Chapter 3358:5-7 | Academic Policies

Rule 3358:5-7-01 | Class attendance.

• Effective: October 19, 2015

(A) The curricula of all technologies at Clark state community college have defined academic and technical skill performance levels. Creating the learning environment is the responsibility of faculty. Achievement of the performance levels is the responsibility of the student.

(B) The enforcement of any attendance system is primarily a matter between the instructor and the student. Participation should be promulgated on the first day of class to enable students to understand specific regulations. In their own interest and that of the student, instructors are urged to keep class attendance participation records.

(C) Steady and gradual progress toward achievement of academic goals is best accomplished through regular class participation. Therefore, students are expected to attend all class and laboratory sessions. When unavoidable absences do occur, students shall take the responsibility to contact the instructor to make arrangements for work that has been missed. Students should be aware that depending on the nature of the assignment and class policies, not all work can be made up.

(D) Excessive absences and work that cannot or has not been made up may adversely affect the student's grade in a class. Instructors have the right to issue a lower grade, which may be a failing grade, to students who incur excessive absences and who have not officially withdrawn from the course. When a student has been absent to such an extent to cause inefficient performance, the student shall be reported to counseling through the early alert system. If absence is so excessive that it precludes satisfactory progress toward successful completion of the course, the records office may notify and drop the student from the course with a grade of "F" with the authorization of the academic dean of the division from which the course is offered.

(E) If a student has never attended class through the fourteenth day of the semester, faculty are required to submit notification to the records office via the WebAdvisor system. The records office shall notify and drop the student from the course. All tuition and fees for the course shall be removed from the student's financial record. When a student stops attending class but never officially drops the course, faculty shall assign a final grade of "UW" (unofficial withdraw).

(F) The college is required to report non-attendance to federal and state agencies that provide financial assistance to students. Failure to attend classes may also result in a student having to repay part or all of an allowance from the veterans administration and/or from other sources of financial aid.

Last updated April 21, 2025 at 4:44 PM

Supplemental Information

Authorized By: –
Amplifies: –
Prior Effective Dates: 10/18/2015

Rule 3358:5-7-02 | Grading system procedures.

• Effective: March 18, 2015
• Promulgated Under: 111.15

(A) Academic achievement is indicated by the following grades and points used in calculating grade point average (GPA):

A	Excellent	Four course points per credit hour
B	Good	Three course points per credit hour
C	Average	Two course points per credit hour
D	Poor	One course point per credit hour
F	Failing	Zero course points per credit hour
Z	Non-attendance (student registered for class but never attended; for online classes, never logged in)	Zero course points per credit hour

(B) Two cumulative GPAs are maintained on each student.

(1) The progress GPA includes all courses completed at Clark state for which a grade of "A", "B", "C", "D", "F", or "Z" is recorded. These include all college preparatory (CPE) courses and other pre college-level courses designated by the initial digit of 0.

(2) The graduation GPA does not include the grades for any CPE or other pre-college courses.

(C) A GPA is obtained by dividing the total number of course points earned in eligible courses by the total number of credit hours attempted in those courses. For example, consider the following grades earned by a student:

	Credit Hours	Grade	Course Points
Course 1	3	B	9
Course 2	3	C	6
Course 3	4	B	12
Course 4	3	C	6
	Total hours: 13		Total points: 33

The total number of course points, 33, is determined by adding together the points earned in each course (credit hours times grade points). That number is then divided by the total number of credit hours attempted, 13, to determine the GPA. In this case the average is 33/13 = 2.54.

(D) There are other symbols that can be issued with which there are no points associated:

S	Satisfactory
U	Unsatisfactory
I	Incomplete
PR	Proficiency
CR	Credit
NC	No credit
EX	Experiential credit Transfer credit
TR	Transfer credit
W	Withdrawal
X	Audit
IP	In progress (self-paced courses only
N	No grade reported (records office use only)
AR	Articulated credit

(E) {Enter paragraph text here}

(1) This process may be initiated when a student who is progressing satisfactorily in a course, but for reasons beyond his/her control (e.g., illness or death in the family), will not have completed all requirements for the course when final grades are submitted by the instructor.

(2) If the student meets the above conditions, he/she must notify the instructor by the last day of any quarter. If the instructor agrees to an "I" grade, it shall be submitted on the grade report and the instructor shall set up a schedule on the incomplete grade form for completion of the course requirements by midterm of the following quarter. When the student has agreed and signed the form (normally within two weeks from the start of the next quarter), a copy shall be sent to the student's academic division for inclusion in the student's advising file. A copy shall also be given to the student and the original retained by the instructor.

(3) Upon the student's completion of the conditions established by the agreement on the incomplete grade form, the instructor shall change the "I" grade to another letter grade. If the student fails to complete the necessary conditions within the agreed schedule, the "I" grade shall automatically be changed on Friday of the fifth week of the following quarter to an "F" grade on the student's transcript.

(4) A student receiving an "I" grade at the end of spring or summer quarter must complete all conditions by Friday of the fifth week of fall quarter.

(F) Satisfactory/unsatisfactory grade process

(1) Satisfactory is issued only for work-experience credits and survey courses of two credit hours or less.

(2) Students in the nursing program are graded in the clinical laboratory as satisfactory or unsatisfactory. As only one grade is recorded on the student's transcript, a student who has a satisfactory achievement in the clinical laboratory is given the grade achieved in the theory and principles of the course. Those who achieve an unsatisfactory grade in the clinical laboratory receive an "F" for the course. Evaluation is not limited to one quarter's work but rather is based on accumulated evidence within the laboratory assignments (i.e., the student's pattern of performance). The cumulative performance shall be the indicator of safety in practice.

(G) Credit/no-credit grade process

(1) A student may petition the records office for permission to take one course each quarter to a maximum of six courses on a credit ("CR") or no-credit ("NC") basis. No more than two of these courses may be selected from general education offerings; no more than two from courses that are basic to a student's major; and no more than two from the technical courses.

(2) The records office shall officially announce a deadline for petitions prior to the start of any quarter.

(3) The student makes the choice at the time of registration and cannot change from "CR" or "NC" to the regular grading system or from the regular grading system to "CR" or "NC" after the quarter has begun. The instructor shall not be notified of the student's choice of the grading system. At the end of a quarter, a grade of "C" or better shall be converted to "CR" on the student's transcript; "D" or lower to "NC". A "CR" or "NC" grade shall not be included when computing a student's GPA.

(H) Repeating a course grade process

A student may repeat any course at the college one time without special permission. Permission to take courses a third or more times must be obtained from the dean of the division responsible for student's program of study. In order to obtain approval, the student must identify what changes they have made to enable them to successfully complete the course.

Supplemental Information

Authorized By: 3358
Amplifies: 3358
Prior Effective Dates: 7/1/1982, 4/5/1999

Rule 3358:5-7-03 | Credit Hour System Policy.

• Effective: May 8, 2017
• Promulgated Under: 111.15

(A) Clark state community college is committed to the establishment of a credit hour system that is consistent with the requirements of the Ohio department of higher education and the guidelines of the higher learning commission.

(B) Credit can be achieved through the scheduled classes offered by the college in any of the college-approved locations or course delivery formats.

(C) Credit can also be awarded by one of the four processes for credit equivalencies:

(1) Transfer credit from other regionally accredited post-secondary institutions;

(2) Articulated credit as defined in a formal agreement with another agency, institution, or business or as defined in a procedure established by the college. These agreements and procedures may allow credit for corporate training, adult education training, high school programs determined to be of college-level rigor or other forms of learning;

(3) Proficiency credit granted through the student's successful completion of a proficiency examination or other approved assessment process developed by the college or a college-approved agency, institution, or business;

(4) Portfolio credit for prior life and/or work experience.

Each of these forms of equivalent credit must be validated through the appropriate campus processes.

Last updated April 21, 2025 at 4:44 PM

Supplemental Information

Authorized By: 3358
Amplifies: 3358
Prior Effective Dates: 3/18/2015

Rule 3358:5-7-04 | Academic standing procedures.

• Effective: March 18, 2015
• Promulgated Under: 111.15

(A) Good standing A student is considered to be in good academic standing when his/her "Progress grade point average" (GPA) meets the criteria for good standing in the following table. The "Progress GPA" is cumulative and includes all courses completed at Clark state with a grade of "A", "B", "C", "D", "F", "UW" or "Z".

Hours attempted	Good Standing	Academic Probation	Academic Dismissal
	Progress GPA	Progress GPA	Progress GPA
1-10	1.50 or better	below 1.50	below .80
11-20	1.60 or better	below 1.60	below .90
21-30	1.70 or better	below 1.70	below 1.20
31-40	1.80 or better	below 1.80	below 1.40
Over 40	2.00 or better	below 2.00	below 1.60

(B) Probation Probation means that the student is in jeopardy of being dismissed from the college for academic reasons. These students need to make every effort to raise their GPA.

(1) Students are considered to be on academic probation when their "Progress GPA" falls into the ranges noted in the table in paragraph (A) of this rule.

(2) Students are notified by the records office about their status and of the need to meet with their faculty advisor before they can register again.

(3) Students on academic probation must confer with their faculty advisor to carefully select a course schedule. Students on probation will not be permitted to register without the permission of their faculty advisor.

(4) Students on academic probation may carry a maximum load of twelve credits while on probation. Exceptions may be approved by the faculty advisor.

(5) Academic support services such as tutoring and the writing lab are strongly recommended for students on probation.

(6) It is strongly recommended that students repeat any failed courses the next semester those courses are offered.

(C) Dismissal Dismissal means that a student must sit out a quarter before being allowed to continue taking credit classes.

(1) Students must be on academic probation one full semester before they are dismissed.

(2) Students are dismissed from the college when their "Progress GPA" falls below the dismissal levels listed in the table in paragraph (A) of this rule. However, students who have not been on academic probation at least one semester shall be granted one semester of probation status before being dismissed.

(3) During that probation term, students shall receive a letter from the records office stating that failure to improve the GPA by the end of the semester shall result in dismissal. Probation rules identified in this rule are implemented during this semester.

(4) Dismissed students may be readmitted on probation after sitting out one semester only after their case is reviewed by the academic dean or coordinator of advising. Students must follow the procedure outlined in this rule in order to be readmitted following academic dismissal:

(a) Degree-seeking students, after securing a petition for readmission form from the records office, must contact their academic dean to set up an appointment. Prior to meeting with the academic dean, the student must fill out his/her portion of the form reflecting upon the reasons for not finding academic success.

(b) Non degree-seeking students must contact the coordinator of advising and follow the steps outlined in paragraph (C)(4)(a) of this rule.

(c) With the academic dean or the coordinator of advising, students discuss the reasons for non-academic success that they indicated on the petition as well as other possible reasons. Together they develop a plan for the student to use in improving his/her academic work upon readmission, which will include meeting with his/her faculty advisor prior to registering for subsequent semesters until the student is no longer on probation.

(d) Students must submit the readmission form signed by their academic dean or the coordinator of advising at the time they register.

(5) Readmitted students shall remain on probation until they move above the probation range defined in the table in paragraph (A) of this rule. However, they shall not be dismissed again even if they remain within the dismissal range provided that they improve their GPA each semester. Students who fail to improve their GPA each semester shall be dismissed again if they remain in the dismissal range.

(6) Students dismissed a second time must sit out at least one semester before returning. They must follow the steps for readmittance as outlined in paragraph (C)(4) of this rule.

(D) Suspension Suspension means that a student must sit out a full calendar year before being allowed to continue taking credit classes.

(1) Students receiving a third dismissal shall be placed on suspension for one calendar year.

(2) After the one-year suspension, they must follow the steps for readmittance after a dismissal as outlined in paragraph (C)(4) of this rule.

(3) Any future academic dismissals shall also result in additional one-year suspensions.

(E) Grade reports Students should check their grades each semester through web advisor. Grades shall not be released over the telephone or to non-college email addresses.

Supplemental Information

Authorized By: 3358
Amplifies: 3358
Prior Effective Dates: 7/1/1998

Rule 3358:5-7-05 | Graduation policy.

• Effective: February 20, 2024
• Promulgated Under: 111.15

(A) Clark state college awards the following degrees/certificates:

(1) Bachelor of science

(2) Associate of arts

(3) Associate of science

(4) Associate of applied business

(5) Associate of applied science

(6) Associate of technical studies

(7) One-year certificates

(B)

Effective fall semester 2023, for a student to earn multiple degrees at Clark state, the degree programs must be at least six credit hours different for a one-year certificate, twelve credit hours different for an associate degree, and twenty-four credit hours different for a bachelor degree. If a student qualifies for more than one certificate/degree during the same semester using the same curriculum, the certificate/degree will default to the chosen major on record unless the college is otherwise notified by the student.

(C) All students are expected to complete the residency requirement of at least thirty credit hours of course work at Clark state for a bachelor degree or fifteen credit hours for an associate degree or twelve credit hours for a one-year certificate program. Credit equivalencies, as defined in the credit hour system procedures (rule 3358:5-7-03.1 of the Administrative Code), do not count toward the residency requirement.

(D) Credits earned through credit equivalencies for an individual student shall not exceed one-half the required technical course credits for the degree or certificate program being pursued unless recommended by the faculty and approved by the dean of the division.

(E) Effective spring semester 2017, degree programs that contain one or more embedded certificates will automatically be awarded when the certificate requirements are completed unless the student contacts "Records and Registration" and indicates he/she does not wish to have the certificate credential awarded.

(F) The transcripted graduation date shall be the last official day of the term during which a student completes the course of study.

(G) The college will hold one commencement ceremony in May of each year and as needed.

(H) The college reserves the right to modify its graduation and other requirements as needed.

Last updated April 18, 2025 at 1:14 PM

Supplemental Information

Authorized By: 3358
Amplifies: 3358
Prior Effective Dates: 3/13/1978, 3/24/2017

Rule 3358:5-7-06 | Residency policy.

• Effective: October 14, 2022
• Promulgated Under: 111.15

It is the intent of the college to be consistent with the state of Ohio Administrative Code in definitions of residency status for students.

(A) As applied here, the purpose of the Ohio Administrative Code is to exclude from treatment as residents those persons who are present in the state of Ohio primarily for the purpose of receiving the benefit of a state-supported education.

(B) As an institution of higher education charged with reporting student enrollment to the Ohio department of higher education for state subsidy purposes and assessing the tuition surcharge, Clark state community college provides individual students with a fair and adequate opportunity to present proof of their Ohio residency for purposes of this rule. The college may require the submission of affidavits and other documentary evidence which it may deem necessary to a full and complete determination under Clark state rules.

(C) An Ohio residency application and appropriate documentation must be completed and submitted to the records office for determination of approval/denial by the records office. Approval must occur prior to the first day of the term for which it is to be effective.

Last updated October 17, 2022 at 8:32 AM

Supplemental Information

Authorized By: 3358
Amplifies: 3358
Prior Effective Dates: 8/20/2012

Rule 3358:5-7-07 | Admissions policy.

• Effective: October 14, 2022
• Promulgated Under: 111.15

(A) Clark state college is committed to providing each student with the maximum opportunity to develop and learn. As such, we adhere to an open admissions policy.

(B) Admission to the college is offered to all applicants who are high school transcripted graduates or possess GED equivalent, to applicants at least eighteen years of age who have met the established placement testing score or equivalent ACT or SAT scores, and to applicants eligible to participate in the various special programs offered at the college.

(C) Admission to the college does not ensure admission to a particular program of study. Some academic programs have established additional requirements that must be fulfilled prior to acceptance. All prospective applicants are encouraged to contact the admissions office for specific information.

(D) For some students, additional coursework in science, mathematics, and english may be needed prior to enrollment in certain courses and programs. Such coursework is determined through a review of a student's past academic record or through a placement test.

(E) Clark state admits students in the following enrollment categories:

(1) High school students seeking to enroll in the college credit plus program.

(2) High school students seeking to enroll at Clark state while in high school but who are not enrolled in the college credit plus program.

(3) High school graduates and adults who possess GED equivalency and have no prior college experience.

(4) Non high school graduates without a GED over eighteen years of age who have met the established placement testing scores.

(5) Students transferring to Clark state who have attended or are attending another college.

(6) International student admission.

(7) Mature citizens program for residents of Ohio.

(F) Students shall be considered officially admitted when a completed admissions application is entered into the college's data system.

Last updated October 17, 2022 at 8:32 AM

Supplemental Information

Authorized By: 3358
Amplifies: 3358
Prior Effective Dates: 5/4/2007, 3/18/2015

Rule 3358:5-7-08 | Faculty-student relations.

• Effective: October 14, 2022
• Promulgated Under: 111.15

(A) Classroom procedures

(1) It is expected that a healthy atmosphere, conducive to the learning process, shall be maintained at all times in classroom and laboratories. The faculty-student relationship should be one of mutual respect and acceptance of the rights and privileges of each individual.

(2) At the beginning of each semester, faculty members are expected to provide students with a syllabus and use the first class period to orient the student to the course goals and objectives and the expected classroom routine.

(3) Student regulations concerning class attendance, testing, grading, and make-up policy should be spelled out in detail in the syllabus and explained during the first class meeting. Instructors should be specific concerning the educational objectives of the course as students have a right to understand what will be expected of them and the instructor.

(4) Instructors are expected to give tests, quizzes and/or other graded assignments. These should be viewed as a part of the student's educational experience. As such, they should be presented in a variety of styles requiring the student to draw on his or her ability to organize data, compare, make distinctions, and arrive at warrantable conclusions. Final examinations are to be given according to the published final exam schedule. Final examinations should cover the work of the entire course and should be sufficiently comprehensive to challenge the student's efforts during the entire time period assigned.

(B) Success coaches

(1) Basic to all educational effort is the function of advising. The college accepts this principle in all its implications. Accordingly, a primary function of its faculty and staff is to provide competent educational and career advising.

(2) Recognizing that growth and acceptance of responsibility occur only to the degree that the student personally assumes self-direction for them, the role of the academic advisor is necessarily one of assistance, guidance and advisement. Helping the student realize and accept the fact that he or she is primarily responsible for his or her own actions, his or her decisions, and ultimately his or her own education is a vital element of the success coach's role.

(3) The college and its faculty (in both their instructional and advisor roles) consider each student an adult and responsible agent and thus perceives itself as functioning in its own integrity as an institution and not "in loco parentis."

(4) All students shall be assigned a faculty advisor based on their program area and on an equitable basis.

(5) The following guidelines are offered to help faculty in the definition of their role as academic advisors:

(a) Faculty advisors shall keep a current file on each of their advisees. In addition to documents describing the student's history at Clark state and other colleges/universities, advisors can access computer screens to gain current registration information about a student. This information should be used to advise students determining their abilities to succeed in the attempt of various credit hour loads. The faculty advisor shall be expected to follow established college policy on the sharing of student record information with anyone except the student. No information should be released from a student's personal file (even to employers) without prior permission from the student. Any information release shall be in compliance with federal regulations (FERPA) and with college regulations dealing with the privacy of student information.

(b) Graduation requirements for the faculty member's program area should be firm in his or her mind as he or she attempts to guide students toward that end. The advisor should also be familiar with the Ohio board of regents/state department of education standards for technical, basic, and general education credit. Naturally, the faculty advisor should be cognizant of all institutional regulations (catalog and student handbook) regarding graduation requirements.

(c) Students may need some assistance in deciding upon and working toward their career and life goals. Faculty advisors might wish to plan, along with the student, an entire sequence of courses to be taken during the student's tenure at the college. While most students follow prescribed curriculum, some, because of academic or personal reasons, might not. Therefore, a faculty advisor should prepare this kind of schedule instrument taking into consideration frequency of course offerings and prerequisites.

(d) Faculty advisors should discuss reasons for drop/adds with their advisees prior to any action. Students should be referred to the financial aid office for financial aid implications. Drop/adds should be processed through the records office as soon as possible after decisions have been reached.

(e) Many advisees will seek to have a channel for individual guidance and personal problem solving. Faculty advisors should be aware that it may be necessary for them to consult with or refer students to counseling services.

(f) Faculty advisors must practice appropriate confidentiality with regard to student information.

(C) Consensual relationships

(1) The college's educational mission is promoted by professionalism in faculty-student relationships. Professionalism is fostered by an atmosphere of mutual trust and respect. Actions of faculty members and students that harm this atmosphere undermine professionalism and hinder fulfillment of the college's educational mission. Trust and respect are diminished when those in positions of authority abuse, or appear to abuse, their power.

(2) Faculty members exercise power over students and this faculty-student power is manifested primarily in the instructional context, which includes coursework, advisorships, student evaluation, recommendations and similar processes.

(3) Amorous relationships between faculty members and students are wrong when the faculty member has professional responsibility for the student. Such situations greatly increase the chances that the faculty member will abuse his or her power and sexually exploit the student. Voluntary consent by the student in such a relationship is suspect given the fundamentally asymmetric nature of the relationship. Moreover, other students and faculty may be affected by such unprofessional behavior because it places the faculty member in a position to favor or advance one student's interest at the expense of others and implicitly makes obtaining benefits contingent on amorous or sexual favors.

(4) Therefore, the college shall view it as unethical if faculty members engage in amorous relations (consensual or otherwise) with students enrolled in their classes or subject to their supervision even when both parties appear to have consented to the relationship. Amorous relationships outside the instructional context, while not specifically prohibited, should be discouraged and are very unwise.

(D) Referral procedures

(1) Academic reasons When a student needs assistance in his or her courses, the student should be directed to the student academic success center (SASC) for tutoring or other assistance. If the student has a disability and needs accommodations, the student should be directed to accessibility services also within the SASC.

(2) Behavioral support services (BSS)

(a) "Behavior Intervention Team (BIT)" consists of a team of faculty and staff that are trained to pro-actively assess threat or risk and provide faculty resources or interventions as appropriate. Current BIT members include the dean of student affairs, director of student life, director of evening services, college counselor, campus police representative, and one faculty member.

(b) Counseling/mental health referral: The college has a licensed professional counselor available to assist students in addressing problems and concerns that may impede academic performance. Meetings with counseling services are confidential (except in cases in which disclosure of information is necessary to protect the student or others from physical or life-threatening danger), and no information shall be released without written permission. Referrals to community agencies may be made when appropriate.

(c) Peer listeners are also available to meet with students on a walk-in basis. The peer listeners are trained in a variety of areas including listening skills, crisis management, and problem solving. The counselor maintains oversight of the peer listener program.

Last updated April 21, 2025 at 4:44 PM

Supplemental Information

Authorized By: 3358
Amplifies: 3358
Prior Effective Dates: 3/13/1978

Rule 3358:5-7-09 | Continuing education policy.

• Effective: October 14, 2022
• Promulgated Under: 111.15

(A) Admissions and courses:

The department of continuing education offers a variety of credit and non-credit courses of a technical and vocational nature. Admission to the program is open to all residents of the area served by the college. Students desiring to pursue credit toward an associate degree must comply with college admissions requirements. Non-credit or special interest courses carry no prerequisites.

(B) Services:

(1) Service to local business, industry, the professions, and government is one of the most important functions of the college. Every effort will be made, wherever sufficient interest is shown, to offer instruction which will allow employees to upgrade or retrain themselves through continuing education. A wide range of courses from basic fundamentals to those requiring considerable preparation and background is offered.

(2) The department also can develop and administer, both on and off campus, programs specially tailored to meet the needs of private and public organizations, agencies, and groups. Programs can be single-session meetings or those requiring numerous hours for completion.

(C) The continuing education unit (CEU):

Various occupational standards, organizations, and professional groups are requiring members to update and upgrade their knowledge through continuing education activities. To facilitate this growing interest in life-long learning, the college awards the continuing education unit (CEU). The CEU is generally equated to be ten contact hours of participation in an organized continuing education experience under responsible sponsorship, capable direction, and a qualified instructor. The awarding of CEU's provides individuals, groups, and institutions with a standard of measurement for the recording, reporting, accumulation, and transfer of adult participation in approved continuing education activities. Decimal units may also be awarded for participation of less than ten hours.

(D) The mature citizens' educational program:

(1) Citizens sixty years of age or older who desire to be exempt from tuition and general fees may enroll in most college credit and non-credit classes on a space available basis. Classes which are excluded from this policy include but are not limited to non-credit STNA, phlebotomy, medical office specialist, welding, truck driver training, home inspection, specialized fire training, and high-skill specialized classes developed in the future. Continuing education third-party vendor courses including but not limited to Ed2Go on-line courses, home study activity director, and dental radiography courses are also excluded from this policy. Eligible persons desiring to participate in the program shall be exempt from normal admission requirements, as well as instructional and general fees, however, a materials fee shall be charged when applicable. In addition to course enrollment, participating citizens will have the opportunity to utilize college facilities, educational services, and take part in student activities.

(2) Space available means classroom seats unoccupied by regularly enrolled students approximately one day before the beginning of the class.

Last updated April 21, 2025 at 4:44 PM

Supplemental Information

Authorized By: 3358
Amplifies: 3358
Prior Effective Dates: 3/13/1978, 8/20/2012

Rule 3358:5-7-11 | Academic integrity procedures.

• Effective: March 18, 2015
• Promulgated Under: 111.15

(A) Clark state community college is committed to providing educational opportunities that promote academic, professional and personal growth in students. Students are expected to behave as responsible members of the college community and to be honest and ethical in their academic work. Activities of academic dishonesty corrupt the process of acquiring the knowledge and developing the skills necessary for success in any profession; such activities are considered a violation of the "Student Code of Conduct" and are therefore prohibited.

(B) Academic integrity is the responsibility of both the student and the faculty.

(1) Faculty members play an important role in maintaining academic standards. Faculty have multiple opportunities to inform students about what academic dishonesty is, to teach students ways to avoid unintentional infractions, to identify and confront violators, and to serve as models of academic integrity. Faculty and students come from a variety of backgrounds and cultures, giving rise to different expectations or moral and ethical behavior. Well-defined and effectively communicated standards in the classroom reduce uncertainty and clarify expectations.

(2) Students must familiarize themselves with the college's definition of academic dishonesty and with the faculty member's standards and expectations as communicated on the course syllabus. Should a student have questions about potential academic misconduct on an examination, test, quiz, or other evaluated work, the student must contact the instructor for clarification prior to completing the assignment.

(C) Academic misconduct includes but is not limited to the following activities:

(1) Inappropriate collaboration on work to be evaluated.

(2) Any unauthorized use of material (books, notes of any kind, electronic media, including cell phones, and so forth) during an examination, test, or quiz.

(3) Using unauthorized or improper methods to determine in advance the contents of an examination, test, or quiz.

(4) Having another person take an exam; having another person write a paper or complete an assignment for which the student will receive credit.

(5) Copying or providing another student an examination, assignment or other work to be evaluated.

(6) Submitting work for which credit has already been received in another course without the expressed consent of the instructor.

(7) Plagiarizing or permitting one's work to be plagiarized. Plagiarism is defined as the representation of another's words, thoughts or ideas as one's own. While it is expected that a student who is engaged in writing shall utilize information from sources other than personal experience, appropriate acknowledgement of such sources is required. Plagiarism includes but is not limited to:

(a) Utilizing a direct quotation without citing the source.

(b) Paraphrasing the ideas, interpretation and expressions of another without giving credit.

(c) Using the ideas of others as their own by failing to acknowledge or document sources. Sources of information should be credited or footnoted by following English language style guide ("Modern Language Association (MLA) Handbook").

(D) When a student is suspected of a violation of academic integrity, the faculty member may talk with the student to determine whether completing an "Academic Incident Form" (AIF) is warranted. If the faculty member determines that an AIF is warranted, the following procedure shall be followed:

(1) The faculty member shall document the alleged violation utilizing the AIF, notify the student of the alleged violation, and provide the student with the AIF and a copy of the academic integrity procedures. The student must be notified and provided with the form and procedures within ten working days of the date on which the faculty member determines that an AIF is warranted. Notification should be via U. S. registered mail or in person. E-mail notification should only be used within an online course shell. The student has five working days from the date of receipt to respond. The division dean shall be provided with a copy of the AIF.

(2) Should the student not respond within five working days of receiving notification of the academic incident, or not schedule, or not attend the conference with the faculty member, the faculty member, in the student's absence, shall make a decision as to whether the student did or did not violate academic integrity using all available information and conferring with the division dean. The decision shall be documented on an "Academic Incident Resolution Form" (AIRF) and given or mailed to the student. Copies shall be maintained by the faculty member and division dean. Students who do not respond, schedule or attend the conference with the faculty member also forfeit their rights to the appeals process.

(3) If, as a result of the conference with the student the faculty member believes that no violation took place, the faculty member shall dismiss the case and the issue shall be considered resolved. An AIRF documenting the resolution of the incident shall be completed by the faculty member and signed by both the faculty member and the student. The original AIRF shall be given to the student with copies distributed to the faculty member and division dean.

(4) If, as a result of the conference with the student the faculty member believes that "more likely than not" a violation did occur, the faculty member may issue a sanction up to a grade of zero for the assignment. An AIRF documenting the resolution of the incident including the sanction shall be completed and signed by the faculty member. The student shall be asked to sign the AIRF indicating that the information on the form is an accurate reflection of the decision(s) made during the conference. The original AIRF shall be given to the student with copies distributed to the faculty member, division dean and vice president of academic and student affairs (VPASA). In the event that the student challenges the sanction, the faculty member shall inform the student that he/she has five working days to appeal the sanction in writing to the appropriate academic dean.

(5) If the student wishes to appeal the dean's decision, the student has five working days to appeal to the VPASA.

(6) When appeals are made to the dean and VPASA, the evidence presented by the faculty and student shall be reviewed and a decision shall be made and communicated to the student in writing within five working days. If the dean or VPASA finds in favor of the student, the faculty member shall reevaluate the student's work based on its merits and assign the appropriate grade. The decision of the VPASA shall be final.

(7) If the faculty member believes that the seriousness of the incident warrants action more severe than issuance of a grade of zero for the assignment, the case shall be referred to the "Academic Integrity Hearing Panel" (AIHP) for further sanctioning. Referrals should occur within ten working days. Student appeals of an AIHP decision are submitted to the VPASA; the student must wait until after the AIHP has met and communicated their decision.

(8) If the faculty member believes that the seriousness of the incident warrants additional action beyond issuance of a grade of zero for the assignment, the case shall also be referred to the AIHP for further sanctioning and the AIRF shall indicate such. Furthermore, any student who has previously been found responsible for committing an act of academic dishonesty according to the records maintained by the VPASA shall also be referred to the AIHP for further sanctioning. Referrals should occur within ten working days of the most recent deadline in the process as it relates to the most recent incident.

(9) In instances when an academic violation is referred to the AIHP by a faculty member or the office of the VPASA because of the seriousness of the offense or a record of repeated offenses, in addition to the sanction that was issued by the faculty member, the student may be issued a failing grade for the course, placed on probation, suspended for a specified period of time, or expelled. The student's cumulative academic dishonesty history shall be taken into account during the AIHP sanctioning phase.

(10) The AIHP consists of six panel members three faculty members representing three different divisions), one academic dean, and two students. The dean and faculty members shall be appointed by the VPASA and should not be familiar with the student's academic integrity violation(s). The dean shall serve as chair. The office of the dean of student affairs is responsible for the selection of the student representatives. The AIHP hearing shall provide the student and college faculty/staff an opportunity to present views, call witnesses, and present documents and other evidence. An advocate of the student's choice may accompany the student to the hearing but the advocate is not permitted to address the panel or to provide legal counsel. The college shall be represented by the instructor(s) of the course(s) giving rise to the incident(s) and/or the dean(s) of the division(s) with which the course(s) are affiliated. The panel shall convene within ten working days of receiving the request.

(11) The AIHP shall provide written notification of its decision within five working days of the hearing via use of the AIHP form and may attach additional explanation as appropriate. Students may appeal the decision in writing to the VPASA within five working days. Students who fail to attend or reschedule the AIHP hearing forfeit their rights to appeal the panel's decision.

(12) If the student appeals the decision of the AIHP to the VPASA, the VPASA shall review the appeal and communicate the decision to the student within five working days in writing. The decision of the VPASA is final.

(13) If the alleged academic violation or the sanction of the academic violation cannot be resolved prior to the deadline for reporting final grades to the registrar, the instructor of the class, with the advice and counsel of the division dean, shall assign a grade of "N."

(14) A copy of all academic integrity forms and written explanations of all actions to be taken shall be maintained in the office of the VPASA while the sanction is in force plus ten additional years. No copy shall be placed with the student's academic record in the registrar's office.

(E) Procedures were drafted using information, materials and form templates obtained from the academic integrity policies of Wright state university, Southern state community college, university of Toledo, Rhodes state community college, Oregon state community college, and Portland community college.

Supplemental Information

Authorized By: 3358
Amplifies: 3358

Rule 3358:5-7-12 | Prior learning assessment policy.

• Effective: October 14, 2022
• Promulgated Under: 111.15

(A) Prior learning assessment (PLA) is a process that enables learners to demonstrate what they have learned and translate that learning into college credit. PLA validates knowledge acquired through life experience, work experience, military experience, civic engagement, individual study and reading, and participation in classes or training sponsored by business and industry, professional organizations, and/or government agencies. Credit is awarded for college-level knowledge gained from experience and not for the experience itself. College-level learning is validated through pla when learners prove their mastery of the knowledge, skills, competencies, and abilities in a specific area of study offered by the college.

(B) There are a variety of third-party vendors that allow students to receive college credits in certain courses. Requisite advanced placement criteria are determined by vice president of academic affairs in partnership with department faculty, division dean, or designee. The types of prior learning examinations accepted by the college are the following:

(1) Advanced placement (AP):

AP exams are a series of examinations developed by the college board for AP high school classes in various subject areas. Students who have taken a college board ap credit examination must have scored at least a three to receive appropriate course credit.

(2) College level examination program (CLEP):

CLEP assesses proficiency in general education through thirty-three tests in five subject areas.

(3) Dantes subject standardized test (DSST):

DSST examinations test knowledge in both lower- and upper-level college course content through thirty-eight tests in six subject areas.

(4) International baccalaureate (IB):

Clark state recognizes the IB diploma as an advanced standing program for college credit.

(C) Military training and experience credit:

Students who have achieved military education and training credit may apply for acceptance of these credits toward the appropriate degree.

(D) Professional certification/industry credentials credit:

For courses in which professional certifications are utilized as an assessment tool, students may receive college credit for a course based on possessing such professional certification.

(E) Proficiency examinations:

Any student who believes he/she is qualified for college credit through experience, previous training, or noncredit coursework may request a proficiency exam at the appropriate division office. When a proficiency examination is an appropriate measure, the examination will be thorough and in keeping with the established goals and objectives of the course(s) and the overall program. Theoretical knowledge will be tested by faculty recommendation through common acceptable measures (i.e., paper and pencil, computerized, etc.) with the possibility of a practical skills component. Both written and practical skills testing may be required to ensure course rigor is maintained and achieved.

(F) Portfolio assessment:

A PLA portfolio is a detailed documentation illustrating college-level learning. The documentation varies by course and may include: examples of documents developed or materials made (like a machined part) at work or during some civic engagement, a self-assessment, an essay or oral interview explaining knowledge and experience, awards and honors, and certifications showing completion of workshops or seminars offered by professional organizations, business and industry or government agencies.

(G) Credit for prior learning assessment:

(1) All students are expected to complete the residency requirement of at least thirty credit hours of courswork at Clark state for a bachelor degree, fifteen credit hours of coursework at Clark state for an associate degree or twelve credit hours for a one-year certificate program. Credit equivalencies such as transfer and pla credit do not count toward the residency requirement.

(2) A student is limited to receiving fifty per cent total credits for a degree or certificate from pla. Additionally, credit equivalencies may not exceed one half of the required technical course credits for the degree, the one-year certificate, or the departmental certificate program being pursued unless recommended by the faculty and approved by the division dean or designee.

(3) All PLA credit is subject to time limitations for certain courses and/or majors. Limitations are determined by the profession/industry standards and the discretion of faculty, division dean or designee.

(4) To apply for PLA credit the student must be admitted to Clark state with an eligible declared major.

(5) Students may only apply for PLA credit for courses directly applicable to curriculum requirements in the student's declared certificate or degree program.

(6) A student who wishes to apply for PLA for a course in their major must complete the process prior to the term the student intends to receive the PLA credit for the course.

(7) Approved PLA credit does not guarantee credit or waiver for that course's prerequisites.

(8) Approved PLA credits serve as prerequisites in the same manner as their course equivalencies.

(9) All PLA must be awarded before the semester prior to graduation.

(10) A student may not apply for PLA for a course that the student:

(a) Is enrolled in after the fifteenth day.

(b) Has previously taken with a failing grade (F or UW; D grade if student's major requires a grade of C or better in the course for progression and graduation requirements).

(c) Has audited.

(11) Clark state accepts credit for prior learning that has been awarded by other regionally accredited institutions as per the college's transfer policy. These credits have the same limitations in their use in meeting graduation requirements as do PLA credits earned at clark state and will be used in computing the total hours of PLA for which a student is eligible.

(12) A student who intends to use credit for PLA in a course to meet clark state degree requirements and intends to transfer to another institution should check the requirements of the receiving institution.

(13) Course credit hours earned by third party vendors, military training experience credit, or professional certification are awarded and recorded by records and registration. Proficiency examinations and portfolios are assessed and awarded by faculty and recorded by records and registration.

(14) The records and registration office will maintain a copy of the student's PLA form which indicates the assessment process and final grade.

(H) Prior learning assessment appeals procedure:

Clark state has established a process for prior learning assessment appeals as listed in the PLA procedures document.

Last updated April 21, 2025 at 4:44 PM

Supplemental Information

Authorized By: 3358
Amplifies: 3358
Prior Effective Dates: 5/15/2017

Rule 3358:5-7-13 | Texbook adoption policy.

• Effective: February 20, 2024
• Promulgated Under: 111.15

(A) Selection procedure

(1) Textbooks will be adopted and ordered via the approved vendor. All textbook adoptions shall be posted in accordance with the approved vendor's timelines.

(2) Lead faculty members, in consultation with discipline faculty, will make textbook recommendations to coordinators for each course.

(3) Upon adoption of a textbook, the textbook shall remain in use for not less than two academic years.

(4) Faculty shall make every effort to adopt textbooks that provide students with multiple purchasing options to decrease student cost. These options may include, but are not limited to, e-books, rentals, loose leaf editions, and open educational resources (OERs).

(5) Faculty members shall make every effort to use all items contained in textbook/resource bundles.

(6) Faculty may not directly sell or rent textbooks to students.

(7) Textbook adoptions will be made in accordance with Clark state's teaching and learning principles and best practices within each discipline.

(8) To utilize a textbook or other material which is authored by faculty and the sale of which results in a royalty being paid to the faculty member, then the textbook/material may only be adopted if a majority of the other discipline faculty consent to the use of the textbook or material. In instances where the faculty author is the only full-time faculty member within a discipline, the division dean must approve the use of the textbook or other material authored by the faculty member.

(9) In accordance with HB 110 and section 733.20 of the Revised Code, if textbooks and/or course materials are not selected by the first day of class registration, then the faculty member is deemed to have selected identical materials (i.e., same title and edition) from the prior semester offering of the course.

(B) Discontinuance policy

(1) All textbook adoptions shall remain in use for no less than two academic years. If this is not possible due to an urgent or unavoidable issue, permission for a new adoption must be granted by the faculty member's academic/division dean.

(2) Faculty members may not require students to purchase additional textbook materials and/or bundles that have not been preapproved for the course.

(3) No new textbook adoptions shall be permitted mid-year, without the approval of the faculty member's academic/division dean. Textbook edition changes may be permitted mid-year.

(4) Faculty may not sell faculty textbook copies to book buyers.

Last updated February 20, 2024 at 8:51 AM

Supplemental Information

Authorized By: 3358
Amplifies: 3358
Prior Effective Dates: 2/27/2023

Rule 3358:5-7-14 | Student location policy.

• Effective: October 14, 2022
• Promulgated Under: 111.15

(A) Clark state college is committed to providing each student with the maximum opportunity to develop and learn. As such, this policy establishes Clark state's commitment to and process for establishing and responding to student location as related to professional licensure and certification in states and territories outside of Ohio, Code of Federal Regulations, CFR 668.43, section (a)(5)(v) and section (b).

(B) Clark state is a member of the national council for state authorization reciprocity agreement (NC-SARA) which allows us to provide distance learning programs (both online and in the form of supervised field experiences) and coursework to residents of states other than Ohio. NC-SARA membership, however, does not grant reciprocity or exempt us from state professional licensing requirements. As a result, licensing requirements in Ohio may not be recognized as sufficient to obtain a license in any other state.

(C) This policy applies to admissions, financial aid, records and registration, and faculty with oversight in academic departments that offer educational programs leading to professional licensure or faculty or staff who advertise programs as meeting specific professional licensure or certification requirements and all students.

(D) Definitions:

(1) Student location: a student's location shall be defined as the place in which the student is currently living or physically located (e.g. current address) at the time of enrollment in a program. Student location will be determined by the active local address in the student information system. Students may update their address in self-service.

(2) Programs leading to required initial professional licensure or certification: academic programs designed for or marketed as fulfilling the purpose of preparing graduates to meet the educational requirements for initial professional licensure or certification requirements of a state board. Identified professional licensure programs currently available at Clark state include early childhood education, medical assisting, medical laboratory technology, paramedic, physical therapist assistant, practical nursing, realtime/judicial reporting and broadcast caption/CART, registered nursing.

Last updated April 23, 2025 at 1:53 PM

Supplemental Information

Authorized By: 3358
Amplifies: 3358

Rule 3358:5-7-15 | Religious accommodations policy.

• Effective: February 20, 2024
• Promulgated Under: 111.15

(A) Students may request accommodations for up to three days of absences each semester for reasons of faith, religion, spiritual belief or organized activities connected to their religious denomination, church, or other religious/spiritual organization.

(B) Students must notify their instructor(s) within the first fourteen days of the course of the dates they require religious accommodation in writing or via email

(C) Students who notify their instructor(s) of their intended absences due to religious beliefs and activities will receive alternative accommodations for missed exams or other academic requirements as a result of such absences. There is no academic penalty for taking absences under this policy.

(D) Further information about this policy may be obtained from the assistant dean of access and retention services. If a student feels that they have not received a religious accommodation allowed by this policy, they should notify the college of any grievance with regard to the implementation of the policy by completing the academic concern form (https://cm.maxient.com/reportingform.php?ClarkStateCC&layout_id=5).The assistant dean of access and retention services will review the academic concern form, speak with the student, instructor and school dean and make a recommendation regarding the requested accommodation. If the student remains dissatisfied, the recommendation may be appealed to the vice president of academic affairs, whose decision will be final.

(E) This policy shall be posted on the college website with contact information of an individual who can provide further information about the policy. The college will also post a non-exhaustive list of major religious holidays or festivals for the next two academic years. This statement shall include this wording, "This list is non-exhaustive, and the list may not be used to deny accommodation to a student for a holiday or festival of the student's faith or religious or spiritual belief system that does not appear on the list."

(F) This policy will appear in all course syllabi and include the description of the general procedure for requesting accommodations and the contact information for an individual whom a student may contact for more information about this policy. Syllabi will also include a link to the non-exhaustive list of religious holidays and festivals and the disclaimer that the list is non-exhaustive. Finally, syllabi will include the process by which a student may notify the institution of any grievance with regard to the implementation of the policy.

Last updated April 22, 2025 at 3:19 PM

Supplemental Information

Authorized By: 3358
Amplifies: 3358