College Policies

Convocation

At the beginning of each academic year, all MCCN students assemble at Convocation. This is an important event to start the new academic year. Graduate students are invited to convocation. Additional details will be announced when the Fall Semester begins.

Non-Discrimination

Mount Carmel College of Nursing does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, gender, age, religion, ethnic or national origin, veteran status, or disabilities that do not interfere with performing the practice of nursing as a student of nursing. The College is not discriminatory in the administration of its admission or academic policies, financial aid, scholarship program, or any other programs. An applicant’s need for financial aid will not affect acceptance as a student to the College.

Any individual who believes that he or she has been discriminated against is encouraged to discuss such matters with the President/Dean of the College.

Title IX

Mount Carmel College of Nursing does not discriminate on the basis of gender in admission to or employment in its education programs or activities. Inquiries concerning the application of Title IX and its implementing regulations may be referred to the Mount Carmel Title IX Coordinator (Robin Shockley, rshockley@mccn.edu, 614-234-5213) or to the Office of Civil Rights of the United States Department of Education (OCR).

Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA)

The College complies with the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act of 1974 (FERPA), as amended, which is designed to provide privacy regarding a student’s educational record. The Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA) affords students certain rights with respect to their education records. These rights include:

1. The right to inspect and review education records within 45 days of the day the College receives a request for access. Students should submit to the Director of Records and Registration written requests that identify the record(s) they wish to inspect. The Director will make arrangements for access and notify the student of the time and place where the record may be inspected. If the record is not maintained by the Office of Records and Registration, the Director shall advise the student of the correct official to whom the request should be addressed.
2. The right to request amendment of the student’s education record that the student believes is inaccurate. Students should write the College official responsible for the record, clearly identify the part of the record they want changed, and specify why it is inaccurate. If the College decides not to amend the record as requested, the College will notify the student of the decision and advise the student of his/her right to a hearing regarding the request for amendment. Additional information regarding the hearing procedures will be provided to the student when notified of the right to a hearing.
3. The right to consent to disclosure of personally identifiable information contained in the student’s education records, except to the extent that FERPA authorizes disclosure without consent. One exception which permits disclosure without consent, is disclosure to school officials with legitimate educational interests. A school official is a person employed by the College in an administrative, supervisory, academic or research, or support staff position (including MCHS law enforcement unit personnel); a person or company with whom the College has contracted (such as an attorney, auditor, or collection agent); a person serving on the Board of Trustees; or a student serving on an official committee, such as a disciplinary or grievance committee, or assisting another school official in performing his or her tasks. A school official has a legitimate educational interest if the official needs to review an education record in order to fulfill his or her professional responsibility.
4. The right to file a complaint with the U.S. Department of Education concerning alleged failures by Mount Carmel College of Nursing to comply with the requirements of FERPA. The name and address of the Office that administers FERPA is:

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

Directory Information

At its discretion, the College may provide Directory Information in accordance with the provisions of FERPA. Directory Information is defined as that information which would not generally be considered harmful or an invasion of privacy if disclosed.

Designated Directory Information at Mount Carmel College of Nursing includes the following: student name, address, telephone number(s), email address, date of birth, degree and major field of study, dates of attendance, class level, class schedule, expected date of graduation, full-time or part-time status, degrees and awards received (including honors), participation in officially recognized activities, and most recent previous educational institution attended.

Students may withhold the release of Directory Information by contacting the Director of Records and Registration to complete a FERPA Directory Information Disclosure Form. Please note that withholding requests are binding for all information to all parties other than for those exceptions allowed under FERPA. Students should consider all aspects of a Directory Hold prior to filing such a request and be advised that doing so will make this important information unavailable to all who might inquire, including prospective employers, credit agencies, and others to whom students may want this information known or verified. It is recommended that students carefully consider whether privacy of Directory Information outweighs the potential inconvenience of having it withheld.

Sexual/Verbal Harassment and Bullying

Mount Carmel College of Nursing is committed to maintaining an institutional climate that fosters an open learning and working environment. The College understands that sexual/gender harassment is unacceptable behavior and will not be tolerated or condoned by the College. Violations of this policy will result in disciplinary action up to and including dismissal.

Definitions

Sexual harassment includes repeated and unwelcome sexual advances, repeated sexually-oriented kidding, teasing or joking; flirtations, advances, or propositions; verbal abuse of a sexual nature; commentary about an individual’s body, sexual prowess, or sexual deficiencies; leering, whistling, touching, pinching, or brushing against another’s body; and the unwelcome display of objects or pictures that are sexual in nature that would create a hostile or offensive work environment.

Verbal harassment includes speaking to another person in a loud, abusive, rough, or threatening manner which creates an intimidating, hostile, or offensive teaching/learning/working environment.

Bullying includes repeated and/or severe, aggressive behavior likely to intimidate or intentionally hurt, control, or diminish another person physically or mentally. It could also include racial, religious, cultural sexual/sexist, homophobic, special educational needs, disability, and cyber (social websites, mobile phones, text messages, photographs, and email) bullying.

Investigation Procedure

Anyone who believes he/she has been the object of sexual/ verbal harassment or bullying should advise the President/Dean of the College. An individual will have up to 30 days after the alleged occurrence(s) to file a complaint. Strict confidentiality will be maintained, although the College will comply with all legal requirements including the reporting of legal violations to the proper authorities. Complaints will be investigated and all attempts will be made for prompt resolution. College administrators (President/Dean, Associate Dean of the Undergraduate Program, or Associate Dean of the Graduate Program) will strive to resolve the complaint to the satisfaction of the primary witness and the respondent. If the alleged incident is not resolved to the satisfaction of the parties involved, the matter will be brought forward to a hearing board comprised of one member of the Executive Team, two faculty members, one professional staff member, and one student as appointed by the President/Dean. The hearing process will ensure that all parties involved receive due process. All persons affected by a particular incident will be treated with respect and given full opportunity to present their side of the incident. All parties will be afforded due process and as much confidentiality as possible. Recommendations will be forwarded to the President/Dean for final resolution.

Any person found to be in violation of the Mount Carmel College of Nursing Sexual/Verbal harassment policy will be disciplined. Discipline will vary according to the severity of the violation, and could result in dismissal from the College.

Reporting Registered Sexually Violent Predators

Information Regarding Registered Sexually Violent Predators

The Federal Government House Committee on Education and Workforce passed House Rule 4504 which requires all colleges to establish a policy notifying parents and others on the availability of information about “sexually violent predators” enrolled in or employed at the College.

Ohio law requires that convicted sex offenders to register within the county in which they reside. In Franklin County, sex offenders register with the Franklin County Sheriff’s office for a designated time period. Sex offenders are classified as 1) sexually oriented offenders, 2) habitual sex offenders, and 3) sexual predators.

Registered Sexually Violent Predators Enrolled in or Employed at Mount Carmel College of Nursing

Mount Carmel College of Nursing will make available to the entire College constituency, information on any sexual predator who enrolls in or is employed at the College. The information is made available to the College by the Franklin County Sheriff’s Department and includes the offender’s name, address, physical description, photograph, and the offense of which the person was convicted. The file is located in the College office. Please contact the College President’s office for specific information on individuals.

The President’s office will notify the College community in writing if a sexual predator has been enrolled or hired by the College.

Drug and Alcohol Abuse Prevention

The College complies with The Drug Free Schools and Communities Act Amendment of 1989 (Public Law 101-226), which is designed to prevent the use of illicit drugs and the abuse of alcohol by students and employees. This law requires all colleges and universities receiving federal funds or any other form of financial assistance, including participation in federally funded or guaranteed student loan programs, to adopt and implement a drug and alcohol abuse prevention program. To comply with the law, a college must annually distribute to each student and employee:

1. Standards of conduct that prohibit the unlawful possession, use, or distribution of illicit drugs and alcohol by students and associates on the college’s property or as part of any college sponsored activity.
2. A description of applicable legal sanctions under local, state, or federal law for the unlawful possession or distribution of illicit drugs or alcohol.
3. A description of the health risks associated with the use of illicit drugs and the abuse of alcohol.
4. A description of any drug or alcohol counseling, treatment, or rehabilitation, or re-entry programs that are available to students and employees.
5. A clear statement that the college, consistent with local, state, or federal law, will impose sanctions against a student or employee who violates the standards of conduct.
6. A biennial review of its drug and alcohol abuse prevention program to determine the program’s effectiveness.

Standards of Conduct

In complying with the federal law, Mount Carmel is concerned about the welfare of its students and employees and wishes to demonstrate commitment to a drug and alcohol free environment. A drug and alcohol free environment will also serve to maintain quality services, reduce accidents, and increase productivity.

Corrective actions, up to and including termination or expulsion, for offenses and violations of this policy are handled through the Student Grievance Procedures. The Executive Team reserves the right to hear all cases.

It is the responsibility of each student to report to class, clinical, or any other College related function in a physical condition that allows for discharging his/her responsibilities. The following pertains to students or employees on College property, hospital property, while involved in clinical at any affiliating agency, or as part of any College sponsored activity. Students are subject to corrective actions, including termination or expulsion, for any of the following:

1. Unlawfully possessing, being impaired or under the influence, or using or distributing illicit drugs and/or alcohol.
2. Using prescribed medications that impair safe and/or efficient work performance.
3. Misusing prescription or nonprescription drugs.
4. Falsifying, or making grossly incorrect, inconsistent, or unintelligible entries in any hospital, patient, or other record regarding any drug or narcotic.
5. Being convicted or confined by a court for intemperate use of or addiction to alcohol or other chemical substance.
6. Possessing, selling, or consuming alcoholic beverages in any form on College premises or College related premises.
7. Habitually indulging in the use of controlled substances, other habit-forming drugs, alcohol, or other chemical substances to an extent that impairs ability to practice nursing or perform one’s College related responsibilities.
8. Impairment of ability to practice according to acceptable and prevailing standards of safe nursing care because of physical, psychological, or mental disability related to the use of alcohol or other drugs or because of dependency on or excessive use of alcohol or other drugs.
9. Smoking and/or possessing any illegal drug including marijuana.
10. Obtaining, prescribing, possessing, or administering any controlled substance, dangerous or illegal drug, or alcoholic beverages in violation of the law, to oneself or to another person.
11. Unlawful possession includes any illegal or unlawful drug or any controlled substance and is not limited to any narcotic including opium (morphine, codeine, heroin) coca leaves, or any other substance not chemically distinguishable.
12. Knowingly making, obtaining, or possessing drug abuse instruments whose customary and primary purpose is for the administration or use of a dangerous or illegal drug.
13. Obtaining any dangerous or illegal drug by attempting or committing a theft.
14. Knowingly or intentionally forging, making, selling, or possessing a false or forged prescription.

Description of Drug or Alcohol Counseling

If a person’s behavior, cognitive, or psychological functioning is disruptive or altered significantly, the person will be counseled by an administrator, a faculty member, or professional staff member. The person may be requested to submit to drug/alcohol screening for cause. Refusal to comply may result in termination from the College.

Following drug/alcohol screening and initial counseling, the following steps will be implemented. The student will:

1. take responsibility for recovery;
2. agree that permanent abstinence is mandatory;
3. sign a contract for treatment with an agency approved by the College;
4. procure a sponsor and enter into a long term therapeutic relationship with that College approved sponsor; and
5. provide the College with ongoing progress reports regarding treatment.
6. The student and the College will maintain a confidential relationship regarding the treatment.

The contract between the student and College must include:

1. Type of therapy implemented (i.e., group, individual, support)
2. Periodic blood and urine screening
3. Attendance at Alcoholics Anonymous and/or Narcotics Anonymous, as deemed necessary
4. Regular contact with designated persons in the College
5. Length of time contract will be valid
6. Statement regarding confidentiality

Students may remain in College with the following stipulations:

1. Maintain a satisfactory (“C” or higher) academic standing
2. Maintain personal and professional integrity
3. Meet all the contractual stipulations
4. Remain free from all illicit drugs and alcohol

Sanctions

Mount Carmel College of Nursing will impose sanctions on students consistent with local, state, and federal law. The sanctions may include, but are not limited to, expulsion or termination from the College of Nursing and referral for prosecution for violations of the Standards of Conduct.

Substance Abuse Testing

All students entering Mount Carmel College of Nursing are tested for drug and substance abuse. This is a mandatory requirement. The nominal fee for this testing will be charged to the student’s MCCN account. If a student has additional testing through Secure Check, the additional fee will be charged to the student’s MCCN account.

Positive Results

If the student tests positive for non-prescribed controlled or illegal substances and/or alcohol, the student will meet with the College President and/or the Mount Carmel Health System Director of Employee Health, or the Undergraduate Associate Dean, and the following procedures will be enforced:

1. The student will be placed on non-academic probation and issued a final written warning. A second positive test will result in dismissal from the College.
2. Immediate referral will be made to the Mount Carmel Health System Employee Assistance Program (HelpNet) for assessment and possible referral to a trained substance abuse counselor at the student’s expense, or other appropriate treatment plan.
3. The student must not participate in any clinical experience until the HelpNet assessment has been completed, and a decision made by the intake specialist that the student is safe to participate in clinical experiences.
4. Permission will be granted by the student for the counselor to notify the College President of the recommended treatment plan and recommendation regarding safe return to patient care activities. The College President will also be given permission to verify the student’s continued compliance with the treatment plan.
5. The student will agree to random urine screens, at the student’s expense, as dictated by the College. A second positive test will result in dismissal from the College.
6. The College has the right to remove the student from patient care settings if the determination is made that patient safety would be compromised.

If a student refuses assistance or fails to successfully complete the recommended rehabilitation program, the student will be dismissed from the College.

Confidentiality of Screen Results

Drug/alcohol screen results are kept in strict confidence. Results of screenings may be released to the College President and/or Associate or Assistant Dean. Results may also be shared with the providers facilitating treatment of the student, Mount Carmel Health System Employee Health Services, and Mount Carmel’s Medical Review Officer.

Failure to Participate

Any student who refuses to be screened for non-prescribed controlled or illegal substance and/or alcohol, on initial or follow up tests, will be considered to have tested positive and will be required to follow the substance abuse procedures.

Frequency of Testing

All students will be tested for use of illicit drugs and alcohol abuse during their first semester of enrollment in the College. Following this initial testing, several students will be randomly selected yearly for testing; the fee for random testing will be charged to the student.

Statement on AIDS

Mount Carmel College of Nursing is committed to providing a healthy and caring environment. This commitment, as well as a College philosophy that respects the personal worth and dignity of each individual, undergirds the AIDS policy of the College.

It is the policy of MCCN that no one within the College community shall be discriminated against, based on the perception that an individual has AIDS or an AIDS related condition. Students, faculty, and staff with suspected or confirmed AIDS related conditions are entitled to equal access to College facilities and curricular and extra-curricular activities as long as their medical condition permits.

AIDS Testing

There is no pre-admission or routine AIDS testing of prospective or current students, faculty, or staff. Any AIDS testing is self-initiated and done on a voluntary basis.

In the event that a student is exposed to the blood or body fluids of a patient or associate in the clinical setting, and is in need of serologic testing for the HIV antibody, the Mount Carmel Health Human Immunodeficiency Virus Testing Policy and Procedure will be followed.

Students, Faculty, or Staff who have contracted AIDS: Rights and Responsibilities

Persons with AIDS may be considered by law to have handicapping conditions, therefore, the individual with AIDS has a legal right to remain enrolled in coursework or employed as long as their medical condition permits and they are able to meet acceptable performance standards. Individuals are also entitled to confidentiality of their medical condition and records.

Faculty and staff who know or suspect they have AIDS are encouraged to report this information to the Dean of the program and to the President/Dean of the College. Students are encouraged to report this information to the Student Health Nurse who can assist the student in securing proper medical supervision, counseling, and health teaching, as well as informing the student of the presence of infectious diseases on campus that could compromise the individual’s health.

It is also the responsibility of the student to seek counseling and education regarding the modes of transmission of AIDS. Additionally, if a student requests job or educational accommodation based on his/her medical condition, it is the responsibility of the student to obtain a written medical opinion that she/he is medically able to work and needs reasonable job or educational accommodation in order to maintain employment or association with the College. Students and faculty who have contracted AIDS and have patient care contact must remain cognizant of the client needs. The student or faculty member’s medical condition must not jeopardize client safety.

Confidentiality

The confidentiality of the student with AIDS is protected. No specific information concerning diagnosis shall be provided to any persons, including College administrators, faculty, professional, or support staff (other than the President/Dean and appropriate Dean) without the expressed written consent of the student. No information can be released to another person, agency, insurer, or institution without the prior written consent of the student involved. The College will observe the public health reporting requirements for AIDS.

Missing Students

The Federal Government, through House Rule 4504, requires that colleges establish a policy on the reporting of missing students. Missing Students are identified by the College as those who have missed 10 consecutive classes and have not notified the College of their absence; or have been noted missing by classmates or others. Missing students should be reported to a College Administrator.

Parents, guardians, or the next of kin as noted on College records will be notified of the student’s absence. If the parents, guardians, or next of kin cannot be reached, the College will notify the local police. The College will cooperate fully with the police in their investigation of the missing student.

Student Complaints

Only complaints made formally in writing, signed by the student, and addressed to and submitted to a College Executive (President/Dean, Associate Dean of the Graduate Program, Associate Dean of the Undergraduate Program, Assistant Dean of Online Learning, Director of Records and Registration, or Director of Business Affairs) will be formally tracked and pursued. Complaints sent by email or by fax do not constitute formal, written complaints.

The College Executive who receives the written formal complaint will respond to the student in writing regarding institutional actions(s) taken in response to the complaint. This policy does not circumvent any written College policies.

Mount Carmel College of Nursing will share information about formal written complaints in which there is verification of violation of College policy with the North Central Association Higher Learning Commission accreditation team evaluators or U.S. Department of Education affiliate agencies, but will not reveal the student’s identity without the expressed consent of the student.

The following information will be recorded by Mount Carmel College of Nursing:

1. The date the complaint was formally submitted to a College Executive;
2. The nature of the complaint (e.g., dispute about a grade, allegation of sexual harassment, etc.);
3. The steps taken by the institution to resolve the complaint;
4. The institution’s final decision regarding the complaint, including referral to outside agencies; and
5. Any other external actions initiated by the student to resolve the complaint, if known to the institution (e.g. lawsuit, EEOC investigation, etc.).

All documented information regarding student complaints will be maintained in the Office of the President/Dean.

Constitution Day

The College complies with legislation requiring all federally funded educational institutions to offer instruction pertaining to the United States Constitution each year in mid-September. Constitution Day commemorates the September 17, 1787, signing of the Constitution. If this date falls on a weekend, the observation will be held during the preceding or following week.

Voter Registration

Mount Carmel College of Nursing will distribute voter registration forms to all enrolled students no less than 60 days before the published voter registration deadline for any state or federal election.

Weapons on Campus

Mount Carmel College of Nursing has established the following policy in accordance with State of Ohio law: Mount Carmel College of Nursing prohibits the possession, use, or storage of firearms or other dangerous weapons anywhere on the College or Mount Carmel Health System campuses. In addition, this policy applies to any College student or employee when functioning in any role, regardless of location, while representing the College.