Ohio Adm.Code 3357:15 | Ohio Administrative Code 3357:15 — Technical Colleges | Stark State College

Chapter 3357:15-1 Job Descriptions

Ohio Adm.Code 3357:15-1-01 Governance commitment.

(A) The board of trustees will govern Stark state college in accordance with the Constitution and laws of the state of Ohio. The board will always act in the best interest of the college (students, faculty, and staff) and the community as a whole. The board is committed to excellence.

(B) Educational programs and other services of the college shall be of high quality and provide open access.

History

Effective: February 13, 2015
Promulgated Under: 111.15

Ohio Adm.Code 3357:15-1-02 Governing style.

(A) The board will govern with a style that emphasizes outward vision rather than an internal preoccupation, encouragement of diversity in viewpoints, strategic leadership rather than administrative detail, clear distinction of board and presidential roles, collective rather than individual decisions, future rather than past or present, and proactivity rather than reactivity.

(B) More specifically, the board will:

(1) Operate in all ways mindful of its trusteeship obligation to the public. It will allow no officer, individual, trustee or committee of the board to prevent its fulfilling this commitment.

(2) Discipline is needed to govern with excellence. Discipline will apply to matters such as attendance, policy- making principles, respect of roles, speaking with one voice, and ensuring the continuity of governance capability. The board, not the staff, will be responsible for excellence in governance.

(3) Direct, control and inspire the organization through the careful establishment of the broadest organizational policies reflecting the board's values and perspectives. The board's major focus will be on the intended long-term impact outside the operating organization ("Ends"), not on the administrative or programmatic means of attaining those effects ("Means").

(4) Cultivate a sense of group responsibility. The board will be an initiator of policy, not merely a reactor to staff initiatives. The board will use the expertise of individual trustees to enhance the work of the board as a body, rather than to substitute their individual judgments for those of the board as a whole.

(5) Monitor and discuss the board's process and performance regularly. Self-monitoring will include comparison of board activity and discipline to policies in the governance process and board-staff relationship categories. Continual development will include orientation of new members in the board's governance process and periodic board discussion of process improvement.

(6) Seek input from various sources including faculty, staff, students, alumni, employers, and other community members on board policies on "Ends."

(7) Make decisions, to the extent possible, on a consensus basis.

Last updated June 8, 2021 at 12:10 PM

History

Effective: June 7, 2021
Promulgated Under: 111.15

Ohio Adm.Code 3357:15-1-03 Board job description.

The job of the board is to represent the public in determining and demanding appropriate organizational performance. To distinguish the board's own unique job from the jobs of its staff, the board will concentrate its efforts on the following responsibilities:

(A) Serving as the link between the college and political entities, the Ohio department of higher education and the public.

(B) Enacting written governing policies which, at the broadest levels, address:

(1) Governance process: specification of how the board conceives, carries out, and monitors its own tasks.

(2) Board-staff relationship: how power is delegated and its proper use monitored; the president's authority and accountability.

(3) Executive limitations: constraints on executive authority which establish the prudence and ethics boundaries within which all executive activity and decisions must take place.

(4) Ends: college services, impacts, benefits, outcomes, recipients, and their relative worth (what good for which needs at what cost). Ends include college mission, values, vision, goals, and priorities.

(C) Monitoring institutional performance and the president's performance (against board policies on "Ends" and executive limitations) and monitor the chairperson's performance (against board policies on governance process).

(D) Promoting a positive image for the college.

(E) Recommending appointments to the board.

Last updated June 8, 2021 at 12:10 PM

History

Effective: June 7, 2021
Promulgated Under: 111.15

Ohio Adm.Code 3357:15-1-04 Chairperson's role.

(A) The chairperson is responsible for the integrity of the board's process and occasional representation of the board to outside parties. The chairperson is the only authorized spokesperson for the board (beyond simply reporting board decisions), other than in rare and specifically authorized instances.

(B) The chairperson shall ensure the board and individual board members act consistent with the board's own rules and policies and those legitimately imposed upon the board from outside the college.

(1) The chairperson shall preside at board meetings in an efficient and effective manner and shall set the general tone for each meeting through positive leadership.

(2) Discussion at the board meetings will be on those issues which, according to board policy, belong to the board to decide, not the president.

(3) Deliberation will be fair, open, and thorough, but also efficient, timely, orderly, and to the point.

(4) The chairperson will attempt to arrive at a consensus by the board members on board decisions. The chairperson will stimulate discussion among board members.

(C) The authority of the chairperson consists in making decisions that fall within the topics covered by board policies on governance process and board-staff relationship, except where the board specifically delegates portions of this authority to others. The chairperson is authorized to use any reasonable interpretation of the provisions in these policies.

(D) The chairperson has no authority to make decisions about policies created by the board within the "Ends" and executive limitations policy areas.

(E) The chairperson has no authority to supervise or direct the president, unless authorized by the board.

(F) The chairperson shall ensure the other board members are informed of current and pending board issues and processes.

(G) The chairperson shall appoint members of committees established by the board.

History

Effective: February 13, 2015
Promulgated Under: 111.15

Ohio Adm.Code 3357:15-1-05 Board committee principles.

(A) Board committees, when used, will operate so as to minimally interfere with the wholeness of the board's job and so as never to interfere with delegation of authority from the board to the president. Committees will be used sparingly.

(B) Board committees are to help the board do its job, not to help the staff do its jobs. Committees ordinarily will assist the board by preparing policy alternatives and implications for board deliberation. Board committees are not to be created by the board to advise staff.

(C) Board committees may not speak or act for the board except when formally given such authority for specific and time-limited purposes. Expectations and authority will be carefully stated in order not to conflict with authority delegated to the president.

(D) Board committees cannot exercise authority over staff. Because the president works for the full board, the president is not required to obtain approval of a board committee before an executive action. In keeping with the board's broader focus, board committees will normally not have direct dealings with current staff operations.

(E) This policy applies only to committees which are formed by board action, whether or not the committees include non-board members. It does not apply to committees formed under the authority of the president.

(F) The board shall not have standing committees.

(G) The board will act as a committee of the whole and will establish ad-hoc committees when appropriate.

History

Effective: February 13, 2015
Promulgated Under: 111.15

Ohio Adm.Code 3357:15-1-06 Board planning and agenda.

(A) The board will carry out its responsibilities using a governance style consistent with board policies by:

(1) Re-exploring "Ends" policies annually;

(2) Holding an annual planning session;

(3) Following an agenda at its regular monthly meetings which implements the board policy on governing style; and

(4) Continually improving its performance through board education and enriched input and deliberation.

(B) The agenda for all board meetings will be prepared by the president after consultation with the chairperson and based on input from other board members. The agenda will be delivered to the board at least five days before the meeting.

(D) The college budget will be approved by the board in May or June of each year. Revised budgets will be submitted to the board for approval as necessary during the fiscal year, but no more often than quarterly.

(E) Board policies and policy revisions will not be adopted until they have been considered at a minimum of two meetings, unless board action waives this requirement and immediate effect is authorized.

Last updated June 8, 2021 at 12:10 PM

History

Effective: June 7, 2021
Promulgated Under: 111.15

Ohio Adm.Code 3357:15-1-07 Board member's code of conduct.

(A) The board expects ethical conduct by itself and its members. This includes proper use of authority and appropriate decorum in group and individual behavior when acting as board members.

(B) Board members must maintain unconflicted loyalty to the interests of the ownership. This accountability supersedes the personal interest of any board member acting as an individual consumer of college services.

(1) There must be no self-dealing or any conduct of private business or personal services between any board member and the college except as procedurally controlled to assure openness, competitive opportunity, and equal access to "inside" information.

(2) Board members must not use their positions to obtain employment by the college or the furnishing of services or goods to the college for or by themselves, family members, friends, or associates.

(D) Board members may not attempt to exercise individual authority over the organization except as explicitly set forth in board policies.

(1) Board members' interaction with the president or with staff must recognize the lack of authority in any individual board member or group of board members except as noted in board policies.

(2) Board members' interaction with the public, press, or other entities must recognize the same limitation and the similar inability of any board member or board members to speak for the board.

(3) Board members will express no judgments of the president's or staff performance except as that performance is assessed in accordance with explicit board policies.

(E) Board members will participate in educational activities, including state, regional, and national meetings, to enhance their ability to serve effectively as members of the college's governing board.

(F) Board members will not permit themselves to be used to circumvent established lines of authority or interfere in the normal procedures for the processing of complaints or grievances.

(G) Board members will not violate confidentiality including discussions which occur at legally held closed meetings of the board.

(H) Board members will maintain attorney-client privilege. Any decision to waive that privilege requires approval of the Board.

(H) Board members will not present an item for action or discussion at a board meeting which is not on the agenda unless item is approved for discussion by the board.

(I) Board members must comply with attendance requirements according to state law.

Last updated August 9, 2021 at 11:36 AM

History

Effective: August 9, 2021
Promulgated Under: 111.15

Chapter 3357:15-2 Delegation to the President

Ohio Adm.Code 3357:15-2-01 Delegation to the president.

(A) All board authority delegated to staff is delegated through the president, so that all authority and accountability of staff, as far as the board is concerned, is considered to be the authority and accountability of the president.

(B) The board will direct the president to achieve certain results through the establishment of "Ends" policies. The board will limit the latitude the president may exercise in practices, methods, conduct, and other "means" through establishment of executive limitations policies.

(C) As long as the president uses any reasonable interpretation of the board's "Ends" and executive limitations policies, the president is authorized to establish all administrative policies, make all decisions, take all actions, establish all practices, and develop all activities.

(D) The board may change its "Ends" and executive limitations policies. However, as long as a policy is in effect, the board will respect and support the president's decisions that conform to that policy.

(E) Only decisions of the board acting as a body are binding upon the president. The president is accountable to the full board.

(1) Decisions or instructions of individual board members, officers, or committees are not binding on the president except in rare instances when the board has specifically authorized such exercise of authority.

(2) If board members or committees request information or assistance without board authorization, the president can refuse such requests which require, in the president's judgment, a material amount of staff time or funds or is disruptive.

(F) The president shall apply to the board for a waiver of a board policy if the president deems a waiver is in the best interest of the college.

Last updated June 16, 2021 at 11:24 PM

History

Effective: February 14, 2015
Promulgated Under: 111.15

Ohio Adm.Code 3357:15-2-02 President's job description.

(A) The president is the chief executive officer of the college. The president is the board's single official link to direct action within the college. The president is accountable to the board acting as a body. The board will instruct the president through written policies, delegating implementation to the president. The organizational performance of the college as a whole will be a primary factor in evaluating the president's performance.

(B) The president's responsibilities can be stated as performance in two areas.

(1) Organizational accomplishment of the board's policies on "Ends."

(2) Organizational operation within the boundaries established in board policies on executive limitations.

History

Effective: February 14, 2015
Promulgated Under: 111.15

Ohio Adm.Code 3357:15-2-03 Monitoring presidential performance.

(A) Organizational performance against board policies on "Ends" and on executive limitations is a primary factor in monitoring presidential performance against board policies on "Ends" and on executive ;imitations. The board will monitor performance in a manner as to have systematic assurance of policy compliance, including accomplishments of "Ends."

(B) The purpose of monitoring is simply to determine the degree to which board policies are being fulfilled. Information which does not do this will not be considered to be monitoring. Monitoring will be done in a way to permit the board to use most of its time to create the future rather than review the past.

(1) Internal reports: Disclosure of compliance information to the board from the president. Internal reports include:

(a) Institutional data collection.

(b) Community surveys.

(d) Assessment of student learning.

(e) State-mandated accountability data.

(f) Financial reports.

(2) Direct board inspection: discovery of compliance information by a board member, a committee, or the board as a whole. This is an inspection of documents, activities, or circumstances directed by the board which allows a test of policy compliance.

(D) Policies may be monitored by any method at any time, except each "Ends" and executive limitations policy will be monitored by the board at regularly scheduled times pursuant to an agreed method.

Last updated June 16, 2021 at 11:24 PM

History

Effective: February 14, 2015
Promulgated Under: 111.15

Ohio Adm.Code 3357:15-2-04 Delegation to the treasurer and handling district funds.

(A) The board of trustees of the technical college district shall elect a treasurer, who is not a member of the board, to serve at its pleasure. The treasurer may serve as secretary. The treasurer shall be the fiscal officer of the district and shall receive and disburse all funds of the district under the direction of the board.

(B) Certify all contracts of the board of trustees involving the expenditures of money.

(C) Keep accounts of the board of trustees in a manner prescribed by the bureau of inspection and supervision of public offices.

(D) Provide for inspection and examination of the accounts of the technical college district and the technical college.

(E) Upon ceasing to hold office, he or his legal representatives shall deliver to the board of trustees or his successor all monies, books, papers, and other property of the district in his possession as treasurer.

(F) Upon death or incapacity of the treasurer, his legal representatives shall deliver all monies, books, papers, and other property of the district to the board of trustees or to the person named as successor.

(G) The board of trustees may select a depository for the funds of the district, in the manner provided in sections 135.01 to 135.21 of the Revised Code, upon the adoption of a resolution declaring such intent.

History

Effective: February 14, 2015
Promulgated Under: 111.15

Chapter 3357:15-3 Compensation and Benefits

Ohio Adm.Code 3357:15-3-01 General executive constraint.

(A) The president shall not cause or allow any practice, activity, decision, or organizational circumstance which is illegal, imprudent, or in violation of commonly accepted business and professional ethics.

(B) Accordingly, the president may not:

(1) Permit conflict of interest in awarding purchases or other contracts or hiring of employees.

(2) Allow the day-to-day operations to impede the vision or prevent the achievement of the "Ends" of the institution.

(3) Manage the college without adequate administrative policies for matters for involving finances, staff, students, facilities, and college services.

History

Effective: February 14, 2015
Promulgated Under: 111.15

Ohio Adm.Code 3357:15-3-02 People treatment.

(A) Treatment of and dealing with students, staff, and persons from the community shall not be inhumane, unfair, or undignified.

(B) Accordingly, the president may not:

(1) Operate without policies and/or procedures which set forth staff and student rules, provide for effective handling of grievances, ensure due process, and protect against wrongful conditions.

(2) Fail to comply with all state and federal laws, rules, and regulations pertaining to employees and students including those pertaining to discrimination, equal opportunity, and sexual harassment.

(3) Prevent students and staff from using established grievance procedures.

(4) Fail to acquaint students and staff with their rights and responsibilities.

(5) Fail to take prompt and appropriate action when the president becomes aware of any violation of state or federal laws, rules, or regulations or of board policies.

History

Effective: February 14, 2015
Promulgated Under: 111.15

Ohio Adm.Code 3357:15-3-03 Compensation and benefits.

(A) The president may not jeopardize fiscal integrity or public image with respect to employment compensation and benefits to employees, consultants, and contract workers.

(B) Accordingly, the president may not:

(1) Change his or her own compensation and benefits.

(2) Provide for or change the compensation and benefits of other employees except in accordance with salary schedules and plans adopted by the board.

(3) Promise or imply permanent or guaranteed employment.

(4) Employ professional employees under a contract for longer than three years' duration.

(5) Grant fringe benefits not approved by the board.

History

Effective: February 14, 2015
Promulgated Under: 111.15

Ohio Adm.Code 3357:15-3-04 Budgeting and forecasting.

(A) Budgeting for any fiscal year or the remaining part of any fiscal year shall not deviate materially from board "Ends" priorities, risk fiscal jeopardy, or be unrealistic in projections of income and expenses. No budget will become effective until approved by the board.

(B) Accordingly, the president may not:

(1) Propose a budget without information to enable accurate projection of revenues and expenses, separation of capital and operational items, cash flow, and disclosure of planning assumptions.

(2) Plan the expenditure in any fiscal year of more funds than are conservatively projected to be received during that year.

(3) Propose a budget which does not provide the annual operating funds for board prerogatives, such as costs of fiscal audit, board development and training, and board professional fees.

(4) Propose a budget which does not have a broad base of input.

(5) Propose a budget which fails to take into account board "Ends" priorities.

(6) Propose a budget which fails to include adequate amounts for plant and facilities maintenance, instructional equipment, new program and course development, staff development, and institutional research.

History

Effective: February 14, 2015
Promulgated Under: 111.15

Ohio Adm.Code 3357:15-3-05 Financial condition.

(A) The president may not cause or allow financial conditions which jeopardize the college's fiscal situation or materially deviate from the board approved budget.

(B) Accordingly, the president may not:

(1) Expend more funds than have been received in the fiscal year without prior board approval.

(2) Indebt the organization in an amount greater than can be repaid by otherwise unencumbered revenues within the current fiscal year or can be repaid from accounts previously established by the board for that purpose.

(3) Expend funds from restricted or designated accounts except for the purposes for which the account was established.

(4) Fail to provide a monthly report of the college's current financial position.

(5) Make any purchase or commit the organization to any expenditure that would exceed the total approved budget.

(6) Make any purchase that does not comply with applicable laws.

History

Effective: February 14, 2015
Promulgated Under: 111.15

Ohio Adm.Code 3357:15-3-06 Asset protection.

(A) The president may not allow assets to be unprotected, inadequately maintained, or unnecessarily risked.

(B) Accordingly, the president may not:

(1) Fail to insure against theft and casualty losses in amounts consistent with replacement values or against liability losses to board members, staff, or the college itself in amounts consistent with limits of coverage obtained by comparable organizations.

(2) Allow unbonded personnel access to material amounts of fund.

(3) Permit plant and equipment to be subjected to improper wear and tear or inadequate maintenance.

(4) Unnecessarily expose the college, the board, or staff to claims of liability.

(5) Receive, process, or disburse funds under controls which are not sufficient to meet the auditing standards.

(6) Invest funds in non-interest bearing accounts or in investments not permitted by Ohio law. Further, no investments shall be made without compliance with, in order of priority, the following principles:

(a) Security of the investment.

(b) Receiving favorable consistent interest earned on the investment.

(d) Dispose of real and personal property in excess of fifty thousand dollars without board approval.

(e) Fail to protect property, information, and files from loss or damage.

History

Effective: February 14, 2015
Promulgated Under: 111.15

Ohio Adm.Code 3357:15-3-07 Communication and counsel to the board.

(A) The president may not permit the board to be inadequately informed.

(B) Accordingly, the president may not:

(1) Neglect to submit monitoring data required by the board (see policy on monitoring executive performance) in a timely, accurate, and understandable fashion, directly addressing provisions of the board policies being monitored.

(2) Fail to make the board aware of relevant trends, anticipated adverse media coverage, actual or anticipated legal actions, or material external and internal changes, particularly changes in the assumptions upon which any board policy has previously been established.

(3) Fail to advise the board if, in the president's opinion, the board is not in compliance with its own policies on governance process and board-staff relationship, particularly in the case of board behavior which is detrimental to the working relationship between the board and the president.

(4) Present information in unnecessarily complex or lengthy form or that is knowingly inaccurate, incomplete, or untimely.

(5) Fail to provide a mechanism for official board, officer, or committee communications.

(6) Fail to deal with the board as a whole except when fulfilling individual requests for information or responding to officers or committees duly charged by the board.

(7) Fail to report in a timely manner an actual or anticipated non-compliance with any policy of the board.

History

Effective: February 14, 2015
Promulgated Under: 111.15

Chapter 3357:15-4 Mission and Vision

Ohio Adm.Code 3357:15-4-01 Mission and vision.

(A) Mission. Stark state college positively impacts the life of each student and our communities by providing access to high-quality, affordable, and in-demand education.

(B) Vision. Stark state college aspires to be Ohio's leading community college in fostering student success and community prosperity through innovation, responsiveness, and partnerships.

Last updated August 3, 2026 at 10:49 AM

History

Effective: August 3, 2026
Promulgated Under: 111.15

Ohio Adm.Code 3357:15-4-02 Technology-based workforce development.

Stark state college will provide learning opportunities that distinguish students with technology competence and enable them to become employed and to advance in a variety of occupations.

History

Effective: February 14, 2015
Promulgated Under: 111.15

Ohio Adm.Code 3357:15-4-03 Access and opportunity.

Stark state college will reach out to the community with open access to college services. Individual programs may establish selective admissions standards, when appropriate.

History

Effective: February 14, 2015
Promulgated Under: 111.15

Ohio Adm.Code 3357:15-4-04 Student development.

Stark state college will assist students in identifying and achieving their educational goals and participating successfully in general, career, and/or technical programs.

History

Effective: February 14, 2015
Promulgated Under: 111.15

Ohio Adm.Code 3357:15-4-05 Articulated education.

Stark state college will articulate educational experiences with other institutions and/or organizations in order to promote career development and enhancement for students.

History

Effective: February 14, 2015
Promulgated Under: 111.15

Ohio Adm.Code 3357:15-4-06 Market-driven workforce development.

Stark state college will demonstrate agility in developing and offering educational programs for workforce development, career advancement, and lifelong learning.

History

Effective: February 14, 2015
Promulgated Under: 111.15

Ohio Adm.Code 3357:15-4-07 Institutional effectiveness.

Stark state college will practice responsible stewardship of institutional resources and assets.

History

Effective: February 14, 2015
Promulgated Under: 111.15

Chapter 3357:15-11 Board of Trustees

Ohio Adm.Code 3357:15-11-01 Composition.

The board of trustees shall consist of nine qualified electors residing in the Stark state college (the college) district who are not employees of the college or members of any board of education or educational service center governing board.

(A) Gubernatorial appointees. Three trustees shall be appointed by the governor with the advice and consent of the senate.

(B) Local appointees. Six trustees shall be appointed by a three-person trustee selection committee, with the advice and consent of the senate. Not more than one member of the board of trustees selected in this manner shall be a resident of Summit county, and not more than two members of the board of the board of trustees selected in this manner shall be employees of government agencies. Local trustees shall serve three-year terms.

Trustee selection committee members are local business, civic or nonprofit leaders in the college service district who are not current members of the college board and who are appointed by the executive committee of the college board of trustees. When a local trustee vacancy occurs, the board must nominate trustee candidates to the trustee selection committee. The trustee selection committee will meet to consider nominees recommended by the college board of trustees, but may also consider other applicants.

The trustee selection committee shall appoint trustees:

(1) Who hold leadership positions within significant industries in the college's service district, to the greatest extent possible;

(2) Who reside in the college's service district.

Once the trustee selection committee selects the new local trustee, the college must forward that local trustee candidate's name to the state of Ohio for the advice and consent process of the Ohio Senate.

(C) Terms. The term of office for each trustee shall be three years, with terms arranged so that not less than two or more than three expire in a given year, and terms of the gubernatorial appointees shall expire in different years. Each trustee shall hold office from the date of appointment until the end of the appointed term. Gubernatorial and local trustees shall continue in office subsequent to the expiration date of the trustee's term until a successor takes office.

(D) Vacancies. If there is a vacancy, such vacancy shall be filled by the authority making the original appointment for the balance of the unexpired term.

Last updated March 18, 2024 at 11:51 AM

History

Effective: March 18, 2024
Promulgated Under: 111.15

Ohio Adm.Code 3357:15-11-02 Officers.

The officers of the board of trustees shall consist of a chair, first vice-chair, second vice-chair and a secretary to the board.

(A) Election of officers: Election of officers shall be held at the August meeting of the board of trustees or first meeting thereafter if there is no August meeting. All officers shall take office at the adjournment of the meeting at which they were elected and shall hold office for a term of two years and until their successors are elected and qualified. The chair, first vice-chair and second vice-chair are eligible for re-election to their respective offices for up to three consecutive terms. If a vacancy occurs for either the chair, first vice-chair, second vice-chair, or either officer is unable or unwilling to serve a full term and such vacancy occurs more than sixty days prior to the August meeting, then the board shall hold a special election for such office, which may be held at the next regular or special meeting of the board of trustees. The chair, first vice-chair and second vice-chair must be members of the board of trustees. The secretary may be a member of the board of trustees or the president or the president's designee. The secretary may serve unlimited terms.

(B) Duties of the chair: The chair shall preside at all meetings of the board of trustees, appoint or provide for the election of individuals to serve in advisory capacities for special objectives of an ad-hoc basis, and perform such other duties as may be prescribed by law or action of the board of trustees.

(C) Duties of the first vice-chair: The first vice-chair shall preside at meetings of the board of trustees in the absence of the chair and perform such other duties as may be assigned by the board. The first vice-chair will be the immediate next chair.

(D) Duties of the second vice-chair. The second vice-chair shall preside at the meetings of the board of trustees in the absence of the chair and/or first vice-chair and perform such other duties as may be assigned by the board. The second vice-chair will be the immediate next first vice-chair.

(E) Duties of the secretary: The secretary shall keep a correct journal of all proceedings, cause the agenda and other pertinent materials to be distributed to board members prior to regular meetings, and perform all other duties imposed by statute.

(F) Presiding officer, chair, first vice-chair and second vice-chair absent: In the absence of the chair, first vice-chair and second vice-chair, the board shall by majority vote, choose a chair pro tem.

Last updated December 1, 2025 at 11:21 AM

History

Effective: December 1, 2025
Promulgated Under: 111.15

Ohio Adm.Code 3357:15-11-03 District and place of business.

(A) The Stark state college service district is comprised of Stark and Summit counties.

(B) The permanent principal place of business of the Stark state college district is designated as "Stark State College, 6200 Frank Avenue NW, North Canton, Ohio 44720," in accordance with the requirements of section 3357.06 of the Revised Code.

History

Effective: July 26, 2019
Promulgated Under: 111.15

Ohio Adm.Code 3357:15-11-04 Meetings.

The board of trustees will normally meet once a month throughout the calendar year. If there is no pressing business to transact, any regular meeting may be omitted by the board chair with common consent of the majority of the board members.

(A) Regular meetings. The regular meetings of the board of trustees shall be determined for the year at the annual organizational meeting. The date, time, and place of regular meetings shall be designated at that time. The chair may change any date, time, and/or place of any regular meeting by giving a three-day written notice to each member of the board; or board members may make such change by agreement at the prior regular meeting and give a three-day written notice to each board member absent at such prior regular meeting.

(B) Special meetings. Special meetings may be called by the chair or at the request of no less than three members of the board of trustees. Written notice of such special meetings, stating the time and place of such meeting and purpose or purposes for which the same is called, must be given to each member at least three days prior to the date of said meeting. Any trustee may waive such notice and, by attendance at any special meeting, shall be deemed to have waived notice thereof.

Any representative of the news media may obtain notice of all special meetings by requesting in writing that such notice be provided. A request for such notification shall be addressed to: "Office of the President, Stark State College, 6200 Frank Avenue, NW, North Canton, Ohio 44720." The request shall provide the name of the individual media representative to be contacted, the mailing address, and the telephone number(s). The college shall maintain a list of all representatives of the news media who have requested notice of special meetings pursuant to this section. In the event of a special meeting not of an emergency nature, the college shall notify all media representatives on list of such meeting by doing at least one of the following:

(1) Posting special meeting notification and agenda on college web site.

(2) Sending a written notice, which must be mailed no later than three calendar days prior to the day of the special meeting.

(3) Notifying such representatives by telephone no later than twenty-four hours prior to the special meeting. Such telephone notice shall be considered complete if a message is left for the representative, or if, after reasonable effort, the college has been unable to provide such telephone notice.

(4) In the event of a special meeting of an emergency nature, the college shall notify all media representatives on the list of such meeting by providing either a written notice or a telephone notice as described above. In such event, however, the notice need not be given twenty-four hours prior to the meeting, but shall be given as soon as possible.

(5) In giving the notices required by this paragraph, the college may rely on assistance provided by any member of the college staff, and such notices shall be considered complete if given by such member in the manner provided herein.

(C) Open meetings. All meetings of the board of trustees shall be open to the public. In keeping with division (F) of section 121.22 of the Revised Code, any person may be informed of the time and place of all regularly scheduled meetings and the time, place, and purpose of all special meetings by:

(1) Information on College web site, including board meeting dates, agenda and minutes.

(2) Writing to the following address: "Stark State College, 6200 Frank Avenue, NW, North Canton, Ohio 44720."

(3) Calling the following telephone number during normal business hours: (330) 494-6170.

(D) Any person wishing to utilize recording and/or transmission devices at a public session of a board of trustees meeting shall do so from a recording area designated by the board chair and identified by prominent signage. The board chair may limit the number of persons recording and/or transmitting during the meeting due to space limitations. Any person recording and/or transmitting a public session of a board of trustees meeting must do so at their own expense without use of college equipment. If at any time the board chair feels the recording and/or transmitting of the public session is a disruption of the proceedings, any such person shall be directed by the board chair to stop.

Last updated June 7, 2021 at 10:35 AM

History

Effective: June 7, 2021
Promulgated Under: 111.15

Ohio Adm.Code 3357:15-11-05 Board attendance.

Am. Sub. S.B. 226, enacted by the general assembly, provides that "any member of a board of trustees of an institution of higher education who fails to attend at least three-fifths of the regular and special meetings held by that board during any two-year period forfeits his position on that board." There is no appeal mechanism.

Attending regular meetings via electronic communication.

(A) Definitions:

Electronic communication: live, audio-enabled communication that permits the trustees attending a meeting, the trustees present in person at the place where the meeting is conducted, and all members of the public present in person at the place where the meeting is conducted to simultaneously communicate with each other during the meeting.

(B) Pursuant to section 3345.82 of the Revised Code, the board of trustees can conduct a meeting defined under (rule 3357:15-11-05 of the Administrative Code Meetings) using electronic communication so long as the following criteria in paragraphs (C) and (D) of this rule are met:

(1) Each trustee must be present annually for one-half of the regular meetings of the board. Trustees should provide at the annual organization meeting, the meetings they intend to attend in-person for the year.

(2) If a trustee intends to attend a board meeting through electronic communication, the trustee must notify the chairperson of the board within forty-eight hours of intent to attend. In the event of a declared emergency, the trustee must notify the chairman of the board as soon as practical. If the chairperson intends to attend electronically, they shall notify the vice-chairperson.

(D) Meeting conduct:

(1) During a meeting conducted by electronic communication, one-third of the trustees must be present in-person. If the chairperson determines within forty-eight hours of a scheduled meeting this criterion will not be met, they shall either:

(a) Work with trustees previously intending to attend by electronic means to attend in-person to meet the one-third requirement.

(b) Reschedule the meeting.

(2) During a meeting conducted by electronic communication, votes of the board of trustees are conducted using a roll call.

(3) The board of trustees will follow all other established procedures during a meeting conducted by electronic communications.

Last updated January 18, 2022 at 8:32 AM

History

Effective: January 16, 2022
Promulgated Under: 111.15

Ohio Adm.Code 3357:15-11-06 Procedures.

The following procedures shall be followed in conducting the business of the board of trustees:

(A) Oath of office. Each member appointed to the board of trustees of the Stark state college district, before entering upon his or her official duties, shall take and subscribe to the following oath:

"I, (Name), promise and swear to support the Constitution of the United States and the constitution of this state and to honestly, faithfully, and impartially perform and discharge the duties of the office of Member, Board of Trustees, Stark State College district, to which I have been appointed, for the term beginning (Date) and ending at the close of business (Date)."

(B) Compensation. Trustees shall serve without compensation, but may be paid their necessary expenses when engaged in the business of the board.

(C) Legal advisor. The attorney general shall be the attorney for the Stark state college district and shall provide legal advice in all matters relating to its powers and duties.

(D) Communications. Communications relating to policy, sent or received by employed staff, shall be reported to the board of trustees by the president where appropriate.

(E) Public requests. The order of business at any regular or special meeting of the board of trustees shall include an opportunity for members of the public to address the board, provided that the following regulations have been met:

(1) Any person desiring to bring a matter to the attention of the board must submit a written request to the president not less than five working days prior to the regular or special meeting of the board. Such request must include the subject to be brought before the board and the name, address, and telephone number of each person who will participate in the presentation.

(2) Any individual or group that has followed the procedure stated above will be afforded time to address the board on the subject designated. Each participant must state name and address upon addressing the board.

(3) No more than five minutes per person and/or fifteen minutes maximum shall be allotted for the entire presentation on a designated subject.

(4) Any person granted an appearance before the board on a matter involving a board employee shall be heard in executive session only.

(5) Disruptive conduct will not be permitted at any meeting of the board nor will defamatory or abusive remarks be tolerated. Anyone who engages in such disruptive conduct shall be denied further speaking privileges and may be subject to removal by the board chair.

(6) The board does not obligate itself to consider any request or proposal presented.

(F) Quorum. A majority of the sitting board members present for a meeting shall constitute a quorum to act on any matter (i.e. if a nine-member board has two current vacancies, then four trustees must be present for a quorum to be achieved). Should a quorum not be present, a roll call shall be made and a notation made of those absent. The meeting can then be adjourned.

(G) Rules of order. Robert's Rules of Order shall be taken as the authority in the transaction of business should the procedure not be defined elsewhere by the board of trustees, the Ohio board of regents, or state statute.

(H) Order of business. The normal order of business shall be as shown. The board may, however, alter the order of business by common consent of the members in order to accommodate the time schedule of guests or individual members of the board:

(1) Call to order

(2) Recognition of visitors

(3) Roll call

(4) Public requests

(5) Agenda changes

(6) Executive session

(7) Consent agenda

(8) Old business

(9) New business

(10) Board of trustees work session

(11) Correspondence

(12) Board activity dates

(I) Conflict with state laws. No policy, procedure, rule, or regulation shall be operative if it is found to be in conflict with any laws of the state of Ohio.

(J) Indemnification of trustees and officers. Each trustee and officer of Stark state college now or hereafter serving as such, shall be indemnified by the legal entity against any and all claims and liabilities to which one has or shall become subject by reason of serving or having served as such trustee or officer, or by reason of any action alleged to have taken, omitted, or neglected by such trustee or officer; if acting in good faith and in a manner reasonably believed to be in or not opposed to the best interests of the legal entity, and with respect to any criminal action or proceeding, had no reasonable cause to believe conduct was unlawful; and the legal entity shall reimburse each person for all legal expenses reasonably incurred in connection with any such claim or liability.

(K) The amount paid to any officer or trustee by way of indemnification shall not exceed actual, reasonable, and necessary expenses incurred in connection with the matter involved.

Last updated March 13, 2024 at 11:46 AM

History

Effective: March 11, 2024
Promulgated Under: 111.15

Ohio Adm.Code 3357:15-11-07 Instructional fee waived.

All instructional and general fees for credit, audit, or non-credit courses offered are waived for board of trustees members taking classes at Stark state college.

History

Effective: February 14, 2015
Promulgated Under: 111.15

Chapter 3357:15-12 Presidential Assistance

Ohio Adm.Code 3357:15-12-01 Office of the president.

Office of the president. The president is the executive officer of the institution through whom the board of trustees carries out its program and exercises its control.

(A) Term of office. The president shall be appointed for a term as approved by the board. The term of office shall begin on the first day of July and end on the last day of June.

(B) Relationship with board of trustees.

(1) The president shall attend all board meetings unless excused by the board.

(2) The president shall be the official channel of communication between the college community and the trustees.

(3) The president shall be the official channel of communication between the Ohio board of regents and the trustees.

(4) The president shall keep the board of trustees informed concerning higher education practices and shall make recommendations to the board of trustees which will lead to continuation of the progress of the college.

(1) The president shall be responsible for the implementation of policies approved by the board of trustees.

(2) The president shall recommend the appointment and termination of service of all college personnel.

(3) The president shall be responsible for the conduct and operation of the college and for the administration and supervision of its departments.

(4) The president shall be responsible for the safety, proper care, and use of all college property.

(5) The president may delegate authority and responsibility for directing a special operating area of the college to other employees of the college, but he/she shall have the final responsibility.

(6) The president shall designate two staff members of the college who, in addition to himself/herself, shall be authorized to endorse all checks for monies paid out of college-controlled funds.

(7) The president shall be responsible for the preparation of an annual budget.

(8) The president shall be responsible for preparation of an annual report setting forth the financial condition of the college.

(9) The president shall, on advice and counsel of the chair of the board, be responsible for developing an agenda for board meetings.

(10) The president shall act as secretary to the board of trustees.

(11) The president shall keep the official minutes of the board in a safe place and shall make them available during regular business hours to any citizen requesting access to them.

(12) The president shall have emergency authority to perform such duties as the board may require, and, in the absence of specific rules and advice of the board, he/she shall assume any authority or perform any duty which any particular situation, unforeseen and suddenly arising, may demand, subject to later consideration by the board.

History

Effective: March 22, 2015
Promulgated Under: 111.15

Ohio Adm.Code 3357:15-12-02 Administrative divisions.

The administrative organization of Stark state college is designed to assist the president in carrying out the responsibilities of the managerial function. The administrative structure of the college consists of four divisions: academic affairs; business, finance, and information technology; enrollment management; human resources; marketing, advancement and partnerships; and strategy and engagement. The human resources department publishes college organizational charts to provide the details within each administrative division.

Last updated August 3, 2026 at 10:49 AM

History

Effective: August 3, 2026
Promulgated Under: 111.15

Ohio Adm.Code 3357:15-12-03 President's executive council.

The president's executive council functions as the implementing and executing body of the college and consists of the president, provost and chief academic officer; chief financial officer/vice president of business; vice president of enrollment management; vice president of advancement, and executive director of the Stark state college foundation; vice president of human resources and vice president of strategy and engagement. The president's executive council meets upon the call of the president.

Last updated August 3, 2026 at 10:49 AM

History

Effective: August 3, 2026
Promulgated Under: 111.15

Ohio Adm.Code 3357:15-12-04 President's cabinet.

The president's cabinet functions as the chief planning and recommending agency of the college and provides a forum to discuss and resolve issues of concern to the entire college community. Composition and details of the operating procedures of the president's cabinet may be found in rule 3357:15-15-03 of the Administrative Code (internal communications).

History

Effective: March 22, 2015
Promulgated Under: 111.15

Ohio Adm.Code 3357:15-15-03

Shared governance is a decision-making and communication process aligned with the college's strategic plan and committed to the advancement of our students, college, and mission. It ensures every employee and student a voice in college policy directly or through elected and appointed cabinet or standing committee representatives. It provides employees and students the opportunity to participate jointly in developing new and reviewing existing policies and procedures, with the understanding that all policies are forwarded to the board of trustees at the discretion of the president for final approval. Shared governance requires a respect for divergent opinions, a sense of mutual trust, and a willingness to work together for the well-being of the college. It supports the establishment of communication channels, processes, and procedures that will provide for accurate and routine dissemination of information to the various constituencies of the college community. The shared governance model and communication flow chart found in appendix C to this rule are integral parts of the shared governance and internal communication process for Stark state college.

History

Effective: November 29, 2019
Promulgated Under: 111.15

Ohio Adm.Code 3357:15-12-05 Chain of command.

In the absence of the president, administrators at the college will assume executive authority according to the chain of command: provost and chief academic officer; chief financial officer/vice president of business, finance, and information technology; and vice president of human resources.

Last updated August 3, 2026 at 10:49 AM

History

Effective: August 3, 2026
Promulgated Under: 111.15

Chapter 3357:15-13 Academics

Ohio Adm.Code 3357:15-13-01 Instructional programs.

Instructional programs, certificates, and courses of study shall be developed and offered in accordance with the provisions of the Ohio department of higher education in the fulfillment of Stark state college.

(A) Bachelor degree programs. The Ohio department of higher education defines a bachelor degree as an award that typically requires completion of one hundred and semester credit hours but does not exceed one hundred twenty-six semester credit hours . Bachelor's degrees may be awarded for general areas of study, such as those recognized by the bachelor of arts and the bachelor of science degrees or in specialized professional and technical fields such as these recognized by the bachelor of fine arts, the bachelor of science in nursing, the bachelor of education, and so on. An applied bachelor's degree is designed for individuals who hold an associate of applied science degree or its equivalent in order to maximize application of the individual's technical course credits toward the bachelor's degree. Applied bachelor's degrees incorporate both theoretical and applied knowledge and skills in a specific technical field. Stark state college is approved to offer an applied bachelor of science in nursing degree.

(B) Associate degree programs. The Ohio department of higher education defines an associate degree as an award that requires completion of sixty semester credit hours. Per the Ohio department of higher education, each associate degree program should not exceed sixty-five semester credit hours unless it can be shown that the additional coursework is required to meet professional accreditation or licensing requirements. Programs requiring hours beyond the sixty-five-hour maximum in order to meet accreditation or licensing requirements are expected to align similarly to like programs at other two-year public institutions and shall not exceed seventy-three semester credit hours.

(1) Degree titles. Upon evidence of satisfactory completion of an approved program previously authorized by the Ohio department of higher education, the board of trustees may confer the following degrees:

(a) Associate of arts and associate of science degrees are designed for students wishing to complete the first two years of a bachelor's degree, as well as those desiring two years of a liberal arts education.

(b) Associate of applied business and associate of applied science degrees are awarded in recognition of successful completion of career technical education programs and prepare students for immediate employment upon graduation. The curricula for applied associate degree programs are described in terms of technical and non-technical studies. Non-technical studies include general education and courses that serve as a base for the technical field (sometimes referred to as applied general education or basic coursework). Non-technical studies should make up at least thirty semester hours of the degree.

(c) Associate of technical study degrees are awarded for successful completion of an individually planned program of study designed to respond to the need for specialized technical education. The program must have an area of concentration which is equivalent to at least thirty semester credit hours in technical studies and a clearly identifiable career objective. The area of concentration can either be formed by: type a-a coherent combination of technical courses selectively drawn from two or more technical programs currently offered by the college to serve a career objective that would not be adequately addressed by one of the existing programs alone; or type b-courses completed or training received by a student at other institutions of higher education, career centers, or other educational enterprises judged by the institution to be of college level and for which the institution awards degree credit.

(2) Certificate. The Ohio department of higher education defines a certificate as a formal award certifying the satisfactory completion of an organized program of study at the postsecondary level. In accordance with the Ohio department of higher education, certificates are designed as building blocks toward future degrees and with the intent of articulating the program into the next degree. Students can earn general or technical certificates.

(a) General certificates require completion of an organized program of study and are classified by IPEDs as less than one year or at least one but less than two academic years.

(b) Technical certificates are designated as one year or less than one year.

(i) One year technical certificate: Certificates awarded by a post-secondary institution for the completion of an organized program of study in at least thirty semester credit hours, with the majority of the coursework completed in a prescribed technical area. While the certificates are designed to have value apart from a degree, these certificates should serve as building blocks to an associate degree. The technical certificate is designed for an occupation or specific employment opportunities. These certificates should prepare students for a valid occupational license or third-party industry certification, if available, related to the field of study.

(ii) Less than one year technical certificate: Certificates awarded by a post-secondary institution for the completion of an organized program of study in less than thirty semester credit hours that are designed for an occupation or specific employment opportunity. These certificates should prepare students for a valid occupational license or third-party industry certification, if available, related to the field of study.

(c) Non-credit instruction. A course or activity for which the student does not receive academic credit that applies to a degree, certificate or diploma.

(d) Contract training. Training offered to business, industry, health care facilities, and non-profit organization. Contract training services are convenient, cost effective, and customized to meet the unique needs of individual companies.

Last updated February 2, 2026 at 2:06 PM

History

Effective: February 2, 2026
Promulgated Under: 111.15

Ohio Adm.Code 3357:15-13-02 Registration deadline.

To encourage student success, the last day to register for classes is the last calendar day before the semester, term, or session is scheduled to begin. Students who fail to register by this date must follow the procedure outlined below.

History

Effective: June 3, 2019
Promulgated Under: 111.15

Ohio Adm.Code 3357:15-13-03 Credit residency requirement.

Stark state students must meet credit residency requirements to complete a degree/certificate(s). The following credit residency requirements must be met:

(A) All degree requirements must be met by completing Stark state college courses or through equivalent transfer coursework.

(B) At least twenty credit hours in the degree program, at least fifteen credit hours in the one-year certificate, and at least three credit hours in a career enhancement certificate must be completed at Stark state college. Exceptions to the credit residency requirement require approval from the appropriate program coordinator (if applicable) and department chair in consultation with the appropriate dean and provost.

Last updated June 2, 2025 at 8:09 AM

History

Effective: June 2, 2025
Promulgated Under: 111.15

Ohio Adm.Code 3357:15-13-04 Prerequisite.

A prerequisite is a course taken prior to another course(s) as designated by the academic department. Certain courses require that the student meet prerequisites in order to register for the course. The prerequisite course(s) are designated by the academic departments to assist the student in selecting appropriate course levels. The prerequisite(s) may be one or more courses, a minimum placement test score, or a minimum grade in a prerequisite course(s).

History

Effective: September 5, 2015
Promulgated Under: 111.15

Ohio Adm.Code 3357:15-13-05 Co-requisite.

A co-requisite is a course that must be taken at the same time as or prior to another course(s) as designated by the academic department. To ensure proper placement, co-requisites for all classes will be checked at the time of registration.

Last updated August 29, 2025 at 8:23 AM

History

Effective: March 12, 2015
Promulgated Under: 111.15

Ohio Adm.Code 3357:15-13-06 Course substitution.

For Ohio board of regents applied bachelor degree programs, associate degree programs and one-year certificates, a course petition should be approved prior to the student's applying for graduation. Four courses is the maximum number of courses for substitution. Exceptions processed for Stark state college courses and transfer courses with equivalent classes do not count toward the four maximum substitutions.

Last updated August 29, 2025 at 8:08 AM

History

Effective: August 29, 2025
Promulgated Under: 111.15

Ohio Adm.Code 3357:15-13-07 Grading system.

Letter grades are used by the faculty member assigned to the course to indicate the student's performance. The grades shall be in accordance with the standards of expected achievement of the course and the college. The student's grade point average is computed by the following formula: total quality points earned divided by grade point average (GPA) earned hours. Programs requesting a variance from the established numerical range for each letter grade must follow the shared governance approval process outlined in rule 3357:15-13-38 of the Administrative Code (departmental academic policy).

History

Effective: July 6, 2018
Promulgated Under: 111.15

Ohio Adm.Code 3357:15-13-38

Academic departments may recommend specific departmental academic policies and procedures in such areas as grading, admissions criteria, co-requisites and prerequisites, and applied bachelor degree, associate degree and certificate completion requirements based on accreditation and licensure/certification standards. Academic department policies cannot conflict with college-wide policies without board of trustees approval.

Last updated August 29, 2025 at 8:10 AM

History

Effective: August 29, 2025
Promulgated Under: 111.15

Ohio Adm.Code 3357:15-13-08 Repeating a course.

When a student repeats a course, both grades will appear on the academic record, and the highest grade will be used in calculating the grade point average (GPA). Students may receive financial aid for repeating courses. However, if the student is retaking a previously passed course, financial aid can only be used for one repeat of that course. Any courses that are repeated will be used in the calculation of a student's satisfactory academic progress (SAP) status. Course grades from another institution will not replace a Stark state college grade nor will they be used in calculating the GPA.

Last updated June 3, 2024 at 8:35 AM

History

Effective: June 3, 2024
Promulgated Under: 111.15

Ohio Adm.Code 3357:15-13-09 Early alert.

Students not making satisfactory academic progress in a class will be sent an early alert notification on or before the completion of twenty-five per cent of the course.

Last updated June 6, 2022 at 9:36 AM

History

Effective: June 6, 2022
Promulgated Under: 111.15

Ohio Adm.Code 3357:15-13-10 Grade incomplete.

The grade of incomplete (IN) may be given only if the student is currently attending the course, the student has completed seventy-five per cent of the semester and required work in a course and, based on that work, the student is earning a passing grade.

Last updated August 29, 2025 at 8:23 AM

History

Effective: March 12, 2015
Promulgated Under: 111.15

Ohio Adm.Code 3357:15-13-11 President's list.

A president's list of the names of all eligible students who have achieved a grade point average of 4.0 for the semester will be posted on that semester's president's list.

Last updated August 29, 2025 at 8:23 AM

History

Effective: March 12, 2015
Promulgated Under: 111.15

Ohio Adm.Code 3357:15-13-12 Dean's list.

The names of all eligible students who achieved a grade point average of 3.50 - 3.99 for the semester will be posted on that semester's dean's list.

Last updated August 29, 2025 at 8:23 AM

History

Effective: March 12, 2015
Promulgated Under: 111.15

Ohio Adm.Code 3357:15-13-13 Academic probation and dismissal.

Students whose academic work must improve in order to earn the minimum grades required for graduation will be placed on academic probation. Students who do not show continued grade improvement will be dismissed from the college. Students who are dismissed may apply for readmission after their first or second dismissals. Students who are dismissed for the third time are not eligible for readmission.

Last updated June 7, 2021 at 10:36 AM

History

Effective: June 7, 2021
Promulgated Under: 111.15

Ohio Adm.Code 3357:15-13-14 Academic advising.

Stark state college recognizes that academic advising is crucial to student success and to the student's educational experience. Academic advisors, including full-time faculty and staff advisors, should have knowledge of the institution's educational and supporting resources. All new full-time faculty and staff advisors are required to complete the online advising training within the first semester of hire. Academic advising serves to develop a relationship with students to assist in exploration and declaration of a program of study consistent with their educational and career goals. Academic advising responsibilities include periodically evaluating a student's academic progress, attempting to resolve issues that may negatively impact the student's success, supporting the achievement of the student's academic and career goals by assisting the student in planning their academic schedules, and providing students with the needed connection to the various campus services.

The students' responsibilities include regularly meeting with an academic advisor to gain an understanding of academic performance standards applicable to their degree program(s), complying with academic policies and deadlines and accessing their Stark state college email for advisor messages and advising-related announcements.

History

Effective: May 29, 2020
Promulgated Under: 111.15

Ohio Adm.Code 3357:15-13-15 Class attendance.

To ensure the commitment to student success, attendance must be taken in all classes, regardless of modality, starting with the first day of the class. Faculty may elect to relate course attendance to the course grading policy; the instructor's grading policy regarding attendance must be included in the course syllabus.

History

Effective: May 29, 2020
Promulgated Under: 111.15

Ohio Adm.Code 3357:15-13-16 Academic withdrawal.

(A) A student may drop a class or all classes from the college before the end of the seventh calendar day (excluding holidays and emergency closings) of any academic period without academic penalty. Any changes made during this period will not become a part of the student's academic record. Students should refer to the posted refund schedule.

(B) Beginning with the eighth calendar day through the published withdrawal date, the college gives students an opportunity to withdraw from a class or all courses. It is the student's responsibility to withdraw by the published withdrawal date and to satisfy any financial obligations to the college. A student is officially withdrawn from a course once a signed, or electronically submitted, "Schedule Change" form has been submitted to the academics records/registrar's office. A grade of "W" will appear on the student's academic record.

(C) Beyond the published withdrawal date through the end of the last instructional day, a student with an emergency or extenuating circumstance may receive a grade of "W" only upon consultation with the instructor and approval from the department chair. Sufficient supporting documentation shall be provided by the student when making such a request.

(D) If a student is a financial aid recipient, it is strongly recommended the student consult with a financial aid representative to discuss ramifications of withdrawing.

Last updated June 7, 2021 at 10:36 AM

History

Effective: June 7, 2021
Promulgated Under: 111.15

Ohio Adm.Code 3357:15-13-17 Graduation requirements.

A student becomes eligible for an applied bachelor's degree, associate degree when the student has completed all the requirements of the program that the student is enrolled in based upon the catalog-in-force and change of major policy (rule 3357:15-13-28 of the Administrative Code) and as defined by the Ohio department of higher education (ODHE). Students must also have a grade point average (GPA) of 2.00 or above in their technical major and a cumulative GPA of 2.00 or above. For programs that do not have technical concentration courses, no technical GPA is calculated. Based on accreditation standards, certain programs may require a higher technical and cumulative GPA. The credits transferred from other institutions must be in accordance with the transfer and articulation policy (rule 3357:15-13-25 of the Administrative Code) and may be used by a student toward completion of an applied bachelor's dgree and an associate degree at Stark state college. Coursework over ten years old is subject to review and acceptance by the chair of the department offering the course or the dean of that division. However, Stark state college will consider granting permission to a candidate under a catalog more than ten years old if the candidate has been enrolled continuously and the degree program has not changed appreciably.

Last updated August 29, 2025 at 8:10 AM

History

Effective: August 29, 2025
Promulgated Under: 111.15

Ohio Adm.Code 3357:15-13-28

Upon initial enrollment to the college, the student will be placed in the current catalog-in-force of a student's intended major. Requirements to earn a degree or certificate are based initially on the catalog-in-force. However, the college reserves the right to change course offerings and academic requirements without notice. These changes should not be to the disadvantage of the students during their enrollment.

History

Effective: September 5, 2015
Promulgated Under: 111.15

Ohio Adm.Code 3357:15-13-25

State of Ohio's transfer and articulation policy

Stark state college abides by the Ohio department of higher education Ohio articulation and transfer policy

Institutional transfer

The Ohio department of higher education in 1990, following a directive of the 118th Ohio General Assembly, developed the Ohio articulation and transfer policy to facilitate students' ability to transfer credits from one Ohio public college or university to another in order to avoid duplication of course requirements. A subsequent policy review and recommendations produced by the articulation and transfer advisory council in 2004, together with mandates from the 125th Ohio General Assembly in the form of Amended Substitute House Bill 95, have prompted improvements of the original policy. Additional legislation from the 125th Ohio General Assembly also initiated the development of a statewide system for articulation agreements among state institutions of higher education for transfer students pursuing teacher education programs.

Action by the 126th Ohio General Assembly led to the establishment of criteria, policies, and procedures for the transfer of technical courses completed through a career-technical education institution and standards for the awarding of college credit based on advanced placement (AP) test scores.

Legislation from the 130th Ohio General Assembly required public institutions of higher education to: use baseline standards and procedures in the granting of college credit for military training, experience, and coursework; establish an appeals process for resolving disputes over the awarding of credit for military experience; provide specific assistance and support to veterans and service members; adopt a common definition of a service member and veteran; and establish a credit articulation system in which adult graduates of public career-technical institutions who complete a nine hundred clock-hour program of study and obtain an industry-recognized credential approved by the chancellor shall receive thirty college technical credit hours toward a technical degree upon enrollment.

While all public colleges and universities are required to follow the Ohio articulation and transfer policy, independent colleges and universities in Ohio may or may not participate in the transfer policy. Therefore, students interested in transferring to independent institutions are encouraged to check with the college or university of their choice regarding transfer agreements. In support of improved articulation and transfer processes, the Ohio department of higher education has established an articulation and transfer clearinghouse to receive, annotate, and convey transcripts among public colleges and universities. This system is designed to provide standardized information and help colleges and universities reduce undesirable variability in the transfer credit evaluation process.

Please see the Ohio articulation and transfer policy for additional information and appendices: https://dam.assets.ohio.gov/image/upload/transfercredit.ohio.gov/files/transfer/policy/OATN%20Policy%20Update%20(as%20of%209.29.22)-%20FINAL_11.1.22.pdf.

Application of transfer and articulated credit

The policy distinguishes between the acceptance and application of transfer and articulated credit by the receiving institution to the student's chosen program. Transfer credits accepted by the receiving institution will be posted to the student's record and transcript. Students will receive transfer credit for all college-level courses they have passed and/or for articulated credit for prior learning successfully completed as delineated in the policy. From among the credits which have been posted to the student's record and appear on his or her transcript, the receiving institution, within the provisions of this policy, will determine how credits will or will not be applied toward degree requirements at the receiving institution as follows:

(A) Ohio transfer 36 (OT36): It is assumed that a common body of knowledge, comprised of a subset or the complete set of an institution's general education curriculum, can be found in the associate of arts, associate of science, and baccalaureate degree programs offered at various institutions. An OT36 can be drawn from this broader general education curriculum. Each institution has identified its OT36 according to the guidelines and learning outcomes appended. Students enrolled in applied degree programs may choose to go beyond their degree requirements to complete the entire OT36. Individuals who successfully complete the OT36 at one public institution of higher education in Ohio will be considered to have met the OT36 requirements of the receiving institution. Approved OT36 courses, when taken individually, are also guaranteed for transfer among public higher education institutions on a course-by-course basis and are to be applied to the OT36 of the receiving institution.

(B) Transfer assurance guides (TAGs): TAG courses are pre-major/beginning major courses that have been identified as common requirements across public bachelor's degree programs. They are guaranteed to transfer and apply to specific TAG-related degree/program requirements as equivalent courses.

(C) Career-technical assurance guides (CTAGs): Built upon a similar philosophy as the TAGs, CTAGs facilitate the award and transfer of college credit in technical courses/programs among public institutions of learning, including secondary and adult career-technical institutions, colleges, and universities.

(D) Military transfer assurance guides (MTAGs): College credit is guaranteed for service members with military training, experience, or coursework that is recognized by the american council on education (ACE) or an institutional accreditor that was formerly a regionally accredited military institution, such as community college of the air force. Pathway guarantees (MTAGs) have been developed to ensure the applicability of equivalent courses toward specific degree and program requirements.

(E) Industry-recognized credential transfer assurance guides (ITAGs): Students meeting credentialing requirements, regardless of where the learning was achieved, will be eligible to earn credit for specified courses deemed equivalent by faculty and endorsed by Ohio's public institutions of higher education to the stated industry-recognized credential. ITAGs are not meant to replace career-technical assurance guides (CTAGs).

(F) Apprenticeship pathway programs: Technology-specific statewide articulation agreements in apprenticeship programs recognize non-traditional prior learning, for which college credit is awarded toward a technical associate degree.

(G) Prior learning assessment (PLA): Prior learning at the college-level that is acquired through means other than credit course enrollment (e.g., work experience,; professional training,; military training,; or recognized examinations, certificates, and certifications) is assessed through a number of rigorous evaluation methods. Credit is awarded and applied within the scope of this policy. (See the definitions section of this policy, prior learning and prior learning assessment).

(H) Advanced placement (AP) exams: College credit is guaranteed for students who achieve an AP exam score of 3 or higher in accordance with the course alignment recommendations.

(I) College-level examination program (CLEP): College credit is guaranteed for students who achieve an established college-level examination program (CLEP) test score for exams that have been endorsed statewide as college level. Statewide faculty panels aligned CLEP exams to equivalent OT36 and transfer assurance guide (TAG) courses, as appropriate. Specific endorsed alignments and scores for individual CLEP exams that are outlined in the college-level examination program (CLEP) endorsed alignment policies document.

(J) International baccalaureate (IB) exams: Each public institution of higher education in Ohio provides a policy including the minimum scores and course/credit alignments for awarding college credit for successfully completed international baccalaureate exams.

(K) One-year option: Adult learners are awarded technical course credit toward a general associate of technical studies degree for completing an occupational skills training program at an adult public career-technical education institution and the respective credential approved by the chancellor.

(L)

Ohio guaranteed transfer pathways (OGTPs): OGTP ensures that students who complete an associate degree in an OGTP area enter a bachelor's degree program with junior standing and are able to complete a bachelor's degree in an equivalent field in approximately sixty additional credit hours. The OGTP initiative builds upon the existing statewide credit transfer guarantees including the Ohio transfer 36, transfer assurance guides, military transfer assurance guides, and career-technical assurance guides. Baccalaureate degrees are typically completed in four semesters after earning an associate of arts or associate of science degree. This may not be true for transfer or native students who change programs of study or who fail to complete the appropriate prerequisite or general education courses that satisfy the OT36 or the broader general education or major requirements. For example, students who complete algebra-based or applied physics courses to satisfy the OT36 will find that they cannot transfer such courses to satisfy the requirements for a bachelor of science degree in physics or engineering. Appropriate lower-division courses that are prerequisite to upper-division requirements in a given program must additionally be completed by the transfer student.

(M) Credit when it's due: Through the credit when it's due program, participating institutions collaborate to exchange the academic records of eligible transfer students to determine if their previously earned college credit is sufficient to be awarded an associate degree or certificate by applying credit before and/or after they began their current degree or certificate program.

(N) Application of credit to the major, minor, and field of concentration: Other than the Ohio transfer 36 (OT36), transfer assurance guides (TAGs), career-technical assurance guides (CTAGs), military transfer assurance guides (MTAGs), apprenticeship pathway programs, advanced placement (AP) exams, the one-year option, and Ohio guaranteed transfer pathways (OGTPs), the application of credit for requirements in a specific academic major, minor, or field of concentration will be made on a course-by-course basis by the receiving institution.

(O) Treatment of upper- and lower-division credit: A course completed at one public institution of higher education and transferred to another will be applied to the student's degree objective in the same manner as its equivalent course at the receiving institution.

(P) Applied associate degrees: Applied degree graduates who transfer to an associate of arts (AA), associate of science (AS), or bachelor degree program typically must complete additional general education courses to satisfy the general education requirements. Individual OT36 courses completed will transfer and apply toward the OT36 of the receiving institution.

(Q) Non-traditional credit and electives: Non-traditional credit transfers as an equivalent course(s) when available at the receiving institution. If there are no equivalent courses and the courses are not applicable to the TAG, CTAG, MTAG, OT36, general education requirements, or specific program requirements, such courses will transfer or articulate as free or general electives when they exist in a program.

Last updated June 2, 2025 at 8:10 AM

History

Effective: June 2, 2025
Promulgated Under: 111.15

Ohio Adm.Code 3357:15-13-18 ODHE-approved one-year certificate and other certificate(s).

A student becomes eligible for an Ohio department of higher education (ODHE) one-year certificate or other certificate(s) when the student has completed all the requirements of the program that the student is enrolled in based upon the catalog-in-force and change of major policy (rule 3357:15-13-28 of the Administrative Code) and as defined by the ODHE. Students must also have a grade point average (GPA) of 2.00 or above in their technical courses(s) and a cumulative GPA of 2.00 or above. A maximum of fifteen semester hours of credit transferred from other institutions in accordance with articulation and transfer policy (rule 3357:15-13-25 of the Administrative Code) may be used toward the completion of an ODHE one-year certificate at Stark state college. Coursework over ten years old is subject to review and acceptance by the chair of the department offering the course or the dean of that division. However, Stark state college will consider granting permission to a certificate completer under a catalog more than ten years old if the candidate has been enrolled continuously and the certificate program has not changed appreciably. Students must complete at least three credit hours at Stark state college to receive a career enhancement certificate.

Last updated July 30, 2021 at 7:27 PM

History

Effective: June 7, 2021
Promulgated Under: 111.15

Ohio Adm.Code 3357:15-13-19 Academic honors.

Stark state college graduates who have achieved outstanding academic success will be recognized with academic honors. The college grants honors on the basis of the student's cumulative grade point average and/or the honors program requirements. To be eligible for the following academic honors, graduates in a declared major must meet the criteria indicated:

(A) High distinction: a cumulative grade point average of 3.80 to 4.0.

(B) Distinction: a cumulative grade point average of 3.40 to 3.79.

(C) Honors program graduate: a minimum cumulative grade point average of 3.25 and admission to the honors program and fulfillment of the requirements as determined by the honors program committee.

Last updated July 30, 2021 at 7:27 PM

History

Effective: June 7, 2021
Promulgated Under: 111.15

Ohio Adm.Code 3357:15-13-20 Registration in excess of twenty-one credit hours.

(A) Students in good academic standing with no outstanding financial obligations to the college can register for twenty-one credit hours or less according to the dates and times published.

(B) Students wanting to take more than twenty-one credit hours must have a department chair or dean's signature and must register for those hours in the academic records/registrar's office.

History

Effective: May 29, 2020
Promulgated Under: 111.15

Ohio Adm.Code 3357:15-13-22 Fresh start/academic forgiveness.

Students who change their program of study or reapply for admission to the college and wish to improve their cumulative GPA may apply for academic forgiveness. All courses and grades will remain on the student's official transcript and be designated with a special code for fresh start/academic forgiveness.

(A) General information

(1) Fresh start/academic forgiveness applies only to courses formerly taken at Stark state college.

(2) A student may only receive fresh start/academic forgiveness once and it is not reversible.

(3) This policy will not apply to "F" grades received as a result of academic dishonesty. The academic records/registrar's office will check student files on all grades of "F."

(4) Academic standing is updated in the semester in which the student applies.

(5) Fresh start/academic forgiveness will apply to courses that are inactive and cannot be retaken or do not apply to the current major.

(6) If a student's request is approved, grades of "D" or "F" in courses that are not required in the current program of study will be removed from the student's overall GPA. All courses and grades will remain on the student's official transcript and be designated with a special code for academic forgiveness.

(7) For students enrolled in secondary application programs, exceptions to the policy must be approved by the provost in consultation with the registrar.

(8) All credits attempted, including withdrawals, repeats, transfer, and courses for which grades are excluded from the GPA calculation as a result of fresh start/academic forgiveness approval, since the first semester of enrollment, will still be included in the college's standards of academic progress policy.

(B) Criteria

(1) The student must be seeking a degree/certificate from Stark state college. A student who has already graduated may not request fresh start/academic forgiveness.

(2) The student must be enrolled in classes at Stark state college during the semester in which the fresh start/academic forgiveness form is filed.

(3) The student must complete a minimum of twelve credit hours (not necessarily completed in any one semester) from Stark state college with a minimum GPA of 2.0 or better following the return to the college or a change of major.

(4) Students must submit a "Change of Major" form if changing their major.

Last updated June 1, 2026 at 8:13 AM

History

Effective: June 1, 2026
Promulgated Under: 111.15

Ohio Adm.Code 3357:15-13-23 Academic field trips.

(A) A field trip is a course-related off-campus activity involving students that is organized by the instructor and the appropriate personnel of the visited destination. Field trips are intended to enrich the learning experiences of students and should be planned in a manner that assesses and manages risks for the students and for college employees. Practicums, clinicals, field experience, cooperative work experience, and directed practice are not considered academic field trips.

(B) If a field trip is a required class activity, care should be taken in selecting an accessible site for students with mobility or health concerns. If no accessible site is available, an alternate activity and related assignment must be available for students unable to participate in the field trip.

(D) All student travelers are bound by the Stark state college policies and procedures manual including but not limited to the following policies of the Administrative Code:

(1) Anti-harassment (3357:15-14-13)

(2) Sexual assault (3357:15-14-15)

(3) Student code of conduct (3357:15-19-10)

(4) Travel and business entertainment expense (3357:15-14-10)

(5)

Last updated July 10, 2025 at 12:13 PM

History

Effective: July 1, 2017
Promulgated Under: 111.15

Ohio Adm.Code 3357:15-13-24 Continuing education unit (CEU).

Continuing education provides opportunities for personal enrichment, career advancement, transition back into the workplace, or exam preparation.

History

Effective: March 22, 2016
Promulgated Under: 111.15

Ohio Adm.Code 3357:15-13-26 Academic honesty and integrity.

Stark state college is committed to the development of each student to become a productive and responsible citizen who embraces the values of integrity, honesty, fairness, respect, and responsibility. Stark state college community strives to instill values and practices that uphold academic integrity and promotes ethical conduct in all academic work. Students enrolled in any college courses are subject to this policy. Conducts prohibited by this policy consist of all forms of academic dishonesty including, but not limited to, plagiarism, cheating, unauthorized assistance or collaboration, facilitating academic dishonesty, and fabrication and falsification. Any student who violates or assists another to violate the academic honesty and integrity policy, either deliberately or inadvertently, will be subject to disciplinary action.

History

Effective: May 29, 2020
Promulgated Under: 111.15

Ohio Adm.Code 3357:15-13-27 Final grade appeal.

College grading policies reflect the quality of performance and achievement of competency by students who complete one or more courses. Students have the right to ask instructors for an explanation of any grade received. A final grade appeal should not be entered lightly by a student nor lightly dismissed by an instructor. It is the responsibility of the instructor to assign a final grade. Students may submit a formal grade appeal when they believe that a final grade is inaccurate.

Students have the responsibility of providing documentation that establishes sufficient grounds for changing a grade. Within this appeals procedure, course grades can only be changed by the instructor or in the final appeal stage by the provost and chief academic officer. If an instructor is no longer employed by the college or is not available, the department chair will assume responsibility for handling any necessary course of action regarding a student's appeal of a grade.

History

Effective: June 25, 2017
Promulgated Under: 111.15

Ohio Adm.Code 3357:15-13-29 Course development and modality changes.

In support of the college's strategic goals of maintaining high value and maintaining student centeredness and accessibility, the college encourages the development of new courses and changes in modality.

History

Effective: June 25, 2017
Promulgated Under: 111.15

Ohio Adm.Code 3357:15-13-30 E-learning.

All policies and procedures that apply to face-to-face courses apply to eLearning courses unless specifically excluded. Additionally, to prepare students for careers in our modern world and in accordance with Stark state college's general learning outcomes (GLOs) regarding information literacy, Stark state college expects students to utilize technology in the classroom. Students may be required to use the college's learning management system (LMS), publisher- hosted system, application specific software, and other technologies as part of their face-to-face courses. The following are specific policies that apply to elearning:

Definitions: Synchronous learning is when classes are conducted either in-person or virtually at an assigned meeting time for both the instructor and the students. 2. Asynchronous learning is when classes are conducted virtually with no assigned meeting time for the instructor and the students. Students will participate in class each week on their own schedule within a timeframe defined by the instructor and/or course calendar.

(A) E-learning courses must meet the same course objectives and core competencies as the equivalent face-to-face course.

(B) E-learning courses must meet the same quality standards as the equivalent face-to-face course.

(C) The college's standard course development process must be followed for eLearning courses. The course development agreement must be completed and approved by the department chair; dean of the division; the provost; and vice president of business, finance, and information technology before any course development is done.

(D) Web course delivery modalities are created by estarkstate and approved by the curriculum committee of the president's cabinet. The following modalities are currently in place:

(1) Campus-delivered course (c or l). All instruction takes place on campus with regularly scheduled dates/times/locations. The college's approved learning management system (LMS) may be used to host course material. Students may be required to use the (LMS) for email, chat rooms, discussion boards, and/or web-based testing. Instructors may require proctored testing in-person at Stark state college or another testing facility or virtual proctoring using college-approved software. Campus-delivered courses are identified with a c (or l) on the class schedule.

(2) Web-campus delivered course (w2). Instruction occurs through both on-campus meetings and asynchronous online learning. Campus meetings will take place at regularly scheduled dates/times/locations. Additional coursework is completed through asynchronous online learning. The college's approved learning management system (LMS) hosts course materials, and students will be required to use email, chat rooms, discussion boards, and/or web-based testing. Instructors may require proctored testing in-person at Stark state college or another testing facility or virtual proctoring using college-approved software. Web-campus delivered courses are identified with a w2 on the class schedule.

(3) Web-delivered course (w3). All instruction occurs through asynchronous online learning. The college's approved learning management system (LMS) hosts course materials and students will be required to use email, chat rooms, discussion boards, and/or web-based testing. Instructors may require proctored testing in-person at Stark state college or another testing facility or virtual proctoring using college-approved software. Web-delivered courses are identified with a w3 on the class schedule.

(4) Web-virtual delivered course (w4v). Instruction occurs through both synchronous virtual classes and asynchronous online learning. Virtual meetings will take place at regularly scheduled dates/times using live meeting software. Additional coursework is completed through asynchronous online learning. The college's approved learning management system (LMS) hosts course materials, and students will be required to use email, chat rooms, discussion boards, and/or web-based testing. Instructors may require proctored testing in-person at Stark state college or another testing facility or virtual proctoring using college-approved software. Web-virtual delivered courses are identified with a w4v on the class schedule.

(5) Web-campus-virtual delivered (w4x). Instruction occurs through a combination of scheduled times/places on-campus meetings, scheduled virtual meetings, and asynchronous online learning. The college's approved learning management system (LMS) hosts course materials, and students will be required to use email, chat rooms, discussion boards, and/or web-based testing. Instructors may require proctored testing in-person at Stark state college or another testing facility or virtual proctoring using college-approved software. Web-campus-virtual delivered courses are identified with a w4x on the class schedule.

(E) The college's approved learning management system may be used to deliver all campus-delivered courses (c or l) sections where applicable. The LMS will be used to deliver all w2, w3, w4v, and w4x sections.

(F) The use of any other publisher-hosted software must be approved by the chair of the department, the director of estarkstate, and the academic dean of the division, when textbook selection is finalized, to ensure compatibility with the college's approved LMS and accessibility for students.

(G) The course syllabus, which includes a master syllabus and a class syllabus, for an elearning-delivered course will utilize the approved college course syllabus for that course with the inclusion of any elearning-specific requirements for that course section. The course syllabus will be available to students on the first day of the class session. Students are required to satisfy the requirements outlined in the syllabus in order to take an elearning course.

(H) Remote access to core student services including the admissions, registration, financial aid, advising, payment, tutoring, and testing processes must be provided for all fully online students.

Last updated January 6, 2025 at 7:53 AM

History

Effective: January 6, 2025
Promulgated Under: 111.15

Ohio Adm.Code 3357:15-13-31 Faculty training for web-based course.

(A) Instructors must complete all learning management system (LMS) training classes before utilizing the LMS in their course(s).

(B) Prior to teaching a web-based course (web 2, web 3, web 4), instructors must complete all current LMS training classes and the required course delivery training, which includes the expectations and best practices of teaching online at Stark state college.

(C) Prior to developing a web-based course (web 2, web 3, or web 4), instructors must complete all current the LMS training classes and the required course development training, which outline the quality matters standards as well as expectations and best practices of teaching online at Stark state college.

History

Effective: May 29, 2020
Promulgated Under: 111.15

Ohio Adm.Code 3357:15-13-32 Required student orientation for web-based courses.

(A) Students enrolled in a web 2, web 3, or web 4 course for the first time must complete the required e-learning orientation course, succeeding online, found in the learning management system (LMS) home page before being given access to the course. This is a one-time orientation and will not be required for any subsequent web 2, web 3, or web 4 courses. Included in the orientation course is an e-learning student agreement form that the e-learning student must complete prior to gaining course access. It is recommended the student complete the orientation at least two days prior to the start of class.

(B) Faculty teaching classes which are not web 2, web 3 or web 4 will be responsible for orienting students enrolled in their classes on their intended use of the LMS.

History

Effective: May 29, 2020
Promulgated Under: 111.15

Ohio Adm.Code 3357:15-13-33 Proctored testing.

(A) Proctored testing may be offered using the following options:

(1) In-person proctoring using the college's testing centers or an off-site location;

(2) Virtual proctored testing using college-approved testing software.

(B) Students are required to present valid photo identification for all in-person and virtual proctored examinations. Failure to present valid photo identification will result in the student being denied the opportunity to test.

(C) Students enrolled in web 2, web 3, or web 4 courses who do not have access to a Stark state college (SSC) facility are required to obtain a proctor to administer tests. It is the responsibility of the student to secure an acceptable proctor, the testing location, and to pay any costs associated with the tests. SSC does not reimburse proctors for their time. The off-site test proctoring procedures for Stark state college students, web 3 off-site test proctoring information form, and off-site test proctoring agreement form for SSC students can be found on mySSC under the faculty/advisors tab and in the learning management system (LMS). If the instructor offers a virtual proctored testing option, the student will be responsible for the cost of any required equipment (e.g., a webcam) and other costs. Students will always have the option of in-person proctoring.

(D) Proctors may be any of the following:

(1) An education official, counselor or teacher at a two-year college, university, elementary, or secondary school

(2) A librarian

(3) A workplace education or staff director or human services training director

(4) A test administrator

(5) An education services officer (military) or any commissioned officer of higher rank than the student

(E) Proctors may not be:

(1) A current Stark state college student

(2) A relative of the student

(3) A resident of the same address as the student

(4) A personal friend of the student

(5) A direct supervisor of the student

(6) A co-worker of the student

(7) An employee of the student

(8) Anyone whose position or relationship may present a conflict of interest

(F) Virtual proctored testing requires:

(1) A PC-based computer, Mac, or modified chromebook/tablet

(2) A built -in or student-purchased webcam

(3) A high -speed internet access

(4) College-provided software

Last updated June 1, 2026 at 8:12 AM

History

Effective: June 1, 2026
Promulgated Under: 111.15

Ohio Adm.Code 3357:15-13-34 General copyright guidelines.

These guidelines are intended to assist the faculty, administration, staff, and students of Stark state college in understanding and complying with the Copyright Act of 1976 (Title 17, United States Code) and the Digital Millennium Copyright Act of 1998. While some areas of the copyright law are clear, there are some portions which remain open to legal and judicial interpretation. For this reason, these guidelines will be periodically updated.

(A) Definition of copyright. Copyright is the protection provided by the laws of the United States for "original works of authorship," including literary, dramatic, musical, architectural, cartographic, choreographic, pantomimic, pictorial, graphic, sculptural, sound recordings, architectural works, motion pictures, and other audiovisual creations. Duration of copyright varies depending on many variables including authorship, ownership, and type of work. "Copyright" literally means the right to copy, but has come to mean that body of exclusive rights granted by law to copyright owners for protection of their work which includes:

(1) The right to reproduce the copyrighted work.

(2) The right to prepare derivative works.

(3) The right to distribute copies of the copyrighted work to the public by sale or other transfer of ownership, or by rental, lease, or lending.

(4) The right to perform or display the copyrighted work publicly.

(B) Legal framework for copyright. Article I, Section 8, Constitution of the United States provides the basis for the concept of copyright. It states as follows: "The Congress shall have the power---To promote the Progress of Science and useful Arts, by securing for limited Times to Authors and Inventors the exclusive Right to their respective Writings and Discoveries." The Copyright Act is found in Title 17 of the United States Code.

(C) Subject matter of copyright. Copyright protection exists for original works of authorship from the moment they are fixed in any tangible medium of expression, not known or later developed, from which the works can be perceived, reproduced, or otherwise communicated, either directly or with the aid of a machine or device. Copyright does not have to be visibly evident for an item to be protected under the Copyright Act. Copyright protection does not extend to any idea, procedure, process, system, method of operation, concept, principle, or discovery, regardless of the form in which it is described, explained, illustrated, or embodied in such work.

(D) Duration of copyright.

(1) For works created on or after January 1, 1978, copyright begins when the work is first fixed in a tangible medium of expression i.e., when it is first written down or recorded and extends through the life of the author plus seventy years. For a "joint work prepared by two or more authors who did not work for hire," the term lasts for seventy years after the last surviving author's death. For works made for hire and anonymous and pseudonymous works, the duration of copyright is 95 years from first publication or 120 years from creation, whichever is shorter.

(2) For works created prior to January 1, 1978, there are two safe ways to interpret copyrights:

(a) Treat any pre-1978 copyright the same way as works published on or after January 1, 1978: Life plus 70, 95, or 120 years, depending on the nature of authorship. However, the law specifies that in no case would copyright in a work in this category have expired before December 31, 2002. In addition, if a work in this category was published before that date, the term extends another 45 years, through the end of 2047, or

(b) Contact the publisher, if still in existence, or the U.S. copyright office to identify the copyright owner so that continued vitality to the copyright can be determined.

(E) Compliance with copyright law. No employee or agent of Stark state college shall knowingly infringe upon the copyrights of another.

(F) Permission. Employees shall seek and obtain the permission of the copyright owner prior to making use of copyrighted materials unless one of the following exemptions pertains:

(1) The work was never copyrighted. (This is often difficult to ascertain since recent amendments no longer make it mandatory to place the copyright notice on copyrighted works.)

(2) The copyright has expired. These works are part of the public domain and may be freely copied.

(3) The work lies in the public domain. Examples of works in the public domain are works which were never copyrighted, works where the copyright has expired, and works originally published by the U.S. government.

(4) The copying and/or distribution fall within "fair use."

(5) The copying and /or distribution fall under certain library or archive copying.

(G) Fair use. The only substantial exception to the rule that only copyright holders may distribute copyrighted material is the judicial doctrine of "fair use." Use of a copyrighted work "for purposes such as criticism, comment, news reporting, teaching (including multiple copies for classroom use), scholarship, or research" (17 USC 107) is generally considered fair use. Fair use does not extend to extensive quotations and may not adversely affect the commercial market for the work in question. In determining whether a work in a particular case constitutes fair use, the factors to be considered shall include the following:

(1) The purpose and character of the use, including whether such use is of a commercial nature or is for nonprofit educational purposes.

(2) The nature of the copyrighted work.

(3) The amount and substantiality of the portion used in relation to the copyrighted work as a whole.

(4) The effect of the use upon the potential market for or value of the copyrighted work.

(H) Obtaining permission or licenses. If use does not fall under "fair use," permission must be obtained. Repeated use or republication is not considered "fair use." Permission must be obtained or royalties must be paid for such use of copyrighted works. While the budget funds may be limited, the college does not condone any violation of law simply because that violation saves the taxpayers' money. Accordingly, a good faith effort must be made to obtain permission to use copyrighted material that falls outside of the doctrine of "fair use."

(I) Requests for permission. There are two ways to obtain permission to use copyrighted material. You may either contact the copyright holder directly, or you may use a rights clearinghouse. The permission process is not instantaneous. Allow one-three months for requests to be processed. Whether you are contacting a rights holder directly or using a clearinghouse, you will need to have the following information:

(1) Include an exact description/citation of the work to be used or copied: Title, author and/or editor, and edition of material to be duplicated including page numbers, chapters, and if possible a photocopy of the material to be duplicated.

(2) Include an exact description of what rights you are requesting, how you plan to use the work, the form of distribution (classroom, online class, newsletter, etc.), whether or not the material will be sold, and reproduction medium (photocopy, digital file, etc.).

(3) You must request and pay for, if applicable, each type of right you request. For example, if you are granted the right to use an image in a PowerPoint presentation, it doesn't mean you have the right to use that image in a paper you are writing unless you have also been granted that right.

(4) Whenever possible, requests for permission should be in writing.

(5) All requests shall identify the user as Stark state college.

(6) Permission to use copyrighted material must be in writing.

(7) Questions about copyright at Stark state college should be directed to the director of library services.

(J) Digital media and the Digital Millennium Copyright Act

(1) Copyright law applies to digital resources as well as to conventional paper works. Any distribution of copyrighted digital files--music, movies, text or software--is a violation of federal law. (See the policy on use of college computing resources, rule 3357:15-15-05 of the Administrative Code.) Placing media files in a location where they are available to other Internet users counts as distribution, as does providing copies to friends. It is also illegal to attempt to subvert copyright protection mechanisms (17 USC 1201). Willful infringement for commercial advantage or private gain constitutes a criminal offense.

(2) Stark state college encourages the use of legal online resources. A comprehensive list of legal sources for online content and downloading may be found through the "EDUCAUSE" website at: http://www.educause.edu/legalcontent.

(3) The Digital Millennium Copyright Act (DMCA), enacted in 1998, provides protection for copyrighted material in digital form. The DMCA requires that online service providers--including colleges and universities--follow a particular set of procedures in resolving copyright violation claims. Stark state college has implemented these DMCA-mandated procedures. (For more information, see report a copyright infringement below.) The college is also taking active measures to educate users about the provisions of copyright law and encourage compliance with it.

(K) The Technology, Education and Copyright Harmonization Act (TEACH) was signed into law in October 2002. The TEACH Act amends Sections 110(2) and 112 of the Copyright Act of 1976 to give instructors at accredited nonprofit educational institutions greater flexibility to use third party copyrighted works in online course delivery. The bill permits the display and performance of virtually all types of works during online instruction without the consent of the copyright owner, provided that:

(1) The online instructions at an eligible institution are mediated by an instructor;

(2) The transmission of the material is intended only for receipt by students enrolled in the course, regardless of where the students are physically located;

(3) The institution employs measures to prevent "retention of the work in accessible form by recipients of the transmission for longer than the class session;"

(4) The institution employs measures that limit the transmission of the material to students enrolled in the particular course and precludes unauthorized student retention and/or downstream redistribution "to the extent technologically feasible;" and

(5) use of the material is clearly for educational, not entertainment purposes.

(L) Penalties for copyright infringement

If it comes to the attention of the college that an individual is using Stark state college computer equipment and/or network access to violate copyright law, Stark state college will take action to stop such activities, including removing network access.

In addition, violations of copyright law can lead to criminal charges and civil penalties.

Report a copyright infringement

(1) To report copyright infringements on servers located at Stark state college, please notify:

Director of library services Stark state college 6200 Frank ave. NW North Canton, OH 44720 Phone: (330) 494-6170

(2) Director of library services is the agent designated under the Digital Millennium Copyright Act, P.L. 105-304.

(3) Director of library services will comply with the "Notice and Take Down" provisions of the DMCA by removing the material in question and informing the individual user of the complaint. Users must file a counter-notice if they wish to make the material available again.

(M) Copyright and faculty ownership of intellectual property, compensation, royalties, and patents.

Copyright and faculty ownership of intellectual property is determined based on use of college resources as defined in this paragraph. Compensation for course/program development is based on category and level as identified in this paragraph.

(1) Category A: Employees shall have sole rights of ownership and disposition of copyrightable material and patents generated by their own individual initiative, provided there is no use of college personnel, facilities, or resources ("category A materials"). However, employees hereby grant the college a fully paid up, nonexclusive license to reproduce, distribute, display, or otherwise use category A materials for educational purposes only. The employee has sole rights to license category A materials and shall retain all royalties or profits therefrom.

(2) Category B: Employees and the college shall share the ownership and disposition of copyrightable material and patentable discoveries or inventions generated where there is approved use of college personnel or facilities ("category B materials"). College personnel or facilities include, but are not limited to, released time, administrative assistance, financial assistance (such as student workers), or college services, equipment, or building. Both parties must agree to any commercial licensing arrangement unless otherwise stated in the course/program development agreement. Division of royalties under these circumstances shall be seventy per cent to the employee and thirty per cent to the college unless other written agreements are made prior to the initiation of the work.

(3) Category C: Copyrights and patents developed from projects undertaken by an employee pursuant to an agreement with the college whereby the college commits substantial resources such as the use of other personnel, facilities, compensation, and release time ("category C materials"). Employee hereby assigns to college all rights and title, including all copyright rights, in any and all category C materials. The college has sole rights to license category C materials and shall retain all royalties and profits therefrom.

(4) Grants: Rights to copyrightable material and patents developed as a result of work supported partially or totally by an outside agency or sponsor through a contract or grant shall be disposed of in accordance with the terms of the contract or grant. Prior to the employee accepting sponsored research or developmental assignments, the college will be consulted and must approve the contract or grant and the details of the project, division of any resulting copyrights or patents, compensation, and the division of royalties.

(5) Employment of the author: In the case where the author is no longer employed at the college, the college retains the right to use the category B and category C course material and also grants the author the right for the author to use the work at another educational institution at which the author is employed so long as that institution is outside the extended service district of the college. The extended service district of the college is defined as Stark county, Summit county, and the adjacent surrounding counties. In the case where the author is no longer employed at the college, the commercial license for the material is defined by the category in the course/program development agreement.

(6) Compensation of the author: In consideration for the following, the author will develop the category B or category C course with any remuneration to be paid upon successful completion of the deliverable of the project.

(7) Transfer of Ownership of Copyright (See Title 17 United States Code, Section 204)

(a) Copyright must be deliberately transferred.

(b) Any transfer of ownership must be both in writing and signed.

(i) A unilaterally imposed institutional policy cannot legally take away the author's copyright ownership of work.

(ii) However, if the author has signed an employment contract yielding copyright to the work, or signed a faculty handbook indicating acceptance of the policies within, such a signed document could be interpreted as a contract and might constitute a valid transfer of rights.

Last updated June 5, 2023 at 8:48 AM

History

Effective: June 5, 2023
Promulgated Under: 111.15

Ohio Adm.Code 3357:15-15-05

(A) As a part of the physical and social learning infrastructure, Stark state college acquires, develops, and maintains computers, computer systems, and networks. These computing resources are intended for college-related purposes, including direct and indirect support of the college's instruction, research, and service missions; of college administrative functions; of student and campus life activities; and of the free exchange of ideas among members of the college community and between the college community and the wider local, national, and world communities.

(B) The rights of academic freedom and freedom of expression apply to the use of college computing resources. So, too, however, do the responsibilities and limitations associated with those rights. The use of college computing resources, like the use of any other college-provided resource and like any other college-related activity, is subject to the normal requirements of legal and ethical behavior within the college community. Thus, legitimate use of a computer, computer system, or network does not extend to whatever is technically possible. Although some limitations are built into computer operating systems and networks, those limitations are not the sole restrictions on what is permissible Users must abide by all applicable restrictions, whether or not they are built into the operating system or network and whether or not they can be circumvented by technical means.

(C) This policy applies to all users of college computing resources, whether affiliated with the college or not, and to all uses of those resources, whether on campus or from remote locations. Computing resources include technology that stores, processes, or transmits data/information. Examples include, but are not limited to, desktop computers, tablets, laptop computers, cell phones, desk and conference phones, hotspots, network equipment, servers, uninterruptible power supplies, power supplies, projectors, displays, audio equipment, cables, control panels, storage devices, cameras, radios, scanners, printers, software, cloud services, and instructional technology. Additional policies may apply to specific computers, computer systems, or networks provided or operated by specific units of the college or to uses within specific units.

Last updated June 5, 2023 at 8:45 AM

History

Effective: June 5, 2023
Promulgated Under: 111.15

Ohio Adm.Code 3357:15-13-35 Course syllabus.

Faculty in all credit courses must make available to students the standardized master syllabus and the class syllabus, electronic or hard copy, on the first day of a class session.

Last updated June 6, 2022 at 9:37 AM

History

Effective: June 6, 2022
Promulgated Under: 111.15

Ohio Adm.Code 3357:15-13-36 Implementation of assessment.

All divisions and departments in the college are to participate in the outcomes assessment procedure. Assessments are to lead to improvements in programs and services.

History

Effective: March 23, 2015
Promulgated Under: 111.15

Ohio Adm.Code 3357:15-13-37 Electronic recording of classroom activities.

The policy governs the electronic recording made by students, faculty, and staff in a classroom or other official academic setting. Electronic recording is not permitted unless explicit permission is granted and other students are notified. Students, except those who have an accommodation letter from disability support services (DSS), who would like to record a classroom lecture or activity or teaching sessions must obtain permission from the instructor prior to the recording. The instructor may choose to restrict or prohibit the electronic recordings of lectures and activities or teaching sessions except for those students who meet the eligibility criteria from DSS.

Last updated June 7, 2021 at 10:39 AM

History

Effective: June 7, 2021
Promulgated Under: 111.15

Ohio Adm.Code 3357:15-13-39 Length of programs, semesters and credit hours.

(A) Stark state college follows the Ohio department of higher education guidelines for the length of programs, semesters, and credit hours. The length of an applied bachelor's degree falls between a minimum of one hundred twenty semester credit hours and a maximum of one hundred twenty-six semester credit hours unless it can be shown that additional coursework is required to meet professional accreditation or licensing requirements. An applied bachelor's degree is designed for individuals who hold an associate of applied science degree or its equivalent in order to maximize application of the individual's technical course credits towards the bachelor's degree. Applied bachelor's degrees incorporate both theoretical and applied knowledge and skills in a specific technical field. The length of associate degree programs falls between a minimum of sixty credit hours and a maximum of sixty-five credit hours unless it can be shown that additional coursework is required to meet professional accreditation or licensing requirements. Programs requiring hours beyond the sixty-five credit hours maximum in order to meet accreditation or licensing requirements are expected to align similarly to like programs at other two-year public institutions, must have the permission of the provost and chief academic officer, and shall not exceed seventy-three semester credit hours. The length of a semester shall consist of no fewer than fifteen calendar weeks and no more than seventeen calendar weeks of instructional time. Term lengths at Stark state college in the fall semester and spring semester range from one week to sixteen weeks of instruction. Term lengths in the summer session range from one week to ten weeks of instruction.

(B) The number of credits which should be awarded for the completion of courses in an applied bachelor's degree and an associate degree programs is determined by the instructional arrangements as follows:

(1) Classroom: Classroom instruction is formalized instruction, conducted on-or off-campus, in which the instructor presents an educational experience to students, applying any combination of instructional methods.

(a) This definition is applicable only when the course organization requires that the instructor bear the primary responsibility for the instructional activity and is directly involved with all students in the class. Students will be expected to work on out-of-class assignments on a regular basis which, over the length of the course, would normally average two hours of out-of-class study for each hour of formal class activity. This out-of-class study shall not be counted as part of the classroom hour for credit.

(b) One hour of credit shall be awarded for each seven hundred fifty minutes of classroom instruction for a semester calendar

(2) Laboratory: Laboratory instruction is educational activity with students conducting experiments, perfecting skills, or practicing procedures under the direction of a faculty member.

(a) One hour of credit shall be awarded for a total of two thousand two hundrd fifty minutes laboratory instructional time for a semester calendar.

(b) If laboratory instruction is supplemented by out-of-class assignments which would normally average one hour of out-of-class study preparing for or following-up the laboratory experience, then one hour of credit shall be awarded for a total of one thousand five hundred minutes laboratory instructional time for a semester calendar.

(3) Clinical laboratory: Clinical laboratory instruction applies only to health technology programs, during which students are assigned to laboratory sections which meet at a health-related agency rather than in on-campus laboratory facilities. Clinical laboratory sessions provide a realistic environment for student learning. These laboratory hours should be directly supervised by regular faculty members, full-time or part-time, of the college.

Credit hours for the clinical laboratory experience will be awarded on the same basis as laboratory instruction.

(4) Directed practice: This definition applies primarily to programs in the health technologies, during which the student is assigned to practice experiences under constant supervision at an external agency. The student should receive individual instruction and critique in the performance of a particular function. Adjunct faculty, who may or may not be paid by the college, may be used for the direct supervision of students and for the delivery of part of the didactic phase of the experience.

(a) The faculty member coordinating the directed practice conducts at least one lecture session each week for participating students, provides the final grade for each student, and visits students at least once a week.

(b) One hour of credit shall be awarded for a total of four thousand five hundred minutes of directed practice instructional time for a semester calendar.

(5) Practicum: Practicum instruction is on or off-campus work experience, integrated with academic instruction. Students concurrently apply theoretical concepts to practical situations within an occupational field. To assure proper coordination of the experience, the practicum is coordinated by a faculty member who visits the student at least once biweekly, provides the final grade, and teaches at least one course on the campus.

(a) Each student who is enrolled in a practicum shall also be enrolled in an on-campus seminar.

(b) A maximum of nine semester credit hours or thirteen quarter credit hours may be earned in practicum, or any combination of practicum cooperative work experience, over the associate degree program. One hour of credit shall be awarded for a total of six thousand three hundred minutes practicum instructional time for a semester calendar.

(6) Cooperative work experience: A cooperative work experience is on or off-campus paid employment. It augments formal classroom instruction. The experience is coordinated by a faculty member of the college who visits the job site for a conference with the student and supervisor at least once during the semester, and assigns the course grade to the student after appropriate consultation with the supervisor/employer.

(a) Each student who is enrolled in cooperative work experience shall also enroll in an on-campus seminar.

(b) One hour of credit shall be awarded for a total of nine thousand minutes cooperative work experience instructional time for a semester calendar. A maximum of nine credit hours for a semester calendar may be earned in cooperative work experience, or any combination of cooperative work experience and practicum, over the associate degree program.

(7) Field experience: Field experience is planned, paid work activity that relates to an individual student's occupational objectives. With permission of a faculty advisor, the field experience replaces elective or required courses in a student's associate degree program. The experience is coordinated by a faculty member of the college who assists the student in planning the experience, visits the site of the experience for a conference with the student and his/her supervisor at least once during the semester, and assigns the course grade to the student after appropriate consultation with the employer/supervisor.

A maximum of nine credit hours for a semester calendar may be earned in field experience, or in any combination of field experience, cooperative education experience, and practicum over the associate degree program. One hour of credit shall be awarded for a total of ten thousand eight hundred minutes field experience instructional time for a semester calendar.

(8) Observation: Observation occurs when students participate in an educational experience as observers of practitioners representative of the occupational area. Students may participate at times in the actual work activity. Observation hours are coordinated by faculty members who receive reports from the students of their observational experiences and provide assessments of students' progress toward the achievement of the objectives of the experience.

One hour of credit shall be awarded for a total of thirteen thousand five hundred minutes observation instructional time for a semester calendar.

(9) Seminar: A seminar is a less formal educational experience than a classroom/lecture/discussion class. A relatively small number of students engage in discussions directed by a faculty member.

Credit is awarded for seminar hours on the same basis as that for the classroom hour discussed in this rule.

(10) Miscellaneous applications courses: Miscellaneous application courses are those for which extended periods of concentrated practice are required of the student subsequent to sessions of individualized instruction. Courses in applied music and journalism or courses of an independent study nature are examples.

One hour of credit shall be awarded for a total of six thousand three hundred minutes of instructional time for miscellaneous applications courses for a semester calendar.

(11) Studio course: Studio courses require little or no out-of-class study.

(a) One hour of credit shall be awarded for a total of two thousand two hundred fifty minutes of instructional time for a studio course for a semester calendar. If supplemented by out-of-class assignments which would normally average one hour of out-of-class study preparing for or following-up the studio experience, one hour of credit shall be awarded for a total of one thousand five hundred minutes instructional time for a semester calendar.

(b) Instructors who teach such courses have primary responsibility for assigning the work activity or skills objectives to the student and personally provide whatever instruction is required. In addition, the instructor periodically assesses the student's progress and assigns the final grade.

Last updated June 1, 2026 at 8:14 AM

History

Effective: June 1, 2026
Promulgated Under: 111.15

Ohio Adm.Code 3357:15-13-40 Student success seminar.

All new students and transfer students seeking a degree or certain certificates must take SSC101, a one-credit, one-contact hour student success seminar course that is standardized across all divisions, within the first fifteen earned credits.

Last updated June 5, 2023 at 8:51 AM

History

Effective: June 5, 2023
Promulgated Under: 111.15

Ohio Adm.Code 3357:15-13-42 Required new student orientation.

Required new student orientation provides foundational information about the campus policies, programs, systems, and services unique to Stark state college to help students succeed. All new students seeking a degree or certificate(s) complete new student orientation as part of the enrollment process, prior to the start of classes in their first term. Students with an existing degree from an accredited college will be encouraged to complete new student orientation.

Last updated June 7, 2021 at 11:31 AM

History

Effective: June 7, 2021
Promulgated Under: 111.15

Ohio Adm.Code 3357:15-13-43 Midterm Grade.

Midterm grades will be entered for students in every class in which they are enrolled. Students will be notified after all midterm grades have been posted. Students earning an F and failing to attend after the initial never attend deadline will be assessed a midterm grade of an F with the last date of attendance and will be administratively withdrawn.

History

Effective: March 27, 2015
Promulgated Under: 111.15

Ohio Adm.Code 3357:15-13-44 "Teach out" statement for inactivated educational programs.

In the event that Stark state college should decide to inactivate a degree or certificate, the college will make every effort to "teach out" currently enrolled students to a maximum of two years. The college will inform the community that no additional students will be accepted into the program. Students who have not completed their programs will be advised by the department chair or program coordinator regarding suitable options including transfer to comparable programs. The college will offer the courses required for graduation to continuously enrolled program students at the time of inactivation until those students have been provided an opportunity to complete their degrees.

History

Effective: June 3, 2019
Promulgated Under: 111.15

Ohio Adm.Code 3357:15-13-45 Military leave of absence and withdrawal.

In compliance with section 3332.20 of the Revised Code and House Bill 488, Stark state college will grant a student a military leave of absence or withdrawal from the college while a student is serving on active duty or participating in mandatory training. Eligible students include those currently serving (active duty), national guard, reserves, and inactive ready reserves.

History

Effective: March 11, 2016
Promulgated Under: 111.15

Ohio Adm.Code 3357:15-13-46 Medical withdrawal policy.

In order to promote student success, if a student or immediate family member (as referenced in policy 3357:15-14-24 of the Administrative Code) experiences a serious illness, injury, or medical condition while the student is enrolled in Stark state, a student may petition to receive a medical withdrawal. When a licensed health care or mental health practitioner deems a withdrawal medically necessary, the student's petition for withdrawal must be submitted for all classes which have not been completed for the current semester, in addition to submitting through the normal refund policy (see policy 3357:15-18-09 of the Administrative Code) or the normal withdrawal procedure (see policy 3357:15-13-16 of the Administrative Code). The medical withdrawal policy covers both physical health and mental health conditions. Students may only submit two petitions while attending Stark state college; however, if the student has exceptional circumstances, as deemed so by the medical petition committee, an exception to the two-petition minimum may be considered.

Last updated June 2, 2025 at 8:10 AM

History

Effective: June 2, 2025
Promulgated Under: 111.15

Ohio Adm.Code 3357:15-13-47 Textbook selection.

In support of the college's strategic goals of academic excellence and fiscal stability and stewardship, stark state college requires the textbook selection process to meet the standards required of the course as determined by the department while selecting the best cost solution. The college expects all departments and faculty to select appropriate, high quality course materials that benefit the student's learning experience. The policy supports academic freedom and departmental autonomy for faculty making the textbook selections. This policy applies to the selection of textbooks and other instructional materials for use in courses offered by the college. Pursuant to section 133 of the Higher Education Opportunity Act, Stark state college is required to disclose, where practicable, on the college's bookstore webpage, the international standard book number and retail price information of required and recommended college textbooks and supplemental materials for each course listed in the institution's course schedule by the time that registration begins. If not practicable, the designation "to be determined" will be used until the information becomes available.

Last updated June 6, 2022 at 9:38 AM

History

Effective: June 6, 2022
Promulgated Under: 111.15

Ohio Adm.Code 3357:15-13-48 Freedom of expression and responsibilities.

The college believes that the right of expression is as necessary as the right of inquiry and that both must be preserved as essential to the pursuit and dissemination of knowledge and truth. Students, including student groups, have a fundamental constitutional right to free speech. The college is committed to giving students broad latitude to speak, write, listen, challenge, learn, and discuss any issue. The college is further committed to maintaining campus as a marketplace of ideas for all students and faculty in which the exchange of ideas is not to be suppressed because the ideas put forth are thought by some members of the college community to be offensive, unwise, indecent, disagreeable, conservative, liberal, traditional, radical, or wrong-headed; it is not the college's role to shield individuals from such speech or to use concerns about civility and mutual respect as justification for closing off the discussion of such speech. The college believes that it is for individual students and faculty to make judgments about ideas for themselves, and to act on those judgments not by seeking to suppress free speech, but by openly and vigorously contesting the ideas they oppose. The primary responsibility of faculty is to engage in honest, courageous, and persistent effort to search out and communicate the truth that lies in the areas of their competence.

Although all students and all faculty are free to state their own views about and contest the views expressed on campus, and to state their own views about and contest speakers who are invited to express their views on campus, they may not substantially obstruct or otherwise substantially interfere with the freedom of others to express views they reject or even loathe. To this end, the college has a responsibility to promote a lively and fearless freedom of debate and deliberation and protect that freedom. The college is committed to providing an atmosphere that is most conducive to speculation, experimentation, and creation by all students and all faculty, who shall always remain free to inquire, to study and to evaluate, and to gain new understanding.

Academic freedom is the right to engage in intellectual expression, on and off campus, without fear of censorship, retaliation, or sanctions. This right is essential to the longstanding goal of higher education to seek the truth by encompassing varying viewpoints. Academic freedom includes both the individual's and institution's responsibility to maintain academic standards and to encourage intellectual inquiry and integrity. Academic freedom of expression extends to all members of the academic community, subject to constitutional limits on expression that is defamatory, incites violence, discriminates, or harasses.

College employees are entitled to academic freedom and to pursue scholarly interests without fear of censure, discipline, or reprisal; but they are subject to the standards of professional conduct set forth in the policies and procedures manual. When college employees speak or write as citizens, they are free from college censorship or discipline; but their special position in the community imposes special obligations, as the public may judge the institution by their comments. Hence, employees are encouraged to be accurate at all times, exercise appropriate restraint, show respect for the opinions of others, and should indicate that they do not speak for the college.

College faculty members may present course content in their own scholarly manner. The college's design best practices established by the college, ethical standards of the discipline, and stark state college policies and procedures are subject to this policy and must be followed by faculty. Faculty members are free to discuss subject matter aligned with the approved course learning objectives. However, faculty members must refrain from persistently using a substantial portion of classroom instruction to introduce material that has no bearing on the subject matter of the course and/or which is outside the area(s) of their competence and training. Students will be graded only on the intellectual merits of their work. Academic freedom does not allow a faculty member to impel his or her opinions on students. Consequently, faculty members must assess student learning for mastery of course content, rather than a student's personal beliefs on a subject or a student's subjective decision to agree or disagree with a particular aspect of the material.

Nothing within this policy shall be interpreted as preventing the college from imposing measures under its policies and procedures that do not violate the First Amendment of the U.S. Constitution or Article I, Sections 3 and 11 of the Ohio Constitution, such as: constitutional time, place and manner restrictions; reasonable and viewpoint-neutral restrictions in nonpublic forums; restricting the use of the college's property to protect the free speech rights of students and faculty members and preserve the use of the property for the advancement of the college's mission; prohibiting or limiting speech, expression, or assemblies that are not protected by the first amendment to the United States Constitution or Article 1, Sections 3 and 11 of the Ohio Constitution; and content restrictions on speech that are reasonably related to a legitimate pedagogical purpose, such as classroom rules enacted by faculty. Additionally, nothing in this policy shall give students the right to disrupt previously scheduled or reserved activities occurring in a traditional public form.

Last updated October 17, 2022 at 8:45 AM

History

Effective: October 16, 2022
Promulgated Under: 111.15

Ohio Adm.Code 3357:15-13-49 Testing your faith.

Stark state college supports the religious beliefs and practices of individual students. In compliance with section 3345.026 of the Revised Code, the college permits a student to be absent for up to three days each academic semester to take holidays for reasons of faith, religious or spiritual belief system, or to participate in organized activities conducted under the auspices of a religious denomination, church, or other religious or spiritual organization. The college will not impose an academic penalty as a result of a student being absent.

Students are required to notify their instructors no later than fourteen days after the first day of instruction in the course. Students must provide the instructor with written notice of the specific dates for which the student requests alternative accommodations.

Instructors will provide students with alternative accommodations with regard to examinations and other academic requirements missed due to an absence when a student's sincerely held religious belief or practice affects the student's ability to take an examination or meet an academic requirement.

The instructor must accept, without question, the sincerity of the student's religious or spiritual belief system. The instructor must keep requests for alternative accommodations confidential. The instructor must schedule a time and date for an alternative examination or other academic requirement, which may occur before or after the time and date the examination or other academic requirement was originally scheduled, and must do so without prejudicial effect.

A non-exhaustive list of major religious holidays or festivals for the next two academic years, as provided by the chancellor of higher education, is posted on the college's website. The list is non-exhaustive, and the list may not be used to deny accommodations to a student for a holiday or festival of the student's faith or religious or spiritual belief system that does not appear on the list.

Last updated April 3, 2023 at 8:44 AM

History

Effective: April 3, 2023
Promulgated Under: 111.15

Ohio Adm.Code 3357:15-13-50 Reasonable accommodations for students.

Stark state college is committed to the full inclusion of all individuals. The college will make reasonable accommodations as defined in this policy and in compliance with state and federal law including the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, which will provide otherwise qualified students with disabilities equal access to educational opportunities and to ensure that all students can freely and actively participate in programs and services within the college.

It is the intent of the college to provide reasonable accommodations to such students with a qualified disability. In doing so, the college will:

(A) Inform its program participants about the availability of accommodations.

(B) May select between equally effective methods of accommodating an individual with a disability.

(C) Will identify and establish the abilities, skills, and knowledge necessary for entrance and ongoing participation in its programs and evaluate applicants and participants on those bases.

(D) Will make reasonable modifications to the environment, policy, or practice and/or provide auxiliary aids and services in a timely fashion when an individual's program participation is negatively impacted by their disability in a substantial way.

(E) May refuse a requested accommodation that fundamentally alters an essential element program requirement or creates an undue hardship as determined by the college.

(F) Will inform the individual of the availability of internal and external appeals processes as applicable

The college recognizes the importance of confidentiality and privacy. Information received in connection with establishing and implementing reasonable accommodations, reporting, and resolution will be treated as private and only involve individuals the college determines necessary to ensure compliance with applicable policy, procedure, and law.

Last updated August 29, 2025 at 8:27 AM

History

Effective: June 2, 2025
Promulgated Under: 111.15

Ohio Adm.Code 3357:15-13-51 Advance Ohio education act policy.

Stark state college (SSC) is dedicated to fostering a learning and teaching environment where students, faculty, and staff can thrive and succeed. Our primary function is to support the practice of intellectual diversity, discovery, improvement, transmission, and dissemination of knowledge and citizenship education through teaching, discussion, and debate in accordance with the advance Ohio education act.

(A) Definitions:

(1) Controversial belief: any belief or policy that is the subject of political controversy, including issues such as climate policies, electoral politics, foreign policy, diversity, equity, and inclusion programs, immigration policy, marriage, or abortion.

(2) Intellectual diversity: multiple, divergent, and varying perspectives on an extensive range of public policy issues.

(B) SSC affirms the following practices:

(1) Orientation and training on diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI) concepts:

The college prohibits any orientation or training course regarding DEI, unless SSC submits a written request for an exception to the chancellor of higher education because the college determines the orientation or training course is exempt from this prohibition because all aspects of the orientation or course are required to:

(a) Comply with state or federal laws or regulations;

(b) Comply with state or federal professional licensure requirements; or

(2) DEI office or departments

The college will not continue existing DEI offices or departments nor will we establish new DEI offices or departments.

(3) DEI in employment and/or admission practices

(a) The college will not use diversity, equity, and inclusion in position descriptions.

(b) The college will not use political and ideological litmus tests in any hiring, promotion, and admissions decisions, including diversity statements and any other requirement that applicants describe their commitment to any ideology, principle, concept, or formulation that requires commitment to any controversial belief or policy.

(c) The college will ensure that hiring, promotion, and admissions processes or decisions do not encourage, discourage, require, or forbid students, faculty, or administrators to endorse, assent to, or publicly express a given ideology or political stance.

(d) The college will not use a diversity statement or any other assessment of an applicant's political or ideological views in any hiring, promotion or admissions process or decision.

(4) Third-party contractors

The college will not contract with consultants or third parties whose role is to promote hiring, admissions, or promotion based on race, ethnicity, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, or gender expression.

(5) Scholarships

(a) The college will not create new institutional scholarships using any DEI criteria.

(b) The college will discontinue existing DEI-based scholarships where possible. If donor restrictions prevent changes, no new funding for such scholarships will be accepted.

(6) Replacement with equivalent structures

The college shall not replace any orientation, training, office, or position designated for the purpose of DEI with an orientation, training, office, or position under a different designation that serves the same or similar purposes, or that uses the same or similar means.

(1) If grant compliance conflicts with DEI prohibitions, the college will seek legal guidance to comply as far as possible while retaining grant eligibility.

(2) If unable to comply, the college must submit a written exception request to the chancellor. The request must include an explanation of the circumstances and the effort made by the college to comply with the advance Ohio education act's DEI prohibitions while retaining eligibility for the research grant.

(D) Speakers

(1) The college will seek out invited speakers who have diverse ideological or political views.

(2) The college will post prominently on its website a complete list of all speaker fees, honoraria, and other emoluments of over five hundred dollars for events the college sponsors.

(3) That information shall be all of the following:

(a) Accessible from the main page of the institution's website by use of not more than three links;

(b) Searchable by keywords and phrases;

(E) College affirmations

(1) The college's primary function is to support discovery, improvement, transmission, and dissemination of knowledge through teaching, discussion, and debate.

(2) The college will ensure intellectual diversity, encouraging students to reach their own conclusions regarding controversial issues.

(3) Faculty and staff shall allow and encourage students to reach their own conclusions about all controversial beliefs or policies and shall not seek to indoctrinate students into any political, social, or religious ideologies.

(4) The college will demonstrate intellectual diversity for course approval, approval of courses to satisfy general requirements, student course evaluations, common reading programs, annual reviews, strategic goals for each department, and student learning outcomes.

(a) College affirmations do not apply to the exercise of professional judgment about how to accomplish intellectual diversity within an academic discipline, unless that exercise is misused to constrict intellectual diversity. They also do not apply to the exercise of professional judgment about whether to endorse an academic discipline's consensus or foundational beliefs unless that exercise is misused to take a prohibited action.

(b) The college will not endorse or oppose any controversial belief or policy, except where on matters that directly impact the college's funding or the mission of discovering, improvement, and disseminating knowledge. This does not include the recognition of national and state holidays, support for the Constitution and laws of the United States or the state of Ohio, or the display of the American or Ohio flag.

(5) The college will not encourage, discourage, require, or forbid students, faculty, or administrators to endorse, assent to, or publicly express a given ideology, political stance, or view of social policy, nor will the institution require students to do any of those things to obtain a degree.

(6) The college will ensure that processes or decisions regulating conditions of work or study, such as committee assignments, course scheduling, or workload adjustment policies, don't encourage, discourage, require, or forbid students, faculty, or administrators to endorse, assent to, or publicly express a given ideology or political stance.

(F) Academic freedom

This policy does not restrict:

(1) Faculty or students from classroom instruction, discussions or debates, so long as faculty members allow students to express intellectual diversity;

(2) Compliance with disability accommodations or recognition of national/state holidays, U.S. or Ohio law, or the display of the American or Ohio flag; or

(3) Student organization operations.

(G) Complaint process

The college will respond to complaints from any student, student group, or a faculty member about alleged policy violations: student complaints will follow the student complaint(s) policy (policy 3357:15-19-08). If the complaint is against a student and it is determined that the student violated college policies and procedures, disciplinary action will be based on that defined in the student code of conduct policy and procedure (See student code of conduct policy, rule 3357:15-19-10 of the Administrative Code). The student will be notified in writing of the decision.

Alleged violations involving employees will be investigated following the internal complaint process. If the complaint is against an employee and it is determined that the employee violated college policies and procedures, disciplinary action will be based on that defined in the corrective action and discipline policy and procedure (corrective action and discipline policy, rule 3357:15-14-18 of the Administrative Code).

(H) Reporting requirements

In accordance with the guidelines established by the chancellor, the college will issue a report regarding:

(1) All violations of the disciplinary sanctions implemented for violation of the training prohibition.

(2) Statistics on the academic qualifications of accepted and matriculating students, disaggregated by race and sex. The statistics must include information correlating students' academic qualifications and retention rates, disaggregated by race and sex.

(3) The report will be posted on the Ohio department of higher education's website.

(I) Non-compliance

The college will refer to the corrective action and discipline procedure (rule 3357:15-14-18 of the Administrative Code) and the student code of conduct (rule 3357:15-14-10 of the Administrative Code) for appropriate disciplinary interventions. Additionally, failure to comply with this policy may result in state funding loss or reduction, as determined by the general assembly.

Last updated September 16, 2025 at 9:06 AM

History

Effective: September 8, 2025
Promulgated Under: 111.15

Ohio Adm.Code 3357:15-19-10

Stark state college provides an engaging, supportive, and empowering environment that creates the foundation for lifelong learning and individual professional development. The student code of conduct is established to provide students a detailed list of prohibited behaviors for both on-campus and off-campus college-related activities, and disciplinary action(s) that can result in violating the student code of conduct. The conduct code shall also apply to student conduct involving violations of federal, state, or local laws.

History

Effective: June 25, 2017
Promulgated Under: 111.15

Ohio Adm.Code 3357:15-14-18

(A) The policy provides a mechanism for maintenance of stable working conditions according to the policies and procedures of the college. Disciplinary interventions should focus on modifying and correcting employee behavior and deterring the employee from repeating past problem behavior.

(B) Corrective action and discipline should impose the least severe action necessary to correct the undesirable behavior. Stark state college reserves the right to combine or skip steps in the corrective action and disciplinary procedure depending upon the facts of each situation and the nature of the offense. The level of disciplinary intervention may vary based on the totality of circumstances. Discipline must consider past practice and equitable treatment, and it must meet the test of just cause.

(C) Disciplinary intervention can be taken to correct problems including, but not limited to, unsatisfactory work performance, insubordination, behavior and conduct infractions, absenteeism and tardiness, negligence, violation of the college's rules and policies and procedures, and illegal activity.

(D) To promote safety and security, mitigate potential risks, and maintain the integrity of the college, we require employees to self-disclose any arrests and convictions (outside of minor misdemeanor traffic citations) during their employment to the vice president of human resources or their applicable executive council member. This must be done no later than five calendar days after the arrest or conviction, so the college can conduct an independent review of their continued suitability for employment.

Disclosing an arrest or conviction does not automatically impact an employee's eligibility for employment with the college. Continued employment depends on a variety of factors such as violations of college policy; the employee's past disciplinary record; and the nature and gravity of, and circumstances surrounding, the arrest or conviction, including the employee's truthfulness and completeness in disclosing the information in a timely manner.

Last updated June 5, 2023 at 8:44 AM

History

Effective: June 5, 2023
Promulgated Under: 111.15

Ohio Adm.Code 3357:15-14-10

It is customary and reasonable to pay the necessary travel expenses of employees incurred in the performance of their college jobs. The president, with the assistance of the CFO/vice president of business, finance, and information technology, will establish travel procedures to define allowable and unallowable expenses, rates and methods, authorization, documentation, and reimbursement. The board will approve any changes in reimbursement rates included in the travel procedures.

Last updated May 22, 2026 at 8:18 AM

History

Effective: May 11, 2026
Promulgated Under: 111.15

Chapter 3357:15-14 Employment and Recruitment

Ohio Adm.Code 3357:15-14-01 Employee classification system.

The five occupational categories of Stark state college employees conform to the wage and hour provisions of the Fair Labor Standards Act and the applicable provisions of the Ohio Revised Code. It may be possible for an employee to hold more than one position or appointment and thus be assigned to more than one occupational category.

(A) Administrative and professional. This category consists of two major divisions.

(1) Administrative: those positions where the primary responsibilities include planning, organizing, controlling and supervising an instructional or operational area within the college.

(2) Professional: those positions where the primary responsibilities require the performance of varied intellectual work and a functional knowledge of advanced theoretical principles and practices in a specific professional area other than instruction.

(B) Instructional. This category comprises those positions where the primary responsibility is instructing students. This includes such activities as classroom and laboratory instruction, individual student performance and field-experience supervision, and student advising.

(C) Technical/paraprofessional. This category includes those positions other than instruction, serving a support role where primary responsibilities include the solving of practical problems encountered in broad fields of specialization and require the use of theoretical or scientific knowledge and manual skills acquired through on-the-job or formal training.

(D) Office and clerical. This category covers positions where the primary responsibilities require the preparing, transcribing, transferring, systematizing, or preserving of written communications and records, and the operating of various office machines.

(E) Service and maintenance. This category covers service and maintenance positions which require specialized training in trades, crafts, and manual skills. This category also includes semi-skilled and unskilled positions which require the performance of physical effort and/or the manual skills normally learned through on-the-job or apprenticeship training.

Last updated September 16, 2025 at 9:08 AM

History

Effective: February 22, 2015
Promulgated Under: 111.15

Ohio Adm.Code 3357:15-14-02 Recruitment and selection.

Stark state college is committed to employing the best qualified candidates for approved college positions while engaging in recruitment and selection practices that are in compliance with all applicable federal and state regulations regarding matters of employment.

History

Effective: June 4, 2018
Promulgated Under: 111.15

Ohio Adm.Code 3357:15-14-03 Contracts and records.

The college uses an employment contract for each salaried employee in the administrative and professional, instructional, and technical/paraprofessional categories. The college maintains accurate and relevant personnel and payroll files. Federal and state laws require that certain information be gathered and maintained in personnel and payroll files. Many of these records are available to the public upon request (section 149.43 of the Revised Code).

Last updated May 27, 2025 at 7:38 AM

History

Effective: May 24, 2025
Promulgated Under: 111.15

Ohio Adm.Code 3357:15-14-04 Employee responsibilities and duties.

In order to maintain a productive, service-oriented environment within the college community, all employees are expected to meet established standards of performance and conduct. It is expected that all employees will accept appropriate responsibility assigned to them and cooperate through the timely completion of assigned work or duties as outlined within the applicable job description. Supervisors have the right to direct, oversee, and evaluate employees in support of effective and efficient department/office/division operations. Actions that constitute breaches or flagrant violations of the standards defined the Stark state college policies and procedures manual may result in disciplinary action and/or termination of employment.

Last updated June 5, 2023 at 8:44 AM

History

Effective: June 5, 2023
Promulgated Under: 111.15

Ohio Adm.Code 3357:15-14-05 Faculty rank and promotion.

The college uses the faculty ranks of instructor, assistant professor, associate professor and full professor. Any rank beyond instructor is recommended by the advancement-in-rank committee, accepted by the provost and president, and then confirmed by the board of trustees. The decision to promote is made with careful consideration of degrees attained, teaching and teaching-related activities, professional development and scholarly accomplishments, service to the college and community, and performance evaluations.

(A) Promotion referral document: The procedures outlined in the advancement-in-rank process for the candidate and the operating guidelines for the advancement-in-rank process will be followed to consider promotion. If denied advancement, the candidate may submit a written letter of appeal to the provost and chief academic officer within fourteen calendar days. The letter must specifically reference which part of the advancement in rank process or operating guidelines was not followed or was misinterpreted or misapplied.

(B) Rank and promotion: Upon hire, the president has the discretion of placing an individual with exceptional ability into any faculty rank. All previous teaching experience and related industrial or business experience are considered.

(C) Exceptional promotions: In rare and unusual circumstances, the president may recommend to the board of trustees, for its immediate consideration, a promotion in rank for a faculty member. Under unusual circumstances, candidates must have served at least five years as an instructor, assistant professor, or associate professor, including the year promotion is considered. Performance reviews must show evidence of exemplary work over these five years. There should be evidence that the individual's efforts and judgment are held in high regard. Exceptions can occur when there is evidence of extraordinary productivity, achievements, or professional recognition. It is the desire and purpose for the president and board of trustees to use the powers outlined here only in cases of the utmost necessity when failure to use such powers would adversely affect the interests of the college.

Last updated May 26, 2026 at 8:03 AM

History

Effective: May 25, 2026
Promulgated Under: 111.15

Ohio Adm.Code 3357:15-14-06 Evaluation of personnel.

The college will evaluate all staff and full-time faculty on an annual basis.

Last updated June 5, 2023 at 8:48 AM

History

Effective: June 5, 2023
Promulgated Under: 111.15

Ohio Adm.Code 3357:15-14-07 Grievance procedure.

The college has established this grievance procedure to ensure fairness and consistency in employee relations and to attempt to resolve misunderstandings as quickly as possible. This grievance procedure applies to all college employees.

Last updated June 5, 2023 at 8:44 AM

History

Effective: June 5, 2023
Promulgated Under: 111.15

Ohio Adm.Code 3357:15-14-08 Compensation and related benefits.

(A) Compensation, as used in this manual, is an inclusive term that shall refer to salary plus all fringe benefits. Salary shall be defined as direct monetary payment for services rendered.

(B) Stark state college strives to provide a competitive market-based compensation and benefits derived from third-party surveys designed to attract and retain talent. This policy is administered in accordance with applicable laws and the principles of equal employment opportunity.

Last updated June 3, 2024 at 8:36 AM

History

Effective: June 3, 2024
Promulgated Under: 111.15

Ohio Adm.Code 3357:15-14-09 instructional fees as an employee benefit.

Instructional and general fees for credit, audit, or non-credit courses offered at Stark state college shall be waived for eligible employees and eligible dependents.

History

Effective: March 27, 2015
Promulgated Under: 111.15

Ohio Adm.Code 3357:15-14-10 Travel and business entertainment expense.

Last updated May 22, 2026 at 8:18 AM

History

Effective: May 11, 2026
Promulgated Under: 111.15

Ohio Adm.Code 3357:15-14-12 Drug and alcohol abuse and Drug-Free Workplace Act compliance.

The college considers the use of any illegal drug or controlled substance and the abuse of alcohol and legal (prescription or over-the-counter) drugs, collectively referred to herein as "substance abuse," to be a very serious matter that cannot be tolerated in the workplace. Substance abuse poses health and safety hazards to employees, students, and to the community at large. Because the college is a responsible source and participant with the federal government in many programs and activities, substance abuse by college employees or students jeopardizes federal government funding in light of the federal government's increasing efforts to combat substance abuse. Therefore, it shall be the policy of the college to prohibit substance abuse and to maintain a drug-free campus and workplace.

Definitions--For purposes of this policy statement, the following definitions shall apply:

(A) All employees and students are notified that the manufacture, distribution, dispensing, possession, use, or being under the influence of any drug, synthetic substance, or controlled substance, or alcohol, is prohibited on all college property and in any other location where employees are conducting college business or approved student activity/event. The use of legal drugs, taken in accordance with a doctor's orders, is not subject to this policy, except as provided in paragraph (B) of this policy, and is permitted so long as it does not impair the employee's ability to perform any essential function of employment or the student's ability to participate in the classroom effectively and in a safe manner that does not endanger other individuals on campus and in the workplace. Likewise, the moderate, i.e., so as not to become intoxicated, and legal consumption of alcohol at officially sanctioned on-campus social functions in which college employees might participate is not subject to this policy.

(B) The use and possession of marijuana is prohibited under college policy and a crime under federal law. This prohibition applies even when the possession and use would be legal under the laws of the state of Ohio. Employees and students with written recommendations for medical marijuana are not permitted to use marijuana on campus, in the conduct of college business, or as related to any college activity. The college will refer to the corrective action and discipline procedure (rule 3357:15-14-18 of the Administrative Code) for appropriate disciplinary interventions.

(C) All Stark state college employees, students, and campus community are expected to abide by the terms of the college substance abuse policy. An employee or student found in violation of this policy shall be subjected to a variety of sanctions and penalties. The college will refer to the corrective action and discipline procedure (rule 3357:15-14-18 of the Administrative Code) and the student code of conduct (rule 3357:15-14-10 of the Administrative Code) for appropriate disciplinary interventions. All students are notified that, as a condition of attending the college, any violation of the student code of conduct (rule 3357:15-19-10 of the Administrative Code) will be subjected to sanctions up to and including expulsion. Penalties and sanctions for employees may include, but are not limited to, referral for counseling, written or oral reprimands, suspensions with or without pay, or termination in accordance with the established rights of the employee, including the right to due process.

(D) Health risks

(1) The health consequences of alcohol and substance abuse are numerous and unpredictable. Short-term risks can include injuries related to automobile crashes, unwanted pregnancies, loss of employment, poor grades or work performance, and financial problems. Long-term risks can include a variety of physical and mental health issues, including addiction and/or death.

(2) Symptoms of addiction can include:

(a) Excessive or escalating use of substance(s)

(b) Increased tolerance

(d) Inability to maintain basic hygiene or appearance standards

(e) Loss of energy or motivation

(f) Complaints from family/friends about drinking or drug use

(g) Decline in work and/or social performance

(h) Spending excessive amounts of money on substance(s)

(i) Experience of withdrawal symptoms (shaking, cold sweats, irritability, insomnia, etc.) when attempting to stop use of the substance(s)

(E) Resources for students and employees

A variety of resources exist for alcohol and drug prevention, education, and counseling:

(1) Substance abuse and mental health services administration national helpline

(2) Stark county mental health and recovery board

(3) County of Summit alcohol, drug addiction and mental health board

(4) Counseling support services (students)

(5) Reachout campus and community resources

(6) Impact solutions (employees)

(F) Definitions--For purposes of this policy statement, the following definitions shall apply:

(1) Manufacture: to plant, cultivate, harvest, process, make, prepare, or otherwise engage in any part of the production of a drug by propagation, extraction, chemical synthesis, compounding, or any combination of the same including packaging, repackaging, labeling, and other activities incident to production.

(2) Distribute: to deal in, ship, transport, or deliver.

(3) Dispense: to sell, leave with, give away, dispose of, or deliver.

(4) Possess or possession: having as property or exerting control over a thing or substance. Possession will not be presumed solely from mere access to the thing or substance or presence upon the premises where the thing or substance is found.

(5) Use: use of a drug or other controlled substance or consumption of alcohol.

(6) Being under the influence - to yield a positive result, as defined by the state of Ohio or other generally accepted standard, on any test given to determine the presence of drugs or alcohol.

(7) Drug abuse offense - corrupting another with drugs, trafficking in drugs, drug abuse, possessing drug abuse instruments, permitting drug abuse, theft of drugs, deception to obtain a dangerous drug, illegal processing of drug documents, abusing harmful intoxicants, trafficking harmful intoxicants, or illegal dispensing of drug samples; a violation of an existing law of this or any other state or of the United States that is substantially equivalent to any of the listed offenses; an offense under an existing law of this or any other state or of the United States of which planting, cultivating, harvesting, processing, making, manufacturing, producing, shipping, transporting, delivering, acquiring, possessing, storing, distributing, dispensing, selling, inducing another to use, administering to another, using, or otherwise dealing with a controlled substance is an element; or a conspiracy or an attempt to commit, or complicity in committing or attempting to commit any of the listed offenses.

(8) Controlled substance - a drug, compound, mixture, preparation, or other substance as defined in Chapters 2925. and 3719. of the Revised Code, or as defined by applicable statutes of other states and the Federal Government.

(9) Criminal drug statute - any federal or state criminal statute involving the manufacture, distribution, dispensing, possessing or use of any controlled substance.

(10) Conviction - any finding of guilt after a trial, a plea of guilty or a plea of nolo contendere.

(11) Campus community - employees, students, vendors, or other outside party interacting, collaborating, or otherwise involved with the college.

Last updated May 26, 2026 at 8:03 AM

History

Effective: May 25, 2026
Promulgated Under: 111.15

Ohio Adm.Code 3357:15-14-18

Last updated June 5, 2023 at 8:44 AM

History

Effective: June 5, 2023
Promulgated Under: 111.15

Ohio Adm.Code 3357:15-19-10

History

Effective: June 25, 2017
Promulgated Under: 111.15

Ohio Adm.Code 3357:15-14-13 Discrimination and anti-harassment.

(A) Stark state college is committed to supporting a respectful and productive working environment free of discrimination, which includes harassment and specific types of retaliation. The college prohibits discriminatory and harassing behavior based on a protected class.

(B) While the college does not tolerate any form of discriminatory or harassing behavior, this policy applies only to discrimination or harassment based on a protected class defined as, but not limited to race, color, religion, sex, gender, national origin (ancestry), military status (past, present or future), status as a parent during pregnancy and immediately after the birth of a child, status as a parent of a young child, status as a nursing mother, status as a foster parent, disability, age (forty years or older), genetic information, sexual orientation, gender identity, or gender expression.

(C) Allegations of sexual harassment, sexual assault, dating violence, domestic violence, stalking, or other sex-based misconduct that fall within the jurisdiction of Title IX will be addressed exclusively under the college's sexual misconduct policy. Allegations of discrimination and/or harassment that do not meet the Title IX threshold will be reviewed under this policy or other applicable college policies.

(D) While the college does not tolerate any retaliatory behavior, this policy's prohibition of retaliation applies only to retaliation that is based on an individual making a complaint of discrimination or harassment, supporting someone involved in a report of discrimination or harassment, participating in an investigation of discrimination or harassment, and/or an individual's exercise of rights to oppose discrimination on any of the protected classes identified in paragraph (B) of this policy.

(E) Definitions:

(1) Discrimination - any act or failure to act based in whole or in part on a person's or group's membership in a protected class, that when viewed objectively, adversely affects benefits, privileges, working conditions, or has a substantial negative impact on college operations. discrimination does not require an intent to harm. A single instance of conduct may constitute discrimination, depending on its objective severity.

(2) Harassment - conduct, whether in the workplace or off-site, that is unwelcome, offensive conduct-verbal, physical, or visual-based on protected characteristics, that creates an intimidating, hostile, or abusive work environment. While not an inclusive list, examples include slurs, threats, and bullying that interfere with work.

(3) Hostile work environment - any unwelcome, severe, persistent, or pervasive conduct based on a protected class which creates an objectively intimidating, abusive, or offensive work environment, even if the conduct does not lead to tangible consequences. A single instance may be sufficient to create a hostile environment.

(4) Retaliation - any adverse action, such as intimidation, threats, coercion, or discrimination, against any person by any other for the purpose of interfering with any right or privilege secured by this policy, or because the individual has made a report or complaint, testified, assisted, or participated in any manner in an investigation, proceeding, or hearing under this policy.

(5) Complainant - the party who makes the complaint.

(6) Respondent - the party whom the complaint is made against.

Last updated May 26, 2026 at 8:03 AM

History

Effective: May 25, 2026
Promulgated Under: 111.15

Ohio Adm.Code 3357:15-14-14 Investigator conflict of interest.

The college has a responsibility to manage, reduce, or eliminate any actual or potential conflicts of interest that may be presented by a financial interest of a project director (or project investigator) of a grant-funded project. In order to comply with college policy, the strategic grants office is to utilize the conficts of interest (grants) disclosure form.

Last updated May 6, 2026 at 7:37 AM

History

Effective: May 6, 2026
Promulgated Under: 111.15

Ohio Adm.Code 3357:15-14-15 Sexual misconduct and Title IX.

Stark state college is committed to and responsible for establishing, maintaining and providing a safe, secure, and non-discriminatory environment for our employees and students, free of sexual misconduct and sex discrimination, including discrimination based on gender, gender identity, sexual orientation, gender transition status, or pregnancy.

As required by Title IX and its implementing regulation, 34 C.F.R. Part 106, the college does not discriminate on the basis of sex in the education program or activity it operates. The requirement not to discriminate extends to admission and employment. Inquiries about the application of Title IX and its implementing regulation may be referred to the college's Title IX coordinator, the assistant secretary for civil rights at the U.S. department of education's office for civil rights, or both.

The college will not tolerate any kind of sexual misconduct and will not compromise the responsibility for addressing issues of sexual misconduct. Sexual misconduct is socially irresponsible and violates the rights of other individuals. Sexual misconduct has the potential to threaten an individual's academic performance, economic livelihood, career advancement, psychological, and total well-being and is prohibited by this policy. This policy is also applicable to all third parties affiliated with the college. Third parties are neither employees nor students and can include, but are not limited to, consultants, vendors, contractors, etc. Sexual misconduct is a serious offense which could lead to dismissal and/or termination from the college and criminal charges being filed with the local law enforcement authority having jurisdiction.

(A) Definitions

(1) Sex discrimination - any conduct that discriminates on the basis of sex in a college program or activity. Sexual harassment is a form of sex discrimination. Sex discrimination includes discrimination based on gender, gender identity, sexual orientation, gender transition status, or pregnancy.

(2) Sexual misconduct - any unwelcome behavior of a sexual nature that is committed without consent while having access to or participating in any educational program, employment, or activity receiving federal financial assistance through Stark state college. Sexual misconduct can occur between persons of the same or different sex. Sexual misconduct is a broad term that includes sexual assault, rape, statutory rape, and/or the attempt to commit rape, criminal sexual contact, incest, domestic violence, dating violence, gender-based violence, stalking, sexual coercion, sexual exploitation and sexual harassment as defined by the college, and sexual harassment as defined under Title IX. The college's definition of sexual misconduct is broader than the regulatory definition of sexual harassment under Title IX or the college's definition of sexual harassment. Sexual misconduct does not qualify as sex discrimination if it does not rise to the level of sexual harassment under the Title IX or college definitions, but sexual misconduct is nevertheless prohibited by this policy.

(3) Non-consensual sexual contact - any intentional sexual touching and any other intentional bodily contact in a sexual manner, however slight, with any object, by a person upon another person that is without consent.

(4) Incapacitation - a state in which a person cannot make rational decisions because they lack the capacity to give consent. Incapacitation may result from a temporary or permanent mental or physical disability or impairment, unconsciousness, physical restraint, or intoxication. Sexual misconduct occurs when a person engages in sexual activity when they knew, or should have known, that the other person was incapacitated.

(5) Consent - a freely and affirmatively communicated willingness to participate in sexual activity, expressed by clear, unambiguous words or actions. Consent is a free and clearly given "yes," not the absence of a "no." It is the responsibility of the initiator of the sexual activity to ensure that he or she has the other person's consent to engage in sexual activity, throughout the entire sexual activity, by all parties involved. At any time, a participant can communicate that they no longer consent to continuing the activity. Consent may never be obtained where the victim is incapable of giving consent because of age or incapacity due to temporary or permanent mental or physical impairment or intoxication (national incident-based reporting system user manual (NIBRS) available here (https://le.fbi.gov/file-repository/nibrs-user-manual-2025-0-062625.pdf/view, last accessed 10/24/2025). Consent cannot be assumed based on the existence of a previous dating or sexual relationship. The initiator's use of alcohol or drugs does not diminish his/her responsibility to obtain consent.

(6) Force - the use of physical violence, threat of physical violence, and/or imposing on someone physically to gain sexual access.

(7) Criminal sexual contact (formerly referred to as fondling) in accordance with the definition from the NIBRS user manual - the intentional touching of the clothed or unclothed body parts without consent for the purpose of sexual degradation, sexual gratification, or sexual humiliation. The forced touching by the victim of the actor's clothed or unclothed body parts, without consent of the victim for the purpose of sexual degradation, sexual gratification, or sexual humiliation. The offense includes instances where the victim is incapable of giving consent because of age or incapacity due to temporary or permanent mental or physical impairment or intoxication for the purpose of sexual degradation, sexual gratification, or sexual humiliation.

(8) Rape, in accordance with the definition from the NIBRS user manual, is defined as penetration, regardless of how slight, of the vagina or anus with any body part or object, or oral penetration by a sex organ of another individual, or by a sex-related object. This definition covers cases where the victim cannot provide consent due to temporary or permanent mental or physical incapacity (including resulting from drugs or alcohol), physical restraint or due to age. Physical resistance by the victim is not required to establish lack of consent.

(9) Sexual coercion - unreasonable, intimidating, or forcible pressure for sexual activity.

(10) Sexual assault - as defined in accordance with the Clery Act and the Title IX regulation, is an offense classified as a forcible or nonforcible sex offense under the uniform crime reporting system of the federal bureau of investigation.

(11) Sexual exploitation - occurs when someone takes non-consensual or abusive sexual advantage of another for his/her own advantage or benefit, or to the benefit or advantage of anyone other than the person being exploited.

(12) Stalking - engaging in a course of conduct directed at a specific person that would cause a reasonable person to fear for his or her safety or the safety of others or suffer substantial emotional distress. Course of conduct means two or more acts, including, but not limited to, acts in which the stalker directly, indirectly, or through third parties, by any action, method, device, or means follows, monitors, observes, surveils, threatens, or communicates to or about a person, or interferes with a person's property.

(13) Domestic violence - a felony or misdemeanor crime of violence committed by a current or former spouse or intimate partner of the victim; by a person with whom the victim shares a child in common; by a person who is cohabitating with or has cohabitated with the victim as a spouse or intimate partner; by a person similarly situated to a spouse of the victim under the domestic or family violence laws of the jurisdiction in which the crime of violence occurred; or by any other person against an adult or youth victim who is protected from that person's acts under the domestic or family violence laws of the jurisdiction in which the crime of violence occurred.

(14) Intimate partner violence/dating violence - violence committed by a person who is or has been in a social relationship of a romantic or intimate nature with the victim; and where the existence of such a relationship shall be determined based on a consideration of the length of the relationship, the type of relationship, and/or the frequency of interaction between the persons involved in the relationship.

(15) Gender-based violence (GBV) - any harmful threat or act directed at an individual or group based on their actual or perceived:

(a) Biological sex;

(b) Gender identity;

(d) Sexual orientation; or

(e) Difference from social norms related to masculinity or femininity.

GBV can include and be identified by physical, sexual, psychological, technological, economic, and emotional abuse.

(16) Sexual harassment according to Title IX - conduct on the basis of sex that satisfies one or more of the following:

(a) An employee of the college conditioning the provision of an aid, benefit, or service of the college on an individual's participation in unwelcome sexual conduct;

(b) Unwelcome conduct determined by a reasonable person to be so severe, pervasive, and objectively offensive that it effectively denies a person equal access to the college's education program or activity; or

(17) Sexual harassment according to the college's definition - conduct on the basis of sex that satisfies one or more of the following: unwelcomed sexual advances; request for sexual favors; and/or other verbal, non-verbal, or physical conduct of a sexual nature. Sexual harassment is sex-based harassment. that includes gender-based harassment. Sexual harassment is inclusive of sexual violence, and gender-based harassment, defined as follows:

(a) Sexual harassment according to Title IX

(b) Unwelcome verbal or physical conduct that is sufficiently severe, persistent, or pervasive such that it unreasonably interferes with an individual's work performance or creates an intimidating, hostile, or offensive work environment.

(c) Unwelcome verbal or physical conduct that is sufficiently severe, persistent, or pervasive that it interferes with or denies educational benefits or opportunities, from both a subjective (the complainant's) and an objective (reasonable person's) viewpoint.

(d) A single or isolated incident of harassment may be severe enough to create a hostile environment. Minor slights, annoyances, and isolated incidents (unless extremely serious) will not rise to the level of harassment. To violate this policy, the conduct must create a hostile environment, as described above, to a reasonable person.

(B) Reporting sex discrimination and sexual misconduct

(1) In accordance with Title IX regulations 2020, any person may report sex discrimination, including sexual harassment (whether or not the person reporting is the person alleged to be the victim of conduct that could constitute sex discrimination or sexual harassment), in person, by mail, by telephone, or by electronic mail, using the contact information listed for the Title IX coordinator, or by any other means that results in the Title IX coordinator receiving the person's verbal or written report. Such a report may be made at any time (including during non-business hours) by using the telephone number or electronic mail address, or by mail to the office address, listed for the Title IX coordinator.

(2) For alleged sexual misconduct where the victim or alleged perpetrator (respondent) is a student, a potential student, an employee, or a campus visitor, any person may report the sexual misconduct to the Title IX coordinator.

(3) In cases of alleged sexual misconduct where the victim is a minor, paragraph (D)(6) of rule 3357:15-14-35 of the Administrative Code (minors on campus) imposes additional mandatory reporting obligations.

(4) Sex discrimination and sexual misconduct must be reported to the Title IX coordinator within one hundred eighty days of the occurrence, except for good cause shown.

(5) Any college employee or trustee who is notified of an alleged incident of sex discrimination or sexual misconduct - whether through formal or informal complaint, report, or information - that could be covered by this policy shall report such incidents to the Title IX coordinator. Failure to do so shall result in disciplinary action up to and including termination of employment. The college has designated student support counselors and interfaith campus ministry staff as confidential sources who are exempt from this reporting responsibility.

(6) If you believe that you are being harassed or retaliated against with a complaint of sexual discrimination unrelated to sexual harassment, or if you observe or are informed of someone else being subjected to such conduct, report this conduct immediately to any of the following:

(a) Supervisor, manager, director, department chair, dean, or vice president

(b) Human resources vice president, human resources generalist

(d) Campus security in cases where a concern for physical safety exists

When the above individuals receive an allegation of sexual discrimination, they will promptly report or refer the matter to a human resources generalist and/or Title IX coordinator/Title IX deputy coordinator as appropriate to initiate a prompt and thorough investigation.

Persons who believe they have been subjected to sexual misconduct may also file a complaint with the U.S. department of education's office for civil rights, Ohio civil rights commission, U.S. equal employment opportunity commission, or if criminal justice action is desired, with the local law enforcement agency. Information and assistance regarding filing charges with any of the agencies may be obtained from the agency directly or from the college's Title IX coordinator.

Internal complaints under this policy need not be exhausted before filing a complaint with an external agency.

(D) Confidentiality - To the extent possible, all information received in connection with the reporting, investigation, and resolution of allegations of sex discrimination and sexual misconduct will be treated as confidential, except to the extent it is necessary to disclose information in order to investigate the allegation, take steps to stop, prevent or address the misconduct, resolve the complaint, or when compelled to do so by law. All individuals involved in the process should observe the same standard of discretion and respect for the reputation of everyone involved in the process.

(E) Retaliation

College policy and federal, state, and local law strictly prohibit retaliation in any form against any individual in response to exercising protections or obligations under this policy.

Last updated May 26, 2026 at 8:03 AM

History

Effective: May 25, 2026
Promulgated Under: 111.15

Ohio Adm.Code 3357:15-14-35

Stark state college is committed to ensuring the safety and well-being of minors on our campuses. It is the policy of Stark state college that these measures and procedures are implemented for the protection of minors participating in programs that occur on its campuses and programs under the control or direction of the college personnel. The purpose of this policy is to describe the requirements placed upon administrators, faculty, staff, students, volunteers, and other authorized adults working with minors to ensure their protection and to fulfill the college's obligations as mandated by law and to provide for the best possible experience for any minor visiting our campuses for a college-related program.

Last updated June 7, 2021 at 10:42 AM

History

Effective: June 7, 2021
Promulgated Under: 111.15

Ohio Adm.Code 3357:15-14-16 Bloodborne pathogens.

Stark state college promotes the rights of persons with communicable diseases to education and employment, while providing a safe and healthy environment for the college's students and employees. The college will make all reasonable accommodations to persons infected with hepatitis B virus (HBV), hepatitis C virus (HCV), , and human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) and to employ, continue to employ, and/or enroll persons so infected. As appropriate, faculty and staff will be provided training and/or information regarding bloodborne pathogens, universal precautions, and work practice controls.

The college affords a broad range of academic opportunities in diverse healthcare fields. Instruction in some healthcare fields may require communicable disease precautions against exposure to blood or body fluids, as individuals participating in some program training activities may have a risk of exposure to blood or other potentially infectious materials.

Action will be guided by the most recent medical evidence, the federal regulations of the Rehabilitation Act, state law, guidelines from the centers for disease control and prevention (CDC), the public health services, the american college health association, and the state of Ohio department of health.

The college will not routinely screen all members of the college community for communicable diseases unless and until required to do so by law because communicable diseases may have different modes of transmission and should be evaluated on an individual basis.

The Federal Rehabilitation Act of 1973 prohibits discrimination against qualified individuals by employers and those who provide services with the assistance of federal funding. Under federal law, the college, as an employer and a provider of educational services, must make reasonable accommodations for handicapped individuals, including those with communicable diseases.

The college maintains standards of confidentiality regarding medical information about students or employees that are protected by the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act of 1974 (FERPA). The act requires that no specific or detailed information concerning symptoms or diagnoses be provided to staff, administrators, or family members without the express written permission of the student/employee. Only individuals at the college with a legitimate need to know will have knowledge of the existence of students and/or employees with communicable diseases.

History

Effective: June 25, 2017
Promulgated Under: 111.15

Ohio Adm.Code 3357:15-14-17 Concealed weapons.

Except as provided in this rule, the use, possession or carrying of a firearm or other weapon on property owned or leased by the college, by any person other than a college security officer or qualified law enforcement officer as defined in division (A)(11) of section 2901.01 of the Revised Code, is prohibited and in violation of state law.

Last updated September 16, 2025 at 9:08 AM

History

Effective: February 22, 2015
Promulgated Under: 111.15

Ohio Adm.Code 3357:15-14-19 Pay during emergency school closures.

This policy applies when the college is closed or any of its locations are closed for a protracted period of time (e.g. twenty-four hours) due to an event beyond its control. If only one area or location of the college is affected then this policy applies only to employees scheduled to work in that area or location.

Last updated September 16, 2025 at 9:08 AM

History

Effective: February 22, 2015
Promulgated Under: 111.15

Ohio Adm.Code 3357:15-14-20 Property use.

All forms of property (including equipment, facilities, supplies, and services) purchased with Stark state college funds are intended for college business only. The use of college property must be consistent with the mission and goals of the institution. Property used by departments or divisions belongs to the college as a whole and not to any department or division to which it has been assigned. Under no circumstances is an employee of the college authorized to engage in any activity that is illegal under local, state, federal, or international law while utilizing the college's owned resources.

History

Effective: June 3, 2019
Promulgated Under: 111.15

Ohio Adm.Code 3357:15-14-21 Initial employment.

(A) The initial employment period for Stark state college contract employees (excluding adjunct faculty) begins with the first day of employment and concludes no later than April fifth of the fiscal year for which the current signed employee contract is in effect.

Guidelines

(1) Human resources will provide the supervisor with the job description/job posting as well as the initial employment policy for all new hires at the time of hire.

(2) The supervisor will provide expectations for performance at the time of hire. This will include providing the evaluation form at the time of hire through the onboarding portal.

(3) An employee may be notified of non-renewal of a contract at any time during the initial employment period if the supervisor concludes that the employee is not progressing or performing acceptably.

(4) Under appropriate circumstances, the initial employment period may be extended at the discretion of the supervisor and in conjunction with human resources.

(5) During the initial employment period and at the end of the initial employment period, the supervisor and the employee will discuss the employee's performance.

(6) Provided the job performance "meets expectations," the employee will continue employment under the conditions of the current contract.

(B) The initial employment period for Stark state college non-contract employees begins with the first day of employment and concludes on the ninetieth (ninetieth) calendar day of employment.

Guidelines

(1) Human resources will provide the supervisor with the job description/job posting as well as the initial employment policy for all new hires at the time of hire.

(2) The supervisor will provide expectations for performance at the time of hire. This will include providing the evaluation form at the time of hire through the onboarding portal.

(3) An employee may be discharged at any time during the initial employment period if the supervisor concludes that the employee is not progressing or performing acceptably.

(4) Under appropriate circumstances, the initial employment period may be extended at the discretion of the supervisor and in conjunction with human resources.

(5) During the initial employment period and at the end of the initial employment period, the supervisor will provide a work review for the employee.

(6) Provided the job performance is "meets expectations," the employee will continue employment under the conditions of the current work agreement.

Last updated May 27, 2025 at 7:39 AM

History

Effective: May 24, 2025
Promulgated Under: 111.15

Ohio Adm.Code 3357:15-14-22 Personal property.

Faculty, staff, students, visitors and guests are responsible for any personal items brought to the college or off-campus sites. The college will not be responsible for replacing or paying for damaged or stolen items.

Last updated June 3, 2024 at 8:36 AM

History

Effective: June 3, 2024
Promulgated Under: 111.15

Ohio Adm.Code 3357:15-14-23 Equal employment opportunity.

(A) It is the policy of Stark state college to ensure equal employment opportunity in accordance with the Revised Code and all applicable federal regulations and guidelines. Employment discrimination against employees and applicants based on, but not limited to, race, color, religion, sex, gender, national origin (ancestry), military status (past, present, or future), status as a parent during pregnancy and immediately after the birth of a chid, status as a parent of a young child, status as a nursing mother, status as a foster parent, disability, age (forty years or older), genetic information, sexual orientation, gender identity, or gender expression is illegal.

(B) Stark state college employees and applicants are also protected from retaliation. Retaliation is any adverse action taken against an individual because the individual is engaged in a protected activity related to discrimination. Protected activities include, but are not limited to, reporting or opposing discrimination or harassment, filing a complaint, requesting reasonable accommodation, or participating in an investigation. Retaliation may occur through direct or indirect actions and is prohibited regardless of whether the underlying complaint is ultimately substantiated.

(C) Persons who believe that Stark state college has discriminated against them may file a discrimination complaint with Melissa Glanz, vice president of human resources. The human resources representative has full authority to manage equal employment opportunity (EEO) issues involving discrimination.

(D) Point of contact to file allegations of discrimination:

"Melissa Glanz, Vice President of Human Resources Location: 6200 Frank Ave. N.W., North Canton, Ohio 44720 Phone Number: 330.494.6170 ext. 4276 E-mail Address: mglanz@starkstate.edu"

Last updated May 6, 2026 at 7:37 AM

History

Effective: May 6, 2026
Promulgated Under: 111.15

Ohio Adm.Code 3357:15-14-24 Family and medical leave.

Pursuant to the Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA) of 1993 (as amended), Stark state college will grant up to twelve weeks of job protected leave (or up to twenty-six weeks of military caregiver leave to care for a covered service member with a serious health condition) during a rolling twelve-month review period to eligible employees. The leave may be paid, unpaid or a combination of paid and unpaid leave, depending on the circumstances of the leave and as specified in this policy.

(A) Eligibility: To qualify to take family medical leave (FML) under this policy, the employee must meet all of the following conditions:

(1) The employee must have worked for the college for twelve months or fifty-two weeks. The twelve months or fifty-two weeks need not have been consecutive. Separate periods of employment will be counted, provided that the break in service does not exceed seven years. Separate periods of employment will be counted if the break in service exceeds seven years due to national guard or reserve military service obligations or when there is a written agreement, including a collective bargaining agreement, stating the college's intention to rehire the employee after the service break. For eligibility purposes, an employee will be considered to have been employed for an entire week even if the employee was on the payroll for only part of a week or if the employee is on authorized leave during the week.

(2) The employee must have worked at least one thousand two hundred fifty hours during the twelve-month period immediately before the date when the leave is requested to commence. Hours spent on paid or unpaid FML are not counted as hours worked in determining the one thousand two hundred fifty-hour eligibility test for an employee the under FMLA.

(B) Eligible employees are entitled to twelve weeks of unpaid FML each year for the following qualifying events. (Note: Military caregiver FML is twenty-six weeks):

(1) The birth of a child and to bond with the newborn child within one year of birth;

(2) The placement with the employee of a child for adoption or foster care and to bond with the newly placed child within one year of placement;

(3) To care for an immediate family member, i.e. spouse, child, parent who has a serious health condition;

(4) A serious health condition that makes the employee unable to perform the essential functions of his or her job;

(5) Any qualifying exigency arising out of the fact that the employee's spouse, son, daughter, or parent is on covered active duty or called to covered duty status as a member of national guard, reserves, or regular armed forces;

(6) Twenty-six workweeks of leave during a single twelve-month period to care for a covered service member with a serious injury or illness if the eligible employee is the service member's spouse, son, daughter, parent, or next of kin (military caregiver leave).

(1) An eligible employee can take up to twelve weeks for the FML circumstances listed in paragraphs (B)(1) to (B)(6) of this policy. Under this policy, Stark state college uses a rolling back twelve-month review period beginning with the first instance of FML.

(2) Each time an employee takes FML, the college will compute the amount of leave the employee has taken under this policy in the last twelve months and subtract it from the twelve weeks of available leave, and the balance remaining is the amount the employee is entitled to take at that time.

(3) If two Stark state college employees request to take FML for the birth of the same child, adoption, or placement of the same child in foster care, or to care for the same parent with a serious health condition, the employees may only take a combined total of twelve weeks of FML. If the employees each request to take FML to care for the same covered injured or ill service member, the employees may only take a combined total of twenty-six weeks of FML.

(D) Employee status and benefits during leave

(1) While an employee is on unpaid leave, the college will continue all enrolled benefits during the unpaid leave period at the same level and under the same conditions as if the employee had continued to work. If the employee does not return to work, the college will require the employee to reimburse the college for the amount it paid for the employee's portion of the continuation of all enrolled benefits during the unpaid FML period.

(2) If the employee returns to work, the college will deduct the amount paid for the employee's portion of the continuation of all enrolled benefits during the unpaid leave period, from the employee's pay.

(E) Employee status after leave

(1) An employee who takes leave under this policy may be required to provide a fitness for duty (FFD) clearance from the health care provider.

(2) Generally, an employee who takes FML leave will be able to return to the same position or a position with equivalent status, pay, benefits, and other employment terms. The position will be the same or one which is virtually identical in terms of pay, benefits, and working conditions. The college may choose to exempt certain key employees from this requirement and not return them to the same or similar position.

(F) Disability leave/workers compensation

Instances in which an employee concurrently uses vacation, personal, or sick leave during periods when the employee is receiving partial pay under disability leave or workers compensation will be handled pursuant to federal regulations.

(G) Intermittent leave or a reduced work schedule

(1) The employee may take FML leave in twelve consecutive weeks, may use the leave intermittently (take a day periodically when needed over the year) or, under certain circumstances, may use the leave to reduce the workweek or workday, resulting in a reduced hour schedule. In all cases, the leave may not exceed a total of twelve workweeks (or twenty-six workweeks when authorized under the military caregiver leave provisions). The college may temporarily transfer an employee to an available alternative position with equivalent pay and benefits if the alternative position would better accommodate the intermittent or reduced schedule, in instances where leave for the employee or employee's immediate family member is foreseeable and for planned medical treatment, including recovery from a serious health condition or to care for a child after birth, or placement for adoption or foster care.

(2) For the birth, bonding, adoption, or foster care of a child, the college and the employee must mutually agree to the schedule before the employee may take the leave intermittently or work a reduced hour schedule. Leave for birth, bonding, adoption, or foster care of a child must be taken within one year of the birth or placement of the child.

(3) If the employee is taking leave for a serious health condition or due to the serious health condition of an immediate family member, the employee should try to reach agreement with the college before taking intermittent leave or working a reduced hour schedule. If this is not possible, the employee may be asked to provide documentation confirming the leave is medically necessary.

(H) Certification of a qualifying event

(1) A request for FMLA must be substantiated with satisfactory certification provided within fifteen calendar days of the request for leave. If the leave is due to a serious health condition of the employee, employee's immediate family member, or covered service member, certification must be submitted by an appropriate health care provider. Certification must be provided on the proper form available in the human resources department. If the leave is due to adoption, foster care placement, active duty leave, or covered active duty leave, documentation must be submitted from the appropriate agency.

(2) If the college has sufficient information to designate the leave as FML immediately after receiving notice of the employee's need for leave, the college may provide the employee with the designation notice at that time.

(3) The college reserves the right to request a second opinion if the validity of the certification is questioned. This is done at the college's selection and expense.

(4) If necessary, to resolve a conflict between the original certification and the second opinion, the college and the employee will mutually select a third health care provider at the college's expense. This third opinion will be considered final. The employee will be provisionally entitled to leave and benefits under the FML pending the second and/or third opinion. The college may deny FML to an employee who refuses to release relevant medical records to the health care provider designated to provide a second or third opinion.

(5) The college will require certification of the qualifying exigency for military family leave. The employee must respond to such a request within fifteen days of the request or provide a reasonable explanation for the delay. Failure to provide certification may result in a delay or denial of leave.

(6) The college will require certification for the serious injury or illness of the covered service member. The employee must respond to such a request within fifteen days of the request or provide a reasonable explanation for the delay. Failure to provide certification may result in a delay or denial of leave.

(7) The college may request recertification for the serious health condition of the employee or the employee's immediate family member, no more frequently than every thirty days and only when circumstances have changed significantly, or if the college receives information casting doubt on the reason given for the absence, or if the employee seeks an extension of their leave. Otherwise, the college may request recertification for the serious health condition of the employee or the employee's immediate family member every six months in connection with an fmla absence. In no instance will leave of any type extend beyond one calendar year. In compliance with HIPPA medical privacy rules, the college will obtain the employee or the employee's immediate family member's permission to obtain clarification on any individually identifiable health information in the case of recertification.

(8) Per the FMLA, the college is required to maintain records and documents relating to FMLA medical certifications and recertifications of employees or their family members as confidential medical records.

(9) Failure to comply with the college's request for documentation may result in discipline. The college will refer to the corrective action and discipline policy in these situations.

Last updated May 27, 2025 at 7:39 AM

History

Effective: May 24, 2025
Promulgated Under: 111.15

Ohio Adm.Code 3357:15-14-25 Whistleblower.

(A) A whistleblower, as defined by this policy, is an employee of Stark state college who reports an activity that he or she considers illegal, fraudulent, or unethical to one or more of the parties specified in this policy. The whistleblower is not responsible for investigating the activity or for determining fault or corrective measures; appropriate management officials are charged with these responsibilities.

(B) Examples of illegal or fraudulent activities include violations of federal, state, or local laws; billing for services not performed or for goods not delivered; and other fraudulent financial reporting. Although the college encourages employees to report concerns to their immediate supervisor, there are times when an employee may feel it is necessary to report a concern outside of the traditional reporting mechanism. The college has adopted a whistleblower policy for these instances.

(C) Whistleblower protections are provided in two important areas -- confidentiality and protection against retaliation. Insofar as possible, the confidentiality of the whistleblower will be maintained. The college will not retaliate against a whistleblower or any participants in the investigation. This includes, but is not limited to, protection from retaliation in the form of an adverse employment action--such as termination, compensation decreases, or poor work assignments, and threats of physical harm. Any whistleblower or participant in an investigation who believes he or she is being retaliated against must contact the vice president of human resources immediately. The right of a whistleblower for protection against retaliation does not include immunity for any personal wrongdoing that is alleged and investigated.

(D) All reports of illegal, fraudulent, and unethical activities will be promptly submitted to the human resources department, which is responsible for investigating and coordinating corrective action, if needed. Any employee who knowingly makes a false allegation of misconduct or retaliation will be subject to disciplinary action up to and including termination of employment. This policy is not in conjunction with, and will not replace or supersede federal and/or state whistleblower policies.

Last updated June 3, 2024 at 8:37 AM

History

Effective: June 3, 2024
Promulgated Under: 111.15

Ohio Adm.Code 3357:15-14-26 Conflict of interest/commitment for outside activities.

(A) Full-time employees of Stark state college are obligated to devote their working time and efforts primarily to college activities. Given that the college allows and encourages outside activities and relationships that enhance the mission of the college, potential conflicts of interest and commitment, may occur. Outside activities should not, however, interfere with an individual's college obligations. Faculty and staff must not use their official college positions for influence or gain. Prior approval from the employee's supervisor and director/dean is required for any earned compensation outside of the college.

(B) Outside activities must not interfere with the employee's college duties or conflict with the employee's college assignments and must take place outside of the employee's designated work time.

(C) Employees must not use the college name, logos, facilities, email, equipment, or work time to conduct outside business or employment unless explicitly approved in writing. College affiliation should not be used to imply college endorsement of outside activities. Employees of the college may not use their position as an employee of the college for personal gain or to enhance the business opportunities of another individual, company, or organization.

(D) Employees are responsible for disclosing potential conflicts of interest or commitment as soon as they arise. Failure to disclose or to obtain required approvals may result in disciplinary action up to and including termination, consistent with college policy and applicable law.

(E) Activities outside of the college shall not result in a conflict of interest or the appearance of such.

(F) Definitions:

(1) Conflict of commitment - a situation in which an employee's outside activities, paid or unpaid, interfere with the employee's ability to meet their obligations to the college. This may include time conflicts, reduced availability, or diminished performance of assigned duties.

(2) Conflict of interest - A conflict of interest exists if financial interests or other opportunities for personal benefit may exert a substantial and improper influence upon an employee's professional judgment in exercising college duties or responsibilities.

(3) Earned compensation - wages, salaries, tips, and other taxable pay.

(4) Outside activities - entrepreneurial or professional services, paid or unpaid. Examples are:

(a) Engaging in outside consulting activity.

(b) Management and oversight of any private businesses.

(G) Approved work activities that serve to enhance the college, such as serving on accreditation teams and volunteer work in the community, will not be subject to this provision. Prior approval must be obtained from the employee's dean/director to participate in outside activities during work time.

Last updated May 6, 2026 at 7:38 AM

History

Effective: May 6, 2026
Promulgated Under: 111.15

Ohio Adm.Code 3357:15-14-27 Code of ethics and professional behavior.

Stark state college is committed to providing quality, high-value education. When administration, faculty, and staff act by ethical principles, institutional quality and excellence are enhanced, and ultimately students are better served. Our first priority is serving and educating our students. Employees are required to act ethically in accordance with the Ohio ethics laws. Actions that constitute breaches or flagrant violations of the expectations as defined in this policy may result in disciplinary action and/or termination of employment.

Last updated May 26, 2026 at 8:25 AM

History

Effective: May 25, 2026
Promulgated Under: 111.15

Ohio Adm.Code 3357:15-14-28 Recordings.

Stark state college prohibits employees from audio or video recording any oral or recorded communications on work time, using any device--including but not limited to audio tape recorders, videotape recorders, cellphones, and tablets--unless the employee obtains prior approval from the appropriate executive council member and consent of all parties to the communication. It is the practice of the human resources department not to audio or video record investigations, and/or meetings pertaining to corrective action; however, the vice president of human resources will not withhold consent to an employee's request to record such an investigation, hearing, or meeting when required by federal, state, or local law. Recording in the classroom is addressed in rule 3357:15-13-37 of the Administrative Code, electronic devices in the classroom. This policy is not applicable to recordings that are made through telephone or cell phone voicemail systems and/or Stark state college security systems.

Last updated June 3, 2024 at 8:37 AM

History

Effective: June 3, 2024
Promulgated Under: 111.15

Ohio Adm.Code 3357:15-13-37

Last updated June 7, 2021 at 10:39 AM

History

Effective: June 7, 2021
Promulgated Under: 111.15

Ohio Adm.Code 3357:15-14-29 Mentoring policy.

The college promotes the value and the role of mentoring to enhance skills and productivity and foster cooperative networking among employees. The college supports mentorship opportunities, including development offered by the college staff association and the faculty association, faculty advancement-in-rank mentoring, teaching and learning council mentoring new faculty, and departmental and divisional mentoring initiatives.

Last updated May 6, 2026 at 7:38 AM

History

Effective: May 6, 2026
Promulgated Under: 111.15

Ohio Adm.Code 3357:15-14-30 New employee orientation.

All new employees are required to complete the appropriate orientation(s) upon hire to acquaint them with college policies, procedures, and practices.

Last updated June 6, 2022 at 9:38 AM

History

Effective: June 6, 2022
Promulgated Under: 111.15

Ohio Adm.Code 3357:15-14-31 Consensual relationships.

Stark state college prohibits consensual relationships of a dating, intimate, and/or sexual nature between individuals of unequal authority (e.g., between a supervisor and an employee and/or a faculty or staff member and a student) where the person of real or perceived authority directly supervises or has the ability to impact either the employment or education of the other. Actions which constitute breaches or flagrant violations of the standards defined in this policy may result in disciplinary action, termination of employment, or dismissal from the college.

Last updated September 16, 2025 at 9:08 AM

History

Effective: July 6, 2018
Promulgated Under: 111.15

Ohio Adm.Code 3357:15-14-32 Leave and time off.

It is the policy of the college to provide employees with the opportunity to have time away from work in order to ensure their physical and mental well-being, time off for illness, bereavement, and personal needs.

Last updated June 5, 2023 at 8:49 AM

History

Effective: June 5, 2023
Promulgated Under: 111.15

Ohio Adm.Code 3357:15-14-33 Tuition assistance.

All full-time Stark state college faculty, administrative, professional, technical-para professional, and hourly personnel may participate in the tuition assistance program. Tuition assistance is provided to employees for the purpose of professional development in recognition that a better educated employee will assist the college in fulfilling its mission to provide quality education and training opportunities to the citizens of our community.

Last updated June 3, 2024 at 8:37 AM

History

Effective: June 3, 2024
Promulgated Under: 111.15

Ohio Adm.Code 3357:15-14-34 Reasonable accommodations.

Stark state college is committed to the full inclusion of all individuals. The college will make reasonable accommodations as defined in this policy which will provide otherwise qualified applicants and employees with disabilities equal access to participate in opportunities, programs, and services offered by the college.

It is the intent of the college to provide reasonable accommodations to such employment applicants and employees with a qualified physical, mental, or learning disability, unless to do so would fundamentally alter the nature of the employment; would result in an undue hardship to the college; or would result in a direct threat to the health or safety of the individual or others.

Stark state college does not discriminate on the basis of disability in any of its employment practices.

Last updated June 7, 2021 at 11:32 AM

History

Effective: June 7, 2021
Promulgated Under: 111.15

Ohio Adm.Code 3357:15-14-36 Cell Phone, Data and Text Allowance.

This policy establishes the extent to which the college may subsidize, through a cell phone allowance, personally owned cell phones used in the conduct of college business. Authorization for a stipend to partially fund a required cellular device shall be approved by the applicable executive council member.

Last updated June 3, 2024 at 8:37 AM

History

Effective: June 3, 2024
Promulgated Under: 111.15

Ohio Adm.Code 3357:15-14-37 Racial, religious, and ethnic harassment and ethnic intimidation (CAMPUS Act).

Stark state college is committed to principles that enable the educational and professional enhancement of all racial, religious and ethnic groups. Stark state will not tolerate racial, religious, or ethnic harassment and/or intimidation by or against its students, faculty, or staff. All employees must comply with this policy, when engaged in activities sponsored by the college. This policy is not intended to diminish or infringe upon any right protected under the First Amendment to the United States Constitution, Article I, Sections 3 and 11 of the Ohio Constitution, or noncommercial expressive activity as defined in section 3345.0212 of the Revised Code.

(A) Training in compliance with the CAMPUS Act, all Stark state college administrators, faculty, and staff will attend training on racial, religious, and ethnic harassment or intimidation including information on how to respond to hate incidents or incidents of harassment that occur during a class or event held at the institution.

(B) Prohibition against retaliation for harassment stark state college prohibits any retaliatory actions against complainants or respondents based on the complainant's good-faith report of harassment or a witness's participation or cooperation in an investigation even if the college should ultimately find that the complaint was unfounded.

CAMPUS Act definitions:

(1) Racial, religious, and ethnic harassment: unwelcome conduct based on race, religious identity, and/or ethnicity that is so severe, pervasive, and objectively offensive that it effectively denies an individual equal access to the individual's education program or activity. This harassment includes exhibiting bullying behavior including yelling and/or screaming, being physical with a person or objects with the intent or result of intimidation, and threatening or disrespectful behavior whether in-person or online towards a student, faculty or staff member, or visitor.

(2) Ethnic intimidation: as defined in section 2927.12 of the Revised Code, "no person shall violate section 2903.21 aggravated menacing, 2903.22 menacing, 2909.06 criminal damaging or endangering, or 2909.07 criminal mischief or division (A)(3), (A)(4), or (A)(5) of section 2917.21 telecommunications harassment of the revised code because of the race, color, religion, or national origin of another person or group of persons. Ethnic intimidation is an offense of the next higher degree than the offense the commission of which is a necessary element of ethnic intimidation."

Last updated October 28, 2024 at 8:52 AM

History

Effective: October 27, 2024
Promulgated Under: 111.15

Chapter 3357:15-15 Internal and External Communication

Ohio Adm.Code 3357:15-15-01 Integrated postsecondary education data systems (IPEDS).

In order to ensure consistency among all college communications, Stark state utilizes the integrated postsecondary education data system (IPEDS) glossary of terms as a standard terminology reference.

History

Effective: February 23, 2015
Promulgated Under: 111.15

Ohio Adm.Code 3357:15-15-02 External communications.

External communications are required to follow estabished procedures governing the dissemination and receipt of information at the college. External communications, as used in this chapter, includes both the dissemination of information concerning the programs, progress, and status of the institution and the receipt of information from the public.

History

Effective: June 3, 2019
Promulgated Under: 111.15

Ohio Adm.Code 3357:15-15-03 Shared governance and internal communication.

History

Effective: November 29, 2019
Promulgated Under: 111.15

Ohio Adm.Code 3357:15-15-04 Web communication.

Only material reviewed by the marketing and communications department may be published to the Stark state college official website. Any links from the official Stark state college (SSC) website to other websites hosted by a third party (e.g., professional societies, business affiliates, etc.) must contain a disclaimer stating that the link leads to a non-SSC page and that Stark state college is not responsible for its content. Any internal groups wanting to create an outside website related to college activities must receive approval of the director of the marketing and communications department.

Last updated June 3, 2024 at 8:34 AM

History

Effective: June 3, 2024
Promulgated Under: 111.15

Ohio Adm.Code 3357:15-15-05 Use of college computing and information resources.

Last updated June 5, 2023 at 8:45 AM

History

Effective: June 5, 2023
Promulgated Under: 111.15

Ohio Adm.Code 3357:15-15-06 Responding to public records request.

Stark state college holds that openness leads to a better informed citizenry, which leads to better government and better public policy. It is the policy of Stark state college to strictly adhere to the state of Ohio's Public Records Act. All exemptions to openness are to be construed in their narrowest sense and any denial of public records in response to a valid request must be accompanied by an explanation, including legal authority, as outlined in the Ohio Revised Code. If the request is in writing, the explanation must also be in writing.

Last updated June 3, 2024 at 8:34 AM

History

Effective: June 3, 2024
Promulgated Under: 111.15

Ohio Adm.Code 3357:15-15-07 Electronic communications.

Electronic communication resources include but are not limited to the college's public and private web sites, email, the mySSC portal and the college's learning management system's (LMS) communication tools.

(A) Electronic communication resources are an official channel of communication within the college. Students, faculty, and staff are responsible for routinely reading and taking action on official information from the college sent to their SSC email or the announcements section on the mySSC portal. Students may also be required to utilize LMS communication tools. Failure to do so is not an acceptable excuse for non-compliance with official information sent via these communication channels.

(B) The electronic communication resources provided by the college are intended for official college business or college-related purposes. College electronic communication resources shall not contain offensive or harassing statements, including, but not limited to, disparagement of others based on, but not limited to, race, color, religion, sex, gender, national origin, military status, pregnancy, disability, age, genetic information, or sexual orientation. College electronic communication resources shall not be used to libel, slander, abuse, intimidate or harass any other person or organization. The procedures associated with this policy further define the restrictions on the use of electronic communications.

(C) Any violation of the policy may be cause for disciplinary action and possible termination of employment or expulsion from the college. The college reserves the right to review, audit or monitor directories, files, emails and all other electronic communication activity that utilizes college resources.

Last updated August 26, 2025 at 7:31 AM

History

Effective: August 25, 2025
Promulgated Under: 111.15

Ohio Adm.Code 3357:15-15-08 Institutional review board.

Internal or external investigators seeking to conduct human-subjects research or related activities through Stark state college must seek prior approval from the institutional review board (IRB). This responsibility extends to any mode of research development, instruction, training, data collection, access to existing data sets, or related activities, including classroom and questionnaire studies, whether sponsored solely by the college or funded externally and conducted either on- or off-campus or online. Surveys and other research conducted as part of administrative functions of the college, (e.g. institutional research, state or federal reporting requirements, etc.), are exempted from the IRB approval process.

Membership of the board consists of one or more faculty from each credit academic division of the college, one non-Stark state member, and a representative from the institutional research staff. The board must consist of at least five members of varying backgrounds, and must have at least one member with a science background (e.g. social, behavioral, and/or natural) and at least one member with a non-scientific background. The chair is selected from the faculty members. The board meets once per fall and spring semesters and on an as-needed basis.

Nomination process and elections: The nomination process should provide an opportunity for those who wish to participate to do so. Self-nominations and nominations of others are acceptable. Board terms are staggered and are for two years. The chair will serve one additional year as immediate past chair. For the purposes of electing academic faculty representatives, each credit academic division dean will solicit nominees and conduct an electronic election and notify the board chair and institutional research of the outcome.

Once elected, members and the chair are required to complete and maintain all relevant collaborative institutional training initiative modules for their position.

Last updated May 26, 2026 at 8:01 AM

History

Effective: May 25, 2026
Promulgated Under: 111.15

Ohio Adm.Code 3357:15-15-09 External complaint.

All external complaints against Stark state college and persons associated with the college are addressed and logged in a timely manner in accordance with procedures delineated in this policy. Procedures in this policy apply specifically to complaints lodged by persons external to the college. All external complaints should be forwarded to the president's office to be reviewed and assigned for resolution. The written resolution should be forwarded to the president's office to be logged. Record of complaints (log and complaint files) are kept in the president's office for a minimum of five years.

Last updated June 5, 2023 at 8:45 AM

History

Effective: June 5, 2023
Promulgated Under: 111.15

Chapter 3357:15-16 Budget

Ohio Adm.Code 3357:15-16-01 Basic accounting standards.

The objective of Stark state college is to provide services that fulfill societal needs without regard for financial gain. Since service, in which resources are consumed, is the objective of the college, the accounting and reporting process must address itself to accounting for resources received and used. In the absence of the profit element as a control device, funding sources exercise control by stipulating the purpose for which resources may be used. The college assumes a stewardship role to assure that all funds are utilized in accordance with the wishes of the funding source. The accounting system must provide this information and also provide management with the necessary decision making tools to maximize the resources available to the college.

Last updated June 16, 2021 at 11:28 PM

History

Effective: February 23, 2015
Promulgated Under: 111.15

Ohio Adm.Code 3357:15-16-02 Budget preparation and control.

The CFO/vice president of business, finance and information technology, with the assistance of the director of budget, is responsible for the coordination of procedures for the preparation of the annual budget. All members of the college are encouraged to participate in the development of departmental budgets. The department head is to work with the members of the department, the next level administrator, provost, or the vice president for the area.

Last updated May 11, 2026 at 7:55 AM

History

Effective: May 11, 2026
Promulgated Under: 111.15

Ohio Adm.Code 3357:15-16-03 Purchasing procedures.

The chief financial officer/vice president of business, provost and chief academic officer, and vice president's designated representative, or purchasing agent, are the only eligible individuals to enter into purchasing agreements for Stark state college. The purchasing agent is authorized to enter into purchasing agreements not to exceed five thousand dollars. No commitments except those authorized and negotiated by the chief financial officer/vice president of business, provost and chief academic officer, or vice president's designated representative or purchasing agent will be considered the legal obligation of the college.

Last updated June 6, 2022 at 9:39 AM

History

Effective: June 6, 2022
Promulgated Under: 111.15

Ohio Adm.Code 3357:15-16-04 Accountant of restricted funds.

The college receives funds from various sources who place restrictions on the timing and use of those funds. Recordkeeping and reporting procedures must be established to ensure that all such funds are utilized in compliance with the funding source requirements. The comptroller is responsible for assigning this responsibility to a designated individual ("accountant").

Last updated June 5, 2023 at 8:46 AM

History

Effective: June 5, 2023
Promulgated Under: 111.15

Ohio Adm.Code 3357:15-16-05 Financial reports.

The CFO/vice president of business, finance, and information technology will be responsible for the filing of all financial reports for the college as required by the board of trustees, auditor of state, or other federal, state, and local agencies as required by law or condition of contracts.

Last updated May 11, 2026 at 7:55 AM

History

Effective: May 11, 2026
Promulgated Under: 111.15

Ohio Adm.Code 3357:15-16-06 Financial planning.

(A) Operating budget: The vice president of business finance and information technology must develop the operating budget to conform to the institutional education plan. All income and expenditures must be reviewed in terms of satisfying the stated goals and objectives as prescribed by the board of trustees and the president. The operating budget must take the following costs into consideration: personnel, supplies, travel, equipment, and all other costs necessary to carry out the mission of the college.

(B) Capital budget: This plan will be developed by the vice president of business finance and information technology to detail how income and expenses will be acquired and utilized to support the physical development plan of the college. The capital budget should take into consideration a review of facilities and capital equipment needs.

(C) Cash flow: The vice president of business finance and information technology will prepare a monthly cash flow estimate. Investment of surplus funds in securities that meet the approval of the auditor of state is encouraged. The vice president of business finance and information technology will seek bids from financial institutions with sound reputations. All financial institutions must collateralize deposits to receive awards as required by the investment and cash management policy in accordance with the laws of the state of Ohio.

Last updated June 7, 2021 at 10:44 AM

History

Effective: June 7, 2021
Promulgated Under: 111.15

Ohio Adm.Code 3357:15-16-07 Investments and cash management.

(A) Purposes: the purposes of this investment policy are to:

(1) Establish the investment objectives of Stark State College (the "college") and provide a framework for the prudent management of investable funds within short-, intermediate-and long-term time horizons.

(2) Serve as a guideline for the investment committee (the "committee") of the college, and any investment advisors, managers, or custodians retained by the college.

(3) Define the roles and responsibilities of all parties involved in the investment program.

(B) Terms and Definitions. For purposes of this policy, the following definitions apply:

(1) "Fiduciary" shall mean any individual or group of individuals that exercise discretionary authority or control over the college investments or any authority or control over management, disposition, or administration of the college's investments.

(2) "Investment Advisor" shall mean any individual or organization employed to provide advisory services, including advice on investment objectives and/or asset allocation, manager search, and performance monitoring.

(3) "Investment Manager" shall mean any individual or group of individuals employed to manage the investment of all or part of the college's assets.

(4) "Custodian" shall be the entity responsible for the possession of securities owned by the college and shall collect dividend and interest payments, redeem maturing securities, and effect receipt and delivery following purchases and sales.

(5) "Securities" shall refer to the marketable investment securities that are defined as acceptable in this policy.

(6) "Time Horizon" shall be the time period over which the investment objectives, as set forth in this policy, are expected to be met.

As a political subdivision of the state of Ohio and a local technical college district, the college is responsible for the stewardship of funds received from a variety of public and private sources for the accomplishment of its legislatively mandated public mission. Accordingly, the goals and objectives of the college's investment activities, in order of importance, are:

(1) Strict adherence to the Ohio Revised Code and the authority granted under ORC 3357.10, whereby the board may provide for the investment of college funds in any manner authorized under ORC 3345.05. All such investments shall be made pursuant to this policy.

(a) Cash equivalents and fixed income: A minimum of 25% of the average amount of the college's investment portfolio over the course of the previous fiscal year must be invested in securities of the United States government or of its agencies or instrumentalities; the treasurer of state's pooled investment program; obligations of this state or any political subdivision of this state; certificates of deposit of any national bank located in this state; written repurchase agreements with any eligible Ohio financial institution that is a member of the federal reserve system or Federal Home Loan Bank; money market funds; or bankers acceptances maturing in 270 (two hundred seventy) days or less, which are eligible for purchase by the Federal Reserve System, as a reserve.

(b) Longer-term investments: A maximum of 75% of the average amount of the college's investment portfolio over the course of the previous fiscal year may be invested as permitted in ORC 3345.05(C)(2) and further defined in this policy.

(c) ORC 3345.161. The board shall make investment decisions with the sole purpose of maximizing the return on its investments.

(2) Long-term preservation of the corpus (i.e. the stability of invested principal on a year-to-year basis, especially in the short- and mid-term segments), followed by the growth of the corpus.

(3) Sufficient liquidity to enable the college to meet all operating requirements that may be reasonably anticipated.

(4) To minimize the amount of idle cash, while simultaneously providing adequate liquidity for the college to meet its daily financial obligations.

(5) To control costs of administering and managing the fund.

(6) To optimize return of the Portfolio with reasonable and prudent levels of risk.

(D) Authority and Regulatory Compliance

(1) Board of Trustees. The board of trustees has the ultimate fiduciary responsibility for the college's investment Portfolio due to its statutory mandate to hold in trust all Portfolio funds. This policy requires all fiduciaries (that is, all Trustees) to discharge their duties with the care, skill, prudence, and diligence under the circumstances then prevailing that a prudent person acting in like capacity and familiar with such matters would use in the conduct of an enterprise of a like character and with like aims. As part of its fiduciary oversight, the board determines the appropriate strategy for the Portfolio. The board sets, approves, and amends the investment policy, and delegates responsibility for implementation of the investment program to the Committee. The board reviews periodic reports from the Committee on the status of the investment program, as discussed below.

(2) Investment Committee. In accordance with Ohio Revised Code 3345.05(C)(3), the Board through this policy establishes an investment committee ("committee"). The committee will consist of the college's president, chief cinancial officer, comptroller, budget director and a member of the college board of trustees (preferably with finance and/or accounting expertise).

In accordance with ORC 3345.05(D), the committee shall meet at least quarterly. The committee shall review and recommend revisions to this investment policy at least annually and shall advise the board on its investments in an effort to assist the board in meeting its obligations as a fiduciary. The committee implements the board's investment strategy. The board delegates investment decision authority to the Committee.

As authorized by statute and pursuant to this policy, the committee retains the services of an investment advisor. The committee is consequently responsible for hiring and terminating investment advisors, managers, and/or custodians. The committee will maintain sufficient knowledge about the portfolio and its investment managers so as to be reasonably ensured of the managers' compliance with the investment policy and all relevant statutes.

(3) Treasurer/college Chief Financial Officer. The committee delegates the authority to execute investment operations approved by the committee to the Treasurer / Chief Financial Officer ("treasurer"). The treasurer serves as primary contact for the college's investment advisor, managers, and custodians. The treasurer provides the Committee with reports on portfolio composition and performance at least quarterly.

(4) Investment Advisor. The investment advisor is responsible for providing support to the committee. The investment advisor must:

(a) Be licensed by the division of securities under section 1707.141 of the Ohio Revised Code or be registered with the Securities and Exchange Commission.

(b) Have experience in the management (i.e., advisory oversight) of investments of public funds, especially in the investment of state government investment Portfolios, or be an eligible institution referenced in section 135.03 of the Ohio Revised Code.

(c) The scope of the advisor's role and responsibilities will vary from time-to-time, as directed by the committee. The advisor's responsibilities may include any of the following:

(i) Assist with ensuring compliance with Ohio Revised Code.

(ii) Maintain compliance with the investment policy.

(iii) Monitor the performance of the portfolio and each investment to determine if the collective investment strategy is meeting objectives.

(iv) Perform strategic asset allocation analysis from time to time to determine if the current strategy is appropriate to meet the investment objectives.

(v) Implement approved tactical asset allocation changes following the investment process of the college.

(vi) Perform ongoing due diligence on investment managers to determine their continued suitability within the portfolio; and recommend and implement, with committee approval, the hiring, terminating, or replacement of investment managers.

(vii) Maintain copies of agreements and subscription documents with investment managers.

(viii) Provide monthly and quarterly performance reports to help the committee evaluate each investment manager and the results of the overall portfolio.

(ix) Assess overall investment fees of the portfolio.

(x) Provide education to the investment committee based on best practices for investment committees.

(5) Investment Managers. The committee, with advice from its investment advisor, may engage investment managers. If the committee does so, the committee shall engage in professional, SEC-registered investment managers, FDIC-insured banks, state- or federally-regulated banks or trust companies for the direct investment management of the portfolio's assets, including separately managed accounts, mutual funds, co-mingled funds, and partnerships. Each investment manager has discretion to purchase, sell, or hold the specific securities used to meet the college's investment objectives, within the scope of allowable investments and within their specific investment mandate, as delineated in writing by the committee.

(a) Investment managers must meet the following minimum attributes to manage the portfolio:

(i) The institution should be a bank, insurance company, investment management company, or investment adviser under the Registered Investment Advisers Act of 1940.

(ii) The institution should be operating in good standing with regulators and clients, with no material pending or concluded legal actions.

(iii) The institution should provide detailed information on the history of the firm, its investment philosophy and approach, and its principals, clients, locations, fee schedules, and other relevant information to the Investment Advisor.

(b) Assuming the minimum criteria are met, the particular investment manager under consideration should meet the following standards:

(i) Performance reporting should comply with CFA Institute's Global Investment Performance Standards (GIPS).

(ii) Risk and risk-adjusted return measures should be evaluated and be within a reasonable range relative to an appropriate, style-specific benchmark, and peer group.

(iii) Fees should be competitive compared to similar investments.

(c) Voting of Proxies. Investment managers are responsible for voting proxies which should be made in the best interest of the college. Any proxies relating to social or environmental policy as used in ORC 3345.161 shall be referred to the committee to decide whether the board should vote.

(d) Execution of Security Trades. Investment manager is expected to transact securities in a manner designed to receive a combination of best price and execution. Each investment manager will be held responsible and accountable to achieve the stated objectives. While it is not believed that the limitations will hamper any investment manager, the investment manager should request modifications deemed appropriate.

(6) Custodians. Custodians will maintain physical possession of securities held in the portfolio, settle transactions, collect dividend and interest payments, redeem maturing securities, and effect receipt and delivery following purchases and sales. Custodians shall perform regular accounting of all assets owned, purchased, or sold, as well as movement of assets into and out of the college's portfolio accounts. Custodians are responsible for providing monthly statements to the college and investment advisor. Access to online balances and statements should be made available.

(E) Portfolio Segmentation. The college will forecast and monitor its short-, mid-, and long-term operating cash needs as guided by the college's annual budget, facility and capital projects, and strategic plans. The investment portfolio will be divided into three segments:

(1) Short-Term Segment. The emphasis is on ensuring sufficient liquidity to meet operating needs. All cash and equivalent investments should be made with concern for quality and liquidity and have maturity dates of one year or less. High return is desirable, but the highest possible investment return should be sacrificed where quality is considered questionable.

(2) Mid-Term Segment. The objective is to earn higher returns than cash equivalents through fixed-income investments, with maturity dates or average durations generally of five years or less. However, investments within this segment may also be structured to coincide with the projected timing of major facility construction and renovation projects and other potential payments or resource needs in an intermediate timeframe, which may result in holdings with maturities of greater than five years.

(3) Long-Term Segment. The objective is to earn the highest possible returns while adhering to a prudent level of risk. These investments have a time horizon greater than five years. It is understood that this segment may be subject to a greater level of volatility in exchange for higher long-term returns. While negative performance returns may occur periodically (i.e., principal value will fluctuate), over longer time periods, the Board seeks to earn a rate, to be determined form time to time, above the rate of inflation as measured by the consumer price index (CPI), with the preservation of principal still being the primary objective.

Short-Term Segment	Mid-Term Segment	Long-Term Segment
Investment Horizon: <1 Year	Investment Horizon: 1-5 Years	Investment Horizon: >5 Years
Purpose: Short-term cash needs, operational, payroll, AP	Purpose: Intermediate cash needs, capital projects, and unexpected short-term needs	Purpose: Long-term growth, quasi-endowment, funding for potential future strategic opportunities
Asset Allocation/Investment Types: Star Ohio and cash equivalents	Asset Allocation/Investment Types: Investment grade bonds	Asset Allocation/Investment Types: Balanced portfolio with asset allocation parameters

(F) Allocating Between Segments. The committee has the discretion to move investments into and out of the segments and may reinvest income within the segment in which it was earned, or allocate it to another segment. Periodically during the fiscal year, the treasurer will propose appropriate reallocations based on revenue receipts, projected spending needs, and information provided by short-, mid-, and long-term operating and capital planning. Reallocations of investments and investment income are subject to annual review by the board.

(G) Long-Term Segment. As set forth by Ohio Revised Code, the college will maintain, at a minimum, 25% of the average amount of the investment portfolio over the course of the previous fiscal year to be invested in cash equivalents and fixed income instruments as defined. The remaining portion may be invested into the long-term segment and invested in accordance with section 1715.52 of the Revised Code. As the name suggests, the monies in the long-term segment will be invested with a long-term time horizon and will be left to appreciate over time as a quasi-endowment to serve as a source of funding, for future strategic opportunities, and in general for the future benefit of the college. Should an event arise where a distribution from this fund would be necessary, a recommendation must be made by the committee and approved by the board. Monies in the long-term segment will be reviewed collectively with the entire portfolio to ensure the college's portfolio, in the aggregate, is in compliance with Ohio Revised Code.

(H) Performance Expectations. The college will regularly review the performance of the benchmark indices to determine if the expectations for the asset classes utilized are reasonable, considering actual investment experience (the committee is responsible for reviewing the investment experience). Performance results will be measured in three ways over a full business cycle, generally seven to ten years:

(1) The overall investment objective (spending policy + inflation).

(2) A blended benchmark of market indices based on the strategic asset allocation of the portfolio.

(3) The portfolio will be compared to portfolios of similar-sized peers, if applicable.

(I) Diversification & Asset Class Purpose. The total portfolio will be constructed and maintained to provide prudent diversification regarding investment managers, styles, regions, sectors, and number of holdings. Asset classes, or broad segments of the portfolio, serve varying purposes, as described below:

(1) The purpose of the growth assets allocation is to provide a total return that will simultaneously provide for growth in principal and current income sufficient to support the portfolio, while at the same time preserving the purchasing power of the Portfolio's assets. It is recognized that the growth assets allocation entails the assumption of greater market variability and risk.

(2) The purpose of the diversifying assets allocation is to provide diversification and risk reduction, while enhancing the overall risk-adjusted performance.

(3) The purpose of the income & liquidity allocation is to provide a deflation hedge, to reduce the overall volatility, and to produce current income in support of the needs of the Portfolio.

(4) The purpose of the cash allocation is to provide liquidity for short-term obligations. All cash and equivalent investments should be made with concern for quality. High return is desirable, but the highest possible investment return should be sacrificed where quality is considered questionable.

(J) Asset Allocation Guidelines.

Asset Class*	Target Allocation	Allowable Range
Growth Assets	60%	50% - 70%
U.S. Equity	40%
Global Equity	20%
Diversifying Assets	10%	0% - 25%
Income & Liquidity	30%	22% - 42%
Total	100%

(K) Permissible Investments for the Long-Term Segment. The portfolio may be invested in the types of investments listed in the chart below. Mutual funds are bound to their prospectus guidelines and not this policy.

Growth Assets	Diversifying Assets
Common stocks	Real estate investment trusts (REITs)
Convertible preferred stocks	Tactical asset allocation strategies
American depository receipts (ADRs) of non-U.S. companies	Absolute return strategies
Stocks of non-U.S. companies (Ordinary shares)	Long-short equity and fixed income strategies
Equity mutual funds and exchange-traded funds	Mutual funds and exchange-traded funds

Income & Liquidity Assets	Cash Equivalents
U.S. government and agency securities	Treasury bills
Municipal bonds	Commercial paper
Corporate notes and bonds	Banker's acceptances
Mortgage-backed bonds	Repurchase agreements
Preferred stock	Certificates of deposit
Fixed income securities of foreign governments and corporations	Deposit accounts
Private debt strategies	Money market mutual funds and exchange-traded funds
Fixed-income mutual funds and exchange-traded funds

(L) Prohibited Investments/Activities. It is not possible to provide a complete listing of the investments and investing activities that are considered inappropriate. However, for example, the college may not:

(1) Make an investment decision with the primary purpose of influencing any social or environmental policy or attempting to influence the governance of any corporation. ORC 3345.161.

(2) Contract to sell securities that have not yet been acquired on the speculation that prices will decline (i.e., short sales);

(3) Enter into reverse repurchase agreements;

(4) Leverage current investments as collateral to purchase other assets;

(5) Purchase individual securities denominated in foreign (non-U.S. dollar) currencies;

(6) Make any investment in "derivatives" as defined in the Ohio Revised Code section 135.14(C);

(a) Purchase mortgage pass-through securities, collateralized mortgage obligations including interest-only and principal-only securities;

(b) Borrow funds to invest in higher-yielding securities in an attempt to increase the overall Portfolio return; or

(M) Removal of an investment manager. The following are general guidelines which may give reason to remove an investment manager:

(1) Failure to comply with the specific investment mandate, as delineated in writing by the committee;

(2) Underperformance relative to relevant benchmarks or peer groups, with an emphasis on long-term (three- and five-year) rolling time periods;

(3) Significant qualitative changes to the investment management organization.

Each investment manager shall be reviewed ongoing in regards to performance, personnel, strategy, research capabilities, organizational and business matters, and other qualitative factors that may impact its ability to achieve the desired investment results. If the investment manager has failed to adhere to one or more of the above conditions, it is reasonable to presume a lack of adherence going forward. Any decision to remove an investment manager will be treated on an individual basis, and will not be made solely based on quantitative data. In addition to those above, other factors may include professional or client turnover, or material change to investment processes. Considerable judgment must be exercised in the removal decision process.

(N) Safekeeping; Purchase/Sale/Transfer Authority. Individual securities in the college's investment portfolio will be kept safe in insured accounts maintained with banks and independent broker/dealers. The treasurer will retain sole authority to transfer funds or securities (except for transactions that occur within a mutual fund in which the college owns shares). Neither signature nor wire transfer authority will be extended to an investment advisor, manager, or custodian bank or broker/dealer. No signature or wire transfer authority will be extended to an investment advisor, manager, custodian bank, or broker/dealer.

(O) Ethics and Conflict of Interest. The board of trustees and college conflict of interest oolicies shall be adhered to by all individuals involved in the investment process. To summarize: It is the policy of the college that relationships and transactions with individuals and organizations outside the college are to be conducted at all times on a highly ethical and arms-length basis. To this end, the prime consideration must be the best interests of the college. Decisions regarding investment relationships and transactions must not be influenced by self-interest on the part of a trustee, college officer, employee, investment advisor or investment manager, if there is an actual or potential conflict with the interests of the college. Each person involved in the investment process must disclose personal interests or investments that could be affected by investment decisions made for the college. Anyone outside the college serving on the committee shall file with the Ohio Ethics Commission the same financial disclosure statement as is required to be filed by all Trustees and college employees. Such financial disclosure statements shall be filed at the same time the financial disclosure statements of Trustees and college employees are filed. In addition to the trustee and college conflict of interest policies, trustees, officers and employees are subject to Ohio Ethics Law (ORC Chapter 102 & Sections 2921.42 and 2921.43).

(P) Internal Controls. The treasurer will designate one or more finance staff to be responsible for ensuring that all transactions and documentation pertinent to the execution and confirmation of purchases, settlements, redemptions, maturities and sales are completed; for instructing banks, brokers, dealers and safekeeping agents with respect to arrangements for payment or collection of monies resulting from such transactions; and for the maintenance of all necessary records and reports.

(Q) Treasurer Education. The treasurer will participate in beginning and/or continuing education training programs sponsored by the state treasurer or the state auditor, as required pursuant to Ohio Revised Code Section 135.22. Through participation in educational programs, the treasurer will develop and enhance background and working knowledge in investment cash management and ethics.

(R) Effective Date and Policy Implementation. The effective date of this policy is April 8, 2026.

Investments held by the college as of the effective date of this policy should be liquidated only if the committee deems liquidation prudent and not solely to immediately comply with the policies contained herein. Such investments will need to be sold or allowed to mature based on ongoing analysis and direction of the committee.

Last updated June 8, 2026 at 8:06 PM

History

Effective: June 8, 2026
Promulgated Under: 111.15

Ohio Adm.Code 3357:15-16-08 Reprographic procedure.

The reprographics department provides centralized copy services to the college whereby all large copy jobs are completed in one location to provide cost efficiency.

History

Effective: July 14, 2016
Promulgated Under: 111.15

Ohio Adm.Code 3357:15-16-09 College discretionary fund.

The board of trustees established the college discretionary fund on June 20, 1984 (page 1015) to be used at the president's discretion for supporting activities which serve to promote the interest of Stark state college. The fund may be used for the following suggested purposes or any purpose which supports the interest of the college. Some examples are:

(A) To receive gifts or donations from individuals, agencies, firms, or other groups.

(B) To support functions of the board of trustees.

(C) To support the activities of the president in fostering the interest of Stark state college excluding direct political contributions.

(D) To support approved faculty and staff functions.

(E) To support approved faculty and staff travel, entertainment, and training.

History

Effective: February 23, 2015
Promulgated Under: 111.15

Ohio Adm.Code 3357:15-16-10 College food policy.

(A) Purpose and scope:

(1) This policy provides guidance for using general college funds to cover the cost of food at college functions.

(2) Key definitions:

(a) Food: this term broadly includes coffee, non-alcoholic refreshments, and all types of meals or snacks.

(b) General college funds: this includes all accounts funded by the college itself, as well as all grant accounts.

(c) Exclusions: the president's discretionary fund and club agency accounts (where the college only acts as a fiscal agent) are not considered general college funds and are exempt from this specific policy.

(B) Generally, employees are responsible for their own food expenses, and general college funds should not be used for these personal costs. However, exceptions are allowed for specific college events that support the college's mission and serve a general public purpose.

Rules for approved food purchases:

(1) All food purchases must be customary, reasonable, and appropriate for the event.

(2) Prior approval is required from the vice president or applicable executive council member of the department requesting the purchase.

Last updated May 26, 2026 at 8:23 AM

History

Effective: May 25, 2026
Promulgated Under: 111.15

Ohio Adm.Code 3357:15-16-11 Disposal of surplus equipment.

Equipment is considered surplus once it has surpassed its useful life. This occurs when equipment is broken and repair costs exceed fifty per cent of the value of the item, is obsolete, or is no longer needed by the department. Items being traded in towards the purchase of another item must first be deemed surplus and must follow this same procedure prior to being traded.

Last updated May 26, 2026 at 8:01 AM

History

Effective: May 25, 2026
Promulgated Under: 111.15

Ohio Adm.Code 3357:15-16-13 Alcohol policy.

The use of alcoholic beverages is prohibited on college premises unless an exception is requested and written approval is granted from the provost or vice president of the requesting division and the CFO/vice president of business, finance, and information technology or designee. There should be a primary purpose for the gathering other than the availability of alcohol. Alcohol should not be used as an inducement to participate in a campus event. All consumption, possession and/or distribution of alcoholic beverages will be consistent with the laws and regulations of the state of Ohio.

Last updated May 11, 2026 at 7:55 AM

History

Effective: May 11, 2026
Promulgated Under: 111.15

Ohio Adm.Code 3357:15-16-14 Lost and found property.

This policy is to provide procedures for the accountability and safekeeping of currency and tangible personal property lost or abandoned on the property owned, leased, operated by, or under the control of the college. Stark state college shall maintain a lost and found service at the campus security office for all faculty, staff, students, and guests to the campus. The campus security office will process and secure all the lost and found articles and make every reasonable attempt to return the items to the rightful owner. Unclaimed items may be destroyed or converted to college use or donated to a non-profit organization in accordance with Stark state college procedure.

History

Effective: July 14, 2016
Promulgated Under: 111.15

Ohio Adm.Code 3357:15-16-15 Cybersecurity policy.

(A) Purpose: To meet each requirement for the minimal risk profile in the cybersecurity assessment tool (CAT) of the federal financial institutions examination council (FFIEC), to comply with the information technology examination handbook (IT handbook) and the national institute of standards and technology (NIST) cybersecurity framework, and to continue to increase cybersecurity maturity from baseline to evolving and beyond, as those terms are described in the instructions of the CAT.

(B) Authority: C.F.R. Title 16 Chapter I Subchapter C Part 314, which implements sections 501 and 505(b)(2) of the Gramm-Leach-Bliley Act, sets forth standards for developing, implementing, and maintaining reasonable administrative, technical, and physical safeguards to protect the security, confidentiality, and integrity of college information.

(C) Scope: The college shall develop, implement, and maintain a comprehensive information security program that is written in one or more readily accessible parts and contains administrative, technical, and physical safeguards that are appropriate to our size and complexity, the nature and scope of its activities, and the sensitivity of any college information at issue. The information security program shall include the administrative, technical, or physical safeguards the college uses to access, collect, distribute, process, protect, store, use, transmit, dispose of, or otherwise handle college information. Such safeguards shall include the elements set forth in paragraph (D) of this rule and shall be reasonably designed to achieve the following objectives:

(1) Ensure the security and confidentiality of college information;

(2) Protect against any anticipated threats or hazards to the security or integrity of such information; and

(3) Protect against unauthorized access to or use of such information that could result in substantial harm or inconvenience to the college.

(D) Program: The college shall develop, implement, and maintain its information security program in the following manner:

(1) Designations: The college designates its vice president for business, finance and information technology and cybersecurity administrator to coordinate the college's information security program.

(2) Assessments: The cybersecurity administrator will identify reasonably foreseeable internal and external risks to the security, confidentiality, and integrity of college information that could result in the unauthorized disclosure, misuse, alteration, destruction or other compromise of such information, and assess the sufficiency of any safeguards in place to control these risks. At a minimum, such a risk assessment should include consideration of risks in each relevant area of college operations, including:

(a) Employee training and management;

(b) Information systems, including network and software design, as well as information processing, storage, transmission and disposal; and

(3) The cybersecurity administrator will ensure that the college designs and implements information safeguards to control the risks it has identified through risk assessment, and regularly test or otherwise monitor the effectiveness of the safeguards' key controls, systems, and procedures.

(4) The cybersecurity administrator will oversee service providers, by:

(a) Taking reasonable steps to select and retain service providers that are capable of maintaining appropriate safeguards for the college information at issue; and

(b) Requiring the college's service providers by contract to implement and maintain such safeguards.

(5) The cybersecurity administrator will evaluate and adjust the college's information security program in light of the results of the testing and monitoring required by paragraph (D)(2)(c) of this rule; any material changes to college operations or business arrangements; or any other circumstances that the college knows or has reason to know may have a material impact on its information security program.

(E) Public records: Procedures shall be documented and utilized by the college. To the extent such documentation meets the definition of "security record" or "infrastructure record" as identified by division (B)(1) of section 149.433 of the Revised Code, those records shall not be public records and shall not be subject to release or inspection by the public.

Last updated May 27, 2025 at 7:40 AM

History

Effective: May 24, 2025
Promulgated Under: 111.15

Ohio Adm.Code 3357:15-16-16 Use of artificial intelligence (AI).

All users must use generative artificial intelligence (AI) chatbots and AI tools in accordance with all other policies of the college, including but not limited to rule 3357:15-15-13-26 of the Administrative Code (academic honesty and integrity), rule 3357:15-13-38 of the Administrative Code (departmental academic policy), rule 3357:15-14-27 of the Administrative Code (code of ethics and professional behavior), rule 3357:15-15-05 of the Administrative Code (use of college computing and information resources), rule 3357:15-15-07 of the Administrative Code (electronic communications), rule 3357:15-16-15 of the Administrative Code (cybersecurity), rule 3357:15-19-04 of the Administrative Code (student education records), and rule 3357:15-19-10 of the Administrative Code (student code of conduct). Employees are required to proofread all content obtained from any AI source and delete their queries when finished.

Last updated May 26, 2026 at 8:23 AM

History

Effective: May 25, 2026
Promulgated Under: 111.15

Ohio Adm.Code 3357:15-13-38

Last updated August 29, 2025 at 8:10 AM

History

Effective: August 29, 2025
Promulgated Under: 111.15

Ohio Adm.Code 3357:15-14-27

Last updated May 26, 2026 at 8:25 AM

History

Effective: May 25, 2026
Promulgated Under: 111.15

Ohio Adm.Code 3357:15-15-05

Last updated June 5, 2023 at 8:45 AM

History

Effective: June 5, 2023
Promulgated Under: 111.15

Ohio Adm.Code 3357:15-15-07

Last updated August 26, 2025 at 7:31 AM

History

Effective: August 25, 2025
Promulgated Under: 111.15

Ohio Adm.Code 3357:15-19-04

According to the Family Education Rights and Privacy Act of 1974 (FERPA) student education records, as used in this policy, includes all official records (in handwriting, print, tapes, film, or other media), directly related to a student at Stark state college. School officials with a legitimate educational interest may access student education records within the scope of performing their job duties. Records not included in this policy are as follows: (A) personal records maintained by a faculty/staff member to remember a particular situation; (B) employment records provided they are used only for hiring purposes; (C) records maintained by campus security; and, (D) alumni records that pertain to the student as a person versus an active student.

History

Effective: June 25, 2017
Promulgated Under: 111.15

Ohio Adm.Code 3357:15-19-10

History

Effective: June 25, 2017
Promulgated Under: 111.15

Chapter 3357:15-17 Use of Facilities

Ohio Adm.Code 3357:15-17-02 Use of college facilities.

Internal stakeholders, external groups, and individuals may request the use of facilities based on established priorities. Reservations will be processed on a first-come, first-served basis and are subject to the facility's need to accommodate higher-priority college uses. Individuals using college facilities or grounds are required to comply with college policies and procedures and all applicable local, state, and federal laws.

Last updated May 26, 2026 at 8:01 AM

History

Effective: May 25, 2026
Promulgated Under: 111.15

Ohio Adm.Code 3357:15-17-05 Physical development, planning, space utlization, and maintenance.

Stark state college thoroughly plans the development, space utilization, and maintenance of college facilities and grounds.

(A) The chief financial officer/vice president of business at their discretion, may utilize the expertise of a professional planning or architectural firm, the Ohio facilities construction commission (OFCC), or utilize the expertise of the college faculty and staff to deliver a plan for the physical development and planning of the college. The planning encompasses the following components:

(1) Concepts of development include the physical features, function, quality, and aesthetics that fit the college motif.

(2) Parameters of design standards include the scale, material, style, and colors. Parameters also consider density measures and travel time and distance of prospective students.

(3) Use of college land includes buildings, open space, parking, and circulation.

(4) Detailed plans pertaining to specific buildings include the preservation/renovation/modification of existing buildings and the demolition or construction of new buildings.

(5) Development capital is considered for source of, the application of, and the time schedule for funds.

(B) The chief financial officer/vice president of business will file all space inventory and utilization reports required by the Ohio department of higher education.

(C) The chief financial officer/vice president of business is responsible for the maintenance of the buildings and grounds of Stark state college.

Last updated June 6, 2022 at 10:44 AM

History

Effective: June 6, 2022
Promulgated Under: 111.15

Ohio Adm.Code 3357:15-17-06 Inventory control.

The chief financial officer/vice president of business shall maintain an inventory for all movable equipment which has a value of five thousand dollars or more per unit, which is nonexpendable, and which has a useful life of five years or more.

Last updated June 6, 2022 at 10:44 AM

History

Effective: June 6, 2022
Promulgated Under: 111.15

Ohio Adm.Code 3357:15-17-07 Emergency response plan.

The emergency response plan establishes procedures and organizational structure for response to emergencies and guides response personnel and resources during major emergencies. The plan defines roles, responsibilities, and clear strategies during the initial response and throughout an emergency. The campus security office, under the direction of the CFO/vice president of business, finance, and information technology, maintains this plan and should not construe the contained information in a manner that limits the use of good judgment or common sense in unforeseen or undelineated matters. The plan will be made available to the campus community through the college website and at the campus security office.

Last updated May 11, 2026 at 7:55 AM

History

Effective: May 11, 2026
Promulgated Under: 111.15

Ohio Adm.Code 3357:15-17-09 Smoke-free facilities.

Stark state college is a smoke-and tobacco-free facility. Smoking and tobacco use is defined as the use of any type of lighted pipe, cigar, cigarette, e-cigarette, or any other smoking equipment, whether filled with tobacco or any other type of material. Smokeless tobacco, defined within this policy, consists of the use of snuff, chewing tobacco, smokeless pouches, or other forms of loose leaf tobacco. Smokeless tobacco also includes the use of electronic devices or other inhaled nicotine devices.

History

Effective: June 3, 2019
Promulgated Under: 111.15

Ohio Adm.Code 3357:15-17-10 Public use of college outdoor areas.

(A) Purpose: The purpose of the policy is to promote the free exchange of ideas and the safe and efficient operation of the college by:

(1) Fostering free speech, assembly, and other expressive activities on college property by all persons, whether or not they are affiliated with the college.

(2) Maintaining an appropriate educational and work environment for all persons present on college property, including but not limited to students, faculty, employees, customers, and visitors.

(3) Maintaining the personal security of all persons present on college property and protecting the property of the college and of the persons present on college property.

(4) In developing this policy, the college recognizes the constitutional freedoms guaranteed by the United States and Ohio Constitutions, including freedom of speech, press, and assembly. The college also recognizes the need to preserve and protect its property, students, guests, and employees of the college, and to ensure the effective operation of educational, business and related activities of the college. Expressive activities on the college's campus may be subject to reasonable regulation with regard to the time, place, and manner of the activities. college employees will not consider the content of expressive activities when enforcing this policy. No policy can address every possible activity or situation that may occur on College property, and the college reserves the right to address such situations as circumstances warrant.

(5) This policy does not apply to use of college facilities and grounds for official events sponsored by the college.

(6) Expressive activities carried out under this policy shall not be considered to be speech made by, on behalf of, or endorsed by the college.

(7) This policy supersedes any provisions in any other earlier-adopted college policies that address similar or overlapping issues, such as use of outdoor spaces.

(B) Outdoor areas of campus generally available for use:

(1) General access

(a) Any person or group may use, without prior notification, any publicly accessible outdoor area of the college's main campus except parking lots, garages, and driveways. Federal, state, and local laws will be enforced as applicable. The use of walkways or other common areas may not block the free passage of others or impede the regular operation of the college. Use of the general access areas may include speaking, non-verbal expression, distributing literature, displaying signage and circulating petitions. There is no limit to the number of times a month a person or group may access those areas.

(b) During work and class hours or if the area is currently in use for an official college event, amplification may be restricted if it unreasonably interferes with college operations or noise ordinances are violated.

(2) Satellite campuses

The college's satellite campuses are a mixture of college owned and leased facilities. Some leased facilities do not have publicly accessible outdoor areas available for use under this policy. Where any outdoor space is controlled by the college, this policy applies.

(3) Large groups

(a) Except in circumstances described below, any person or group whose use of an outdoor area is expected or reasonably likely to have more than one hundred people must notify the Stark state security department at 330-494-6170, ext. 4367 at least two business days before the day of the expressive activity, including information as to the specific location to be used for the event and the estimated expected number of persons, and the name and contact information of at least one person who can be contacted regarding logistics of the event, which shall include at least one person who will be personally present. Security and clean-up costs will not be charged to the person or group.

(b) Prior notice is necessary to ensure that there is sufficient space for the large group event, that the large group event does not conflict with any other scheduled use of the outdoor space, and that sufficient college resources are available for crowd control and security. If such advance notice is not feasible because of circumstances that could not be reasonably anticipated, the person or group shall provide the college with as much advance notice as circumstances reasonably permit.

(1) In addition to the general right of access to outdoor areas of campus described above, any student or student organization may seek to reserve the use of specific outdoor areas by contacting the contact centers coordinator at 330-494-6170, ext. 4070. Any request by a student or student organization to reserve such area or space shall be made at least one business day prior to the event. A request will be granted unless it would conflict or interfere with a previously scheduled event or activity or violate this policy.

(2) A student or student organization that has reserved a specific area or space under this policy will have priority over any other persons seeking to use the area or space during the scheduled time period. Any decision denying a request shall be promptly communicated in writing to the requester and shall set forth the basis for the denial. The content of the anticipated speech or other expressive activity shall not form the basis for a denial.

(D) Prohibited activities

(1) Any event or activity that disrupts the ability of the college to effectively and peacefully teach students, provide client services, or conduct any of its other business and support operations is prohibited. Examples include but are not limited to excessive noise, impeding vehicle or pedestrian traffic, and conduct otherwise unlawful.

(2) No activity may damage college property. Prohibited actions include but are not limited to driving stakes or poles into the ground, hammering nails into buildings, and attaching anything to sidewalks, paved areas, or any part of any building, structure, or fixture.

(3) Distribution/solicitation by placing any material on vehicles in the parking lots or garages is prohibited. Leaving trash, litter, materials or pollutants in any area is prohibited.

(E) Enforcement

(1) The Stark state security department and local law enforcement shall enforce the provisions of this policy.

(2) Any person who violates paragraph (D) of this policy may be subject to an order to leave college property. Employees in violation of this policy may be subject to discipline, up to and including termination.

(F) Dispute resolution

Any person or recognized student organization who believes unlawful, unreasonable, or arbitrary limitations have been imposed on any of their speech or other expressive activities under this policy may file a complaint with the office of the vice president of business and finance at 330-494-6170, ext. 4681.

Last updated May 11, 2026 at 7:56 AM

History

Effective: May 11, 2026
Promulgated Under: 111.15

Ohio Adm.Code 3357:15-17-11 College state of emergency pertaining to students.

A college state of emergency is in effect when the college's president, or person designated, acts to declare such a state in the event of an unexpected catastrophic event, such as a natural or human made disaster or the outbreak of a pandemic illness, requiring immediate attention and remedial action and may involve injury, loss of life, damage to property, or catastrophic interference with normal activities. A catastrophic disaster is one which would require closing the college for six or more business days; short-term closings of five business days or less will not be considered catastrophic. The college recognizes the need to return to normal operations as quickly as possible for students.

Last updated June 6, 2022 at 10:44 AM

History

Effective: June 6, 2022
Promulgated Under: 111.15

Ohio Adm.Code 3357:15-17-12 Service animal.

In compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), Stark state college generally allows service animals in its buildings, classrooms, and dining areas when accompanied by an individual with a disability who indicates the service animal is trained to provide, and does provide, a specific service that is directly related to the disability.

Definitions: service animal: A service animal is defined under the ADA as a animal that is individually trained to do work or perform tasks for the benefit of an individual with a disability. The work or tasks performed must be directly related to the individual's disability. Animals whose sole function is to provide comfort or emotional support do not qualify as service animals under the ADA.

Handler: The handler is the person who is responsible for controlling the service animal.

Last updated June 5, 2023 at 8:46 AM

History

Effective: June 5, 2023
Promulgated Under: 111.15

Chapter 3357:15-18 Policy on Admissions

Ohio Adm.Code 3357:15-18-01 Admission policy.

(A) Access to Ohio's state assisted colleges must be assured for every person who wants and can benefit from higher education. Stark state college (SSC) maintains an "open door" policy and cordially welcomes anyone who wishes to further his or her education. According to section 3345.06 of the Revised Code. Ohio law generally provides that graduates of twelfth grade are entitled to admission without examination to any state-supported college or university and further provides that such an institution may prescribe that certain courses must be completed for unconditional admission.

(B) Open admission carries with it the full weight of equal opportunity for all which means the college must make every effort to be both sensitive and responsive to the needs of prospective students. The open admission policy allows a student to enroll in the college but not necessarily in a specific degree-granting program.

(1) Standard admission. Standard admission to SSC is open to anyone who is a high school graduate or the equivalent and completes the enrollment procedures. Exceptions to the procedures would include not requiring placement testing at the point of admittance for applicable employer partnerships or apprentices. In instances of the exceptions, placement testing is required prior to enrollment in any course that requires a minimum placement test score to enroll.

(2) Conditional admission. Students will be admitted conditionally to SSC if they do not achieve the test scores in English and/or reading indicated in the chart in this paragraph. Students who are admitted conditionally will be limited to taking up to two remedial courses(s) (maximum ten credits) where proficiency was not achieved and are required to successfully complete the course before being granted permission to take additional courses, if required by their programs.

			ACT	SAT Evidence-basedreading and writing
English	Accuplacer(Writeplacer) 2		11	360
Reading	Nextgeneration 219 or Reading Comprehension 28		11	360

(3) Restricted program admission. Students who do not meet specific program requirements at the time of admission as set forth by SSC may be required to satisfactorily complete such requirements before admission into a specific program.

(4) College credit plus. Students can graduate college earlier by earning college and high school credit at the same time. The credits earned can be used to complete an applied bachelor of science, an associate of arts, associate of science, associate of applied science, or associate of applied business degree at SSC, which can then transfer to any Ohio public university towards a bachelor's degree. SSC follows all policies set forth by the Ohio department of higher education (ODHE).

(5) Early college high school (ECHS). ECHS is a program designed to offer Canton city high school students the opportunity to earn an associate degree while completing four years of high school.

(C) Required course placement: First-time degree or one year Ohio department of higher education (ODHE) certificate seeking students are required to complete all developmental courses into which they are placed by accuplacer and/or ACT/SAT scores and that are required by their programs, beginning with their first semester of credit enrollment and continuing for all subsequent semesters to completion. Exceptions may be made on a case-by-case basis for a student returning after an absence at the discretion of the subject department chair or designee of the department chair.

(D) College-level coursework: first-time degree seeking students or certificate-seeking students are required to complete college-level English and math within the first thirty credit hours or as required by the program.

Last updated August 29, 2025 at 8:11 AM

History

Effective: August 29, 2025
Promulgated Under: 111.15

Ohio Adm.Code 3357:15-18-04 Non-credential-seeking citizens sixty and older.

To encourage and promote life-long learning experiences for older citizens, all instructional and general fees are waived for Ohio residents sixty years of age or older who take credit classes as a non-credential-seeking student. Such citizens are free to enroll in any section or course where there may be less than the maximum number of regular students in a class.

Last updated September 16, 2025 at 9:21 AM

History

Effective: July 14, 2016
Promulgated Under: 111.15

Ohio Adm.Code 3357:15-18-06 Financial aid.

The purpose of financial aid is to provide access to higher education through comprehensive services in support of student success:

(A) To provide high quality, efficient, and courteous services to the college community;

(B) To assist students with self-sufficiency by promoting the use of mystarkstate for general information and self-service;

(D) To meet Ohio department of higher education and U.S. department of education reporting deadlines;

(E) To provide data to administration, faculty, staff, and students to assist with minimizing student violations of academic progress; and

(F) To provide appropriate information to the college community to allow for future interventions regarding student loan defaulters.

History

Effective: July 14, 2016
Promulgated Under: 111.15

Ohio Adm.Code 3357:15-18-07 Standards of academic progress.

Standards of academic progress (SAP) are a series of standards required to maintain eligibility for federal student aid. Requirements include components of completion of credit hours and grade point average (GPA) as defined in this policy. Students who do not meet these requirements will be disqualified from future federal financial aid.

Standards of academic progress requirements:

(A) Stark state college requires that any student who applies for or receives federal financial aid makes satisfactory academic progress toward an Ohio department of higher education (ODHE) approved degree or certificate. All students are subject to the evaluation of standards of academic progress.

(B) Satisfactory academic progress is measured as follows:

(1) GPA (qualitative measure): overall grade point average of 2.0.

(2) Completion rate (quantitative measure): completion of sixty-seven per cent of the cumulative attempted credit hours, including hours of repeated and developmental coursework. All accepted transfer hours will also be included in this calculation. The calculated percentage will be subject to rounding to the nearest whole number based on standard mathematical rounding rules.

(3) Maximum timeframe (quantitative measure): completion of an ODHE-approved degree or certificate within the required number of credit hours as listed in the college catalog for the applied bachelor's degree, associate degree, or certificate program, multiplied by one hundred fifty per cent as determined by office of financial aid. This measure will include all accepted transfer credit hours and up to thirty attempted credit hours of required developmental coursework. If a student changes his or her major or is seeking a second degree, the percentage of completion does not start at zero per cent. A student becomes ineligible, via the maximum timeframe element, at the point at which it becomes mathematically impossible for them to complete the program within one hundred fifty per cent.

(4) Successful financial aid grade completions are: A, AH, B, BH, C, UC, D, UD, CR.

(5) Unsuccessful financial aid grade completions are: F, W, IN, NC, W, IN, and NC grades do not affect the GPA but are included in the completion rate and maximum timeframe components of the SAP calculation. Once IN grades are changed, the student's GPA, completion rate, and maximum timeframe components are re-calculated. Courses in which a student remained enrolled past the add/drop period and earned a W grade cannot be excluded from the calculation.

(6) Repeated coursework (see rule 3357:15-13-08 of the Administrative Code) will count toward the number of attempted hours for completion rate and maximum timeframe calculations. Only the highest grade will be used in the calculation of the student's GPA.

(7) Grades assigned to developmental coursework are included in the calculation of the student's grade point average (GPA), completion rate, and maximum timeframe for satisfactory academic progress (SAP). All developmental coursework attempted is included in SAP calculations and applied toward these limits even if the student did not use financial aid to pay for those courses.

Last updated August 25, 2026 at 8:17 AM

History

Effective: August 25, 2026
Promulgated Under: 111.15

Ohio Adm.Code 3357:15-13-08

Last updated June 3, 2024 at 8:35 AM

History

Effective: June 3, 2024
Promulgated Under: 111.15

Ohio Adm.Code 3357:15-18-09 Fees.

Stark state college is financially assisted by the Ohio department of higher education and the state department of education. Students are responsible for charges associated with class tuition and fees. The first day of the semester is defined as the official starting date of the semester or portion of the semester.

History

Effective: March 15, 2019
Promulgated Under: 111.15

Ohio Adm.Code 3357:15-18-10 Student recruitment and marketing.

Stark state college will hire and train admission representatives whose credentials, purposes, and activities adhere to the code of conduct known as the "Guide to Ethical Practice in College Admission" approved by the national association for college admission counseling (NACAC), which can be found at https://www.nacacnet.org/globalassets/documents/advocacy-and-ethics/nacac_guide-to-ethical-practice-in-college-admission_sept.-2020_final.pdf. College representatives will follow the "Guide to Ethical Practice in College Admission" to ensure appropriate conduct in the recruitment of students and their transition to postsecondary education.

Last updated June 6, 2022 at 11:41 AM

History

Effective: June 6, 2022
Promulgated Under: 111.15

Ohio Adm.Code 3357:15-18-11 International student admissions.

Stark state college is a certified student and exchange visitor program (SEVP) designee that welcomes qualified F1 visa holders from other countries. According to the Code of Federal Regulations 8 CFR 214.3(a) (2), specific schools are eligible to enroll F visa holder students, including a community college or junior college that provides instruction in liberal arts or in the professions and awards recognized applied bachelor and associate degrees.

Last updated August 29, 2025 at 8:11 AM

History

Effective: August 29, 2025
Promulgated Under: 111.15

Ohio Adm.Code 3357:15-18-12 Nonpayment drop.

All students are required to pay their tuition and fees by the college's scheduled payment date each semester; please refer to ("Fees") policy 3357:15-18-09 of the Administrative Code. If a student is dropped for nonpayment, the student must seek the approval of the instructor prior to readmission into the course.

History

Effective: June 25, 2017
Promulgated Under: 111.15

Ohio Adm.Code 3357:15-18-13 Determination of student location.

Federal and state regulations require institutions of higher education to determine the state in which a student is located at the time of the student's initial enrollment and/or upon formal receipt of a change of location from the student. The college must determine student location in order to disclose to the student state-specific professional licensure/certification information for their state of location and discuss whether the educational programs and curriculum at stark state college, which satisfy licensure/certification in the state of Ohio, meet the requirements for the student's state of location.

Stark state college is a member of the national council for state authorization reciprocity agreements (NC-SARA), which permits the college to enroll out-of-state students in online educational programs. Acceptance into an educational program or enrollment in course(s) is based on where the student is physically located while taking the course(s). This policy applies to all students taking credit-bearing courses at stark state college including in-person, online, and military students.

Last updated July 1, 2024 at 4:52 PM

History

Effective: July 1, 2024
Promulgated Under: 111.15

Chapter 3357:15-19 Student Assistance

Ohio Adm.Code 3357:15-19-03 Student activities.

(A) Activities in which students may participate are desirable and will be organized and encouraged as facilities, resources, and circumstances permit.

(B) All activities are bound by the Stark state college policies and procedures manual, including, but not limited to, the following policies of the Administrative Code:

(1) Anti-harassment (3357:15-14-13)

(2) Sexual assault (3357:15-14-15

(3) Inappropriate behavior (3357:15-19-06)

History

Effective: July 14, 2016
Promulgated Under: 111.15

Ohio Adm.Code 3357:15-19-04 Student records.

History

Effective: June 25, 2017
Promulgated Under: 111.15

Ohio Adm.Code 3357:15-19-07 Student travel.

(A) Student travel for college organized or sponsored events

(1) All student travelers are bound by the Stark state college policies and procedures manual, including, but not limited to, the following policies of the Administrative Code:

(a) Freedom of expression and responsibilities (3357:15-13-48)

(b) Anti-harassment (3357:15-14-13)

(d) Student code of conduct (3357:15-19-10)

(e) Travel and business entertainment expense (3357:15-14-10)

(2) Stark state college promotes safe travel by enrolled students to and from events and activities.

(3) The types of activities and events covered by this policy include course-related trips, the activities of sponsored student organizations, and meetings of organizations where a student is officially representing the college.

(4) An organized event is one that is initiated, planned, and arranged by a member of the college's faculty, staff, or by the members of a registered student organization, and is approved by the appropriate department administrator - department chair, dean, director of an administrative unit, or their delegate. (Appeals will be reviewed on a case by case basis by the director of student leadership and engagement and/or the student affairs committee.)

(5) An enrolled student is one who has been admitted to and is attending classes at the college. (If the activity/event occurs during winter break or during the summer semesters and the student is not taking classes, the student must be registered for classes for the upcoming semester in order to travel.)

(B) Student travel for registered student organizations

(1) This portion of the policy applies to the travel of student members of a registered student organization when the organization requires its student members to attend an activity or event and the activity or event occurs more than fifty miles from the college campus.

(2) Registered student organizations that require student members to travel to and from events or activities that are covered by this policy must obtain prior authorization for such travel from the appropriate department administrator and the office of student leadership and engagement.

(3) If it is necessary for a non-student (alumnae, guest, parent of college credit plus student, etc.) to travel using college funds/transportation, the individual(s) must have approval prior to travel. All appropriate travel paperwork and information/ documentation required must be submitted ten days prior to travel to the director of student leadership and engagement.

Last updated May 27, 2025 at 7:40 AM

History

Effective: May 24, 2025
Promulgated Under: 111.15

Ohio Adm.Code 3357:15-19-08 Student complaint(s).

If a student has reason to believe that they have been unfairly treated and wishes to file a complaint against Stark state college, another student and/or an employee, that student may bring forward a complaint.

Last updated June 2, 2025 at 8:11 AM

History

Effective: June 2, 2025
Promulgated Under: 111.15

Ohio Adm.Code 3357:15-19-09 Service member and veteran support and assistance policy.

Stark state college seeks to assist service members and veterans as they pursue an applied bachelor's degree, an associate degree and/or certificate. The purpose of this policy is to set forth the support and assistance Stark state college will provide to service members and veterans, as required by division (B) of section 3345.421 of Revised Code.

Definition of terms:

(A) "Service member" means a person who is serving in the armed forces of the United States.

(B) "Veteran" means any person who has completed service in the armed forces, including the national guard of any state or a reserve component of the armed forces, including the national guard of any state or a reserve component of the armed forces, and who has been discharged under honorable conditions from the armed forces or who has been transferred to the reserve with evidence of satisfactory service.

Last updated August 29, 2025 at 9:22 AM

History

Effective: August 29, 2025
Promulgated Under: 111.15

Ohio Adm.Code 3357:15-19-10 Student code of conduct.

History

Effective: June 25, 2017
Promulgated Under: 111.15

Ohio Adm.Code 3357:15-19-12 Suicide prevention.

Stark state college supports its students, faculty, and staff in suicide awareness and prevention in an effort to maintain the safety and well-being of our campus community. The college is committed to providing access, prevention, support, intervention, and postvention to students, faculty, and staff at a risk for suicide, and for those members of the campus community impacted by suicide. The college has adopted this policy in compliance with section 3345.37 of the Revised Code.

History

Effective: June 3, 2019
Promulgated Under: 111.15

Ohio Adm.Code 3357:15-19-13 Anti-hazing policy.

Stark state college strictly prohibits hazing in any form as prescribed in section 2903.31 of the Revised Code and Public Law no. 118 to 173 and will investigate and respond to all reports of hazing as outlined in this policy.

(A) This policy applies to Stark state college students, student organizations, student groups, and employees. This policy also applies to volunteers acting in an official capacity that advise or coach student organizations and/or student groups who have direct contact with students. Stark state college has jurisdiction under this policy whether the conduct occurs on or off campus. Violations may also be subject to civil and criminal penalties under Ohio law.

This anti-hazing policy applies to conduct that occurs on or off-campus, between two or more people who are affiliated with the college, or any student or other organization associated with the college.

(B) Public Law no. 118 to 173 defines hazing as any intentional, knowing, or reckless act committed by a person (whether individually or in concert with other persons) against another person or persons regardless of the willingness of such other person or persons to participate, that:

(1) Is committed in the course of an initiation, into an affiliation with, or the maintenance of membership in, a student organization; and

(2) Causes or creates a risk, above the reasonable risk encountered in the course of participation in the institution of higher education or the organization, of physical or psychological injury.

(C) Hazing means doing any of the following: pressuring, causing, forcing, soliciting, or coercing any person to do any of the following for the purpose of initiative, admitting, or affiliating an individual into or with a student group or student organization; continuing or enhancing an individual's membership or status in a student group or student organization; or perpetuating or furthering a tradition or ritual of a student group or student organization. Specific examples include:

(1) Engaging in any conduct prohibited by local, state, or federal law regardless of whether an arrest is made or criminal charges are brought;

(2) Taking into their body any food, liquid (including alcohol), drug, or other substance that subjects the person to a substantial risk of mental or physical harm;

(3) Causing or creating a substantial risk of causing mental or physical harm to another and/or engage in any act or omission that contributes to the death of another;

(4) Whipping, beating, striking, electronic shocking, placing of a harmful substance on someone's body or similar activity;

(5) Causing, coercing, or otherwise inducing sleep deprivation, exposure to the elements, confinement in a small space, extreme calisthenics, or other similar activity;

(6) Causing, coercing, or otherwise inducing another person to perform sexual acts;

(7) Any activity that places another person in reasonable fear of bodily harm through the use of threatening words or conduct;

(8) Any activity that induces, causes, or requires another person to perform a duty or task that involves a criminal violation of local, state, or federal law.

(D) The implied or expressed consent of a student to hazing is not a defense to a student code of conduct violation. Furthermore, retaliation against any person who reports hazing or who participates in a hazing investigation pursuant to this policy is in violation of the student code of conduct and is subject to disciplinary action.

Last updated June 2, 2025 at 8:11 AM

History

Effective: June 2, 2025
Promulgated Under: 111.15