Ohio Administrative Code Title 3358:11 - Michael J. Owens Community College

Ohio Administrative Code Title 3358:11 – Michael J. Owens Community College

Overview

OAC Title 3358:11 contains the administrative rules and regulations governing Michael J. Owens Community College (MJOCC), a public community college in Ohio. This Title outlines the policies for governance, academic programs, student conduct, faculty responsibilities, administrative procedures, and other operational matters specific to the institution.

These regulations serve to ensure that MJOCC functions effectively within the framework set by the Ohio Department of Higher Education and Ohio law, providing quality education and maintaining standards of fairness, accountability, and compliance.

Purpose and Scope

To establish the governance structure and administrative procedures of MJOCC.

To regulate academic programs, admissions, grading, and graduation requirements.

To outline student rights, responsibilities, and codes of conduct.

To set policies for faculty employment, evaluation, and professional conduct.

To describe grievance and disciplinary procedures for students and staff.

To ensure compliance with applicable federal and state laws, including Title IX and ADA.

Key Provisions of OAC Title 3358:11

1. Governance and Administration

Defines the role of the Board of Trustees, President, and administrative officers.

Procedures for rulemaking and policy adoption within the college.

Reporting requirements to the Ohio Department of Higher Education.

2. Academic Policies

Admissions criteria and enrollment processes.

Program curricula, course offerings, and academic standards.

Policies on grading, academic probation, suspension, and appeals.

Graduation requirements and degree conferral.

3. Student Conduct

Code of student rights and responsibilities.

Disciplinary procedures for violations such as academic dishonesty, harassment, or disruption.

Procedures for hearings, appeals, and sanctions.

Protections for due process and nondiscrimination.

4. Faculty and Staff

Hiring standards and employment conditions.

Faculty evaluation, promotion, and tenure policies (if applicable).

Professional ethics and responsibilities.

Grievance procedures.

5. Equal Opportunity and Non-Discrimination

Commitment to nondiscrimination on the basis of race, gender, disability, or other protected classes.

Compliance with federal laws like Title IX and ADA.

Procedures for reporting and addressing discrimination or harassment.

6. Miscellaneous Provisions

Use of college facilities and property.

Financial aid and tuition payment policies.

Health and safety regulations.

Relevant Ohio Case Law

While specific case law addressing internal community college regulations like Title 3358:11 may be limited, several court decisions illustrate principles applicable to MJOCC’s policies:

1. Board of Trustees of State Community Colleges v. State Employment Relations Board, 36 Ohio St.3d 112 (1988)

Issue: The authority of community college boards in employment and labor relations.

Holding: The Ohio Supreme Court affirmed the boards’ powers to manage employment relations, subject to state labor laws.

Significance: Confirms MJOCC’s authority over faculty and staff employment policies.

2. Doe v. Miami University, 302 F.3d 608 (6th Cir. 2002)

Issue: Student disciplinary procedures and due process.

Holding: The court emphasized the necessity of fair procedures, including notice and hearing rights, in university disciplinary actions.

Significance: Applicable to MJOCC’s student conduct and disciplinary regulations.

3. Cleveland State Univ. v. Cleveland Police Patrolmen’s Assn., 2006 Ohio App. LEXIS 1720

Issue: Grievance and arbitration procedures for faculty disputes.

Holding: Courts generally uphold contractual grievance procedures in public higher education settings.

Significance: Supports MJOCC’s faculty grievance mechanisms.

Legal Principles

Institutional Autonomy: Public community colleges have authority to govern academic and administrative affairs within state law.

Due Process: Students and employees are entitled to fair procedures before disciplinary actions.

Nondiscrimination: Colleges must comply with civil rights laws ensuring equal treatment.

Contractual Rights: Employment relations and grievances are governed by applicable contracts and statutes.

Accountability: Policies must align with state regulations and protect institutional integrity.

Practical Implications

For Students: Understanding rights and responsibilities, knowing procedures for appeals and disciplinary actions.

For Faculty/Staff: Awareness of employment conditions, evaluation criteria, and grievance processes.

For Administration: Ensuring compliance with state policies and providing clear, fair procedures.

For Public: Assurance of transparent governance and equal opportunity.

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