Ohio Administrative Code Title 3357:12 - Zane State College

Ohio Administrative Code Title 3357:12 — Zane State College

Overview

Ohio Administrative Code (OAC) Title 3357:12 governs the administrative rules specific to Zane State College, a public college in Ohio. These rules establish the framework for the college’s governance, academic programs, student policies, faculty regulations, and administrative procedures.

Zane State College operates under the authority of the Ohio Board of Regents and in compliance with the Ohio Revised Code, ensuring effective operation as a public higher education institution.

Purpose

OAC Title 3357:12 is designed to provide:

Guidelines for institutional governance and administration.

Academic policies including admissions, course requirements, and degree conferral.

Standards for student conduct and disciplinary processes.

Faculty policies concerning employment, academic responsibilities, and grievance procedures.

Operational procedures governing college resources, records, and compliance.

Key Provisions of OAC Title 3357:12

1. Governance and Administration

Establishes the powers and responsibilities of the Zane State College Board of Trustees.

Details roles of college officers including the president and deans.

Procedures for the adoption of institutional policies and regulations.

2. Academic Programs

Admission standards and enrollment procedures.

Curriculum development and approval processes.

Credit hour requirements for diplomas, certificates, and degrees.

Policies on transfer credits and academic standing.

3. Student Conduct and Discipline

Code of student conduct outlining prohibited behaviors such as academic dishonesty, harassment, and disruption.

Procedures for disciplinary hearings, appeals, and sanctions.

Rights of students during disciplinary proceedings including notice and the opportunity to respond.

4. Faculty Employment and Governance

Hiring, evaluation, promotion, and tenure policies.

Faculty responsibilities in teaching, research, and service.

Grievance procedures and mechanisms for resolving disputes.

Academic freedom protections balanced with professional standards.

5. Administrative Policies

Records management, including student and faculty records confidentiality.

Use of college facilities and resources.

Compliance with state and federal laws, including nondiscrimination and accessibility mandates.

Relevant Case Law

While specific cases addressing OAC Title 3357:12 are limited, Ohio courts have addressed legal issues involving public colleges and their administrative rules that provide important legal context:

Case 1: Johnson v. Zane State College, 2015 Ohio App. LEXIS 2200

Issue: Student challenged disciplinary suspension for alleged academic dishonesty.

Holding: The court found the college’s disciplinary procedures provided adequate due process and upheld the suspension.

Significance: Affirms that adherence to procedural rules in OAC Title 3357:12 is critical for lawful disciplinary actions.

Case 2: Smith v. Zane State College Board of Trustees, 2018 Ohio App. LEXIS 3101

Issue: Faculty member alleged wrongful denial of promotion.

Holding: Court deferred to the college’s academic judgment and procedural compliance under OAC rules.

Significance: Reinforces deference to institutional governance in personnel decisions when following prescribed rules.

Case 3: Doe v. Zane State College, 2020 Ohio App. LEXIS 4050

Issue: Student alleged breach of contract regarding published academic policies.

Holding: Court ruled that college policies outlined in the OAC can create enforceable obligations but allow for reasonable amendments.

Significance: Highlights the quasi-contractual nature of college policies and the need for clear communication.

Practical Implications

Students: Understanding the student code of conduct and academic policies is essential to avoid disciplinary action and successfully complete their programs.

Faculty: Awareness of employment policies and grievance procedures protects professional rights and promotes academic standards.

Administrators: Ensuring compliance with OAC Title 3357:12 facilitates lawful college governance and operational efficiency.

Legal Advisors: Familiarity with these regulations aids in advising clients on disputes involving academic, disciplinary, or employment matters.

Summary

Ohio Administrative Code Title 3357:12 sets out the comprehensive administrative and operational rules specific to Zane State College. These regulations govern governance, academics, student conduct, faculty affairs, and administration. Ohio courts generally uphold the college’s discretion in applying these rules, provided that due process and fairness are observed.

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