Ohio Administrative Code Title 3349 - Northeast Ohio Medical University
Ohio Administrative Code
Title 3349 — Northeast Ohio Medical University (NEOMED)
1. Overview and Purpose
OAC Title 3349 governs the operations and administration of Northeast Ohio Medical University (NEOMED), a public medical university established by the State of Ohio. This Title sets forth the university’s administrative rules, academic policies, faculty and student governance, financial administration, and compliance with state laws applicable to public higher education institutions.
The purpose of these regulations is to ensure that NEOMED operates efficiently, maintains high academic standards, and complies with state and federal requirements.
2. Governance Structure
2.1 Board of Trustees
NEOMED is governed by a Board of Trustees appointed according to Ohio Revised Code provisions.
The Board holds ultimate authority over university policies, strategic planning, budget approval, and overall governance.
Responsibilities include approving academic programs, faculty appointments, and major institutional decisions.
2.2 University Administration
The President and senior administrators implement Board policies and manage daily university affairs.
Various officers such as deans, department chairs, and administrative directors oversee academic and operational units.
Administrative roles include compliance officers and legal counsel ensuring adherence to regulations.
3. Academic Policies
3.1 Curriculum and Academic Programs
NEOMED offers medical, biomedical sciences, and health-related degree programs.
Curriculum development, program modifications, and academic standards require Board approval.
The institution follows state guidelines regarding credit hours, graduation requirements, and academic integrity.
3.2 Admissions and Enrollment
Admission policies establish criteria for prospective students including academic qualifications and prerequisite coursework.
Procedures ensure nondiscriminatory access and compliance with equal opportunity laws.
Enrollment policies include registration, withdrawal, and readmission processes.
3.3 Grading, Academic Progress, and Appeals
The university establishes grading scales, academic probation, dismissal policies, and student appeals processes.
Students may appeal academic decisions under clearly defined procedures to ensure fairness.
4. Faculty and Staff Governance
4.1 Faculty Appointments and Promotion
Appointment, tenure, promotion, and dismissal procedures are regulated in accordance with university policy and OAC rules.
Faculty rights and responsibilities, including academic freedom, are protected.
Procedures for grievance and disciplinary action are outlined.
4.2 Staff Policies
Staff employment policies, including recruitment, performance evaluation, and termination, are governed under Title 3349.
Equal employment opportunity and nondiscrimination policies apply.
5. Student Rights and Conduct
5.1 Code of Student Conduct
NEOMED enforces standards of student behavior, academic honesty, and professionalism appropriate to a medical institution.
Violations include cheating, plagiarism, harassment, and misconduct.
5.2 Disciplinary Procedures
Students accused of misconduct receive written notice and an opportunity for hearing.
Sanctions range from warnings to suspension or expulsion depending on severity.
Appeal rights are provided to ensure procedural fairness.
5.3 Non-Discrimination and Accommodation
The university complies with federal laws such as the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and Title IX.
Reasonable accommodations for disabilities and policies preventing harassment and discrimination are enforced.
6. Financial Administration and Institutional Operations
6.1 Budget and Finance
NEOMED’s budgeting, tuition setting, and fee policies are regulated by the Board consistent with state requirements.
Procedures exist for financial audits, procurement, and fiscal accountability.
6.2 Facilities and Safety
Policies cover campus safety, emergency management, and maintenance.
The university must adhere to state safety regulations and reporting requirements.
7. Legal Principles and Case Law
Case Principle 1: Deference to Academic Governance
Courts generally defer to medical universities like NEOMED on academic standards and governance unless constitutional rights are infringed.
The Board’s rulemaking authority under the OAC is upheld as long as consistent with statute.
Case Principle 2: Due Process in Academic and Disciplinary Matters
Students and faculty are entitled to procedural due process when facing academic sanctions or disciplinary actions.
Failure to provide notice and an opportunity to be heard can result in judicial reversal.
Case Principle 3: Non-Discrimination and Accessibility
Compliance with ADA, Title IX, and other civil rights laws is mandatory.
Failure to accommodate or address discrimination claims can lead to successful legal challenges.
Illustrative Case: Student v. NEOMED (Hypothetical)
A student challenged dismissal for academic failure citing lack of proper appeal process.
The court required the university to follow OAC-mandated procedures ensuring fairness.
Illustrative Case: Faculty Member v. NEOMED Board
A tenure denial was contested based on alleged procedural irregularities.
The court upheld the Board’s decision, emphasizing academic judgment and procedural compliance under the OAC.
8. Practical Implications
Students should understand their academic rights and responsibilities under NEOMED’s policies.
Faculty and staff must follow established procedures for appointments, evaluations, and grievance processes.
The Board’s oversight ensures that NEOMED maintains compliance with state law while preserving academic integrity.
9. Summary Table
| Aspect | Details |
|---|---|
| Governing Body | Board of Trustees |
| Scope | Governance, academics, faculty/staff policies, student conduct |
| Academic Policies | Curriculum approval, grading, appeals |
| Faculty Governance | Appointments, tenure, promotion, grievance |
| Student Rights | Conduct codes, disciplinary procedures, due process |
| Financial Administration | Budgeting, tuition, procurement |
| Legal Principles | Deference to governance, due process, ADA and Title IX compliance |
| Judicial Review | Ensures statutory and procedural compliance |
10. Conclusion
OAC Title 3349 provides a comprehensive framework for the governance, academic standards, and operational policies of Northeast Ohio Medical University. These regulations balance institutional autonomy with protections for student and faculty rights, ensuring due process, non-discrimination, and compliance with state law. Courts generally defer to NEOMED’s governance decisions but require adherence to procedural fairness and statutory mandates.
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