity, number of underage participants, value of alcohol to the purpose of the activity, and security measures in place.
3. Alcoholic beverages must not be served in association with academic classes (e.g. in-class celebrations after final exams).

For activities where alcohol is being requested, the following procedure must be followed:

1. All requests must be submitted to the associate vice president for Student Life Services at least 10 working days in advance of the activity.
2. The sponsoring organization must hire a Licensed Liquor Vendor (LLV), as approved by the City of Reno, to serve the alcohol.
3. A representative of the sponsoring organization or department must sign the request accepting responsibility for the activity as it pertains to the distribution and control of alcohol.

Upon approval of the activity, sponsoring organizations and individuals must comply with the following:

1. There must be adequate food and non-alcoholic beverages available at the activity.
2. Individuals who appear to be intoxicated at an activity will not be served alcohol.
3. The designated organizational representative will be expected to intervene with the intoxicated person to ensure the safety of the individual (e.g. provide a “safe ride” home; call a cab, etc. at the cost of the sponsoring organization).
4. Drinking alcoholic beverages cannot be the primary focus or purpose of the activity.
5. Promotional materials may not make reference to the availability of alcoholic beverages at the activity, may not be directed to an underage audience, and may not display any alcoholic beverage signs, emblems or insignia.
6. No activity shall include any form of “drinking contest”, “all you can drink” promotion, or encourage any form of rapid consumption of alcoholic beverage.
7. Alcoholic beverages will not be provided as part of a performance contract, nor will alcohol be used on-stage.

Violations of the Policy for Sale, Service, Distribution or Use of Alcoholic Beverages may result in penalties as follows:

1. Student organizational officers will be subject to sanctions outlined in the University of Nevada, Reno Student Code of Conduct.
2. Sanctions for student organizations may include, but are not limited to, warning, probation, denial of use of university facilities, and withdrawal of organization recognition.
3. University departmental representatives will be subject to sanctions as outlined in Chapter 6 of the Board of Regents Handbook.
4. Guests of the university will be subject to denial of future use of university facilities.

Tobacco Free University

Use of tobacco products and electronic cigarettes is not permitted in any indoor university space. The University has declared the campus to be a voluntary tobacco free university. The University encourages student, employee, and community participation.

Possession and Use of Medical Marijuana

Federal law prohibits the use of medical marijuana on college and university campuses that receive federal funding. As established in the Board of Regents Handbook 4.1.32, the following provisions shall govern the possession and use of medical marijuana on NSHE property.

The use, possession, or cultivation of marijuana, including for medical purposes, on any NSHE or NSHE foundation owned or leased property, or at any NSHE sponsored or authorized activity, is expressly prohibited.
Students, employees, faculty, guests, and/or visitors who violate this policy are subject to applicable disciplinary, legal and/or administrative action.

Each institution shall permit students who live on-campus or in housing that is owned or operated by the institution, to petition (“request”) for a release from the housing contract if they assert legal compliance with Nevada state law to use medical marijuana. Such students, who prove their compliance with state law, may, in accordance with the applicable institution refund policy, be released from their housing contracts and may receive pro-rata refund of housing fees or rent paid.

Each institution shall publish on its website and course catalog notice of the prohibited use, possession or cultivation of medical marijuana on NSHE or institution property in accordance with the provisions of the section and as prohibited student conduct defined in Title 2, Chapter 10.

The Board of Regents recognizes the Nevada Legislature’s stated commitment to a program evaluating the medical use and distribution of medical marijuana to be conducted by the University of Nevada School of Medicine. Any NSHE institution may engage in medical marijuana research that is conducted in accordance with state and federal laws and regulations, provided that the following are obtained: (a) the prior written consent of the President of the institution, after consultation with the institution’s general counsel; and (b) legal authorization from the proper federal authorities for approved research purposes. (B/R 9/14)

Hazing

Hazing has no place within a community of scholars. The Board of Regents of the Nevada System of Higher Education (NSHE) affirms its opposition to any form of hazing, as does the University of Nevada, Reno, community.

NSHE institutions advocate 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 at any public institution of higher education in the State of Nevada.

1. No member or alumnus of the NSHE community acting as an individual or part of a group shall conduct or condone hazing activities.
2. Hazing is defined as any method of initiation into or prerequisite to becoming a member of the community college or university community, or any group associated therewith, engaged in by an individual that intentionally or recklessly endangers another individual. 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.
3. Hazing activities may 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.
   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.
4. Each institution within NSHE shall develop clear procedures for dealing with hazing, requirements for reporting hazing, clear reporting lines for infractions, investigation procedures, and potential discipline. Each institution shall apply a reasonable person standard, and the discipline shall be proportionate to the infraction. All disciplinary actions or sanctions shall be congruent with Chapter
   6 of the code and appropriate bylaws. Both individuals and organizations committing an offense under this anti-hazing policy may be found in violation and be subject to appropriate disciplinary sanctions.
5. 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. Campus policies shall designate the appropriate place and method of reporting. Each campus is encouraged to develop an educational program about the serious danger and risk involved in any hazing activity and the subsequent harm that can occur to both the individual subjected to hazing and those engaged in hazing.
6. Each campus shall develop procedures and policies to report cases of hazing that fall under Nevada Revised Statutes.

To report an allegation of hazing, please contact the Office of Student Conduct, Clark Administration Building, Lake Level, 784-4388. All investigations of hazing and procedures for adjudication shall follow Section II of the University’s Student Code of Conduct.

Sexual Assault

Sexual assault is defined as any sexual penetration against the will of the victim or under conditions in which the perpetrator knows or should know that the victim is mentally or physically incapable of resisting or understanding the nature of his conduct. Sexual assault is considered against another person’s will even if that person is: unconscious, asleep, drugged, intoxicated or mentally unstable.

Any student found responsible for acts of sexual assault within the university community will be subject to disciplinary action. A victim of sexual assault should report the incident and seek the appropriate attention (medical care, emotional support, disciplinary action) from the campus or community agencies offering resources (health care, counseling center, police department, student conduct, “Guarded By the Pack” sexual assault prevention program, the Reno Crisis Center and other agencies). A student need not officially report an incident in order to be provided assistance. Reports may be confidential, based upon the student’s desires.

Sexual Harassment

It is the policy of the University of Nevada that the sexual harassment of students, employees and users of university facilities is unacceptable and prohibited. This stance is consistent with the university’s efforts to maintain equal educational opportunity, and nondiscrimination in programs, services and use of facilities.

As defined by Board of Regents Policy, Title 4, Chapter 8, Section 13, unwelcome sexual advances, requests for sexual favors, and other visual, verbal or physical conduct of a sexual nature constitute sexual harassment when:

1. submission to such conduct is made either explicitly or implicitly a term or condition of an individual’s employment or academic status;
2. submission to or rejection of the conduct is used as a basis for academic or employment decisions or evaluations, or permission to participate in an activity; or
3. the conduct has the purpose or effect of substantially interfering with an individual’s academic or work performance, or of creating an intimidating, hostile or offensive environment in which to work or learn.

Sexual harassment may take many forms—subtle and indirect, or blatant an overt. For example,

• It may occur between individuals of the opposite sex or of the same sex.
• It may occur between students, between peers and/or co-workers, or between individuals in an unequal power relationship.
• It may be aimed at coercing an individual to participate in an unwanted sexual relationship or it may have the effect of causing an individual to change behavior or work performance.
• It may consist of repeated actions or may even arise from a single incident if sufficiently severe.
• It may also rise to the level of a criminal offense, such as battery or sexual assault.

Complaint Procedure

Complaints of sexual harassment must be filed within one hundred eighty (180) calendar days after the discovery of the alleged act of sexual harassment. The complaint should be filed with the supervisor, department chair, dean, affirmative action officer or the director of faculty human resources.

1. A student who believes that he or she has been subjected to sexual harassment by anyone is encouraged—but it is neither necessary nor required—to promptly tell the person that the conduct is unwelcome and ask the person to stop the conduct. A person who receives such a request must immediately comply with it and must not retaliate against the student for rejecting the conduct.
2. The student may also choose to file a complaint with his or her major department chair, who will in turn immediately contact one of the officials listed above.
3. If the student feels uncomfortable about discussing the incident with the department chair, the student should feel free to bypass the chair and file a complaint with one of the above officials or to any chair or dean, who will in turn immediately contact one of the officials listed above to forward the complaint, whether or not the complaint is in writing, to discuss it and/or to report the action taken. The chair or dean has a responsibility to act even if the individuals are not supervised by that chair or dean.

For a complete copy of the NSHE Policy on Sexual Harassment, please refer to Board of Regents Policy, Title 4, Chapter 8, Section 13.

Use of Manzanita Lake

Any use of Manzanita Lake is prohibited, including, but not limited to swimming, diving, or any activity using rafts, boats or other floatation devices.

Any student found in violation of this policy will be sanctioned under the Student Code of Conduct.

Use of Skateboards, Rollerblades, and Slacklining on University Property

It is the policy of the University of Nevada, Reno to prohibit the use of skateboards, rollerblades or similar types of equipment within university buildings. Faculty, staff, students or visitors using skateboards, rollerblades or similar types of equipment as a means of transportation shall be expected to exhibit due regard for the safety of pedestrians.

Unsupervised recreational use of skateboards, rollerblades or similar types of equipment on university property is prohibited. Organizers of any scheduled recreational event using such equipment shall file a valid certificate of insurance with the Scheduling Services office prior to the date of the event.

Individuals shall be held responsible for damage caused to university property as a result of the improper operation of skateboards, rollerblades or similar types of equipment on the university campus. Individuals shall be held responsible for injuries to themselves or others as a result of the improper operation of such equipment on university property.

Individuals are also subject to Reno Municipal Code, Section 6.06.020 as follows:

1. No person upon roller skates, roller blades, skateboards or riding in or by means of any coaster, toy vehicle or similar device, shall go upon any roadway except while crossing a street on a crosswalk and when so crossing such person shall be granted all the rights and shall be subject to all of the duties applicable to pedestrians. This section shall not apply upon any street while set aside as a play street as authorized by RMC 6.06.095.
2. It is unlawful for any person to use a skateboard, coaster, roller skates, roller blades, or any similar device upon any public property that is posted with reference to this section.
3. It is unlawful for any person, where such use is permitted, to operate or use a skateboard, coaster, roller skates, roller blades, or any similar device to jump on or over any object, to jump off or onto stairs, handrails, benches, planters or any structure not designed for such use; or operate these and similar devices in other that a careful or prudent manner, or at a rate of speed greater than is reasonable and proper, having due regard for traffic and pedestrians on the surface and width of the street, sidewalk or walkway; or such rate of speed as to endanger the life, safety, or property of any person.

Slacklining on University Property

It is the policy of the University of Nevada, Reno to prohibit slacklining. Individuals shall be held responsible for damage caused to university property and injuries to themselves or others as a result of violations of this policy.

Standards of Conduct for the Use of University Computers

Improper conduct regarding computer use at the university falls into three categories: (1) academic dishonesty; (2) disruption and destruction of computer facilities; and (3) violation of licenses and copyright agreements, university policy, and state or federal laws.

1. Academic Dishonesty
   Academic dishonesty is covered in Section IV of this code. Examples of this type of behavior regarding computers include, but are not limited to:
   1. Submitting another person’s programs, documentation or program results as your own work;
   2. Obtaining or attempting to obtain unauthorized access to information stored in electronic form;
   3. Submitting false results of a program’s output for a class assignment or falsifying the results of program execution for the purpose of improving a grade.
2. Disruption or Destruction of Computer Facilities
   The disruption or destruction of computer facilities is covered in Subsection B (18) of this code. Examples of this type of behavior include, but are not limited to:
   1. Damaging or stealing university-owned equipment or software;
   2. Causing the display of false system messages;
   3. Maliciously causing system slowdowns or rendering systems inoperable;
   4. Changing, removing or destroying (or attempting the same) any data stored electronically without proper authorization;
   5. Gaining or attempting to gain access to accounts without proper authorization;
   6. Putting viruses or worms into a system.
3. Violation of Licenses and Copyright Agreements
   Most software used on university computers is covered by copyright, license or nondisclosure agreements. Violation of these agreements puts the university and the individual in jeopardy of civil penalties. Examples of such violations include, but are not limited to:
   1. Making copies of copyrighted or licensed software without proper authorization;
   2. Using software in violation of copyright, license or non-disclosure agreements;
   3. Using university computers for unauthorized private or commercial purposes.

Social Media Policy

The University of Nevada, Reno recognizes the role of social media as a means to foster communication, collaboration and the exchange of information and ideas.

The University establishes and maintains social media sites to support its mission, goals, programs and sanctioned efforts. These sites are clearly identified as University of Nevada, Reno sites and include an official University of Nevada, Reno logo.

Official University of Nevada, Reno social media sites include those sites representing the University overall or sites representing a University college, division or service that are clearly identified as such and include a University of Nevada, Reno official logo. Official University social media sites are maintained in accordance with University Information Technology policies, University logo and design guidelines, and are administered by the Executive Director of Marketing and Communications, the Director of Communications or a designated representative of these positions.

All publics are encouraged to post opinions and comment on these sites. However, posts that constitute spam, discrimination, speech that promotes or threatens acts of violence, obscenity, unlawful stalking or harassing of others, or advertisements for non-University of Nevada, Reno events, programs and opportunities may be subject to deletion by the person responsible for administering the site, the Executive Director of Marketing and Communications, or the Director of Communications.

Social media content posted on behalf of or representing the University of Nevada, Reno, whether posted to an official University social media site or other site, is subject to the following:

• Copyright and fair use
  Content published on behalf of or representing the University must be in compliance with the copyright and intellectual property rights of others and of the University. For guidance, consult Use of Copyrighted Materials for Educational Purposes and Intellectual Property Policy.
• Authorized use of University of Nevada, Reno logos
  The University’s name, logo or likeness may not be used to promote a product, vendor or externally sponsored activity without the written authorization of the University’s Office of Marketing and Communications. The University’s name, logo or likeness may not be used to promote a cause, political party or candidate without the written authorization of the Executive Director of External Relations in the Office of the President.
• Protection of confidential and proprietary information
  Confidential or proprietary information about University of Nevada, Reno students, staff, faculty, alumni or donors may not be posted. Applicable University, National Collegiate Athletic Association, State of Nevada and Board of Regents requirements, regulations and policies must be followed.
• Terms and Conditions
  Terms of service and conditions of each platform, including but not limited to Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, LinkedIn, Vine, Snapchat and YouTube, must be followed.

Crisis communications
The University of Nevada, Reno’s Communications Office, working in tandem with other campus marketing and communications personnel and the Office of the President, will lead official University communications during a crisis situation. During a crisis, the primary or initial publication of University of Nevada, Reno content and comment will be limited to those University social media sites designated by the crisis communications response director.

Registered Sex Offenders

All students, employees and guests of the University of Nevada, Reno who have been convicted of a sex crime as defined by NRS 179D.410 or crimes against children as defined by NRS 179D.210 must register with the University of Nevada Police Services, 784-4013, Student Services Building. Information on registered sex offenders who are students, employees or guests of the university may be obtained by contacting University Police Services at the number listed above.