Oct 14, 2024  
2019-2020 College Catalog and Student Handbook 
    
2019-2020 College Catalog and Student Handbook [ARCHIVED CATALOG]

Campus Policies and Procedures



Alcohol and Drug Policy

North Central State College is a learning community. Its students, faculty, staff and guests interact in a wide variety of intellectual and social activities that extend outside of the classroom. We value and promote an alcohol-free environment, but we recognize alcoholic beverages may be available at some campus activities. Such activities are consistent with the College’s cultural values when they foster moderation and safety in alcohol consumption. Illegal use of drugs is strictly prohibited.

The College prohibits the illegal use of alcohol and complies fully with federal, state and local regulations regarding the sale, possession and consumption of alcoholic beverages. All members of the College community are held responsible for their behavior and for respecting the rights of others. The College, in partnership with the Ohio State University – Mansfield, is committed to providing the community with education regarding high risk alcohol use and to making health-enhancing experiences a priority.

Unlawful possession, use, production, distribution or sale of alcohol or drugs by any student or employee is prohibited on College property or as any part of College activities. It is a violation of the Code of Student Conduct, city, state and federal codes, and subject to applicable sanctions.

Please see the full Alcohol & Drug Policy at ncstatecollege.edu/ documents/policies-manual/Final%20PDFs/16-22.pdf for further information.

Campus Sex Crimes Act Prevention Information

In reading the following information, please be mindful of the fact that North Central State College is located on a campus that is open to the public, that the College maintains an “open door” admission policy, and that the College serves students from a variety of counties in Ohio.

The federal Campus Sex Crimes Prevention Act requires institutions of higher education to issue a statement advising the campus community where law enforcement agency information provided by a State concerning registered sex offenders may be obtained. It also requires sex offenders already required to register in a State to provide notice, as required under State law, of each institution of higher education in that State at which the person is employed, carries on a vocation, or is a student.

Information regarding individuals who are required to register as sex offenders can be obtained from the following sources:

e‐SORN

The Ohio Bureau of Criminal Identification and Investigation, with the assistance of the office of the Ohio Attorney General, has created a public database on the Internet called Electronic Sexual Offender Registration Notification or e-SORN.  The e-SORN database can be accessed at www.icrimewatch.net/index.php?AgencyID=55149.

According to a statement released 12-18-03 by State Attorney General Jim Petro, “users who visit e-SORN will find the name, address, type of offense and photo of each convicted sex offender that the Attorney General’s office is permitted by law to include. The website is searchable by offender name, county, zip code and school district. It also provides links to county sheriff’s offices websites. By law, the e-SORN public website may only contain information on offenders who have been convicted in adult criminal court.”

County Sheriff’s Offices

North Central State College is located in Richland County:

  • Richland County Sheriff’s Office - 419-774-5881
  • Ashland County Sheriff’s Office - 419-281-3911
  • Crawford County Sheriff’s Office - 419-562-7906
  • Holmes County Sheriff’s Office - 330-674-1936
  • Huron County Sheriff’s Office - 419-668-6912
  • Knox County Sheriff’s Office - 740-397-3333
  • Morrow County Sheriff’s Office - 419-946-6991
  • Wayne County Sheriff’s Office - 330-287-5750

Children on Campus

North Central State College strives to maintain an environment conducive to teaching and learning. Therefore, whenever children are brought to the campus they must remain with their parents, guardians, or caretakers in all areas of the College. Whether or not a child can be brought into a classroom is at the discretion of each faculty member.

College/Campus Closings

Only in extremely rare circumstances will the College close due to inclement weather. There will be a number of times when the public schools might close, but the campus will remain open. Also, the campus might close only for morning classes and reopen for afternoon and evening classes. In the event of a forced cancellation, announcements will be made on every major radio station surrounding the five or six county area. The stations will be notified by 7 a.m. Students are encouraged not to call the College switchboard, but instead, listen carefully to the announcement for specific instructions on your local radio or television stations. Also, if the college closes, NC State will post an announcement on Twitter at “tweetsatncsc.”

Please see the full College/Campus Closings Policy at ncstatecollege.edu/documents/policies-manual/Final%20PDFs/18-13.pdf for further information.

Computer and Network Resource Use

North Central State College computer and network resources are privileges provided to conduct the legitimate business of the College and to support the mission of the institution. The purpose of this statement is to outline the policies and procedures that promote the security and integrity of the College’s computer systems and the information contained on those systems and that provide a framework for responsible access to computing resources. The President of the College, the Chief Academic Officer, deans, or instructors may elect to impose additional requirements or restrictions. North Central State College extends these principles and guidelines to systems outside the College which are accessed via the College’s facilities. Computing or network providers outside of North Central State College may impose their own additional conditions of appropriate use, for which users at North Central State College are responsible.

Please see the full Computer & Network Use Policy at ncstatecollege.edu/documents/policies-manual/Final%20PDFs/19-20.pdf for further information.  Please see the full Wireless Access Policy at ncstatecollege.edu/documents/policies-manual/Final%20PDFs/19-24.pdf for further information

Discrimination, Harassment, Sexual Misconduct, Stalking, and Retaliation Policy

North Central State College is committed to providing an environment that emphasizes the dignity and worth of every member of its community and that is free from harassment and discrimination based upon race, color, religion, national origin, creed, service in the uniformed services (as defined in state and federal law), veteran status, sex, age, political ideas, marital or family status, pregnancy, physical or mental disability, genetic information, gender identity, gender expression, or sexual orientation. Such an environment is necessary to a healthy learning, working, and living atmosphere because discrimination and harassment undermine human dignity and the positive connection among all people at the College. Acts of discrimination, harassment, sexual misconduct, stalking, and retaliation will be addressed consistent with this policy.

This policy applies in cases where the student complaint involves discrimination or harassment. A student filing a complaint that does NOT involve discrimination or harassment must follow the College’s Student Complaint Policy found at ncstatecollege.edu/ documents/policies-manual/Final%20PDFs/15-02.pdf.

Please contact the Title IX Coordinator/EO at 419-755-4538, or see the full  Discrimination, Harassment, Sexual Misconduct, Stalking, and Retaliation Policy at ncstatecollege.edu/documents/policies-manual/ Final%20PDFs/15-03.pdf.

Discrimination Grievance Procedures

The purpose of these procedures is to provide a prompt and equitable resolution for complaints or reports of discrimination based upon race, color, religion, national origin, creed, service in the uniformed services (as defined in state and federal law), veteran status, sex, age, political ideas, marital or family status, pregnancy, physical or mental disability, genetic information, gender identity, gender expression, or sexual orientation.   The industry standard designation for these kinds of violations as well as the office of responsibility for the reporting and handling of these matters is identified by the term “EO”.

Any person believing that they have been subjected to discrimination or harassment on any of these bases may file a complaint or report with the College “EO”.  These procedures address all complaints or reports of alleged discrimination or harassment, including conduct that violates the Discrimination, Harassment, Sexual Misconduct, Stalking and Retaliation Policy (hereinafter referred to as “Policy Violations”).  The procedures also address complaints or reports of retaliation against those who have opposed practices forbidden under the policy, those who have filed complaints or reports under the policy, and those who have testified or otherwise participated in enforcement of the policy.

Please contact the Title IX Coordinator/EO at 419-755-4538, or see the full Discrimination Grievance Procedures at ncstatecollege.edu/documents/President/PoliciesProcedures/PolicyManual/Final%20PDFs/15-031.pdf for further information.

Family Education Rights and Privacy Act (Ferpa)

The Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA) affords students certain rights with respect to their education records. Your rights under FERPA are:

  1. You have the right to inspect and review your educational records within 45 days of the day the College receives a request for access.
  2. You have the right to request the amendment of any part of your educational record that you believe is inaccurate or misleading.
  3. You have the right to consent to disclosure of personally identifiable information contained in your education records, except to the extent that FERPA authorizes disclosure without consent.
  4. You have the right to file a complaint with the U.S. Department of Education concerning alleged failures by North Central State College to comply with the requirements of FERPA.

The name and address of the office that administers FERPA is:

Family Policy Compliance Office
U.S. Department of Education
400 Maryland Avenue, SW
Washington, DC 20202-4605

Please contact the Registrar at 419-755-4824 or see the full Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA) Policy at ncstatecollege.edu/documents/policies-manual/Final%20PDFs/17-50.pdf for further information.

Firearms

Law enforcement officers authorized to carry concealed weapons or dangerous ordnance and acting within the scope of their duties must do the following:

  • Prior to the start of class, a student shall present a letter from their commanding officer to the Registrar indicating they are required to carry a weapon, even when not on duty, as part of their overall duties as a peace officer.
  • Prior to employment, an employee shall present a letter from their commanding officer to the Director of Human Resources indicating they are required to carry a weapon, even when not on duty, as part of their overall duties as a peace officer.
  • Notify their instructor, supervisor, etc. that they are peace officers required to carry a weapon.

Fundraising Drives and Canvasing

Canvassing or solicitation for funds, sales, or subscriptions are prohibited in campus buildings unless written permission has been granted. A written request should be sent to the Director for Student Engagement for main campus or to the NCSC Facilities Manager for the Kehoe Center who may seek recommendation(s) regarding requests from appropriate campus offices. The request should be made at least 10 working days prior to the event.

The sale of merchandise of any kind whatsoever, or publications or service in campus buildings, other than by the regularly authorized stores, food service, departments, or divisions of the campus, is likewise prohibited except upon written permission. A written request should be sent to the Director for Student Engagement for main campus or to the NCSC Facilities Manager for the Kehoe Center at least 10 working days prior to the event.

Any person violating this rule shall be subject, upon proper notice, to eviction from campus property or arrest.

Guest Speakers

It is the policy of the Campus to foster a spirit of free inquiry and to encourage the timely discussion of the broad range of issues which concern our nation, provided that the views expressed are stated openly and are subject to critical evaluation.  Within our prevailing standards of decency and honesty, this policy shall be construed to mean that no topic is too controversial for intelligent discussion on the campus.  Restraints on free inquiry should be held to that minimum which is consistent with preserving an organized society in which change is accomplished by peaceful democratic means.

To this end, a registered student organization, after consulting with and prior approval of its faculty advisor, may invite guest speakers to the campus to address meetings, subject to the following provisions:

  • Sponsorship must be by a registered student organization.
  • Proper arrangements for the use of College facilities must be made.
  • It must be clear that the student organization, not the College, is extending the invitation and that any views the speaker may express are his or her own and not those of the College.
  • The student organization must take whatever steps are necessary to insure that the meeting is conducted in an orderly manner.
  • The student organization must provide means for critical evaluation of the speaker’s view, which must include as a minimum, an open question period following the speaker’s presentation.
  • The student organization must comply with any and all conditions for the orderly and scholarly conduct of the meeting.

A speaker invited by a student organization must not advocate action or urge the audience to take action which is illegal under the laws of the United States, the state of Ohio, or which is prohibited by the rules of the College or the Student Code of Conduct.  It is the responsibility of the student organization to inform speakers in writing of this prohibition.

The maximum penalties to be assessed against a student organization for a failure to observe the provisions of Section 2 or for sponsoring a speaker who violates the prohibition of Section 3 of this rule shall be (a) for a single violation (including, as a single violation, multiple violations relating to the same meeting) in any academic year, suspension of the right of the student organization to invite a guest speaker to the campus for a twelve month period and (b) for more than one violation in any academic year, termination of the student organization’s registered status. 

Students, either as individuals or as members of recognized student organizations, who act in violation of the provisions of this rule shall be subject to disciplinary procedures and actions as outlined in the Student Code of Conduct.

Faculty and others entitled to sponsor a meeting involving the use of College facilities shall observe this rule.

Posting Policy

It is important for campus offices and student organizations to have adequate opportunities to publicize their events. It is also important to maintain an attractive campus, free of unnecessary litter. Guidelines for posting materials on the campus may be found in the NC State/OSU Mansfield Campus Posting Procedure. This procedure is designed to achieve those objectives. 

Please see the full NC State/OSU Mansfield Posting Procedure at ncstatecollege.edu/documents/policies-manual/Final%20PDFs/18-041.pdf for further information.

​​Rollerblades and Skateboards

Roller blades and skateboard may be used as transportation on walks throughout campus, if used courteously, respecting the right of way of pedestrians. They may also be used for recreation in parking lot #8 and on the bike path, except when motorcycle classes or other approved activities are being conducted.

Stunting is dangerous to skaters, to campus property, and to bystanders, and is strictly prohibited anywhere on campus. Students in violation of skating rules may be subjected to disciplinary actions. Safety equipment is highly recommended for skaters to provide for personal safety.

Please see the full Roller Blades, In-Line Skates, and Skateboard Policy at ncstatecollege.edu/documents/policies-manual/Final%20PDFs/18-20.pdf for further information.

Selective Service Requirements

As a publicly funded, associate degree granting college, North Central State College is required to collect information from all male students regarding their selective service status. Forms used for collecting this information are included with NC State applications and also distributed during registration. Completed forms should be returned to the Office of Student Records. Failure to comply with this request will result in the assessment of the “out-of-state” tuition surcharge and the loss of certain financial aid benefits.

Smoking Policy

The Ohio State University at Mansfield Tobacco-Free Campus Policy, the North Central State College Nonsmoking Policy and the Ohio State Smoke-Free Workplace Law (ORC 3794) are in effect at the Mansfield Campus.

Please see full Non-Smoking Policy at ncstatecollege.edu/documents/ policies-manual/Final%20PDFs/18-19.pdf for further information.

Student Complaint Procedures

North Central State College encourages student communication with the administration, faculty, and staff regarding College operations, policies, and procedures and encourages students to use existing policies, personnel, and departmental offices to express specific concerns. Should a student deem that the existing policies, personnel, and departmental offices cannot address his/her specific concern or complaint, North Central State College accepts and maintains records of formal written complaints filed with the office of the Department Supervisor, Assistant Dean, Dean, or Vice President.

North Central State College is committed to fair and equitable decision-making regarding all policies and practices of the College. When decisions are rendered regarding the application of policies, the college is committed to resolving disagreements over the outcome through an appeals method adhering to the principles of due process.

​Please see the full Student Complaint and Appeal Policy at ncstatecollege.edu/documents/policies-manual/Final%20PDFs/15-02.pdf for further information.