Student Handbook

Student Code of Conduct

Campus Disruptions

Section 3345.21 of the Ohio Revised Code authorizes the College to develop rules for the conduct of students, faculty, staff, and visitors. Persons who violate such rules or otherwise interfere with others’ abilities to benefit from College offerings may be removed from College property and subject to suspension or expulsion.

Introduction

Zane State College (hereby referred to as the College) seeks to provide a positive atmosphere in which individuals can pursue educational opportunities. To safeguard that positive atmosphere, the College has adopted a Student Code of Conduct Policy to set the standards for appropriate and inappropriate behaviors for students and to establish due process procedures consistent with regulations governing the College. The Provost/Chief Academic Officer or designee is charged with enforcing the Student Code of Conduct and the policies and procedures thereof. The Provost/Chief Academic Officer or designee will review the offense, decide an appropriate response to resolve the violation, and make a decision available to affected parties. Students subject to disciplinary sanctions have due process rights that provide avenues for a hearing and an appeals process. Confidentiality, in accordance with the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act, will be maintained in disciplinary action proceedings.

Jurisdiction

The Student Code of Conduct is applicable: on College owned or leased grounds, buildings, equipment, and facilities; at all College-sponsored activities, regardless of location; and outside the College and its facilities when a threat to safety is posed to any person within the College community.

Definitions

Within College publications, the term “College” means Zane State College.

The term “student” includes all persons taking courses at the College, both full-time and part-time, for credit and non-credit and persons who have been admitted to the College but are not officially enrolled for a particular term.

The term “faculty” means any person or group of persons hired by the College to conduct classroom activities.

The term “College official” includes any person employed by the College, performing assigned administrative or professional responsibilities.

The term “College community” includes any person who is a student, faculty member, College official, any other person employed by the College, or any visitor to the College campus.

The term “College premises” includes all land, buildings, facilities, and other property in the possession of or owned, used, or controlled by the College (including adjacent streets and sidewalks).

The term “misconduct” is defined as any behavior which compromises the health, safety, peace, or property of any other student, any member of the College community, guests or invitees of the College on property of the College, or in any manner interferes with the operation of the College.

The term “organization” means an association of individuals who have complied with the formal requirements of College registration of an organization.

The term “Hearing Board” means any group authorized by the Provost/Chief Academic Officer or designee to determine whether a student has violated the Student Code of Conduct and to recommend sanctions to the conduct.

The term “shall” is used in the imperative sense. The term “may” is used in the permissive sense.

The term “policy” is defined as the written regulations of the College as found in the College catalog.

The Provost/Chief Academic Officer or designee is the person designated by the College President to be responsible for the administration of the Student Code of Conduct.

Prohibited Conduct

Prohibited conduct subject to disciplinary action includes, but is not limited to:

1. The Zanesville campus is tobacco-free. Use of tobacco products is prohibited.
2. Physical or verbal abuse, intimidation, threats, or harassment of any kind to another person or group of persons, or action which threatens or endangers the health, well-being or safety of any person.
3. Participation in a hate crime.
4. Illegal or unauthorized possession or use of firearms, guns, knives, other weapons, explosives, dangerous chemicals, fireworks or other items with potential to cause harm or use of any such item, even if legally possessed, in a manner that harms, threaten or causes fear to others.
5. The use or possession of any illegal drug or inappropriate behavior caused by the use of such drugs.
6. The use or possession of alcohol or inappropriate behavior caused by alcohol intoxication.
7. Theft of property of the College or of any person physically located on College-owned or leased property.
8. Disruption or obstruction of, or leading or inciting others to disrupt or obstruct, teaching, research, administration, disciplinary proceedings, other College activities, including public service functions on or off campus, or other College authorized activities when the act occurs on College premises.
9. Behavior or actions inside the classroom which disrupt other students, faculty, or visitors. Note: This includes the use of personal electronic devices, including but not limited to cell phones and other personal message devices, which must be turned off during all Zane State College classes and academic functions.
10. Behavior or actions outside the classroom which disrupt the function of the College or interfere with the rights of other members of the College community.
11. Disorderly, lewd, indecent, or obscene conduct on College-owned or controlled property or at College-sponsored or supervised functions.
12. Deliberate or negligent destruction of, or damage to, malicious misuse of, or abuse of College, faculty, or student property or equipment.
13. Entry or use of restricted facilities, buildings or grounds, without approval of appropriate representatives.
14. Failure to comply with directives of College authorities acting in accordance with College policies, procedures, and adopted guidelines.
15. Falsification or misrepresentation of facts pertaining to admissions, financial aid, or other acts which result in personal or financial benefit, any College identification cards, parking permits, records, or information storage/retrieval systems.
16. Violation of the College Computer and Lab Usage Policy.
17. Intentional false reporting of a fire or bomb or other explosive device that allegedly has been placed on school property. Intentionally activating a false fire alarm or tampering with any type of safety equipment, including fire alarms, fire extinguishers, and smoke detectors.
18. Academic dishonesty including fraud, forgery, or knowingly furnishing false statements.
19. Abuse of the Student Code of Conduct and hearing procedures; violation of prior disciplinary rulings or sanctions.
20. Hazing, which includes recklessly or intentionally causing any action or situation which endangers the mental or physical health or safety of another person.
21. Sexual offenses, including, but not limited to:
    1. Sexual intercourse with, and/or sexual intrusion against, a person capable of giving consent, without such person’s consent, or a person incapable of giving consent.
    2. Sexual assault or abuse, statutory or acquaintance rape, sexual harassment.
22. Violation of federal, state, or local law.

Procedural Protections

Students accused of violating the Student Code of Conduct are entitled to procedural protections as follows:

1. To be informed of the charge and alleged misconduct upon which the charge is based.
2. To be allowed reasonable time to prepare a defense.
3. To be provided with the evidence upon which the charge is based and be given an opportunity to respond.
4. To request relevant witnesses be called forward and to question those witnesses.
5. To be assured confidentiality, pursuant to the terms of the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act.
6. In the instance that a hearing is conducted, to request that any member of the College Hearing Board be replaced due to personal bias or conflict of interest.
7. To be considered innocent of the charges until proven responsible for alleged actions by a preponderance of the evidence.
8. To be advised by a person of their choice.

Charges and Due Process

Due Process Hearings

1. Students accused of violating the Student Code of Conduct that may result in sanctions are entitled to a hearing. The student shall be provided with written notice of the specific charges at least five (5) working days prior to the hearing and shall have reasonable access to the case file prior to and during the hearing (excluding personal notes made by College employees or complainants). The student will have the opportunity to respond to the evidence and call relevant and necessary witnesses as well as have the right to be accompanied by an advisor. An accused student may waive his/her right to a hearing by providing such waiver to the Provost/Chief Academic Officer or designee in writing. In this instance the Provost/Chief Academic Officer or designee will conduct a disciplinary conference with the accused student. Upon conclusion of the conference, the Provost/Chief Academic Officer or designee shall have five (5) working days to provide the accused student with a written decision regarding whether the evidence supports a finding of violation of the College Student Code of Conduct and the imposition of sanctions based on this determination.
2. Students who choose to exercise their rights to a hearing will go before the College Hearing Board. The Hearing Board shall consist of three (3) voting members: one (1) administrator, one (1) other College employee from the ranks of administration, professional staff, or faculty, and one (1) student. The College President shall appoint the College Hearing Board and select one additional administrator to serve as the Hearing Board Chair.

Charges

1. Any member of the College community may file charges against any student for misconduct. Charges shall be filed in writing with the Provost/Chief Academic Officer or designee. Any charges should be submitted as soon as possible after the event takes place, preferably within thirty (30) calendar days.
2. The Provost/Chief Academic Officer or designee, or his/her designee, may conduct an investigation to determine if the charges have merit and/or if they can be disposed of administratively by mutual consent of the parties involved on a basis acceptable to the Provost/Chief Academic Officer or designee. Such disposition shall be final and there shall be no subsequent proceedings, pending an appeal hearing.
3. All charges shall be presented to the accused student in writing.

Disciplinary Sanctions

Behavior that interferes with educational objectives and programs of the College is unacceptable. Such behavior will result in disciplinary action. Disciplinary action may result in one or more of the following sanctions being imposed upon any student found to have violated the Student Code of Conduct:

1. Warning - A written notice to the student from the Provost/Chief Academic Officer or designee that the student is violating or has violated institutional regulations. This notice shall outline the regulation(s) violated, the future expectations of the student, and potential consequences for further violation.
2. Probation - A written reprimand to the student from the Provost/Chief Academic Officer or designee for violation of specified violations of the Student Code of Conduct. The probation shall include the specific violations, corrective actions to be taken by the student, a specified time period for correction of the violations, the specified duration of the probation, and potential consequences for further violations.
3. Restitution - Compensation for loss, damage, or injury. This may take the form of appropriate service and/or monetary or material replacement.
4. Dismissal from Class - The student is not permitted to attend a certain class or classes. The College will withdraw the student from the course(s) with no refund of tuition or fees unless the withdrawal takes place during the prescribed College tuition refund time frame.
5. Suspension - Separation of the student from the College for a specified period of time after which a student may be readmitted. To be considered for readmission, the student shall provide a written letter to the College President requesting readmission and providing rationale for the request. Specific procedures for request for readmission to the College may be obtained from the Provost/Chief Academic Officer or designee. In certain circumstances, to ensure the safety and well-being of College community and/or College property, to ensure the student’s own physical or emotional well-being, or if the student poses a threat of disruption of or interference with the normal operations of the College, the Provost/Chief Academic Officer, or his/her designee, may impose interim suspension prior to the hearing. During the interim suspension, which is effective immediately, the student shall be denied access to all campus facilities and activities to include classes. The student may report to designated College premises only upon notice to appear for the hearing or business related to the hearing on a specified date(s) and time(s).
6. Expulsion - Permanent separation of the student from the College.
7. Other sanctions may include, but are not limited to loss of privileges, fines, and withholding of transcripts.

Other than expulsion, disciplinary sanctions shall not be made part of the student’s permanent academic record, but shall become part of the student’s confidential record. Upon graduation, the student’s confidential record may be expunged of disciplinary actions other than suspension or expulsion, upon application to the Provost/Chief Academic Officer or designee. Cases involving the imposition of sanctions other than suspension or expulsion shall be expunged from the student’s confidential record five (5) years after final disposition of the case.

Appeals

1. A decision reached by the College Hearing Board or a sanction imposed by the College Hearing Board Chair, or a decision reached by the Provost/Chief Academic Officer or designee or a sanction imposed by the Provost/Chief Academic Officer or designee in the event the student waives his/her right to a hearing, may be appealed by the accused student(s) to the College Appeals Board within five (5) working days of the decision. Such appeals shall be in writing and shall be presented or mailed to the Provost/Chief Academic Officer or his/her designee.
2. The College Appeals Board shall consist of five (5) members: two (2) administrators, one (1) full-time faculty member, one (1) professional staff member, and one (1) student. The College Appeals Board shall be appointed by the Provost/Chief Academic Officer or designee who also will select the Appeals Board Chair.
3. If the decision of the Appeals Board is different than the Provost/Chief Academic Officer or designee decision, the final decision will be reviewed by the College Provost, in consultation with the President, for final determination. The Provost/Chief Academic Officer will make final and binding decision.

Reporting Incidents

All students and members of the campus community are encouraged to report violations of the student code of conduct and other campus policies, such as but not limited to, the Non-discrimination and Anti-Harassment policy and Sexual Harassment and Sexual Misconduct policy. See Something, Say Something, Do Something!

Reporters are encouraged to report such behavior within 60 calendar days of the alleged incident. Reports may be made directly to:

• The College through the online incident report (https://my.zanestate.edu/ICS/Report_Incident.jnz)
• Campus Safety Officer
• Local Police: 911
• Deputy Coordinator: 740.588.1236

In the event the incident is related to Title IX, sexual harassment, gender-based violence, or discrimination, reporters may contact the Chief Human Resources Officer (Title IX Coordinator): 740.588.1209 or the other individuals listed above.

Reporting Incidents Related to Minors

Incidents pertaining to specific violations of the Student Code of Conduct and violations of the Non-discrimination and Anti-Harassment policy and Sexual Harassment and Sexual Misconduct policy related to minors should be reported to the Provost/Chief Academic Officer or designee decision or others listed above as well as the appropriate local authorities as required by applicable law.

Alcoholic Beverages and Narcotics

The use or possession of any drug, narcotic, or hallucinogen is strictly prohibited on any property owned or leased on a long-term basis by Zane State College. Any violations will be considered grounds for possible dismissal from the College and legal action. Copies of the complete College Drug and Alcohol Policy can be obtained from the office of the Chief Student Affairs Officer.

Anti-Hazing

Zane State College is committed to providing an anti-hazing environment for all students. Zane State College strictly prohibits hazing in any form as prescribed in Ohio Revised Code Section 2903.31. Any member of the campus community, or individual(s) associated with an organization recognized by or operating under the sanction of the College, found responsible for violating this Anti-Hazing Policy may face disciplinary action from the College. Violations may also be subject to civil and criminal penalties under Ohio law. Copies of the complete Anti-Hazing Policy can be obtained from the office of the Chief Student Affairs Officer.

Student and Academic Support Services Information

Privacy of Student Information

All policies and procedures governing the collection, maintenance, review, and release of student records will be consistent with the principles and restrictions outlined in the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA) of 1974. Per FERPA, students must provide a written request to restrict the distribution of directory information.

Directory information includes student’s name, address, telephone number, program, email address, enrollment status, dates of enrollment, and honors awarded (i.e., Deans List, Presidential Scholar, scholarships with the amounts excluded). This public information is released upon request for campus news releases. Students have the option to determine whether or not this information will be listed in the Student Directory. Students not wanting this information listed must indicate this fact in writing to the Registrar’s Office.

All Zane State College students are entitled to review the contents of their personal files at the College. A request by a student to inspect and review his/her records will be granted within a reasonable period of time, but such time is not to exceed 45 days after the request has been made.

Records will be inspected and reviewed by the student in the presence of the Registrar or his/her designee. Records may not be changed or deleted during the process of inspection and review. The student has the right to challenge any portion(s) of his/her College record and will be instructed of the proper procedure to submit a challenge.

Identification Card

All students, part-time or full-time, must have a valid Zane State College identification card to receive in-person services on the College campuses. ID cards are issued once the student’s registration has been completed. A valid ID card is required for checking out materials from the library, requesting information, class admittance, taking tests outside of the classroom setting, gaining access to campus doors, and for entrance to various College functions throughout the year. This ID card may be received at The Technology Solutions located in College Hall, office C221.

Student Parking

Adequate parking facilities are adjacent to the College. Students should park in designated areas only and should exercise proper driving courtesy. Parking in inappropriate and restricted areas may result in a student being issued a parking ticket. An automobile registration sticker is required for disabled students’ reserved parking spaces. This sticker may be obtained from Public Safety. Repeated violations of vehicle regulations may result in suspension of driving privileges on campus.

Weather - Notice of Class Cancellations

Classes are not normally canceled due to weather conditions. Each student should evaluate conditions near his/her departure point when deciding whether to attend during inclement conditions. Should cancellation of day and/or evening classes be necessitated because of severe weather, announcements will be made over local radio and television stations and posted on the College’s website and social media accounts. Students may also register on My ZSC for Blackboard Connect, which will allow the student to receive text and/or phone messages from the College in the event of a situation or closure.

Emergency and Evacuation Plans

Information concerning steps to take in emergencies and evacuation routes are posted in each classroom. Students should make themselves aware of all such information for each class. Please dial 911 in the event of an emergency from any campus line. You may also contact the Campus Resources Officer at 740.588.4420 or 740.624.5612.

COVID-19 Pandemic

As a community, we value connection, and we realize that an individual’s actions impact those around them. During challenging and uncertain times, we need to lift each other up and act in ways that demonstrate respect and civility. Tough times will bring out the best in all of us. These expectations, as embodied in our Student Code of Conduct, are important to be mindful of while the ZSC community adapts to life during the COVID-19 pandemic. Please make every effort to embody the Zane State spirit on-campus, off-campus, AND online by continuing to be exemplary students and community members. This also means cooperating with college and government officials with guidelines on social distancing, personal hygiene, recommendations to wear masks, and other shared sets of principles. These daily actions reflect guidelines from public health experts that will allow us to create a healthy, safe environment conducive to the Zane State experience. Kindly remember, all conduct policies and regulations during this semester remain in effect and will be enforced. The student conduct process remains unchanged during these exigent circumstances. The Student Code of Conduct still applies to misconduct online, off-campus and on-campus, and will be immediately addressed. Students are expected to conduct themselves appropriately particularly when engaging and interacting with faculty, staff, and other students.

Student Amenities

Bookstore

The official online bookstore for Zane State College can be found at https://zanestate.ecampus.com/. Zane State students can sign in, “Via Your School Account” (ZSC user id and password), and shop by their schedule. The bookstore offers new or used textbook rental, purchase or eBook options at competitive pricing. If they are not offering the lowest price, they will provide a link to the Marketplace. The bookstore also offers a variety of Zane State College sportwear and graduation regalia. Financial aid can be used for qualified purchases beginning two weeks before the course start date.

Library Services

College library facilities are located in Herrold Hall, which provides an inviting atmosphere for leisure reading and studying. Materials may be requested through the Zanesville Campus Library website including access to services such as OhioLINK.

Student Lounges

Lounges are located in College Hall, Health Science Hall, Herrold Hall, and The Campus Center for the use of College students.

Student Housing

The City of Zanesville has numerous apartments and housing accommodations. Available housing is privately owned and operated.

Food Service/Vending

The Campus Center has hot food short-order facilities. In addition, many short-order eating establishments are located within ten minutes driving time of the Zanesville campus.

Health Services

Zane State College provides first aid and referral services only. A hospital is located within ten minutes from campus. For emergencies, students should dial 911. For non-emergency first aid, students should contact any Student Services Office or the Facilities Management office.

Student Rights and Responsibilities

Academic Integrity Policy

Academic integrity is fundamental to a successful academic community. At Zane State College, every faculty member and student subscribe to the Fundamental Values of Academic Integrity as defined by the Center for Academic Integrity: honesty, trust, fairness, respect, and responsibility (http://www.academicintegrity.org). This Academic Integrity Policy addresses behaviors that are considered to be academic misconduct and establishes procedures to be followed when such behaviors and/or acts occur. Academic integrity is expected not only in formal class and coursework situations, including online courses, but in all college relationships and interactions connected to the educational process, including the use of College resources. Both students and faculty are responsible for supporting and adhering to the fundamental values of Academic Integrity.

Academic Misconduct

Failure to act in accordance with the Academic Integrity Policy will be considered academic misconduct. The following statements outline infractions, which cannot be listed exhaustively for every case, that constitute academic misconduct. The Chief Academic Officer reserves the right to make final determinations of academic misconduct, especially for behaviors that are not listed here.

AIDING or ABETTING ACADEMIC MISCONDUCT: Providing material(s), information, or other assistance to another person with knowledge that such aid could be used in any of the violations stated in this policy or providing false information in connection with any inquiry regarding academic integrity.

CHEATING: Use and/or possession of unauthorized material or technology, such as portable electronic devices, audio recordings, notes, tests, calculators, or computer programs, during any written or oral work, including examinations, submitted for evaluation and/or grade; obtaining assistance from another person, with or without that person’s knowledge, on any written or oral work submitted for evaluation or a grade; furnishing another person with assistance or answers to any written or oral work submitted for evaluation or a grade; possessing, using, distributing, or selling unauthorized copies of any computer program and/or any written or oral work submitted for evaluation or a grade; allowing another person to do one’s work, written or oral, and submitting that work under one’s own name; taking an examination in place of another person; obtaining unauthorized access to the computer files of another person or agency and/or altering or destroying those files; altering a graded work after it has been returned, then submitting the work for regrading; submitting identical or similar papers for credit in more than one course without prior permission from the course instructors; aiding or assisting another student(s) in gaining an unfair advantage; completing another student(s) work for them and/or allowing another student(s) to use your work as their own; or, collaboration on assignments unless it is a team/group assignment unless permission is given by instructor.

DISHONESTY: Acts of academic fraud; attempt(s) by a student(s) to deceive an instructor; attempt(s) to hide or cover up information pertinent to student(s) coursework; or, falsification of records and or documentation.

FABRICATION: The falsification or inventing of any information, data, or citation in an academic exercise.

FALSIFICATION OF RECORDS AND OFFICIAL DOCUMENTS: Altering documents affecting academic records; forging signatures of authorization or falsifying information on an official academic document, grade report, letter of permission, petition, drop/add form, ID card, or any other official Zane State College document.

PLAGIARISM: Submitting another’s published or unpublished work, in whole, in part, or in paraphrase, as one’s own without fully and properly crediting the author with footnotes, citations, or bibliographical reference; submitting as one’s own original work, material obtained from an individual or agency without reference to the person or agency as the source of the material; submitting as one’s own original work, material that has been produced through unacknowledged collaboration with others without release in writing from collaborators; or, obtaining another person’s work through purchase, or otherwise, and submitting it as one’s own; or using one’s own work from previously submitted assignments without clearly identifying the work and/or without the permission of the instructor.

OBTAINING AN UNFAIR ADVANTAGE: Stealing, reproducing, circulating, or otherwise gaining access to examination materials prior to the time authorized by the instructor; stealing, destroying, defacing, or concealing library materials with the purpose of depriving others of their use; unauthorized collaborating on an academic assignment; retaining, possessing, using, or circulating previously given examination materials, where those materials clearly indicate that they are to be returned to the instructor at the conclusion of the examination; intentionally obstructing or interfering with another student’s academic work; or, undertaking an activity with the purpose of creating or obtaining an unfair academic advantage over other students’ academic work.

UNAUTHORIZED ACCESS TO COMPUTERIZED ACADEMIC OR ADMINISTRATIVE RECORDS OR SYSTEMS: Viewing or altering computer records; modifying computer programs or systems; releasing or dispensing information gained via unauthorized access; or interfering with the use or availability of computer systems or information.

Misconduct has NOT occurred when students:

• Have permission to work together on written or oral work and all contributors are named;
• Receive assistance from instructors, teaching assistants, or staff members involved in the course;
• Share knowledge about technology specific jargon or other language-specific information during the preparation of written or oral work;
• Engage in a general discussion about an assignment, the requirements for an assignment, or general strategies for completion of an assignment;
• Compare their solutions to an assignment in order to better understand the assignment overall; or
• Engage in discussion about course content or strategies in preparation for an assignment or examination.

General Responsibilities of the Faculty Member

The faculty member:

• Accepts responsibility for knowing and understanding the Academic Integrity Policy;
• Promotes academic integrity by making expectations clear on syllabi concerning assignments, examinations, homework, research, and group projects;
• Makes an effort to detect and prevent incidents of dishonesty and to report evidence of infractions; or
• Displays academic integrity.

General Responsibilities of the Student

The submission of work for academic credit indicates that the work has been done by the student. Sources for all work should be acknowledged and truthfully reported by the student. The student: • Accepts responsibility to read and seek understanding of the Academic Integrity Policy,

• Accurately represents his or her work,
• Refuses to be part of another student’s academic misconduct,
• Does not use fraud or dishonesty to advance his or her academic position,
• Works with faculty in mutual cooperation in complying with the Academic Integrity Policy, or
• Does not in any other manner violate the principle of academic integrity.

Academic Integrity Procedure

Incidents of academic violations (whether suspected or proven) are documented in the Maxient^© system. The procedure to follow for reporting violations of this policy are as follows:

1. Prior to reporting, the instructor collects the physical evidence. This may include original assignments, exams, email correspondence, etc.
2. The instructor will contact and inform the student that there is evidence indicating that an act of academic misconduct involving that student may possibly have occurred.
3. Before meeting with the student, the instructor will consult with the appropriate Academic Dean to discuss the range of possible academic consequences that may be appropriate, recognizing that the final determination will not be decided upon without first giving the student the opportunity to offer an explanation. The Academic Dean will check the student’s record for prior academic integrity violations at this time and report findings back to the instructor. If none are found, the process will continue with step 4. If a violation occurred previously, go directly to step 10.
4. The instructor will meet with the student to allow the student to review the evidence and provide a verbal and/or written explanation. NOTE: If a physical meeting is not possible, this step may take place by phone, email, virtual meeting system, etc. The instructor should document and summarize conversations in writing.
5. After hearing the student’s explanation, the instructor makes one of the following determinations:
   1. No academic dishonesty has occurred. In this case, no further action is needed.
   2. Academic dishonesty has occurred, but the instructor believes it was unintentional, stemmed from lack of knowledge, or for some other reason believes there was no intention to deceive on the part of the student. In this case, the instructor would move to step 6 and file an Incident Report, indicating the specific conversation and document that no further discipline is needed.
   3. Intentional academic dishonesty has occurred. In this case, proceed to step 6.
6. The instructor will file the Academic Integrity Reporting Form in the Incident Report system. The steps to file the report are as follows:
   1. In MyZSC, access the link “Report an Incident/Complaint” under Quick Links in the left sidebar.
   2. Select “Submit report for Academic Integrity Violations.”
   3. Complete the instructor information at the top of the form.
   4. For the section entitled “Involved Students,” provide student name, role, and student ID number. Note that multiple students can be reported in this area.
   5. Under “Incident Information,” complete all prompts and provide as much detail as possible regarding the violation.
   6. For the “Supporting Documentation” section, attach any documentation related to the incident, including summarized conversations.
   7. Submit the report.
7. Upon submission, the report is sent to the Chief Academic Officer. The Chief Academic Officer forwards the report to the appropriate Academic Dean without review.
8. The Academic Dean of the division receives the report and reviews the evidence. If the instructor deemed that academic dishonesty occurred but was unintentional, the Academic Dean simply reviews the report and closes the record. The Academic Dean will then formally notify the student that an incident has been recorded by certified mail delivery and electronic mail to the student’s college email account within five (5) business days. If intentional academic dishonesty has occurred and the instructor and Academic Dean agree regarding the consequence, the Academic Dean will formally notify the student of the consequence via certified mail delivery and electronic mail to the student’s college email account within five (5) business days. The Academic Dean will note the decision in the Incident Report system, indicating completion of the record.
9. If the faculty member and Academic Dean are not in agreement regarding the consequence, the Chief Academic Officer will be consulted collectively by the instructor and Academic Dean. If necessary, the Chief Academic Officer will make the final decision within five (5) business days of meeting and formally notify the student of the consequence via certified mail delivery and electronic mail to the student’s college email account. The Chief Academic Officer will document the final decision in the Incident Report system, indicating completion of the record.
10. If there are prior academic integrity violations, the instructor will be asked to document the current violation in Incident Report. The Academic Dean will then provide additional documentation in Incident Report and assign the appropriate consequence. The student will meet with the Academic Dean to discuss the potential violation. The Academic Dean may ask for the instructor’s assistance, if needed. Once the Academic Dean determines academic dishonesty has occurred, the Academic Dean formally notifies the student of the consequence via certified mail delivery and electronic mail to the student’s college email account within five (5) business days. At this time, the Academic Dean closes the case in the Incident Report system.
11. If a student requests a hearing, procedures will be followed as outlined under the Student Code of Conduct, “Hearings and Appeals” section.

Grade Appeals and Academic Complaints

Grade Appeals

Appeals and concerns regarding the validity of final grades must be initiated within 30 days after the end of a given semester. Students must adhere to the following steps when addressing grade appeals or academic complaints:

Step 1: Contact the instructor to discuss the issue.
Step 2: If not satisfied with the results of Step 1, visit My ZSC (https://my.zanestate.edu) and click “Report an Incident/Complaint” under Quick Links. Follow the instructions to submit a report. The report will be forwarded to the appropriate Academic Dean who will contact the student for further investigation and resolution.
Step 3: If still dissatisfied, a letter should be addressed to the Chief Academic Officer. The letter should clearly detail the steps that have already been taken and contain the facts of the case. A request for a hearing before the Chief Academic Officer should also be included.
Step 4: Upon considering information provided at the student hearing, the Chief Academic Officer shall make a final and binding decision regarding action of the grade appeal.

If no grade appeal is initiated within 30 days, the final, relevant academic decision will stand except for a case in which there has been an error in the mathematical calculation of the grade.

Academic Complaints

Students with academic complaints such as disruptive or inappropriate classroom environment, inappropriate instructor conduct, or degree completion must adhere to the following steps when addressing their concern:

Step 1: It is highly recommended that the student contacts the instructor to discuss the issue.
Step 2: If not satisfied or if the student is not comfortable meeting with the instructor, visit My ZSC (https://my.zanestate.edu) and click “Report Incident” under Quick Links. Follow the instructions to submit a report. The report will be forwarded to the appropriate Academic Dean who will contact the student for further investigation and resolution.
Step 3: If still dissatisfied, the student should submit a letter to the Chief Academic Officer. The letter should clearly detail the steps that have already been taken and contain the facts of the case. A request for a hearing before the Chief Academic Officer should also be included.
Step 4: Upon considering information provided at the student hearing, the Chief Academic Officer shall make a final and binding decision regarding action of the academic complaint.

Student Organizations

The College has numerous student organizations to increase student engagement. For a complete, current list of student organizations, please visit Student Services.

Zane State College Alumni Association

All Zane State College graduates are eligible to join the Alumni Association. The organization promotes the development of the College, keep alumni abreast of College news, and provide opportunities for social events.

Zane State College Program Clubs

Each student has the opportunity to take part in a program club specifically geared to his/her program or a division-wide club. Clubs provide opportunities for social and service activities and professional development.

Student Senate

The Student Senate is the governing body for students. The purpose of the Senate is to act as a communications link between the student body and the administration. For more information, contact Student Services.

LGBTQ Alliance

A supportive group of students who want to educate the campus community about the Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, and Questioning (LGBTQ) community, celebrate differences, and promote diversity.

Student Veterans of America Chapter

The Zane State College Chapter of Student Veterans of American is available to all prior service members. The Chapter strives to uphold the dedication that service members have done for so many years. The Chapter works to promote military service awareness on Zane State College campuses as well as assisting the community with Toys for Tots, Wounded Warrior Project, and other community service projects.

Institute of Electrical and Electronic Engineers (IEEE)

Electrical/Electronics Engineering Technology students have a student chapter of the Institute of Electrical and Electronic Engineers (IEEE) affiliated with the Columbus Chapter. Dues are nominal. Members hear speakers from industry and have the opportunity to attend national meetings and equipment exhibitions. Scholarships are also available through the organization.

Business Professionals of America

Students enrolled in business programs may belong to this organization. Each year state and national conferences are held where competitive events determine state and national winners.