Student Code of Conduct

It is understood that the administration, faculty, staff and student body share in the responsibility of upholding the Mission and Core Values of Mount Carmel College of Nursing. The Code of Conduct, strives to:

• ensure the integrity of the nursing and allied health professions;
• create an academic and professional environment that reflects the College’s Mission and Core Values;
• reflect the policies of the College on standards of conduct; and
• follow the policies on nursing practice from the Ohio Board of Nursing.

In accordance with the above, faculty, staff, and students will commit to:

Academic Excellence

• Achieving the highest level of academic excellence through honesty and integrity both in and out of the classroom and in clinical settings.
• Striving to embody excellence and providing the highest quality work in the academic and in the clinical settings.
• Acting in a professional manner while in the College of Nursing and in all activities, functions, and clinical sites associated with the College and the profession of nursing.

Respect

• Contributing to creating a safe, respectful, and supportive atmosphere for teaching and learning.
• Regarding privacy and confidentiality as essential obligations.
• Communicating with peers, staff, and faculty in a professional and respectful manner.
• Taking responsibility for my words and actions.
• Following the appropriate chain of command.

Compassion

• Demonstrating a commitment to the attributes of compassion, empathy, altruism, responsibility, and tolerance.
• Demonstrating caring behaviors at all times.
• Respecting individual diversity through a non-judgmental attitude and approach.
• Working to become a creative problem solver.

Social Responsibility

• Refusing to tolerate discrimination, harassment, retaliation, disrespect, or bullying.
• Committing to bring any act of discrimination, harassment, retaliation, disrespect, or bullying to the attention of the administration.
• Refusing to tolerate incidents of dishonesty or lack of integrity.
• Committing to bringing incidents of dishonesty or lack of integrity to the attention of the administration.

Diversity

• Creating a culture and climate of inclusion that welcomes and celebrates diversity.

Scope and Jurisdiction

All MCCN policies, unless otherwise noted, apply to both on-campus and off-campus conduct, academic, educational, co-curricular, and other MCCN programs in which affiliated faculty, staff, vendors, and students participate. Specifically for Title IX related sexual violence policies, MCCN jurisdiction when the occurrence was alleged to have occurred within the College’s location, events, or other circumstances (including clinical setting) where MCCN has substantial control of the respondent and context for the occurrence. Students are expected to abide by federal, state, and local laws and ordinances, as well as to adhere to all College policies and procedures (at all times during their tenure with the College). In cases where students engage in any prohibited conduct, the student is subject to disciplinary action. The Student Code of Conduct encompasses policies listed below and within this Catalog-Handbook. 

Statement of Student Responsibility

Students are solely responsible for knowing and following Mount Carmel College of Nursing policies and procedures and for their own successful progress and completion of the degree program and requirements they select. While advisors are available to help students with course selection, each student is responsible for seeking clarification regarding progression through the curriculum. At all times, each student is also responsible for seeking clarification and/or assistance from faculty, staff, or administrators.

Academic and Professional Standards

Mount Carmel College of Nursing (MCCN) faculty and staff are dedicated to facilitating student development of intellectual, moral, and professional standards. This development requires the student to become increasingly responsible for self-directed and engaged learning, thus practicing and achieving academic and professional standards in order to become a highly educated, skilled, and professional nurse.

The nursing profession demands that the individual in practice be responsible, accountable, self-directed, and professional in behavior. The process of becoming a professional begins upon entering a professional education program such as the programs offered at MCCN. Opportunities to develop and practice these qualities exist in the student role. MCCN expects that students will demonstrate their professionalism by:

• Attending all clinical experiences and all classes (onsite or online).
• Exhibiting courteous behaviors in the classroom, clinical sites, while on the MCCN campus, within Residence Halls, and while representing MCCN at community events.
• Being prepared for class and clinical assignments, being punctual for classes and MCCN appointments.
• Being respectful toward all members of the MCCN community (faculty, staff, and students; particularly in the Residence Halls and even “off duty”).
• Being conscious of information shared over all social media platforms-in personal and professional communications and especially over MCCN-sponsored social media platforms.
• Using effective communications, verbally and non-verbally, by remembering always the MCHS/MCCN guiding behaviors:
  • We support each other in serving our students, patients, and communities.
  • We communicate openly, honestly, respectfully, and directly.
  • We are fully present.
  • We are accountable.
  • We trust and assume the goodness of intentions.
  • We are continuous learners.

Academic Dishonesty/Violations of Standards of Academic Integrity:

• Plagiarism: Plagiarism, whether intentional or unintentional, violates standards of academic integrity. Plagiarism is the act of submission of work that is not the student’s own work or submitting the ideas, writings, or thoughts of another person without proper documentation; use of someone’s exact words as quotes in assignments without proper citation; also use of material from the internet without proper citation, etc. Students are responsible for educating themselves as to the proper mode of attributing credit, where credit is due.
• Self-Plagiarism: Students are required to submit original work for all courses; papers and written work submitted for one course may not be used for an assignment in another course, this includes work first produced in connection with classes at MCCN or other institutions attended by the student, except with prior and explicit approval of all faculty members to whom the work will be submitted. Submitting duplicate work is considered self-plagiarism and violates standards of academic integrity.
• Cheating: Cheating is the use or attempted use of unauthorized materials, information, study aids, or unauthorized collaboration on in-class examinations, take-home examinations, or other academic exercises. It is the responsibility of the student to consult with the professor concerning what constitutes permissible collaboration. Cheating or assisting another student to cheat in connection with an examination or assignment violates standards of academic integrity. Examples of cheating include, but are not limited to: using notes or textbooks without the instructor’s consent, looking at another person’s paper, bringing items with notes written on them with the intent of using the notes during an exam, communicating with another student during an examination, using electronic devices (phones, wristwatches) without the instructor’s consent.
• Fabrication: Defined as constructing, manufacturing, inventing, or creating for the sake of deception, any classroom or clinical assignment; forging or falsifying any clinical or academic information; documenting clinical hours that were not actually completed; falsifying any patient record or other document used during clinical experiences. Fabrication includes submitting false data, data that has been fabricated, altered or contrives in such a way as to be deliberately misleading. Fabrication also includes falsifying academic documentation.
• Using False Citations: False citation is the attribution of intellectual property to an incorrect or fabricated source with the intention to deceive.

Standards Outlined by Professional Nursing Organizations

The National Student Nurses Association, as well as the Ohio Board of Nursing stipulate Codes of Professional, Academic, and Clinical Conduct. These codes are fully supported by MCCN and students are expected to be familiar with and follow these codes (National Student Nurses Association). The conduct of nursing students in providing patient care is also regulated by the state of Ohio through the Ohio Board of Nursing in accordance with Ohio Revised Code 4723-5-12(C). These codes are fully supported by MCCN and students are expected to be familiar with and follow these codes (Ohio Board of Nursing). A full list of the student conduct in the nursing care of patients law and rule are listed in the student catalog-handbook.

Academic Success Plans

Upon identified academic concern the faculty member will meet with the student providing direct and specific feedback of the identified concern.  The faculty member and student will collaborate to set goals using the SMART GOAL worksheet to facilitate academic improvement. The faculty member will monitor the progress of the SMART GOALS with the student, ensuring the student is the owner of the SMART GOAL document.  If the student’s academic performance does not improve, the faculty member will review criteria for Academic Referral with the student and then initiate the referral in accordance with the Academic Care Team Referral Flow Chart.

If a Care Team Referral is made, the Student Success Center will contact the student and provide ongoing support structures to assist the student with achieving their academic goals. The SMART GOAL worksheet will be the document used to support the on-going plan of intervention with the student.

Attendance

Class and clinical attendance is required at Mount Carmel College of Nursing. Each course syllabus includes faculty requirements for specific class and clinical attendance.

• An onsite program student listed on the class roster who has not attended class or clinical by the second class or clinical day and has not been excused will be administratively withdrawn from the class.
• A Second Degree Accelerated Program student who is absent without excuse may be withdrawn from the class and from the Program.
• An online student listed on the class roster who has not attended class, or participated in the online class, by the end of the first week of class and has not been excused will be administratively withdrawn from the class.
• In all cases, the faculty of the class must notify the Office of Records and Registration with the name of the absent student.

Illness during class or clinical: A student who becomes ill or injured during class or clinical time will notify the instructor who will initiate an appropriate plan of action based on the circumstances and in accordance with related College policies. Students in onsite classes who have been admitted as a hospital inpatient or seen for treatment in a hospital Emergency Department must submit a signed release in order to return to class and/or clinical. This signed release must be submitted to the Director of Compliance and Safety prior to the student’s return to class and/or clinical. The release must clearly identify all restrictions and the length of time the restrictions apply.

Absences in Clinical or Lab-Based Courses:

Nursing Clinical or Lab:

• A student missing more than 1 day (for courses with 99 or fewer scheduled clinical or lab hours) or 2 days (for courses with 100 or more scheduled clinical or lab hours) of clinical or lab, may be withdrawn from the course. Students that are withdrawn from a course are subject to the Academic Progression Policy.

Nursing and Science Labs:

• Students hold the accountability and responsibility for content associated with missed labs. 

Clinical or Lab Make-up Requirements:  

• Students are required to make up all missed lab or clinical experience and are responsible for the payment of any clinical or lab make-up fees (minimum of $55/hour for the total number of missed hours). 

Clinical or Lab Orientation:  

• Students who miss clinical or lab orientation may be administratively withdrawn from the course in which they missed orientation.

By the approval of the Academic Dean, a student will be dropped from a nursing clinical course if patient/client safety is at risk, and a grade of “W” will be posted to the student’s academic transcript

Reporting Absence for Clinical or Lab 

Students who are unable to be present for clinical or lab experiences must notify the Course Coordinator and or the clinical facility and clinical faculty member as indicated, at least two hours prior to the scheduled start time for the experience. Student should refer to their clinical syllabi for individual agency or faculty instructions regarding absences reporting.

As absence reporting processes are in place to establish student conduct that is in concert with behaviors expected of working professionals, if notification is not given the student may be subject to disciplinary action in accordance with the Academic and Professional Conduct Committee.

Bullying

Mount Carmel College of Nursing is committed to maintaining an institutional climate that fosters an open learning and working environment. It is the College’s policy that bullying and oral harassment are unacceptable behaviors that will not be tolerated or condoned by the College.

Bullying includes repeated and/or severe, aggressive behavior likely to intimidate or intentionally hurt, control, or diminish another person physically or mentally.  It also includes speaking to another person in a loud, abusive, rough, or threatening manner which creates an intimidating, hostile, or offensive teaching/ learning/working environment. It could also include racial, religious, cultural, homophobic, special educational needs, disability, and cyber (social website, mobile phones, text messages, photographs, and email) bullying.

Any bullying alleged to be based on:

• gender or sex will be processed the Title IX Policy and any reports are to be made under the procedures set forth in that policy; or
• any other protected class will be processed under anti-discrimination and harassment policies and any reports are to be made under the procedures set forth in that policy.

A student is encouraged to report any other alleged instances of bullying to the Director of Compliance and Safety. The Director of Compliance and Safety may be contacted at 614-234-2341 or compliance@mccn.edu. The Director of Compliance and Safety will assist the student in determining which internal process is appropriate. 

If the complaint is against or involving an employee, the Director of Compliance and Safety will work collaboratively with to MCHS Colleague Resources on the resolution.

If the complaint is against a student, the Director of Compliance and Safety will conduct an investigation to determine whether a violation of this Policy has occurred, including the extent and severity of the violation. Every effort will be made to resolve the Complaint.

Depending on the severity of the Complaint, the Director of Compliance and Safety, may in their discretion, refer the complaint for a student conduct hearing.

Cell Phone Use Policy

Personal cell phone use is prohibited in classrooms, laboratories, and in clinical experiences. Faculty and students must turn off and stow cell phones in purses or book bags before the start of class and during all exams. Cell phones should be turned off or quieted during meetings.

The College has provided education software for students and faculty for use on their personal handheld devices in situations including clinical areas. The devices are only to be used in clinical areas as an education resource in the provision of patient care. Any abuse of this policy will result in losing the privilege to use the electronic educational resources and mobile devices in clinical experiences and classroom settings. This policy applies to all students and faculty members at MCCN.

Change of Address/Phone/Email

Students should report in a timely manner any change of address, telephone number(s), or personal email address to the Office of Records and Registration (registrar@mccn.edu). Name changes require additional documentation. Accurate contact information will ensure that the College can reach students as needed.

Children on Campus

Students are not permitted to bring children to class. Students violating this policy will be asked to leave class. Also, babysitting is not permitted in the College of Nursing. In addition to the issue of liability, the presence of infants and children in the College is not conducive to study and relaxation.

Classroom Recording Policy

Audio Recording of classroom lectures, discussions, simulations, and other course-related activity is governed by this classroom recording form and in accordance with the MCCN Classroom Recording Policy.

• Student will seek the approval from each course faculty/ instructor prior to recording.
• Prior to the student recording of any classroom activity, this form will be initiated for the duration of the course by the student and must be signed by the student and the faculty member(s). An announcement will be made informing the class it is being recorded.
• Faculty members may have concerns about the recording of sensitive data, such as patient information shared as part of a case study, or unpublished research data. Faculty members have the authority to spontaneously, or in advance, prohibit student recording of personal student, instructor or patient information.
• The student classroom recordings are to be used solely for the personal use of the student to study and prepare for that class. It is the responsibility of the student to stop recording anytime personal or sensitive information is being shared. Failure to do so may result of loss of privilege. The distribution of classroom recordings in any manner is prohibited.
• Under no circumstances shall student classroom recordings be used in the evaluation or sanctioning of instructors and students.
• Recordings are not to be shared with other students, posted to any online forum, or otherwise disseminated in any way, including with students who are enrolled in the same class, without faculty permission.
• The student acknowledges that the recordings are resources. If the student uses any part of a recording in any academic work, its use is governed by rules of proper APA Citation.
• Unless otherwise explicitly agreed to by the faculty member(s), the student agrees to destroy recordings when they are no longer needed for his/her academic work, and no later than the conclusion of the course.
• The student understands that failure to adhere to these provisions may result in the loss of permission to use a recording device in future classes and possible disciplinary actions.

Students are encouraged to take notes of classroom discussions, lectures, demonstrations, and performances in order to advance their own learning and to develop a record for purposes of private study. The ordinary process of taking notes is encouraged since this practice requires that students develop the ability to actively attend to the material under consideration and to quickly summarize pertinent information in a coherent manner. Electronic or mechanical recording of lectures may discourage the development of these important skills.

Communication with Students

Information is frequently transmitted to onsite students through Nightingmail student email (mail.mccn.edu), the CARMELink student portal, the College newsletter (Carmel Rapper), bulletin board notices, or messages placed in student mailboxes. Onsite Students are expected to check their email and CARMELink and Canvas accounts frequently and to check their mailboxes when they are on campus. The Marian Hall bulletin board across from the first floor elevators is used for general College announcements.

Information is frequently transmitted to online students through student Nightingmail/ email (mail.mccn.edu), Canvas (http://mccn.instructure.com) and CARMELink (carmelink.mccn.edu/ICS/). Online students are expected to check their Nightingmail, Canvas and CARMELink accounts frequently, at a minimum of every 48 hours, as they will be held responsible for updates and new information contained in email communication and courses.

Convention, Seminar, and Workshop Attendance

Students in good academic standing are encouraged to participate in professional and educational activities. Written permission to miss classes for the purpose of attending conventions, seminars, or workshops must be obtained from faculty who are teaching courses in which the student is currently enrolled. Consent forms are available from the Student Nurses Association (SNAM) faculty advisor or from the Office of Records and Registration. The student, if granted permission to attend, is responsible for all make-up work.

Copyright

What is Copyright?

Copyright is the legal protection of all forms of creative expression on any form of media. Be aware of the limits of the fair use of intellectual property, which is protected under copyright law in cyberspace as well as the real world.

To the general public, intellectual property, in the form of computer software and digitized entertainment, is a highly tempting target for reproduction and distribution. But intellectual property is protected under copyright law in cyberspace as well as the real world, and you need to be aware of the limits of your fair use. Illegal duplication, file-sharing, or use of any type of intellectual property constitutes copyright infringement and could be subject to College disciplinary action and civil and criminal penalties, including fines.

Copyright law generally gives authors, artists, composers, and other such creators the exclusive right to copy, distribute, modify, and display their works or to authorize other people to do so. Additionally, creators’ works are protected by copyright law from the very moment that they are created — regardless of whether they are registered with the Copyright Office and regardless of whether they are marked with a copyright notice or symbol. That means that virtually every email message, posting, web page, or other computer work you have ever created - or seen - is copyrighted.

According to the Copyright Law which took effect January 1, 1978, a faculty member may make a single copy of the following materials for use in scholarly research or in preparation for teaching a class:

• a chapter from a book
• an article from a periodical or newspaper
• a short story
• a short poem
• a short essay
• a chart, graph, diagram, cartoon, or picture from a book, periodical, or newspaper

One copy of an article may be placed on closed reserve in the Library. Additional copies can be placed on closed reserve if permission is obtained from the author or publisher and/or royalty is paid to the publisher for each additional copy.

You may reproduce copyrighted materials only if one of these four instances apply:

• The owner has given you permission.
• The work is in the “public domain.”
• It falls under “fair use.”
• You have an “implied license” to do so.

Users are strongly urged to conduct additional research regarding copyright law.

Please note: Do not reproduce copyrighted material in any form and on any media, unless you are given permission to do so.

Piracy is the popular term for the illegal activity that is more correctly known as copyright infringement. Software piracy involves the violation of license agreements and occurs when you download, copy, file-share, install, or distribute digitized material in the form of computer software programs and entertainment media without authorization from the owner/creator.

The purchase of a computer program or any form of entertainment or artistic expression on any type of media that includes, but is not limited to, CD, DVD, mp3 file, video, or audiotape, simply gives you a license to use your personal copy; purchase does not constitute ownership of the “intellectual property” on the media. The U.S. Copyright Act expressly protects the intellectual property contained on these media and grants the creators exclusive rights to copy, adapt, distribute, rent, and publicly perform and display their works.

Companies in the entertainment and computer software industries have the right to prosecute individual offenders in civil courts and sought monetary damages. The U.S. government can impose fines or imprisonment, or both.

RIAA, Recording Industry Association of America, the trade group representing U.S. sound recording companies, is the force behind the prosecution of individuals for copyright infringement through downloading or uploading of music through illegal peer-to-peer networks and CD piracy. The RIAA ask consumers to support the industry by downloading music from legitimate sites such as those on the list at musicunited.org instead of engaging in piracy.

MPAA, Motion Picture Association of America, works to prevent piracy of film and video products. The MPAA estimates that piracy of video content costs the industry more than $3 billion annually in potential revenue in the U.S., not including Internet losses, which are difficult to calculate.

The MPAA lists many types of materials subject to pirating: Optical Disc, which includes Laser Discs (LD), Video Compact Discs (VCD) and Digital Versatile Discs (DVD); Internet, videocassette and broadcast; downloadable media; hard goods; streaming media; circumvention devices; camcording; screeners; back-to-back copying; signal theft; and public performance.

BSA, Business Software Alliance, which describes itself as the voice of the world’s commercial software industry, estimates that the U.S. has lost billions of dollars annually in wages and tax revenues, and thousands of individuals have lost jobs. The BSA describes the following scenarios for software piracy:

• Using one licensed copy to install a program on multiple computers;
• Copying disks for installation and distribution;
• Taking advantage of upgrade offers without purchasing a legal copy of the version to be upgraded;
• Acquiring academic or other restricted or non-retail software without a license for commercial use;
• Swapping disks with others;
• Downloading software from various Internet sources such as pirate websites, peer-to-peer networks, and auction sites that offer counterfeit software.

The BSA also notes that pirated computer software does not save you much when you consider the problems associated with illegal copies: defective software, little or no documentation or technical support, no warranties, a greater exposure to viruses, and ineligibility for software upgrades.

The penalties for copyright infringement include collection of damages ($100 - $50,000), injunction against further copying, recovery of court costs and attorney fees, and one year imprisonment. A complete text of the law and accompanying material from the Copyright Office is available. Please review the brief tutorial created by the Mount Carmel Health Sciences Library on Copyright & Fair Use:  https://mccn-libwizard-com.mc.opal-libraries.org/f/copyrightbasics

Course and Faculty Evaluations

Student completion of course and instructor evaluations is an expectation of each course. Students are expected to complete the appropriate evaluations during the last two weeks of the course. Data from these evaluations are used as part of the College’s regular continuous quality improvement efforts. Therefore, students are encouraged to provide constructive, accurate, and professional feedback during the course evaluation process.

CPR Requirement for Clinical Courses

Students enrolled in nursing courses with clinical or lab components are required to have current certification in cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR). Current CPR certification is a prerequisite to starting any sophomore, junior, or senior nursing course. Each student must upload CPR documentation (CPR certification card or certificate and a photocopy of the card or certificate)to CastleBranch. CastleBranch will set a renewel date at that time and students must maintain CPR currency throughout their entire program of study.

Pre-licensure students’ CPR certification must be in effect throughout the official start/end dates of the specific nursing course (16-week semester or 8-week term). The expiration date cannot occur before the official end date of the course. Students who fail to meet this requirement will be administratively withdrawn from the course. There is no grace period. Clinical faculty will review CastleBranch to ensure compliance with all clinical requirements including active CPR certification.

Students are required to comply with this policy; non-compliance will result in administrative withdrawal from the course, which may result in less than full-time enrollment and delay of graduation.

Important Details:

• CPR certification must be in effect throughout the official start/end dates of the specific nursing course (16-week semester or 8-week term) in which the student is enrolled.
• The expiration date cannot occur before the official end date of the course.
• Students who fail to meet the CPR requirement will be administratively withdrawn from the course. There is no grace period.
• Non-compliant students will not be permitted to enter the nursing course on the first day.
• The responsibility to keep CPR certification current rests solely with the student.

Regulations require that any new certification or re-certification must be acquired exclusively through:

American Heart Association: www.americanheart.org/cpr

One of the following courses is required:

• Basic Life Support (BLS) for Health Care Providers
• Instructor/Trainer/Faculty

“HeartSaver CPR” or other training does not meet the College CPR requirement for nursing students. Students who mistakenly complete this novice training will be required to complete the appropriate professional-level course from those listed above.

Criminal Background Check (onsite students)

The law regulating the practice of nursing states that the Ohio Board of Nursing may deny a convicted felon a license or the privilege of sitting for the licensing examination (Section 4723.28 of the Revised Code). In addition, several of the agencies utilized for nursing clinical studies may require students to undergo criminal record checks and may deny clinical access to persons convicted of felonies or specific misdemeanors.

State and federal criminal records checks are mandatory requirements for all new pre-licensure students at point of entry to MCCN and again at the start of senior level or last semester in the SDAP. Failure to complete the required criminal records check may results in the inability to continue in the program.

New traditional program students will order their background check through CastleBranch before they enroll. Results are forwarded to Mount Carmel College of Nursing from the Ohio Bureau of Criminal Identifcation and Investigation (BCII) and the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI). Results from the BCII and FBI are filed with the student’s College record.

A criminal record check that indicates evidence of a felony conviction (or certain misdemeanor convictions) may result in action including, but not limited to, dismissal from Mount Carmel College of Nursing.

Direct questions to the Clinical Compliance Coordinator.

Applicants for NCLEX-RN

All students who apply to obtain a license issued by the Ohio Board of Nursing must obtain a criminal record check that is completed by the Bureau of Criminal Identification and Investigation (BCII), including a check of Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) records.

Criminal record results cannot be mailed to the OBN by the applicant. No applicant will be eligible to test without the required completed criminal records check in his/her NCLEX-RN application file. Additional details can be found at: http://www.nursing.ohio.gov/LicensureInformation.htm.

Damage

Negligent or intentional damage to personal, public, or College property is prohibited.

Dishonest Conduct

Dishonest Conduct is defined as:

1. Presenting, using and/or possessing a falsified ID or another’s College issued ID as one’s own.
2. Misrepresentation; furnishing false information; and falsification or forgery of documents.
3. Any form of Academic Dishonesty, to include, but not limited to: plagiarism, self-plagiarism, cheating, fabrication and using false citations.
4. Encouraging, permitting, or assisting another to commit an act that could subject them to discipline.

Dress Code

The purpose of this Policy is for Trinity Health Corporation and its Health Ministries and Subsidiaries (collectively referred to as “Trinity Health”), which includes Mount Carmel College of Nursing, to ensure that all student nurses appropriately represent the organization to the public and to the people to whom Trinity Health provide services.

Appropriate dress and appearance ensures that student nurses look professional and present a positive image of the organization to patients, visitors and the public. All student nurses are expected to contribute to a positive and safe environment by maintaining appropriate dress, hygiene, and neatness of appearance.

The student dress code is enforced with the goal to assure a high standard in professional self-presentation. It is important for Mount Carmel College of Nursing (MCCN) students to recognize their role as representatives of the College and the profession of nursing, in all  settings. Appearance and self-presentation must be commensurate with professional expectations. MCCN’s dress code policy is guided by Trinity Health/Mount Carmel Health System (MCHS) Policy.

Trinity Health, including Mount Carmel College of Nursing, is committed to administering this Policy in accordance with its Mission, Core Values and commitment to Diversity, Equity and Inclusion.

It is the responsibility of all faculty creating and/or administering examinations to adhere to the practices identified within this policy.  This includes all baccalaureate, graduate, and online-programs.

Student Attire – College Campus Areas - Columbus

Students should present a positive, businesslike, and professional image through dress and actions throughout the College properties.

The following guidelines apply:

• Clothing will be clean, neat, in good repair, properly fitted, not revealing, and appropriate  for the type of work performed, The following is a list of guidelines (please note, this list is not all inclusive): 
• Tank tops, bathing suits, house slippers, and pajamas are not permitted.
• Shorts and skirts cannot be higher than mid-thigh. 
• Inappropriate exposure of skin not permitted.
• Bare feet are not permitted. 
• Proper undergarments are to be worn and not visible. 

Student Attire - College Areas - Lancaster Campus

Students should present a positive, businesslike, and professional image through dress and actions throughout the College and Fairfield Medical Center and affiliated sites.

Mount Carmel College of Nursing-Lancaster students must wear either business casual or standard, burgundy uniform scrubs to the classroom and to on-site school-related activities. Students may wear a long sleeve t-shirt under their scrub top.  Approved colors are: black, white, gray and maroon. Students are permitted to wear approved MCCN spirit wear as tops with burgundy scrub bottoms.  Please take note that spirit wear with a “hoodie” is not permitted.

Business Casual Attire: Includes casual shirts (all shirts with collars, golf or polo shirts, crew or v-neck shirts or sweaters), casual slacks/trousers/pants/skirts/dresses and casual footwear (casual slip-on or tie shoes, dress sandals with heel straps and athletic shoes).

The basic guidelines do not permit:

• Tight or revealing pants/slacks/skirts/dresses including leggings;
• Jeans and jean-like pants/slacks;
• Pants worn below the hip or waist line;
• Suggestive attire including backless tops, crop tops, tank tops, muscle shirts, spaghetti strap tops, see-through  or sheer tops and any other blouse/shirt/top that is revealing;
• Sports clothing and athletic wear;
• Yoga gear;
• Sun dresses;
• Shorts above the mid-calf;
• Casual sandals and flip-flops;
• Construction, hunting or cold weather boots;
• Tee shirts;
• Non-work related hats;
• Novelty buttons and novelty wear;
• Ripped, torn or hole-filled clothing;
• Camouflage;
• Any extreme style or fashion in dress, footwear, accessories, fragrances or hair;
• Visible piercings, including gauges, and body art; and
• Artificial nails in positions having direct patient contact and those whose job has indirect contact with patients (such as housekeeping and patient registration).
• FMC recognizes that personal appearance is an important element in self-expression and allows reasonable self-expression through personal appearance (including concealed body art, limited piercings, other jewelry, and fragrances) unless it a) conflicts with the employee’s ability to perform his or her job duties effectively with the work environment or b) is regarded as offensive or harassing toward patients, co-workers or others with whom FMC conducts business.

Clinical Setting Dress Code (including MCCN Skills and Simulation Labs)

General Dress Guidelines in MCHS clinical settings:
Students must follow any site-specific dress requirements in non-MCHS settings

• The official student uniform must be worn in uniformed clinical sites.
• Clothes must be clean, neatly pressed and have no holes, stains, or frays.
• Clothing must fit properly (not too tight, too loose or revealing). Clothing that exposes cleavage or midriff is not appropriate. Undergarments should be discreet and not readily visible through clothing or above the waistband. Sheer fabrics should be worn with an appropriate undergarment (i.e., camisole or undershirt).
• If long sleeves are worn under the uniform, they must be capable of being pulled to the elbow and remain stationary.
• Buttons, pins, ribbons, stickers, or any items which are not part of an authorized uniform or which alter the professional image that each Health Ministry desires to portray are not permitted. No other logos, outside of Health Ministry approved messaging or writing, may be displayed on any clothing item, mask, or lanyard.
• Student nurses’ footwear must provide safe, secure footing and offer reasonable protection. In accordance with infection control and safety standards, Student nurses who work in patient, resident or client care areas must wear closed toe shoes.
• Hats or caps are not permitted unless they are part of an authorized uniform, worn for protection while working in inclement or hot weather, medically necessary, or for religious reasons.
• A “special dress day” which would allow exceptions to the standard policy may be occasionally promoted. Examples may include: Health Ministry sponsored events, jeans days, etc.
• The Health Ministry will reasonably accommodate exceptions to this Policy if required due to a Student nurse’s religious beliefs or disability.  Student nurses who need such accommodation should contact the college’s Accommodations Coordinator.

Personal Hygiene and Grooming Guidelines:

• Student nurses must practice appropriate personal hygiene (including oral hygiene) and be free of offensive odor (including the smell of tobacco).
• Fingernails will be clean and well groomed. Artificial nails and overlays are not permitted on Student nurses who work in patient care areas. Student nurses who participate in direct patient care or are in contact with the patient’s environment will not wear artificial nails (including, but not limited to, acrylics, overlays, wraps, tips, gels, or bonding).
• Hairstyles may not obstruct vision or limit eye contact.
  • Hairnets, including for beards, will be required in certain departments.
  • As a safety precaution and for infection control purposes, Student nurses providing direct patient care with hair exceeding shoulder length or longer should have hair pulled back or restrained.
  • Nothing in this Policy is intended to prevent Student nurses from wearing a hair or facial hair style that is consistent with their cultural, ethnic, or racial heritage or identity, except for safety reasons that cannot be reasonably accommodated.
• Student nurses must be professional in their use of jewelry/accessories, including amount, size, and styles. Visible body piercings must be small and minimal during the work shift.
  • Wearing of jewelry may be limited for safety reasons dependent on the work area and functions performed.
  • As a safety precaution, Student nurses providing direct patient care may not wear long necklaces, dangling earrings, scarves or ties.
• Any tattoos that may be offensive to others must always be covered, including but not limited to those that contain pictures/symbols/words of a sexual nature, gang affiliations, violence, profanity, or derogatory words/images.
• All cosmetic products, including make-up and lotions must be fragrance free. Make-up must be applied conservatively and in a manner that does not detract from the professionalism of the Student nurse’s appearance. Perfume, cologne or aftershave, may not be used by direct care providers, or if such use causes adverse physiological symptoms for others in the work environment.

Identification Badges

• Identification badge must be worn using a Health Ministry logo or non-logo attached clip, approved retractable badge holder or approved breakaway lanyard.
• Identification badge must always be clearly visible and worn with the name and picture facing forward, visible and attached to the lanyard, collar, or pocket, and above the waist.
• Keys, key cards, the emergency code reference card, pin cards, and a job specific identifier badge may be attached to the badge holder so that they fall behind the badge and do not obstruct the frontal view. No other attachments to the badge or lanyard are permitted.
• Under no circumstances should a Student nurse permit others to use their identification badge.
• If the identification badge is lost, Security must be notified immediately.
  • If a student forgets or misplaces an ID badge, a temporary ID badge must be obtained from the Office of Safety and Security at the front desk of Marian Hall. Lost ID badges can be replaced by Safety and Security and a replacement fee may be assessed. If the front desk is not open, the student is to work with their faculty member.
• Badges must be returned if a student withdraws from the College or takes a leave of absence.
• All students must wear their ID badges while on campus and at all clinical practicum sites.

Laboratory Setting Dress Code

Students are to follow the Clinical Dress Code in all skills labs and simulation experiences. With regard to hair, nails, and jewelry students are to follow the dress code outlined in the Clinical Setting Dress Code section.

Undergraduate Student Dress Code—Non-Uniform Clinical Sites

Students must be professionally dressed in clinical areas not requiring the student uniform.  College identification badges must be clearly displayed. Student dress must be consistent with standards and requirements of the clinical environment and expectations of the faculty and preceptors. Closed toed shoes are to be worn in all patient care areas.

Student Lab Coat Policy

The clean, pressed MCCN lab coat must be worn when students enter the clinical area to study clients’ charts, check assignments, or visit clients. The lab coat is to be worn over professional and neat clothing. The length of dresses or skirts must come at least to the top of the knees.

No hats, jeans, shorts, Capri pants, sweats, sandals, or flip-flops are permitted. The College ID badge must be evident at chest level or above on the lab coat for proper identification.

Drug & Alcohol Use

In complying with the federal law, MCCN (“MCCN”) is concerned about the welfare of its students 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.          

Controlled Substance: a drug which has been declared by federal or state law to be illegal for sale or use, but may be dispensed under a physician’s prescription. The basis for control and regulation is the danger of addiction, abuse, physical and mental harm (including death), the trafficking by illegal means, and the dangers from actions of those who have used the substances.

Dangerous Drug: means the following by whatever official, common, usual, chemical or trade name designated: Any material, compound, mixture or preparation that contains any quantity of the following hallucinogenic substances and their salts, isomers, whether optical, positional or geometric, and salts of isomers, unless specifically excepted, whenever the existence of such salts, isomers and salts of isomers is possible within the specific chemical designation.

Drug Free: prohibition of the possession, use, production, distribution, or sale of alcohol or other drugs by any faculty, staff, or students on college property; or as part of college activities, whether on or off campus; and/or in any way that impacts student performance in the classroom or clinical setting.

Narcotic: a drug, such as morphine or heroin, that is derived from opium or an opium like compound, relieves pain, often induces sleep, can alter consciousness, and is potentially addictive.

Unlawful Possession: Possession of illegal controlled substances such as, but not limited to marijuana, methamphetamine, cocaine, LSD, “club drugs,” and heroin.

Violations or alleged violations of this policy are handled through the student conduct resolution process. Please refer to the Student Code of Conduct in the Catalog-Handbook for complete details about the process. Sanctions for violations of the policy are also governed by the Student Code of Conduct. It is the responsibility of each student to report to class, clinical, or any other MCCN related function in a physical condition that allows for performing their functional abilities as outlined in MCCN’s Functional Abilities and Performance Standards Policy.

This policy applies to students on MCCN property, MCHS property, while involved in clinical rotations at any affiliating agency, or as part of any MCCN or MCHS sponsored activity. In addition, the use of alcohol and/or drugs in any way that impacts student performance.

Students are subject to disciplinary actions up to and including disciplinary dismissal, for any of the following:

1. Unlawfully possessing, being impaired or under the influence, or using or distributing illicit drugs and/or alcohol.
2. Operating a motor vehicle while under the influence of alcohol or illicit drugs.
3. Possession of drug paraphernalia or synthetic substances that are an analogue for a controlled substance.
4. Misuse of prescribed medications that impair safe and/or efficient performance.
5. Misusing prescription or nonprescription drugs.
6. Falsifying, or making grossly incorrect, inconsistent, or unintelligible entries in any hospital, patient, or other record regarding any drug or narcotic.
7. Being charged or convicted for alcohol and/or drug related offenses.
8. Possessing, selling, consuming alcoholic beverages, or alcoholic beverage containers in any form on MCCN or MCHS premises or MCCN or MCHS (including external clinical sites) related premises.
9. 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 MCCN related responsibilities.
10. 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.
11. Smoking, consuming, using and/or possessing any illegal drug, including marijuana and medical marijuana.
12. 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.
13. 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.
14. Obtaining any dangerous or illegal drug by attempting or committing a theft.
15. Knowingly or intentionally forging, making, selling, or possessing a false or forged prescription.

Any student who allegedly violates the MCCN’s drug-free policy shall be subject to possible disciplinary action. Sanctions on students will be consistent with local, state, and federal law. Internal sanctions related to students may include, but are not limited to disciplinary dismissal from the College through referral to the Academic and Professional Conduct Committee.

Policy Related to Drug Convictions

Any student enrolled in a nursing program at MCCN who is convicted for the possession and/or sale of drugs while a student will be referred to the Academic and Professional Conduct Committee and may face disciplinary dismissal. 

Unlawful possession, use, manufacture, sale, or distribution of alcohol and/or illicit drugs may lead to referral to the appropriate federal, state and/or local authorities for prosecution. Depending on the nature of the offense, it may be categorized as a misdemeanor or a felony and may be punished by fine and/or imprisonment.

Federal law prohibits the trafficking and illegal possession of controlled substances (see 21 United States Code, Sections 811 and 844). Depending on the amount, first offense maximum penalties for trafficking marijuana range from five years imprisonment and a fine of $250,000 to imprisonment for life and a fine of $4 million. Depending on the amount, first offense maximum penalties for trafficking class I and II controlled substances (methamphetamine, heroin, cocaine, cocaine base, PCP, LSD, fentanyl analogue) range from five years to life imprisonment and maximum fines range from $2-$4 million. First offense penalties for the illegal possession of a controlled substance range from up to one year in prison and a fine of at least $1,000, but not more than $250,000, or both.

The State of Ohio and the municipality of record for the violation also may impose penalties for trafficking and illegal possession or use of controlled substances. State and local penalties for trafficking illicit drugs include fines that range from $1,000 to $50,000 and mandatory jail sentences that range from six months to 10 years. Illegal use or possession of a controlled substance or drug paraphernalia may warrant fines ranging from $100 to $5000 and jail sentences ranging from 30 days to 10 years, depending on the amount and substance possessed. Violations may also lead to forfeiture of personal and real property and the denial of federal benefits such as grants, contracts, and student loans.

The State of Ohio and City of Columbus may also impose a wide variety of penalties for alcohol-related offenses. For example, a first driving-while-intoxicated offense may be punished by mandatory imprisonment of at least three consecutive days and a fine ranging from $375 to $1000. Subsequent offenses lead to increased sanctions. Illegal purchase, possession, use, or sale of intoxicating liquor by a minor may be punished by fines ranging from $25 to $1000 and up to six months in jail, depending on the circumstances. For extended and regional campuses, local law will apply in lieu of City of Columbus ordinances. Copies of those laws will be supplied upon request.

MCCN has a variety of options to support students who may have alcohol and other drug dependencies. These options may include:

• Referral and support from the on-staff Student Behavioral Health Clinician
• Support through the MCCN telehealth student wellness resources
• Referral to outside agencies, including treatment centers and programs through MCHS

Participation in treatment does not eliminate the possibility of appropriate disciplinary action. Likewise, dependency problems not resolved through treatment may ultimately result in appropriate disciplinary action.

These guidelines were developed in response to the Higher Education Amendments of 1998. These amendments created an exception to the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA), thus enabling colleges and universities to notify parents or legal guardians, under certain circumstances, of a student’s use and/or possession of alcohol or a controlled substance when the student is under the age of 21. This change supports the practice of MCCN to establish a collaborative partnership with parents and actively involve them, when appropriate, in addressing student behavior as it relates to alcohol and/or drugs.

Parents are notified when MCCN believes it will help the student. When practicable, conversations normally are held with the student before contact is made with parents, in an effort to determine whether such contact is the best course of action. Notification to parents may occur in the following situations: possession of alcohol and/or drugs on campus.

In other situations, MCCN contacts parents in an effort to provide support for students’ physical health and safety, academic success, and personal development. Factors that are considered when deciding to contact parents may include, but are not limited to:

• a situation in which a student has received medical attention;
• the occurrence of an arrest and consequent criminal charges;
• a major disruption to MCCN’s educational mission;
• substantial harm caused to self or other students; or
• significant property damage.

Contacts are made, if possible, by a personal appointment with parents or by phone. Written communication is used only when other attempts to contact parents have failed. The goal is to develop a partnership between the college and the parents for the good of the student.

Parental contacts in these circumstances are not considered “disciplinary sanctions” but rather as positive engagement of the broadest possible resources to help students succeed in their educational endeavors. Parents are encouraged to discuss the situations with their sons or daughters.

Questions or concerns regarding these guidelines should be directed to the Director of Compliance and Safety.

The US Department of Education requires that MCCN notify all enrolling students of the policy related to federal student aid Higher Education Act HEA section 485(k).

A federal or state drug conviction can disqualify a student for financial aid. Convictions count against a student if the conviction occurs while the student is enrolled at MCCN and receiving federal student aid. A student who is denied federal benefits as part of court sanctions imposed by a federal or state judge for drug trafficking is also ineligible for federal financial aid. A conviction that was reversed, or removed from a student’s criminal record or occurred while the student was a juvenile (unless tried as an adult) does not deny eligibility.

Period of Ineligibility for Federal Student Aid

If the student is convicted of both possessing and selling illegal drugs, and the periods of ineligibility are different, the longer period of time applies. Eligibility returns the day after the period of ineligibility ends or with successful completion of a qualified drug rehabilitation program (described below) or two negative unannounced drug tests given by the program. Subsequent drug convictions lead to ineligibility again.

Students denied eligibility for an indefinite period can regain it with successful completion of a rehabilitation program, passing two unannounced drug tests from such a program, or with reversal or removal of the conviction provided that fewer than two convictions for sale or three convictions for possession remain on the record. The nature and dates of remaining convictions determines when a student regains eligibility. 

Standards for a Qualified Drug Rehabilitation Program

The program must require a minimum of two unannounced drug tests and meet one of the following requirements:

1. Be qualified to receive funds directly or indirectly from a federal, state, or local government program.
2. Be qualified to receive payment directly or indirectly from a federal or state licensed insurance company.
3. Be administered or recognized by a federal, state, or local government agency or court.
4. Be administered or recognized by a federal or state licensed hospital, health clinic, or medical doctor.

Substance abuse dependence may result in a wide spectrum of extremely serious health and behavioral problems. Substance abuse results in both short-term and long-term effects upon the body and mind. The abuse of drugs and/or alcohol is proven to impair the coordination, reaction time, emotional stability and judgment of the user. This could have tragic consequences where demanding or stressful situations call for quick and sound decisions. Serious injury or fatality of the drug abuser or our students could result from the actions (or lack thereof) of a student under the influence of drugs and/or alcohol. In addition, the risk of many harmful health conditions associated with the use and abuse of alcohol and/or drugs are significant and include but are not limited to: depression, anxiety, neurological impairment, kidney failure, cirrhosis of the liver, bronchitis, respiratory and cardiac failure, and death. 

For more information on the health risks associated with the use and abuse of alcohol and/or drugs visit the National Institute on Drug Abuse website, www.drugabuse.gov or Campus Drug Prevention at www.campusdrugprevention.gov.

Alcohol & Drug Abuse Prevention Strategies

MCCN uses the following strategies to provide a positive influence on the campus culture regarding alcohol and drug abuse:

• Students, employees, and campus guests are expected to refrain from the possession, consumption, and/or transportation of alcoholic beverages or drugs on campus
• Providing education and awareness activities
• All student social, extracurricular, and public service options are substance-free
• Prohibiting the marketing and promotion of alcohol and/or drugs
• Developing and enforcing campus policies and state/local laws to address high risk and illegal alcohol and/or drug use
• Providing early intervention and referral for treatment
• Notification to all students at the time of hire/admission and annually thereafter through handbooks and other informational means.
• Maintaining data on the number of reported cases of alcohol and/or drug-related violations to assist in determining the effectiveness of programs and activities
• Maintaining data on the number and type of sanctions imposed due to alcohol and/or drug-related violations as well as follow up outcomes (i.e. referral, successful treatment, disciplinary dismissal, etc.)
• Maintaining data on the number of incidents that required the use of overdose reversing medication.

All students enrolled at MCCN are tested for drug and alcohol use and subject to random drug and alcohol use screenings. This is a mandatory requirement. The nominal fee for this testing is the student’s responsibility. If a student has additional testing, the additional fee will be charged to the student’s MCCN account. If a person’s behavior, cognitive, or psychological functioning is disruptive or altered, the person may be requested to submit to drug/alcohol screening for cause. Refusal to comply is deemed a positive test result and will result in the student being required to follow the outlined “Description of Drug and Alcohol Protocol” section of this policy. 

Pre-Clinical and Random Drug Testing

Students are notified that an initial drug and alcohol screening must be performed.  A drug and alcohol screen is ordered through the Student’s Project Concert account. Any testing fees are the student’s responsibility. An initial drug and alcohol screening result that indicates dilution of the sample, may require a repeat urine drug and alcohol screen and repeat payment.  Refusal to participate or drug and alcohol testing not completed within the stated deadline, is considered a positive result and appropriate next steps, per this policy, will be followed.

Drug and Alcohol Screening for Reasonable Suspicion

If faculty, staff, clinical partners, or others believe there is a reason to believe a student is impaired, or if an individual’s behavior, cognitive, or psychological functioning is disruptive or altered, a for-cause drug screening will be performed. 

Suspicion of Use/Imparement Checklist:
https://cm.maxient.com/reportingform.php?MountCarmel&layout_id=52

1. If the student requires immediate medical assistance, the student will be transported to the Emergency Department by MCCN Safety and Security for treatment and stabilization. 
   • College faculty and staff are not to transport students in personal vehicles for medical treatment.
2. If emergency care is not needed, the student is to be removed from the clinical or class setting.
3. For students, the MCCN employee who is overseeing the student is to complete the following to submit to the Director of Compliance and Safety: 
   • Document observations that have led to suspicion of impairment, and
   • Conduct two independent observations using the attached Observation Checklist, and
   • Prepare written documentation of the student’s behavior, cognitive, or psychological functioning.
4. If the above observations indicate signs of impairment, the MCCN employee who documented the student’s behavior is to contact the Director of Compliance and Safety and the Program Director/Leader.
   • Upon review, if warranted, a decision to drug test will be made.
5. The Director of Compliance and Safety and Director of Student Services will provide the student with information on how to complete their follow up drug screening within the appropriate timeline provided.
6. If the student refuses to be drug screened, or does not comply with the requirements of the screening,, the test is deemed a positive test result. 
7. If needed, the Director of Compliance and Safety will notify Safety and Security. 
8. Upon completion of the test, the student may be contacted by the testing service who will discuss the test results with the student and then report results to MCCN. 
9. The Student is not to participate in any clinical setting during this time frame, and may be responsible for any associated fees. 
   • Depending on displayed behaviors, the student may be required to not participate in any academic activities during this time frame. .
10. Students will be officially notified of results by the Director of Compliance and Safety and Student Services, and any appropriate follow up actions will be taken as outlined in other sections of this policy.

NOTE: In the absence of the Director of Safety and Compliance and Student Services,  the Associate Dean of Academic Affairs may consult with the appropriate Clinical Compliance Coordinator to take action.      

If a student tests positive for non-prescribed controlled or illegal substances and/or alcohol, the student will meet with the appropriate Associate/Assistant Dean, and the following procedures will be enforced:

1. For the first occurrence of a positive screening, the student will be required to meet with a Conduct Hearing Officer or hearing board.
2. Upon first positive screening with a responsible finding, or a second positive screening that does not result in an outcome of disciplinary dismissal from MCCN, a referral may be made to either the MCCN Student Behavioral Health Services for mandatory assessment, follow up treatment procedures, and/or possible referral to a trained substance abuse counselor/treatment agency at the individual’s expense.
   • The student will not participate in any clinical experience until the assessment and any follow up treatment procedures have been completed, and a decision has been made by a trained substance abuse counselor that the student is safe to participate in clinical experiences.
   • Permission may be granted by the student for the counselor to notify the Director of Compliance and Student Services of the recommended treatment plan and recommendation regarding safe return to patient care activities. The appropriate individual may also be given permission to verify the student’s continued compliance with the treatment plan. If the student does not grant permission, the counselor will still be required and allowed to provide an assessment outcome letter stating whether or not the student is safe to return to the patient care setting. In this circumstance, the College can provide a form letter template to the student/counselor/care provider for completion. 
   • If the counselor does not grant permission for the student to return to the patient care setting then the student will be referred to the Academic and Professional Conduct Committee, with the inclusion of documentation from the counselor that the student is not permitted to return to the patient care setting. During the pendency of this process, the student will not be permitted to return to the clinical setting.  
3. The student will agree to random urine screens (at least annually), at the student’s expense, as directed by MCCN/s Director of Compliance and Safety. A second positive test may result in a referral to the Academic and Professional Conduct Committee.
4. MCCN has the right to remove the student from patient care settings if the determination is made that patient safety would be compromised.
5. If a student refuses assistance or fails to successfully complete the recommended rehabilitation program, the student may face referral to the Academic and Professional Conduct Committee. 

Drug and/or alcohol screen results are kept in strict confidence. Results of screenings may be released to the Academic Dean and/or appropriate College Leadership. Results may also be shared with the providers facilitating treatment of the student, including the MCCN Student Behavioral Health Clinician.

Any student, who refuses to be screened for non-prescribed controlled or illegal substances 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 procedure.

All students will be tested for use of illicit drugs and/or alcohol use prior to clinical experiences with patients. MCCN reserves the right to conduct random drug screens of students.

Failure to Comply

Failure to Comply with directions of, or interference with, any College official, Safety and Security officer, or individuals working in conjunction with the College who are acting in performance of their duties or failure to comply with any established requirement, policy or procedure.

Fire Safety

Prohibited actions include, but are not limited to:

1. Falsely reporting a fire and/or false information regarding the existence of explosives on College property.
2. Unauthorized or unnecessary activation of emergency warning or fire safety equipment.
3. Abusing, removing, or damaging fire or safety equipment.
4. Igniting or burning materials in a manner which causes a fire.
5. Use of candles, incense, appliances or devices with an exposed heating element.
6. Failure to evacuate a building during an alarm.
7. Use of Hoverboards and/or other similar 2-wheeled transportation devices indoors
8. Improper use/abuse of Life Safety equipment (Emergency Telephones, AEDs, Fire Extinguishers, Fire Alarms, etc.) in non-emergency situations, particularly if they are used as a prank. 

Food in Classrooms

Students who bring food/beverages into classrooms are expected to clean up after themselves and deposit trash in appropriate receptacles. Courteous behavior such as this will enable students in subsequent classes to enjoy a clean environment. It is everyone’s responsibility to keep campus facilities clean and neat.

Hazing

As set forth in Ohio Revised Code section 2903.31, as amended as “Collin’s Law” in 2021, “hazing” means doing any act or coercing another, including the victim, to do any act of initiation into any student or other organization or any act to continue or reinstate membership in or affiliation with any student or other organization that causes or creates a substantial risk of causing mental or physical harm to any person, including coercing another to consume alcohol or a drug of abuse, as defined in section 3719.011 of the Ohio Revised Code.

This definition includes, but is not limited to:

• Actions that violate Federal, State, or Local criminal law.
• Consume any food, liquid, alcoholic liquid, drug or other substance which subjects the student to a risk of emotional or physical harm.
• Endure brutality of a physical nature, including whipping, beating, branding, calisthenics or exposure to the elements.
• Endure brutality of a mental nature, including actively adversely affecting the mental health or dignity of the individual, sleep deprivation, exclusion from social contact or conduct that could result in extreme embarrassment.
• Endure brutality of a sexual nature.
• Endure any other activity that creates a reasonable likelihood of bodily injury to the student.

It shall not be a defense to a charge of hazing that the student consented to the conduct in question.

Mount Carmel College of Nursing fosters a culture where reporting is encouraged by all members of the College community. Retaliation for reporting is prohibited following the College’s policy on Retaliation as found in the Catalog-Handbook Student Code of Conduct. Individuals may report hazing by contacting any of the following:

• Office of Compliance and Safety
  • compliance@mccn.edu
  • 614-234-2341
• Mount Carmel Safety & Security
  • 614-896-1489 (Columbus)
  • 740-687-8124 (Lancaster)
• Online (including anonymous reports)
  • https://cm.maxient.com/reportingform.php?MountCarmel&layout_id=0
• Human Resources – Amanda McCullouch, Chief Human Resources Officer- College of Nursing
  • amccullough@mchs.com; 614-234-6383
• In the event of an emergency, please contact Mount Carmel Safety and Security at 614-234-2341 or
  Fairfield Medical Center Police at 740-687-8124

Identifying Acts of Hazing

Key indicators: the activity is degrading and/or demeaning, there is risk of injury or question of safety, alcohol or drugs are present, cryptic language is used to describe an event, activity, or interaction, active members are unwilling to participate in the same activity with new members, active and new members are unwilling to discuss the activity with advisers, faculty, family members, headquarters or prospective members, members justifying actions as “tradition” in an attempt to convince others that it is an acceptable event, changes in behavior such as oversleeping, constant exhaustion or an inability to focus, a drop in GPA.

Mount Carmel College of Nursing will provide annually at least one program on hazing prevention education to all students. Faculty, and staff within the College. This training will also be provided to all volunteers that may have direct student contact. The education may be provided in person, electronically, or both. The College will maintain a record of individuals who have completed the program, and no student may join an officially recognized organization without completing the training. It is the responsibility of the organization/group to ensure that the new member has completed all training requirements.  This annual training is an educational requirement for all employees.

For the full Hazing Prevention and Response Policy, click here

Identification (ID) Badge

Onsite students are issued identification (ID) badges as part of the first semester registration process. Badges serve a number of functions, including identifying students in the College and providing access to College services. Students wearing their College ID Badge are representing both MCCN and MCHS.

Students must wear ID badges at all times while in the role of a Mount Carmel student, following these guidelines:

1. Badges must be attached to a badge holder and worn at chest level or above for proper identification.
2. Badges must be worn using a Mount Carmel logo or non-logo attached clip. Badges and badge holders must be free of pins, keys, stickers (if last name is permitted to be covered for a specific course, the covering must be removed at end of that course), or other ornamentation to maintain a professional presence.
3. Keys, key cards, the emergency code reference card, pin cards, and a job specific identified badge may be attached to the badge holder so that they fall behind and do not obstruct the frontal view. No other attachments are permitted.
4. Lanyards are not acceptable as badge holders in a clinical setting.
5. If a student forgets or misplaces an ID badge, a temporary ID badge must be obtained from the Office of Safety and Security. Lost ID badges can be replaced by Safety and Security and a replacement fee may be assessed. If the Office of Safety and Security is not open, the student must report to the MCCN front desk where a temporary badge will be issued. This is not to become common practice. If the front desk is not open, the student is to work with their faculty member.
6. Badges must be returned to the Director of Records and Registration if a student withdraws from the College or takes a leave of absence.
7. All students must wear their ID badges while on campus and at all clinical practicum sites.

Off-Campus Conduct

The College requires behavior on and off campus, in academic, co-curricular and off-campus locations, consistent with the principles and rules of behavior outlined in the Student Code of Conduct. Whenever the College becomes aware of violations of the College’s Policies and Procedures, regardless of where such conduct allegedly occurs, appropriate follow-up (including potential discipline) may take place. If the behavior poses a disturbance, is threatening to the safety and security of individuals or property, or is required to be reported by law, law enforcement may be contacted and a report filed.

Behavior off-campus does not guard students from a response from the College, including the conduct resolution process, if the behavior or actions interfere with the mission of the College or the relationship with the larger community

Publicity

The College takes photographs and videos of a number of activities on campus (such as academic settings, planned campus activities, public events on campus and everyday activities) in order to portray the College in a positive light for both printed and electronic publications. These photographs and videos are permitted within FERPA guidelines. Any student who wishes to not have their image used in this manner should contact the Director of Records and Registration for additional details.

Retaliation

Retaliation: Retaliation is words or actions taken in response to reporting of a policy violation or participation in the College’s complaint process or the follow up to a complaint. Retaliation will be a violation of this policy when it is sufficiently serious (e.g., severe and/or pervasive) to discourage a reasonable person from accessing their rights under this policy. The protection against retaliation applies to both parties and to all witnesses.

Behavior that may be considered retaliatory includes but is not limited to:

• Discouraging an individual from reporting an incident;
• Discouraging witness participation;
• Threatening or intimidating a participant in a complaint, investigation, and/or hearing;
• Intentionally causing negative consequences for a participant through any part of this process; or
• Behavior using another individual, may also be considered a means of retaliation.

Media (Social Media and Photography) Policy

At Mount Carmel College of Nursing (MCCN) we understand that all media, including social media, such as Facebook, Twitter, YouTube, Blogs and LinkedIn, photography, marketing, among others, are powerful and important communication channels that can significantly impact our community and our organization’s reputation and brand loyalty.

To assist in managing and posting information on such sites, the College has developed a policy and guidelines to help clarify how best to enhance and protect professional and personal reputations when participating in social media. This policy applies to all faculty, staff, students, and alumni in association with College social media accounts.

By participating in College activities within all College programs, students consent to photography, video, or other image use through all related social media platforms, publicity, or other means of dissemination. To opt-out of consent, please email collegerelations@mccn.edu. 

Social Media Protocol at Mount Carmel College of Nursing

The purpose of using social media channels at the College is to support the mission, vision, programs, and services of the College and to effectively communicate news, issues, and events with the community and among key stakeholders.

All College sponsored social media sites will be administered and monitored by the MCCN Marketing & Communications Department to ensure brand positioning. All information for posting should be sent directly to the Marketing & Communications department. The College has the right to remove comments and content from its social media sites if they compromise privacy, contain inappropriate language, are deemed inaccurate, or impact organizational integrity.

The general social media guidelines and policies of Trinity Health, the MCCN parent organization, must be taken into consideration, where applicable, when using social media channels.

Mount Carmel College of Nursing Social Media Strategy

Social media initiatives at the College are designed to connect key stakeholders, establish relationships and a sense of community, and help maintain brand loyalty.

The strategy behind the College social media is to create a social community for MCCN students, faculty, alumni, prospective students, and other key stakeholders to encourage dialogue and aid in brand loyalty. Participation will be encouraged through various marketing and communications initiatives including: articles in campus paper, emails to students and faculty, posting on CARMELink, placing social media icons on the College website homepage and utilizing icons when appropriate for advertising.

Mount Carmel College of Nursing Comment Policy

Comments on the College’s various social media sites are encouraged and it is hoped you will join the discussions. The College cannot respond to every comment and reserves the right to remove posts that:

• Post advertisements or solicitations of a business.
• Post chain letters or pyramid schemes.
• Impersonate another person.
• Allow any other person or entity to use your identification for posting or viewing comments.
• Post the same note more than once or “spam.” Infringe on the rights of any third party, including intellectual property, privacy or publicity rights.
• Are unlawful, obscene, defamatory, threatening, harassing, abusive, slanderous, hateful, or embarrassing to any other person or entity as determined by MCCN in its sole discretion.
• Are abusive, illegal or disruptive, or that otherwise fail to conform to these Terms and Conditions.

By posting any comments, posts or other material on MCCN-sponsored social media, you give Mount Carmel College of Nursing the irrevocable right to reproduce, distribute, publish, display, edit, modify, create derivative works from, and otherwise use your submission for any purpose in any form and on any media.

Finally, you agree that you will indemnify Mount Carmel College of Nursing against any damages, losses, liabilities, judgments, costs or expenses (including reasonable attorneys’ fees and costs) arising out of a claim by a third party relating to any material you have posted.

General Guidelines for the Safe Use of Social Media Tools

Confidentiality:

• Do not post confidential or proprietary information about patients, faculty, staff, alumni or other students.
• Key College stakeholders must still follow the applicable federal requirements such as FERPA and HIPAA in cyberspace and adhere to all applicable College privacy and confidentiality policies.
• Individuals who share confidential information do so at the risk of disciplinary action or dismissal.

Personal privacy:

• Avoid publishing personal contact details where they can be accessed and used widely by people you did not intend to see them. It is better to contact an individual outside the collaborative space if you want to take something off-line.
• Respect copyright and fair use:
• Always consider copyright and intellectual property rights when utilizing social media sites.

MCCN logos for endorsements:

• Do not use the MCCN logo or any other College images or iconography on personal social media sites.
• Be cognizant of pictures of students in their uniform where the MCCN logo can be seen.
• Identify yourself:
• When discussing the College or its business, always identify clearly who you are, what your role is at the College and publish in the first person.
• Use a disclaimer when appropriate.

Disclaimer:

• If you are publishing information about the College or your role at the College you should use a disclaimer along the following lines: “The views expressed on this site are my own and don’t reflect the views of my employer.”

Personal responsibility:

• You are personally responsible for content you publish using social media tools. Remember that what you publish will be public for many years. There is no complete delete online.

Liability:

• Always remember that the same laws, professional expectations, and guidelines for interacting in person also apply online.
• Individuals are liable for anything they post to social media sites.
• This policy is not inclusive of all situations related to social media.

Personal judgment:

• If you feel even slightly uneasy about something you are about to publish, the chances are you shouldn’t do it. Before posting anything think about the consequences of what would happen in the event that it becomes widely known (for example printed in a newspaper or posted on a billboard) and how that would impact everyone involved.
• Search engines can retrieve posts years after they were created or deleted and communications can be forwarded or copied. There is no complete delete online.

Respect:

• Do not use ethnic slurs, personal insults, obscenity, or engage in any conduct that would be unacceptable in the College workplace.
• Always consider others’ privacy and avoid discussing topics that may be inflammatory (e.g. politics and religion).

Etiquette:

• Before your first contribution on any social media site, it is a good idea to observe the activity on the site for a while before launching in yourself to get a feel for the style of contributions, the nature of the content and any ‘unwritten’ rules that other contributors might follow.
• Don’t pick fights by escalating heated discussions.
• Be conciliatory, respectful and quote facts to lower the temperature and correct misrepresentations.
• Never contribute to a discussion if you are angry: leave it, calm down, and return to it at a later date when you can contribute in a calm and rational manner.

Terms of service:

• Obey the Terms of Service of any social media platform employed.

Professional Organization Guidelines:

Refer to professional organization guidelines for further recommendations, principals and policies:

• Ohio Board of Nursing (OBN) 4723-5-12 (24, 26)
• Ohio Nurses Association (ONA)
• American Nurses Association (ANA)
• National Student Nurses Association (NSNA)

Survey and Research Subject Access

Each year, there are many requests from those within and outside the College for access to students, faculty, and staff for the purposes of surveys or research projects. When potential survey respondents are overloaded with survey requests, they may experience “survey fatigue,” resulting in low response rates for very important surveys the College conducts as a part of its educational and organizational assessment efforts.

Because of the need to limit the burden on students, faculty and staff in responding to these requests, all requests for access to members of the College community for recruitment to research studies or to distribute non-research surveys must be approved beforehand.

All requests for access to faculty, staff, or students for the purposes of human subjects research - thus requiring IRB approval or exemption - must specify the plan for obtaining IRB approval and supply documentation of the approval to the College prior to commencing study-related activities.

Procedure

1. Requests for access to students, faculty, or staff for the purposes of research or surveys should be directed to the Director, Institutional Effectiveness at evaluation@mccn.edu - at least two weeks before the start of the project.
2. Requests should include the timeframe for the project, a copy of the survey tool or research proposal, and any other information helpful in evaluating the request. The criteria for evaluation include, primarily: 1) alignment with MCCN mission, vision, and purpose, 2) appropriateness of topic, methods, and procedures, and 3) lack of interference with regular College assessment activities.
3. Approvals will be returned via email within 3 business day to the applicant with notifications to appropriate College faculty or staff impacted by the research or survey activity.

Theft

Theft is defined as obtaining or exerting control over property or services of others without their permission. 

• Theft, attempted theft, and possessing stolen property from other persons or the College are prohibited.
• Being in possession of the property of another person or University property without prior authorization shall also be considered a violation.
• Persons involved in a theft, attempted theft, or possession of stolen property are subject to referral to the appropriate police agency for prosecution

Technology Policy

Mount Carmel College of Nursing (MCCN) recognizes that principles of academic freedom, freedom of speech, and privacy hold important implications for information technology use and services. The College provides all information technology resources in support of the teaching, learning, research, and community/public service mission of the College and all administrative functions that support this mission. MCCN encourages the use of its information technology resources to share information, to improve communication, and to exchange ideas in support of these purposes.

Censorship is not compatible with the goals of the Mount Carmel College of Nursing. While the College may limit the use of some computers or resources to specific research or teaching missions, freedom of expression will generally be protected. While the College rejects censorship, behavior that constitutes misconduct will not be protected. Such behavior includes, but is not limited to, the use of MCCN’s information technology resources in connection with child pornography, harassment of any kind, copyright infringement, theft, unauthorized access, and other violations of the law.

All information technology systems and services, including telecommunication equipment, computer systems hardware, software, and supporting infrastructure provided by the College, are the property of the Mount Carmel Health System. Accordingly, Mount Carmel reserves the right to manage all systems and services, including accessing records and other files resulting from use of these resources. Intellectual property and copyright laws may supersede College ownership of specific file content. Use of information technology systems and services should be undertaken with the knowledge that many electronically generated and stored records may be defined as “educational records” subject to the nondisclosure provisions of the Family Educational and Privacy Rights Act (FERPA).  

To comply with federal regulations governing tax-exempt organizations, MCCN technology resources may not be used for mass and unsolicited communications used in connection with lobbying (except official College of Nursing activities authorized by the Office of the President) or political campaigns. Communications that in part may contain political information, when sent to a select few individuals and that pertain to professional and work-related issues are permissible. In addition, such resources should not be used for private business or commercial activities, except where such activities are otherwise permitted under applicable MCCN policies.

Students are subject to the terms and conditions in the Confidentiality and Network Access Agreement (MCH Confidentiality/Network Access Agreement ) that all new students sign as part of the Orientation process.

College and Hospital Computer Access Policy

• Internet access is for academic purposes only.
• Do not share user names and passwords.
• Student user name and password are for College academic purposes only. Do not use employee login when functioning as a student.
• If employed by Mount Carmel Health System, use employee user name and password for work purposes only. Do not use student login when functioning as an employee.
• Unauthorized access is prohibited (i.e., logging in as another user or looking at another user’s email messages, other than authorized through delegation rights).
• Exercise good judgment and responsibility when viewing websites.
• The following actions are prohibited:
  • Harassment
  • Slander
  • Stalking
  • Bullying
  • Violating copyright laws
  • Downloading music and videos (unless a course requirement)
  • Selling products or gambling
  • Visiting pornographic sites
  • Damaging computer equipment
• All Internet activity is monitored by Mount Carmel.
• Patient-protected health information will only be transmitted through secured mechanisms.

Consequences of Policy Violation

Students who violate the Mount Carmel Computer Access Policy are subject to disciplinary action. Disciplinary action may range from temporary suspension of email and Internet privileges up to and including termination (from Mount Carmel employment, if applicable) and/or expulsion from the College of Nursing.

Tobacco Use Policy

Mount Carmel is a tobacco and smoke-free facility. Use of tobacco products, including, but not limited to cigarettes, electronic cigarettes/vapes, cigars, chewing tobacco, and pipes is prohibited within all Mount Carmel facilities, on all Mount Carmel owned property, or any College student residence facilities. The College complies fully with all federal, state, city, and Mount Carmel Health System regulations regarding the possession and consumption of alcohol, drugs, and tobacco on campus.

Further, students are prohibited from smoking anywhere while wearing the student uniform, lab coat, and/or student ID badge. Violators will receive one verbal warning. The consequences of continued non-compliance include progressive counseling and may result in dismissal from the College.

Transportation, Travel, and Liability

Students are responsible for providing their own transportation for all educational activities, including clinical experiences. Students are also responsible for securing personal auto liability insurance.

The College of Nursing is not responsible for liability incurred in travel, either as required by the curriculum or as the result of the student’s participation in College sponsored activities, including cultural immersion trips. All travel is the responsibility of the student. Students are not permitted to transport patients for any reason.

Unauthorized Use & Access

The above is defined as entering or using the property of another person or of the College without consent or authorization. Prohibited actions include, but are not limited to:

1. Unlawful or unauthorized entry into or presence in any campus building, room, or facility.
2. Tampering with locks to College buildings and/or rooms, unautorized possession/use of College keys, aleration/duplication of College keys.
3. Presence on College property or at a College sponsored event off campus while under sanction that prohibits such presence.
4. Opening or gaining access to the mailbox of another person without the expressed consent of the person to whom that box has been assigned.
5. Holding group functions in a College facility without the expressed authorization of the College office overseeing that facility.
6. Entering or using the room or property of another student without prior authorization from that student to do so. 1) Student Affairs administrators and Safety & Security may make reasonable warrantless searches in emergencies, for necessary maintenance, inventory, health and safety inspections, or to enforce appropriate regulations which further the educational mission of the College. Searches may be conducted with the authorization of the Associate Dean of Student Services or Director of Comliance and Safety for evidence of suspected illegal activity.
7. Removing furniture that has been assigned to a specific room or lounge.

Unprofessional & Disorderly Conduct

Unprofessional & Disorderly Conduct is defined as:

Students must not engage in behavior that threatens the safety, security, or functioning of the College, the safety and security of its members, or the safety and security of others. Disorderly conduct is the unreasonable or reckless behavior by an individual or group that creates a potentially unsafe situation for members of the community, endangers others, or damages property; disrupts the peace or interferes with the normal operation of the College, in-class, or College-sponsored events; and/or infringes on the rights of others.

Any behavior which affects a student’s ability to fully participate in the benefits of the College or negatively impacts the College community, including, but not limited to:

• Failure to show due respect and courtesy
• Engaging in vulgar behavior
• Using obscene language
• Unprofessional behavior in the classroom, online environment, clinical settings or on/off-campus activities.

Violent or Endangering Behavior

Defined as intentional or reckless acts which do cause, or could cause, physical or mental harm to any person are prohibited. In addition, actions which threaten or cause a person to believe that the offender may cause physical or mental harm, are also prohibited. Prohibited behavior may include but is not limited to:

• Murder, assault, battery
• Discriminatory harassment & misconduct; 
• Fighting of any kind on College property or at a College sponsored event. Note: Self-defense shall be defined as action taken to protect oneself from assault initiated by another. Evidence must be present of the defender’s attempt to remove him/herself from the scene prior to the altercation, as well as action to defuse the situation.
• Threatening, intimidating, or abusing another person verbally, or via printed material, telephone, e-mail, or other electronic media.
• Hazing as defined as any activity that might reasonably bring embarrassment or emotional, psychological or physical harm to another person, or which might degrade or otherwise compromise the dignity of that person.
• Stalking, or engaging in a pattern of conduct which causes mental distress or the belief that the offender will cause physical harm to the other person. “Pattern of conduct” means two or more actions or incidents closely related in time.

Resolving Alleged Policy Violations

Rights of the Student: When accused of a violation of college policy, for which sanctions may be imposed, the student/student organization shall be entitled to the following:

• To be notified in writing of the specific violations to be resolved.
• To be considered not responsible until proven responsible by a preponderance of the evidence presented and to have only relevant evidence presented at a hearing.
• To have the hearing held with the understanding of fundamental fairness throughout the process, eliminating conflicts of interest and personal bias.
• To present witness statements and other evidence in his/her defense.
• To have an advisor/support person of their choice (see guidelines below).
• To be informed of all decisions within a reasonable time.
• To appeal any decision resulting from a formal hearing

Note for SDAP Students: A student who is dismissed from SDAP cannot be admitted to the pre-licensure program if she/he has a pending academic conduct allegation. The case must be resolved prior to consideration of admittance to the pre-licensure program.

Academic Integrity Process

Students involved in concerns related to academic integrity, including but not limited to plagiarism and/or cheating, may have their cases resolved either informally or formally.

• The faculty member for the course may meet to resolve the concern through an informal conflict resolution dialogue. This means of informal resolution may follow the process listed in this policy. Some informal resolutions could include failure of the assignment, test, or assessment to failure of the course.

• If a faculty member chooses to informally resolve an academic integrity concern, a report must be made to the Course Coordinator, Academic Department Lead, Associate Dean, and the Director of Compliance and Safety.
• If a student does not accept the informal resolution method proposed by the faculty member, they can elect to have the concern resolved through a formal resolution following the formal resolution processes outlined in this policy. 

Informal Resolutions

Some incidents are most appropriately resolved informally. Possible informal resolutions include referrals to a variety of educational workshops, counseling referrals, and/or other outcomes as agreed upon by all parties. Students may also participate in resolution or restorative justice conferences as methods of informal resolution, which may eliminate the need for more formal proceedings. At any time, either party can withdraw from the informal resolution process and resume the formal resolution process. Informal resolution is voluntary and must be agreed to by all parties. All alleged violations under this policy are subject to informal resolution. If the matter is not resolved informally, or the student allegedly violates academic integrity standards a second time, the case will move to a formal resolution method. Outcomes of informal resolutions cannot be appealed.

The student and staff (Director of Compliance and Safety or designee) or faculty member may engage with one another. Both parties can discuss the situation, decide on an appropriate outcome to move forward with. The faculty and staff member may consult with other academic department or administrative office leaders and the appropriate senior-level leadership in handling of the situation. If both the student and faculty or staff member feel as if the issue is resolved, faculty or staff member will inform the Director of Compliance and Safety. All informal resolutions are documented.  This will be noted in the case file for the incident, but not be reflected in the student’s permanent record. A meeting summary letter will be sent to the student with the agreed upon resolution.

Formal Resolution

Administrative Resolution Hearing: The alleged student(s) is given the opportunity to attend a scheduled meeting with a Conduct Hearing Officer (Director of Compliance and Safety or designee) to discuss the policy violations that have been brought against them. Contact the Director via email prior to the hearing to schedule this meeting and to review any hearing documents. The Conduct Hearing Officer will determine an outcome of the policy violations following the meeting. An outcome may not be immediately determined in the meeting in situations where there are multiple respondents involved in a complaint, or if additional information is needed for an informed decision. The Conduct Hearing Officer will notify the alleged student of the outcome in a follow-up email communication.

Failure to attend a scheduled meeting may result in a determination being made without the input of the alleged student. Alleged students that do not attend the meeting will not be permitted to appeal the decision unless the severity of the sanction is not consistent with the violation. It should be noted that if a student’s file has a record of similar violations then a sanction may be issued based on the totality of the student’s history and circumstances presented.

Academic Integrity and Professional Conduct Hearing Panel: Formal resolution of the most egregious and serious complaints involves adjudication of the complaint through a Conduct Hearing Panel. Students may the Director of Compliance and Safety via email prior to the hearing to schedule a pre-hearing meeting and to review any hearing documents that the Panel will review. A Conduct Hearing Panel is typically reserved for cases where a student may be removed from the College or for students found in repeated violations. A Conduct Hearing Panel is comprised of no less than three voting members. The voting members are either faculty or staff and have received student conduct adjudication training as well as education about trauma-informed response to sexual misconduct. The Director of Compliance and Safety, or designee, will manage hearing logistics and chair hearings, but is not an active participant in the hearing, is not a voting member of the panel, and does not participate in deciding upon or issuing sanctions. The Director will provide the panel with relevant sanction guidelines and/or applicable conduct history only if there is a finding of responsibility.

A complainant and/or respondent may challenge the participation of a Conduct Hearing Panel member based on the member’s perceived or actual conflict of interest, bias, or prejudice. Such challenges, including rationale, must be made to the Director of Compliance and Safety at least 48 hours prior to the commencement of the hearing. At their discretion, the Director will determine whether a panel member should be replaced or not. A panelist will be replaced if they recuses themselves or when it is determined that their conflict of interest, bias or prejudice precludes an impartial hearing of the allegation. It should be noted that in these cases, the hearing may be delayed in order to name an appropriate replacement for any removed panel member.

Electronic devices (e.g., computer, cell phone, audio/video recorder, etc.) are not permitted in the hearing room. The panel will make an audio recording of the hearing to be kept on file in a secure location, such as a secure database management system for at least seven years. Reasonable care will be taken to create a quality audio recording and minimize technical problems. Technical problems that result in no recording or a poor-quality recording will not be a valid basis for appeal. All parties may request review of the recording by contacting the Director of Compliance and Safety.

The Panel will hear information from all witnesses interviewed during the investigation. Witnesses who were not part of the investigation are not permitted to participate in the hearing. When adjudicating a case, the Panel may make reasonable assumptions based on the witness’ participation or lack thereof. Witnesses are subject to cross examination by either party’s advisor.

All questions must be related to policy elements of the violations being charged or related to content/clarification of the case materials. Parties are permitted to cross examine one another. However, in Title IX related hearings, the parties may not question each other or other witnesses directly but may do so through their support advisor at the appropriate time in the hearing. The Conduct Hearing Chair determines the relevancy of the questions and may, in their sole discretion, deny a request for a question. If a request is denied, the reason for the denial will be provided to the requesting party.

Related to Title IX hearings, questions and evidence about the complainant’s sexual predisposition or prior sexual behavior are not relevant, unless such questions and evidence about the complainant’s prior sexual behavior are offered to prove that someone other than the respondent committed the conduct alleged by the complainant, or if the questions and evidence concern specific incidents of the complainant’s prior sexual behavior with respect to the respondent and are offered to prove consent.

The parties will all be in the same room together. However, at either party’s request, an electronic hearing may take place through phone or video conferencing.

Role of the President/Academic Dean:

The President/Academic Dean of the College has sole authority to elect to hear any case as an administrative hearing and impose any sanction. In a case where the President/Academic Dean elects to conduct an administrative hearing, they will still follow general guidelines of a hearing process as necessary and appropriate

Advisor/Support Person

Students involved in formal resolution proceedings have the right to an advisor/support person of their choice with limited exceptions (i.e.: a witness may not serve as an advisor).

When an advisor is chosen, the students must inform the Director of Compliance and Safety. The advisor will be provided a copy of the advisor conduct rules to review and sign. The advisor’s role in any meeting or hearing is limited to privately conferring with or writing notes to the student as long as doing so does not disrupt the process. For longer or more involved discussions, the students and their advisors should ask for a break in the proceedings. The advisor may not submit material or speak on behalf of the student during an investigation interview.

For specific policies related to Advisors in Title IX conduct hearings, refer to the Sexual Misconduct, Discrimination, Harassment, and Title IX Policy.

Expedited Process

In cases where a prompt hearing is essential (e.g., when graduation or the end of the academic year is imminent) an expedited process may be initiated by the Director of Compliance and Safety. In an expedited process, all time periods referenced in the student conduct process may be waived and altered to reflect the needs of the individual case.

Standard of Proof

In resolving all allegations of academic and professional conduct, the College will use a “preponderance of evidence” standard, which is “more likely than not” that a violation occurred. This is a lower evidentiary standard than that found through the court system which uses the “beyond a reasonable doubt” standard.

Participation in Resolution Process

Students have the right to choose to not participate in resolution proceedings, after having been given reasonable notice (no fewer than two [2] business days) of the date/time of the hearing. However, both Informal and Formal Resolution proceedings may occur without the active participation of a responding party and may draw reasonable conclusions on the preponderance of evidence from reports and information available without the participation in the hearing process.

Students who do not participate in the resolution process will not be permitted to appeal a sanction. Students are expected to complete the sanctions issued in the conduct process. Failure to do so may result in further conduct action, including dismissal.

Interim Suspensions

An accused student may be suspended from campus on a temporary, interim basis, based on a threat to the campus or patient safety. An individualized threat assessment may be conducted to determine individual risk to the community. An interim suspension may prohibit the student from all or part of MCCN property and activities or permit the student to remain only under specified conditions (e.g., no-contact directive). Any student placed on interim suspension may immediately appeal the suspension to the Associate Dean for Student Services, or designee, following the directions found in the official suspension letter.

Possible Sanctions

The following outcomes can be assigned during an informal resolution or if there is a responsible finding during a formal conduct hearing (administrative or panel).

Warning: defined as a notification that a student has committed certain violations and that continuance of such conduct will result in more severe disciplinary action.

Educational Sanctions: These include but are not limited to alcohol education, counseling assessment and adherence to professional counseling recommendations, research paper or project, hall or building program with a residential life staff member, group education program, etc. A Performance Improvement Contract (PIC) may be initiated as part of an educational sanction through the Formal Resolution process.

Disciplinary Probation: defined as the student is not in good disciplinary standing with the College (for a specified period of time, ordinarily no less than one term/semester), and any future violations may result in an additional immediate referral to the Academic and Professional Conduct Committee hearing process, with a recommendation of a more severe disciplinary action.

Disciplinary Suspension: defined as the denial of the opportunity to continue in the College for a specified period of time (ordinarily no less than one term/semester). While suspended, a student is not allowed to be on campus or to attend any official College event. In the event that additional educational sanctions are imposed in conjunction with the suspension, these sanctions will most likely be expected to be completed prior to an application for reinstatement to be considered before the Academic Progress Committee. A student wishing to return after a period of suspension must apply for reinstatement and is not guaranteed reinstatement.

Disciplinary Dismissal: defined as the denial of the opportunity to continue as a student at the College. A student who is disciplinarily dismissed is not allowed to be on campus or to be at any official College event at any time, unless given prior written approval. A student who is disciplinarily dismissed will not be afforded the opportunity for reinstatement or readmission to the College at any time.

Student Conduct Appeals

Both parties have the right to appeal the outcome of a hearing by filing a written appeal to the Associate Dean of Student Services (behavioral misconduct), Associate Dean of Academic Affairs (academic misconduct), or designee, within five (5) academic days of receipt of written notice of the determination. Appeals regarding dismissal of formal complaints follow this same procedure. Information on how to submit an appeal is included in the outcome letters sent to both parties.

Appeals may be filed under the following circumstances. It is the responsibility of the student, in writing, to prove one or more of the following occurred for an appeal to be accepted:

• Procedural error that resulted in significant harm to the student. Deviations from the designated procedures will not be a basis for accepting an appeal unless the deviations are material, substantial, and/or significant harm or bias resulted;
• The Title IX Coordinator, Investigator, or hearing body had a conflict of interest, bias or prejudice that prevented a fair and impartial hearing and affected the outcome of the hearing;
• Substantial new evidence that was unavailable at the time of the hearing and which reasonably could have affected the decision of the conduct hearing body;
• Sanctions imposed are substantially outside the parameters or guidelines set by the College for violations of this policy or the cumulative conduct record of the responding student.

Students may not appeal under the following circumstances:

• Non-attendance by the responding student may not be the sole grounds for an appeal;
• Dissatisfaction with a decision.

The appellate body, or designee, will decide the appeal based upon a review of the conduct record and supporting documents. The appeal officer may consider additional relevant information from any party to the proceeding and then decide the appeal based upon the enhanced record. The decision of the appeal officer is final. The appeal officer may:

• Uphold the original decision and/or sanction(s);
• Dismiss the case or individual violation(s) against the student and lift any or all sanction(s);
• Modify, enhance, or reduce the sanction(s);
• Refer the case to the original hearing body or refer the case to a new hearing body for a rehearing. If possible, a new hearing body should be different from the one that originally decided the case.