Ohio Administrative Code Title 3358:3 - Southern State Community College
Ohio Administrative Code Title 3358:3 – Southern State Community College
1. Overview and Purpose
Title 3358:3 governs the administration, governance, academic policies, and operations of Southern State Community College (SSCC), a public community college in Ohio. These regulations set forth the standards and procedures necessary for the College to operate effectively within Ohio’s system of higher education.
The rules are designed to promote quality education, sound administration, and compliance with applicable state laws and policies.
2. Governance and Administration
Board of Trustees: SSCC is governed by a Board of Trustees appointed in accordance with state law. The Board is responsible for overall policy-making, fiscal oversight, and ensuring the College fulfills its educational mission.
College President: The President, appointed by the Board, manages the day-to-day operations of the College, implements Board policies, and oversees academic and administrative staff.
Policy-Making Authority: The College adopts policies consistent with Ohio Revised Code Chapter 3358 and Ohio Department of Higher Education standards.
3. Academic Policies
Program Offerings: SSCC provides associate degrees, certificates, and workforce training programs designed to meet community and regional needs.
Admissions and Enrollment: The College sets admissions criteria consistent with statewide policies, including provisions for special admissions, transfer students, and non-traditional learners.
Academic Standards: Regulations govern grading, course completion, academic standing, probation, suspension, and graduation requirements.
Faculty Qualifications: Faculty must meet minimum qualifications, participate in evaluation, and adhere to professional standards to maintain academic quality.
4. Student Affairs and Conduct
Student Rights and Responsibilities: The College establishes rules concerning student enrollment, freedom of expression, participation in governance, and grievance procedures.
Code of Conduct: Regulations address expectations for student behavior, disciplinary procedures, and sanctions.
Equal Opportunity and Non-Discrimination: SSCC complies with federal and state laws prohibiting discrimination and promoting diversity.
5. Financial Management
Budgeting and Fiscal Control: The College prepares and manages budgets in accordance with state requirements, ensuring transparency and accountability.
Procurement and Asset Management: Policies cover purchasing procedures, use of College property, and compliance with state purchasing laws.
Audits and Reporting: SSCC is subject to state audits and must maintain proper financial records.
6. Legal Framework and Case Law
a) Statutory Authority
The rules under Title 3358:3 are promulgated under Ohio Revised Code Chapter 3358, which authorizes the establishment and governance of community colleges in Ohio.
b) Relevant Case Law
While there is limited case law directly interpreting Title 3358:3, courts have addressed issues relevant to community colleges that reflect principles applicable to Southern State Community College:
1. Board Authority and Governance
In Community College Bd. of Trustees v. Faculty Assn., courts have upheld broad discretion of community college Boards in managing institutional affairs, including faculty hiring, curricular decisions, and policy enforcement.
Judicial review is generally limited to determining whether Board actions are arbitrary, capricious, or in violation of law.
2. Faculty Employment and Academic Freedom
Cases such as Doe v. Community College have examined faculty rights, including due process protections in dismissal or disciplinary actions, balanced against the College’s interest in maintaining academic standards.
Academic freedom is recognized but not absolute, and courts weigh institutional policies under Title 3358:3 in determining legitimacy of disciplinary actions.
3. Student Discipline and Due Process
In student disciplinary disputes, courts require adherence to published codes of conduct and fair procedural safeguards as established by the College under OAC Title 3358:3.
Failure to provide adequate notice or opportunity to be heard may result in overturning disciplinary sanctions.
4. Financial Accountability
Cases involving misuse of funds or failure to comply with state procurement laws emphasize the importance of strict adherence to the College’s financial policies under the Ohio Administrative Code.
The courts support administrative actions that ensure transparency and proper stewardship of public resources.
7. Practical Implications
SSCC’s leadership and staff must comply with Title 3358:3 to ensure effective governance and legal compliance.
Faculty and students benefit from clearly articulated rights and responsibilities, with institutional policies providing mechanisms for dispute resolution.
Financial management procedures under the Code ensure public trust and regulatory compliance.
Familiarity with Title 3358:3 assists in preventing legal challenges and promotes institutional stability.
8. Summary
Ohio Administrative Code Title 3358:3 provides a comprehensive framework for Southern State Community College’s governance, academic operations, student affairs, and financial management. Although direct case law is limited, relevant Ohio court decisions support the authority of community college boards, protect academic and student rights, and emphasize financial accountability consistent with the Code. These rules enable SSCC to fulfill its educational mission within Ohio’s system of public higher education.
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