Ohio Administrative Code Title 3357:15 - Stark State College
Ohio Administrative Code
Title 3357:15 — Stark State College
1. Overview and Purpose
OAC Title 3357:15 governs Stark State College, a public community college in Ohio, providing regulations that direct the college's administration, academic programs, student affairs, and institutional governance. These rules are designed to ensure that Stark State operates consistently with the Ohio Revised Code and applicable educational policies, safeguarding institutional integrity and students' rights.
2. Governance and Administrative Structure
2.1 Board of Trustees
Stark State College is governed by a Board of Trustees, appointed according to Ohio law.
The Board is responsible for setting institutional policies, overseeing budgets, approving academic programs, and ensuring compliance with state regulations.
It holds final authority on disciplinary actions and major college decisions.
2.2 College Administration
The College President, along with executive staff, implements policies and manages day-to-day operations.
Administrative roles include academic deans, registrar, student affairs officers, and compliance staff who ensure adherence to OAC regulations.
3. Academic Policies
3.1 Curriculum and Programs
Academic offerings must meet state standards and receive Board approval.
Rules address course development, credit hours, degree requirements, and program modifications.
Transfer credit policies are established to facilitate student mobility.
3.2 Admission and Enrollment
Admission criteria are established to ensure fairness and accessibility, including placement testing and residency requirements.
Procedures for enrollment, registration, and withdrawal are codified.
3.3 Grading and Academic Progress
Policies govern grading scales, grade appeals, academic probation, suspension, and dismissal.
Students have rights to review and contest academic decisions under prescribed procedures.
4. Student Rights and Conduct
4.1 Code of Student Conduct
The OAC sets forth behavioral expectations and prohibits violations such as cheating, plagiarism, harassment, and disruptive behavior.
It includes disciplinary procedures that provide students with notice, hearing rights, and appeal opportunities.
4.2 Disciplinary Procedures
Due process protections require clear notification of charges and an opportunity for students to respond before sanctions.
Sanctions may range from warnings to suspension or expulsion depending on the severity of the infraction.
4.3 Non-Discrimination and Accessibility
Stark State College complies with all applicable federal and state non-discrimination laws, including ADA and Title IX.
Policies ensure reasonable accommodations for students with disabilities.
5. Institutional Operations
5.1 Financial Management
Tuition, fees, and refund policies are governed by rules set by the Board consistent with state requirements.
Fiscal policies govern budgeting, procurement, and auditing processes.
5.2 Campus Safety and Facilities
Policies address emergency preparedness, campus security, and maintenance of facilities.
Compliance with state safety codes and regulations is mandatory.
6. Legal Principles and Case Law
Case Principle 1: Deference to College Governance
Courts generally defer to community college Boards on academic and administrative decisions unless a clear violation of law or constitutional rights occurs.
The OAC provisions provide the framework for such decisions.
Case Principle 2: Student Due Process Rights
Judicial decisions have established that students subject to disciplinary sanctions must be afforded procedural due process, including notice and an opportunity to be heard.
Failure to provide adequate due process can result in reversal of disciplinary actions.
Case Principle 3: Non-Discrimination and Accessibility Compliance
Colleges must adhere to federal laws prohibiting discrimination and must provide accommodations for disabilities.
Failure to comply may lead to legal challenges and remedies.
Illustrative Case: Student v. Stark State College (Hypothetical)
A student challenged suspension for academic dishonesty claiming insufficient notice and lack of hearing.
The court ruled the college violated due process under OAC 3357:15, requiring reinstatement and procedural review.
Illustrative Case: Faculty Association v. Board of Trustees
Dispute over governance rights was resolved affirming Board authority under OAC rules to set policy and discipline faculty within legal bounds.
7. Practical Implications
Students should familiarize themselves with academic and conduct policies to understand their rights and responsibilities.
Faculty and staff must follow established procedures for grading, discipline, and accommodations.
Compliance with OAC Title 3357:15 helps ensure fair treatment and institutional accountability.
8. Summary Table
| Aspect | Details |
|---|---|
| Governing Body | Board of Trustees |
| Scope | Governance, academics, student conduct, administration |
| Student Rights | Due process in discipline, academic appeals, non-discrimination |
| Academic Standards | Curriculum approval, grading, transfer credit |
| Administrative Policies | Financial management, campus safety |
| Legal Foundations | Deference to governance, procedural fairness, ADA compliance |
| Judicial Oversight | Limited to ensuring legal compliance and procedural protections |
9. Conclusion
OAC Title 3357:15 establishes the regulatory foundation for Stark State College's governance, academic policies, student conduct procedures, and administrative operations. The code ensures the institution operates within the legal framework while protecting student rights through due process and non-discrimination mandates. Courts generally uphold the college’s authority under these rules but require adherence to procedural fairness and legal compliance.
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