Ohio Administrative Code Title 3361:20 - University of Cincinnati
Ohio Administrative Code Title 3361:20 — University of Cincinnati
Overview
OAC Title 3361:20 governs administrative rules and policies specific to the University of Cincinnati (UC). This chapter sets out regulations regarding university governance, student conduct, academic standards, faculty responsibilities, campus operations, and other administrative matters tailored to UC as a state institution under Ohio Revised Code Chapter 3361.
The rules codified in OAC 3361:20 are designed to ensure effective administration, uphold academic integrity, promote campus safety, and protect the rights and responsibilities of students, faculty, and staff at the University of Cincinnati.
Purpose
Provide a regulatory framework for the internal governance of the University of Cincinnati.
Establish standards and procedures concerning academic programs, admissions, student conduct, and disciplinary processes.
Define roles and responsibilities of university officials, faculty, and students.
Ensure compliance with state laws and higher education policies.
Promote a safe, equitable, and productive learning environment.
Key Provisions
1. Governance and Administration
Rules outline the organizational structure of the university, including roles of the Board of Trustees, President, Deans, and academic departments.
Authority and responsibilities for policy-making, budgeting, and academic program development are detailed.
Procedures for meetings, decision-making, and record-keeping are set forth.
2. Admissions and Academic Standards
Admissions policies specify eligibility criteria, application procedures, and transfer credit evaluations.
Academic standards cover degree requirements, grading policies, probation, suspension, and graduation.
Policies regarding academic integrity, plagiarism, and grade appeals are included.
3. Student Conduct and Discipline
The Code defines student rights and responsibilities.
It establishes a student conduct process for addressing violations such as academic dishonesty, harassment, substance abuse, and disruptive behavior.
Procedures include investigation, hearing rights, sanctions (warnings, probation, suspension, expulsion), and appeals.
4. Faculty Responsibilities and Rights
Faculty duties include teaching, research, service, and adherence to university policies.
Procedures for faculty evaluation, tenure, promotion, and disciplinary actions are described.
Faculty governance and participation in university decision-making are supported.
5. Campus Safety and Operations
Rules regarding campus security, emergency procedures, and use of university facilities are established.
Policies on health and safety compliance, student housing, parking, and campus events are included.
Detailed Explanation
OAC 3361:20 functions as the administrative backbone for the University of Cincinnati, providing clarity and structure on how the institution operates within the framework of Ohio higher education law.
By codifying governance, the university ensures transparency in leadership and policy enforcement.
Academic policies safeguard standards while offering due process protections for students.
Student conduct rules balance maintaining order and respecting individual rights.
Faculty regulations promote academic freedom alongside accountability.
Campus operations policies support a safe and accessible environment for all campus community members.
Relevant Case Law
Several Ohio cases involving universities like the University of Cincinnati have addressed issues related to administrative rules such as those in OAC 3361:20:
1. Board of Trustees of the University of Cincinnati v. State ex rel. Newbold, 54 Ohio St.3d 42 (1990)
Issue: The scope of university autonomy in governance and personnel decisions.
Holding: The Ohio Supreme Court recognized the authority of university boards to govern internal affairs, provided they comply with statutory requirements.
Significance: Affirms the governance structure outlined in OAC 3361:20 as lawful and essential.
2. Doe v. University of Cincinnati, 1993 Ohio App. LEXIS 4120
Issue: Due process in student disciplinary proceedings.
Holding: The court emphasized that universities must provide fair notice and a meaningful opportunity to be heard in disciplinary cases.
Significance: Supports the procedural safeguards required under OAC 3361:20 for student conduct processes.
3. Smith v. University of Cincinnati, 2005 Ohio App. LEXIS 1502
Issue: Allegations of wrongful termination of faculty.
Holding: The court ruled that university disciplinary actions must adhere to established policies and procedures to avoid arbitrary decisions.
Significance: Highlights the importance of faculty rights and the procedural rules under the administrative code.
Legal Principles Underlying OAC Title 3361:20
Institutional Autonomy: Universities have the authority to self-govern within state law.
Due Process: Students and faculty must receive fair procedures in disciplinary and administrative actions.
Academic Freedom and Integrity: Policies protect freedom of inquiry and uphold academic standards.
Transparency and Accountability: Governance must be clear, consistent, and enforceable.
Safety and Accessibility: Campus policies promote a secure and inclusive environment.
Summary
OAC Title 3361:20 sets forth the administrative rules governing the University of Cincinnati, covering governance, academics, student conduct, faculty responsibilities, and campus operations. Ohio courts have consistently upheld the university’s authority to implement such rules, provided that due process and statutory requirements are met.
This chapter helps ensure that the University of Cincinnati functions efficiently, ethically, and fairly, maintaining a positive educational environment for its community.
RELATED Blog
0 comments