Compliance Policies

Non-Discrimination

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

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

Title IX

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

Annual Campus Security and Fire Safety Report

Mount Carmel College of Nursing (MCCN) prepares an annual report to comply with the Jeanne Clery Disclosure of Campus Security Policy and Crime Statistics Act. The annual Security Report includes statistics for the previous three years concerning reported crimes that occurred on campus and on public property within or immediately adjacent to and accessible from the MCCN campus. The report also includes institutional policies concerning campus security and other matters.

The College is also required to publish an annual report on fire safety policies and procedures related to the resident apartments.

The full text of this combined report is available via this link:  2013 Campus Security_Fire Safety Report . 

A hard copy of the report is available by contacting the College of Nursing Administrator, Marian Hall, Rm. 169.

Communications Alert System

In the event of a potentially dangerous situation involving the College community (on or off campus) that, in the judgment of the College President/Dean in consultation with Mount Carmel West (MCW) Security constitutes an ongoing or continuing threat, a campus-wide “timely warning” will be issued to students and employees via the Communications Alert System, if deemed appropriate, by in-class announcements or other appropriate means. Depending on the type of emergency, the message may direct receivers to the MCCN website (www.mccn.edu) for additional and specific information. Anyone with information warranting a timely warning should report the circumstance by phone to the President/Dean (614-234-5213) or in person at the President/Dean’s office (Marian Hall, Rm 169).

In addition to these notifications, MCW maintains a Communications Alert Hotline (614-234-5555) to alert employees and students regarding information and instructions regarding emergency situations.

Students can self-register for the Mount Carmel College of Nursing Communications Alert System for alerts and information in times of crisis, disaster, and weather situations. Students must use an Mount Carmel College of Nursing computer to register for the Communications Alert System. Register at: http://mccnalert.mccn.int and follow the prompts. Be sure to do the self-test that is part of the self-registration process to confirm that registration has taken place. To access a tutorial on how to register click here .

Alert system messages are text only and can be sent to cell phones, pagers, personal computers, or other electronic message devices. There is no limit to the number of devices that can be registered.

Once registered, you must update any changes to listed devices, such as new phone numbers, as necessary. If you have questions about the alert system, please contact College Relations at 614-234-1372 or rhutchinsonbell@mccn.edu.

Constitution Day

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

Drug-Free Policy

Unlawful possession, use, production, distribution, or sale of alcohol or other drugs by any faculty, staff, or student is prohibited on college property or as any part of college activities.

This policy is created to comply with the Drug-Free School and Communities Act Amendments of 1989 (Public Law 101-226), which requires that the college show it has adopted and implemented a program to prevent the illicit use of drugs and the abuse of alcohol by faculty, staff, and students, and to set forth the standards to provide a community setting that is safe, healthy, and productive for all faculty, staff, and students of Mount Carmel College of Nursing.   The college distributes this policy annually throughout the college community and this includes information about referral and treatment, applicable laws and sanctions, and current assessments of possible health risks.  

Standards of Conduct

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

Corrective actions, up to and including termination or expulsion, for offenses and violations of this policy are handled through the President/Dean’s office. President’s Council reserves the right to hear all cases.  

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

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

Internal Sanctions

Any student, faculty, or staff member who violates the college’s drug-free policy shall be subject to disciplinary procedures. Mount Carmel College of Nursing will impose sanctions on students consistent with local, state, and federal law. Internal sanctions related to students may include, but are not limited to, expulsion or termination from the College of Nursing and referral for prosecution for violations of the Standards of Conduct. Faculty and staff are subject to internal sanctions according to the Mount Carmel Health System Human Resources Policy 820 Substance Abuse.   

Students living in the resident apartments are also governed by the following additional policies and sanctions:

1. Returning to campus visibly intoxicated:  Parental notification (students under 21), placed on one-year probation for non-academic misconduct, four-page APA paper on binge drinking and report to President’s Office for disciplinary actions up to and including $200  fine and/or dismissal from the resident apartments*
    
2.  Possession of alcohol on campus:  Parental notification (students under 21, placed on one-year probation for non-academic misconduct, four-page APA paper on binge drinking and report to President’s Office for disciplinary actions up to and including $200 fine and/or dismissal from the apartment residence*
    
3. Possession of tobacco on campus:  Placed on one-year probation for non-academic misconduct, $100 fine and dismissal from the apartment residence*
    
4. Possession of drugs on campus:  Parental notification (students under 21), $200 fine, placed on one-year non-academic probation and dismissal from apartment residence*

 *Students dismissed from the apartment residence must move out within 24 hours.

External Sanctions 

Unlawful possession, use, manufacture, sale, or distribution of alcohol 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 City of Columbus 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.

Referral and Treatment

To ensure the most effective implementation of this program, the College supports the following concepts:

1. Alcohol or other drug dependence is a disease that can be successfully treated. 
2. Specific steps will be taken for referral of persons at risk for alcohol and other drug problems to an appropriate resource for assessment and treatment: 
   Mount Carmel Health System Employee Assistance Program - HelpNet 1-800-969-6162
   Community drug/alcohol treatment centers 
3. Faculty, staff, and students are warned that treatment is not a refuge from disciplinary action and that dependency problems that do not respond to treatment may ultimately result in appropriate disciplinary action.

Parental Notification Guidelines for Alcohol and Controlled Substance Violations

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 universities to notify parents or legal guardians, under certain circumstances, of a student under 21’s use or possession of alcohol or a controlled substance. This change supports the practice of Mount Carmel College of Nursing to establish a collaborative partnership with parents and actively involve them, when appropriate, in addressing student behavior as it relates to alcohol and drugs.

Notification of parents is done when the college 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.

Generally, the college 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 the college’s educational mission;
• substantial harm caused to 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.  

Parent contacts are not to be viewed as a “disciplinary sanction” but rather as a positive engagement of the broadest possible resources to help a student succeed in his/her educational endeavor. Parents are encouraged to discuss the situation with their son or daughter.

Questions or concerns regarding these guidelines should be directed to the Office of the President/Dean of Mount Carmel College of Nursing, 127 S. Davis Ave., Columbus, Ohio 43222.  

Mount Carmel College of Nursing Policy Related to  Drug Convictions

Any student, enrolled in the nursing program at Mount Carmel College of Nursing, who is convicted for the possession or sale of drugs while a student is dismissed from the nursing program and from the College, with no chance for reinstatement.

Federal Financial Aid Policy Related to Drug Convictions

The Department of Education requires that the College 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 in the college and receiving federal student A student who is denied federal benefits as part court sanctions imposed by 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 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 met one of the following requirements:

1. Be qualified to receive funds directly or indirectly form a federal, state, or local government program.
2. Be qualified to receive payment directly or indirectly form 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.

Current Assessments of Possible Health Risks Associated with Drug Use/Abuse

For a table of possible health risks associated with different types of drugs, click here .

Alcohol:  Zero-One-Three

Reduce your risk for experiencing alcohol-related impairment problems. Set guidelines for the use and non-use of alcohol and stick to them. Zero-One-Three can be a helpful tool in developing a clearer idea of what is “responsible drinking.”

The Zero-One-Three concept was developed by the Enjoy Michigan Safely Coalition and funded by the Michigan Office of Highway Safety Planning. Zero, One, and Three are easy numbers to remember. They represent alcohol consumption norms that should be promoted. Each number stands for a component of the concept.  

Zero = Zero alcohol

It’s OK not to drink, especially if you’re under 21, driving, chemically dependent, or pregnant. Alcohol is a drug, and tens of millions of adults choose to live a drug-free, and, therefore, alcohol-free lifestyle. It is a choice made by approximately 30 percent of the adult population. Situations where zero is a wise choice:  

• People who are not of legal age 
• Women who are pregnant or think they may be pregnant 
• People who suffer from alcoholism or other chemical dependencies 
• People from homes where alcoholism or abusive consumption is present 
• People who do not like the physiological or psychological effects of alcohol 
• People who are trying to cut down on empty calories 
• People who prefer the taste of non-alcoholic beverages 
• Diabetics 
• People on certain medications

One = One drink per hour

One drink is defined as one 12-ounce can of beer OR one glass of wine OR one shot of liquor (a mixed drink). If a person is having more than one drink per hour he/she is out of bounds and is exceeding the recommended consumption pace. Because of the rate by which alcohol is metabolized in the body, more than one drink per hour will/can cause a person to test as legally under the influence of alcohol. By keeping the pace to one drink per hour, the body’s alcohol metabolism capacity will likely not be surpassed by alcohol intake. This will help keep blood alcohol concentration within safer limits.  

Remember, the legal blood alcohol concentration limit is .08 for driving in Ohio. If under 21, it is a violation if the concentration of alcohol is .02 or greater.

Three = No more than three drinks per day, and never daily

Three represents the maximum number of drinks a person should ever have in a single day. It does not mean three at each of six pubs. Also, remember these three drinks are not to be consumed at a faster pace than one per hour. Some people will quickly point out the existence of individual differences (body weight, etc.) as they relate to these guidelines. It is important to note, however, individual differences exist for blood cholesterol levels, exercise prescriptions, and all other quantified health norms. The standard of Zero-One-Three is one that is acceptable for most people.

Substance Abuse Testing

All students entering Mount Carmel College of Nursing are tested for drug and substance abuse. This is a mandatory requirement. The nominal fee for this testing will be charged to the student’s MCCN account. If a student has additional testing through Secure Check, the additional fee will be charged to the student’s MCCN account. If a person’s behavior, cognitive, or psychological functioning is disruptive or altered significantly, the person will be counseled by an administrator, a faculty member, or professional staff member. The person may be requested to submit to drug/alcohol screening for cause. Refusal to comply may result in termination from the College.

Description of Drug and Alcohol Counseling

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

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

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

Confidentiality of Screen Results

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

Failure to Participate

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

Frequency of Testing

All students will be tested for use of illicit drugs and alcohol abuse prior to clinical experiences with patients. Following this initial testing, several students will be randomly selected yearly for testing; the fee for random testing will be charged to the student.  

Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA)

Annually, Mount Carmel College of Nursing informs students of the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act of 1974 (FERPA), as amended. This act, with which the College intends to comply fully, was designed to protect the privacy of educational records, and affords students certain rights with respect to their education records. These rights include:

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

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

www2.ed.gov/policy/gen/guid/fpco/index.html

Who is Protected Under FERPA?

Students who are currently enrolled in higher education institutions or were formerly enrolled regardless of their age or status in regard to parental dependency. Students who have applied but have not attended MCCN are not protected under FERPA.

Disclosure of Information 

FERPA authorizes disclosure of educational records or personally identifiable information as permitted without consent to school officials with legitimate educational interests. A school official is a person employed by the College in an administrative, supervisory, academic, research, or support staff position (including law enforcement personnel and health staff). A school official is also a person serving on the Board of Trustees; or a student serving on an official committee, such as a disciplinary or grievance committee, or assisting another school official in performing his or her tasks. 

The College also discloses, as authorized by FERPA, educational records, or personally identifiable information from education records, to contractors, volunteers, and other non-employees performing services who function as school officials with legitimate educational interests (such as attorneys, auditors, information technology systems consultants, emergency communications systems personnel, or outside institution involved in student learning experiences). A school official has a legitimate educational interest if the official needs to review an educational record in order to fulfill his or her professional responsibility. 

Directory Information

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

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

Currently enrolled students may withhold the release of Directory Information by contacting the Director of Records and Registration to complete a FERPA Directory Information Disclosure Form each academic semester in which withholding of Directory Information is to take effect. The College assumes that failure on the part of any student to specifically request the withholding of Directory Information indicates approval for disclosure.

Please note that withholding requests are binding for all information to all parties other than for those exceptions allowed under FERPA. Students should consider all aspects of a Directory Hold prior to filing such a request and be advised that doing so will make this important information unavailable to all who might inquire, including prospective employers, credit agencies, and others to whom students may want this information known or verified. It is recommended that students carefully consider whether privacy of Directory Information outweighs the potential inconvenience of having it withheld. Regardless of the effect upon you, the institution assumes no liability for honoring your instructions that such information be withheld.

Nursing Education Costs

Mount Carmel College of Nursing is committed to helping each student realize the goal of becoming a professional healthcare practitioner.

Through reasonable fees, accommodating payment plans, tuition financing, and a variety of aid programs including scholarships, work-study initiatives, tuition discount programs for Mount Carmel employees, and federal and state grants the College goes to great lengths to make nursing education affordable. Click carmelink.mccn.edu/ICS/Admissions/Financial_Services.jnz  to link to the MCCN Net Price Calculator.

Reporting Missing Students

If a member of the MCCN community has reason to believe that a MCCN student who lives in the resident apartments has been missing for 24 hours, he/she should immediately contact the following administrators:

1. College President/Dean 614-234-5213 Marian Hall Rm 171
2. Associate Dean, Graduate Program 614-234-5717 Marian Hall Rm 304
3. Associate Dean, Undergraduate Program 614-234-1788 Marian Hall Rm 168
4. Director, Records and Registration 614-234-5685 Marian Hall Rm 167
5. Director, Student Life 614-234-5828 CLE 209 

Each student who lives in the resident apartments may register contact information to be notified in the event the student is determined to be missing. Student contact information will be registeredconfidentially, will be accessible only to authorized College officials and may not be disclosed except tolaw enforcement personnel in furtherance of a missing person investigation. 

The College President/Dean will immediately notify other appropriate law enforcement agencies upon receipt of a missing student report. If the Law Enforcement agency makes an official determination that a student is missing, emergency contact procedures will be initiated within 24-hours in accordance with thestudent’s designation. In addition, College administrators or their designees will be notified to include the Director of Financial Aid, Director of Student Life, and Director of College Relations. 

If a missing student is under 18 years of age and is not emancipated, MCCN is required to notify his or her custodial parent or guardian within 24-hours after the student is determined to be missing, in additionto notifying any additional contact person designated by the student.

Reporting Registered Sexually Violent Predators

Information Regarding Registered Sexually Violent Predators

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

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

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

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

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

Sexual/Verbal Harassment and Bullying

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

Definitions

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

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

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

Investigation Procedure

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

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

Student Complaints

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

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

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

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

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

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

Title IV Compliance

The College is in compliance with its program responsibilities associated with the Higher Education Amendments of 1998 (HEA98) via publication on the Department of Education’s College Navigator. Click nces.ed.gov/collegenavigator/  for details.

Voter Registration

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

Weapons on Campus

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