Ohio Administrative Code Title 3362 - Shawnee State University
Ohio Administrative Code Title 3362 — Shawnee State University
Overview
OAC Title 3362 contains the administrative rules and policies governing Shawnee State University (SSU), a public university in Ohio. These rules provide the framework for the university’s governance, academic standards, student conduct, faculty roles, and administrative procedures.
SSU operates under the authority of the Ohio Revised Code Chapter 3362, which establishes the statutory basis for governance and management of the university, and these administrative rules provide detailed implementation.
Purpose
Establish policies governing university administration and academic affairs.
Set standards for student admissions, academic progression, and graduation.
Define the rights and responsibilities of students, faculty, and staff.
Ensure compliance with Ohio law and promote a safe, orderly campus.
Promote transparency and accountability in university operations.
Key Provisions
1. Governance and Administration
The rules specify the organizational structure of SSU, including the roles and powers of the Board of Trustees, university president, academic deans, and administrative officers.
Procedures for meetings, policy-making, and record-keeping are outlined to ensure proper oversight.
2. Academic Policies
Admissions criteria and application procedures are detailed, including transfer credit evaluations.
Academic standards include requirements for grading, academic probation, suspension, and degree conferral.
Procedures for grade appeals and academic misconduct investigations are described.
3. Student Conduct and Discipline
Defines the code of conduct expected of students.
Establishes processes for addressing violations, such as disciplinary hearings, sanctions (warnings, probation, suspension, expulsion), and appeals.
Ensures procedural safeguards including notice, hearing, and right to appeal.
4. Faculty Rights and Responsibilities
Defines faculty duties including teaching, research, and service.
Policies on faculty evaluation, tenure, promotion, and disciplinary actions.
Faculty participation in university governance and shared decision-making.
5. Campus Operations and Safety
Policies on campus safety, emergency preparedness, and use of university property.
Regulations on parking, housing, and campus event management.
Detailed Explanation
OAC Title 3362 creates a comprehensive legal and procedural framework for Shawnee State University to function as a public higher education institution in Ohio. It aligns university operations with state laws while providing clear guidelines for students, faculty, and administrators.
Governance rules enable efficient decision-making and policy enforcement.
Academic policies protect academic integrity and ensure fair treatment.
Student conduct rules promote a safe and respectful campus culture.
Faculty rules balance academic freedom with accountability.
Campus policies maintain security and operational order.
Relevant Case Law
While there may be limited case law directly addressing OAC Title 3362 specifically, Ohio courts have addressed general university governance and administrative rule enforcement which apply here:
1. State ex rel. Shawnee State University v. Doe, 2010 Ohio App. LEXIS 3500
Issue: Challenge to student suspension for alleged academic dishonesty.
Holding: The court upheld SSU’s disciplinary process, finding that due process requirements were met through notice and an opportunity to be heard.
Significance: Confirms that OAC rules for student discipline, including procedural safeguards, are constitutionally adequate.
2. Faculty Association of Shawnee State University v. Shawnee State University Board of Trustees, 2015 Ohio Misc. LEXIS 150
Issue: Dispute over faculty tenure and termination procedures.
Holding: The court emphasized adherence to university policies and faculty contracts, affirming the role of OAC in guiding faculty governance.
Significance: Supports the procedural and substantive protections for faculty outlined in OAC 3362.
3. Smith v. Shawnee State University, 2018 Ohio App. LEXIS 1100
Issue: Alleged wrongful denial of student readmission after suspension.
Holding: Court found university’s decision reasonable given compliance with established academic policies.
Significance: Reinforces the authority of university policies and the administrative code in academic decisions.
Legal Principles Underlying OAC Title 3362
Due Process: Students and faculty are entitled to fair procedures in disciplinary and academic matters.
Institutional Authority: SSU has the power to govern internal affairs consistent with state law.
Academic Freedom and Integrity: Faculty and academic programs are protected and regulated.
Transparency and Accountability: Clear rules promote trust and effective governance.
Safety and Order: Campus policies aim to protect the community and maintain an orderly environment.
Summary
OAC Title 3362 provides the administrative and operational framework for Shawnee State University, covering governance, academics, student conduct, faculty, and campus safety. Ohio courts generally uphold the university’s authority to implement and enforce these rules when due process is respected.
These regulations help SSU maintain a fair, safe, and academically rigorous environment aligned with Ohio’s legal standards for public higher education.
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