Chapter 3358:5-9 | Student Policies In General

Rule 3358:5-9-01 | Student insurance plans.

• Effective: October 23, 2015
• Promulgated Under: 111.15

(A) Clark state community college provides or makes available the following insurance plans for students.

(1) Limited professional liability insurance Students currently enrolled in certain health, human and public services technologies academic programs and required clinical activities are covered by limited professional liability insurance.

(2) Health insurance Currently enrolled students are eligible to participate in the college-sponsored student health insurance plan. Medical plans can be for the student only and can also include their dependents.

(3) Athletic insurance Students participating in the "National Junior College Athletic Association" (NJCAA) sports through the college are required to be covered under a plan that does not exclude injuries incurred during participation in athletics. This coverage must either be provided by a personal plan carried by the student (or their parent(s) or through the college-provided athletic accident insurance plan.

(B) The office of the vice president for business affairs is responsible for securing coverage for students for liability, athletic and health insurance.

Supplemental Information

Authorized By: 3358
Amplifies: 3358
Prior Effective Dates: 8/21/1978

Rule 3358:5-9-02 | Student rights and responsibilities/code of conduct policy.

• Effective: November 17, 2022
• Promulgated Under: 111.15

(A) Clark state college is an academic community in which all persons students, faculty, administration and staff share responsibility for its growth and continued welfare. As members of the college community, students can reasonably expect that the following rights shall be respected by all college offices, programs, employees and organizations.

Clark state college further encourages all members of the college community to endorse, support and abide by the following statement of values which this community has deemed fundamental to its mission and integral to its growth.

(1) Speech/expression/press

Students may freely engage in noncommercial activities on any subject provided they do so in a manner that does not violate this policy. Students, in turn, have the responsibility to respect the rights of all members of the college in exercising these freedoms.

(2) Non-discrimination

No agent or organization of Clark state community college shall discriminate against any student on the basis of race, color, religion, gender/sex or expression, national origin (ancestry), military status, disability, age (forty years of age or older), genetic information, sexual orientation, status as a parent during pregnancy and immediately after the birth of a child, status as a parent of a young child, or status as a foster parent and any other protected group status as defined by law or college policy in its educational programs, activities, admissions, or employment practices as required by Title IX of the Educational Amendments of 1972, Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, the Americans with Disabilities Act, and other applicable statutes. In their individual roles as members of student organizations, students have the responsibility not to discriminate against others.

(3) Assembly/protest

Students may assemble in an orderly manner and engage in peaceful protest, demonstrations and picketing which does not disrupt the functions of the college, threaten the health or safety of any person or violate this rule.

(4) Religion/association

Students may exercise their religious convictions and associate with religious, political or other organizations of their choice in college facilities provided they do so in a manner that respects the rights of other members of the community and complies with this policy. Students have the responsibility to respect the rights of other members of the college community to free exercise of their religious convictions and to free association with organizations of their choice.

(5) Privacy/search/seizure

Students have a reasonable expectation to be free from unreasonable searches or unlawful arrest on college property. Students have the responsibility to respect the privacy of other members of the college community.

(6) Academic pursuits

Students shall have access to accurate and plainly stated information relating to maintenance of acceptable academic standing, graduation requirements and individual course objectives and requirements. Students may expect instruction from designated instructors at appointed class times and reasonable access to those instructors. Students have the responsibility to attend class and to know their appropriate academic requirements.

(7) Quality environment

Students may expect a reasonably safe environment supportive of the colleges mission and their own educational goals. Students have the responsibility to protect and maintain that environment and to protect themselves from all hazards to the extent that reasonable behavior and precaution can avoid risk.

(8) Governance/participation

Students may establish representative governmental bodies and to participate in college governance in accordance with the rules and regulations of the college. Students who accept representative roles in the governance of the college have the obligation to participate responsibly.

(9) Due process

Students shall be afforded due process before formal disciplinary sanctions are imposed by the college for violations of this policy. Students have the right to written notice and the opportunity for a hearing before any change in status is incurred for disciplinary reasons, unless a significant threat to persons or property exists.

(10) Confidentiality

Students may access and control access to their education records as provided in the federal Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act of 1974, also known as the Buckley Amendment. These include the rights to review and challenge the content of educational records, to control disclosure of personal and academic information to third parties and to limit the routine disclosure of all or some information defined as "directory information" by the act.

(B) Students at Clark state college are expected to conduct themselves in a manner supportive of the educational mission of the institution. As members of the college community, student have the responsibility to behave appropriately. Integrity, respect for the person and property of others and a commitment to intellectual and personal growth in a diverse population are values deemed fundamental to membership in the college community and represent the student code of conduct.

Clark state college considers the following behaviors, or attempts thereof, whether acting alone or with any other persons, in violation the student code of conduct. Examples include but are not limited to:

(1) Physical harm or threat of physical harm or general conduct which threatens the mental or emotional health of any person or persons.

(2) Physical or verbal, oral or written harassment, which is beyond the bounds of protected free speech that creates an intimidating, hostile, or offensive educational environment.

(3) Disorderly conduct including but not limited to public intoxication, lewd, indecent or obscene behavior or intentional disruption of lawful activities of the college.

(4) Theft, damage to personal/college property or unauthorized entry, use or occupation of college facilities.

(5) Forgery, alteration, fabrication or misuse of records, grades, diplomas, college documents, and identification cards.

(6) Illegal purchase, use, possession or being under the influence of or distribution of alcohol, drugs, or controlled substances on college property in college vehicles, or at college events.

(7) Non-compliance with directives of the college officials.

(8) Possession of firearms, explosive devices, fireworks, dangerous or illegal weapons or hazardous materials.

(9) Interference with or misuse of fire alarms, elevators or other safety and security equipment or programs.

(10) Violation of any federal, state or local law which has a negative impact on the well-being of the college or its individual members.

(11) Violation of college policies, rules or regulations that are published in the student handbook or any other official college publications or agreements.

(12) Academic misconduct including but not limited to plagiarism and cheating. For example, misuse of academic resources or facilities and misuse of computer software, data, equipment or networks.

(13) Violations of a position of trust or authority at the college including the misuse or unauthorized use of Clark state or organizational names, representatives, and/or images.

(14) Disruptive behavior and/or the obstruction of teaching, research, administration, or other lawful Clark state activities on or off campus.

Last updated November 17, 2022 at 5:57 PM

Supplemental Information

Authorized By: 3358
Amplifies: 3358
Prior Effective Dates: 2/28/2005, 12/14/2011, 10/23/2015

Rule 3358:5-9-03 | Student grievance policy.

• Effective: November 17, 2022
• Promulgated Under: 111.15

(A) Clark state college recognizes that in the interest of the students it serves, a procedure is necessary whereby students can be assured a prompt, impartial and fair hearing of their grievances. Students who may have a grievance are provided this system to ensure fairness and due process. This procedure shall be available to all students.

(B) Definitions

(1) A "grievance" is a complaint involving the violation, interpretation or application of:

(a) A college policy;

(b) An administrative procedure;

(c) An administrative regulation;

(d) The violation of individual rights by another student;

(e) Alleged discrimination on the basis of race, color, religion, gender/sex, gender identity or expression, national origin (ancestry), military status, disability, age (forty years of age or older), genetic information, sexual orientation, status as a parent of a young child, or status as a foster parent and any other protected group status as defined by law or college policy in its educational programs, activities, admissions, or employment practices as required by Title IX of the Educational Amendments of 1972, Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, the Americans with Disabilities Act, and other applicable statutes.

(2) A "student" is someone who is enrolled at Clark state college at the time of the grievance.

(3) An "advocate" is an informal and neutral resource who provides assistance to students in exploring options to resolve problems, complaints and conflicts. An "advocate" serves as a resource for students who seek guidance on policies and procedures.

Last updated November 17, 2022 at 5:57 PM

Supplemental Information

Authorized By: 3358
Amplifies: 3358
Prior Effective Dates: 9/30/1978, 10/23/2015

Rule 3358:5-9-04 | Student fees and payment policy.

• Effective: November 17, 2022
• Promulgated Under: 111.15

(A) Affordability is a major goal of community colleges with the primary mission relating to specialized workforce education and accessibility. Clark state college endeavors to provide educational opportunities for individuals of all economic backgrounds. The goal is to never turn away a student solely based on finances. The college and the Clark state college foundation provide scholarships that benefit students who find the cost of tuition to be difficult for them.

(B) The challenge of fostering student access and success in higher education while maintaining or improving the quality of the learning experience is something that the president and trustees struggle with each year. Discussions have resulted in innovative tuition policies resulting in differentiated tuition rates.

(C) How tuition is established and governed as well as the causes of tuition increases is critically important for trustees to consider as post-secondary education becomes more of a requirement for people to be financially successful and for states and the nation to remain globally competitive in the twenty-first century.

(D) Tuition is part of a higher education finance system that links several key policies together, rather than part of a stand-alone policy, represented by the sticker price of the college. Tuition can be thought of as one leg of a three-legged higher education finance stool, with the other two legs being state appropriations and financial aid. As the size, shape and length of all three legs of a stool need to be considered in concert to ensure stability and functionality, integrating these three finance policies is necessary to be effective in achieving the strategic goals of the college.

(E) The president is charged with developing administrative procedures to support this student fees and payment policy.

Last updated November 17, 2022 at 5:57 PM

Supplemental Information

Authorized By: 3358
Amplifies: 3358

Rule 3358:5-9-05 | Student privacy policy.

• Effective: November 17, 2022
• Promulgated Under: 111.15

(A) The Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act of 1974 (FERPA) as amended, also called the Buckley Amendment, is designed to protect the privacy of students records and to establish rights for students to inspect and review their records. The act requires each educational institution to inform students of these rights. General information and procedures implemented by Clark state college are in compliance with the act. Students should be familiar with the act and with college procedures. The act and implementing rules involve both access to and release of information from student educational records.

(B) Definitions:

(1) Educational records are all records maintained at the college containing information relating to a student.

(2) FERPA rights transfer from parent to student when a student reaches the age of eighteen or when a student begins to attend a post-secondary institution, regardless of age.

Last updated November 17, 2022 at 5:57 PM

Supplemental Information

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

Rule 3358:5-9-09 | Career services policy.

• Effective: November 17, 2022
• Promulgated Under: 111.15

(A) The Clark state college career center offers enrolled students, alumni and Clark state applicants access to information to help them explore careers, define career interests and pathways.

(B) The career center staff assists students and alumni with their job search including resume writing, interviewing and job search strategies. The job bank is a service for enrolled students and graduates of Clark state college. The career center offers on-campus and area job fairs and recruiting events.

(C) Disclaimer for students using the job bank Due to the volume of job, co-op and internship postings received, the Clark state college career center does not research the integrity of each organization or person that lists a vacancy through this website. Inclusion of an organization in the job bank should not be considered as an endorsement by the Clark state college career center of the organization nor its products or services. It is the responsibility of the job seeker to verify information included in the job, co-op or internship postings and to evaluate the working conditions, wages, safety or other aspects of employment.

Last updated November 17, 2022 at 5:57 PM

Supplemental Information

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

Rule 3358:5-9-10 | Student identification cards policy.

• Effective: February 7, 2022
• Promulgated Under: 111.15

(A) Students at Clark state college are issued identification cards free of charge.

(B) ID pictures are taken in the library, Sara T. Landess 122, in Springfield, at the information desk in Beavercreek, student services in Xenia, and Bellefontaine.

(C) Students are requested to carry their ID card when on campus. It should be presented at the request of any college employee. The cards are nontransferable.

(D) The ID card is necessary for the use various services on campus, admission to athletic events, and otherwise as a verification of enrollment.

Last updated February 7, 2022 at 8:08 PM

Supplemental Information

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

Rule 3358:5-9-11 | Student activity programs.

• Effective: November 17, 2022
• Promulgated Under: 111.15

(A) A student activity program and proper accounting procedures are essential to the effective operation of the college.

(B) The following policies shall be adopted for the administration of such funds.

(1) Administration

(a) These policies apply to all on-campus programs involving the receipt and disbursement of monies.

(b) The assistant vice president, student affairs is responsible for the general administration and management of all activities and funds for student activities.

(2) Criteria for approval of activities

(a) The activity contributes directly to the educational, civic, social, or ethical development of the student involved.

(b) Student participation does not require special qualifications of race, creed, or national origin.

(c) The activity does not involve excessive cost to the individual or the college, nor does it exploit the individual or college for commercial purposes.

(d) The activity does not place excessive time demands on the staff or participants.

(e) The activity is under college oversight with evidence of proper planning.

(f) No activity shall be maintained without a responsible faculty advisor.

(3) Fiscal management of funds

(a) The assistant vice president student affairs is the authorized agent or co-agent in the letting of any contract for the supply of goods or services for the activity/program.

(b) The custodian of individual accounts shall be required to maintain records as prescribed by the board-appointed treasurer.

(c) Vendors shall be selected solely upon the basis of price, the quality of goods, and the amount of services rendered. Monetary contributions, gifts, or items of value are not to be required, offered, or received.

Last updated November 17, 2022 at 5:57 PM

Supplemental Information

Authorized By: 3358
Amplifies: 3358
Prior Effective Dates: 1/28/1978

Rule 3358:5-9-12 | Field trips policy.

• Effective: November 17, 2022
• Promulgated Under: 111.15

Field trips are an integral part of many classes. To be sure that the experience is positive, the following shall be closely observed.

(A) For the faculty member

(1) Make the proper arrangements at least two weeks in advance with the business organization being visited.

(2) Have students (in writing) inform other instructors whose classes will be affected.

(3) Carefully outline the purpose of the field trip with the students. Have questions prepared if appropriate.

(4) Make appropriate travel arrangements and inform students of departure/arrival times.

(5) If college vehicles are used, the faculty member shall contact the office of the vice president for business affairs to schedule a vehicle. Students are discouraged from driving college vehicles.

(6) Travel by privately-owned vehicle is authorized only if the employee or student is insured under a policy of liability insurance in compliance with the laws of the state of Ohio. If students drive their personal vehicles, the student will not have automobile coverage through the college. The college, however, is protected under its non-owned vehicle rider.

(7) Announce follow-up requirements such as class return time, reports, and assignments.

(8) Send a thank-you note to the business representative (if applicable).

(B) For the students

(1) Conduct should be appropriate to the event.

(2) Use the field trip as a learning experience following instructor guidelines.

(3) Use the experience as a potential career path.

(4) Be prepared to ask questions, make observations, and complete reports.

Last updated November 17, 2022 at 5:57 PM

Supplemental Information

Authorized By: 3358
Amplifies: 3358
Prior Effective Dates: 3/7/2005, 10/23/2015

Rule 3358:5-9-13 | Scholarship program.

• Effective: March 27, 2015
• Promulgated Under: 111.15

(A) Clark state community college scholarships:

(1) The college may fund scholarships to students to enhance access, to attract academically talented individuals, to encourage diversity, to meet matching fund requirements for grants, or for other appropriate purposes.

(2) All college-funded scholarships must be submitted for funding consideration in the annual budgeting process.

(3) Scholarship awards criteria and processes must be approved in advance by the appropriate executive cabinet member and must comply with all equal opportunity guidelines.

(B) Clark state foundation scholarships:

(1) The foundation offers scholarships funded by contributions and grants from individuals, corporations, foundations and organizations.

(2) The foundation establishes criteria and processes for their scholarships based upon donor intent and foundation policies and procedures.

(C) Other scholarships:

Scholarships that are available from time to time through state funding are promoted through the admissions and financial aid offices.

Supplemental Information

Authorized By: 3358
Amplifies: 3358
Prior Effective Dates: 11/17/2000

Rule 3358:5-9-14 | Student assemblies.

• Effective: March 27, 2015
• Promulgated Under: 111.15

(A) In the process of obtaining a college education, students are often presented with differing points of view on issues. Students at Clark state community college shall feel free to explore and debate contemporary issues in an atmosphere of free expression as outlined in policy 3358:5-13-10 of the Administrative Code, "Student Rights and Responsibilities."

(B) To facilitate the process of maintaining an appropriate atmosphere, the following procedures shall be followed in scheduling student assemblies on campus:

(1) Students wishing to hold an assembly on campus shall complete a request form and submit it to the dean of student affairs at least one week prior to holding the event.

(2) The dean of student affairs shall review the request and if approved may assist the requesting students or student groups in arranging the time and location of the assembly.

(3) Once approval is received, the requesting students or student groups shall notify the colleges campus police department regarding the assembly.

(4) Once the assembly is scheduled, the requesting students or student groups shall be responsible for advertising the assembly on campus.

(5) The requesting students or student groups shall be responsible for assisting college authorities in maintaining an atmosphere at the event so that participants can have the opportunity to listen to the views being expressed.

(6) After the assembly is over, the requesting students or student groups shall assist in the cleanup of the area where the event was held.

(C) Students or student groups who hold assemblies without prior approval of the college are in violation of college policy.

Supplemental Information

Authorized By: 3358
Amplifies: 3358
Prior Effective Dates: 6/1/2000

Rule 3358:5-9-15 | Gifts, prizes and awards policy.

• Effective: November 17, 2022
• Promulgated Under: 111.15

The U.S. department of education considers gifts, prizes and awards given to students because of enrollment at a postsecondary institution or for the purpose of aiding a students study or training as estimated financial assistance.

(A) A gift, prize or award is considered estimated financial assistance if either applies:

(1) The recipient is required to use the disbursement for education expenses. For example, a free course is awarded as a prize at an event.

(2) The recipient must be a current student to receive the gift, prize or award. For example, a disbursement is made from the "Dreamkeepers Emergency Fund" to pay for rent or utilities for a student.

(B) Such gifts, prizes or awards in these categories must be reported to the financial aid office within five business days of the distribution. The awarded student must be notified that if accepted, the award may affect their financial aid package.

(C) A gift, prize or award given to a student is not considered financial assistance when the following occurs:

(1) The recipient is not required to be a student and the contest is open to the community. For example, a prize is given as a result of a random drawing at a sporting event.

(2) The prize or award is related to employment. In this case, the prize may be considered compensation.

Last updated November 17, 2022 at 5:57 PM

Supplemental Information

Authorized By: 3358
Amplifies: 3358

Rule 3358:5-9-16 | Anti-hazing policy.

• Effective: January 10, 2022
• Promulgated Under: 111.15

(A) Clark State College is committed to creating a safe, collegiate, working, and learning environment for all students, faculty and staff, and visitors. As a part of this commitment, Clark State College prohibits all forms of hazing as defined in this policy. The College will investigate and respond to all reports of hazing as outlined in this policy.

(1) Policy Statement

The College holds students accountable for their behavior both on and off-campus and addresses behavior that is a violation of the Student Code of Conduct. This policy applies to conduct that occurs on or off-campus, between two or more people who are affiliated with the College, or any student or other organization associated with the College. This policy applies to Clark State College students, student clubs/organizations, student groups, and employees. This policy also applies to volunteers acting in an official capacity that advise or coach student clubs/organizations and/or student groups and who have direct contact with students. This policy is effective from matriculation to commencement, including breaks in the academic year and Clark State College has jurisdiction whether the conduct occurs on or off campus.

(2) Sanctions

Hazing is a serious offense of the Clark State College Student Code of Conduct and, therefore, is subject to the full range of sanctions (educational sanction, warning, probation, suspension, dismissal). In addition, other educational activities may be required as conditions of the sanction. An individual, organization, or group may be subject to other outcomes in accordance with the applicable outside constituents or group in which the student is involved, or their governing bodies. The College has the right to take action regardless of the actions of the governing body.

(3) Policy Enforcement

The Dean of Student Engagement and Support Services shall coordinate the investigation of all hazing allegations. When appropriate, other College offices may handle certain aspects of the College response, such as Human Resources. Additionally, the Dean of Student Engagement and Support Services will assess the need for interim measures (e.g. suspension of current group activities). Every effort will be taken to complete the investigation in a timely manner. The hazing allegation will be investigated and resolved in keeping with the Student Code of Conduct process. At the point when a formal conduct charge is made against an organization, the national or oversight organization, if any, shall be notified. Criminal investigations resulting from a report to law enforcement will be handled by the appropriate law enforcement agency. Clark State may charge an individual or a group with a violation of this Anti-Hazing Policy via the Student Code of Conduct and/or other College rules, regulations or policies.

Sanctions applied to organizations and/or individuals will be imposed in accordance with the severity of the violation and will be determined by the Dean of Student Engagement and Support Services.

(4) Definition of Hazing

Hazing means intentionally, knowingly, or recklessly, for the purposes of initiating, admitting or affiliating a student into or with an organization, or for the purpose of continuing or enhancing a student's membership or status in an organization, causing, coercing or forcing a student to do any of the following, regardless of whether such conduct occurs on or off campus:

Violate Federal or State criminal law.

Violate College policies, rules, regulations that are published in the student handbook or any other official College publications or agreements.

Consume any food, liquid, alcoholic liquid, drug or other substance which subjects the student to a risk of emotional or physical harm.

Endure brutality of a physical nature, including whipping, beating, branding, calisthenics or exposure to the elements.

Endure brutality of a mental nature, including actively adversely affecting the mental health or dignity of the individual, sleep deprivation, exclusion from social contact or conduct that could result in extreme embarrassment.

Endure brutality of a sexual nature.

Endure any other activity that creates a reasonable likelihood of bodily injury to the student.

It shall not be a defense to a charge of hazing that the student consented to the conduct in question.

(5) Reporting

Reporting an Incident: Campus safety is a top priority and all reports of hazing are taken seriously to protect the health and well-being of our Clark State community. Individuals and/or student organizations should report incidents of hazing through the online Incident Report Form. Reports will be routed to the Dean of Student Engagement and Support Services. Clark State College depends on community members to identify and report behaviors of concern so that the College can provide distressed students and employees with appropriate support services and resources.

Clark State College is committed to reviewing all reports of hazing. Anonymous reports are accepted; however, the College's ability to obtain additional information may be compromised and the ability to investigate anonymous reports may be limited. In the event of immediate physical danger to a student or others, 911 must be called immediately.

Any questions concerning the interpretation or application of this policy should be referred to the Dean of Student Engagement and Support Services.

(6) Mandatory Reporting

In order to enable the College to respond effectively and to stop instances of hazing, all College employees must, within twenty-four (24) hours of receiving the information, report information they have about reported or possible hazing to the Dean of Student Engagement and Support Services. Employees who are required by law to protect confidentiality are exempt from this requirement.

(7) College Reporting

The College will maintain a report of all violations of this policy that are reported to the College and which result in a violation of this policy. The College will update the report bi-annually on January 1 and August 1 of each year and will post the updated report on the College's website. If the violations rise to the level of Clery Act reporting, they will be included in the Annual Campus Safety Report published each October.

(8) College Training and Education

All students seeking membership in a registered student organization or student group at Clark State College must complete the anti-hazing training provided by the College. Failure to complete the training will result in the student being denied the ability to participate in any recognized student organization or group. If a student is unsure if they have completed the required program they should contact the Dean of Student Engagement and Support Services to verify their eligibility to join a student organization or group.

Last updated February 3, 2022 at 4:53 PM

Supplemental Information

Authorized By: 3358
Amplifies: 3358