Introduction
The College of Fine Arts has an obligation to inform students and faculty of health and safety issues, hazards, and procedures inherent in practice, performance, and teaching both in general and as applicable to their specific specializations. This includes, but is not limited to:
- Information regarding hearing, nutrition, vocal and musculoskeletal health, and injury prevention.
- The use, proper handling, and operation of potentially dangerous materials, equipment, and technology.
Each unit of the College of Fine Arts has developed policies, protocols, and operational procedures to guard against injury and illness, as well as to raise the awareness among our students of the connections between performers' health, the suitability and safety of equipment and technology, and the acoustic and other health-related conditions in the university's practice, rehearsal, and performance facilities.
It is important to note that health and safety depend largely on personal decisions made by informed individuals. UNLV has health and safety responsibilities, but fulfillment of these responsibilities cannot and will not ensure any individual's health and safety. Too many factors beyond UNLV's control are involved. Each individual is personally responsible for avoiding risk and preventing injuries to themselves before, during, and after study or employment in the UNLV College of Fine Arts. Policies, protocols, and operational procedures developed by the college do not alter or cancel any individual's personal responsibility, or in any way shift personal responsibility for the results of any individual's personal decisions or actions in any instance or over time to the university.
General Guidelines
In order to establish and nurture a climate of health promotion:
- All college personnel are encouraged to follow Fine Arts health guidelines as posted on the CFA CHIP website (https://www.unlv.edu/finearts/chip/health), as well as on departmental websites.
- Students are encouraged to discuss arts-related health concerns with faculty involved (e.g., applied teachers, directors, etc.). Faculty members serve as the "first line of defense."
- Faculty should include arts wellness information within course syllabi. Example language is:
UNLV College of Fine Arts is committed to empowering its students with education about health issues and support for injury prevention and recovery. Students are encouraged to discuss with faculty any issues related to physical health, psychological health, nutritional health and hearing conservation. Student resources, including information on booking free screenings at the CFA Clinic for Health and Injury Prevention, can be found on the CFA Consortium for Health and Injury Prevention website at: https://www.unlv.edu/finearts/chip
- Members of the CFA Consortium for Health and Injury Prevention shall be available to all CFA students, faculty, and staff to consult on health promotion issues.
- Rehearsals in which College of Fine Arts personnel participate should have regularly scheduled breaks that take into consideration student and faculty physical and mental health.
- Students and faculty should recognize the importance of time management, so that the workloads related to the creation of art do not become overwhelming, and upset a healthy work-life balance.
- Whenever possible, large-scale productions and large ensemble performances shall not be scheduled during study week and finals week. Faculty should make every effort to honor the intent of study week and finals week.
- CFA faculty, students and staff will abide by NSHE policies against discrimination and sexual harassment.
- UNLV’s drug and alcohol abuse prevention program for students is governed by the Student Conduct Code, the Alcohol Response Policy and Guidelines, and the Controlled Substance Response Policy. All three policies are available on the Office of Student Conduct Website at https://www.unlv.edu/studentconduct/forms.
Facilities and Equipment
- For any rehearsal and practice venues, studios, performance spaces, or work areas where noise levels may be in excess of the 85 dB threshold, foam ear protection will be made available to students and faculty. The 85 dB threshold has been established by the National Institute for Occupational safety and Health (NIOSH). Faculty who supervise students in these areas should discuss hearing conservation with their students, and be willing to make reasonable accommodations for students.
- Instruments and equipment supplied by the programs within the College of Fine Arts for student and faculty use shall fit the user as ergonomically as possible (e.g., chairs, supports for large musical instruments, etc.).
- Any students required to use, handle or operate potentially dangerous materials, equipment and technology will receive appropriate training from staff. Staff members will be involved in all large equipment moves and large stage set-up. Policies for working with and moving equipment will be established by individual units, and will be made easily accessible to students.
In Case Of Injury
- Anyone with Fine Arts related health concerns should see an appropriate healthcare specialist. The CFA Consortium for Health and Injury Prevention is available to help find and expedite access to health resources.
- Students who experience performance-related disorders will be excused from lessons and rehearsals as deemed necessary by authorized medical personnel.
- Students who experience performance-related disabilities that require further accommodations should obtain an Accommodation from the Disability Resource Center.
Additional Information for Students
The information below is based on recommendations by the NASM-PAMA Advisories on Neuromusculoskeletal and Vocal Health.