Chapter 3349-5 | Student Life

Rule 3349-5-10 | Administration of student conduct.

• Effective: January 22, 2021
• Promulgated Under: 111.15

(A) Purpose

To establish a rule on the administration of student conduct.

(B) Scope

All students enrolled at the university.

(C) Definitions

(1) "Appeal board" is the panel of three members of the committee on academic and professional progress (CAPP) executive committee from the respective college responsible for reviewing the content of the appeal and rendering a decision.

(2) "Complaint" includes a written document in the form of a professionalism concern note, testing irregularity report, or violation of law form setting forth the facts and reasons that a party or parties believes are sufficient to support a claim against a student or students for a violation of the honor code. All complaints of this nature shall be directed to the senior executive director of academic affairs and student services.

(3) "Conduct" is defined as a violation of the NEOMED "expectations of student conduct and professional commitment" and may include but is not limited to academic dishonesty, criminal misconduct, or behavioral misconduct.

(4) "Conduct Officer" is the university official or designee approved by the president who reviews a wide range of reported misconduct, may resolve misconduct cases, or may refer them to the hearing board for adjudication. The senior executive director of academic affairs and student services or approved designee serves as the conduct officer.

(5) "Expectations for student conduct and professional commitment" (or "honor code") to as the honor code refers to the university code of expectations which delineates the requirement that each student demonstrate behavior which, by its nature and interpretation, is considered to be appropriate for a career in the student's chosen field of study. Adherence to this honor code is required of all students enrolled at the university. Students are expected to read, understand, sign and abide by these expectations while enrolled and involved in NEOMED, its partner hospitals, and NEOMED-sponsored activities. A student's signature on the document constitutes an agreement to support the honor code and the professionalism principles embodied therein.

(6) "Hearing board" is the formal review panel of a total of three individuals which may include the university faculty, staff and active students responsible for conducting a formal review of conduct allegations and rendering a decision and sanction when appropriate. The hearing board shall select a chair from its faculty membership.

(7) "Professionalism concern note" (or PCN) is an online form that may be submitted by students, faculty, and staff to report allegations of unprofessional conduct against a NEOMED student and effectively triggers the procedures set forth in this rule.

(8) "Violations of law" form is an online, self-reporting form that may be submitted by students to report violations of law, including criminal charges, date and location of incidents, and status of the charges to in accordance with the procedures set forth in the violations of law form. Students are required by the "expectations of student conduct and professional commitment" to report any and all infractions of the law.

(D) Body of the rule

(1) By law, the university is responsible for regulating the use of the grounds, buildings, equipment and facilities of the university so that the university may achieve its mission. To meet these responsibilities, the university hereby adopts standards of conduct for the students and provides for suspension of students from classes, expulsion from the university, and/or physical removal from university property. The university hereby authorizes university officials to enforce university rule in order to maintain law and order on the campus. The authority of the student conduct process has been delegated to the conduct officer by the president.

(2) Disciplinary action under this rule may be taken from the point at which an individual has been admitted as a student to the university, whether or not the individual is registered for classes, through the point of graduation. Disciplinary action may also be taken against student organizations.

(3) As the recipient of all complaints alleging student misconduct, the conduct officer will work in consultation with the student affairs delegate of the student's college to make the initial determination as to whether the matters alleged in the complaint are best resolved through the student conduct process contained in this rule or by way of a referral to the committee on academic and professional progress (CAPP) or some other mechanism.

(4) Offenses addressed under this rule.

(a) Behavior in violation of university policies or procedures, including the behavior outlined in the "expectations for student conduct and professional behavior" and incorporated by reference into this rule. Such policies shall be published in a manner reasonably designed to come to the attention of students.

(b) Behavior in violation of the terms of sanctions previously imposed under this rule.

(c) Behavior deemed detrimental or disruptive to the university community and/or prohibited by local, state or federal laws, including any act that results in the student's arrest, but excluding any conduct considered an offence of violence addressed under rule 3349-10-74 or 3349-10-75 of the Administrative Code.

(5) Reporting procedures. Allegations of violations of the "expectations of student conduct and professional commitment" may be provided in a number of ways including the following communication methods.

(a) Professionalism concern note. A PCN form may be completed online and submitted by any member of the NEOMED community. The PCN includes information regarding the date, description and details of the allegation and an option to share the name of the complainant.

(b) Irregularity report. The testing services staff may submit an irregularity report and available evidence for any allegations of misconduct observed during testing, whether in-person or virtual.

(c) Violations of law. The violations of law form may be submitted by any NEOMED student when they have been charged or found in violation of state or federal law. Decisions regarding the severity of the charge and whether it requires adjudication will be made upon receipt of the violations of law form by the conduct officer.

(d) Other referrals to the conduct officer may be made via written format by any student or employee.

(6) Due process. A student against whom a complaint has been made under this rule is entitled to due process on the complaint including the opportunity to speak to the allegations, share evidence regarding the allegations and proceed through either an informal resolution via the conduct officer or a formal resolution via the hearing board.

(7) Notification. The student will be notified in writing within ten business days of the allegations and student conduct process including the possibility of an informal conduct meeting to review the evidence, investigation, and conduct process.

(8) Procedural options

(a) Informal resolution

(i) A student may admit to the facts contained in the complaint. The admission shall be in writing and shall be given to the conduct officer designated in the written notice and will be retained in the student's conduct file.

(ii) A student who does not submit a written admission or waiver according to this rule or fails to appear at the informal conduct meeting shall be subject to any sanction imposed by the conduct officer.

(b) Formal resolution

(i) If the student does not choose to engage in the informal resolution process or does not choose to accept the decision of the conduct officer, the student may request a formal resolution via the hearing board and shall be advised in writing with a hearing notice within five business days of the time, date and location of the hearing.

(ii) Hearing board procedures. When an informal resolution cannot be reached, the university will appoint a hearing board composed of three faculty, staff and active students to conduct the formal hearing within fifteen business days from the date of written notification by the student requesting a formal resolution. The hearing shall be held at the university on the time and date specified in the hearing notice.

(a) The hearing board chair may invoke whatever means necessary to effectively manage the hearing and preserve the order and decorum of the proceedings over which he/she presides.

(b) The hearing shall be adversarial in nature and shall be conducted fairly and impartially, but the technical rules of evidence applicable to civil and criminal cases shall not apply.

(c) Severance of proceedings. In proceedings involving more than one accused student, severance, if requested in writing before or at the hearing, shall be granted by the hearing board chair.

(d) An audio recording will be created from the hearing board meeting to serve as record of the discussion, evidence, and testimonies in the event that the hearing board decision is appealed and for review by the members of the appeal board.

(iii) Student's rights at the hearing.

(a) The student against whom a complaint has been made is entitled to know the nature and the source of the evidence used to support the complaint; to cross-examine witnesses against the student; to testify; and to present the testimony of witnesses and other evidence in the student's behalf. In the absence of a waiver of the right against compulsory self-incrimination, the testimony of a student whose academic status is being considered, given at the hearing, shall not subsequently be used in any criminal proceeding against the person. The hearing board chair may require the separation of witnesses and may bar from the proceedings any person whose presence is not essential to the proceedings. No counter charges regarding the same incident shall be permitted to be filed pending final disposition of the original charge.

(b) The student against whom a complaint has been made shall be offered the opportunity to appear at the hearing alone or with another person, who may serve only in an advisory capacity. A person serving in an advisory capacity shall be a NEOMED faculty, staff or student, but may not participate directly in the hearing or address the conduct officer on behalf of the student. The person serving in an advisory capacity may not be a blood relative or attorney unless a criminal charge related to the conduct offense is active and pending.

(c) All hearings shall be closed to protect the student's rights of confidentiality. A request for an open hearing, however, may be made to the hearing board chair by the student charged and may be granted if warranted by the circumstances.

(9) Credibility determination. The hearing board shall evaluate the points of view presented by the parties in conflict and shall determine if the preponderance of the evidence supports the conclusion that it the student committed the misconduct alleged in the complaint.

(10) Decision. A copy of the hearing board's decision, including the procedures for appeal, shall be given to the student in writing within three business days from the conclusion of the hearing.

(11) Sanctions and safety measures.

(a) Immediate interim administrative suspension. At the time the complaint is reported, if the senior executive director of academic affairs and student services, in consultation with the general counsel for the university and the dean or designee of the student's respective college, determines that the conduct alleged is inconsistent with maintaining the good order and discipline of the university and its campus, the senior executive director of academic affairs and student services has the discretionary authority to impose an immediate interim administrative suspension upon the student. Imposition of an immediate interim administrative suspension will only occur after there has been an in-person meeting between the student and the senior executive director of academic affairs and student services to discuss the allegations set forth in the complaint or a good faith effort upon the university to hold an in-person meeting. Where the circumstances of the student's misconduct prevent such a meeting from occurring, an immediate interim administrative suspension may still be imposed. If an immediate interim administrative suspension is issued following the in-person meeting, the student may be asked to surrender his/her university identification badge and/or may be escorted off the university property by the safety officer if safety concerns indicated that is appropriate.

(b) Formal warning. In the informal or formal resolution processes, a formal warning may be imposed. A formal warning gives notice that student's conduct in a specific instance does not meet the "expectations of student conduct and professional commitment" and formally warns the student that continued misconduct may result in a more serious disciplinary action.

(c) Strict disciplinary probation. In the informal or formal resolution processes, the student may be placed on strict disciplinary probation. This sanction is invoked for a specified period of time, not to exceed twelve months from the date it is originally imposed. Notification of sanctions will be made to appropriate university offices, including the student's college. Students on disciplinary probation:

(i) May not be permitted to participate in an official non-curricular capacity such as an officer of a student organization;

(ii) May be restricted from entering or remaining in selected campus buildings or in specified university facilities;

(iii) May be subject to additional stipulations as outlined by the conduct officer or hearing board; and/or

(iv) May be subject to automatic dismissal or immediate interim administrative suspension if allegations of further misconduct arise, including any violation of the terms of the disciplinary probation originally imposed.

(d) Disciplinary suspension. This sanction, which may be imposed in the informal or formal resolution processes, is one of involuntary separation of the student from the university for a period not to exceed twelve months from the date of sanction. Notification of sanctions will be made to appropriate university offices, including the student's academic college. Students suspended:

(i) Shall be assigned grades or marks which would be appropriate if they were withdrawing voluntarily.

(ii) May be required to leave the campus and/or premises of the university effective the date of suspension. Permission may only be granted by the general counsel for entrance to university premises for a specified purpose and time.

(iii) Shall receive any refund of money in accordance with the refund schedule in effect at the time of suspension if the suspension exceeds four weeks in duration.

(iv) Are permitted to return to the university and re-enter their college's curriculum at the conclusion of their suspension pursuant to the terms established by the conduct officer or hearing board and set forth in the written conclusion following the hearing.

(e) Disciplinary dismissal. This sanction is one of involuntary separation of the student from the university. Students dismissed:

(i) Shall be assigned grades or marks which would be appropriate if they were withdrawing voluntarily.

(ii) May be required to leave the land and/or premises of the university effective the date of dismissal. Permission to re-enter the university premises for a specified purpose and time may only be granted by the general counsel.

(f) Additional stipulations to sanctions. Additional stipulations are within the prerogative of the conduct officer, hearing board, and appeal board. They may be mandated in addition to any of the sanctions listed in paragraph (D)(14) of this rule. The options that may be considered, but are not limited to:

(i) Counseling;

(ii) Restitution for damages;

(iii) Education/rehabilitation program referral; or

(iv) Other sanctions appropriate to the violation in question.

(12) Appeals of the decision of the hearing board to the appeal board.

(a) Within five business days of the hearing board's decision, a student may submit a written appeal of the decision. No additional appeal will be heard.

(b) Within ten business days, all appeal documentation must be submitted to the appeal board.

(c) Within five business days, a notice of the appeal board meeting date, time and location will be provided to the student.

(d) Appeals are limited to the following reasons:

(i) The decision was reached through a procedure not in accordance with this rule.

(ii) Presentation of new information that was not known to the student at the time of the hearing and may suggest modification of the decision is necessary.

(e) The appeal board.

(i) The appeal board is composed of three members from the college's respective CAPP executive review committee and will convene to review the matter within fifteen business days of the receipt of the appeal.

(ii) The appeal board will review all materials from the hearing board procedures and all appeal materials submitted by the student by the stated deadline.

(iii) The appeal board has the ability to uphold, modify, or reverse the hearing board's decision in any manner it deems appropriate based on information submitted by the student as part of the appeal.

(iv) The decision of the appeal board will be rendered and provided to the student within three business days.

(v) Decisions of the appeal board are final and no further appeal opportunities are available.

Last updated October 2, 2024 at 9:03 AM

Supplemental Information

Authorized By: 111.15
Amplifies: 3350.12
Prior Effective Dates: 2/2/2015

Rule 3349-5-30 | Learning environment concerns rule.

• Effective: June 2, 2022
• Promulgated Under: 111.15

(A) Purpose

The university is committed to maintaining a professional and inclusive learning environment in which all students are treated with respect and dignity. This environment should promote interactions based on individual strengths and characteristics to encourage constructive, thoughtful, respectful, sensitive behavior, consistent with the standards of the various health professions in which our students are being trained.

(B) Scope

(1) A complaint or concern within the learning environment of mistreatment, inappropriate professional interaction, or bias may be made by any student against any other member of the university community, so long as it relates to the educational activities of university. Student complaints of mistreatment, inappropriate professional Interactions, or bias about course instructors, teaching methods, evaluations or course related matters are to be handled in accordance with this rule.

(2) This rule will not be interpreted, administered or applied to infringe upon the academic freedom of any faculty member of the university. The frank discussion of controversial ideas, the provision of constructive criticism related to educational performance, the pursuit and publication of controversial research, and the study and teaching of material with controversial content do not constitute mistreatment, provided these activities are conducted in an atmosphere of respect.

(3) This rule is not to be interpreted, administered or applied in such a way as to detract from the rights and obligations of those in an evaluative role to manage and discipline students, subject to the university's policies and procedures.

(4) A student may not use this rule to review the decisions or recommendations of the committee on academic and professional progress ("CAPP"). These decisions may only be reviewed in accordance with the university rule on "CAPP."

(5) This rule is not meant to govern situations where students believe that they have been subjected to sexual misconduct, sexual harassment, discriminatory treatment or other illegal activity. Complaints of that nature are addressed under separate university rules.

(C) Definitions

(1) "Complainant" refers to any person who seeks recourse pursuant to this rule because he/she has reasonable cause to believe he/she has experienced mistreatment or inappropriate professional interaction.

(2) "Inappropriate Professional Interaction" refers to conduct that is offensive, uncivil, and generally disrespectful to a reasonable professional in the field.

(3) "Mistreatment" refers to words, gestures or actions that tend to alarm, intimidate or demean another.

(4) "Respondent" refers to a person or person against whom an allegation of mistreatment or inappropriate professional interaction has been made.

(5) "University-related activity" refers to all activities operated under the auspices of the university on the Rootstown campus or in any affiliated institution, program or agency.

(6) "Learning environment" refers to any location where NEOMED academic activities including, but not limited to, didactic, simulation, laboratory, or clinical, associated with your program of study, take place.

(7) "Bias" is a completed, attempted or threatened incident where abusive or hostile acts against a person or persons where such acts manifest evidence that the target was intentionally selected on the basis of the target's actual or perceived age, class, color, disability, ethnic/regional/national origin group, gender, gender identity, gender expression, race, religion, sex or sexual orientation, including any hate crime.

(D) Body of the rule

(1) All students of the university community are encouraged to resolve complaints informally. Students who feel they have experienced mistreatment, inappropriate professional interaction, or bias should discuss the matter with their faculty advisor, personal advisor, or the chief student affairs officer. These individuals will:

(a) Provide students a forum for expressing concerns and exploring options for addressing the concern at issue;

(b) Advise students on both informal and formal

(c) Discuss the student's concerns, with the permission of the student, with the person about whom the student has an issue (e.g., faculty member, resident, etc.).

If one of the individuals identified in this rule believes that mistreatment, an inappropriate professional interaction, or bias has occurred, the individual has the responsibility to discuss the issue with his/her respective vice dean, even if the student does not wish to file a formal complaint.

(2) Unless a formal complaint is filed, no further action will be taken by the university other than what is set forth in this rule.

(3) Formal complaint

(a) A complaint becomes formal when a complainant completes the learning environment form online and it is received by one of the members of the university community designated to receive such complaints.

Upon receipt, all formal complaints are forwarded to the chief student affairs officer. The chief student affairs officer investigates and adjudicates the matter or convenes an investigation committee, if necessary.

(b) Students may file a formal complaint in accordance with the above procedure within thirty calendar days of the last alleged incident of mistreatment, inappropriate professional interaction or bias in the learning environment.

(c) Copies of the concern form shall be included in the NEOMED compass and on the university website.

(4) Investigation process for a formal complaint

(a) The investigation shall be conducted by the chief student affairs officer or their designee, with the assistance of other university faculty or staff, as appropriate. The chief student affairs officer will consult the general counsel on all matters of evidence, rule interpretation and/or procedure.

(b) The chief student affairs officer may, for good cause shown, exercise discretion in delaying the investigatory phase of a formal complaint if dealing otherwise would compromise the investigation or adversely affect the student's matriculation.

(c) The investigation process will include one or more of the following steps as appropriate:

(i) Confirm name, year, and college of the complainant;

(ii) Identify name, title and role of the respondent;

(iii) Develop a thorough understanding of the professional relationship, degree of control and amount of interaction between the complainant and respondent; and

(iv) Determine the frequency/severity and type of alleged mistreatment, inappropriate professional interaction or bias.

(5) Discipline and sanctions

(a) Failure to cooperate with the investigation or resolution of a formal complaint is considered a violation of this rule and may be grounds for discipline or sanctions.

(b) Disciplinary sanctions related to faculty will be undertaken in accordance with the faculty rules. In addition, the respondent may be required to participate in a special education or counseling experience.

(c) When criminal conduct is suspected or has occurred, the chief student affairs officer will refer the matter to the general counsel as appropriate.

(d) If the investigation reveals that the allegation was frivolous, vexatious or malicious, the chief student affairs officer may recommend sanctions against the complainant.

(e) Each party will be informed in writing of the final decision. The final decision and the report of the chief student affairs officer will be placed in the appropriate personnel file or student file if the respondent is found to have violated this rule.

(6) Documentation of student complaints

(a) University is required by the higher learning commission ("HLC") to track all student formal complaints. The chief student affairs officer will maintain all formal complaints, along with the final written discussion of such complaints as set forth below. Students should understand the university is required to share information about complaints with each college's respective accreditation agencies. Every effort shall be made to treat the information with discretion and privacy to protect the individual identities regarding such complaints.

(b) The chief student affairs officer will maintain a database on formal complaints in accordance with the respective accreditation standards for each college.

(7) Discretion in releasing complaints or formal investigation records

(a) Other university personnel shall be made aware of the allegations, investigations, and outcome on a need-to- know basis. These persons may include, but are not limited to, the complainant, the respondent, and any witnesses or persons involved in the formal or informal investigation of the complaint.

(b) Records created as a result of any formal complaint or investigation will be maintained and released in accordance with state and federal law.

Last updated October 10, 2024 at 10:54 AM

Supplemental Information

Authorized By: 111.15
Amplifies: 3350.12
Prior Effective Dates: 3/1/2019

Rule 3349-5-45 | International travel.

• Effective: April 12, 2021
• Promulgated Under: 111.15

(A) Scope

Students participating in international activities/educational experiences sponsored/approved and/or funded by northeast Ohio medical university (NEOMED) must comply with all obligations set forth in this rule and its associated forms.

(B) Purpose

This rule is implemented in order to uphold the values of safety and education at NEOMED and in order to minimize the liability of the university regarding student international experiences.

(C) Body of rule

(1) A student's eligibility to participate in an international experience is conditional upon written approval of the individual international experience by the course director in collaboration with the office of academic services, receipt by the office of all documentation as required by the procedures outlined in this rule, and verification by the registrar that the student is in good academic standing as determined by their individual degree program.

(2) International experience approval by the university

The international experience committee (or the committee) will include the following members:

(a) One faculty member with experience in international travel

(b) One representative from general counsel

(c) One faculty representative from each college (medicine, pharmacy and graduate studies)

(d) One representative from student affairs

(e) One representative from academic services

(f) One representative from enrollment services

(g) One representative from global engagement

(3) International travel for academic credit and/or funded by NEOMED to a country with a U.S. department of state issued travel warning requires approval from the international experience committee.

(4) International travel for academic credit and/or funded by NEOMED to all other countries requires approval from the office of global engagement.

(5) Approval of an international experience for academic credit is the responsibility of the course director.

(6) Funding approval for extra-curricular international experiences is the responsibility of the NEOMED student council (NSC).

(7) The purpose of the international experience committee will be to judge the safety of an international experience and approve the experience for university student participation.

(8) The international experience committee will meet as needed based on the travel request submitted by students.

(9) Procedures to student international experience approval.

(a) All submissions to the committee must be turned in to the office of global engagement for distribution to the committee a minimum of two weeks prior to the next committee meeting.

(b) Committee meeting dates are posted on the student activities calendar.

(10) Faculty responsibility

Any university faculty who wish to organize an international experience that will include university students (for academic credit or extra-curricular activity funded by the university) must submit a written application, for review by the office of global engagement, fulfilling the requirements as outlined in the application available in the office of global engagement. Once a faculty member has received approval for his/her international experience, students who wish to participate in the international experience need not submit individual applications to the international experience committee for approval (students must still submit all required documents to the office of global engagement as required by this rule).

(11) Student responsibility

(a) Any student wishing to receive funding for an extra-curricular international experience (research, mission, conference) must adhere to the procedures for requesting student funding outlined by the NEOMED student council.

(b) If an international experience is currently approved by the committee through petition, the student need not submit individual applications to the committee for approval (students must still submit all required documents as required by this rule).

(c) If an international experience is not currently approved, it is the responsibility of the student wishing to participate to submit an application fulfilling the requirements available in the office of global engagement.

(12) Committee decision

(a) If the international experience is approved by the office of global engagement or the committee, the submitting student or faculty will be notified of approval status by an official letter from the office of global engagement within five business days after the committee meeting. Students should not make any travel arrangements prior to receiving written approval from the office of global engagement or the committee. Please note that although the student may receive informal communication regarding the status of the international experience acceptance, it is not official until the formal approval letter is received. Letters are sent to the student's NEOMED email address. It is important to remember that a student's eligibility to participate in an international experience is conditional upon both written approval by committee and receipt by the office of global engagement of all documentation as required by these rule procedures. Furthermore, a student must be in good academic standing as determined by his/her individual degree program.

(b) If an international experience is denied approval by the office of global engagement or the committee, the submitting student or faculty will be notified of international experience denial status by an official letter from the office of global engagement within five business days after the committee meeting. The denial letter will include a detailed explanation listing the reasons why the committee rejected approval of the international experience.

(13) Application for academic credit

In addition to IEC approval, if a student desires to be eligible to receive academic credit for his/her international experience, the student must submit written approval from the course director to the office of global engagement or the international experience committee. Refer to the complete international experience application form for additional requirements.

(14) Tracking students on international experiences

Responsibility for tracking students who are on international experiences is as follows:

(a) M4 electives - coordinator, registration and enrollment

(b) P4 APPES - director, experiential education

(c) NSC funded experiences - NSC advisor

(d) Graduate studies experiences - college of graduate studies

(e) All students' tracking will also reside under the office of global engagement

(15) Student requirements needed to receive committee review

The following documents must be submitted to the office of global engagement at least two weeks prior to the scheduled committee meeting:

Petition for implementation of student international experience with the following attachments:

(a) Documentation of approval for academic credit by course directors (if applicable)

(b) Methods of pre-departure and/or on-site orientation for students

(c) Copy of all information provided to the students/participants, including all orientation materials

(d) Description of procedures for an emergency evacuation plan

(e) Documentation of all relevant U.S. state department information and advisories

(f) Documentation of participant requirements and responsibilities

(g) Copy of letter accepting student into the international experience (from appropriate official)

(h) A completed risk assessment form (see application)

(16) Student requirements after committee approval

(a) The following documents must be submitted to the office of global engagement at least four weeks prior to their scheduled departure date:

Proof of global assistance insurance with a minimum required coverage as follows:

(i) Medical expense (accident/sickness) - one hundred thousand dollars per incident

(ii) Accidental death/dismemberment - ten thousand dollars

(iii) Emergency medical evacuation - fifty thousand dollars

(iv) Repatriation of remains - twenty five thousand dollars

(b) The student must work with the office of global engagement to obtain satisfactory global assistance insurance, which may be available through one of the following providers:

(i) CISI (www.culturalinsurance.com)

(ii) HTH worldwide insurance services (www.hthstudents.com)

(iii) CMI (www.studyabroadinsurance.com)

(iv) IMG (www.internationalstudentinsurance.com)

(c) Proof of travel health consult, vaccinations, and prophylaxis (each as recommended by the center for disease control)

(d) Photocopy of current passport (and proof of visa if applicable)

(e) Photocopy of current U.S. state department travel advisories (updated from original pre-meeting submission)

(f) Complete travel itinerary (including all transportation details to, from, and during the international experience)

(g) Emergency contact information (for both the international experience site and within the united states)

(h) Proof of registration with the U.S. department of state (can be done at https://travelregistration.state.gov - print confirmation page)

A signed waiver and release agreement

(17) Required actions for student international experience preparation

(a) Gather information concerning any in-country political problems, safety concerns, or health hazards by consulting current U.S. state department announcements and publications, centers for disease control (CDC) information, and the international experience site.

(b) Investigate visa and other entrance requirements that may be enforced in the host country. Adhere to laws of the host country, standards of professional behavior, and standards of conduct determined by the international experience site. Stay current on U.S. department of state country information and communicate with local site regarding known risks.

(c) Complete orientation for study abroad through self-study or formal preparatory sessions. Such orientation will emphasize knowledge of personal health and safety precautions, universal precautions, infectious disease risks, cultural conditions, personal and professional behavior standards, emergency contact procedures and preparation for medical work (if applicable).

(18) Office of global engagement responsibility

Travel warnings and revocation

In the event of a U.S. state department issued travel warning for the location of a student's international experience prior to a student's departure, a student's eligibility to travel to the location of the international experience may be revoked at the consideration of the university. In the event a U.S. state department warning is issued while a student is abroad, determination of the appropriate action will be made on a case-by-case basis, with the university having the authority to require the student to return to the United States.

(19) Monetary/property loss

The university is not responsible for any monetary or property loss incurred by a student at any time during the planning, preparation or participation in an international experience.

(20) Student responsibility after return to the university

After completion of the international experience, the student must turn in a completed international experience evaluation form to the office of global engagement. This form does not replace the curricular feedback/evaluation form for curricular activities.

Last updated October 2, 2024 at 9:04 AM

Supplemental Information

Authorized By: 111.15
Amplifies: 3350.12

Rule 3349-5-75 | Student health initiatives.

• Effective: February 14, 2019
• Promulgated Under: 111.15

(A) Purpose

To ensure that all students participating in student-led health fairs and related events are appropriately trained and supervised such that their activities are properly covered for purposes of liability and are compliant with any state and federal regulations and professional licensure requirements.

(B) Scope

This rule applies to all students in the college of medicine and college of pharmacy who are engaging in university-sponsored student-led health fairs, screenings and other clinical or educational events.

(C) Definitions

(1) "CLIA" refers to the clinical laboratory improvement amendments, which is a document provided by the centers for disease control and prevention for the purpose of setting standards for the accredited laboratories.

(2) "Clinical Activities" refers to the provision of clinical services, such as administration of vaccines at a flu clinic or the review of medications in a medication therapy management consult.

(3) "OSHA" refers to the occupational safety and health administration, which governs workplace safety.

(4) "Screenings" refers to conducting or determining blood glucose levels, blood pressure levels, body fat analysis, body mass index, bone density testing, cholesterol testing and glaucoma screening.

(D) Rule statement

(1) Student health fairs and screenings

(a) The health fair or screening should be designed to meet an identified need within the community or to target an underserved population who is otherwise unable to obtain such services.

(b) Any student(s) or student organization(s) seeking to host a health fair or screening event must contact the office of student affairs in order to obtain an "application to host a student health event." The application must be completed and returned to the office of student affairs no less than fourteen days prior to the event.

(c) Consistent with the student health event application, the student(s) or student group(s) must document the following information about the event for review and approval:

(i) Type of activity being conducted during the event;

(ii) Type and amount of university clinical supervision that will be present at the event, which must provide for supervision of university pharmacy students in a one to two pharmacist to student ratio and university medical students in a one to four clinician to student ratio;

(iii) Whether CLIA and/or OSHA training is required for the screenings being conducted;

(iv) Consent form for participants; and

(v) Educational materials for participants.

(d) The dean of the college(s) in which the student(s) are enrolled or which has authority over the student organization(s) involved must review and approve of the event in order for the event to be considered an educational experience sanctioned by the university and therefore falling within the scope of the applicable professional liability coverage in place for students.

(e) The student(s) or student organization(s) are responsible for obtaining the requisite supplies necessary to conduct any testing or screening at the event. Student(s) can apply to one of the university's student organizations or university student council for funding to cover the supply costs for the event.

(f) The student(s) or student organization(s) are responsible for obtaining the requisite equipment necessary to conduct any testing or screening at the event. Student(s) can obtain blood pressure cuffs, bone density testing equipment, or glucometers for use at the event from the Wasson center.

(g) The office of student affairs shall maintain a calendar of events authorized under this rule.

(h) All students and clinical faculty participating in the event must have completed blood-borne pathogen and CLIA waiver training as indicated on the student health event application.

(i) Students must have a documented plan to address event participants who are identified as presenting with significant risk of an impending health event (e.g., extreme results related to blood pressure or blood sugar levels).

(j) No pediatric screening, risk assessment, or other pediatric services will be conducted at any university health fair. Any activities geared toward those under the age of eighteen must be designed solely for the purpose of entertainment or education; they cannot include any pediatric screening or assessment.

(k) Under no circumstances do the screenings or education materials provided by student(s) and student organization(s) at events governed under this section establish a doctor-patient relationship. Student(s) and student organization(s) must make this evident to all participants through their written materials and statements to participants.

(2) Other clinical events

(a) Any students or student organizations who engage in the provision of clinical services such as hosting a flu clinic, conducting a "brown-bag" medication review, or providing medication therapy management in a no-cost manner must complete a "student health event application" to ensure that they are adequately trained and supervised in providing the foregoing services.

(b) Under no circumstances do the clinical services provided by student(s) and student organization(s) at events governed under this paragraph establish a doctor-patient relationship. Student(s) and student organization(s) must make this evident to all participants through their written materials and statements to participants.

(3) Educational events

Students or student organizations who present health education and prevention information to the general public or a targeted audiences need to have their educational materials reviewed by their faculty advisor or course instruction before engaging in such activities. Faculty advisors should engage the assistance of library copyright staff to make determinations of appropriate use of materials.

(4) Volunteer activities

Students may participate in a wide array of volunteer activities that occur off campus and outside of the curricular requirements of their degree program. When students engage in such independent volunteer activities that fall outside of any approved event that is sponsored through and sanctioned by the university, they do so at their own risk. In these instances, the student will not be covered under the university's professional liability insurance for any situations that arise out of these volunteer activities.

(5) Research

Any data collected in conjunction with the events approved under this rule must be for evaluation purposes only, and not for purposes of research. Students wishing to utilize data from event participants for research purpose must first seek approval of their protocol from the university's institutional review board.

Supplemental Information

Authorized By: 111.15
Amplifies: 3350.12

Rule 3349-5-76 | Hazing.

• Effective: October 18, 2021
• Promulgated Under: 111.15

(A) Purpose

All acts of hazing are prohibited at Northeast Ohio medical university (NEOMED). The university strives to promote a safe environment in which its students can participate in experiences and activities without compromising their mental and physical health, well-being, dignity, and personal rights. Students are entitled to be treated with consideration, respect, and professionalism at all times, including when engaging in the activities of a student organization, as defined in this rule. To that end, the university has zero tolerance for acts of hazing that may occur related to the admission, initiation, pledging, joining, or continued membership in any student organization.

(B) Scope

This rule applies to all students, student organizations and all employees or volunteers who advise or support a student organization. Preventing hazing from occurring is the responsibility of all members of the NEOMED community, including students, student organizations, employees, alumni and volunteers.

(C) Definitions

(1) "Hazing" refers to engaging in or coercing, pressuring, or soliciting another to engage in any act of initiation, or act required in order to maintain membership, that causes or creates a substantial risk of physical or mental harm to any person.

(a) Hazing under this rule includes, but is not limited to the following, when performed in relationship to the foregoing purposes:

(i) Ingesting food, drinks (including alcohol), drugs or other substances;

(ii) Acts of a physical nature, such as: beating, bonding, branding, calisthenics, exposure to outdoor elements, paddling, striking, throwing items at or on a person, and/or whipping;

(iii) Acts that adversely affect the mental health or dignity of the individual, such as: social isolation, kidnapping, abandonment, verbal berating and/or food or sleep deprivation;

(iv) Acts that a reasonable person would view to be frightening, humiliating, intimidating or deceptive, such as: blindfolding, personal servitude, designating entrances/exits to public spaces, requiring individuals wear uncomfortable, scant, or no apparel at designated times;

(v) Acts that violate university policies, or federal, state, or local laws, regardless of whether charges are brought; and

(vi) Acts that endanger or have the potential to endanger a student's academic or personal life (e.g., preventing attendance to academic, employment, or family matters).

(b) Hazing does not include:

(i) Reasonable and customary student organization trainings, contests or other events that are explicitly relevant to the mission of the organization and performed by all members; and

(ii) Lawful expressive activities permitted under the first amendment of the United States constitution, section 11 of the article I of the Ohio constitution, or the NEOMED free speech rule.

(2) "Student organization" refers to any student association, group, club, or chapter whose members are primarily students or alumni of the organization or the university.

(D) Rule statement

(1) Prohibited conduct. The following conduct constitute a violation of this rule:

(a) Purposefully, knowingly, recklessly, or negligently hazing any person;

(b) Involvement in the planning of hazing and/or being present during hazing;

(c) Failing to intervene or stop hazing if the individual has knowledge of a planned or ongoing hazing activity;

(d) Failing to assist or seek assistance if the individual knows or reasonably should know that another person is in danger from the effects of hazing;

(2) Training on hazing

(a) Students are required to participate in training regarding hazing during orientation. Students are prohibited from participating in any activities, including being accepted or initiated as a member of a student organization until they complete the training.

(b) All employees and volunteers who advise a student organization and who have direct contact with students must complete hazing training.

(c) The foregoing training may occur on-line or in person, at the discretion of the university and will reflect the provisions of this rule as well as the related potential for criminal prosecution related to hazing activities.

(3) Reporting hazing. Any person with knowledge that hazing is scheduled to occur or has taken place is encouraged to immediately report the information to one or more of the following sources. Prompt reporting of hazing activities enables law enforcement and/or campus personnel to gather timely and relevant information related to the alleged activity. While reports can be made anonymously, without identifying the reporting party's name, it may limit the university's ability to investigate and take action. Reports can be made as follows:

(a) In writing or in person to the student conduct officer or the associate dean for the student affairs of the college;

(b) By contacting the NEOMED police at 330-325-5911 if the situation is non-emergent, or 911 if emergency personnel are required;

(c) By submitting an online professionalism concern note;

(d) By contacting the employee serving as the student organization's advisor; or

(e) By contacting human resources.

(4) Investigation of hazing reports. The student conduct officer and/or the NEOMED police will investigate all reports of hazing. All students and employees are required to cooperate in the investigation of hazing allegations. Retaliating against or taking adverse action toward an individual who participates in the investigation of a hazing allegation will result in the filing of a professionalism concern note (for students) or discipline (for employees).

(a) Students who are found to have been in violation of this rule will be addressed through the procedures set forth in the administration of student conduct rule, which may include implementation of interim safety measures. Sanctions for hazing may include the imposition of fines; revocation of permission to participate in the student organization or permission for the student organization to operate on campus; notification to the related national chapter organization; or discipline such as probation, suspension, dismissal or expulsion.

(b) Employees who fail to report hazing occurrences about which they have been notified or who have been reckless in permitting hazing of any student within a student organization will be subject to discipline, up to and including termination.

(c) Alumni and volunteers who have been reckless in permitting hazing of any student within a student organization may be excluded from future activities on campus and reported to the related national chapter of the student organization.

(d) Students, employees, volunteers and alumni may also face criminal prosecution for permitting or participating in hazing activities.

(5) Amnesty. Students who report hazing under this rule or who participate in an investigation of hazing will be granted amnesty from consequences tied to violations of other university policies that arose out of or are related to the hazing incident under investigation, so long as the student's conduct does not represent a threat to the health and safety of others (e.g., seeking medical assistance for overconsumption of drugs or alcohol).

Last updated September 27, 2024 at 9:38 AM

Supplemental Information

Authorized By: 111.15
Amplifies: 3350.12

Rule 3349-5-77 | Accommodations for student religious observations.

• Effective: September 25, 2023
• Promulgated Under: 111.15

(A) Purpose

Northeast Ohio medical university respects the religious practices and beliefs of all students and seeks to provide a learning environment that reasonably accommodates its students' sincerely held religious beliefs, while simultaneously complying with the statutory requirements of section 3345.026 of the Revised Code.

(B) Scope

This rule applies to all enrolled students who seek to be excused from academic requirements, including class attendance or examinations, based on a sincerely held religious belief. Student employees should refer to rule 3349-7-85 of the Administrative Code with respect to his/her employment obligations on days of religious observation.

(C) Definitions

"Academic semester" refers to the summer term, fall, and spring semesters as established by each individual college or degree program and published by the office of the registrar (also known as an "academic term"). Maymester is an intersession following spring semester.

(D) Rule statement

(1) Excused absences

(a) A student may be excused from class for up to three days of academic requirements or examinations per academic semester to take holidays for reasons of faith or religious or spiritual belief systems to participate in organized activities conducted under the auspices of a religious denomination, church, or other religious or spiritual organization.

(b) The university shall not impose any academic penalty as a result of utilizing an excused absence for the foregoing purposes and shall accept, without question, the sincerity of a student's religious or spiritual belief system.

(2) Requests for alternative accommodation

(a) The university shall keep requests for alternative accommodations authorized under this rule confidential, in accordance with the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act of 1974. The information regarding such requests and alternative accommodations will only be shared with those individuals and offices that have a need to know for educational purposes.

(b) Students requesting an alternative accommodation under this rule shall do so by completing an online request form. The university shall provide a student with alternative accommodations for examinations and other academic requirements that will be missed based upon the excused absence if the following requirements are met:

(i) The student's sincerely held religious belief or practice severely affects the student's ability to take an examination or meet an academic requirement; and

(ii) The request is submitted to the university not later than fourteen calendar days after the first date of instruction of the semester in which the excused absence will occur.

(c) The course director and/or testing services will be notified of the request and related approval and will accept without question the sincerity of a student's religious or spiritual belief system. All students will receive confirmation of the approval as well as specifics related to the alternative accommodation via email from the university identifying the time, date, and location for a make-up or alternative examination, which may be before or after the time and date the examination or other academic requirement was originally scheduled, but shall do so without prejudicial effect.

(3) Notification

(a) The syllabus for every course shall include the following information:

(i) A statement that religious accommodations are available to students and a hyperlink to this rule, located on the policy portal within the office of the general counsel's website;

(ii) A description of the general procedure for requesting alternative accommodations based on a sincerely held religious belief or practice; and

(iii) Contact information for the office of academic affairs and student services should a student need more information about this rule.

(b) A non-exhaustive list of major religious holidays or festivals for the next two years shall be posted with this rule, separately identified on the policy portal within the office of the general counsel's website. The list may not be used to deny accommodation 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.

(4) Complaints

Students may notify the university of any complaint under this rule by contacting:

(a) Office of academic affairs and student services;

(b) The vice president for academic affairs and provost; or

(c) By submitting a complaint online to [e-mail].

Last updated September 27, 2024 at 9:40 AM

Supplemental Information

Authorized By: 111.15
Amplifies: 3350.12