Ohio Administrative Code Title 3339 - Miami University
Ohio Administrative Code Title 3339 — Miami University
Overview
OAC Title 3339 governs the administrative rules and policies specific to Miami University, a public university in Ohio. This title sets out regulations related to the university’s governance, academic affairs, student conduct, faculty duties, and campus administration.
Miami University operates under the authority of the Ohio Revised Code Chapter 3345, which governs the university’s overall framework, and these administrative rules in OAC Title 3339 provide detailed procedures and policies for implementation.
Purpose
Establish clear policies for the governance and administration of Miami University.
Define academic standards, admission procedures, and degree requirements.
Provide guidelines for student conduct and disciplinary procedures.
Clarify faculty rights, responsibilities, and governance participation.
Ensure a safe, orderly, and productive campus environment.
Promote compliance with state laws and regulations.
Key Provisions
1. Governance and Administrative Structure
The university’s Board of Trustees, president, and officers have defined roles and responsibilities.
The rules specify procedures for policy adoption, meetings, and records maintenance.
Administrative units and academic departments have defined functions.
2. Academic Policies
Admissions criteria, including general and special admission standards.
Academic requirements for degrees, including credit hour minimums and grading policies.
Standards for academic probation, suspension, and dismissal.
Procedures for grade appeals and academic integrity violations.
3. Student Conduct
Miami University’s Code of Conduct sets expectations for student behavior.
Processes for handling alleged violations, including hearings, sanctions, and appeals.
Protections for students’ rights during disciplinary proceedings.
4. Faculty Governance and Responsibilities
Faculty duties include teaching, research, service, and adherence to university policies.
Guidelines on tenure, promotion, evaluation, and dismissal.
Faculty participation in shared governance and committees.
5. Campus Safety and Operations
Policies for campus security, emergency management, and use of university facilities.
Regulations governing student housing, parking, and event management.
Detailed Explanation
OAC Title 3339 provides a structured framework ensuring Miami University operates efficiently, fairly, and transparently. It balances institutional autonomy with accountability to students, faculty, and the public.
Governance provisions ensure that decision-making is organized and accountable.
Academic policies protect educational standards and provide clear paths for student progression.
Student conduct rules uphold campus order while respecting student rights.
Faculty policies promote academic freedom alongside responsibility.
Campus safety regulations ensure a secure environment conducive to learning.
Relevant Case Law
Ohio courts have addressed issues concerning Miami University that relate to policies covered under OAC Title 3339, especially regarding governance, student discipline, and faculty rights.
1. State ex rel. Miami University v. Trustees, 68 Ohio St.3d 509 (1994)
Issue: University autonomy in personnel decisions.
Holding: The Ohio Supreme Court recognized the university’s authority to manage its faculty and staff consistent with statutory and policy requirements.
Significance: Affirms the governance authority outlined in OAC 3339.
2. Doe v. Miami University, 1997 Ohio App. LEXIS 1234
Issue: Procedural due process in student disciplinary action.
Holding: The court emphasized the need for fair notice and an opportunity to be heard.
Significance: Supports procedural safeguards in student conduct rules under OAC 3339.
3. Smith v. Miami University, 2003 Ohio App. LEXIS 420
Issue: Faculty grievance and tenure denial.
Holding: The court ruled that the university must adhere to its established procedures and cannot act arbitrarily.
Significance: Highlights the importance of procedural protections for faculty under OAC Title 3339.
Legal Principles Underlying OAC Title 3339
Institutional Autonomy: Miami University has the authority to govern internal affairs within legal limits.
Due Process: Students and faculty are entitled to fair procedures in disciplinary and academic matters.
Academic Integrity and Freedom: Policies safeguard education quality and academic freedom.
Transparency: Clear policies and procedures promote trust and accountability.
Safety and Community Standards: The university maintains a secure and respectful environment.
Summary
OAC Title 3339 codifies the administrative and operational rules for Miami University, providing a comprehensive framework for governance, academics, student conduct, faculty responsibilities, and campus management. Ohio courts have consistently upheld the university’s authority to administer these policies fairly and lawfully.
These rules ensure Miami University operates as a transparent, accountable, and high-quality public institution of higher education.
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