Student Handbook

Click Here for Downloadable Version (pdf)

Message from the President

Welcome to Columbus State Community College!

At Columbus State, we will strive to make your learning experience valuable, meaningful and enjoyable. The college offers a wide variety of services and activities to help you reach your educational goals, and I encourage you to read about these opportunities in this “user’s manual.” Whether you are a full-time or part-time student, you will find the information included in the 2009-2010 Student Handbook very useful.

Again, welcome to the college. I hope your success here paves the way to a rewarding future.

Sincerely,

Dr. M. Valeriana Moeller

Welcome to Columbus State!

This Student Handbook is full of useful and important information. We hope you will read it carefully, keep it handy, and refer to it as needed.

Getting Started

Review the academic calendar for important dates and deadlines, pages, or online at www.cscc.edu (click the “Quarter Schedules” link).

Apply for admission.

At www.cscc.edu, click “Apply online” under Student Quick Links. Non-immigrant visa holders, click “Prospective Students” and the “International Student” links for application information. Admissions Advisors are available to assist you in person in Madison Hall (lower level), by phone at 614-287-2669, or online (at www.cscc.edu, click “Prospective Students, Admissions Office.”)

Apply for financial aid.

Complete the FAFSA at www.fafsa.ed.gov. The Columbus State school code is 006867. For more information contact the Financial Aid Office, located in the lower level of Rhodes Hall, 614-287-2648, or at www.cscc.edu, click the “Financial Aid” link. For help completing the financial aid application, attend a FAFSA workshop in the Student Assistance Center in Madison Hall 225; call 614-287-5538 for days/
times and reservation information.

Request the following documents be sent to the Records and Registration Department (address below).

High School Diploma or GED score report (if required for your program of study)
and/or to verify you have met course prerequisites and all previous college transcripts for transfer and transient students. Bring a copy of your transcript or other documentation of completed courses when meeting with an academic advisor so they can recommend appropriate courses and next steps.

Send to:

Columbus State Community College
Records and Registration Department
Madison Hall 201
550 E. Spring St.
Columbus, OH 43215

Complete Orientation.

Complete a Getting Started 101 New Student Orientation, online or in person, before testing and advising. For days, times and more information and to make reservation for the in-person session, at www.cscc.edu, click “Prospective Students, New Student Orientation” or call Admissions at 614-287-2669. See the New Student Orientation section of this handbook for additional information.

Placement Testing and Advising

New students (have not attended another college/do not have credit for college- Level English and math): Complete the COMPASS Placement Test in the Testing Center, Aquinas Hall 002. Please see page 39 for their hours. Photo ID is required.

Advising

After testing, visit with an advisor in Advising Services in Aquinas Hall 116 for
recommendations on which classes to take for your first quarter and to plan for
your major. See page 4 for hours of availability. Transfer or transient students,
please bring a copy of your transcripts (official or unofficial) with you.

Register and Pay Fees

Now you’re ready to:
•View course information (schedules and descriptions)
•Register/drop classes
•View your grades/GPA
•View your schedule/transcript
•Check your financial aid award letter
•Check your account balance or pay fees
•Register your vehicle and obtain a temporary parking permit
•Purchase books
•In addition to registering online via CougarWeb, you are also able to register for your classes or pay fees through:

Phone: 614-287-5353 to speak with a representative
614-287-2287 for the automated, 24-hour system
In Person: Cashier’s Office, Rhodes Hall, 2nd floor
Drop Box: Madison Hall, main level
Mail: Columbus State Community College
Cashier’s Office
550 E. Spring St.
Columbus, OH 43215

Register with Disability Services (if needed)

in Eibling Hall 101, 614-287-2570 (Voice/TTY). See pages 13 and 14 for more information.

Buy your books

Online: http://bookstore.cscc.edu

In Person: The Discovery Exchange Bookstore (DX), at the corner of Mt. Vernon and Cleveland avenues

Parking and Student ID

Pay for your parking permit (every quarter) and student ID (first quarter only or if
replacement is needed) when you pay your fees. Your parking permit will arrive by
mail. Please make sure that your mailing address is accurate and keep it updated.
After paying for your student ID, get your ID made in Public Safety, Union Hall
048.

Locate your classrooms and parking areas

Click here for “Visitor Information.”

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Welcome to Columbus State Community College

Columbus State Community College is a comprehensive, two-year state community college that provides quality programs to enhance the educational and employment opportunities of its students. At Columbus State, students work with state-of-the-art equipment in modern facilities and learn from work-experienced faculty, who know what it takes to be successful.

Academic Programs of Study

There are more than 150 different academic degree and certification programs. For a comprehensive list of all academic programs offered, see the 2009-2010 College Catalog available online at www.cscc.edu.

Career and Technical Programs: Columbus State’s technical degree programs are offered in more than 50 career fields within the major fields of business, health, human and public services, and engineering technologies. Graduates receive either the Associate of Applied Science or Associate of
Technical Studies degree.

Transfer Programs: The College offers transfer programs consisting of courses in the liberal arts and sciences. Students may enroll in programs leading to either the Associate of Arts or Associate of Science degree. In general, these programs are equivalent to the first two years of bachelor’s degree programs at four-year colleges and universities. Thirty-four institutions of higher education have transfer agreements with Columbus State.

New Degree Options:

1) Columbus State and Ohio University have formed a partnership to offer the 3 +1 Degree, which allows students to complete an associate degree and a bachelor’s degree in four years without leaving the Columbus State campus. Students take three years of Columbus State classes (at the community college’s affordable tuition rates) and one year of Ohio University classes (at OU branch campus rates) and finish with a Bachelor of Applied and Technical Studies degree. All classes will be offered either at Columbus State or online.

2) Franklin University also offers a new 3 + 1 degree option in 21 areas of study.

3) Columbus State also offers the University System of Ohio Associate of Technical Studies degree. This accelerated, flexible degree helps busy adults with previous college and life experience to complete a college degree in a minimal amount of time. The ATS articulates with selected bachelor’s degrees at the University of Akron, Ohio University and the University of Toledo.

Adding a Course

To add a course, students may call the CATS touchtone registration at 614-287-2287, the Telephone Information Center at 614-287-5353, register online at www.cscc.edu (“CougarWeb” link), or complete a Registration Add/Drop Form and return the form to the Department of Records and Registration, Madison Hall 201, or at one of the off-campus centers. To register for a full-term, eight-week term, first term, or first four-week term course once classes begin, you must have the instructor’s signature on the Registration Form. Submit the Registration Add/Drop Form to the Department of Records and Registration, Madison Hall 201.

Administrative Withdrawal Policy

A student who received failing grades as the result of extenuating circumstances, which prevented the student from following academic withdrawal procedures, may be eligible to petition to retroactively withdraw from those courses and have those grades changed to “AW.” Students must provide adequate third-party documentation that explains the extenuating circumstances. The Administrative Withdrawal form is available via the web at www.cscc.edu.

Admissions

Madison Hall, lower level
614-287-2669
Hours: Monday − Thursday: 8 a.m. - 6 p.m.; Friday: 9:30 a.m. - 4:30 p.m.

Columbus State Community College is committed to the principle of providing each student access to quality educational programs and lifelong learning. Information provided on the Columbus State Community College Admissions Application is used to determine initial admission status. Additional documentation for certain applicant categories, such as international, felony/criminal misconduct, underage, and transfer students, may be required to determine admission status. Specific information about each category is maintained in the Admissions Office. Applicants not meeting established procedures may be denied admission.

Admission to the college does not ensure admission to a particular program of study. Many technologies, including nursing, have established additional requirements that must be fulfilled prior to acceptance. All prospective applicants are encouraged to contact the Admissions Office in the lower level of Madison Hall for specific information.

For some students, prerequisite coursework in science, reading, mathematics and English may be needed prior to enrollment in certain courses and programs. While all degree programs can be completed in two years of full-time study, it may take longer for some students, including those who need developmental
courses and those attending on a part-time basis.

New students, both domestic and international, are encouraged to begin the enrollment process in the Admissions Office. Admission advisors assist new students with the application process and provide information on programs of study and next steps of enrollment, including new student orientation, placement testing, and applying for financial aid. They also provide information about the many services and resources available to help students succeed at Columbus State and the wide variety of opportunities to get involved in campus activities and organizations.

Other resources, including a step-by-step checklist for new students and information about New Student Orientation, are available online at www.cscc.edu (click the “Prospective Students” link).

Advanced Placement Credit

AP/Advanced Placement Credit: The state of Ohio, working through the University System of Ohio, has initiated policies to facilitate the ease of transition from high school to college as well as between and among Ohio’s public colleges and universities.

Beginning in the Fall term 2009:

1.     Students obtaining an Advanced Placement (AP) exam score of 3 or above will be awarded the aligned course(s) and credits for the AP exam area(s) successfully completed.
2.     General Education courses and credits received will be applied towards graduation and will satisfy a general education requirement if the course(s) to which the AP area is equivalent fulfills a requirement.
3.     If an equivalent course is not available for the AP exam area completed, elective or area credit will be awarded in the appropriate academic discipline and will be applied towards graduation where such elective credit options exist within the academic major.
4.     Additional courses or credits may be available when a score of 4 or 5 is obtained. Award of credit for higher score values varies depending on the institution and academic discipline.
5.     In academic disciplines containing highly dependent sequences (Sciences, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics—STEM), students are strongly encouraged to confer with college/university advising staff to ensure they have the appropriate foundation to be successful in advanced coursework within the sequence. (Ohio Board of Regents)

Because course content and technology may change rapidly, departments may determine a time that can lapse between the acquisition of learning and when the credit is being sought. This may vary depending upon the course.

Students who wish to request nontraditional credit through prior learning assessment must complete the Request for Nontraditional Credit Form and meet with the chairperson of the department offering
the course for which nontraditional credit is requested for a preliminary interview.

Advising Services

Aquinas Hall 116
614-287-2668 (V/TTY) or 800-621-6407
www.cscc.edu; click on “Current Students” and then on “Advising Services”
Hours: Monday −Thursday: 8 a.m. - 7:30 p.m.;
Friday: 9:30 a.m. - 4:30 p.m.; Saturday: 9 a.m. - 1 p.m.

Academic advisors are seen primarily by appointment in Advising Services, Aquinas Hall 116. Regular office hours for appointments are from 8:00 a.m. - 6:30 p.m., Monday through Thursday; Friday from 10:00 a.m. - 3:30 p.m.; and Saturday from 9:00 a.m. - 11:30 a.m. To schedule an appointment, please call 614-287-2668 or stop by Aquinas Hall 116.

Academic Advising is also available on a walk-in basis at the Dublin, Southeast, and Westerville Community Learning Centers. Times vary. Call Advising Services at the number above, Dublin at 614-287-7050, Southeast at 614-287-7200, or Westerville at 614-287-7020 for hours and availability.

Advising Services provides academic advising for students, as well as resources to help students planning to transfer to a four-year college. Academic advisors assist with academic program planning, course selection, and helping students transfer to four-year colleges. After meeting with an academic advisor for one or more quarters, continuing students pursuing a technical degree are referred to a faculty member in their department for continued academic advising and career development. Transfer resources for students include transfer guides, visiting advisors, visiting admissions representatives, the annual College
Transfer Fair, and more.

Advising Services also provides information on various topics, such as overcoming test anxiety, college study skills, stress management, juggling family/school/job roles, choosing a major, anger management,
self-esteem, and others. Individual consultation on these topics is available by calling or stopping by to schedule an appointment. Referrals to Counseling Services for free and confidential academic, career, and personal counseling are also available. Students in academic difficulty who need assistance with Academic Warning, Academic Probation and Academic Dismissal are welcome, encouraged, and in some cases required, to contact the office for advising and to plan for future academic success.

Alumni Association

614-287-2436

By attending and graduating from Columbus State Community College, you have made a lifetime connection to our institution. The purpose of the Columbus State Alumni Association is to foster a mutually beneficial relationship between the college and alumni. Recently, we have created a new website
(www.csccalumni.org) where alumni and friends can gain membership, and re-connect with Columbus State and other alumni. Benefits to joining the Alumni Association include a benefit package from businesses all across the United States. Also, we encourage you to re-connect with other alumni and increase your social network by becoming a friend of Columbus State Community College Alumni Association on Facebook or by joining our Linkedin group. Alumni are able to contact us by email, with any questions or updates, at alumniassoci@cscc.edu.

Animals on Campus

Animals are prohibited in all campus buildings, hallways, parking lots,
restrooms, computer labs and vehicles. Service animals are permitted
on campus per Policy 13-03 (c) (1) (Contact Public Safety) and
Reasonable Accommodations Policy No. 11-05, page 72 (Contact Disability
Services). Animals also are allowed if they are needed for the educational
requirements of a course.

Athletics Office

Delaware Hall 134
614-287-5092
Hours: Monday − Friday: 8 a.m. - 5 p.m.

Participation in athletics is an integral part of the educational development at Columbus State. The college has Division II intercollegiate sports in men’s and women’s basketball, golf, and volleyball and offers athletic scholarships in these sports. The college also has a competitive cheerleading squad.

All Columbus State students are welcome to try out for athletic teams and the cheerleading squad. The college competes in the National Junior College Athletic Association and in the Ohio Community College Athletic Association Conference.

The Delaware Hall athletic facility includes a newly expanded recreation center, gymnasium, offices of athletic coaching staff, and academic space for student-athletes. The recreation center, weight room, cardiovascular equipment room and gymnasium are open during the year for informal recreational use. The recreation center offers aerobics, yoga and zumba classes, weightlifting equipment, treadmills, an elliptical cross-trainer and stationary bicycles. Locker rooms with showers are available, but students must provide their own lock when using the lockers. A current Columbus State employee or student identification card is required to use these facilities. No guests are permitted.

Attendance

Students are expected to attend all of their scheduled classes. Official attendance policies are defined by each college department. It is the student’s responsibility to check with the instructor to clarify the absence policy for his/her class. If a student decides to stop attending a class, it is important to officially withdraw from the class by completing a Registration Add/Drop Form, or call 614-287-5353 or CATS at 614-287-2287 within the deadline dates. If withdrawal procedures are not completed, a failing grade (E) will be issued for the class. Also see Withdrawing from a Course.

Bookstore: (located in DX)

614-287-2427
http://bookstore.cscc.edu
Monday −Thursday: 7:30 a.m. - 8:00 p.m.
Friday: 7:30 a.m. - 6:00 p.m. Saturday: 8:00 a.m. - 2:00 p.m.
Break and Summer hours may vary.
The Discovery Exchange: Your Columbus State Bookstore, Café, Copy Center, and Convenience Store

The Discovery Exchange, located at the corner of Cleveland and Mt. Vernon avenues, is the Columbus State Bookstore and so much more! Inside the DX, customers will find the Bookstore, Café, Copy & Print Shop, and Convenience Store. In addition to textbooks for classes, customers can select from best sellers, magazines, gifts, apparel, art and office supplies, electronics, computer software and accessories. Services available at the DX include daily textbook buyback, calculator buyback, international faxing, stamps, money orders, and distribution of caps and gowns for graduation students.

The DX Café Barista is a coffee and food service bar that serves made-to-order lattes, mochas, and other coffee and tea drinks (served hot, frozen, or on ice). The café boasts a selection of fresh fruit, bagels, pastries, soups, salads and sandwiches, many of which will satisfy the palates of health-conscious and vegan patrons.

The Copy & Print Shop offers a self-service Xerox machine and extended services which include printing, lamination, document binding, first class postage, scanning, graphic design, graduation announcements, color print services, and notary services by appointment.

The Convenience Store provides a wide variety of items to make everyday life a little easier. “Grab and Go” items include sandwiches, snacks, candy, fountain drinks, hot popcorn, frozen treats, coffee, and pizza.

Shopping online at the Bookstore is convenient and offers competitive pricing and free pick-up at multiple locations. The Bookstore staff will make sure that you receive the correct course materials and great service. Order online today at http://bookstore.cscc.edu or by phone at 614-287-5353. Visa, MasterCard, and Discover credit cards are accepted. Three delivery options are available: 1) UPS, which has a shipping and handling fee; 2) Self pick-up at the DX within two business days of order free of charge; 3)Self pick-up at Columbus State’s Dublin Center, Southeast Center, Southwest Center at Bolton Field, or the Westerville Center within four business days of order free of charge. A valid student ID, driver’s license, or state ID is required for pick-up.

Building Hours

Campus is generally open to students and visitors at 7 a.m. Department hours can vary. The campus closes at 11 p.m. or at the conclusion of the last class or special event to allow for buildings to be secured and maintained. Buildings generally close at 6 p.m. on the weekends. Detailed campus hours

Bus Service (COTA)

Central Ohio Transit Authority (COTA) bus stops are conveniently located near Columbus State Community College. Bus route information is available in a display located in the lobby of Delaware Hall. Students may call COTA at 614-228-1776 for route information. Monthly COTA passes are available in the Cashier’s Office.

Cafeteria

Delaware Hall
614-287-2483
Hours: Open limited hours during break periods
Autumn, Winter, and Spring Quarter Hours:
Monday −Thursday: 7:00 a.m. - 7:00 p.m., Friday: 7:00 a.m. - 2:00 p.m.
Saturday: 8:00 a.m. - 1:00 p.m.
Summer Quarter Hours
Monday − Friday: 7 a.m. - 2 p.m. Sat – Sun: closed

The cafeteria offers a wide variety of foods, from quick snacks to full meals, including Bene Pizza and DC Subs, plus entrees, hot sandwhiches, a salad bar, soups, fruit and beverages. Vending machines with snacks and cold drinks are available throughout campus.

Career Counseling

Aquinas Hall 116
614-287-2668
Hours: See Counseling Services

Career counseling is available by appointment in Counseling Services. Please call the number listed above to schedule an appointment. College counselors offers assistance to help students with career decision-making and choosing an appropriate major or program of study. Services include:
·         Assessing skills and interests and relating them to college majors and careers
·         Developing a plan to explore careers
·         Creating a career portfolio and building credentials
·         Planning for the next career and education transition self-assessment tools

Career Assistance Center − Acloché

Nestor Hall 119
614-287-5279

Whether you are a student embarking on a new career or an alumni building career skills to stay competitive in the marketplace, Acloché can provide noteworthy and current information about career market trends, work opportunities, and basic tools on how to find and secure employment.

Columbus State students can register at the Acloché Career Assistance Center, Nestor Hall 119 or call for an appointment. Skill testing, online career searches, job and internship postings and updates on career fairs and workshops represent just some of the benefits available to students. Call or stop by NH119 to learn more about job placement services for CSCC students and alumni.

Cashier's Office

Rhodes Hall, upper level
614-287-2414 614-287-5353
Hours: Monday − Thursday: 8 a.m. - 6:00 p.m.
Friday: 9:30 a.m. - 4:30p.m.
Extended hours will be available during fee payment rush periods each quarter.

Tuition payments and student fees are paid in the Cashier’s Office. The Cashier’s Office accepts payments in person or by mail. Cash, check, money order, debit card, MasterCard, VISA, and DISCOVER are accepted. Student fees for replacement identification (ID) cards and quarterly parking permits can be purchased at the Cashier’s Office. Fee payment is also available online or by phone (614-287-5353).

Change of Name, Address, Telephone Number, Program of Study, Social Security Number

To make a name change, please submit one of the following items, along with a Change of Information Form and a photo ID, to the Department of Records and Registration, Madison Hall 201:

Marriage certificate
Social Security Card
Current driver’s license
State Identification Card
United States District Court Petition for name change
Court Order verifying an approved name change

If you have a social security number discrepancy, please submit one of the following items, along with the Change of Information Form and a photo ID, to the Department of Records and Registration, Madison Hall 201:

Social Security Card
Driver’s License with social security number displayed
State Identification Card verifying social security number

Child Development Center

315 Cleveland Ave.
(entrance located on the corner of N. Grant and Grove St.)
614-287-3600
7:30 a.m. - 6 p.m.
Closed for holidays and in-service days observed by the College.

The Child Development Center, located on campus, provides a safe, nurturing, quality environment for infants, toddlers, and preschoolers in the downtown community. The curriculum, inspired by the educators in Reggio Emilia, Italy, provides opportunities for exploration and project work that is focused on the interests of the children. Activities are individualized, developmentally appropriate and based on meeting the needs for each child’s growth and development. The Center also provides care for families eligible for subsidized funding such as Tile 20 through the Franklin County Department of Job and Family Services, Champion of Children. Information materials and applications can be obtained by calling the Child Development Center. A limited number of scholarships for tuition are also available. Please plan ahead; there is often a waiting list for all age groups.

Children on Campus

Children 14 years of age and under must be accompanied and attended by an adult while on the campus. Adults who bring children with them to the campus may be asked to control the actions of the children or remove them from the campus if the children create a disturbance to the orderly functioning of the college. Children are not to be taken to classrooms, laboratories, or clinical sessions unless they are to take part in the educational program.

Children cannot be left unattended while parents are in class. If children are left unattended, parents will be contacted in class and asked to remove the children from campus. Children cannot be left unattended in hallways, computer labs, vehicles, or other areas on campus, including the Testing Center.

Clery Crime Awareness and Campus Security Act

Federal legislation requires Columbus State Community College to maintain
data on the types and number of crimes on college property as well as policies
dealing with campus security. To obtain additional information, contact Public
Safety, Delaware Hall 047, or you may access this information via the internet at
www.cscc.edu/publicsafety/cca.htm. All crimes should be reported immediately to Public Safety at 614-287-2525, available 24 hrs/day, 7 days/week.

Clubs and Organizations

Clubs and organizations abound on the Columbus State campus. The college averages 30-40 groups each academic year, ranging from hobby enthusiasts or special interest groups to student chapters of professional organizations.

It’s a known fact that you get more out of a college experience if you get involved. You will probably even do better academically! For a complete listing of Columbus State student clubs and organizations, visit http://www.cscc.edu and select “Activities & Athletics” at the left.

In order to be recognized by Columbus State Community College, and be eligible for benefits of that recognition, student clubs and organizations must register as a new club or organization and annually renew the registration of an existing club or organization with the Student Activities Office, Nestor Hall
116. Registration signifies that the club or organization will comply with the rules, regulations and guidelines of the college.

If you are interested in starting a club or organization, you are encouraged to start one. Each year new clubs and organizations are added to enhance campus diversity. The steps to start a new club or organization and to register an existing club are as follows:

1.     Obtain a registration application from the Student Activities Office in Nestor Hall 116, or on the Internet at http://www.cscc.edu/ATHLETICS/clubs-organizations.html
2.     The registration application must be completed in its entirety.
3.     Each club or organization must have a campus advisor.
4.     Each club or organization must have a constitution.
5.     Submit the registration application and, if applicable, the constitution to the Director of Student Activities and Athletics.
6.     The information will be reviewed, and if approved, the club or organization will become a recognized Columbus State club or organization.

If a renewal/application form for a club is not received by April each year, funds may not be available for deposit in the club account for the current fiscal year.

Community Education and Workforce Development

Center for Workforce Development
614-287-5858, for registration or information on CEWD Classes

The Community Education and Workforce Development Division provides continued learning opportunities for individuals in traditional and nontraditional settings. Each department in Community Education and Workforce Development is designed for individuals of varying ages, professional experience and education levels in learning new skills and enhancing existing skills. Today’s competitive labor market demands that employees are up to date on the latest business equipment, computer software and technology, management techniques, professional trends, market information, customer service and office operations. Through the Community Education and Workforce Development departments, students, business professionals, and new or first-time employees have the opportunity to learn many of these work-related skills at convenient times.

Business and Industry at Columbus State
614-287-5000
Business and Industry provides innovative approaches to training, consulting and education through customer-driven partnerships with organizations.

Conference Center
614-287-5500
The new 13,000 square-foot Conference Center is located on the fourth floor of the Center for Workforce Development and is equipped with state- of-the-art technology and comfortable furnishings.

Continuing Professional Education
614-287-5000
Continuing Education courses are offered in many areas of open enrollment including computer skills, human resources, personal development, safety and the Lifelong Learning Institute.

Language Institute
WD 1111
614-287-5858

The Language Institute is a program within the Community Education and Workforce Development division. The institute provides open-enrollment classes in basic English as a Second Language and serves as a point of contact and coordination for open-enrollment and contract language and culture programming provided in conjunction with the Continuing Professional Education and Business and Industry Training Services departments. A strong relationship with Somali and Latino populations provides a large audience for the programming provided by the Institute.

Transitional Workforce
614-287-5858

The Transitional Workforce Department provides courses for a variety of students who want to gain the skills needed to enter, re-enter, or advance in the workforce. These include individuals who want to pursue initial career and educational goals via noncredit courses, and those who are not yet eligible or ready for credit classes. Nancy Case, (614) 287-3911, is the Director of the Transitional Workforce Department.

Academic Enrichment/GED

Classes in the Academic Enrichment Program are designed for students who want to improve their English language and/or mathematical skills in order to increase career and/or educational opportunities.
Ten-week language arts classes provide instruction in reading, writing, grammar, spelling, and vocabulary. Ten-week math classes are designed to build skill in number functions, multi-step word problems, and beginning algebra and geometry.

Five-week accelerated classes in language arts and math review these subjects at the high school level for the purpose of improving college placement test scores, or as preparation for the Ohio General Education Development (GED) test which leads to the Ohio High School Equivalent Diploma.

Classroom instruction is supported by two types of software. PLATO courseware offers more than 2,000 hours of basic-to-advanced level instruction in reading, writing, math, science, social studies, life and work skills as well as preparation for the NET test. Steck-Vaughn instructional software also includes extensive practice for the GED test. Contact (614) 287-5858 for Academic Enrichment Program information.

Columbus State ACT/Skills Max Center

The ACT/SkillsMax Center offers many opportunities to the community Columbus State serves using assessment and testing to assist customers of the center to meet their personal or professional goals. Assessments that are offered include WorkKeys, Discover, DISC, and SHR. These assessments can be given either by individual appointment or on a contract basis at the ACT/SkillsMax Center or onsite, depending on the assessment tool requested. The center is a VUE, PROMETRIC and ETS testing site for various skill certifications such as CISCO, MOUS, MCSE, NET+, etc., and offers proficiency testing for CLEP. These tests are given by appointment. The ACT high school assessment currently is not
offered. Costs for these courses and services vary. Contact the Columbus State ACT/SkillsMax Center at the Center for Workforce Development at (614) 287-ACT1(2281) or e-mail the center: act1@cscc.edu.

Career Counseling

The Transitional Workforce Department offers career counseling for students who are enrolled in programs at the Center for Workforce Development and credit students who are receiving services from the Workforce Investment Act and/or the North American Free Trade Act. For more information, contact Lora Eberhard at (614) 287-5316.

Orientation to Trade and Apprenticeship Programs (OTAP)

This intense 10-week, job training program is designed to prepare students for employment in the trades, gain acceptance in apprenticeships, or obtain skills to enter other career training programs. OTAP has been in existence since 1987 and has high placement and retention rates among graduates.

Students will have the opportunity to acquire skills, participate in hands-on labs, and be introduced to the trades by exposure to such areas as: construction trades, basic electricity, mechanical reasoning, carpentry, blue print reading, welding, plumbing, masonry, roofing and siding, applied technologies, hand and power tool usage, employability and career development skills (resume writing, job interviewing) as well as emerging “green” sustainability construction and techniques. In addition, students can obtain a 10-hour safety training certification, will receive intensive applied math instruction and gain knowledge taking entry-level exams for employment and training in trades’ related fields.

For further information or to apply, call the Non-Credit Registration Office at 287-5858.

OTAP for Youth
This after-school training program for Franklin County youth 16 to 18 years of age teaches students the skills needed to become employed or accepted into the trades upon graduation from high school. OTAP for Youth provides the same hands-on training as the adult OTAP program but in a modified format. The program runs eight weeks, two days per week, from 4:30 - 7:00 p.m. Students may earn credits or community service hours toward their high school graduation. A hot meal is provided, bus passes are available to ensure transportation, and incentives are given for attendance and completion. For further information or to apply, contact the Non-Credit Registration Office at 287-5858.

Community Outreach

Franklin Hall 132
614-287-5433
The Office of Community Outreach, through Institutional Advancement, is dedicated to developing a positive and supportive relationship between community groups/leaders and Columbus State Community College to enhance access to the college and promote the success of our students.

COMPASS Placement Testing

Testing Center
Aquinas Hall 002, lower level
614-287-2478
Main Campus Hours: Monday − Thursday: 9 a.m. - 8 p.m.
Friday: 9 a.m.- 4:30 p.m.

The Testing Center offers COMPASS/ESL placement test, a computerized assessment for new students, used to identify the appropriate starting level for reading, math, and English as a Second Language (ESL) courses. Developmental Education, English as a Second Language, and/or non-credit basic English courses may be required to maximize the student’s opportunity for academic and personal success. After completing the COMPASS/ESL test, students meet with an academic advisor in Advising Services for an interpretation of their test results and assistance selecting appropriate courses for their first quarter.

Placement testing is required for the following students:

·         All students who plan to register for a course with established reading, writing, or math prerequisites.
·         All students who register for 12 or more credit hours during their initial quarter at the College.
·         All part-time student who will register for their 12th accumulative credit hour.
·         All high school students intending to take classes.

Students with transfer credit in college-level composition and algebra from an accredited institution may not need to complete the entire placement test. These students should contact an academic advisor in Advising Services, Aquinas Hall 116, (614) 287-2668, for course selection and registration information.
COMPASS/ESL testing is done on a walk-in basis; appointments are not needed. Please note that students must report for testing no later than two hours prior to the Testing Center closing time; placement tests are not administered after this time. A photo ID is required. In an effort to provide a distraction-free testing environment, children, food, beverages, and cell phones are not permitted in the Testing Center. Testing is offered on the Columbus campus and at some off-campus centers on particular days/times. For more information, contact the Testing Center in Aquinas Hall, Room 002, (614) 287-2478, or visit our website at www.cscc.edu, Sample test items and resources for review are available on this website.

Computer Labs

Computer Labs are located in:
Davidson Hall 104/107 Delaware Hall 109/202/205/209/217
ERC (library), lower level Nestor Hall 232
Teaching and Learning (TL) 116

A valid student ID is required to use the computer labs. The TL and ERC labs
are considered the only open labs on campus. The other labs are open only
when classes are not being held in them. Call the Off-Campus Centers for lab
hours.

Bolton Field - Southwest Center 614-287-7102
Dublin Center 614-287-7050
Marysville Center 937-644-1616
Southeast Center 614-287-7200
Westerville Center 614-287-7000

Copy & Print Shop (located in the DX)

614-287-5652
Hours: Monday − Thursday 7:30 a.m. - 8:00 p.m.
Friday 7:30 a.m. - 6:00 p.m.
Saturday: 8:00 a.m. - 2:00 p.m. (Limited Service)
Break and Summer hours may vary.

The Copy Center provides: Full-color and black & white printing, binding, lamination, faxing, postage, money orders, notary services, graphic design, graduation announcements, and scanning. Prices are competitive and turnaround times are planned to meet your needs.

Copy Machines

Copy machines are located on all floors of the ERC, as well as in the Discovery Exchange.

CougarID/StudentID Number

All students will be assigned a student identification number at Columbus State, often called a “CougarID”. This seven digit number replaces your social security number as your official, permanent, college identification number at Columbus State. Your social security number is, and will remain, your alternative identification number with the college. It is very important that you remember and use your CougarID/StudentID for any business you conduct at the college (e.g., register for classes, pay fees, check out books, etc.).

Counseling Services

Aquinas Hall 116
614-287-2668 1-800-621-6407
http://www.cscc.edu/counselingservices
Hours: Monday, Wednesday, Thursday: 8 a.m. - 5:30 p.m.
Tuesday: 8 a.m. - 6:00 p.m. Friday: 9:30 a.m. - 4:30 p.m.

Counseling Services offers academic, career, and personal counseling to currently enrolled students. Counseling services can address such issues as depression, anxiety, alcohol and drug abuse, academic concerns, adjusting to stressors and many other issues. Counselors provide confidential, individual
counseling sessions on a short-term basis, crisis intervention, consultation, support groups, and referral to community resources, if needed. Career counseling services are also available to students who are undecided about their major or career path. Services include an assessment of skills and
interest, assistance with career decision-making skills and creating a career exploration plan, choosing a college major, redirecting education plans, or planning for a career change.

All personal and career counseling sessions are free and confidential. Counseling services are available by appointment. Please call or stop by to schedule an appointment.

Degree Audit Report (DARS)

The Degree Audit Reporting System (DARS) is an important advising tool that helps students determine progress toward completion of their program or degree requirements. DARS provides a written report of courses in progress, courses completed, and courses remaining for completion of program or degree requirements. It also reflects technical and nontechnical grade point average for technical degrees. Regular use of DARS will assist the student in making prudent course selections. Students can request copies of their DARS via CougarWeb at www.cscc.edu.

Developmental Education

Aquinas Hall 215
614-287-5193

The Department of Developmental Education prepares learners for college level courses. Learners who are deficient in reading, writing or mathematics can improve their skills by enrolling in the department’s academic courses. (See the current Academic Catalog for course listings). To assist with study
skills and career options, learners may enroll in the College Success Skills, DEV 090, and Career Life Planning, DEV 050. Support services such as peer tutoring and academic advising are also available. See Tutoring Services.

Disability Services

Eibling Hall 101 www.cscc.edu/disability
614-287-2570 (V/TTY) Main Office
614-287-5089 (V/TTY) Testing Reception
Video Phone: 614-429-1227
Video Phone for hearing callers: 866-773-5131
Hours: Monday − Thursday: 8 a.m. - 7 p.m. Friday: 8 a.m. - 5 p.m.
Break Hours: Monday − Friday: 8 a.m. - 5 p.m.

Scheduled appointments are available on Tuesdays and Thursdays. Walk-in appointments are available on Mondays and Wednesdays from 8:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. and Friday from 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.
Disability Services offers a variety of services to currently enrolled Columbus State students who have provided appropriate documentation of a physical, mental, or learning disability to the department.

Services available to these students may include counseling, print materials in alternative media,
sign language interpreters, alternative testing procedures, and notetaker notebooks. Adaptive equipment such as computers with voice synthesis, voice recognition, or large print capabilities, hearing amplification, and large print magnification devices are also available for students use and are located within Disability
Services, as well as selected computer labs on campus.

Support Services from the department are provided based on disability documentation received and the individual needs of each student. Students who would like more information about how to request these services and register with the department can call or stop by the Franklin Hall 223.

Disclosure for Students Pursuing Health, Human Services, and Related Programs

Students who are pursuing degrees or certificates leading to application for professional licensure or certification, and/or who will be participating in clinical placements, internships or practicums through their program, should be aware that Columbus State Community College may require a criminal background check, finger-printing, or drug screening prior to placement. Each student is responsible for paying for the background check or other screening process. In the event that the College’s background check indicates a conviction, the departmental chairperson shall contact the facility with that information, with due regard to confidentiality. Although the College will make reasonable efforts to place students in field experiences and internships, it will be up to the host facility to determine whether a student will be allowed to work at that facility. Students shall further be aware that a criminal record may jeopardize licensure by the State certification body. Students should consult the licensing certification body corresponding with their intended occupation for more details. Successful completion of a program of study at the College does not guarantee licensure, certification, or employment in the relevant occupation. Standards may change during a student’s program of study.

Distance and Online Learning

http://global.cscc.edu

Distance and online learning through Columbus State’s Global Campus is an option to traditional on-campus courses. Distance learning is more convenient and flexible, benefiting students with job and family responsibilities. Students enrolled in an online or distance learning course are able to interact with the class instructor and classmates through Internet-based communications and/ or telephone. The different types of distance learning courses include:

Web − Delivered on Blackboard http://globalcourses.cscc.edu
Video − Seen on educational access cable television or by renting videos/ DVDs from the library
Blended − A combination of video and Web
Hybrid − A combination of Web and lab/classroom
Videoconferencing − Classroom with real-time audio-video interaction between two sites.

These courses may require a few campus visits, or possibly no visits at all. Many distance courses require on-campus testing at the Student Support Testing Center, but if a student lives far away from campus, tests can be proctored at a distant location. Admissions and registration procedures, tuition costs,
and amount of course work are the same for distance courses as traditional on-campus courses. Check the CSCC catalog for full degree and certificate programs offered through distance learning. For help with technology issues, contact the IT Support Help Desk at 287-5050.

Diversity, Study Abroad, and Trio Programs

Franklin Hall 228
614-287-5648 (Diversity & Study Abroad)
Hours: Monday − Friday: 8 a.m. - 5 p.m.

The Department of Diversity, Study Abroad, and Trio Programs provides a wide array of diversity programs and activities that support increased multicultural student enrollment and retention and assist with the recruitment and retention of multicultural faculty and staff. In addition, these programs and activities serve the college community by increasing awareness and understanding of diverse cultures and peoples in a global context. Towards that aim, the department assists in the coordination and implementation of study abroad programs. Finally, the department oversees Columbus State’s efforts in conjunction with Trio Programs such as Educational Talent Search, Student Support Services, and Upward Bound. These federally funded programs increase access to higher education, assist with academic development, and supply supportive services to students who are low-income, first generation, or who have disabilities.

Educational Resources Center (ERC) − Library

Columbus Hall
614-287-2465 Circulation Desk
614-287-2460 Reference Assistance
http://www.cscc.edu/library
Hours: Monday −Thursday: 7:30 a.m. - 10 p.m.
Friday: 7:30 a.m. - 6 p.m.
Saturday: 10 a.m. - 4 p.m. Sunday: 1 p.m. - 5 p.m.
Break hours: Monday − Friday: 8 a.m. - 5 p.m.

In order to check out materials, students must present an official picture ID (Columbus State ID or driver’s license). Your CougarID/Student ID number serves as your library account number. The circulation period for books is three weeks; all other materials circulate for one week.

The ERC provides access to information through print and electronic resources. Students may search over 150 online research databases with links to thousands of full-text articles. Online catalogs and databases can be accessed by computers in the ERC, and in computer labs throughout the
campus and off-campus. Your CougarID/Student ID number is necessary for accessing library databases off-campus. Reference assistance is available on Level 1. Students are encouraged to ask for help in starting their research or in using a particular resource. Laptop lending is also available to current CSCC
students at the Circulation Desk on Level 1.

The ERC’s catalog also links to the OhioLINK, which allows students to initiate loan requests for materials from other university, college and state libraries. Availability of materials can be accessed immediately; however, it takes three to four days to deliver the requested materials to the ERC.

Educational Talent Search

Franklin Hall 228
614-287-5777 or 614-287-5402
Hours are Monday − Friday: 7:30 a.m. - 4:30 p.m.

Educational Talent Search is a federally funded pre-college program that identifies and assists individuals from disadvantaged backgrounds who have the potential to succeed in higher education. Talent Search programs serve young people in grades six through twelve and high school and postsecondary school dropouts. In addition to academic advising, participants receive information about college admissions requirements, scholarships and various student financial aid programs. This early intervention program helps participants better understand their educational opportunities and options.

Emergency Evacuation Procedure

The evacuation of persons with disabilities during an emergency has become a critical issue with the numbers of individuals with disabilities increasing on campus. The college must insure that these individuals receive the same level of safety provided to all other individuals on campus. The Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) addresses this issue by introducing the concept of an “area of rescue assistance.” These areas have direct access to an exit as well as a place for those needing assistance to safely wait for that assistance. A safe evacuation of all persons during an emergency is of the utmost concern to Columbus State.

Columbus State has developed emergency evacuation procedures that acknowledge individual rights and minimize the risk of potential injury. Of foremost concern in the development of these procedures is the safety and security of all students, employees, and visitors.

Recommended Procedure
Persons who are capable of exiting the building without assistance should use the stairs. Use of the elevator is prohibited during an emergency. All persons in the building should familiarize themselves with two exits from any classroom, lab, or other area they may be in within the building. Maps outlining emergency exits and routes are clearly posted in all buildings.

At the first sign of a building emergency, Public Safety (614-287-2525) should be notified of the location of an individual who needs assistance evacuating. Persons with disabilities or needing assistance who cannot use the stairs should wait at the nearest stairwell during an emergency alarm in any campus building. These areas have been determined as the safest area on each floor. If the nearest stairwell is blocked or is the source of the problem, go to the next nearest stairwell. During a building emergency, the stairwells and elevators will be monitored by Public Safety and emergency personnel. If elevator evacuation is possible, persons who need mobility aid will be assisted in using the elevator. If elevators are not safe, appropriately-trained persons will assist those needing assistance in being carried from the building.

All persons on campus should be aware of the college’s procedures for emergency evacuation. An Emergency Preparedness Action Sheet is posted in all campus classrooms, labs and offices. Questions or comments regarding these procedures should be directed to the Director of Public Safety, Delaware Hall 047, 614-287-2525, or to the Director of Disability Services, Eibling Hall 101, 614-287-2629.

Faculty Advising for Students in Career-Technical Majors

Students in Career-Technical majors have the benefit of going to see their faculty advisor for advice and counsel on their specific plan of study. Once a student decides on a major field of concentration, he/she should make an appointment to visit the faculty advisor. When a major is decided upon, the Records and Registration Office should be notified. This can be done by telephoning (614) 287-5353, or by going to Madison Hall 201 and filling out a Change of Information form.

Each academic department will have its own method of assigning a full-time faculty member to each student. Students should schedule an appointment with their faculty advisor at the time a major is declared; or at the latest, by the end of their second quarter of enrollment. Students should continue to schedule an advising appointment each quarter.

The faculty advisor will demonstrate the use of a Degree Audit with the student and explain the process of following a Plan of Study for the chosen major. Assistance with course selection, making sure all prerequisites and course sequences are met, tutoring and maintaining grade point averages are also covered in the meeting with faculty advisors, as are graduation requirements and preparation. Career choices may also be discussed.

In several majors, an internship will be a requirement for graduation beginning with students entering Columbus State in Autumn Quarter 2009. The faculty advisor can be very helpful with identifying and setting up an internship in the student’s chosen field.

How to find your faculty advisor:
·         Got to www.cscc.edu
·         Call the Telephone Information Center (TIC) at 614-287-5353
·         Contact the academic department office of your major.

Failing a Course

A student failing a required course must repeat that course and receive a passing grade in order to satisfy graduation requirements. Once issued, the repeated course grade will replace the previous failing grade in computing the student’s grade point average; however, the initial grade will continue to appear on the student’s transcript.

Felony Conviction – Currently Enrolled Students

All students are responsible for informing the college of any felony convictions at the time of conviction. Failure to do so constitutes a violation of the Student Code of Conduct, Policy No. 7-12 (A) (14). Contact the Dean of Student Life Office at 614-287-5299 for more information and to report a felony conviction that takes place while you are a student at Columbus State.

Felony Conviction – New Applicants to the College or Returning Students

All applicants and students returning to the college, after a period of being away, are responsible for reporting to the college any felony convictions at the time of application or return to the college. The college may deny a convicted felon enrollment based upon the nature and circumstances of the felony. You may contact the Admissions Office at 614-287-2669 for more information.

Fees

Information on tuition and fees is published yearly in the college’s Academic Catalog. Matriculation fees, quarterly academic fees, and laboratory fees are printed on the student’s current class schedule and can be accessed online via CougarWeb. All fees should be paid by the published quarterly deadlines.
Fees may be paid: in person at the Cashier’s Office, Rhodes Hall (upper level), by mail, through the drop box located in Madison Hall, online via CougarWeb www.cscc.edu, or by phone by calling 614-287-5353 or Touchtone (CATS) at 614-287-2287. Fees may be paid by cash (Cashier’s Office only), check, debit card, money order, or credit card (MasterCard, VISA or DISCOVER). Credit card payments are also accepted at the Southeast, Westerville and Dublin suburban sites.

Partial payment of fees is now an option, but the total balance of fees must be paid by the published deadline. If the remaining balance is not paid in full by the fee payment deadline, including balance adjustments resulting from schedule changes, the student’s classes will be dropped and the student will
be charged a re-registration fee of $75. (Please see homepage under Quarter Schedules/Academic Calendar/Dates and Deadlines tab.)

For students who receive assistance, or whose company or other agency or department pays for their fees, important guidelines apply. Register early and initiate the paperwork for your voucher or payment with your sponsoring company early. Paperwork from your sponsoring organization must be received
by the required fee deadline, which is 5 days before the fee payment deadline.

Vouchers or payments should be dropped off during regular business hours at the Cashier’s Office. Students who expect that their paperwork may not be received by the college on time should make other arrangements to pay their fees by the stated deadline and arrange for reimbursement for their college expenses from their employers. The student will be held liable for any unpaid fees resulting from the failure of a sponsor to pay.

Final Exams

The official college final examination schedule is published each quarter in the schedule of classes and on the college’s home page under quarter schedules.

Students should check with the instructor to confirm the final exam date and time and seek assistance from him or her if they are scheduled for two final exams at the same time or if they are scheduled for more than three final exams on the same day.

Financial Aid Office

Rhodes Hall, lower level
614-287-2648
Hours: Monday − Thursday: 8 a.m. - 7:30 p.m.
Friday: 9:30 a.m. - 4:30 p.m.
Saturday: 9 a.m. - noon

Financial aid is available in four forms: grants, scholarships, loans, and part-time employment. Campus-based aid, such as the Supplemental Educational Opportunity Grant (SEOG) and Federal Work Study, will be awarded on a first-come, first-served basis until funds have been exhausted. Students may begin
the application process by completing the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA), which is available in the Financial Aid Office (FAO). Students may complete the FAFSA via the Internet, at http://www.fafsa.ed.gov.

Any student receiving Federal Title IV aid must pay close attention and adhere to the Standards of Academic Progress policy. This policy can be found in the High Finance publication or on the FAO Web site.

Columbus State Community College uses a “freeze” date each quarter to determine a student’s enrollment status for disbursing financial aid. The number of credit hours a student is enrolled in on the freeze date is used to calculate the amount of financial aid they will receive. This means that if a student adds or drops classes before the freeze date, the amount of financial aid they are eligible for will be affected. If classes are added or dropped after the freeze date, the financial aid will not change. The freeze date is designed to coincide with the close of the 100% refund period and is determined individually for each class scheduled.

The Development Foundation coordinates several hundred scholarships that are awarded annually. Students can apply in the early spring through a general application that is distributed through the Financial Aid Office (FAO). In addition, the FAO has scholarship resource documents available for in-depth
external scholarship searches.

Financial aid advising and assistance is available during normal business hours at the customer service windows in Rhodes Hall.

Fitness Center

614-287-5918

The fitness center is located in the new addition to Delaware Hall and is open to students, faculty and staff. You must present a current ID to enter the fitness center. The fitness center is equipped with cardio equipment, Nautilus equipment, and free weights. Lockers and towels are available. Also see
Athletics Office.

Food and Beverages

With the exception of those fulfilling the educational requirements of a course, food and beverages are prohibited in classrooms, lecture halls, laboratories, the Educational Resource Center, gymnasium and its adjacent rooms, locker room area, restrooms, hallways, and elevators. Food and beverages are permitted in designated lobbies and lounges only.

Fresh Start Rule

The Fresh Start Rule is intended to help students who were unsuccessful in their previous academic attempts. Grades of “D”, “E” or “U” may be expunged from the student’s record if the following conditions are met: the student must have been away from the college a minimum of eight consecutive quarters; and since returning, the student has earned at least twelve (12) credit hours with
grades of “C” or better. A student may use the Fresh Start Rule only one time.

Students should obtain an information sheet, which gives complete guidelines for the Fresh Start Rule. These information sheets are via the web at www.cscc.edu.

Golf Course (Bridgeview Golf Course)

Brent Ernsberger, Manager
2738 Agler Road
614-471-1565
Bridgeview Golf Course, 2738 Agler Road, is a challenging and scenic 9-hole golf course that is owned and operated by the college. The course is open year round, weather permitting. Columbus State Bridgeview is used by the Columbus State golf team, classes and for other academic uses. Leagues, lessons, private and group lessons with PGA professionals, and season passes are available.
The Driving Range has 24 sheltered and heated tee boxes and is open year round. Columbus State employees and students can take advantage of a discount at the driving range, golf course, and pro shop.

Bridgeview is the home of the First Tee of Columbus. The First Tee program’s mission is to impact the lives of young people by providing learning facilities and educational programs that promote character development and life-enhancing values through the game of golf.

Good as Gold Educational Program

As a community service, Columbus State Community College offers senior citizens, who are 60 years old or older, the opportunity to enroll in credit courses for self-enrichment, tuition free, on a space available basis for audit “R” only. To register for credit courses, senior citizens, who are 60 years old or older and who have been certified as eligible for the “Gold as Gold” Educational Program, pay a one-time, non-refundable $50 matriculation fee, which covers the cost of enrolling at the College, including application and permanent record maintenance and a student identification card. The matriculation free will appear and be due for the academic quarter in which the student initially registers for a course, even if the
class is dropped by the student or canceled by Columbus State. “Good as Gold” participants are responsible for payment of lab fees, books, instructional supplies, parking permits and any additional educational expenses required of other students. Financial aid is not available for “Good as Gold” registration, as courses are taken for audit “R” only, and students cannot enroll for course granting academic credit and audited “Good as Gold” courses during the same term. For information regarding the “Good as Gold” Educational Program, and to make an appointment, please call (614) 287-5538.

Grades and Grade Point Average

A complete description of the college’s grading procedures may be found in the 2009-2010 College Catalog which is available online at www.cscc.edu. At the end of each academic term, students receive a grade report for that term.

The grade report is sent via e-mail notification to the student’s college e-mail (CougarMail) address.

A formula is used to compute an average of all grades received. This average is a student’s cumulative grade point average (GPA). A student’s GPA is important in determining eligibility for financial assistance, as well as eligibility for continued enrollment at the college. The basis for determining scholastic
standing is the cumulative grade point average (GPA). The grade point average is calculated by first multiplying credit hours for each course by the grade point value earned for the course (A=4.0, B=3.0, C=2.0, D=1.0). Divide the total grade points earned by the total credit hours for all courses attempted to
determine the cumulative grade point average.

Graduation

Before students can graduate from the college, they must complete a Petition to Graduate Form. This form is available via the web at www.cscc.edu, and must be returned by the deadline. In addition to the Petition to Graduate Form, a student should request a Degree Audit Report via CougarWeb. A username and password are required. An appointment should be made with the student’s advisor to review the Degree Audit Report and Petition to Graduate Form. Submit the completed petition to the Department of Records and Registration by the second Friday of the quarter in which you plan to graduate.

After review by Records and Registration, the student’s copy will be returned to you by mail, indicating the status of the petition.

Petition to Graduate Deadlines:
Autumn Quarter 2009 Graduation: October 2, 2009 before 4:30 p.m.
Winter Quarter 2010 Graduation: January 15, 2010 before 4:30 p.m.
Spring Quarter 2010 Graduation: April 9, 2010 before 4:30 p.m.
Summer Quarter 2010 Graduation: July 9, 2010 before 4:30 p.m.
Autumn Quarter 2010 Graduation: October 1, 2010 before 4:30 p.m.

Health Insurance

All full-time students registered for credit and attending classes are eligible to purchase health care coverage. Extended coverage for family and dependents is also available at an additional cost. For more information, request a student insurance program brochure from the Cashier’s Office, Rhodes Hall (upper
level) or the Student Assistance Center in Madison Hall.

HECC − Cross-Registration

HECC (Higher Education Council of Columbus) is an association of colleges and universities in Franklin County, established to develop programs that benefit its member institutions and the community at large.

As a service to students, HECC member institutions have approved a system of cross-registration for regularly enrolled, undergraduate students maintaining full-time status at the following colleges and universities:

• Capital University
• Central Ohio Technical College
• The Columbus College of Art and Design
• Columbus State Community College
• DeVry Institute of Technology
• Franklin University
• Mt. Carmel College of Nursing
• Ohio Dominican University
• The Ohio State University
• Otterbein College
• Pontifical College Josephinum

Cross-registration is limited to one course per term, with a maximum of three cross-registered courses during a student’s academic experience. This program is not available for summer quarter. The student does not pay tuition to the host institution, but may be charged other enrollment-related fees,
such as laboratory or parking fees. Please contact the Office of the Registrar, Madison Hall 210, for more information on this program.

Honors

To recognize outstanding scholastic achievement, a Dean’s List is compiled each quarter. To qualify for the Dean’s List, a student must complete a minimum of six credit hours and earn a grade point average (GPA) of 3.5 or higher that quarter. All credits must be in courses included in the calculation of the GPA.
No student is eligible for the Dean’s List who has a grade of “I”. Qualifying students receive a letter of recognition.

Housing

Student Activities Office
Nestor Hall 116
614-287-3656
The Student Activities Office does not make arrangements or recommendations for student housing. The office supplies information that comes to it from outside sources, including apartment listings from local realtors wanting to solicit students. Free copies of Apartment Finder magazine are available.

Identification Card

Upon first-time registration at Columbus State, students should obtain an identification (CougarID) card. A one-time, non-refundable $50 matriculation fee (applied with first quarter fees) will cover the cost for an initial student ID card. Initial ID cards may be requested in the Public Safety Department.

To purchase a replacement ID card, students must pay a fee of $4 at the Cashier’s Office. Take the paid receipt to the Public Safety Department where the replacement ID card will be processed.

ID cards are required to check out materials from the Educational Resources Center, to use recreation equipment and facilities, to obtain a transcript, and for other campus activities and services. At the start of each quarter, the student ID card must be validated by the Cashier’s Office or the Public Safety
Department.

Information

614-287-5353

Information about Columbus State and activities on campus is available by calling the Telephone Information Center. A representative can register students for courses, process payment of fees by credit card, and answer general information questions about Columbus State.

Information Technology

Columbus State Community College’s Information Technology Policy provides the campus community the overall guidance to develop appropriate use of technology practices. The Policy takes into consideration the complicated legal issues surrounding Information Technology and is consistent with practices in public higher education institutions in the State of Ohio and nationally. See Information Technology Policy, page 66.

Intramural Activities

Delaware Hall
614-287-5092

The Intramural Sports Program provides recreational and educational opportunities to students, faculty and staff members of Columbus State, and promotes healthy lifestyles, friendly competition, campus pride and a well-rounded collegiate experience. Intramural activities include basketball, bowling, flag football, floor hockey, volleyball (coed) and indoor soccer.

IT Support Services

Columbus Hall 002
614-287-5050

1.     To set up your student account:
Go to Internet Explorer and type in the following web address: http://password.cscc.edu. You may also access this area from the CSCC homepage, under “Student Quick Links; Username and Password”
2.     Click on the button labeled “Discover Username and Password”
3.     Enter your SS# and last name then click the search button
4.     Follow instructions on the page displayed; your username will be displayed at the top of the page. You will be asked to enter a new password.
5.     Your password can be six or more characters (letters, numbers, or a combination thereof).You must create a password. You must select and answer one of the four secret questions.
6.     If you experience problems, please call the I.T. Support Center for
assistance.

Your username/password is used to log in to CougarWeb, DARS, Blackboard, student e-mail, student lab login, and wireless access login. Do not use your CougarID as a username or password.

Learning Resource Center − Math Department

Davidson Hall 313
614-287-5313

The Learning Resource Center offers free assistance with all algebra, precalculus, and statistics courses. Assistance with selected courses, such as calculus and statistics, may be available at selected times. Mathematics tutoring is also available at Dublin, Westerville, and Southeast suburban sites. No appointment is necessary. For a schedule of available hours, visit the Learning Center or the
Mathematics Department offices.

Media Production ERC

ERC
614-287-2472; 614-287-2497 Video Production

The ERC offers free presentational assistance and classroom support in several media: digital scanning, photography; audio and video duplication, PowerPoint assistance, script writing, diagnostic, informational and event video production. Services are available to students, faculty, staff, and administrators on a first-come, first-served basis. Some restrictions apply.

Movies

Movies are free and shown Monday through Friday, from 9:00 a.m. - 3:00 p.m., in the Nestor Hall Recreation Lounge. Stop by the Student Activities Office, Nestor Hall 116, to obtain a quarterly movie schedule. Also, the movie of the week is posted in the glass bulletin board cases around campus.

New Directions Career Center

370 S. Fifth Street, Suite G 1
Columbus, Ohio 43215
614-849-0028
www.centerfornewdirections.org
Hours are Monday − Friday: 8:30 a.m. - 4:30 p.m.

New Directions Career Center assists people living or working in Franklin County, especially women, who are making a major change in their work lives or seeking personal growth. Through employment counseling, instruction, training, and information, the center helps individuals create and maintain economic self-sufficiency and develop careers. To receive a program calendar or additional information, please call or visit the Web site.

New Student Orientation

Madison Hall 101
614-287-2669

Columbus State offers a variety of options to help new students get oriented to the college and get off to a great start. All new students, including those with transfer credit, must complete New Student Orientation prior to placement testing, academic advising, and course registration. New Student Orientation includes:

Getting Started 101 – Learn about the key steps in the enrollment process, including what documents are needed, how to apply for financial aid, how to prepare for placement testing, when to meet with an academic advisor, what services and resources are available to help you be successful, and what opportunities Columbus State offers to get involved in college activities and organizations. Students are provided access to the online, self-paced Getting Started 101 as part of their admissions process. Several in-person sessions are also offered each week.

Campus Tours are led by CSCC Student Ambassadors, are also offered several times per week. For more information and for days, times, location, and to make a reservation for a Getting Started 101 session and/or a campus tour, visit www.cscc.edu and click on the “Prospective Students, New Student Orientation” links or contact the Admissions Office in the lower level of Madison Hall, 614-287-2669.

CougarWeb Orientation (CWO)– Learn how to utilize Columbus State’s many online tools and resources in this 30 minute, hands-on, interactive session. Set up your username and password, access your student email, learn how to register for classes and pay your fees online, and much more! These sessions are
offered several times per day in the Student Assistance Center in Madison Hall 225 or in an online format. For more information, session days and times, contact the Student Assistance Center in Madison Hall 225, 614-287-5538.

Monday	Tuesday	Wednesday	Thursday	Friday	Saturday
9:00 a.m. CWO	9:00 a.m. CWO	9:00 a.m. CWO	9:00 a.m. CWO
10:00 a.m. FAFSA Workshop	12:00 p.m. CWO	12:00 p.m. CWO	12:00 p.m. CWO	12:00 p.m. CWO	10:00 a.m. CWO
12:00 p.m. CWO		2:00 p.m. FAFSA Workshop		3:00 p.m. CWO
			4:00 p.m. FAFSA Workshop
6:00 p.m. CWO	6:00 p.m. CWO	6:00 p.m. CWO	6:00 p.m. CWO

Notices on Campus

All students must follow the solicitation guidelines of the College. Any flier, poster or other publicity material for students and student clubs and organizations must be approved by the Student Activities Office, Nestor Hall 116, before it can be posted on designated college bulletin boards on campus.

All other on-campus solicitation by nonstudent groups or individuals must be approved by Human Resources, RH 115. Depending upon the nature of solicitation requests, additional approval may be required from other college offices per college guidelines. Any materials not approved may be removed. Materials, no larger than 8-1/2 X 11 inches, may be posted on the outdoor kiosks in the public space. Materials are removed on the first and fifteenth of every month.

Off-Campus Centers

614-287-2696
Call off-campus centers for lab hours.

Columbus State is committed to providing quality education to all members of our communities. To that end, in addition to the main campus downtown, there are ten suburban centers that offer the same quality education closer to home. You can register for classes, pay fees, pick up textbooks purchased online, meet with an advisor, and even complete an entire degree at several of the larger suburban sites. You can reach the individual suburban centers by using the following telephone numbers.

Delaware Center 740-369-3890
Dublin Center 614-287-7050
Gahanna Center 614-476-4711
Pickaway Center 740-983-5086
Southeast Center 614-287-7200
Southwest Center at Bolton Field 614-287-7102 or 287-7100 (Aviation Maint. Program)
South-Western Center at Grove City 614-801-3485
Tolles Center 614-873-4666 ext. 298
Westerville Center 614-287-7000 or 7020

Office Hours

Most departments not listed below have office hours of Monday − Friday, 8 a.m. - 5 p.m. Faculty office hours are usually posted on the course syllabus, on the instructor’s office door, or are available from the department office. Please call for dates of extended Saturday hours for those departments that may open on Saturday.

Complete list of Office Hours

Human Resources
Rhodes Hall 115
Monday − Friday: 8 a.m. - 4:30 p.m.

Off-Campus Centers
Dublin, Southeast, and Westerville Centers
Monday − Friday: 8 a.m. - 10:30 p.m.
Saturday: 8 a.m. - 4 p.m.
Sunday: 1 p.m. - 5 p.m.
Gahanna Center
Monday − Thursday: 5:00 p.m. - 10:30 p.m. Saturday: 8 a.m. – 1:00 p.m.
Marysville Center
Varies each quarter. Call (614) 644-1616
Pickaway Center
Varies each quarter. Call 740-983-5086.
Southwest Center at Bolton Field
Monday − Friday: 8:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m. (Aviation Program)
Monday – Thursday 3:00 p.m. – 10:30 p.m. (Off-campus)
Saturday: 8:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m. (Off-campus)
South-Western Center at Grove City
Monday − Thursday: 5 p.m. - 10:30 p.m.
Varies each quarter. Call (740) 369-3890
Tolles Center
Varies each quarter. Call 614-8793-4666, Ext. 298
Center hours may vary during quarter breaks and holiday weekends.

Online Services

www.cscc.edu

CougarWeb is the name for online services available on the Columbus State web site. The quarterly schedule of classes is made available to students online several weeks prior to the start of open registration. To view CougarWeb services, go to www.cscc.edu on your web browser, then click on “CougarWeb.”

During peak times, the system may be busy.

Online Writing Center (OWRC)

Columbus State's Online Writing Center (an extension of the Writing Center in Franklin Hall) is a free service provided to help Business Management, Communication, English, Humanities, and Social and Behavior Science students through all stages of the writing process. To access our services, log onto Blackboard using your usual username and password. Then look for the link(s) to the OWRC under "My Communities."

Open the second week of the quarter through the last Friday, the OWRC accepts writing submissions 24/7, and will return submissions within 48 hours. The OWRC is closed during all holidays and in-service days.

Parking and Traffic Rules and Regulations

Parking on Columbus State property is by permit only. Permits expire on the last day of each quarter. Student parking is restricted to students currently attending class or attending to college-related business. Students must obtain an updated parking permit each quarter. Students may not park at the visitor’s
meters or in any visitor parking area. For more information on college parking rules and regulations, see Public Safety.

Registration Fees

All motor vehicles, including motorcycles, parked on campus must be registered with the Department of Public Safety. Parking permits can be purchased from the Cashier’s Office, Rhodes Hall, upper level. To purchase a permit, tuition and fees must be paid. Permits will be mailed to the address listed on the
student system. Please make sure that your address is current or your permit may not arrive. The parking fee for one vehicle is $25 per quarter. If a permit is lost or stolen, a replacement permit must be purchased.

Temporary Permits

Temporary permits are available for those who need to park an unregistered vehicle on campus. Temporary permits may also be issued for special needs such as a temporary handicap provided appropriate documentation is presented. Temporary permits are available from the Department of Public
Safety at no cost. A temporary permit can be issued for up to one week, providing verification of the purchase of a regular permit.

Misuse of Permits

All parking permits are nontransferable. Any person who gives, sells, lends, or otherwise transfers a permit to another person will forfeit their campus parking rights.

Parking Citation Appeals
1.     A citation may be appealed if the recipient feels the citation was
unjustified.
2.     Appeals must be made within five (5) working days of the date the
citation is issued. Forms are available from the Public Safety Department, Union Hall 052.
3.     The appeal will be reviewed by the Parking Appeals Committee. A copy of the committee’s decision will be on file in the Public Safety Department. The decision of the committee is final.

Columbus State Liability

Columbus State disclaims all responsibility for losses and damages to vehicles
parked on Columbus State property. Columbus State is not responsible for
losses or damages to any vehicle towed from campus.

Public Safety - Columbus State Police

Delaware Hall 047
614-287-2525
Hours: Monday – Friday: 7 a.m. - 8 p.m. Friday: 8 a.m. - 4 p.m.
Walk-ins are welcome.

Services provided by the Public Safety Department are building and parking lot patrol, administration of parking decals and department stickers, temporary parking permits, identification (ID) cards, emergency first aid, and lost and found. Public Safety Officers can also help students and employees with jump-starting a car.

Blue Emergency Telephones are located in most parking lots and in the buildings. Anytime one of these blue boxes is opened, the signal is sent directly to the communications center and an officer is sent to the location immediately. The telephones have a receiver inside or a talk button and provide an instant connection to Public Safety.

Columbus State police officers are certified by the state of Ohio, Attorney General’s Office. They are commissioned under Ohio Revised Code, Section 3345.04 and have full arrest authority.

Crimes can be reported by calling or stopping by the Public Safety Department. Crime prevention programs offered by the Public Safety Department are designed to enhance the campus community’s awareness of crime. The programs include alcohol and drug awareness, rape and sexual assault prevention, and personal and home safety.

Clery crime statistics can be found online at www.cscc.edu/publicsafety/cca.htm. The Department of Public Safety is divided into four units: police/EMS, communications, safety and security, and parking and special events.

The Student Escort Service is available by calling the number listed above. Uniformed officers patrol the campus 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.

Readmission after Dismissal

Petition for Readmission

Any student petitioning for readmission must submit a Petition for Academic Readmission form and meet with at least two college reviewers, at least one of whom is in Advising Services, to determine conditions under which the student may return. The second reviewer may be the student’s academic department chairperson, or for undeclared, transient, transfer, and pre-health students, the second reviewer may be the Director of Advising Services. If both college reviewers do not grant approval, the Director of Records and Registration (Registrar) will determine the final disposition. The entire readmission process (including all needed signatures) must be completed 30 calendar days prior to the beginning of the quarter for which the student seeks readmission. If a student is readmitted to the college, the student is then able to schedule classes and pay fees. The readmitted student must make satisfactory progress, in accordance with the Standards of Satisfactory Academic Performance, and meet the conditions as specified on the Petition for Academic Readmission form, including receiving a 2.000 term grade point average (GPA) each quarter in order to be eligible for continued enrollment.

Petition for Academic Review

Upon a second or any subsequent dismissal, the student must appeal for readmission to the Academic Review Board. The student must submit a Petition for Academic Review form to the Director of Advising Services, Aquinas Hall 116. Petition for Academic Review forms are available in Advising Services,
Aquinas Hall 116. The Director of Advising Services will chair and convene a board comprised of four to six members in addition to herself/himself.

This Academic Review Board will review the petition explaining the situation leading to the additional dismissal in addition to supporting documentation and the student’s verbal explanation. Following its review and consideration of this information, the board will determine whether another readmission is
warranted. The decision of the Academic Review Board will be final. Meeting with the Academic Review Board does not guarantee readmission.

Records and Registration Department

Madison Hall 201
614-287-5353
Hours: Monday − Thursday: 8 a.m. - 7:30 p.m.
Friday: 9:30 a.m. - 4:30 p.m. Saturday: 9 a.m. - 12:00 noon

Some of the services offered by the Records and Registration Department:

• Course registration and withdrawal
• Registration for HECC Cross-Registration program
• Process Petition for Administrative Withdrawal
• Process Columbus State transcripts
• Evaluate transcripts from other colleges
• Process Tuition Refund Requests and Tuition Refund Request Appeals
• Process Enrollment Verifications for Deferment Purposes
• Process Enrollment Verifications
• Process High School Transcripts and General Education Diplomas
(GED)
• Process Petition to Graduate information

Refund Policy

The quarterly instructional and general fees are refundable for student-initiated academic withdrawals in accordance with academic calendar.

Tuition refunds are based upon the percentage of time elapsed in each course. If the course is dropped within 10% of the time elapsed in the course, a 100% tuition refund will be issued. If the course is dropped within 20% of the time elapsed in the course, a 50% tuition refund will be issued. If the course is
dropped within 30% of the time elapsed in the course, a 25% tuition refund will be issued.

For withdrawal deadline dates, log on to www.cscc.edu, and click on
“Quarter Schedules.”

Note: This policy does not apply to financial aid students who completely
withdraw from classes.

** A course must be dropped before 20% of the course has elapsed in order to avoid a “W” appearing on the academic transcript.

Repeating Courses

A student may repeat a course. Only the repeated course grade received will
be used to compute the overall grade point average, but both grades shall
remain a part of the student’s transcript.

Satisfactory Academic Progress

Satisfactory Academic Progress is defined as progress in credit courses taken at the college that result in the credit hour to grade point average (GPA) ratio as specified by the Standards of Satisfactory Academic Performance. For the purpose of graduation, a candidate for an Associate of Arts or Associate of Science degree must have a minimum 2.000 cumulative grade point average (GPA). A candidate for an Associate of Applied Science or Associate of Technical Studies degree must have a minimum 2.000 cumulative grade point average (GPA) in all required technical course work and a minimum 2.000 cumulative grade point average (GPA) in all nontechnical course work.

Standards of Satisfactory Academic Performance

Total Credit Hours Attempted	Grade Point Average
1-9	1.0
10-19	1.4
20-29	1.5
30-39	1.6
40-49	1.7
50-64	1.8
65-84	1.9
85+	2.0

Academic Warning

For any quarter in which a student’s grade point average (GPA) for the term drops below 2.000, he/she will be placed on Academic Warning.

Academic Warning, First Term Only Rule
A student who is enrolled in his/her first term and is placed on academic warning will be restricted from registration activity until that student meets with an academic advisor in Advising Services, Aquinas Hall 116. During the advising session, the student must complete a First Quarter Academic Warning form and indicate what difficulties led the student to be placed on academic warning. The advisor will provide recommendations for resources and strategies to improve grades the next quarter and for academic success at the college.

Academic Warning and Students Beyond the First Term

Students who are beyond their first term of enrollment and receive a grade point average (GPA) of less than 2.000 for ANY term will be strongly recommended to meet with an academic advisor or counselor.

Academic Probation

A student who is beyond his/her first term of enrollment will be placed on Academic Probation when his/her cumulative grade point average (GPA) is below that designated by the Standards of Satisfactory Academic Performance.

A student on probation will be restricted from all registration activity until he/she meets with an academic advisor in Advising Services, Aquinas Hall 116. This restriction also applies to students on academic probation who attempt to add or drop a class. During the advising session, the student must complete an Academic Probation form and indicate what difficulties led the student to be placed on academic probation. The advisor will provide recommendations for resources and strategies to improve grades for the next quarter, and for academic success as the college. A student who has been placed on academic probation will have 24 additional attempted credit hours (over two or more terms) to raise his/her cumulative grade point average (GPA) to that designated by the Standards of Satisfactory Academic Performance. See Standards of Satisfactory Academic Performance on the previous page. While on academic probation, students may be restricted from the receipt of federal financial aid funds.

Academic Dismissal

A student will be academically dismissed from the college if, after being placed on probation and registering for 24 additional credit hours (over two or more quarters), the student’s cumulative grade point average (GPA) remains less than that designated by the Standards of Satisfactory Academic Performance.

A student who is academically dismissed will be sent a letter notifying him/her of dismissal status and explaining the procedure for readmission. A student who is academically dismissed from the college WILL NOT BE PERMITTED TO ENROLL THE FOLLOWING QUARTER. If the student has already registered for the next quarter, his/her COURSES WILL BE DROPPED AND THE STUDENT WILL NOT BE PERMITTED TO ATTEND. This procedure is done within one week of processing the quarterly grade report/transcript.

If you have questions about returning after dismissal, please meet with an advisor in Advising Services. Also see Readmission after Dismissal.

Academic Standing and Financial Aid Eligibility

Students receiving financial aid should check with the Financial Aid Office to determine their eligibility based on grade point average and other criteria. Also see Financial Aid Office.

Scholarships

Hundreds of scholarships, such as the new Think Again scholarships for
students age 25 and older, are available through the college and outside
sources. The Office of Financial Aid, 614-287-2648, is a good place to start for
application information and deadline dates.

Selective Service Registration

In accordance with Section 3345.32 of the Ohio Revised Code, if you are a male resident of Ohio, are less than 26 years of age, and are enrolling for courses at Columbus State Community College, you must provide the college with current information concerning your status with the Federal Selective Service System. Even if you are an Ohio resident for fee purposes, if you fail to provide the college with this information, you will be charged a tuition surcharge equal to that of a nonresident student. Information about Selective Service is available at www.sss.gov.

Severe Weather Policy

In the event that Columbus State must close or alter its operating schedule because of severe winter weather or other emergencies, an announcement will be broadcast on local television and radio stations and on the college’s Web site at www.cscc.edu.

Students who reside in areas which fall under a Level III Weather Emergency should not attempt to drive to Columbus State even if the college remains open. Consult your course syllabus for information on the makeup of missed laboratories and clinicals. It is the student’s responsibility to keep up with reading and other assignments when a scheduled class does not meet, whatever the reason.

Sexual Assault and Related Offenses

Columbus State is committed to providing students and employees with services that support their health, safety and well-being. Policies and procedures for sexual harassment and sexual misconduct are stated in college Policy 3-33, 3-34, and Policy 3-35, respectively. Sexual assault between students is also governed by the Student Code of Conduct, Policy 7-12 and Procedure 7-12 (B).

The Jeanne Clery Disclosure of Campus Security Policy and Campus Crime Statistics Act (20 USC 1092 (f)) defines the following sexual acts within the general category of sexual assault to include forcible rape, sodomy, sexual assault with an object, incest and statutory rape.

In the event of sexual assault, including sexual harassment and sexual misconduct, or other sexual offenses as defined in the Ohio Revised Code (ORC) Ch. 2907, students are strongly encouraged to consult with the college psychologist or college counselors in Counseling Services for help (located in Aquinas Hall 116, 614-287-2668), and/or to report the incident to the Columbus State Police Department for assistance (located on the ground floor of Delaware Hall, 614-287-2525). If off campus or at an off-campus site, dial 911.

Timing is critical. It is very important to preserve all evidence of a sexual assault. If an assault victim requests the assistance of college counselors or Columbus State Police, the victim will be provided support and should follow the step by step procedures listed below when a sex offense has occurred.

Support could include the changing of a victim’s academic situation, if changes are requested and are reasonably available. Students also can call the 24-hour Netcare Crisis Line in Columbus at 1-888-276-2273 for off-campus help and support. Additional resources are listed below.

In emergency cases or after business hours, ensure your safety first, and then call 911 or contact the Columbus State Campus Police Department by calling the 24-hour emergency telephone line at 614-287-2525, or by activating the outdoor blue emergency phones located throughout campus. If using a
campus courtesy telephone, dial 2525.

The Columbus State Police Department also has a working relationship with local, state, and federal law enforcement agencies. Columbus State Police have the law enforcement and arrest authority to assist and investigate all crimes on campus (ORC 3345.21; CSCC Policy/Procedure 11.01). Further information,
including information on registered sexual offenders, crime statistics, and crime prevention programs including sexual assault prevention such as the Rape Aggression Defense System (RAD) can be found on the Department of Public Safety/Campus Police website at http://cscc.edu/Publicsafety/index.htm.

If You Have Been Sexually Assaulted

§ Get to a safe place. After experiencing a traumatizing event such as a sexual assault it is important to find a place where you feel comfortable and secure from harm.

§ Call for assistance. Immediately report the assault. Call the Department of Public Safety/Police at 614-287-2525, pick up a blue campus emergency phone, or if using a campus courtesy telephone press
2525 only. If you are off campus or at an off-campus site, call 911.The department of public safety/police is located on the ground floor of Delaware Hall 047. In emergency cases, call 911. Reporting the
crime can help you regain a sense of personal power and control.

§ Seek support. Call a friend, a family member, or someone else you trust who can be with you and give you support.

§ Seek medical attention as soon as possible. Go to a local hospital emergency room for immediate medical care. The hospital will document and treat injuries.

§ Preserve all physical evidence. Do not shower, bathe, urinate or brush your teeth. Save all clothing from the time of the attack as it is important to allow the examiner to collect evidence of the assault. Do not disturb any other physical evidence that could be used in a disciplinary or criminal proceeding.

§ Don’t be afraid to ask questions. Do not hesitate to ask the medical or police staff to explain everything to you.

§ Seek counseling. Call Counseling Services at 614-287-2668 (located in Aquinas Hall, Room 116). Talking with a trained mental health professional can help in coping with the aftermath of a sexual assault. The counselor will maintain confidentiality, help explain options, give information and provide emotional support. A counselor can help to make sense of your thoughts and feelings and can be beneficial in the
healing process.

§ Call a Helpline. Call the SARNCO 24-hour RAPE helpline 614-267-7020 and/or RAINN at 1(800) 656-HOPE.

§ Give yourself time to heal. You are a survivor and what happened is not your fault.

Sexual Assault Resource Numbers

Police Emergency 911
Columbus State Community College Police Main Campus 287-2525
Sexual Assault Response Network Central Ohio (SARNCO) 614-267-7020
Sexual Assault Response Network of Delaware County
(Helpline of Delaware County) 800-684-2324 or 740-369-3316
Crisis Hotline Union County 800-731-5577
Madison County Hospital 740-845-7000
Mt Carmel Crime & Trauma Assistance 614-234-5900
Rape Abuse & Incest National Network (RAINN) 800-656-4673 (800-656-HOPE)
Columbus Health Department 614-645-7772
Columbus Police Department Sexual Abuse Unit 614-645-4701
CHOICES Domestic Violence Crisis Line 614-224-4663
Netcare Crisis and Suicide Prevention Hotline 614-276-2273

Sexual Harassment

To file a complaint if you are being sexually harassed by a Columbus State student or employee you should contact the college’s EEO Program Coordinator, Columbus State Department of Human Resources, Rhodes Hall 114, 614-287-2408.

Student Rights and Responsibilities

Shared Governance at Columbus State is the process by which college policies and procedures are developed, revised or changed. Through two major councils and six smaller committees, faculty, staff, administrators and students share and debate ideas, give input, and make recommendations.

Many policies that impact students come under review for possible change or updating, including the student code of conduct, and admissions, financial aid, and ERC (library) policies. Grading and academic requirements (e.g., grades, transfer credit, withdrawal, and fresh start) also come under review.

All meetings of the college governance councils and committees are open to students. A good place to start would be with the Student Support Committee and the Instructional Council (of which the Student Support Committee is a part). The meeting dates and times for these two groups, along with much more information on college governance, can be found on the college governance website at www.cscc.edu/governance. For information, contact Dr. Janet Rogers, Dean of Student Life, 614-287-5004, jrogers@cscc.edu, Student Life Office, EB 201.

Instructional Council

*August 28, 2009	8:30 a.m.-12:00 noon (S/G Training)
October 1, 2009	3:00 p.m.-4:30 p.m.
November 12, 2009	3:00 p.m.-4:30 p.m.
January 21, 2010	3:00 p.m.-4:30 p.m.
February 11, 2010	3:00 p.m.-4:30 p.m.
March 11, 2010	3:00 p.m.-4:30 p.m.
April 8, 2010	3:00 p.m.-4:30 p.m.
May 13, 2010	3:00 p.m.-4:30 p.m.
July 8, 2010	3:00 p.m.-4:30 p.m.
August 12, 2010	3:00 p.m.-4:30 p.m.

All Meeting Dates, Times, and Locations are Subject to Change.

* If you are elected to serve as a chair or vice-chair, plan to attend S/G Training
from 8:30 a.m. - 2:00 p.m.

Student Support Committee

October 8, 2009	3:00 p.m.-4:30 p.m.
November 5, 2009	3:00 p.m.-4:30 p.m.
January 7, 2010	3:00 p.m.-4:30 p.m.
February 4, 2010	3:00 p.m.-4:30 p.m.
March 4, 2010	3:00 p.m.-4:30 p.m.
April 1, 2010	3:00 p.m.-4:30 p.m.
April 29, 2010	3:00 p.m.-4:30 p.m.
May 27, 2010	3:00 p.m.-4:30 p.m.
July 1, 2010	3:00 p.m.-4:30 p.m.
August 5, 2010	3:00 p.m.-4:30 p.m.

All Meeting Dates, Times, and Locations are Subject to Change.

Smoking on Campus

Smoking is prohibited at all times in all Columbus State Community College buildings. The city of Columbus smoking ban prohibits smoking in areas immediately adjacent to enclosed areas, including building entrances. Smoking is also prohibited in all college-owned vehicles. The college follows all local rules and ordinances at Off-Campus Centers.

Special Events and Activities

Department of Student Activities and Athletics
Nestor Hall 116
614-287-2637

The Student Activities Office coordinates a number of annual events such as Welcome Back (Autumn), Spirit Week (Winter), Spring Fling (Spring), and Jazz in July (Summer). In addition, Student Activities and Athletics collaborates with other departments to sponsor Black History Month, Women’s History Month, and other special events.

Speech Rehearsal Lab

Nestor Hall 017
614-287-5391
Open: Monday − Saturday, from the second or third full week of the quarter through the last Friday of classes. Please call to schedule a half-hour appointment.

The Speech Rehearsal Lab houses a free tutorial service for both students and faculty who are seeking help with speech-making, oral interpretation of literature, or business presentations. Communication Skills instructors will assist students in all facets of the speech preparation process, including topic selection, outlining, coping with stress, anxiety, and delivery. Speech tutors can make digital recordings for online and classroom student performances and presentations for submission to instructors. The Lab offers the use of a TV and VCR/DVD player, an in-house digital camera, and a computer cart with a projection systems and live camera.

Splat (Student Newsletter)

A weekly e-mail newsletter for all enrolled students. It features brief news items about campus events and activities and often includes opportunities to win prizes, such as concert tickets. Splat is issued every Wednesday during the Quarter.

Splat web site

Student Activities Office

Nestor Hall 116
614-287-3656
Hours: Monday − Thursday: 8 a.m. - 5 p.m. Friday: 8 a.m. - 4:30 p.m.

The Student Activities Office offers a variety of co-curricular and extracurricular activities that enhance the educational experience and aid in the development of lifelong skills. For a listing of programs and activities, call or stop by the Student Activities Office. Students are also offered a wide range of opportunities to improve their general leadership skills while on campus, as well as social and
intellectual activities.

Student Ambassador Program

614-287-3621

The Student Ambassador Program was developed to give students the opportunity to participate in various public relations and recruiting activities at Columbus State. The primary objectives of the program are to provide students with basic leadership training and opportunities to work with multiple departments on campus and community service agencies off-campus.

Student E-Mail

ERC, ground floor
614-287-5050
Columbus State offers a free e-mail account to all currently enrolled students.
Your student e-mail is accessible at http://student.cscc.edu.

Student Lounges

The study lounge and the recreation lounge are located in Nestor Hall. The recreation lounge has chess tables, a large screen television, and foosball and table tennis tables. Movies are offered daily, Monday through Friday, in the Nestor Hall Recreation Lounge.

Student Policies and Procedures

The complete text to the Policies and Procedures referred to can be found in the last section of this handbook, starting on page 45. The most up-to-date version of all College policies and procedures can be found at http://www.cscc.edu/policy/index.htm.

Student Problem Resolution

Most student problems can be resolved by pursuing discussions with the appropriate faculty, staff or administrator at the college. In general, the process should begin with the student initiating a discussion with the appropriate faculty member, staff member or administrator with whom the student is having a problem or issue. Although email or a phone call be used to initiate the discussion, for some matters a request for an in person appointment or meeting is most helpful. Optimally the problem or issue can be resolved through civil and reasonable discussion in a timely manner.

If not, the student should proceed through authoritative channels, beginning first with the individual’s supervisor, and continuing through channels until a resolution is reached. For example, for problems in class, begin discussions with the instructor, then the lead faculty or course coordinator, program coordinator, department chairperson, and last, the dean of the academic division for that area. The two academic divisions for the college are the division of Arts and Sciences and the division of Career and Technical Programs. Academic division deans report to the Provost of Learning Systems, a member of the President’s Cabinet.

Students seeking to resolve problems related to student and academic support services should follow a similar process of pursuing discussion through authoritative channels, beginning with the appropriate staff member, and continuing if needed to the supervisor, department director, and division dean. The deans of Enrollment Services, Student Life and Instructional Services also report to the Provost of Learning Systems. Students who are unsure of the appropriate steps to follow in any given situation may inquire at the Office of the Dean of Student Life, EB 201, 287-5299.

If, after pursuing all available options for problem resolution, the student wishes to make a formal complaint, the student must follow the steps outlined in the college’s Written Student Complaint policy and procedure. See the Student Policies and Procedure section, Written Student Complaint Policy No. 7-13 and Procedure No. 7-13 (A).

Student Right to Know

Under the terms of the Student Right to Know Act, the college must maintain and report statistics on the number of students receiving aid related to athletics reported by race and gender, the graduation rate for athletes participating in specific sports reported by race and gender, the graduation rate for students in general reported by race and gender, and other relevant statistics. Copies of these reports are available on the Internet www.cscc.edu/About/disclosure.htm.

Student Support Services

Franklin Hall 228
614-287-5777 or 614-287-5532
Hours: Monday − Friday: 8:00 a.m. - 4:30 p.m.
Student Support Services (SSS) is a federally funded grant program that provides comprehensive academic support services that enhance students’ productivity and academic success. Eligible students receive quality one-on-one academic advising on a regular basis, tutorial assistance, other related academic support services, and, in some cases, financial aid assistance. SSS offers supplemental instruction in developmental courses, personal counseling, exploration of career options, and personal career counseling and mentoring programs involving faculty, staff and/or peers. Student Support Services will provide assistance with overall adjustment to community college life.

Telephone Registration

614-287-5353
Hours: Monday − Thursday: 7:30 a.m. - 7:30 p.m.
Friday: 7:30 a.m. - 4:30 p.m. Saturday: 9 a.m. - noon
To register by telephone, with a representative, students may call the Telephone Information Center at 614-287-5353. Registration requests can include adding and dropping courses as well as inquiring about course availability. Other available services include: payment for fees, parking permits and student IDs, general academic and financial aid advising.

614-287-CATS (2287)
Hours: Monday − Sunday 24 hours

Students may call CATS (Columbus State’s Computed Automated Touch Tone System) at 614-287-2287 from a touch-tone telephone to register, add, and/or drop classes, and pay fees. CATS is generally available 24 hours a day, seven days a week for student access.

When calling CATS, the student should have available their CougarID number, password, and the synonym number(s) of their course request(s), and then follow the voice prompts to register, add, and/or drop classes, and pay fees.

Testing Center

Aquinas Hall, lower level
614-287-2478
Hours: Monday − Thursday: 9 a.m. - 8 p.m.
Friday: 9 a.m. - 4:30 p.m. Saturday: 9 a.m. – 4:30 p.m.
The Testing Center (TC) provides students with an environment where tests can be administered accurately and securely according to specified instructor and departmental guidelines. Students may report to the Testing Center to take the following exams: COMPASS/ESL placement, Distance Learning, traditional classroom make-up exam(s) with appropriate documentation, and certain proficiency and curriculum-specific tests. Students may also request proctoring services for non-CSCC exams for a small fee.

Test results for student enrolled in courses may be obtained from the student’s instructor, and COMPASS/ESL placement results are given upon completion of testing to then taken to an academic advisor for review and interpretation. Testing is done on a walk-in basis. A photo ID is required. Students must report to the Testing Center at least one hour prior to closing. For information more on COMPASS testing and review strategies, please see COMPASS Testing. In an effort to provide a distraction-free testing environment, children, food, beverages, and electronic devices are not permitted in the Testing Center.

Students may take course exams and/or the COMPASS/ESL placement test at select off-campus sites. Please view the Testing Center website at http://www.cscc.edu/testingcenter.

Transcripts

A transcript is the official record of all classes a student has taken at the college. The transcript lists a student’s grade for each class as well as the quarter and cumulative grade point averages.

An official Columbus State transcript can be obtained and purchased by completing a Transcript Request Form in the Cashier’s Office in Rhodes Hall or online via the Web site at www.cscc.edu and then clicking on “student forms” in the Student Quick Links box. All requests require a signature authorizing Columbus State to release the information. Those requesting a transcript in person will be required to show photo identification. If a transcript is to be sent to another institution, be sure to include specific instructions on where to mail the transcript. More detailed information is viewable on the Transcript Request Form, which contains applicable fees for processing.

Transfer Planning

Columbus State makes it easy for students to transfer academic credits earned here to any number of four-year institutions in order to complete a bachelor’s degree. Columbus State’s Associate of Arts or Associate of Science degree, in general, is equivalent to the first two years of a bachelor’s degree program at many four-year colleges and universities. Students who plan to pursue a bachelor’s degree should consult with an academic advisor in Advising Services, Aquinas Hall 116, as soon as possible after enrollment. The advisor will help the student plan a course of study that will maximize the transfer of courses based on the program requirements of the four-year institution that the student plans to attend. The ultimate decision as to the transferability and applicability towards the bachelor’s degree rests with the college to which the student transfers.

Although the goal of technical programs is to prepare graduates for immediate employment, many graduates of the technical programs continue their education to complete a bachelor’s degree. Depending on the student’s program of study, transfer opportunities are available at a number of four-year colleges and universities. Technical students intending to transfer to a four-year institution should consult their academic department at Columbus State and their intended transfer institution for transfer information.

Use the Course Applicability System (CAS) at www.transfer.org to find out how your Columbus State courses will transfer to other colleges and universities in the State of Ohio. The CAS Web site is an invaluable resource that offers plans of study, course equivalency guides and other transfer planning tools.

Transfer Students to Columbus State

To process credit from other colleges, students must submit an official transcript from any previous colleges or universities. An evaluation of transfer credit is made only when the official college transcript is filed in the Department of Records and Registration, Madison Hall 201. All official documents submitted are retained by the college and remain a part of the student’s file.

Transient Students

A transient student is an individual who is enrolled in good standing at another college or university and has decided to take one or more classes at Columbus State. These students should be assured by their home institution that the credit earned will be transferable back to that institution. The transient student
must request an official Columbus State transcript to be sent to their home institution at the end of their quarter(s) of attendance.

Tutoring Services

Biological Sciences and Physical Sciences Tutors
Faculty tutors are available for most Biological Sciences and Physical Science courses in Nestor Hall, Room 023. For more information, call (614) 287-2522.

English as a Second Language
Faculty tutors are available to ESL students in Franklin Hall, Room 245. For information, call (614) 287-5400.

Economics
Faculty tutors are available for most Economics courses beginning the second week of the quarter. Contact Linda Miller, Department of Social Sciences for times and location. For more information, call (614) 287-5005.

Learning Skills Centers (LSC) – Developmental Education
Two Learning Skills Centers offer tutorial assistance from professional tutors in the Developmental Education Department. Tutoring is provided for developmental mathematics and for reading and writing courses. The Learning Skills Centers also house computers for student use and offer VCRs for students who wish to view lecture tapes after classes. Learners are encouraged to visit the centers to enhance their academic studies.

Both centers are located in Aquinas Hall: Mathematics in Room 213 and Reading/Writing in Room 214. For more information, call (614) 287-5193.

Math Tutors – Learning Resource Center – Math Department
The Learning Resource Center offers free assistance with all algebra, precalculus, and statistics courses. Assistance with selected courses, such as calculus and statistics, may be available at selected times. Mathematics tutoring is also available at Dublin, Westerville, and Southeast suburban sites. No appointment is necessary. For a schedule of available hours, visit the Learning Center or the Mathematics Department offices.

Nursing Success Lab
The Nursing Success Lab is located in Union Hall, Room 437. It is open to any first, second, or third quarter nursing student, who is current in the program. The lab is open Monday through Friday. There is an open door policy, but students may sign up for 30-minute personal sessions. For more information, please call (614) 287-3885.

Peer Tutoring Program – Developmental Education
The Campus-wide Peer Tutoring Program offers individual tutoring to learners through the Developmental Education Department. The purpose of the program is to supplement learners’ academic performance to improve or enhance their grade(s). Tutoring service is based on tutors’ availability. Learners are not guaranteed a peer tutor. Walk-in service is available for learners who need minimal assistance. Learners are encouraged to request a tutor the second or third week of each quarter. For more information, please call 287-2474.

Writing Center
The Writing Center provides one-on-one tutoring services for students, faculty, and staff. Tutors work with writers on a variety of assignments, such as critical essays, research papers, reviews, resumes, formal business letters, lab reports, case studies, poems, and job applications. Tutors can help
with any stage of the writing process. Tutors do not write papers, proofread, or discuss grades; but they can help writers improve organization, development, punctuation, grammar, and other writing-related skills. Open from the second full week of the quarter through the last Friday of classes. For more information or to schedule a half-hour appointment, please call 614-287-5717.

Upward Bound

Franklin Hall 228
614-287-5777 or 614-287-5340
Hours: Monday − Friday: 8 a.m. - 5 p.m.
Upward Bound is a federally funded grant program that is designed to increase the academic skills and motivation of program participants to ensure their high school graduation and success in a post-secondary educational program. The expected outcome of the program is that participants will be in a position to successfully choose and complete a college preparatory curriculum leading to enrollment and achievement in a college, university or other post-secondary institution. This will be accomplished through a well-rounded, yearlong program designed to address the multiple needs of program participants. To that end, Upward Bound has both summer and academic year components.

Veterans Services

Rhodes Hall, lower level
614-287-2644
Students eligible to receive Department of Veterans Affairs (DVA) educational benefits must register with Veterans Services in order to receive benefits. Students should apply for VA benefits at least six weeks in advance. Stop by Veterans Services in the Financial Aid Office to request an application or for more information about DVA benefits.

Voter Registration

Sixty days before a federal election, Columbus State will have voter registration forms available for enrolled students. Forms will be available in the Student Activities Office, Nestor Hall 116, and the Department of Disability Services in Franklin Hall 228.

Welcome Center

Madison Hall and Rhodes Hall
The following offices/services are located in the Madison-Rhodes Welcome
Center:
Madison Hall, lower level:
Admissions
International Admissions/Enrollment Advising
Madison Hall, upper level:
Student Assistance Center
New Student Orientation
CougarWeb Orientation
FAFSA Workshops
Records and Registration
Rhodes Hall, lower level:
Financial Aid
Rhodes Hall, upper level:
Cashier’s Office
Grants, Contracts, and Loans

Wellness Program

Student Activities Office
Nestor Hall 116 and Delaware Hall 135
614-287-5348
The Serenity Wellness Program provides lectures, demonstrations, and group discussions to help the Columbus State community to balance the occupational, spiritual, emotional, physical, and intellectual components of life. Typical programming includes Yoga, Tai Chi, Pilates, Belly Dancing, and a variety of fitness-related coursework.

Withdrawing from a Course

To drop or withdraw from a class, students may call CATS touchtone registration at 614-287-2287, the Telephone Information Center at 614-287-5353, or complete a Registration Add/Drop Form and return it to the Department of Records and Registration, Madison Hall 201, or at one of the Columbus State Community Learning Centers (Off-Campus). Students may also withdraw via Columbus State’s Web site at www.cscc.edu and click on “CougarWeb.”

Failure to follow official withdrawal procedures will result in a failing grade.

Work Study Programs

Rhodes Hall, lower level
614-287-3622
The College Work-Study Program is a federally funded financial aid program where eligible students are assisted in finding employment with an on campus department or off campus community service agency with whom the college has partnered.

Students who qualify for this program are referred for placement to a department on campus or to an off campus community service agency. The hours of work vary with the job but may not exceed 20 hours per week while classes are in session. During the break between quarters, if funds are available, the student has sufficient need, and his/her supervisor agrees, he/she is permitted to work up to 40 hours per week. In no case may a student earn more money than has been authorized by the Financial Aid Office for a given school year.

Writing Center

Franklin Hall 246
614-287-5717
Hours: Monday −Thursday, 9 a.m. - 8 p.m.
Friday: 9 a.m. - 4 p.m. Saturday: 9 a.m. - 1 p.m.
The Writing Center provides is a free one-on-one tutoring service for students, faculty, and staff. Tutors work with writers on a variety of assignments, such as critical essays, research papers, reviews, resumes, formal business letters, lab reports, case studies, poems, and job applications. Tutors can help with any stage of writing process. Tutors do not write papers, proofread, or discuss grades; but they do help writers improve organization, development, punctuation, grammar, and other writing-related skills.

Open from the second full week of the quarter through the last Friday of classes. Please call to schedule a half-hour appointment.

Student Policies & Procedures Section

Academic Conduct

Policy No. 7-11
Effective June 26, 2000

Academic misconduct is defined as any behavior which compromises the academic integrity of the college. Academic misconduct includes, but is not limited to, the following behaviors:

Cheating, including but not limited to:
(a) Using open textbooks or notes or other assistance during an examination except those that have been authorized by the instructor.
(b) Copying from another person’s paper during an examination.
(c) Collaborating with another person on an assignment in a manner not authorized by the instructor.
(d) Obtaining, distributing, or using the contents of an unadministered test.
(e) Substituting for another student or permitting any person to substitute for oneself in an examination.
Plagiarism, including but not limited to:
(a) Submitting an assignment purporting to be the student’s original work which has been wholly or partly created by another person.
(b) Presenting as one’s own the ideas, organization, or wording of another person without acknowledgment of sources.
(c) Knowingly permitting one’s own work to be submitted by another student as if it were the student’s own.
Violating course rules as contained in the course syllabus, department policy or procedures as contained in the course syllabus, other rules and regulations provided to the student, including those of off-campus training sites, or other information provided to the student.
Inappropriate behavior of students enrolled in apprenticeships, clinical training, practicums, co-op work experiences, internships, field experiences, directed practice, and workforce training
programs. Examples of such behavior include but are not limited to the following.
(a) Jeopardizing the safety and welfare of self and/or others, including clients, patients, customers, and co-workers.
(b) Failing to abide by policies and procedures of the training site.
(c) Sexual or other harassment.
(d) Behaving unethically.
(e) Acting illegally or otherwise violating the law.

Procedure No. 7-11 (A)
Effective June 26, 2000

A student alleged to have violated any provision of Policy No. 7-11 shall be so informed by the instructor of record of the course in which the violation allegedly occurred. The student shall be given
a choice of having the alleged violation heard by the division dean or designee, or having the case heard by a divisional committee on academic conduct.

If the student chooses the first option, he/she agrees to abide by the decision of the hearing official, and the hearing official’s decision is considered final, subject to the student’s right of
appeal as contained in subsection (c) below. The student will be informed of the decision in writing, with copies to the Associate Provost and the Director of Records and Registration.
If the student requests a hearing, the instructor will inform the dean, through the department chairperson, that the student has requested a hearing before the division’s Committee on Academic Conduct. The instructor will provide the dean a full report of the incident, including the date, time, place, and nature of the alleged violation, and any documents or statements of witnesses relative to the charge. The dean will forward the report and such documents as are submitted to a divisional Committee on Academic Conduct appointed by the dean. The committee shall have six members, three of whom shall be instructors, two of whom shall be students, and one who shall be a department chairperson, who shall serve as committee chairperson.

The chairperson of the Committee on Academic Conduct will seek to schedule a hearing within five days of receiving the report and will notify the student by registered mail of the charge and the date and time the committee will hear the case. Four members shall constitute a quorum.
Attendance at this hearing is restricted to those directly involved or requested by the student or the committee chairperson to attend. The student may have a college advisor present (an administrator, faculty, staff, or student).
The student or advisor may submit a written statement, may invite witnesses to testify, and may ask questions of the witnesses called by the committee. Written statements signed by the student or by a witness in the presence of a college official may be used if, for good reason, the witness or the student cannot attend the hearing. If the student chooses not to attend the hearing, the charge will be reviewed as scheduled on the basis of the information available and a decision made.
After hearing all statements, the committee will consider the evidence and render a decision. In two separate votes, the committee will determine whether the student did violate Policy No. 7-11 by engaging in academic misconduct, and if so, what sanction to recommend.
Sanctions the committee may recommend include:

-Recommendation to the instructor of record that the student be given the grade of “E” on the specific assignment in which the misconduct occurred, and disciplinary probation for a specified academic period of time during which any additional proven misconduct will result in suspension or dismissal.

-Recommendation to the instructor of record that the student be given the grade of “E” for the course, and disciplinary probation for a specified academic period of time during which any additional proven misconduct will result in suspension or dismissal.

-Disciplinary suspension from the college for a period not to exceed three full academic quarters following the effective date the student is notified of the sanction, upon the expiration of which the student may re-enroll.

-Disciplinary dismissal from the college for four full quarters or more following the effective date the student is notified of the sanction, upon the expiration of which the student may petition the Associate Provost for reinstatement.

-In each case, the final decision on the sanction shall rest with the dean.

-For determination of the sanction only, the student’s past record will be considered.
If the violation occurs at an off-campus training site, sanctions the committee may recommend may also include:

-Recommendation to the instructor of record that the student be given the grade of “E” for the off-campus experience. If the student is eligible to repeat the course at a later date, the student may or may not be permitted to return to the same training site.

-Recommendation to the instructor of record that the student be given the grade of “E” for the off-campus experience and disciplinary probation for the specified academic period of time during which any additional proven misconduct will result in suspension or dismissal from the program.

-Disciplinary suspension from the program for the purpose of developing skills, attitudes, knowledge, and behaviors that are congruent with the standards of the program. Returning to the program sequence will be determined by the program in accordance with program policy.

-Dismissal from the program in accordance with program policy.

-Disciplinary suspension from the college for a period not to exceed three full academic quarters following the effective date the student is notified of the sanction, upon the expiration of which the student may re-enroll.

-Disciplinary dismissal from the college for four full quarters or more following the effective date the student is notified of the sanction, upon the expiration of which the student may petition the Associate Provost for reinstatement.

-In each case, the final decision on the sanction shall rest with the dean.

-For determination of the sanction only, the student’s past record will be considered.
Upon reaching its decision, the committee shall forward its findings and recommendations to the dean. Generally within five days of the hearing, the dean shall notify the student formally by registered mail of the decision and sanction, if any, with copies to the Associate Provost and the Director of Records and Registration. In the same notification, the student shall be informed of the procedure by which to appeal the decision.

A student found by the divisional Committee on Academic Conduct to have violated Policy No. 7-11 has the right to appeal in writing within thirty days of the committee’s decision
to the Associate Provost. The only grounds for such an appeal are prejudicial procedural error, prejudicial error as to findings of fact, the discovery of substantial new facts unavailable at the
time of the hearing, or excessive severity of the sanction. If the Associate Provost determines that the asserted grounds for appeal are valid, the Associate Provost may either refer the
charges for a rehearing or decide the issue based on the committee’s findings. The decision of the Associate Provost, on appeal of any hearing committee, shall be final.

Admissions

Policy No. 7-01
Effective August 15, 2005

The Columbus State Community College is committed to the principle of providing each student access to quality educational programs and lifelong learning. Information provided on the Columbus State Community College admissions application will be used to determine initial admission status.
Additional documentation is required for certain applicant categories such as international, felony, underage, and transfer students. Specific information pertaining to each category will be maintained in the Admissions office. Applicants not meeting established procedures will be denied admission.
Admission to a specific program of study for the purpose of earning a degree or certificate shall be according to requirements and procedures established for the specific program of study and adopted by the college.
Admission procedures, including determination of the ability to benefit and changes in conditions of admission status, will be adopted and implemented by the college.
An application for enrollment in academic credit courses is not requiredfor students enrolled exclusively in non-credit courses.

Admission to the College

Procedure No. 7-01 (A)
Effective August 15, 2005

An admissions application is required for enrollment in academic credit courses.
Information provided by the student on the Columbus State Community College admissions application will be used to determine initial admission status.

Incomplete applications lacking federal, state, or college mandated

Applicants who are beyond the age of compulsory high school attendance, and who do not possess either a high school diploma or the recognized equivalent (e.g., G.E.D. Certificate), will be admitted to the college. They will be ineligible for participation in financial assistance programs unless they demonstrate the ability to benefit from college programs by achieving the required scores on the college’s Ability to Benefit Placement Test.
Applicants who are high school graduates or possess the recognized equivalent (e.g., G.E.D. Certificate) will be admitted to the college.
Applicants who are currently in high school will be admitted upon high school graduation.
Applicants within the age of compulsory school attendance currently enrolled in high school may be required to submit additional documentation to determine admission status.
Applicants within the age of compulsory school attendance who are home-schooled may be required to submit additional documentation to determine admission status.
Applicants within un-expunged felony conviction(s) are required to submit additional documentation to determine admission status and conditions of enrollment.
- All new applicants are required to complete the section on the admissions application regarding felony convictions(s).
- The Admissions Review Committee will review all felony applications to determine admission status. Members of the admissions review committee will include one representative from Learning Systems appointed by the Provost, one representative from Student Life appointed by the Dean of Student Life, one representative from Admissions appointed by the Dean of Enrollment Services, and one representative from Public Safety appointed by the Senior Vice-President and Chief Financial Officer for Business and Administrative Services.
- The Admissions Review Committee will make recommendations to the Dean of Enrollment Services on admission to the college and conditions of enrollment based on standards established by the committee and housed in the Admissions office.
Transfer applicants are required to complete the section on the admissions application referring to dismissal from another educational institution(s) due to academic dismissal (GPA), academic misconduct, or other student misconduct resulting in disciplinary suspension or expulsion.

Applicants dismissed from another educational institution(s) due to academic misconduct or other student misconduct, are required to submit additional documentation. This information will be used to determine admission status and conditions of enrollment.
The Admissions Review Committee will review all applications of students who have been dismissed from a previous college due to academic misconduct or other student misconduct. The Admissions Review Committee will consist of one faculty representative appointed by the Provost, one representative from Admissions appointed by the Dean of Enrollment Services, and one representative appointed by the Dean of Student Life.
The Admissions Review Committee will make recommendations to the Dean of Enrollment Services on admission to the college and conditions of enrollment. These recommendations will be based on standards housed in the Admissions office consistent with Policy 7-01 and Procedure 7-01 (A) and other governing college policies and procedures.

Applicants who are not United States citizens are required to submit additional documentation to determine admission status.

Acceptance on non-United States citizens is determined by federal and state law and admissions standards housed in the Admissions office.

Any applicant denied admission will be informed by written notice.

Admission to a Program of Study

Procedure No. 7-01 (B)
Effective June 26, 2000

Criteria for establishing admission requirements and procedures for individual programs of study:
1. Admission requirements and procedures must consider elements including the nature of the program, such as physical requirements and academic skills; and the requirements of the career area, such as eligibility to be licensed, physical requirements, and the ability to meet basic employment criteria. The inclusion of specified preparatory courses, attainment of minimal levels of achievement on standardized tests, or possession of certain personal character or physical traits as admissions requirements must be clearly shown to be related to satisfactory progression and graduation from a program.
2. Admission requirements and procedures must be clearly communicated to the various publics served: prospective students, school counselors, employers, and other agencies that are involved in assisting individuals in career choices.
3. Admission requirements and procedures for selection must be equitably applied to all applicants.
4. Educational achievement, as measured by traditional means such as high school record or standardized tests, might not be representative of the applicant’s potential. Demonstrated
  competencies attained through developmental activities or nonacademic life experiences may, in these instances, be used in lieu of the traditional measures. Admission requirements and procedures shall reflect this practice.
5. Admission requirements and procedures will be established, applied, and evaluated by a committee composed of representatives of the program of study and others involved in the educational process and other facets of student life.
6. Admission policies and procedures shall be in accord with the policies of the college.

Affirmative Action

Policy No. 3-28
Effective August 15, 1995

It is the established policy of Columbus 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 race, color, religion, ancestry, national origin, sex, age, disability, or veteran status. 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, 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 promotes equal opportunities to all employees, applicants for employment, students, and student applicants for admissions to the college through a positive and continuing affirmative action program. Columbus 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.

Alcohol Abuse and Drug Use

Columbus State values the health and safety of its students and employees, and therefore supports local, state, and federal laws concerning illegal drugs. College Policy No. 7-12, Student Code of Conduct, lists “the use, distribution, or possession of illegal drugs or alcohol on campus or off campus at college-sponsored events” as a general misconduct.

Students who unlawfully possess, use, or distribute illegal drugs or alcohol will be in violation of college policy, and will be subject to disciplinary action, as outlined in the Policy and Procedures Manual, Policy No. 7-12. Students could also be subject to arrest and prosecution under applicable local, state, or federal laws.

Columbus State is committed to providing students and employees with drug and alcohol education, counseling, and referral for treatment rehabilitation. The college’s Coordinator of Alcohol and Drug Prevention Counseling Services, Aquinas Hall 116, 614-287-5416, can provide resources and assistance to students who use drugs or alcohol, including referrals to community agencies and treatment resources. Employees who are full-time can access the Employee Assistance Program, Matrix, by calling 1-800-886-1171.

Animals on Campus

Policy No. 13-03
EEffective December 1, 2005

This policy is intended to assure the College mission is not disrupted by a visiting animal, to protect humans from injuries and disease from animals, to protect the health and welfare of animals brought on the College campus, and to assure compliance with federal, state, and local regulations. This policy applies to individuals seeking permission to bring an animal not owned by the College onto campus for a temporary period of time.
Animals that are owned or housed by the College must follow Federal Animal Welfare Act and Animal Welfare Regulations.
This policy does not permit animals to be on College property or in buildings that are owned or operated by the College unless:

The animal is a service animal, assisting a person with a disability, and is therefore protected by the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and Policy 11-05 . A person with a disability does not require the permission of the College to bring a service animal on College property. A service animal is defined by the ADA as “any animal individually trained to work or perform tasks for the benefit of an individual with a disability, including, but not limited to, guiding individuals with impaired vision, alerting individuals to an impending seizure or protecting individuals during one, and alerting individuals who are hearing impaired to intruders, or pulling a wheelchair and fetching dropped items.”
The animal owner, or faculty member, has followed the Columbus State Community College Animals on Campus Procedure to receive preapproval for the purpose of bringing the animal(s) onto College property, assuring compliance with the Federal Animal Welfare Act.

Columbus State Community College reserves the right to revoke permission for any non-service animal to be on College property, or in buildings that are owned or operated by the College.
Individuals observing stray animals, animal abuse, animal injuries or injuries caused by animals on College property should report the incident to the Columbus State Community College Public Safety
Department.
Animal owners receiving permission to bring a non-service animal(s) on College property must follow the “Attending Veterinarian” recommended method of transportation and restraining the animal(s).
While on campus the animal must be cared for within accepted standards of care for the species.
This policy does not supersede federal, state, or local statutes.

Procedure No. 13-03 (A)

The Columbus State Community College Public Safety department is the designated department to receive reports of stray animals, animal abuse, animal injuries, or injuries caused by animals on college property.
In accordance with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), the Columbus State Community College Department of Disability Services is the designated department that administers the guidelines that provide for service animals on campus for students with disabilities. In addition, Human Resources and the ADA Coordinator’s office administers the guidelines for service animals for applicants to employment and employees on campus.
To receive approval to bring a non-service animal onto the college campus, the animal owner must:

Obtain a “Miscellaneous Animals On Campus Form” from the Public Safety Department. If the animal is owned by the college, obtain a “Teaching Protocol Form TP-04A” from the Public Safety Department.
Provide documentation of current vaccinations and other health documents appropriate to the species as specified by the college’s attending veterinarian for the animal, as well as the above completed request for approval form(s).
Return the completed form(s) and documentation to the attending veterinarian at least three weeks prior to the date that the animal is requested to be brought onto college property.

After receipt of the above material:

The college’s attending veterinarian will review the request and work in conjunction with the Institutional Animal Care and Use Committee to reach a decision on the request and notify the requestor at least one week prior to the date the animal is requested to be brought onto college property.
The attending veterinarian will provide copies of the final decision to Public Safety Department and to the requesting party.

The animal owner and/or person restraining the animal must have the approved “Miscellaneous Animals On campus Form” in his/her possession while on college property with a non-service animal.
An animal previously approved to be on college property may be removed from college property if the animal is not being cared for, the animal is showing signs of disease or undue distress, the animal has become a threat to the health or welfare of people or other animals, or the presence of the animal is in any way a disruption to the mission of the college. The Public Safety Department should be contacted to remove an animal from college property.

Felony Conviction

Policy No. 7-14

All students or applicants are responsible for informing the college of any felony convictions at the time of application or conviction. The college may deny a convicted felon enrollment based upon the nature and circumstances of the felony.

Procedure No. 7-14 (A)
Effective June 26, 2000

All new applicants are required to complete the section regarding felony conviction(s) on the application.
The Records and Registration Office will review all applicants indicating a felony conviction and regularly report all findings to the Admissions Review Committee. Members of the Admissions Review Committee will include one representative from Learning Systems appointed by the Provost, one representative from Student Life appointed by the Associate Provost, and one representative from Public Safety appointed by the Vice President for Business and Administrative Services.
The Admissions Review Committee may require additional information about the nature and/or circumstances of the felony conviction(s).
The Admissions Review Committee will make recommendations to the Associate Provost on admission to the college based on guidelines established by the committee and approved by the College Council.
Any applicant denied admission will be informed by written notice.
All students are required to inform the Associate Provost of any felony convictions. Students who fail to comply with this requirement are subject to disciplinary action in accordance with college Policy No. 7-12, Student Code of Conduct.

Grading and Academic Requirements

Procedure 5-09 (D)
Effective September 24, 2008

Grade Grievance

When a student’s final grade has been posted to the transcript, and the student believes that an error in evaluating or recording a grade has occurred, the student must first meet with the instructor no later than the end of the second week of the quarter following the posting of the grade. If the instructor of record is no longer affiliated with the college, the student shall meet with the department chairperson or his/her designee. While the student may address the grade with the faculty member upon receiving the grade, grievance proceedings may not be able to occur until the beginning of the subsequent quarter. If the instructor agrees that an error in grading has occurred, the instructor must authorize, within seven calendar days of the meeting, the Records and Registration department to change the grade on the student’s transcript. The instructor will inform the student of his or her decision within seven calendar days of the meeting.
If the instructor disagrees that an error has been made, the student will be informed of that decision within seven calendar days of the meeting. If the student remains dissatisfied with the instructor’s decision, the grade grievance process will proceed with a discussion between the student and the department chairperson or his/her designee within seven calendar days after the instructor’s notification to the student. After consulting with the instructor, the department chairperson must inform the student in writing of the result of the consultation within seven calendar days. If the student remains dissatisfied after notification from the chairperson, the student may submit a written request to the department chairperson for a departmental faculty review within seven calendar days. This request must include reasons why the student believes the grade was in error. Within seven calendar days of receiving such a request in writing, the department chairperson must appoint a departmental faculty review committee comprised of two other faculty members from the department. The division dean must appoint one faculty member from another department within the respective division.
If the instructor is still affiliated with the college, the review committee must provide an opportunity for both the student and the instructor to provide written and/or verbal information
regarding the grade grievance to the committee. The committee will determine the validity of the grade grievance based on this information. If the committee finds that an error has occurred, it will inform the instructor and the chairperson of its recommendation. If the instructor disagrees with the recommendation of the committee, the instructor must confer with the committee, providing reasons for not authorizing a change of grade. After considering these reasons, the
review committee must submit a report of its findings to the department chairperson, within 14 calendar days of the appointment of the committee, recommending that the grade remain as assigned by the instructor or that the grade be changed. In the latter case, the department chairperson must authorize a change of grade. In either case, the department chairperson must inform both the student and the instructor of his/her decision within seven calendar days of receiving the committee’s recommendation. The decision of the chairperson is final.
When the instructor of record is no longer with the college, and/or is unavailable for consultation with the review committee, the department chairperson will act on behalf of
the instructor in conferring with the review committee. The department chairperson may consult with the faculty members in the department most familiar with the course in question. The review committee will render its decision based on the documentation and verbal information provided. The same procedure shall be followed by the review committee as in (c) above.

Harassment

Columbus State Community College believes that all employees and students should be able to work and learn in an environment free of all discrimination and any form of harassment.

To help ensure that employees and students are not subjected to illegal harassment, and in order to create a comfortable work and learning environment, the college strongly opposes and prohibits any offensive physical, written, spoken, or nonverbal conduct as defined and otherwise prohibited by state and federal law.

Policies and procedures for harassment, sexual harassment, and sexual misconduct are stated in college Policy No. 3-33/a>, Policy No. 3-34, and Policy No. 3-35,, respectively. For more information, or if you or someone you know is being harassed, you should contact the college's EEO Program Coordinator, Human Resources Department, Rhodes Hall 114, 614-287-2408. In emergency cases or after business hours, immediately contact the Public Safety Department, Union Hall 048, 614-287-2525.

Policy No. 3-33
Effective April 15, 1999

To help ensure that employees and students are not subjected to illegal harassment, and in order to create a comfortable work and learning environment, the college strongly opposes and prohibits by this policy any offensive physical, written, spoken, or non-verbal conduct as defined and otherwise prohibited by state and federal law.

College community members or others who feel that they have been victims of harassment in the work place or academic setting will be provided with appropriate support from the college. Members of the
college community shall include all CSCC students, members of the Board of Trustees, faculty, staff, and administrators, whether full- or part-time.

All administrators have an affirmative duty to maintain a workplace that is free of harassment and intimidation.
Examples of harassment include but are not limited to the following:

Unwelcome written, spoken, or physical conduct regarding race, color, religion, national origin, age, gender, sexual orientation, pregnancy, disability, or as defined by law.
Creating a work environment that is intimidating, hostile, abusive, or offensive because of unwelcome or unwanted conversations, suggestions, requests, demands, attentions, or the display of offensive items that relate to an individual’s race, color, religion, national origin, age, gender, sexual orientation, pregnancy, disability, or as defined by law.

For issues related to sexual harassment see Sexual Harassment Policy No. 3-34.
It is Columbus State Community College’s policy to investigate thoroughly and remedy any known incidents of harassment.
Procedures related to this policy are detailed in the Sexual Harassment/Harassment investigative procedure, Procedure No. 3-33 (E).

Procedure No. 3-33 (E)
Effective June 26, 2000

Members of the college community, or others who believe they have been sexually harassed or harassed in the college community, are entitled to an investigation and complaint process as detailed in this procedure.
It is college policy to investigate thoroughly and to resolve any reported incidents of harassment. To accomplish this, harassment must be brought promptly to the attention of the administration. Except under extraordinary circumstances, in order for the college to take effective action pursuant to the Sexual Harassment or Harassment Policy, any employee, student, or other person who feels harassed has an obligation to communicate his/her problem within 180 days of the incident. It is important that complaints be resolved promptly at each step. Every effort should be made by all parties to expedite the process.
The college will make all reasonable efforts to maintain the confidentiality of parties involved in a sexual harassment or harassment investigation. However, confidentiality cannot be guaranteed. Parties involved and individuals cooperating in any investigation, including appearing at a hearing, should treat all information as confidential and not engage in public discussion of the case.
Reporting the Harassment - The steps outlined below should be followed when a member of the college community or other person as described above has a complaint of harassment.

The offended party should directly inform the person engaging in harassing conduct that such conduct is offensive and must stop.
If, for whatever reason, the offended party does not feel capable of communicating directly with the person whose conduct is allegedly offensive, or if the conduct continues, the offended party should immediately contact one of the people listed below:

If the offender is a student, the Associate Provost.
The Coordinator of Mental Health and Drug Prevention Counseling Services.
The Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO) Officer of the college.
The Department of Public Safety if the offices above are closed.

Any employee who has direct knowledge of an alleged incident of harassment must immediately report that alleged incident to the college’s EEO Officer without taking any other action.

Informal Process - The college’s informal process is intended to resolve the complaint. The EEO Officer and a designee appointed by the President on a continuing basis, who is not the same gender as the EEO Officer, will implement the informal process of the college.

The EEO Officer will inform the alleged offender that a complaint has been filed against him/her. If the offender(s) is a student, the Associate Provost will be informed.
Depending upon the nature of the complaint and the wishes of the person(s) claiming harassment, informal resolution may involve but is not limited to one or more of the following:

Discussion of the complaint and advising the person(s) how to communicate the unwelcome nature of the behavior to the alleged harasser.
Separate discussions with both parties and other appropriate individuals, such as the parties’ administrator(s), to work out a resolution.
If both parties agree, arranging and facilitating a meeting between the person(s) claiming harassment and the person(s) accused of harassment to work out a resolution.
Explaining the option of using the formal process described in this procedure.

Information about all informal complaints and resolutions will be kept on file in the office of the EEO Officer. Should the formal process be used, the information gathered shall be forwarded to the Investigative Team.

The college offers a formal process leading to resolution of a complaint, if informal resolution is not achieved within a reasonable period, and if the specific nature of the complaint warrants it as decided by the EEO Officer.

The EEO Officer and the President will appoint two (2) trained individuals to serve on a continuing basis as the Investigative Team to investigate and make written recommendations as to whether or not complaints warrant a formal hearing.
The team members will:

Not be of the same gender.
Have no reporting or familial relationship to the parties involved.
Have had no previous involvement in the complaint.

If a team member does not satisfy the provisions in (6)(a) for a specific complaint, the EEO Officer and the President will appoint an alternate for that complaint.

The investigative guidelines followed by the team are outlined below:

A detailed written statement dated and signed by the complainant(s) must be filed with the Investigative Team. The statement should be as specific as possible including dates, times, locations, a description of the alleged harassing behavior, and the name(s) of the alleged harasser(s). The statement should also identify any person(s) who may have information that would be helpful to the Investigative Team.
The Investigative Team will contact the respondent(s), provide them with a copy of the written statement, and interview them. The team may request a written response to be submitted within three (3) working days following interview. The response should also identify any person(s) who may have information that would be helpful to the Investigative Team. Within five (5) working days after receiving the respondent’s report, the Investigative Team may schedule meetings to discuss the harassment incident(s) with each of the parties and any individuals identified by either party as having information that may be relevant to the investigation.
To the extent possible, the Investigative Team will protect the privacy interests of those involved and only provide the information to those designated under this procedure. Therefore, all individuals discussing the complaint with the team will be advised not to comment on their discussions outside of the meeting with the team.
Within a reasonable period after completing their investigation, the team shall recommend whether the complaint warrants going to a hearing. The written determination prepared by the team will have supporting logic and reasoning and will be submitted to the EEO Officer.
Within five (5) working days of receiving the Investigative Team’s recommendation, the EEO Officer will review the team’s report and determine if the complaint should go to a formal hearing.
The EEO Officer can mutually agree on a solution with the respondent and the complainant.

If it is determined that no hearing will take place, the EEO Officer will communicate the decision to the complainant(s) and the respondent(s). The complaint will be considered resolved.
If the EEO Officer determines that the complaint will go to a formal hearing, within five (5) working days the EEO Officer will select three (3) individuals from the college Employee Problem Review Pool described in Procedure 3-31 (B) (8) to serve on the Harassment Review Panel.

If one or both parties in the complaint is a student, one of the three panel members will be chosen from a special pool of six (6) students approved by the Provost from candidates recommended by the Associate Provost. The Associate Provost will make recommendations from students who are members of honorary organizations on campus, or in some other way have distinguished themselves as being capable to effectively serve on a hearing panel. In addition, these pool member candidates will be trained and must commit to one year of service in the Harassment Review Panel Pool while retaining their classification as a student. The other two panel members will be selected from the college Employee Problem Review Pool described in Procedure No. 3-31 (B) (8).
If a student is not involved in the complaint as one of the parties, the EEO Officer will select all three (3) individuals from the college Problem Review Pool described in Procedure No. 3-31 (B) (8). All Harassment Review Panel members will be selected by the
EEO Officer according to the following guidelines:

One panel member will represent the complainant’s employment classification, and one panel member will represent the respondent’s employment classification. If both parties are in the same classification, one panel member may serve to represent that classification.
The panel will represent diversity.
The panel members will have no reporting or familial relationships to the parties involved.
The panel members will not be employed in the same work group or department as any of the parties. Student panel members will not be in the same classes or have a close
student relationship, such as being members of the same student organization.
The panel members will not have been previously involved in the complaint in any way.

Within five (5) working days after the panel has been selected, the EEO Officer will schedule an organizational meeting of the Harassment Review Panel to accomplish the following items:

The panel will select a chairperson and a secretary who will produce the panel’s report of findings.
The EEO Officer will review the hearing process as described in
this procedure.
The EEO Officer will provide the panel members and both parties with copies of documentation generated from the procedure to date.

Within a reasonable period after the organizational meeting, the chairperson of the panel will schedule and conduct the hearing according to the following guidelines.

To the extent possible, the Harassment Review Panel will protect the privacy interests of those involved. Therefore, all individuals appearing before the panel will be advised not to comment on their discussions outside the proceedings of the hearing.
The complainant(s) and the respondent(s) will be allowed to have an advocate of their choice (as defined in the Employee Problem-Solving Procedure No. 3-31 (B), pages 1 and 2) attend the meeting. Advocates may consult with their party, they may address the panel, but they may not ask questions. All advocates will be bound by the confidential terms of the hearing panel’s rules.
The EEO Officer will attend the hearing, represent the interests of the college, and ensure compliance with all appropriate laws.
The panel will consider information it has received in writing from the Investigative Team, as well as the statements and other documents presented to it during the hearing. The panel may request members of the college community and others to appear at the meeting, and if necessary, continue the meeting to a later date.
All persons other than the complainant(s), respondent(s), the EEO Officer, advocates of the parties, and the Investigative Team will be permitted to attend only during their own statements and questioning.
Persons bringing complaints will be invited to make a statement for the hearing panel. Panel members will be permitted to ask questions at the conclusion of these statements.
Persons responding to the complaint will be invited to make a statement to the hearing panel. Panel members will be permitted to ask questions at the conclusion of these statements.
The Investigative Team will be invited to make a statement to the hearing panel members. Panel members will be permitted to ask questions at the conclusion of these statements.
At the conclusion of the panel’s questioning, the complainant(s), the respondent(s), and the EEO Officer may ask questions of each other, but all such questions must be directed to the chairperson.
Other persons may be asked to appear before the panel to make statements. Panel members will be permitted to ask questions at the conclusion of the statements.
At the conclusion of the panel’s questioning, each of the parties and the EEO Officer may ask questions of the person providing information, but all such questions must be directed to the
chairperson.
After the panel has heard from all other persons invited to appear, the panel members may ask further questions of all parties, the Investigative Team, and the EEO Officer.
The chairperson shall conclude the hearing, and the panel will retire to consider its decision.

Within a reasonable period after the conclusion of the hearing, the panel will issue a written report to the EEO Officer that will contain one of the following findings with supporting rationale.

The college’s sexual harassment and harassment policies have not been violated;
The college’s sexual harassment has been violated. To issue this finding, the panel must be convinced by the “preponderance of evidence” that it is more likely than not that the sexual harassment took place.
The college’s harassment policy has been violated. To issue this finding, the panel must be convinced by the “preponderance of evidence” that it is more likely than not that the harassment took place.

After receiving a copy of the report, both parties and the EEO Officer will have the option to submit a written response to the report of findings issued by the Harassment Review Panel. These responses must be submitted to the respondent’s vice president-level administrator within five (5) working days of receiving the report of findings.
Using the report of findings and the responses that have been received, the respondent’s vice president-level administrator will consult with the President and the Director of Human Resources and make the written decision regarding the appropriate action to be taken, which may include disciplinary action up to and including discharge or dismissal.
The EEO Officer will then inform the respondent of the decision in writing and the plans for corrective or disciplinary action, if any, and give the respondent an opportunity to reply in writing.
The EEO Officer will inform the complainant concerning the resolution of the complaint.
A record of every complaint received will become a part of a complaint investigation file. This file will be maintained separate from the employee’s personnel file by the college EEO Officer. If disciplinary action is decided upon, the EEO Officer will send complete documentation of the incident to the Director of Human Resources to be placed in the offender’s personnel file.
Minor variations from this procedure which do not unreasonably prejudice the parties shall not be grounds to invalidate the process.
There will be no retaliation against an individual bringing forth a good faith complaint of harassment.
Any individual knowingly or maliciously making a false or frivolous allegation of harassment will be subject to disciplinary action up to and including discharge or dismissal.

Information Technology

Policy No. 15-01
Effective April 15, 1999

This policy applies to all users of college computing resources, whether affiliated with the college or not, and to all uses of those resources, whether on campus or from remote locations, including dial-up sessions. Additional policies may apply to specific computers, computer systems, or networks provided or operated by specific units of the college. All sections of this policy also apply to college publications on the Internet.
As a part of the educational, physical, and social learning infrastructure, Columbus State Community College acquires, develops, and maintains computers, computer systems, and networks. The computing resources are intended for college-related purposes, including direct and indirect support of the college’s instruction, research, and service missions; of college administrative functions; of student and campus life activities; and of the free exchange of ideas among members of the college community and between the college community and the wider local, national, and world communities.
The rights of academic freedom and freedom of expression apply to the use of college computing resources. So, too, however, do the responsibilities and limitations associated with those rights. The use of college computing resources, like the use of any other college-provided resource and like any other college-related activity, is subject to the normal requirements of legal and ethical behavior within the college community. Thus, legitimate use of a computer, computer system, or network does not extend to whatever is technically possible. Although some limitations are built into computer operating systems and networks, those limitations are not the sole restrictions on what is permissible. Users must abide by all applicable restrictions, whether or not they are built into the operating system or network and whether or not they can be circumvented by technical means.
The Internet provides access to a wide range of information and expands educational resources well beyond traditional collections. Not all sources on the Internet contain information that is accurate, complete, current, legal, safe, or secure. Columbus State Community College does not necessarily endorse the viewpoints nor vouch for the accuracy of information accessed through the Internet and cannot be held responsible for its content. Some resources and destinations accessed through the Internet may contain information that some people may find offensive or objectionable in nature or content. Internet users access sites at their own risk. Workstations are in open labs and offices, and images on the screen may inadvertently be viewed by a wide audience. Columbus State is not responsible for the information accessed by anyone at their workstations.
Columbus State Community College views Information Technology services and associated equipment as an integral part of the learning process and individual development, and realizes the key role technology plays in students’ success. Therefore, priority to access and resource use is given to academic and college-related work. Accordingly, the college will strive to provide the access necessary to accomplish such work. Resources used for general interest that relate to educational material and learning is encouraged, but priority will be given to course-related usage.
All users of college computing resources must:

Comply with all federal, state, and other applicable laws; all generally applicable college rules and policies; and all applicable contracts and licenses. Examples of such laws, rules, policies, contracts, and licenses include, but are not limited to, the laws of libel, privacy, copyright, trademark, obscenity, and child pornography; the Electronic Communications Privacy Act and the Computer Fraud and Abuse Act, which prohibit “hacking”, “cracking”, and similar activities; the college’s code of student conduct; the college’s sexual harassment policy; and all applicable software licenses. Users who engage in electronic communications with persons in other states or countries or on other systems or networks should be aware that they may also be subject to the laws of those other states and countries and the rules and policies of those other systems and networks. Users are responsible for ascertaining, understanding, and complying with the laws, rules, policies, contracts, and licenses applicable to their particular uses.
Use only those computing resources that they are authorized to use and only in the manner and to the extent authorized. Ability to access computing resources does not, by itself, imply authorization to do so. Users are responsible for ascertaining what authorizations are necessary and for obtaining them before proceeding. Accounts and passwords may not, under any circumstances, be shared with, or used by, persons other than those to whom they have been assigned by the college.
Respect the privacy of other users and their accounts, regardless of whether those accounts are securely protected. Again, ability to access other persons= accounts does not, by itself, imply authorization to do so. Users are responsible for ascertaining what authorizations are necessary and for obtaining them before proceeding.
Respect the finite capacity of those resources and limit use so as not to consume an unreasonable amount of those resources or to interfere unreasonably with the activity of other users. The college may require users to limit or refrain from specific uses in accordance with this principle or for other reasons.
Not use those resources for personal financial gain or commercial purposes which is strictly prohibited. Personal, non-commercial, use of college computing resources is permitted when it does not consume a significant amount of these resources, does not interfere with the performance of the user’s job or other college responsibilities, and is otherwise in compliance with this policy. The college may limit personal use if needed.
Refrain from stating or implying that they speak on behalf of the college and from using college trademarks and logos without authorization to do so. Affiliation with the college does not, by itself, imply authorization to speak on behalf of the college.

Users who violate this policy may be denied access to college computing resources and may be subjected to other penalties and disciplinary action, both within and outside of the college. Violations will normally be handled through the college disciplinary procedures applicable to the relevant user. For example, alleged violations by students will normally be investigated, and any penalties or other discipline will normally be imposed, by the Dean of Student Life. However, the college may temporarily suspend or block access to an account, prior to the initiation or completion of such procedures, when it reasonably appears necessary to do so in order to protect the integrity, security, or functionality of college or other computing resources or to protect the college from liability. The college may also refer suspected violations of applicable law to appropriate law enforcement agencies.
The college employs various measures to protect the security of its computing resources and of its users’ accounts. Users should be aware, however, that the college cannot guarantee such security. Users should therefore engage in safe and responsible computing practices by establishing appropriate access restrictions for their accounts, guarding their passwords, and changing them regularly.
Users should have no expectation of privacy when utilizing the college computer resources.
While the college does not routinely monitor individual usage of its computing resources, the normal operation and maintenance of the college’s computing resources require the backup and caching of data and communications, the logging of activity, the monitoring of general usage patterns, and other such activities that are necessary to provide service. The college may also specifically monitor the activity and accounts of individual users of college computing resources, including individual login sessions and communications, without notice, when:

It reasonably appears necessary to do so to protect the integrity, security, or functionality of college or other computing resources or to protect the college from liability.
There is reasonable cause to believe that the user has violated, or is violating, this policy.
An account appears to be engaged in unusual or unusually excessive activity, as indicated by the monitoring of general activity and usage patterns.
It is otherwise required or permitted by law.

Any such individual monitoring, other than that required by law, or necessary to respond to perceived emergency situations, must be authorized in writing and in advance by the President or his/her designee. Every effort will be made to keep those records private, unless disclosure is required by law. The college, at its discretion, may disclose the results of any such general or individual monitoring, including the contents and records of individual communications, to appropriate college personnel or law enforcement agencies and may use those results in appropriate college disciplinary proceedings. Communications made by means of college computing resources are also generally subject to Ohio’s Public Records Statute, Ohio Public Record Act. O.R.C. 149.43 et seq., to the same extent as they would be if made on paper. At the termination of an individual investigative or monitoring process, both internally and externally of the college, the individual
within the college who has been monitored will be notified of the monitoring activity, unless the college is legally restricted from doing so.
Columbus State Community College’s World Wide Web pages are considered official college publications as well as campuswide information sources. As with printed publications, information regarding the college must be approved by the appropriate manager prior to being published on the college's home page.
Administrative and academic units of the college are encouraged to develop individual home pages as part of the college’s presence on the World Wide Web. Official college pages will be linked to appropriate, previously created, categories within the Columbus State home page.
This policy establishes a collegewide information security program. This program develops and maintains standards and guidelines for the protection of information in compliance with all applicable laws and regulations.
The President shall establish procedures to implement this policy.

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Procedure No. 15-01 (C)
Effective March 29, 2004

It is the policy of Columbus State Community College to make reasonable accommodations which will provide otherwise qualified applicants, employees, and students with disabilities equal access to participate in opportunities, programs, and services offered by the college. It is the intent of the college to provide accommodations to such applicant, employee, and student with a qualified physical, mental, or learning
disability unless to do so would fundamentally alter the nature of the program or service, would result in an undue hardship to the college, or would result in a direct threat to the health or safety of the individual or others.
Definition of “Qualified Person With a Disability” “Qualified person with a disability” refers to those individuals with a disability who meet the essential eligibility requirements for receipt of services or participation or work in the college’s programs or services. The college subscribes to the definitions of the Americans with Disabilities
Act of 1990 (P.L. 101-336) as follows: The term “disability” means, with respect to an individual, a physical
or mental impairment that substantially limits one or more of the major life activities of such individual. Individuals who have a record of such impairment or who are regarded as having such impairments are also
covered by this policy. According to the U.S. Department of Justice’s Title II Technical Assistance Manual, major life activities include but are not limited to walking, seeing, hearing, speaking, breathing, learning, or working.
Definitions of Reasonable Accommodations:

Reasonable accommodations for qualified employment applicants are modifications or adjustments to the application process which allow persons with disabilities equal access to employment opportunities as are available to persons without disabilities.
Reasonable accommodations for employment are modifications or adjustments to a job, the work environment, or the way work is performed which enable qualified employees with disabilities to attain an equal level of performance or to enjoy equal benefits and privileges of employment as are available to employees without disabilities.
Reasonable accommodations for qualified students shall include those services or auxiliary aids which will assist in ensuring that opportunities to access educational programs or services, to benefit from programs or services, and to participate in the delivery of programs or services are equal to those opportunities of students without disabilities.

Reasonable Accommodations

Policy No. 11-05
Effective June 26, 2000

It is the policy of Columbus State Community College to make reasonable accommodations which will provide otherwise qualified applicants, employees, and students with disabilities equal access to participate in opportunities, programs, and services offered by the college. It is the intent of the college to provide accommodations to such applicant, employee, and student with a qualified physical, mental, or learning
disability unless to do so would fundamentally alter the nature of the program or service, would result in an undue hardship to the college, or would result in a direct threat to the health or safety of the individual or others.
Definition of “Qualified Person With a Disability” “Qualified person with a disability” refers to those individuals with a disability who meet the essential eligibility requirements for receipt of services or participation or work in the college’s programs or services. The college subscribes to the definitions of the Americans with Disabilities
Act of 1990 (P.L. 101-336) as follows: The term “disability” means, with respect to an individual, a physical
or mental impairment that substantially limits one or more of the major life activities of such individual. Individuals who have a record of such impairment or who are regarded as having such impairments are also
covered by this policy. According to the U.S. Department of Justice’s Title II Technical Assistance Manual, major life activities include but are not limited to walking, seeing, hearing, speaking, breathing, learning, or working.
Definitions of Reasonable Accommodations:

Reasonable accommodations for qualified employment applicants are modifications or adjustments to the application process which allow persons with disabilities equal access to employment opportunities as are available to persons without disabilities.
Reasonable accommodations for employment are modifications or adjustments to a job, the work environment, or the way work is performed which enable qualified employees with disabilities to attain an equal level of performance or to enjoy equal benefits and privileges of employment as are available to employees without disabilities.
Reasonable accommodations for qualified students shall include those services or auxiliary aids which will assist in ensuring that opportunities to access educational programs or services, to benefit from programs or services, and to participate in the delivery of programs or services are equal to those opportunities of students without disabilities.

Procedure No. 11-05 (A)
Effective June 26, 2000

Employment Applicants:
Applicants for employment may request reasonable accommodations for the employment interview by indicating such request(s) on the college application form or at the time the applicant becomes aware of the
need for such accommodation. If the college requires additional time to review or arrange the requested accommodation, the employment interview may be rescheduled at a time mutually convenient to the applicant and the college.
Employees:

Employees of the college may request reasonable accommodations at any time they become aware of the need for such accommodations.
All employee requests for accommodations must be made in writing and must include (1) medical documentation of the functional limitations of the disability which necessitate the request for accommodation, (2) a statement describing the type of accommodation requested, and (3) a statement of how this accommodation would assist in the performance of essential job essential job requirements.
All requests for reasonable accommodations will be directed to the employees immediate administrator, who will review the written request, discuss the request and other options for accommodation with the employee, and consult with the ADA Monitoring Committee to ensure that all options for accommodation have been considered. For requests which require expenditures in excess of five
hundred dollars ($500) or for requests which would alter work responsibilities or assigned working hours, the appropriate Vice President/Provost(s) shall be consulted. The administrator will, after all appropriate consultations, prepare a written response to the request for reasonable accommodation. The response will indicate the disposition of the request and any conditions or changes determined to be appropriate in the approval or denial of the original request.
If outside sources are identified as being responsible for providing services identified as reasonable accommodations, employees may be asked to assist the college in securing such services.
The college reserves the right to deny accommodations which, despite their benefits to employees, would fundamentally alter the programs or services of the college, would impose an undue hardship on the college, or would result in a direct threat to the health or safety of the individual or others.
Employees not satisfied with a determination on accommodations may appeal the decision in accordance with the problem resolution policy in Section 3 26 of the Policy and Procedures Manual.

Applicants for College Programs and Services:

Applicants for any college program or service may request reasonable accommodations at any time they become aware of the need for such accommodations.
All applicants to educational programs will be advised at the time of scheduling a placement test of their right to request reasonable accommodations for the testing session. If the college requires additional time to review or arrange the requested accommodation, the testing session may be rescheduled at a time mutually convenient to the applicant and the college.(c) Any college-sponsored programs (job fairs, open house, workshops, etc.) will include in their registration procedures the appropriate methods for participants to request reasonable accommodations.

Students:

All requests for reasonable accommodations by students with disabilities will be directed to the Department of Disability Services. The student will be interviewed by department staff to obtain
staff to obtain (1) documentation of the functional limitations of the disability which necessitate the request for accommodations, a statement describing the type of accommodation requested,
and (3) a statement of how this accommodation would assist in the performance of essential curriculum requirements. Student requests will be reviewed on an individual basis by a multi-disciplinary team of professional staff members of the department, and the requests will be approved or denied. If additional
information is required, the team may consult with resources including academic departments, equipment vendors, vocational rehabilitation counselors, or others who may provide information helpful in determining the colleges response to the student request.
All student requests for reasonable accommodations will be reviewed by the college on an annual basis, and students will be provided an opportunity to initiate such review at any time they may identify the need for additional accommodations by filling out the Request for Services form which shall be available
in the Department of Disability Services.
Students will be informed of the time lines for requesting reasonable accommodations and the procedures for accessing approved accommodations.
Any accommodation request which includes a course waiver or a course substitution must also be approved by the chairperson of the academic department in which the student is enrolled.
Any accommodation which requires an expenditure in excess of five hundred dollars ($500) must also have the approval of the Associate Provost.
If outside sources are identified as being responsible for providing services designated as reasonable accommodations, students may be asked to assist the college in securing such services.
The college reserves the right to deny reasonable accommodations which, despite their benefits to students, would fundamentally alter the programs or services of the college, would impose an undue
hardship on the college, or would result in a direct threat to the health or safety of the student or others.
Students not satisfied with a determination on accommodations may appeal the decision in accordance with the student problem resolution process in Section 7 09 of the Policy and Procedures
Manual.

Sexual Harassment and Sexual Assault

Policy No. 3-34
Effective April 15, 1999

It is the policy of Columbus State Community College to provide a positive, discrimination-free educational and working environment. Sexual harassment of students, employees, or others working or visiting in the employment or academic setting will not be tolerated. Offenders will be subject to appropriate college adjudication processes and the full range of disciplinary action provided by college policy, up to and including discharge or dismissal. This policy and its procedures shall be the only internal college forum of resolution for sexual harassment complaints.

College community members or others who feel that they have been victims of sexual harassment in the work place or academic setting will be provided with appropriate support from the college. Members of the college community shall include all CSCC students, members of the Board of Trustees, faculty, staff, and administrators, whether full- or part-time.
Sexual harassment is behavior based on gender, sexuality, or sexual identity of persons that prevents or impairs their full realization of educational or occupational opportunities or benefits. What is often at issue is not sexual attention per se, but intimidation, coercion, or abuse of power. Such behavior is especially harmful in situations where the imposition of unwanted sexual attention is accompanied by the promise of academic or employment rewards or the threat of reprisal.

The college values and protects academic freedom. Since vigorous, open discussion of controversial issues can cause discomfort, and since vital teaching and learning can itself be the occasion for students, employees, and faculty to face difficult or awkward or painful matters, it is important for all to realize that this policy on sexual harassment is not intended to restrict serious discussion of controversial issues in academic situations.

No matter how carefully worded a definition of sexual harassment might be, unforeseen situations may arise which cannot easily be included in any definition. Thus, sexual harassment is defined to include but is not limited to the following:

“Quid pro quo” sexual harassment occurs when an individual’s submission to or rejection of unwelcome sexual conduct is the basis for decisions affecting such individual. This kind of sexual harassment usually involves administrators, faculty, or others in an evaluative position who use the following: Threats--firing, blocking promotion, transferring, or giving a bad evaluation or grade if a person does not submit to sexual advances; and/or Rewards--hiring, promoting, or giving a salary increase or grade if a person does submit to sexual advances.
“Hostile environment” sexual harassment covers severe, persistent, or pervasive actions which unreasonably interfere with job performance or create an intimidating, hostile, or offensive work environment even if it leads to no tangible or economic job consequences.
Examples of sexual harassment include but are not limited to the following:

Unwelcome requests or demands for sexual favors. This may include subtle or blatant expectations, pressures, or requests for any type of sexual favor, including repeated unwelcome requests for dates, whether or not accompanied by an implied or stated promise of preferential treatment or negative consequences concerning one’s employment or student status.
Unwanted and repeated verbal abuse or kidding that is sexual in nature, such as unwelcome sexual jokes or innuendos, graphic verbal commentaries about an individual’s body, sexually degrading words, or the display of offensive or sexually suggestive items.
Unwelcome or unwanted sexual advances. This may include patting, pinching, hugging, cornering, kissing, fondling, or any other similar physical conduct of a sexual nature.

Sexual assault involving physical contact, sexual battery, and rape are extreme forms of sexual harassment and are felony crimes in the state of Ohio. These crimes and possible penalties are defined in Title 29 of
the Ohio Revised Code.

As required by the Ohio Revised Code, Columbus State Community College’s Public Safety Department will notify the Columbus Police Department of all reports of sexual assault, sexual battery,
and rape for their investigation and prosecution.
If the accused is prosecuted in a criminal proceeding, the college may defer any internal disciplinary proceeding until after an appropriate decision by the criminal justice system.
In addition to prosecution under Ohio law, a student or an employee convicted of sexual assault, sexual battery, or rape may be disciplined by the college under college policy and procedures. If appropriate, a student would be disciplined under the Student Misconduct Policy No. 7-10 and Procedure No. 7-10 (D), up to and including dismissal from the college. If appropriate, an employee would be disciplined under college Policy No. 3-32 (Disciplinary Action) up to and including termination from
employment.

It is the policy of Columbus State Community College to investigate thoroughly and take appropriate action concerning any reported incidents of sexual harassment. The very nature of sexual harassment often makes it difficult to detect unless the offended person registers with the appropriate college representative his or her discontent. If anyone believes that he or she is being subjected to any of the abovementioned forms of sexual harassment, or is aware of someone who is being subjected to the above- mentioned forms of sexual harassment, he or she is strongly encouraged to bring this to the attention of the appropriate administrators listed in Procedure No. 3-33 (E).

Any person electing to utilize the Sexual Harassment/Harassment Procedure (No. 3-33 (E)), will be treated courteously, and the problem will be handled promptly and as confidentially as practicable. The registering of a complaint will in no way be used against the employee or student, nor will it have an adverse impact on the individual’s employment or student status.
The college reserves the right to use the full range of disciplinary action provided by college policy, up to and including discharge or dismissal, if any member of the college community brings a false complaint of sexual harassment. No complaint will be considered “false” solely because it can not be corroborated.
In cases of alleged sexual harassment, whether formal or informal resolution is sought, anonymous complaints will not be brought against any member of the college community.
The college will provide annual educational information for students and employees to promote awareness and prevention of sexual harassment and sexual assault.
Procedures related to this policy are detailed in the Sexual Harassment/Harassment investigative procedure, Procedure No. 3-33 (E).

Sexual Misconduct

Policy No. 3-35
Effective April 15, 1999

The policies and procedures of Columbus State Community College are designed to establish and preserve the academic mission of the college, and sexual misconduct in the work or academic setting will not be tolerated. Sexual misconduct is a serious violation of college policy and procedures, and offenders will be subject to appropriate college adjudication processes and the full range of disciplinary action contained in college policy, up to and including discharge or dismissal.
The college seeks to provide and maintain a professional learning and working environment and considers consensual sexual relationships in which one individual has direct responsibility for the evaluation of the other, or has responsibility for supervising, advising, or counseling the other in the course of carrying out his/her job responsibilities, to be unprofessional and subject to disciplinary action up to and including discharge or dismissal.

For example, such consensual sexual relationships are prohibited when a student is enrolled in a class taught by the faculty member, is an advisee, or is in some other way subject to the faculty member’s supervision as the faculty member carries out his/her job responsibilities. Also prohibited are consensual sexual relationships between staff or administrative employees and the students or employees they supervise, professionally advise, or counsel in the course of carrying out their job responsibilities.
To avoid being in violation of the sexual misconduct policy, those involved have the responsibility to notify the EEO Officer about their relationship and to seek a reasonable resolution.

The college will provide annual educational information for students and employees to promote awareness and prevention of sexual misconduct.
The registering of a complaint will in no way be used against the employee or student, nor will it have an adverse impact on the individuals employment or student status. However, any individual knowingly or maliciously making a false or frivolous allegation of sexual misconduct will be subject to disciplinary action up to and including discharge or dismissal.
Procedures related to this policy are detailed in Sexual Misconduct

Procedure No. 3-35 (E)
Effective June 26, 2000

Members of the college community alleged to be involved in a consensual sexual relationship, in violation of the Sexual Misconduct Policy No. 3-35, are entitled to an investigative process and, if appropriate, a formal hearing as detailed in this procedure.
The college will make all reasonable efforts to maintain the confidentiality of parties involved in a sexual misconduct investigation. However, confidentiality cannot be guaranteed. Parties involved and individuals cooperating in any investigation, including appearing at a hearing, should treat all information as confidential and not engage in public discussion of the case.
When the EEO Officer is made aware of the alleged consensual sexual misconduct and has determined an investigation is warranted, the process listed below will be utilized:

The Investigative Team as defined in Procedure No. 3-33 (E) appointed by the EEO Officer and the President to serve on a continuing basis to investigate sexual harassment complaints will conduct the institutional investigation of sexual misconduct and make written recommendations as to whether or not a formal hearing is warranted.
It is college policy to investigate thoroughly and to resolve any reported incidents of sexual misconduct. To accomplish this, the alleged misconduct must be brought promptly to the attention of the administration. Except under extraordinary circumstances, in order for the college to take effective action pursuant to the Sexual Misconduct policy, any employee, student, or other person with direct knowledge that someone has violated the policy should communicate the violation within 180 days of the incident. It is important that complaints be resolved promptly at each step. Every effort should be made by all parties to expedite the process.
The Investigative Team will be provided with a written summary of the allegation by the EEO Officer and will conduct an investigation into the alleged consensual sexual misconduct. The team will provide the respondents with the opportunity to respond to all appropriate information relating to the alleged consensual sexual misconduct and the opportunity to identify any person(s) who may have information that would be helpful to the Investigative Team. To the extent possible, the Investigative Team will protect the privacy interests of those involved and only provide the information to those designated under this procedure.
Promptly after completing their investigation, the team shall recommend whether the alleged misconduct warrants going to a formal hearing. The written report prepared by the team will have supporting logic and reasoning and will be submitted to the EEO Officer.
Within five (5) working days of receiving the Investigative Team’s recommendation, the EEO Officer will determine if the complaint should go to a formal hearing.
If it is determined that no hearing will take place, the EEO Officer will communicate the decision to the parties. The alleged policy violation will be considered resolved.
At any point during the process the EEO Officer could reach an agreement with the parties as to an appropriate resolution to the alleged policy violation.

If the EEO Officer determines that the complaint should go to a formal hearing, within five (5) working days the EEO Officer will select three (3) individuals to serve on the Review Panel.

The EEO Officer will select three (3) individuals from the Employee Problem Review Panel described in Procedure No. 3-31 (B) (8). If one or both parties in the complaint is a student, one of the three panel members will be chosen from a special pool of six (6) students approved by the Provost from candidates recommended by the Associate Provost. The Associate Provost will make recommendations from students who are members of honorary organizations on campus, or in some other way have distinguished themselves as being capable to effectively serve on a hearing panel.
Review Panel members will be selected by the EEO Officer according to the following guidelines:

One panel member will represent the respondent’s employment classification.
The panel will represent diversity.
The panel members will have no reporting or familial relationships to the parties involved.
The panel members will not be employed in the same work group or department as any of the parties.
The panel members will not have been previously involved in the complaint.

Within five (5) working days after the panel has been selected, the EEO Officer will schedule an organizational meeting of the Review Panel to accomplish the following items:

The panel will select a chairperson and a secretary who will produce the panel’s report of findings.
The EEO Officer will review the hearing process as described in this procedure.
The EEO Officer will provide the panel members and the alleged policy violator(s) with copies of documentation generated from the procedure to date.

Within a reasonable period after the organizational meeting, the chairperson of the panel will schedule and conduct the hearing according to the following guidelines.

To the extent possible the Review Panel will protect the privacy interests of those involved. Therefore, all individuals appearing before the panel will be advised not to comment on their discussions outside the proceedings of the hearing.
The complainant(s) and the respondent(s) will be allowed to have an advocate of their choice (as defined in the Employee Problem-Solving Procedure No. 3-31 (B), attend the meeting. Advocates may only consult with their party; they may not address the panel and may not ask questions. All advocates will be bound by the confidential terms of the hearing panel’s rules.
The EEO Officer will attend the hearing and represent the interests of the college.
The panel will consider information it has received in writing from the Investigative Team, as well as the statements and other documents presented to it during the hearing. The panel may request members of the college community and others to appear at the meeting, and if necessary, continue the meeting to a later date.
All persons other than the complainant(s), respondent(s), the EEO Officer, advocates of the parties, and the Investigative Team will be permitted to attend only during their own statements and questioning.
Persons bringing alleged policy violations will be invited to make a statement for the hearing panel. Panel members will be permitted to ask questions at the conclusion of these statements.
Persons responding to the alleged policy violations will be invited to make a statement to the hearing panel.
The Investigative Team will be invited to make a statement to the hearing panel members.

At the conclusion of the panels questioning, the complainant(s), the respondent(s), and the EEO Officer may ask questions of each other, but all such questions must be directed
to the chairperson.

Other persons may be asked to appear before the panel to make statements.
At the conclusion of the panel’s questioning, each of the parties and the EEO Officer may ask questions of the person providing information, but all such questions must be directed to the chairperson.
After the panel has heard from all other persons invited to appear, the panel members may ask further questions of all parties, the Investigative Team, and the EEO Officer.
The chairperson shall conclude the hearing, and the panel will retire to consider its decision.

Within a reasonable period after the conclusion of the hearing, the hearing panel will issue a written report to the EEO Officer that will contain one of the following findings with supporting rationale:

The college’s sexual misconduct policy has not been violated; The college’s sexual misconduct policy has been violated. To issue this finding, the panel must be convinced, in light of all the information presented, that it is more likely than not that the sexual misconduct took place.

The parties will have the option to submit a written response to the report of findings issued by the Review Panel. These responses must be submitted to the EEO Officer within five (5) working days of receiving
the report of findings.
Using the report of findings and the responses that have been received, the EEO Officer will consult with the President and Director of Human Resources and make the decision regarding the appropriate action to be taken, which may include disciplinary action up to and including discharge or dismissal.
The EEO Officer will then inform the respondent of the decision and the plans for corrective or disciplinary action, if any, and give the alleged offender an opportunity to respond. If disciplinary action is decided upon, the vice presidential administrator will send complete documentation of the incident to the Director of Human Resources to be placed in the offenders personnel file.
The EEO Officer will inform the complainant concerning the resolution of the complaint.
A record of every report of sexual misconduct received will become a part of a complaint investigation file. This file will be maintained separate from the employees personnel file by the college EEO Officer. If the offender is found to have violated the policy, a sealed letter will be placed in the personnel file summarizing the complaint incident and its resolution, including any disciplinary action that was taken.
Minor variations from this procedure which do not unreasonably prejudice the parties shall not be grounds to invalidate the process.
There will be no retaliation against an individual bringing forth a good faith complaint of sexual misconduct.

Student Conduct Policy

Policy No. 7-10
Effective June 26, 2000

Consistent with the educational mission of the college, Columbus State Community College students are expected to perform all work honestly, maintain prescribed academic standards, pay all debts to the college, and respect the property and rights of others. This includes any activity, on or off campus, which negatively impacts the college or its students or staff. To ensure the maintenance of an environment conducive to the attainment of the educational mission of Columbus State Community College, the President is authorized to establish such rules and regulations as are deemed appropriate and necessary for the orderly operation of the college. In addition to these rules, the behaviors enumerated in Academic Conduct Policy No. 7-11and Student Code of Conduct Policy No. 7-12may result in penalties up to and including dismissal from the college. Should the concern involve allegations or violations of civil rights, including but not limited to sexual harassment, sexual misconduct, and/or harassment, the matter shall be referred to the college’s EEO officer for disposition as stated in Policy No. 3-33, Policy No. 3-34, and Policy No. 3-35, respectively.

Student Code of Conduct

Policy No. 7-12
Effective June 26, 2000

General misconduct is defined as any behavior of a student which compromises the health, safety, peace, or property of any other student or college staff member or in any other way interferes with the operation of the college. General misconduct includes but is not limited to the following behaviors:

Inflicting or threatening to inflict bodily or emotional harm, whether done intentionally or by failure to exercise reasonable care, including threat or action in retaliation for making allegations of misconduct or the use of language which is personally and significantly abusive, degrading, and insulting to another.
Knowingly forging, altering, or misusing official college documents.
Having animals on campus except as may be required for a class, or for use of guide or support dogs.
Theft, malicious destruction, damage, vandalism, or misuse of College property or the property of others.
Disruptive or disorderly behavior including intoxication or indecent conduct and disruptive behavior in classes or on campus.
Failure to obey the directive of an authorized college official in the performance of his/her duties.
Causing, making or circulating a false report or warning of a fire, explosion, crime, or other catastrophe or tampering with any fire, safety, or alarm equipment.
Hazing, defined as any planned action or created situation, on or off campus, that is demeaning to an individual; produces significant mental or physical duress, or ridicule; or which recklessly or otherwise endangers the health or safety of any person.
Possessing an unauthorized firearm or other dangerous weapon on campus.
The use, distribution, or possession of illegal drugs or alcohol on campus or off campus at college-sponsored events.
Unauthorized solicitation, including selling, collecting of monies, and promoting on campus or within college buildings.
Participating in any unauthorized demonstration or activity which disrupts the functions of the college.
Entry upon the property of the college or into a college facility or any portion thereof which has been reserved, restricted, or placed off limits; or any unauthorized presence in any college facility after closing hours; or unauthorized possession or use of a key to any college facility.
Violating any state, federal, or local law on college premises or violating College rules or regulations.
Using or attempting to use electronically stored records, access to which has not been authorized by an appropriate college official.
Making copies of copyrighted computer software.
Inappropriate use of college computing resources as stated in Policy No. 15-01, Information Technology.
Violating the terms of disciplinary sanctions or any college regulation during the period that the sanction is in force.

The college shall establish procedures for the adjudication of violations of this policy.
Policies and procedures for harassment, sexual harassment, and sexual misconduct are stated in college Policy No. 3-33, Policy No. 3-34, and Policy No. 3-35, respectively.Policy 7-12

Procedure No. 7-12 (B)
Effective June 26, 2000

Violations of any provision of Policy 7-12 shall be reported in writing to the Associate Provost. The report shall include the date, time, place, and nature of the alleged violation along with any supporting documentation, including the statements of witnesses, where appropriate. Upon receipt of the alleged violation, the Associate Provost will notify the student by certified mail to the address last reported by the student, the charges against him/her, the time, place, and date of the hearing, procedures to be followed in adjudicating the alleged violation of the conduct code, and the witnesses to be called at least ten days before the scheduled hearing.

When the continued presence of a student charged with a code violation presents a potential disruption of the operation of the college or danger to others, the Associate Provost or designee may temporarily suspend the student without prior notice pending a meeting with the Associate Provost or his/her designee. This meeting will be held within two (2) days, excluding Saturday, Sunday, and campus holidays, to determine whether or not the continued presence of the student poses a threat to the campus operation or others. If, in the judgment of the hearing official, the continued presence of the student does pose such a threat, the temporary suspension will be continued until the hearing before the Student Conduct Committee.

In instances where potential sanctions related to the alleged violation do not warrant suspension or dismissal from the college, the student may elect to have the violation heard by the Associate Provost or designee. If this option is elected, the student agrees to abide by the decision of the hearing official and the hearing official’s decision is considered final, subject to the student’s right of appeal as contained in subsection (c) below.
In instances where the potential sanctions can include suspension or dismissal and the student is not in agreement with the sanction, the alleged violation must be referred to the Student Conduct Committee. The Student Conduct Committee is composed of six (6) members, including two (2) faculty appointed by the Provost, one (1) staff member and one (1) administrator appointed by the Director of Human Resources, and two (2) students appointed by the Associate Provost. The administrator shall serve as chairman of the committee. Four committee members shall constitute a quorum.

The student may be assisted in the hearing by a college advisor (an administrator, faculty, staff, or student). The role of the advisor is to provide advice and counsel to the student. The student may submit a written statement, may invite witnesses to testify on his/her behalf, and question a witness who appears against him/her. If the student elects not to attend the hearing, the charges will be reviewed as scheduled on the basis of the information available and a decision made.
After hearing testimony and reviewing the documents submitted, the committee will retire to consider the evidence and render a decision. In two separate votes, the committee will determine whether the student did violate the Student Code of Conduct (general) and, if so, what penalty to impose. Both decisions must be the result of a majority vote of the committee members present and voting.
Sanctions that can be recommended include:
• Formal disciplinary warning of more severe sanction for any further proven violations of the Student Code of Conduct and/or special projects or assignments designed to explore the impact of the code violation, as deemed appropriate by the hearing official or panel.
• Disciplinary probation for a specified period of time during which any additional proven violations of the Student Code of Conduct will result in suspension or dismissal and/or special projects or assignments designed to explore the impact of the code violation, as deemed appropriate by the hearing official or panel.
• Disciplinary suspension from the college for a period of time not to exceed three full academic quarters following the effective date the student is notified of the sanction, upon the expiration of which the student may re-enroll.
• Disciplinary dismissal from the college for four full quarters or more following the effective date the student is notified of the sanction, upon the expiration of which the student may petition the Associate Provost for reinstatement.
• For determination of the sanction only, the student’s past record will be considered.
Upon reaching its decision, the committee will forward its recommendations to the Associate Provost. Upon review and acceptance of the recommendations, the Associate Provost will notify the student formally by registered mail of the decision, with copies to the Director of Records and Registration. In the same notification, the student shall be informed of the procedure by which to appeal the decision.

A student found by the panel to have violated the code has the right to appeal in writing within thirty days of the committee’s decision to the Associate Provost. The only grounds for such an appeal are prejudicial procedural error, prejudicial error as to findings of fact, the discovery of substantial new facts unavailable at the time of the hearing, or the excessive severity of the sanction. If the Associate Provost determines that the asserted grounds for appeal are valid, the Associate Provost may either refer the charges to a rehearing by the committee or decide the issue based on the committee’s findings. The decision of the Associate Provost shall be final.

Student Rights and Responsibilities

All Columbus State students have rights and responsibilities.

Academic Conduct (pg. 46)
Affirmative Action (pg. 53)
Alcohol and Drug Use (pg. 53)
Clery Crime Awareness and Campus Security Act (pg. 9)
Grade Grievance (pg. 57)
Harassment (pg. 58)
Sexual Harassment and Sexual Assault (pg. 75)
Student Conduct (pg. 83)
Student Code of Conduct (pg. 84)
Student Right to Know (pg. 38)
Shared Governance - Students (pg. 35)
Written Student Complaint (pg. 90)

Student Suspension and Dismissal for Arrest and Conviction

Policy No. 7-08
Effective June 26, 2000

The conviction of a student of the college of any offense covered by Division (D) of Section 3345.23 of the Ohio Revised Code automatically effects his/her dismissal from the college, except as provided in Division (E) of that section.
A student of the college arrested for any offense covered by Division (D) of Section 3345.23 of the Ohio Revised Code shall be afforded a hearing, as provided in Section 3345.22 of the Ohio Revised Code to determine whether he/she shall be immediately suspended by the college.

Written Student Complaint

Policy No. 7-13
Effective December 1, 2005

Columbus State Community College encourages student communication with the administration, faculty, and staff regarding college operations and procedures and encourages students to use existing policies, personnel, and departmental offices to express specific concerns. Should a student deem that the existing policies, personnel, and departmental offices cannot address his/her specific concern or complaint, Columbus State Community College, in accordance with federal regulations, accepts and maintains records of formal written complaints filed with the office of the President, a Vice-President, or the Provost.

Procedure No. 7-13(A)
Effective December 1, 2005

Records maintained by the college concerning written student complaints include information about the disposition of the complaint and information regarding the referral and/or final resolution of the complaint.
Information about formal student complaints will be shared with the Higher Learning Commission of the North Central Association of Colleges and Schools; however, individual student identities will remain anonymous in the college’s institutional log. As part of continuing improvement efforts at Columbus State, all formal student complaints filed with the college will be examined and reviewed annually by the college.
If a student wishes to make a formal complaint, he/she must make this complaint in writing electronic submission is acceptable and submit the complaint to either the office of the President, vice-President, or the Provost. All complaints must include the student’s signature, or name in the case of electronic submission, and contact information so the college may respond and/or notify the student as to the status of the complaint.
Upon receiving a formal student complaint, the office of the President, a Vice-President, or the Provost, will keep a log of each complaint noting the nature of the formal complaint and the expectation, if any, the student has in resolving the complaint.
Once a formal student complaint is initiated, the office of the President, a Vice-President, or the Provost, will make a determination as to the exact nature of the complaint and forward the complaint to the appropriate college office/department or external agency for response or resolution.
Student filing a formal complaint will be notified when the complaint is resolved, or when actions are taken to address their specific complaint. The referring office will also be notified. Actions taken on formal student complaints and/or attempts to resolve formal student complaints will be logged by the office of the President, a Vice-President, or the Provost.

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Student Handbook

Table of Contents

Message from the President

Welcome to Columbus State!

This Student Handbook is full of useful and important information. We hope you will read it carefully, keep it handy, and refer to it as needed.

Getting Started

Apply for admission.

Apply for financial aid.

Request the following documents be sent to the Records and Registration Department (address below).

Send to:

Complete Orientation.

Placement Testing and Advising

Advising

Register and Pay Fees

Register with Disability Services (if needed)

Buy your books

Parking and Student ID

Locate your classrooms and parking areas

Welcome to Columbus State Community College

Academic Programs of Study

Adding a Course

Administrative Withdrawal Policy

Admissions

Advanced Placement Credit

Advising Services

Alumni Association

Animals on Campus

Athletics Office

Attendance

Bookstore: (located in DX)

Building Hours

Bus Service (COTA)

Cafeteria

Career Counseling

Career Assistance Center − Acloché

Cashier's Office

Change of Name, Address, Telephone Number, Program of Study, Social Security Number

Child Development Center

Children on Campus

Clery Crime Awareness and Campus Security Act

Clubs and Organizations

Community Education and Workforce Development

Community Outreach

COMPASS Placement Testing

Computer Labs

Copy & Print Shop (located in the DX)

Copy Machines

CougarID/StudentID Number

Counseling Services

Degree Audit Report (DARS)

Developmental Education

Disability Services

Disclosure for Students Pursuing Health, Human Services, and Related Programs

Distance and Online Learning

Diversity, Study Abroad, and Trio Programs

Educational Resources Center (ERC) − Library

Educational Talent Search

Emergency Evacuation Procedure

Faculty Advising for Students in Career-Technical Majors

Failing a Course

Felony Conviction – Currently Enrolled Students

Felony Conviction – New Applicants to the College or Returning Students

Fees

Final Exams

Financial Aid Office

Fitness Center

Food and Beverages

Fresh Start Rule

Golf Course (Bridgeview Golf Course)

Good as Gold Educational Program

Grades and Grade Point Average

Graduation

Health Insurance

HECC − Cross-Registration

Honors

Housing

Identification Card

Information

Information Technology

Intramural Activities