Student Catalog
 

Student Rights and Professional Responsibilities

Hondros College of Nursing expects all students to uphold the highest standards of integrity, professionalism, compassion and respect for fellow human beings. The Hondros College of Nursing Student Code of Conduct strengthens this philosophy by holding students to the highest standards. Any violation of the Student Code of Conduct may result in disciplinary action, up to and including dismissal from the college.

Examples of behaviors that violate the student code of conduct include:

Academic Integrity Policy

    Academic Integrity is core to the mission of Hondros College of Nursing and sets the foundation for academic excellence. It is with utmost importance that students understand how to be responsible learners and conduct themselves with the highest standards of honor and integrity. As such, the Academic Integrity Policy defines the College’s expectations for student academic behavior and outlines procedures for handling allegations of academic misconduct. Academic misconduct, whether intentional or unintentional, may be a violation of the Academic Integrity Policy. Violations of the Academic Integrity Policy may lead to disciplinary action up to and including dismissal from the College. Students are expected to commit to the following Honor Code when completing academic requirements and related activities.

    Honor Code

    Hondros College of Nursing expects students to commit themselves to adhering to the highest standards of ethical behavior and academic integrity when completing all coursework, participating in internship and clinical experiences, and fulfilling exam requirements. To reinforce this commitment, the College has adopted an Honor Code that outlines the College’s expectations of honorable conduct. All students enrolled in a course or program at Hondros College of Nursing are expected to adhere to this Honor Code and pledge to avoid any action that violates the Academic Integrity Policy. Students are expected to approach their academic obligations with honor and uphold the five tenants of the Honor Code which are: Honesty, Ownership, Nobility, Observance, and Respect. As a student, you may be required to attest to this Honor Code throughout your academic experiences. Failure to pledge or attest to the Honor Code is neither an offense against the Honor Code, nor a defense of an alleged academic integrity violation.

    Honesty: I am committed to upholding the highest standards of academic integrity. I understand that integrity and honesty are important values for my success in school and within my chosen career field.

    Ownership: I will conduct myself ethically with honor and integrity in all the coursework I produce. Under the guidance of my instructors and through using College-approved learning resources, it is my responsibility to understand the course content and show what I have learned on course work (including exams and quizzes), using my independent ability free of cheating, collusion, interference, plagiarism, forgery, submitting acquired work as my own, and the use of generative artificial intelligence (AI) that does not adhere to the expectations as outlined in the Generative Artificial Intelligence (AI) Learning Assessment and Research Policy.

    Nobility: I hold myself and others accountable to the academic integrity policy. I will not engage in behavior that undermines the learning environment or reputation of the College. Concerns regarding my actions or actions of others will be reported to College officials.

    Observance: I will observe and revere this Honor Code, and I acknowledge that a violation of the Honor Code or the Academic Integrity Policy may result in disciplinary action that may impact the outcome of my education.

    Respect: I will treat faculty, staff, and students with respect and promote an environment of fairness, trust, and professionalism.

    Academic Integrity Policy: Definitions

    1. Academic Misconduct is the violation of the Academic Integrity Policy, including all forms of academic cheating including, but not limited to, acts listed below and any other act that results in unfair advantage to the student.
    2. Cheating is defined as fraud, deceit, or dishonesty on an assignment, quiz, exam, assessment, discussion posts, or any other academic work, collectively referred to for the purposes of this policy as “Academic Activity.” Examples include, but are not limited to:
      • Copying answers, data, or information for any Academic Activity from another student in which the student is not permitted to work jointly with others.
      • Utilizing an unauthorized 3rd party for help with Academic Activities.
      • Misusing Artificial Intelligence sites in violation of the Generative Artificial Intelligence (AI) Learning Assessment and Research Policy.
      • Using or attempting to use unauthorized materials, texts, notes, information, or study aids to gain unfair advantage in any Academic Activity.
      • Using prohibited electronic devices during exams or assignments, such as using a hidden earpiece to receive answers or accessing unauthorized information on a device.
    3. Collusion is collaborating with another person or entity to create an unfair advantage, assisting, attempting to assist, or receiving assistance from another person to create an unfair advantage; or conspiring with another person or entity in or outside the College to create an unfair advantage. Examples include, but are not limited to:
      • Allowing others to use your Academic Activities or providing unauthorized access to your Academic Activities, College technological resources, or College-issued academic accounts to any other individual.
      • Gaining unauthorized access to another student’s Academic Activities, College technological resources, or College-issued academic accounts.
      • Sharing and disclosing any Academic Activities.
      • Submitting College or student content to unauthorized 3rd-party sites.
      • Using content from unauthorized 3rd-party sites without appropriate citations and without permission from the College.
    4. Fabrication is the act of creating something that does not exist. Falsification is the act of changing something to deceive. Forgery is the act of imitating or counterfeiting documents, signatures and the like. Examples include, but are not limited to:
      • Deliberately falsifying, altering, or inventing student academic records.
      • Deliberately falsifying, altering, or inventing information for an Academic Activity.
      • Deliberately falsifying, altering, or inventing citations used in an Academic Activity.
    5. Impersonation is defined as assuming another person’s identity or allowing another person or entity to impersonate you or assume your identity to complete an Academic or Enrollment Activity. Examples include, but are not limited to:
      • Completing official documents, such as entrance requirements or accommodation requests.
      • Taking exams/quizzes.
      • Submitting assignments or deliverables for a course.
      • Attending (or logging in to) class in lieu of another individual.
      • Taking part in clinicals or externships.
      • Communicating under the guise of the student.
    6. Plagiarism is the act of representing an individual’s or organization’s words, thoughts, or ideas as one’s own. Examples include, but are not limited to:
      • Using information (a paraphrase or quotation, in whole or in part) from a source without attempting to give credit to the author of that source.
      • Using charts, illustrations, images, figures, equations, etc., without citing the source.
      • Using an Academic Activity (in whole or in part) purchased, copied, or obtained from an unauthorized 3rd party.
      • Violating copyright or committing piracy, including the use, alteration, or duplication of media, software, code, or information when expressly prohibited or where copyright exists or is implied.
      • Misusing generative Artificial Intelligence without citing the use of it or in any other manner against the College’s Generative Artificial Intelligence (AI) Learning Assessment and Research Policy.
      • Self-plagiarizing through the re-use of academic work that was submitted previously in another course, whether that course was taken at the College or at another institution. This includes work that was previously submitted to the same course or assignment in a different term.
    7. Sabotage seeks to gain unfair academic advantage by destroying, damaging, or stealing another person’s work and or property, or obstructing or interfering with an instructor’s materials or another student’s academic work (including documents, design, data, technology, etc.) Examples include, but are not limited to:
      • Installing spyware, viruses, or other damaging software in another person’s computer or academic equipment to undermine or damage another person’s academic progress.
      • Withholding or misrepresenting common knowledge about an Academic Activity as a deliberate attempt to harm another person’s academic progress.
      • Revealing confidential data about another person or their Academic Activity.

    Academic Integrity Policy Violations

    Students who violate the Academic Integrity Policy are subject to corrective action to deter future misconduct and to hold students accountable for their actions. Consequences of Academic Integrity Policy violations will be based on past academic integrity violation records, the level of severity of the violation, and the impact upon the academic community. Documentation of Academic Integrity Policy violations is maintained. Examples of consequences that will be implemented include but are not limited to the following:

    Consequence of Academic Integrity Policy Violation(s):

    Level One Violations:  Level One violations are less severe and may be intentional or unintentional in nature. These violations may occur due to gaps and/or misunderstandings in the learning process of what constitutes academic misconduct, or a disregard for the Honor Code. It is not the responsibility of the College to identify the intentionality of academic misconduct violations. Examples of Level One violations may include but are not limited to the following: minor citation errors, using information without giving credit to the author of that source, assisting others to violate academic integrity, and the use or sharing of unapproved resources.

    Faculty-Implemented Consequences: Level One Violations

    • Redo Academic Activity for partial or full credit; Late Assignment Submission Policy deduction may apply.
    • No resubmission – Partial credit on Academic Activity
    • No resubmission – Zero credit on Academic Activity

    Level Two Violations:  Level Two violations are more severe and egregious and may be intentional or unintentional in nature. It is not the responsibility of the College to identify the intentionality of academic misconduct. The egregiousness and/or the accumulation of multiple Level One violations is what differentiates the implementation of a Level One Consequence vs. Level Two Consequence. Examples of Level Two violations may include but are not limited to the following: full-text plagiarism, collusion, contract cheating, falsification of data or results, forgery, and impersonation.

    Academic Leadership or Academic Integrity Committee-Implemented Consequences: Level Two Violations

    • Withdrawal from the course and receive a Fail (F) grade.
    • Dismissal from the College

    The College reserves the right to dismiss a student from the College for academic misconduct; students who are dismissed from the College because of academic misconduct may not re-enroll. Students who commit Academic Misconduct also risk harming future educational and employment opportunities.

    Academic Integrity Appeal Process

    When there is a finding of academic misconduct, the student will have the opportunity to provide any additional and pertinent information they would like considered, so long as the basis for the appeal is to claim that the act of academic misconduct was not committed or that the consequence was too severe for the type of violation. Attempting to justify the act of misconduct is not an acceptable basis for an appeal. Refer to the Academic Appeal policy for the process to appeal an academic misconduct decision.

     

    Generative Artificial Intelligence (AI) Learning, Assessment, and Research Policy

    Hondros College of Nursing supports students’ ethical and transparent use of generative artificial intelligence (AI). Generative AI refers to technologies that can create content autonomously, such as text, images, or multimedia. Ethical use of generative AI includes implementation of such tools in the processes of brainstorming and editing. All use of the generative AI by students must comply with Hondros College of Nursing’s academic integrity policy. Any use of generative AI to supplement student submissions of course assignments and deliverables – written, visual, or otherwise – must be cited appropriately with the A.I. tool employed, e.g., (OpenAI, 2025). Generative AI should not be used by students to complete assignments or deliverables in total. Hondros College of Nursing College students are responsible for the quality of ideas as well as the accuracy of information and sources within all their submitted assignments.

     

    Non-academic Misconduct

    Harassment Conduct/Hazing Conduct

    1. Physically or verbally abusing, assaulting, threatening, endangering, or harassing any person connected with the College or a clinical agency.
    2. Engaging in harassment based on race, ethnicity, gender, sexual orientation, ability, or religious affiliation.
    3. Engaging in sexual assault, sexual exploitation, sexual harassment, non-consensual contact, and/or stalking, as defined by the Ohio Revised Code.
    4. Engaging in, or coercing another individual to engage in, any act related to initiation or membership in a student or other organization that causes or creates a substantial risk of mental or physical harm to any person. This includes, but is not limited to, coercing another individual to consume alcohol or a drug of abuse.

    Disruptive and Unethical Conduct

    1. Improper verbal or physical conduct in any classroom, lab, clinical location while on College property or wearing the College uniform.
    2. Threatening or actually physically harming another person or person’s property.
    3. Disruption while in a classroom, lab, or clinical location. Disruptive conduct may include, but not limited to, arriving late to class, leaving class early, frequent breaks, outbursts, or any other activity that disrupts the educational and learning opportunities of other students.
    4. Use of cellular phone and Bluetooth devices while in class, lab, or at clinical locations including texting and Internet usage. Due to patient confidentiality, cellular phones and Bluetooth devices are prohibited in the clinical setting.
    5. Sleeping during class, lab, or at clinical locations.
    6. Leaving the clinical facility before the end of the scheduled shift without faculty permission.
    7. Unauthorized entry to or use of College facilities.
    8. Theft or damage to the College or College property.
    9. Possession, use, distribution and/or sale of any illicit/illegal substance, including the use, distribution, and/or sale of marijuana or cannabis. Regardless of whether a medical marijuana prescription and/or card has been issued, the College considers marijuana an illegal substance, and using it is strictly prohibited. This is applicable even in cases where the state has legalized marijuana use for medical and/or recreational purposes.
    10. Use of or being under the influence of alcohol or drugs while on College property and/or any clinical location. Students should report any knowledge of such activities to the appropriate College personnel. Whenever anyone with supervisory responsibilities within the College suspects a student has fallen short of performance or behavioral standards due to the use of alcohol or drugs, or is under the influence of alcohol or drugs, the College may require that individual to submit a saliva, blood, or urine sample for alcohol and/or drug testing to stay enrolled in a program.
    11. Carrying a firearm, deadly weapon, or dangerous ordinance anywhere on College property or on any clinical campus used by the College.
    12. Having children on campus. Children are not permitted to attend classes, including labs and clinicals. Children are not permitted on campus or common areas used by the campus.
    13. Smoking and tobacco use. Students may not smoke or use tobacco products of any kind, including electronic cigarettes, snuff, chewing tobacco, etc. at any clinical sites, while in uniform, or while on campus.
    14. Students are not permitted to eat or drink in the nursing skills lab or the science lab.
    15. Falsifying Information, including, not limited to, providing false information to College officials or clinical agencies, participating in forgery, and knowingly supplying the college false or altered documentation or information.
    16. Failing to abide by College policies.

    Consequences of Misconduct – Non-academic Misconduct

    The College has the right to discipline any student whose behavior violates the Student Code of Conduct or Ohio Board of Nursing regulations, as outlined below. Students will receive written notification of any disciplinary actions.

    Depending upon the severity of the violation, the College may:

    1. Issue a verbal warning to the student.
    2. Issue a written warning to the student. The warning will be placed in the student file.
    3. Administratively Withdraw the student from a course(s) with a “W” or “F” grade
    4. Immediately dismiss the student from the College.

      Additionally, the College may be required to notify the state board of nursing of certain behaviors or offenses.

      If a student is subject to any of the consequences listed above the College reserves the right to suspend the students right to attend course(s) while and investigation takes place.  If a student is subject to any of the consequences listed above and disagrees with the outcome, he or she may follow the Academic Appeal Policy, as outlined in the Student Catalog. Students who are dismissed due to a violation of the Student Code of Conduct are prohibited from being on College property and are not eligible for reinstatement.

    Ohio Board of Nursing (OAC,4723-5-12(C)) Student Conduct Requirements

    1. A student shall, in a complete, accurate, and timely manner, report and document nursing assessments or observations, the care provided by the student for the client, and the client’s response to that care.
    2. A student shall, in an accurate and timely manner, report to the appropriate practitioner errors in or deviations from the current valid order.
    3. A student shall not falsify any client record or any other document prepared or utilized in the course of, or in conjunction with, nursing practice. This includes, but is not limited to, case management documents or reports or time records, reports, and other documents related to billing for nursing services.
    4. A student shall implement measures to promote a safe environment for each client.
    5. A student shall delineate, establish, and maintain professional boundaries with each client.
    6. At all times when a student is providing direct nursing care to a client the student shall:
      • a. Provide privacy during examination or treatment and in the care of personal or bodily needs;
      • b. Treat each client with courtesy, respect, and with full recognition of dignity and individuality.
    7. A student shall practice within the appropriate scope of practice as set forth in division (B) of section 4723.01 and division (B)(20) of section 4723.28 of the Revised Code for a registered nurse and division (F) of section 4723.01 and division (B)(21) of section 4723.28 of the Revised Code for a practical nurse.
    8. A student shall use universal blood and body fluid pre-cautions established by Chapter 4723-20 of the Administrative Code.
    9. A student shall not:
      • a. Engage in behavior that causes or may cause physical, verbal, mental, or emotional abuse to a client
      • b. Engage in behavior toward a client that may reasonably be interpreted as physical, verbal, mental, or emotional abuse.

    For the purpose of the following paragraph, the client is always presumed incapable of giving free, full, or informed consent to the behaviors by the student set forth in this paragraph.

    1. A student shall not misappropriate a client’s property or:
      • a. Engage in behavior to seek or obtain personal gain at the client’s expense;
      • b. Engage in behavior that may reasonably be interpreted as behavior to seek or obtain personal gain at the client’s expense;
      • c. Engage in behavior that constitutes inappropriate involvement in the client’s personal relationships; or
      • d. Engage in behavior that may reasonably be interpreted as inappropriate involvement in the client’s personal relationships.

    For the purpose of the following paragraph, the client is always presumed incapable of giving free, full, or informed consent to sexual activity with the student.

    1. A student shall not:
      • a. Engage in sexual conduct with a client; Engage in conduct in the course of practice that may reasonably be interpreted as sexual;
      • b. Engage in any verbal behavior that is seductive or sexually demeaning to a client;
      • c. Engage in verbal behavior that may reasonably be interpreted as seductive, or sexually demeaning to a client.
    2. A student shall not, regardless of whether the contact or verbal behavior is consensual, engage with a patient other than the spouse of the student in any of the following:
      • a. Sexual contact, as defined in section 2907.01 of the Revised Code;
      • b. Verbal behavior that is sexually demeaning to the patient or may be reasonably interpreted by the patient as sexually demeaning.
    3. A student shall not self-administer or otherwise take into the body any dangerous drug, as defined in section 4729.01 of the Revised Code, in any way not in accordance with a legal, valid prescription issued for the student.
    4. A student shall not habitually indulge in the use of controlled substances, other habit-forming drugs, or alcohol or other chemical substances to an extent that impairs ability to practice.
    5. A student shall not have impairment of the ability to practice according to acceptable and prevailing standards of safe nursing care because of habitual or excessive use of drugs, alcohol, or other chemical substances that impair the ability to practice.
    6. A student shall not have impairment of the ability to practice according to acceptable and prevailing standards of safe nursing care because of a physical or mental disability.
    7. A student shall not assault or cause harm to a patient or deprive a patient of the means to summon assistance.
    8. A student shall not obtain or attempt to obtain money or anything of value by intentional misrepresentation or material deception in the course of practice.
    9. A student shall not have been adjudicated by a probate court of being mentally ill or mentally incompetent, unless restored to competency by the court.
    10. A student shall not aid and abet a person in that person’s practice of nursing without a license, practice as a dialysis technician without a certificate issued by the board, or administration of medications as a medication aide without a certificate issued by the board.
    11. A student shall not prescribe any drug or device to perform or induce an abortion, or otherwise perform or induce an abortion.
    12. A student shall not assist suicide as defined in section 3795.01 of the Revised Code.
    13. A student shall not submit or cause to be submitted any false, misleading or deceptive statements, information, or document to the nursing program, its faculty or preceptors, or to the board.
    14. A student shall maintain the confidentiality of patient information. The student shall communicate patient information with other members of the health care team for health care purposes only, shall access patient information only for purposes of patient care or for otherwise fulfilling the student’s assigned clinical responsibilities, and shall not disseminate patient information for purposes other than patient care or for otherwise fulfilling the student’s assigned clinical responsibilities through social media, texting, emailing or any other form of communication.
    15. To the maximum extent feasible, identifiable patient health care information shall not be disclosed by a student unless the patient has consented to the disclosure of identifiable patient health care information. A student shall report individually identifiable patient information without written consent in limited circumstances only and in accordance with an authorized law, rule, or other recognized legal authority.
    16. For purposes of paragraphs (C)(5), (C)(6), (C)(9), (C)(10), (C)(11) and (C)(12) of this rule, a student shall not use social media, texting, emailing, or other forms of communication with, or about a patient, for non-health care purposes or for purposes other than fulfilling the student’s assigned clinical responsibilities.