College Policies

Affirmative Action

Policy Statement

The Northwest State Community College affirmative action policy has as its objective the equal employment and treatment of all individuals without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin or ancestry, handicap, age, marital or parental status, veteran status, or other non-job related factors.

• The College is fully committed to providing:
• Equal opportunities in all employment-related activities, including but not limited to, recruiting, hiring, advancement, transfer, compensation, benefits, and terms of employment;
• Equal opportunities in all educational, social and recreational programs;
• Physical access to all facilities.

It is the intent that this policy be in full compliance with all applicable federal and state laws and regulations concerning affirmative action.

Americans with Disabilities Act

It is the policy of Northwest State Community College to comply with all federal and state laws concerning the employment of persons with disabilities.  Pursuant to Titles I and II of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) of 1990, Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Action of 1973, the college provides equal employment opportunities and reasonable accommodation for qualified individuals with disabilities.  It is the college’s policy not to discriminate against qualified individuals with disabilities in regard to application procedures, hiring, advancement, discharge, compensation, training or other terms, conditions and privileges of employment.

Anti-Hazing (Collin’s Law)

Northwest state community college (“NSCC” or “college”) prohibits hazing as defined in this policy. The college will investigate and respond to all reports of hazing as outlined in this policy.

NSCC is committed to a safe and respectful campus environment that aligns with our institutional values. It is the college’s belief that learning and working occurs in environments where learners, employees, and visitors feel safe, secure, and welcome.

The college acknowledges that as part of the higher education experience that learners and some employees participate in various extra-and co-curricular groups and organizations with different purposes and processes for affiliation. The college supports traditions within organizations that match the college’s core values. Hazing is antithetical to our institutional mission and has no place at NSCC.

The college recognizes that a student organization or group may belong to a national oversight organization that also holds students accountable to expectations and standards (e.g., the national organization for a local fraternity chapter). NSCC is committed to partnering with these outside affiliates to address hazing allegations and will communicate with them as appropriate.

Definitions:

Hazing-as defined in section 2903.31 of the Ohio Revised Code, hazing is defined as “doing any act or coercing another, including the victim, to do any act or initiation into any student or other organization or any act to continue or reinstate membership in or affiliation with any student or other organization that causes or creates a substantial risk of causing mental or physical harm to any person, including coercing another to consume alcohol or a drug of abuse, as defined in section 3719.01 I of the Revised Code.”

Hazing is a form of power-based violence. Hazing can occur with power differentials in all types of relationships regardless of membership status, including an initiate, an individual seeking reinstatement, a current member, or a current student with inactive status. In part, hazing is an attempt to exert control or influence from one person to another. What constitutes hazing is a dynamic and changing set of circumstances that requires a situational response.

Therefore, NSCC further defines hazing to include:

Any action or situation which recklessly or intentionally endangers the mental, emotional, or physical health or safety of a student for the purpose of initiation or admission into, or affiliation with, any student organization or group regardless of the person’s consent to participate.

Brutality of a physical nature including but not limited to paddling, whipping, beating, branding, forced calisthenics, or exposure to the elements.

Coerced consumption, including but not limited to any food, alcoholic beverage, liquid, drug, or any other substance that subjects the student to an unreasonable risk of harm.

Acts intended to cause mental stress, including but not limited to sleep deprivation, transportation or abandonment, confinement to a small space, forced exclusion from social contact, forced conduct which could result in embarrassment, any forced activity that is designed to shame or humiliate, or any action of harassment (as defined in the student code of conduct).

Coerced activities, including but not limited to violation of local, state, or federal laws, violation of college policies, rules, or regulations, and personal servitude.

Acts of sexual harassment and other sexual misconduct as defined by NSCC policy 14-3-35.

Members of the college community-faculty, staff, learners, volunteers (e.g., advisors and volunteer coaches), organizations, groups, alumni, and consultants are members of the college community for purposes of this policy.

Organization -an organization consists of a number of persons who are associated with each other and have registered with the college as a student organization (such as clubs, club sports, or fraternities and sororities).

Groups -a group consists of a number of persons who are associated with the college and each other, but who have not registered, or are not required to register, as a student organization (including but not limited to athletic teams, musical or theatrical ensembles, academic or administrative units, and clubs not registered as student organizations).

Scope

The college holds students accountable for their behavior both on and off-campus and addresses behavior that is a violation of the “student code of conduct.” This policy applies to hazing that takes place between two or more people who are affiliated with the institution regardless of if it occurs at sanctioned or non-sanctioned events. This policy applies to student organizations, groups, and individuals and is effective from matriculation to commencement, including breaks in the academic year.

Outcomes and consequences

Hazing is a serious offense of the college “student code of conduct” and, therefore, is subject to the full range of sanctions (reprimand, disciplinary probation, suspension, and expulsion). In addition, other educational activities may be required as conditions of the sanction. An individual, organization, or group may be subject to other outcomes in accordance with the applicable outside constituents, academic processes, group in which the student is involved, or their governing bodies. The college has the right to act regardless of the actions of a governing body.

Hazing as defined, as well as some of the specific acts involved, may also violate local, state, or federal laws or regulations; for example, the use of force (including the threat of force) may subject the perpetrator to criminal charges of simple, felonious, or aggravated assault. Punishment upon conviction or plea will be as the court decides, and is independent of any decisions made by the college under this policy.

The victim/s of any hazing may file a civil action against one or more individual perpetrators, or against the local or governing organization. Such suits may result in sanctions as the court directs, independent of any decisions made by the college under this policy.

Individuals who participate in hazing or recklessly permit the hazing of another may also face criminal penalties in accordance with sections 2903.31 and 2903.311 of the Ohio Revised Code. These penalties are in addition to sanctions imposed by the college under this policy.

Reporting

Duty to report

Immediately upon learning of potential hazing, all employees, volunteers, advisors, consultants, and alumni have a duty to report any alleged violation of hazing. This obligation extends to reporting what someone tells you and/or what you observe. Each mandated reporter must report to the college and to law enforcement. Student employees have a duty to report violations of this policy of which they become aware in the course of their duties when these duties include responsibility for the safety and wellbeing of other members of campus community or if they have supervisory, evaluative, grading, or advisory responsibility over other members of the campus community.

Separate from and in addition to any administrative duty to report hazing,  section 2903.0311 of the Ohio Revised Code states that “[n]o administrator, employee, faculty member, teacher, consultant, alumnus, or volunteer of any organization, who is acting in an official and professional capacity shall recklessly fail to immediately report the knowledge of hazing to a law enforcement agency in the county in which the victim of hazing resides on in which the hazing is occurring or has occurred.”

Further, section 2921.22 of the Ohio Revised Code requires any person who knows that a felony has been or is being committed to report it to law enforcement. It is a criminal offense to knowingly fail to make the report. If you suspect or have knowledge of criminal activity occurring on college property, call the NSCC police department (“NSCC PD”). NSCC police department may be reached by dialing “3” from any campus telephone or by dialing 419-267-1452. The NSCC police department is located in Al91 in the atrium. Persons who wish to report crimes or other incidents at other college sites or from their homes should contact the police department of jurisdiction by calling 9-1-1. Incidents that occur off-campus or at a regional campus should be reported to local law enforcement by calling 9-1-1 or the nonemergency telephone number specific to that jurisdiction.

Filing a report of violation of this policy

The Vice President of Enrollment Management & Student Affairs (“VPEMSA”) serves as the recipient for any complaint or report of hazing. If the report involves criminal conduct, the VP EMS A shall notify law enforcement. If the report involves allegations of sexual misconduct, the provisions of NSCC policy 14-3-35 may also apply. In certain instances, the VPEMSA will notify other appropriate agencies, such as children’s services.

Walk-in or mail:

Vice President of Enrollment Management & Student Affairs

Campus Crime and Security Policy

Northwest State Community College does comply with the Geanne Clery Disclosure of Campus Security and Campus Crime Statistics Act. The Campus Security Report can be found on the college website.

Drug Free Workplace Policy

Northwest State Community College shall comply with the Drug Free Workplace Act of 1988 and the Drug Free Schools Community Act of 1989. Northwest State Community College shall maintain a drug and alcohol prevention plan.

Equal Opportunity and Non-Discrimination/Anti- Harassment

Policy Statement

Northwest State Community College is committed to maintaining a workplace and academic environment free of discrimination and harassment. Therefore, the college shall not tolerate discriminatory or harassing behavior by or against trustees, employees, vendors, customers, students or other persons participating in a college program or activity.

Employees and students are expected to assist in the college’s efforts to prevent discrimination or harassment from occurring. Administrators, supervisors, and employees who have been designated to act on behalf of the college are specifically responsible for identifying and taking proper action to end such behavior.

While the college does not tolerate any form of discrimination or harassment, the Non-Discrimination/ Anti-Harassment Policy and related procedures are intended to cover discrimination and harassment based on a protected class. Protected classes for purposes of this policy are age, ancestry, color, disability, familial status (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 foster parent), gender, gender identity or expression, genetic information (GNA), military or veteran status, national origin, race, religion, sex, and sexual orientation, or any other bases under the law. Through this and related policies, the College acknowledges and complies with its duties under Title VI and VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972, the Age Discrimination in Employment Act of 1967, the Age Discrimination Act of 1975, Sections 503 and 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, and the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990, as amended, the Pregnancy Discrimination Act, and relevant state and local laws, by setting forth comprehensive frameworks for receiving, processing, investigating, and resolving complaints.

Anyone who is subjected to conduct that creates an intimidating or hostile environment, regardless if the conduct is based on a protected class, shall report the conduct to a person outlined in Section (E) of this policy. If Human Resources determines that the conduct alleged to be creating an intimidating or hostile environment is not based on a protected class, the report may be referred for remediation according to the relevant policy.

In furtherance of these expectation, employees must participate in required training.

Definitions of Discrimination/Harassment

1. Discrimination - occurs when an adverse employment action is taken and based upon a protected class. Discrimination may occur in several forms, such as:
   1. Disparate Treatment - when a person, or group of people are treated less favorably than another person or group of people on the basis of a protected class.
   2. Disparate Impact - when a college policy, practice or decision is based on neutral factors that have an adverse impact on a protected class.
2. Harassment - (1) Unwelcome, protected class-based physical non-verbal or verbal conduct that (2) is sufficiently severe, persistent or pervasive that (3) it unreasonably interferes with, denies, or limits an individual’s ability to participate in or benefit from the university’s education and employment programs and activities; and (4) is based on power differentials (quid pro quo) or the creation of a hostile environment. *This definition does not include sexual harassment/misconduct, for policies related to those see Policy 3358:14-3-35.
   1. Hostile Work Environment - occurs when the conduct at issue is sufficiently severe or pervasive that it creates an intimidating, abusive or offensive environment regarding employment or academic decisions for a person in a protected class. A single instance of discrimination may be sufficient to create a hostile work environment.

Consequences of Discrimination/Harassment

1. Employees - any employee found to be in violation of this policy will be subject to disciplinary action, up to and including termination of employment.
2. Students - any student found to be in violation of this policy will be subject to review and resolution in accordance with the Student Code of Conduct Policy 3358:14-5-08 and may be subject to disciplinary action in accordance therewith.

Reporting Responsibilities and Filing a Complaint

1. Anyone who believes that an administrator, any employee, supervisor, student, or non-employee’s behavior constitutes discrimination or harassment has a responsibility to report the behavior/action as soon as it is known so that the college may administer this policy.
   1. Allegations can be made by individuals who are directly involved in, who observe, or who receive reliable information that discrimination/harassment may have occurred.
2. Complaints Involving Employees: In cases of alleged discrimination/harassment in employment or if the victim of alleged perpetrator is an employee, the complaint may be made to any of the following:
   1. the Title IX Coordinator or Deputy Title IX Coordinator;
   2. an employee of Human Resources; or
   3. an employee of the NSCC Police Department.
3. Complaints Involving Students: In cases of alleged discrimination/harassment when the victim and/or alleged perpetrator is a student, a potential student, or someone participating in a college-sponsored event or activity, the complaint may be made to any of the following, the complaint may be made to any of the following:
   1. the Title IX Coordinator or Deputy Title IX Coordinator;
   2. the Vice President of Academics;
   3. an Academic Dean; or
   4. an employee of the NSCC Police Department.
4. Any person designated to receive complaints under this policy who has direct or constructive knowledge of alleged discriminatory or harassing behavior must immediately report behavior to the Office of Human Resources, Title IX Coordinator, Chief Student Affairs Officer or Deputy Title IX Coordinator. Failure to do so may result in disciplinary action, up to and including termination of employment.
5. Emergency: Any person seeking immediate assistance or relief from bodily danger or a threat should immediately contact the Northwest State Community College Policy Department at 419-267-1452 or by dialing 9-1-1.
6. Reporting Complaints made in good faith will not be held against an employee or student in any way.

Equal Opportunity

It is the established policy of Northwest state community college not to discriminate against any individual employee or student, groups of employees or students, or prospective employees or students for reasons of age, ancestry, color, disability, familial status (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 foster parent), gender, gender identity or expression, genetic information (GNA), military or veteran status, national origin, race, religion, sex, and sexual orientation, or any other bases under the law. This college is fully committed to providing equal opportunities in all employment related activities, and educational programs, including, but not limited to, recruiting, hiring, advancement, demotion, layoff, compensation, training, benefits, transfers, tuition assistance, terms of employment, physical access to facilities, and social and recreational programs, within the financial resources of the college.

The college will promote equal opportunities to all employees, applicants for employment, students, and student applicants for admission to the college through a positive and continuing affirmative action program. Northwest state community college will fully comply with all federal, state, and local laws and regulations to guarantee equal opportunities. All contractors of this college will comply with existing federal and state regulations concerning equal employment opportunities and affirmative action. Concerns or complaints regarding equal employment opportunities and affirmative action should be filed with the human resource department of the college.

Free Speech Policy

This policy will apply to all College students, student groups, faculty, staff, and employees of Northwest State Community College, to the extent set forth in this policy in Ohio Revised Code Section 3345.0215.N

Northwest State Community College believes that the right of free 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. 

Northwest State Community College does comply with the Free Speech Act. Northwest State Community College believes that the right of free 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. Filing a complaint of an alleged violation of this policy can be submitted to the Vice President for Academics office or anonymously through an online reporting form:  https://FreeSpeechReportingForm. A report regarding complaints will be submitted annually.

Minors on Campus

Northwest State Community College (NSCC) seeks to promote the safety and welfare of minors on NSCC campus, including minors who participate in youth activities and programs on NSCC campus.  This policy outlines what is required of faculty, staff, learners, and volunteers who interact with minors or work in youth activities and programs, including their reporting obligations in instances of known or suspected incidents of child abuse or neglect of minors.  This policy applies to all minors, as defined, on college property, and any faculty, staff, learners, and volunteers who interact with minors while on campus. 

Northwest State Community College seeks to promote the safety and welfare of minors on NSCC campus, including minors who participate in youth activities and programs on NSCC campus.

• No minors (this does not include enrolled or accepted NSCC learners) are to be left alone or unsupervised on college property: this includes, but is not limited to classrooms, offices, skills labs, science labs, learner lounges, waiting areas, etc. It is the responsibility of anyone who brings minors to campus to ensure supervision of that minor.
• In certain circumstances, it may be appropriate for faculty, staff, and learners to bring their minor children to the workplace or classroom. In such situations, the goal should be to foster respect for the needs of all parties impacted by the presence of the minor children. College Personnel must consider issues of safety, confidentiality, disruption of operations, disruption of services, disruption to other employees, appropriateness and liability posed by the presence of the minor children in the workplace. 

Filing a complaint of an alleged violation of this policy can be directed to the Campus Police.

Protection of Human Subjects Research Policy

Northwest State Community College shall comply with the federal provisions of the protection of human subjects in research policy in accordance with 45 CFR 46, and 21 CFR 56. Research proposals must be reviewed and approved prior to any research activity. Contact the Vice President for Academics for more information.

Sexual Misconduct Policy

Purpose of the Policy

Northwest State Community College is committed to maintaining an academic, work, and study environment where everyone is treated with dignity and respect and is free of sexual misconduct in any form. Sexual misconduct is a broad term that includes but is not limited to sexual harassment, sexual violence, inappropriate behavior that is of a sexual nature, or inappropriate behavior that is based on sex, and directed towards, by or against employees, students, vendors, customers, persons participating in a college program or activity.

Students and employees are expected to conduct themselves in a manner that maintains an environment free from sexual misconduct. All students and employees have a responsibility to be aware of this policy’s contents, to abide by its terms, and to assist in its enforcement. This policy defines expectations for the college, its student, and its employees and establishes mechanisms for determining when those expectations have been violated.

Title IX Notice of Non-Discrimination

Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972, and its implementing regulation at 43 C.F.R. Part 106 (Title IX) provides, “No individual in the United States shall, on the basis of sex, be excluded from participation in, be denied the benefits of, or be subjected to discrimination under any education program or activity receiving Federal financial assistance:’

Definitions - for a complete list of definitions refer to the full policy.

Scope

1. This policy applies to alleged sexual misconduct that takes  place of College property or at college-sponsored activities, regardless of the location of the activity.
2. This policy may also apply to alleged sexual harassment or  sexual misconduct that occurs off-campus, including virtual places, when the title IX Coordinator or Deputy Coordinator determines that the alleged off-campus conduct could reasonably create a hostile environment or a continuing adverse effect on campus.

Jurisdiction

1. The college has a compelling obligation to address allegations and suspected instances of sexual misconduct when it knows or should have known information that would lead a reasonable person to believe this policy has been violated. The college may take appropriate action, including pursuing an investigation even in cases when the complainant is reluctant to proceed
2. The college’s disciplinary response may be limited if the accused is a visitor or other third-party or is not subject to the college’s jurisdiction.

Reporting Responsibilities and Filing a Formal Report

1. Anyone - especially all faculty, staff and administrators - who believes that employees, students, or non-employee’s behavior constitutes sexual misconduct has a responsibility to report the behavior/action as soon as it is known so that the college may administer this policy.
2. In cases of alleged sexual misconduct where the victim or alleged perpetrator is an employee, the complaint may be made to any of the following:
   1. the Title IX Coordinator or Deputy Title IX Coordinator;
   2. an employee of Human Resources; or
   3. an employee of the NSCC Police Department.
3. In cases of alleged sexual misconduct where the victim and/or alleged perpetrator is a student, a potential student, or someone participating in a college-sponsored event or activity, the complaint may be made to any of the following, the complaint may be made to any of the following:
   1. the Title IX Coordinator or Deputy Title IX Coordinator;
   2. the Vice President of Academics;
4. Any person designated to receive complaints under this policy who has direct or constructive knowledge of alleged discriminatory or harassing behavior must take immediate appropriate action to report the behavior to the Title IX Coordinator or Deputy Title IX Coordinator. Failure to do so may result in disciplinary action, up to and including termination of employment.
5. The college will promptly investigate all allegations of sexual misconduct, sexual harassment and sexual violence in accordance with the procedures set forth in 14-3-35 Sexual Misconduct procedures. The Title IX Coordinator is responsible for overseeing the investigation of complaints under this policy and monitoring/coordinating the response of other campus offices that may respond to complaints of sex-based offenses under this policy, including complaints of retaliation for filing a complaint on the basis of this policy. The College’s Title IX Coordinator’s contact information can be found in the Human Resource Office.
6. Any employee who knowingly or maliciously makes a false or frivolous allegation of sexual misconduct will be subject to college’s applicable disciplinary policy and procedures.
7. Any student who knowingly or maliciously makes a false or frivolous allegation of sexual misconduct will be subject to the process outlined by the Student Code of Conduct Policy 14-5-08.

Consequences of Sexual Misconduct

1. For employees-Violations of this policy will result in disciplinary action, up to and including termination of employment. Further, employees may be subjected to interim measures in accordance with Sexual Misconduct Procedure 14-3-35 while complaints of violations are being investigated and until the matter is resolved.
2. For students- Sanctions for violating this policy may range from a earning to expulsion. Further, students may be subjected to interim measures in accordance with sexual Misconduct Procedure 14-3-35 while complaints of violations are being investigated and until the matter is resolved.

Prohibitions Against Consensual Sexual Relationship Misconduct

Consensual sexual relationships include romantic, intimate or sexual relationships which both parties agree to participate in the relationship. The college recognizes that consensual sexual relationships are generally not problematic, except when the relationship may compromise the integrity of the college, create the potential for the abuse of authority, or create the inability to remain impartial. Consensual sexual relationships may also create a third-party perception that a subordinate is receiving preferential treatment

1. Consensual sexual relationship misconduct among employees: the college strictly prohibits consensual relationships between administrators, supervisors, deans or chairpersons and the employees they supervise professionally advise, counsel, or employees over whom they have had direct impact on the employee’s terms and conditions of employment.
2. Consensual sexual relationship misconduct with students:
   1. The college strictly prohibits consensual relationships between faculty members and the students or student employees enrolled in a class or class sequence(s) taught, advised, counseled, or supervised by the faculty member, or over whom the faculty member has direct impact on the student or student employee’s academic enrollment or success.
   2. The college strictly prohibits consensual relationships between administrators, supervisors, deans, chairpersons or employees and the student or student employees whom they advise, counsel, or supervise, or over whom they have a direct impact on the student or student employee’s academic enrollment or success.
   3. The college strongly discourages all employees or faculty members from engaging in consensual sexual relationships with students as long as the student is considered to be in an active status as a student, even if the students is not currently enrolled in a class.

Consequences of Sexual Misconduct

Employees and faculty members should refer to full policy.

Academic Freedom / First Amendment Guidelines

The college is committed to providing a safe, anti-harassing, and nondiscriminatory environment that protects the civil rights of individuals, per college policies and in compliance with state and federal law, and the college recognizes the value of academic freedom in the classroom.

College policies are not intended to restrict serious discussion of controversial issues in the academic classrooms or trainings. In light of this, to minimize the potential for multiple claims that course content in discriminatory, harassing or offensive, it is recommended that in courses where such discussions occur, faculty provide a disclosure that the content covered may be controversial. However, employees and students are encouraged to file complaints in accordance with this policy for reasons specified therein.

Confidentiality

To the extent possible, all information received in connection with the reporting, investigation, and resolution of allegations of discrimination/harassment, and/or sexual misconduct will be treated as confidential, except to the extent it is necessary to disclose information in order to investigate, take steps to stop, prevent or address the effects of the discrimination/harassment or 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.

Retaliation

College policy and federal, state and local law strictly prohibit retaliation in any form against any employee, faculty member, student, vendor, customer, or other person participating in a college program or activity who complains or reports an allegation, or who participates in an investigation of discrimination/harassment or sexual misconduct.

Retaliation is a serious violation that can subject the offender to sanctions independent of the merits of the allegation. Allegations of retaliation should be directed to the Title IX Coordinator or Deputy Coordinator.

Religious Accommodations for Students

NSCC faculty are committed to fostering an environment of respect, understanding, and reasonability, including as it relates to learners’ engagement in religious expression.  As such, faculty shall provide reasonable religious accommodations to individual learners for sincerely head religious, spiritual, and/or faith- based beliefs and practices in accordance with section 3345.026 of the Ohio Revised Code.

Northwest State Community College does comply with the Testing Your Faith Act. Further information can be found in course syllabi. Questions regarding the policy can be submitted to the vice president for academics.

Safeguarding Customer Information

In order to protect personal critical information and data, Northwest State Community College will comply with the Financial Services Modernization Act of 1999 (also known as Gramm Leach Bliley (GLB) 15 U.S.C. §6801).

Northwest State Community College does comply with the Financial Services Modernization Act of 1999, also known as Gramm Leach Bliley Act (GLBA). This requires institutions to explain their information sharing practices to their customers and to safeguard sensitive data. Questions regarding the policy can be submitted to the executive vice president’s office.

Smoking and Tobacco Use Policy

Smoking and the use of tobacco products including electronic cigarettes (ecigarettes) is prohibited at all times in all Northwest State Community College buildings and fleet vehicles. This also applies to satellite and other locations where NSCC classes are conducted. Smoking is only permitted in the small courtyard south of the vending area of the “E” Building, on the smokers’ court north of the sidewalk entering the Atrium and inside personal vehicles in the parking lot on the Archbold Campus.

Student Code of Conduct

The code of student conduct exists to advance the core missions of the college, promote a safe and secure educational environment, foster the academic and social development of students, and protect the persons, property, processes and academic integrity of the college community. Although the code is intended to be as comprehensive as possible, it makes no attempt to list all activities, behavior or conduct which may adversely affect the college community.

In order to maintain an orderly process for learning, the instructor/ supervisor/administrator has the authority to exclude any student who is considered to be detrimental to an ongoing learning experience. This may include dismissing a student from a particular course, workshop, or learning event. As a result of disruptive or detrimental behavior, a student may be subject to additional discipline under this policy including, but is not limited to disciplinary probation, suspension, dismissal, expulsion, withholding of transcripts, or other appropriate action.

The code applies to the on-campus conduct of all students and registered student organizations. The code also applies to the off-campus conduct of students and student organizations in direct connection with:

1. A class assignment;
2. Academic course requirements or any credit-bearing experiences, such as clinical experiences, externships, internships, field trips, study abroad or student teaching;
3. Any activity supporting pursuit of a degree;
4. Activities sanctioned, sponsored, conducted or authorized by the College or by registered student organizations;
5. Any activity that causes substantial destruction of property belonging to the college or members of the college community or causes serious harm to the health or safety of members of the College community; or
6. Any activity in which a police report has been filed, a summons or indictment has been issued or an arrest has occurred for a crime of violence.

All persons are encouraged to report code violations to a College official as soon as possible. Charges must be filed within sixty days of the incident or of the identification of the person having allegedly committed the violation. Students continue to be subject to city, state and federal laws while at the college. Violations of city county, state and/or federal laws may also constitute violations of the code.

The college reserves the right to proceed with disciplinary action under the code, independently of any criminal proceedings and impose sanctions for code violation, whether or not the criminal proceedings are resolved or is resolved in the student’s favor.

Any student found to have engaged, or attempted to engage, in any of the following conduct while within the College’s jurisdiction will be subject to disciplinary action by the college. Prohibited Conduct may include but is not limited to academic misconduct, endangering health or safety of others, sexual misconduct, destruction of property, possession of dangerous weapons, dishonest conduct, theft, failure to comply with College authority, use or possession of drugs or alcohol, unauthorized presence, disorderly or disruptive conduct, hazing, abuse of discipline proceedings, misuse of computing resources, violation of college rules, and riotous behavior.

Prohibited conduct - any student found to have engaged, or attempted to engage, in any of the following conduct while within the college’s jurisdiction will be subject to disciplinary action by the college.

A complete copy of the policy with definitions and procedural guidelines can be obtained from the Vice President for Academics.

Student Due Process and Grievance Policy

Resolution of a problem, whether academic or administrative, including challenging of a grade, can be achieved through proper channels or authority and may be resolved at any level of the due process and grievance procedure. Any student filing a grievance must follow the step-by-step procedure in the listed sequence.

Study at Other Institutions

A student who wants to attend another institution during the summer or any other part of the academic year, for the purpose of transferring credit to a degree program of NSCC, must first obtain permission from the Vice President for Academics and file a transient student form signed by the Vice President for Academics or the Registrar.

Only credit hours transfer- quality points and grades are not figured into the student’s permanent record.

Safeguarding Customer Information

In order to protect personal critical information and data, Northwest State Community College will comply with the Financial Services Modernization Act of 1999 (also known as Gramm Leach Bliley (GLB) 15 U.S.C. §6801).

Suicide Prevention Policy

This policy applies to Northwest State Community College staff, faculty, and learners and is in accordance with section 3345.37 of these Revised Code.  Northwest State Community College is committed to raising awareness about mental health and suicide prevention across our campus community, including learners, faculty, and staff.  In an effort to achieve this objective and foster the overall health, well-being, and safety of our campus community, our institution will regularly provide suicide prevention information, programming, and awareness, as well as educate campus members about suicide prevention/mental health resources and supports available on and off campus.

(a) Northwest State Community College is committed to raising awareness about mental health and suicide prevention across our campus community. Northwest State Community College will regularly provide suicide prevention information, programming, and awareness as well as educate campus members about suicide prevention/mental health resources and supports available on and off campus. 

For crisis intervention access, including information for national, state, and local prevention hotlines contact:

• National Suicide Prevention Hotline: Dial 988 - Available for call, text, or chat
• State of Ohio: Dial 1-800-273-TALK (8255) or Crisis Text line - Text4hope to 741 741
• Local: Four County ADAMHS Crisis Hotline: 1-800-468-4357

Transcript Disciplinary Notations

A notation to the learner’s academic record (academic transcript) when a misconduct results in the dismissal from the College.