ST. PETERSBURG COLLEGE
2008-09
FACULTY MANUAL
I. INTRODUCTION ................................................................................................. 10
A.
General ..................................................................................................................... 10
1.
History ......................................................................................................... 10
2.
Governance................................................................................................. 11
3.
Mission ........................................................................................................ 12
4.
Educational Goals ...................................................................................... 12
5.
Accreditation .............................................................................................. 14
B.
SPC: Committed to progress and excellence ...................................................... 14
C.
College locations..................................................................................................... 16
1.
College mailing address: ........................................................................... 16
2.
Maps and street addresses to the various learning sites ...................... 16
D.
What’s new ............................................................................................................... 16
1.
EpiCenter .................................................................................................... 16
2.
Collaborative Labs ..................................................................................... 16
3.
Programs for high school students ......................................................... 18
4.
Baccalaureate programs ........................................................................... 19
E.
Collegewide information ........................................................................................ 26
1.
Internet presence ....................................................................................... 26
2.
College calendar ........................................................................................ 27
3.
Abbreviations of college site names ........................................................ 27
4.
College insignia .......................................................................................... 28
5.
Titan symbol ............................................................................................... 28
II. SETTLING IN ..................................................................................................... 29
A.
First week ................................................................................................................. 29
1.
Parking ........................................................................................................ 29
2.
College ID .................................................................................................... 29
B.
Finding information................................................................................................. 29
1.
Faculty and Staff Directory ....................................................................... 29
2.
BOT rules and college procedures .......................................................... 29
3.
Information line .......................................................................................... 29
C.
Getting things done ................................................................................................ 29
1.
Forms .......................................................................................................... 29
2.
Helpdesk ..................................................................................................... 30
3.
Work orders ................................................................................................ 30
4.
Inter-campus mail ...................................................................................... 30
5.
Business Services rules and procedures ................................................ 30
6.
Facilities ...................................................................................................... 34
III. EXPECTATIONS ............................................................................................... 35
A.
Work week................................................................................................................ 35
1.
Duty hours for faculty ................................................................................ 35
2.
Instructional assignments ......................................................................... 35
3.
Non-instructional activities ....................................................................... 36
4.
Curriculum development ........................................................................... 36
2
5.
Faculty Qualifications ................................................................................ 38
B.
Faculty Evaluation................................................................................................... 38
1.
Full-time faculty .......................................................................................... 38
2.
Adjunct faculty ........................................................................................... 39
C.
Required Professional Development .................................................................... 39
1.
Orientation for new faculty ........................................................................ 39
2.
Initial professional development .............................................................. 39
3.
On-line instruction requirement ............................................................... 40
4.
Ongoing professional development/change in academic credentials . 40
D.
Faculty involvement in campus life....................................................................... 41
1.
Required functions .................................................................................... 41
2.
Committees ................................................................................................. 42
3.
Other ............................................................................................................ 48
E.
Conduct .................................................................................................................... 48
1.
Standards of conduct for employees ....................................................... 48
2.
Alcohol and Substance Abuse Policy ...................................................... 49
3.
Sexual harassment policy and training ................................................... 49
4.
Controlled substances .............................................................................. 50
5.
Drug-free workplace .................................................................................. 50
6.
Smoking in college facilities ..................................................................... 50
7.
Outside employment .................................................................................. 50
8.
Personal financial obligations .................................................................. 50
9.
Public visitation and/or telephone contacts ............................................ 51
10.
Nepotism ..................................................................................................... 51
11.
Legal services for employees ................................................................... 51
IV. ACADEMIC PROCEDURES ............................................................................. 51
A.
Course information ................................................................................................. 51
1.
Course content ........................................................................................... 51
2.
Printing out a course outline .................................................................... 51
3.
Syllabus format/sample ............................................................................. 52
4.
Course corequisites and prerequisites ................................................... 52
5.
Independent study ..................................................................................... 53
B.
MySPC overview...................................................................................................... 54
1.
Login hints .................................................................................................. 54
2.
Attendance reports and withdrawals ....................................................... 54
3.
Record grades ............................................................................................ 55
4.
Changes to grades ..................................................................................... 56
C.
ANGEL overview ..................................................................................................... 56
D.
Hurricane instructional plan. ................................................................................. 57
E.
Special programs .................................................................................................... 59
1.
Field trips .................................................................................................... 59
2.
Study Abroad and other International Programs .................................... 59
3.
Speakers or consultants ........................................................................... 59
F.
Support ..................................................................................................................... 59
1.
Use of copy machines, telephones and computers ............................... 59
2.
Library ......................................................................................................... 61
3.
Bookstores.................................................................................................. 62
3
4.
5.
6.
7.
V.
Web and Instructional Technology (WITS) .............................................. 63
Staff and Program Development (SPD) Workshops ............................... 63
Software manuals available online .......................................................... 63
Data processing ......................................................................................... 63
ACADEMIC POLICIES ..................................................................... 63
A.
Principles of good practice in undergraduate education ................................... 63
B.
Development of new programs and new courses and revision of current
programs and courses ........................................................................................... 64
C.
Access to and protection of information .............................................................. 65
1.
Confidentiality of grades ........................................................................... 65
D.
Copyright ................................................................................................................. 65
1.
Policy ........................................................................................................... 65
2.
Materials subject to copyright and patent ............................................... 66
3.
Fair use........................................................................................................ 66
4.
Video Technology ...................................................................................... 67
5.
Electronic Resources ................................................................................ 68
E.
Links for further information .................................................................................. 68
1.
Academic freedom ..................................................................................... 68
2.
Academic titles ........................................................................................... 68
3.
Textbook selection and adoption ............................................................. 68
4.
Resale of complimentary textbooks ........................................................ 68
5.
Software use ............................................................................................... 68
VI.
STUDENT POLICIES ........................................................................ 68
A.
At the start of the term ............................................................................................ 68
1.
Admission ................................................................................................... 68
2.
Registration ................................................................................................ 69
3.
Financial Assistance .................................................................................. 69
4.
OSSD staff and services ............................................................................ 72
5.
Academic requirements ............................................................................ 72
B.
During the term ........................................................................................................ 72
1.
Student e-mails .......................................................................................... 72
2.
Course changes ......................................................................................... 72
3.
Attendance .................................................................................................. 72
4.
Withdrawals ................................................................................................ 74
5.
Grades ......................................................................................................... 74
6.
Procedure to identify students with learning and other disabilities..... 75
C.
Students’ rights and responsibilities .................................................................... 75
1.
Statement on students’ rights, freedoms, and responsibilities ............ 75
2.
Academic Honesty ..................................................................................... 76
3.
Student dress ............................................................................................. 77
4.
Student use of college facilities ............................................................... 77
5.
Students’ classroom responsibility ......................................................... 77
6.
Faculty advisors’ responsibility to student organization ...................... 77
7.
Disciplinary problems ................................................................................ 78
8.
Student Threats .......................................................................................... 78
9.
Student grievances and appeals .............................................................. 78
10.
Faculty referrals to academic advising services .................................... 79
4
11.
12.
13.
14.
D.
VII.
Academic standing .................................................................................... 79
Student records .......................................................................................... 80
Collection of money from students .......................................................... 80
Graduation .................................................................................................. 80
Links to additional information.............................................................................. 80
1.
Tutoring ....................................................................................................... 80
2.
Reservations for use of college facilities by recognized student
organizations .............................................................................................. 80
3.
Credit by assessment of prior learning/experiential learning ............... 80
4.
Student forms online ................................................................................. 80
5.
College catalog ........................................................................................... 80
COLLEGEWIDE POLICIES .............................................................. 81
A.
EEO
1.
2.
..................................................................................................................... 81
Equal access/equal opportunity ............................................................... 81
Equal employment opportunities ............................................................. 81
B.
Gifts
1.
2.
..................................................................................................................... 82
Solicitation or acceptance of gifts............................................................ 82
Gifts to the college ..................................................................................... 82
C.
Media
..................................................................................................................... 82
D.
Official entertainment ............................................................................................. 82
E.
Basic human rights ................................................................................................. 82
VIII.
PERSONNEL POLICIES .................................................................. 82
A.
Human Resources ................................................................................................... 82
1.
Position descriptions and manuals ......................................................... 82
2.
Procedures for filling faculty vacancies .................................................. 82
3.
Career service manual ............................................................................... 82
B.
Contracts .................................................................................................................. 82
1.
Annual contracts ........................................................................................ 82
2.
Reappointment or non-reappointment of annual contract instructional
personnel not under continuing contract ................................................ 83
3.
Continuing contracts ................................................................................. 83
4.
Supplemental contracts ............................................................................ 83
5.
Instructional contract other than 12-month ............................................ 83
6.
Dismissal and return to annual contract ................................................. 83
7.
Loss of continuing contract status .......................................................... 84
8.
Suspension or dismissal during the contract year ................................ 84
C.
Salaries ..................................................................................................................... 84
1.
Academic Titles: Establishment of academic ranks ............................. 84
2.
Instructional salaries and related policies .............................................. 84
3.
Maximum wage or salary........................................................................... 84
4.
Annual salary increase .............................................................................. 84
5.
Total compensation of employees in budgeted positions .................... 84
6.
Acting pay ................................................................................................... 85
7.
Benefits for designated employees ......................................................... 85
8.
Overtime ...................................................................................................... 85
9.
Emergency work ........................................................................................ 85
5
10.
11.
12.
13.
14.
Holiday work and holiday pay................................................................... 85
College credit in lieu of experience requirements .................................. 85
Wage or salary increase for additional responsibilities for faculty,
administrative, professional and managerial, and career service
employees ................................................................................................... 85
Work Study and student assistants’ salary schedule ............................ 85
Temporary (Other Personal Services – OPS) employees salary
schedule ...................................................................................................... 86
D.
The following are links to the Human Resources Web page: ............................ 86
1.
Instructional salaries – full-time faculty .................................................. 86
2.
Change in academic credentials .............................................................. 86
3.
Adjunct/supplemental salary schedule – Credit ..................................... 86
4.
Grade/Salary per Equated Credit Hour .................................................... 86
5.
Emergency Medical Services – Credit ..................................................... 86
6.
Microsoft Certified Systems Engineer (MCSE) and Microsoft Certified
Solutions Developer (MCSD) instruction ................................................. 86
7.
Excess teaching preparations .................................................................. 86
8.
Adjunct/Supplemental salary schedule – Non-credit ............................. 86
9.
Substitute pay............................................................................................. 86
10.
Extended substitute pay ............................................................................ 86
11.
Percent of load ........................................................................................... 86
12.
Center for Excellence - Florida Education Fund (GRANT) .................... 86
13.
College Reach-Out Grant .......................................................................... 86
14.
Brain Bowl, Forensics, and Computer Team Coaching Salary Schedule
..................................................................................................................... 86
15.
Experiential Learning salary schedule .................................................... 86
16.
Supplemental salary schedules for student activities ........................... 86
17.
Athletics salary schedule .......................................................................... 86
18.
Supplemental salary schedule for Writing Assessment ........................ 86
19.
Supplemental salary schedule for Writing Assessment ........................ 87
20.
Miscellaneous salary schedule ................................................................ 87
21.
Work Study and student assistants’ salary schedule ............................ 87
22.
Temporary (Other Personnel Services) employees salary schedule ... 87
23.
Supplemental pay ...................................................................................... 87
E.
Time off .................................................................................................................... 87
1.
Sick leave .................................................................................................... 87
2.
Vacation leave ............................................................................................ 88
3.
Professional leave ...................................................................................... 88
4.
Sabbatical leave ......................................................................................... 88
5.
Accidental injuries or illness .................................................................... 88
6.
Family and medical leave .......................................................................... 89
7.
Sick leave pool ........................................................................................... 89
8.
Illness in line of duty .................................................................................. 89
9.
Personal leaves .......................................................................................... 89
10.
Personal leave without pay ....................................................................... 89
11.
Court-related leaves ................................................................................... 89
12.
Administrative leave from continuing contract ...................................... 89
13.
Military and National Guard leave ............................................................ 89
F.
Benefits – Employer paid ....................................................................................... 89
1.
Insurance .................................................................................................... 89
2.
Retirement plans ........................................................................................ 90
3.
Recognition program ................................................................................. 90
4.
Use of college… ......................................................................................... 90
5.
Other benefits/privileges ........................................................................... 91
G.
Benefits – Employee paid ....................................................................................... 91
6
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.
8.
H.
Group health for spouse/dependents ...................................................... 91
Vision ........................................................................................................... 91
Short- and long-term disability insurance ............................................... 91
403(b) and 457(b) retirement accounts .................................................... 91
Optional term life insurance ...................................................................... 92
Supplemental insurance ............................................................................ 92
Flexible benefits plan ................................................................................. 92
Flexible spending account ........................................................................ 92
Retiring, resigning, reduction in force, and terminal pay ................................... 93
1.
Retirement................................................................................................... 93
2.
Resignation ................................................................................................. 94
3.
Reduction in force ...................................................................................... 94
4.
Terminal pay ............................................................................................... 94
APPENDIX A .......................................................................................................... 95
ORGANIZATIONAL CHART .................................................................................. 95
APPENDIX B .......................................................................................................... 96
FACULTY GOVERNANCE ORGANIZATION CONSTITUTION ............................ 96
ARTICLE I .............................................................................................................. 97
NAMES AND STRUCTURE .................................................................................................. 97
FACULTY COUNCIL ............................................................................................................. 97
FACULTY SENATE ............................................................................................................... 97
SENATE EXECUTIVE BOARD ............................................................................................. 97
ARTICLE II ............................................................................................................. 97
AFFIRMATIVE ACTION STATEMENT ................................................................................. 97
ARTICLE III ............................................................................................................ 98
DEFINITION OF TERMS ....................................................................................................... 98
ARTICLE IV: FACULTY GOVERNANCE ORGANIZATION ................................. 98
SECTION 1
..................................................................................................................... 98
SECTION 2
..................................................................................................................... 99
ARTICLE V: THE FACULTY COUNCILS ............................................................. 99
SECTION 1: STRUCTURE REFLECTS MULTI-SITE STRUCTURE .................................. 99
SECTION 2: PURPOSE ....................................................................................................... 99
7
SECTION 3: RESPONSIBILITIES........................................................................................ 99
SECTION 4: MEMBERSHIP ............................................................................................... 100
SECTION 5. ELECTION OF REPRESENTATIVES ........................................................... 101
SECTION 6: DUTIES OF THE REPRESENTATIVES OF THE FACULTY COUNCIL ...... 102
SECTION 7: OFFICERS OF THE FACULTY COUNCIL ................................................... 102
SECTION 8: MEETINGS OF THE FACULTY COUNCIL ................................................... 103
SECTION 9: TRANSACTIONS OF FACULTY COUNCIL BUSINESS ............................. 103
SECTION 10: COMMITTEES ............................................................................................. 104
SECTION 11: REMOVAL OF REPRESENTATIVE OR OFFICERS ................................. 104
SECTION 12: VACANCY ................................................................................................... 104
SECTION 13: STANDING OPERATING PROCEDURES ................................................. 105
ARTICLE VI: FACULTY SENATE....................................................................... 105
SECTION 1: PURPOSES OF THE FACULTY SENATE ................................................... 105
SECTION 2: RESPONSIBILITIES OF THE FACULTY SENATE ...................................... 106
SECTION 3: MEMBERSHIP OF THE FACULTY SENATE ............................................... 106
SECTION 4: DUTIES OF SENATORS ............................................................................... 107
SECTION 5: OFFICERS OF THE FACULTY SENATE ..................................................... 107
SECTION 6: MEETINGS OF THE FACULTY SENATE .................................................... 108
SECTION 7: TRANSACTIONS OF FACULTY SENATE BUSINESS ............................... 108
SECTION 8: COMMITTEES ............................................................................................... 110
SECTION 9: REMOVAL OF SENATORS OR OFFICERS ................................................ 110
SECTION 10: VACANCY ................................................................................................... 111
SECTION 11: STANDING OPERATING PROCEDURES ................................................. 111
ARTICLE VII: SENATE EXECUTIVE BOARD .................................................... 111
SECTION 1: SENATE EXECUTIVE BOARD ..................................................................... 111
SECTION 2: PURPOSES ................................................................................................... 111
SECTION 3: DUTIES .......................................................................................................... 111
SECTION 4: OFFICERS ..................................................................................................... 112
8
ARTICLE VIII: METHODS OF CONSTITUTIONAL AMENDMENT .................... 112
SECTION 1: AMENDMENTS TO CONSTITUTION ........................................................... 112
SECTION 2: PROPOSED AMENDMENTS ........................................................................ 112
SECTION 3: SUBMITTED 1 MONTH PRIOR TO VOTE ................................................... 112
APPENDIX C ........................................................................................................ 113
SYLLABUS TEMPLATE ...................................................................................... 113
(UNDER DEVELOPMENT) .................................................................................. 113
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I. Introduction1
A. General
1. History
Access and excellence are the hallmarks of St. Petersburg College, founded in 1927 as
St. Petersburg Junior College, Florida's first two-year institution of higher education.
Initially a private facility, its first classes were in a borrowed, unused section of the thennew St. Petersburg High School. Today the college stands as a multi-campus, twoyear/four-year public institution with eight learning sites located countywide, and services
that are administered throughout the nation and beyond. Nearly 70,000 students a year
are served by SPC, including students from more than 100 countries. Learning sites are
in St. Petersburg, Clearwater, Tarpon Springs, Pinellas Park, Largo and Seminole.
Seminole Campus, which opened in August 1998, includes the C.W. Bill Young
University Partnership Center (UPC). The UPC opened a year later, with half a dozen
Florida four-year institutions in collaboration. Through the UPC, students can choose
from more than 85 degree programs offered by more than 15 (including SPC) prestigious
colleges and universities in Florida and beyond without leaving Pinellas County. SPC
Downtown opened in August 1998, and the college's Corporate Training program the
following academic term. SPC Downtown’s home is at 244 Second Ave. N. The new
building also houses the Florida International Museum, a local 501(c) (3) organization. In
2003, the college began offering courses in St. Petersburg’s midtown section. Those
classes are offered at the St. Petersburg Housing Authority’s Center for Achievement.
SPC's courses also are offered in various community facilities throughout the county via
the Lifelong Learning program, while others are transmitted to students by way of
computer, television and the Internet. Since early 2001, the college has been offering
more online programs than any other community college in the state – and more than
most state universities. In June 2001, legislation was signed by Gov. Jeb Bush enabling
SPJC to become the first among Florida’s 28 public community colleges to transition to a
four-year institution. The college dropped the “Junior” from its name, but not its
commitment to its two-year mission – which remains as strong as ever. In 2007, SPC
acquired the historic Palladium Theater in downtown St. Petersburg, pledging to
continue to use it for community events and promising to add quality educational
enterprise at the facility as well. SPC also signed lease agreements with American Stage
and the Florida Orchestra incorporating them into the SPC Downtown Center. With
these lessee/lessor relationships, educational components are envisioned.
Volumes containing the Florida Statutes and the Florida State Board of Education Administrative
Rules are available in the library on each site. The Board of Trustees Rules and Procedures for
implementing these rules are combined in a multi-volume manual, the St. Petersburg College
BOT Rules and Procedures Manual, and also are available in each of the campus/site libraries
and provost’s/vice president’s offices, and on the college Web site.
1
Faculty also should refer to the Student Handbook and the Supplement to the Faculty, Staff and Student
Handbooks, as there is useful and important information in those documents.
10
2. Governance
Each of Florida’s 28 community/junior colleges has its own Board of Trustees and
adopts its own rules. These rules have the force of law. The rules of the St. Petersburg
College Board of Trustees are the controlling authority over all employees of St.
Petersburg College. The State Board of Education rules are derived from authority
given by the Florida Legislature as recorded in the Florida Statutes at Chapter 1001,
Part III, Community Colleges & Chapter 1004.73 St. Petersburg College. There are also
other Florida laws that have a bearing on SPC.
a) The Board of Trustees
(To return to the Faculty Manual from the internet browser, use the “back” key.)
b) The President
Carl M. Kuttler Jr has been an SPC administrator since 1966. In 1978 he was
named college president and has continued to serve in that role since that time.
President Kuttler is a graduate of St. Petersburg College, Florida State University
and Stetson University College of Law.
Russian cosmonaut Boris Volynov visited St. Petersburg College and President Carl M. Kuttler Jr.
in June 2006. Volynov spoke to students and told of his travels in space.
c) Multiple campus operation/administration
St. Petersburg College is a single-institutional entity with learning sites throughout
Pinellas County. Sites are the EpiCenter (EPI) in Largo, where administrative
functions are found as well as technology instruction, Corporate Training and the
Pinellas County offices of Economic Development, Convention and Visitors Bureau,
WorkNet and the Pinellas County Arts Council; Clearwater Campus (CL); St.
Petersburg/ Gibbs Campus (SP/G); Tarpon Springs Campus (TS), which includes
the Leepa-Rattner Museum of Art; Caruth Health Education Center (HEC) in
11
Pinellas Park; Allstate Center (AC) in St. Petersburg; Seminole Campus (SE); SPC
Downtown in St. Petersburg, which includes the Florida International Museum; and
the Midtown Center in St. Petersburg.
A necessity always is present for close articulation, coordination and cooperation
among the sites of the college.
With the exception of certain courses in specialized subject matter areas, such as
the occupational programs, many sites will offer virtually the same instructional
program. Course numbers and descriptions in the college catalog, as well as course
objectives, will apply equally to all sites. Close program coordination among sites
will help to ensure to all students optimum uniformity of quality instruction.
d) Faculty governance
The Faculty Governance Organization provides a vehicle through which faculty
members may have input into the decisions of the college. The Faculty Governance
Organization Constitution is attached as Appendix B.
3. Mission
The mission of St. Petersburg College is to provide accessible, learner-centered
education for students pursuing selected baccalaureate degrees, associate degrees,
technical certificates, applied technology diplomas and continuing education within our
service area as well as globally in program areas in which the college has expertise. As
a comprehensive, multi-campus, postsecondary institution, St. Petersburg College seeks
to be a creative leader and partner with students, communities, and other educational
institutions to deliver enriched learning experiences and to promote economic and
workforce development.
St. Petersburg College fulfills its mission led by an outstanding, diverse faculty and staff
that provides students with advanced teaching and learning technologies in the
classroom, distance education courses, international programs, innovative teaching
methods and a comprehensive library for promoting literacy and research. St.
Petersburg College embraces continuous institutional self-evaluation to assure a climate
for student success and an enduring commitment to excellence.
4. Educational Goals
In support of our mission, the goals of the college are to:
 provide equal educational opportunities to a diverse student body;
 prepare students for work in selected professional fields through Bachelor of
Science, Bachelor of Arts, and Bachelor of Applied Science degree programs
and in partnership with other colleges/universities through St. Petersburg
College’s University Partnership Center;
 prepare lower-division students for transfer into baccalaureate programs through
the Associate in Arts program and articulated Associate in Science degree
programs;
 prepare lower-division students for careers requiring postsecondary education
through Associate in Science, Associate in Applied Science, selected Technical
Certificate and Applied Technology programs;
 provide opportunities for under-prepared students to achieve college entry-level
skills in reading, writing and mathematics through the college preparatory
12
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
programs, and opportunities for exceptionally dedicated students to maximize the
development of their academic abilities and talents through honors courses and
service projects;
promote challenging educational opportunities for area high school students
through dual enrollment, charter school programs and similar programs;
provide opportunities to improve employability, enhance career skills and attain
personal enrichment through courses, seminars, workshops and other continuing
education programs;
promote economic and cultural development for the state through special
education and training programs including collaborative labs initiatives, technical
courses and workshops, and promotion of the arts and services designed to
enhance the competitiveness of individuals, agencies, and businesses and
industries in the local, state, national and global economies;
contribute to the international education of students through a variety of courses,
foreign study tours, faculty and student exchanges, linkages with international
institutions, distance learning and other special programs;
serve target populations of Pinellas County through distance learning programs
and other means that emanate from the institution’s history of services and
specialized expertise;
provide additional services to students and the community through partnerships
with government, businesses and other academic institutions, grants and
Foundation projects;
enhance student learning and assist with career planning, goal-setting and
financial assistance to maximize students’ opportunities to succeed;
provide an open admission general education curriculum, which results in
students’ achievement of the following educational outcomes:
 communicate effectively by demonstrating the ability to speak, listen, read
and write in an organized and analytical manner;
 demonstrate effective mathematical skills emphasizing practical problem
solving and data interpretation;
 utilize the scientific method as it applies to understanding scientific and social
phenomena;
 recognize basic scientific principles underlying human influence upon the
earth and its inhabitants;
 implement appropriate forms of existing and evolving technology for personal,
educational, and professional purposes;
 demonstrate the ability to work effectively with others in a variety of settings;
 demonstrate an understanding and appreciation of the humanities and fine
arts including participating in cultural activities featuring art, music, literature,
dance and/or theater;
 participate as informed and responsible citizens in solving social, economic
and political problems in a multicultural and global society;
 recognize ethical issues and dilemmas in the personal, business and social
areas of their lives and apply ethical principles and logical problem-solving
skills when making ethical decisions;
 think logically, critically and creatively to solve problems and make decisions;
 recognize the importance of lifelong learning in the pursuit of personal,
intellectual and career development;
 analyze and assess personal values and future goals
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5. Accreditation
St. Petersburg College is accredited by the Commission on Colleges of the Southern Association
of Colleges and Schools (1866 Southern Lane, Decatur, Georgia 30033-4097; telephone number
(404) 679-4501) to award selected Bachelor’s degrees in Science and Bachelor’s degrees in
Applied Science, Associate degrees in Arts, Associate degrees in Science, and Associate
degrees in Applied Science, as well as certificates and Applied Technology diplomas. SPC also is
accredited by a number of program-specific agencies. Contact the Commission on Colleges at
1866 Southern Lane, Decatur, Georgia 30033-4097 or call 404-679-4500 for questions about the
accreditation of SPC.
B. SPC: Committed to progress and excellence
For more than 75 years, the students, alumni, faculty and staff of St. Petersburg College
have held themselves to high standards. This manifests itself in many ways — among
them, academic success, honors and awards, graduation rates and community service.
The latest yearly rankings from the U.S. Department of Education and the Florida
Community College System show what can happen when excellence is the standard.
Matched with two-year programs at both two- and four-year institutions, SPC ranked No.
10 in the nation for the number of associate degrees awarded in Nursing and No. 6 for
Liberal Arts & Sciences/ General Studies/Humanities; No. 10 for associate degrees
awarded in All Disciplines and No. 11 for Health Professions & Related Clinical Services.
The American Association of Community Colleges (AACC) awarded SPC first place in its
national 2005 Digital Community College Survey, assessing how community colleges
progress in using information technology to better serve students. In 2004, the AACC
named SPC’s eCampus America’s Outstanding Distance Education Program, and in
2007, Best Instructional Technology Support; Kevin Morgan, Humanities, was one of two
Outstanding Online Faculty. Communications’ Jan Ballantine was a 2005 national winner
for creating an “Outstanding Online Course.” In January, AACC named Natural Science’s
Anita Naravane the Outstanding Distance Education Faculty Member in the country. And
for the fourth time in four years, SPC led Florida in all three major categories of distance
learning at community colleges.
Other recent accomplishments and facts:
 SPC President Carl M. Kuttler Jr. has received the St. Petersburg Area Chamber of
Commerce’s highest accolade, the C.W. Bill Young Award, in recognition of his
public service. In the fall of 2005, he was named to the Board of Advisers of Russia’s
Dmitri Shostakovich St. Petersburg Academic Philharmonia. In February 2005 he
was inducted into the Tampa Bay Business Hall of Fame. In March of 2005, he was
keynote speaker at a workshop for 80 leaders worldwide at Harvard University. In
1998, Dr. Kuttler was selected as America’s outstanding college president by the
Association of Community College Trustees (ACCT).
 With the help of Congressman C.W. Bill Young, SPC recently received $800,000 in
federal funds to establish the National Center for Cybersecurity Education. It was
placed at the Allstate Center.
 Honored in 2005 as Florida’s EMS Nurse of the Year was SPC’s program director of
Emergency Medical Services, Nerina Stepanovsky, while a faculty colleague, Larry
Lovan, was honored state EMS Educator of the Year. Recognition came at the 32nd
annual Clinical Congress of EMS in Orlando.
 The college and Pinellas County’s Economic Development office jointly occupy a
new, $32-million, 182,000-square-foot “EpiCenter” at Largo’s ICOT Center. The
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EpiCenter boasts a Collaborative Labs complex to serve as many as 20,000 persons
a year.
Ken Burke, Pinellas County Clerk of Circuit Court and a member of the college’s
Board of Trustees, recently served a term as board chairman of the national
Association of Community College Trustees. He was the first SPC trustee to do so.
In SPC’s most recent Graduating Student Survey, 98 percent of the graduates said
they would recommend the college to their friends and family.
SPC now offers 20 bachelor’s degrees.
In the most recent results of the state licensing exam for physical therapist
assistants (PTA), the college’s PTA graduates had a 100 percent rate of passage.
This made SPC No. 1 in the country along with 22 other schools that had perfect
pass rates.
Nearly 600 volunteers assist the college in carrying out its mission. Currently, they
range in age from 16 to 90. Last year they donated more than 15,000 hours.
Through the Freedom Calls Foundation, Operation Hometown Link operates at
SPC’s Seminole Campus, affording area families two-way interactive hookups to see
and talk with their loved ones serving in the U.S. military in Iraq.
Another first for SPC: Titan pitcher Pedro Beato was a first-round choice in the 2006
Major League Baseball draft, when the Baltimore Orioles picked him.
In 2006, the college moved into its own site in the heart of St. Petersburg for the first
time since 1942. SPC Downtown, a four-story facility, is at 244 Second Ave. N,
where extensive renovations and expansion continue to take place. SPC Midtown,
meanwhile, at 1048 22nd St. S, is enjoying robust growth.
SPC was one of seven Florida community colleges named recently to share nearly
$11.2-million in grants under President Bush’s Community-Based Job Training
Initiative. SPC’s $1.65-million is being spent in health care training.
Keith Goree, instructor-in-charge of the Applied Ethics program and director of SPC’s
Applied Ethics Institute, won the 2005 national William H. Meardy Faculty Member
Award from the Association of Community College Trustees.
At the 12th Intercollegiate Ethics Bowl in 2006, SPC placed fifth out of 40 teams from
colleges and universities nationwide. Maureen Mahoney is team coach.
SPC has five chapters of Phi Theta Kappa, the international honorary society for twoyear colleges. The Eta Nu chapter at the St. Petersburg/Gibbs Campus has won the
organization’s Most Distinguished Chapter Award a record five times. This year it
was named a Distinguished Chapter for the 25th consecutive year and a Beta Alpha
Continued Excellence Award recipient for the 15th year in a row.
The University Partnership Center at the Seminole Campus now has 17 partner
institutions and offers more than 90 bachelor’s, master’s and doctoral programs to
area residents. One partner, the University of Florida, operates its own College of
Dentistry and College of Pharmacy facilities at the site.
SPC’s charter school, St. Petersburg Collegiate High School, was rated “A” by the
state at the end of its first four years. SPCHS was the highest ranking high school in
Pinellas County in 2007 FCAT scores for all categories: writing, reading,
mathematics, science, and norm reference testing for reading and math. Moreover,
the SPCHS student body is more diverse than those at any of the other top five
schools or the county’s other two “A” high schools.
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C. College locations
1. College mailing address:
ST PETERSBURG COLLEGE
P O BOX 13489
ST PETERSBURG FL 33733
2. Maps and street addresses to the various learning sites
D. What’s new
1. EpiCenter
Pinellas County and St. Petersburg College are partnering to help business become a
star through the EpiCenter, a high-tech facility offering economic, workforce and
community development resources for Pinellas County, the region and the state. Housed
at the EpiCenter are:
 Pinellas County Arts Council – promotes cultural development through
programs and services for the arts industry, government and the community at
large.
 Pinellas County Economic Development – encourages the growth of local
businesses, recruits new companies with high-wage employment, fosters
entrepreneurship, facilitates a pro-business climate, and acts as a liaison for the
Pinellas County business community.
 Pinellas Workforce Development Board (WorkNet) – provides employmentrelated services to local employers, job seekers and the community.
 St. Petersburg/Clearwater Convention and Visitors Bureau – the county’s
official tourism marketing organization is charged with maintaining and growing
the county’s number one industry.
 St. Petersburg College – educational programs, including degree, certificate
and continuing/professional education (including a bachelor’s degree program in
electrical engineering and an MBA degree offered through the University of
South Florida). Also offered at the EpiCenter are SPC baccalaureate degrees in
Technology Management, International Business, Banking, and Management
and Organizational Leadership.
Through the efforts of the college and the county, the center offers:
1. Conference and program planning
2. Small business development consolation
3. Domestic and international tourism marketing and management programs
targeting customers and various segments of the travel trade industry
4. Business relocation information and assistance.
2. Collaborative Labs
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Collaborative Labs are the place for small and large organizations to design their futures
and their plans for getting there. The Collaborative Labs are your organization’s idea
incubator, creative studio, business laboratory, and planning factory. Your team can map
hundreds of activities and then see the whole map at once.
Be a part of our extensive market analysis to identify and design collaborative services
that meet your business needs. We have expertise in business planning, strategy
formulation and business development models as well as in group dynamics and
creativity. Capture the best ideas and solutions your group has to offer in the shortest
time.
Accelerated Collaborative Process
Our process draws from the best practices of collaborative thought leaders in the areas
of Appreciative Inquiry (AI), Open Space Technology (OST) and Future Search (FS).
A systematic approach is used in orienting the team to the situation, exploring the
situation and new options, studying relevant trends and data, building models for
addressing the challenge, testing these models, and facilitating the implementation of
the most robust ideas. Accelerated process allows teams to accomplish in days what
ordinarily takes weeks or months.
EpiCenter’s Innovative Space
 Four studios - ~10,000
square feet (including
support space), which
can be used individually
or in combination with
one another to support
groups of five to 150.
 Each studio can be
reconfigured to meet the
specific needs of your
team in minutes
EpiCenter’s State-of-the-Art
Technology:
 Hundreds of square feet
of movable marker board
with interactive
technology iPanels
(combine the advantages
of an LCD monitor with
the simplicity of using a
pen-input device)
 Multiple LAN-accessible
LCD projectors and
screens
 Video Conferencing
 Plasma displays
 Wireless and wired Internet access
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Internet phone access
Groupware
Tablet PCs
Color printers
Music system
Hand-held RF voting devices
Digital video recorders
Digital cameras and printers
Please contact:
Andrea Henning, director, Collaborative Labs
727- 341-3154
3.
Programs for high school students
a) St. Petersburg Collegiate High School
St. Petersburg College has established a charter high school on the St.
Petersburg/ Gibbs Campus to offer an additional program service model to the
students of Pinellas County and provide educational opportunities for students
who are academically prepared for college-level coursework. The three-year
program, serving grades 10-12, allows serious students to simultaneously
complete the requirements for a high school diploma and college coursework
leading to an associate degree. St. Petersburg Collegiate High School offers two
program options:
The Pre-Collegiate Program is designed for students entering the 10th grade. The
course work allows students the opportunity to transition from traditional high school
courses to college-level work.
The Collegiate Program is designed for students entering grades 11 and 12. There is a
major focus on college courses leading to an associate degree as well as simultaneous
completion of a high school diploma. Therefore, many students will graduate from St.
Petersburg Collegiate High School with an associate degree.
b) Early College Program
The Early College Program, a new and innovative option for students, will be
located on the Clearwater, Seminole and Tarpon Springs campuses of St.
Petersburg College. Juniors and seniors who meet dual enrollment eligibility
standards and reside in Pinellas County will have the opportunity to attend the
Early College Program as full-time students in the fall of 2008.
Students will remain fully dual-enrolled in their home high schools (allowing them
to participate in all extracurricular activities) and in classes at the college. They
will participate in a course progression leading to simultaneous completion of the
high school diploma and the Associate in Arts degree. SPC and PCS also
provide for part-time dual enrollment and for early college admission of high
school seniors.
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The Early College Program allows for full-time dual enrollment beginning in the
junior year of high school. For additional information contact Dr. Jeff Cesta at
791-5970.
4. Baccalaureate programs
After 75 years of serving the community as a junior and then community college, St.
Petersburg College was proud to offer baccalaureate degree options to the residents of
West Central Florida beginning in Fall of 2002. SPC offers bachelor’s degree programs
in Education (including Educational Studies), Nursing, Technology Management,
Paralegal Studies, Banking, International Business, Dental Hygiene, Veterinary
Technology, Public Safety Administration, Orthotics and Prosthetics, Interdisciplinary
Health and Human Studies, and Management and Organizational Leadership.
St. Petersburg College has designed its bachelor’s degree programs to fit the schedules
and budgets of traditional college-age students, as well as students with full-time jobs
and families. A support system is provided to help students succeed in attaining their
goals, e.g., classes can be taken at night or online, and there is an excellent e-library
support and e-Advising.
a) College of Education–Undergraduate and Post-Baccalaureate Programs
 Elementary Education (K-6) with Infused ESOL. Classes are offered at the
Tarpon Springs and the St. Petersburg/Gibbs campuses.
 Exceptional Student Education (K-12) with Infused ESOL. Classes are
offered at the Tarpon Springs and the St. Petersburg/Gibbs campuses.
 Secondary Mathematics Education (6-12). Classes are offered at the
Clearwater Campus.
 Secondary Science/Biology Education (6-12). Classes are offered at the
Clearwater Campus.
 Secondary Business Technology Education (6-12). Classes are offered at
the Clearwater Campus.
 Secondary Technology Education (6-12). Classes are offered at the
Clearwater Campus.
 Middle Grades Mathematics Education (5-9). Classes are offered at the
Clearwater Campus.
 Middle Grades General Science Education (5-9). Classes are offered at the
Clearwater Campus.
 Educational Studies—a non-teaching major. Classes are offered at various
SPC campuses with many online options.
 Education Preparation Institute or EPI (IMPACT) – Post-Baccalaureate
programs at the Tarpon Springs, St. Petersburg/Gibbs and Clearwater
campuses for students who already hold a bachelor’s degree in a major
outside of Education and who want to become teachers. There are six
majors: Elementary Education (K-6), Exceptional Student Education (K-12),
Secondary Mathematics Education (6-12), Secondary Science (Biology)
Education (6-12), Middle Grades Mathematics Education (5-9), and Middle
Grades General Science Education (5-9). All programs are part-time with
classes offered in the evening.
College of Education programs are accredited by the Florida Department of
Education and majors are in teaching shortage areas as designated by the state.
Graduates and employing districts alike rate SPC’s teacher preparation program
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as rigorous and relevant, with excellent faculty available to mentor College of
Education students as they prepare to enter 21st century classrooms. Our
collaborative and innovative environment is structured as a Learning Community
— a group of students who enter the College of Education together and remain
connected beyond their teacher education program at SPC.
Students have practical experiences in actual K-12 classroom settings starting as
soon as they enter, in the junior year. Each undergraduate teacher certification
major includes approximately 700 school-based hours prior to graduation, which
allows education students to hone their teaching skills in a variety of supervised
public-school settings. This practical experience also exposes students to the
realities of today’s classrooms and prepares them to work with students, parents,
administrators and other teachers.
College of Education students use state-of-the-art technology as they acquire
instructional strategies and as they prepare their own individualized professional
electronic portfolio. They have access to laptop computers in a wireless
classroom environment, a host of instructional hardware, special software
packages, and Internet material and multimedia offerings. An immense array of
library resources also supports students as they prepare to enter the teaching
field. Students participate in the “College of Education Student Commons,” a
virtual resource center and meeting place for students to discuss academic
issues with other students and with professionals.
On their journey to becoming teachers, College of Education students learn the
valuable link between theory and practice. The belief that every child can learn is
embraced at SPC and future teachers learn how and why specific strategies and
assessments measure student achievement. Upon graduation, College of
Education future teachers acquire the competencies, knowledge and dispositions
to address academic issues and challenges of today’s classroom with the
ultimate focus on positively impacting K-12 student learning gains.
b) College of Technology & Management
Bachelor of Applied Science in Technology Management
Technology Management is an innovative program that provides graduates with
the technical skills and knowledge of management to become a leader in the
dynamic environment of global technology. Our vision is to provide quality
education through student participation in industry-based learning.
With a bachelor’s degree in Technology Management, students are taught the
skills and knowledge to lead people and manage internal processes and
operations. Whether they want to work for a large corporation or work for
themselves, students can specialize in one of a wide range of career options
including: project or program manager, business application manager, software
development manager, application system analyst, project lead, CRM business
analyst, information management specialist, product manager, technical sales,
and application system engineer.
Our program is designed to address the scheduling complexities of people with
full-time jobs and/or family responsibilities. Classes are offered online using
ANGEL (SPC’s online learning management system) and an Internet classroom
that allows 24/7 access to courses. Or one can take blended courses, which are
a mix of classroom and Internet-based. Blended courses are offered at the
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EpiCenter in state-of-the-art classrooms. Each classroom is equipped with
laptop computers, broadband wireless network connections, DVD, VCR and
computer projection systems.
Students are given practical, real-world experience in technology management in
four specialization tracks:
 Technology Management General, which enables graduates to conceive,
evaluate, and execute meaningful projects in technology management.
 Industrial and Business Services Management which enables graduates to
understand, analyze and continuously improve process across the enterprise.
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Business Information Systems, which enables graduates to play key roles
in software-development teams including business analyst, process
designer, and interface designer.
Information Security Assurance, which enables graduates to manage
security projects including policy development, security awareness,
network and application analysis.
Also, a student can get academic credit for relevant work experience. Qualifying
business and computer certifications can be reviewed for course credit through
our Experiential Learning Program (ELP). In addition, SPC will accept the most
relevant Associate in Science degrees that will articulate into this baccalaureate
program.
Bachelor of Applied Science in International Business
This program, which opened in Fall 2005, is intended for those who are
interested in leading, supervising and managing multinational business
operations. Students will receive training in multi-cultural business applications to
increase their value and competitive skills in the international marketplace.
Available courses in the curriculum will include:
 International business, finance, operations and marketing
 Legal issues in international business
 Cultural diversity
 Intermediate foreign languages and study abroad
 Seminars and capstone projects
Students who complete the program will be prepared for employment in a variety
of industries including banking, consulting, international business and information
technology. Graduates will be qualified for such positions as:
 International sales and marketing representative
 International financial analyst
 International business operations analyst
 International supply chain analyst
 International management consultant
 International purchasing/procurement manager
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Bachelor of Applied Science in Banking
The college offers courses leading to a baccalaureate degree in banking. The
program includes an integrated study of finance, marketing, relationship
management, negotiation and traditional management disciplines.
The degree program was developed in collaboration with local banking industry
executives and the Florida Bankers Association.
Graduates of the program will be prepared for careers in a variety of banking and
financial services environments including: Banking Center (Branch) managers,
commercial banker/lenders, financial analysts, loan officers, operations
managers and private wealth managers.
Bachelor of Applied Science in Management and Organizational Leadership
The goals of this program include:
 Providing students with opportunities to learn and prepare for successful
careers in today’s global economy
 Preparing managers who will be on the leading edge of business
developments
 Enhancing students’ careers and earning capabilities
 Validating work experience with an advanced degree
 Becoming well-rounded professionals competent in management,
marketing and finance.
This innovative program prepares graduates for a leadership position in today’s
business organization. This integrated program will give students a broad range
of organizational and management skills necessary for a variety of leadership
positions. Students will learn how to become effective leaders and increase their
earning potential. This program was developed in collaboration with an active
and engaged Board of Advisors from the business world.
Students who complete the program will be prepared to:
 Effectively lead and manage small-to-medium-sized project teams in a
variety of environments
 Understand systems thinking
 Operate as an effective team or organizational leader and be better able
to manage a diverse group of people with varying communication,
leadership and cultural styles
 Understand the financial implications of decisions made throughout an
organization and be better able to interface with financial experts in an
organization
In addition to general management, specializations are available in five distinct
fields:
 Entrepreneurship
 Sustainability/Green Management
 Not-For-Profit Management
 Real Estate Management
 Insurance Management
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Courses taken in these tracks provide relevant knowledge and training that can
be applied to a specific interest.
c) College of Nursing
Bachelor of Science in Nursing
SPC’s Nursing (B.S.N.) completion program is for registered nurses who want
greater opportunities to serve and to advance in the profession. It provides for
individual growth as a registered nurse, and it addresses the need for nurses
who can supervise others as well as deliver care to individuals. With a Bachelor
of Science in Nursing, program completers will have the opportunities to provide
direct patient care in hospitals, home-health agencies, hospice, outpatient and
rehabilitation facilities, public health clinics, corporations, schools, and in the
military; manage nursing units and selected health-care facilities; conduct
wellness screening exams in schools, community health centers and
corporations; teach individuals and groups about health-related topics; practice
innovative health-care delivery models as a case manager; serve as a resource
in health-related industries; and improve the practice of nursing by putting
research findings into practice.
The B.S.N. program is designed to develop the professional knowledge and skills
of working registered nurses. Coursework will address topics related to
leadership and management, nursing theory, research, and community and
public health. Theoretical and practicum opportunities are offered. The theory
ensures that learners will have a solid foundation to help them handle future
changes in the health-care system; the practicum experiences prepare them to
function in a number of health-care settings. In addition, the BSN is the gateway
to a master’s degree and advanced roles in the profession.
Classes are offered totally online or all day during the week in four- through 10week increments at the SPC Caruth Health Education Center. Classes are
periodically offered in group learning environments at different locations,
including sites in Pasco and Hernando counties.
The program has been accredited by the National League for Nursing Accrediting
Commission since 2004 and also the Commission on Collegiate Nursing
Education (CCNE) since 2007.
We are affiliated with several professional associations, including the National
League for Nursing, the American Association of Colleges and Nursing, the
Southern Regional Education Board, the National Organization for Associate
Degree Nursing, the Florida Organization for Associate Degree Nursing,
the National Black Nurses Organization, the American Nurses Association and
the Florida Nurses Association.
Certificate Programs
The three Advanced Technical Certificates (ATC) available at SPC will allow
R.N.s to advance their nursing knowledge, skills as well as increase their
professional opportunities. The ATCs are Critical Care (9 credits), Emergency
Department (11 credits), and Sepsis Awareness and Education (9 credits). The
courses in each ATC are totally online and vary in length based on the number of
credits.
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d) School of Dental Hygiene
Bachelor of Applied Science in Dental Hygiene
As public demand for dental services has increased, there is a greater need for
licensed hygienists and educators to teach them. To meet the growing
challenges of the profession, St. Petersburg College offers a baccalaureate
program in dental hygiene—the only such program in Florida. This new and
innovative program is offered entirely online. There is no clinical component, so
students will not need to come to a campus. Dental hygiene practitioners can
enhance skills and opportunities for promotion while maintaining their current
employment.
Only one upper division course in dental hygiene is offered at a time, in six-to
eight-week increments, allowing time for work and family. Students and
instructors interact online via e-mail, bulletin boards and chat rooms. Students
can participate anytime of the day or night, but will be required to participate
about four days each week. About a week after one course is finished, the next
one will begin. The course syllabus, assignments and tests are delivered online,
and students will submit their competed work electronically.
A bachelor’s degree may enable graduates to become instructors in two-year
dental hygiene programs, continuing education course instructors, educational
consultants to dental companies, and writers of educational material. Another
career option is with pharmaceutical companies, most of which require their sales
representatives to have baccalaureate degrees.
In addition to practicing dental hygiene, a bachelor’s degree will enhance
opportunities to manage a dental office, clinic or dental-personnel placementservices office. Other opportunities include administrative positions in public
health, hospitals or professional organizations.
Bachelor of Applied Science in Interdisciplinary Health and Human Studies
The demographics of our community, state and country are changing so rapidly
that there is an increased need for health and human studies professionals to
provide care for the public. SPC currently offers quality A.S. and certificate
programs to meet these trends. The Interdisciplinary Health and Human Studies
program provides career advancement for entry-level health and human studies
profession practitioners. Job opportunities are varied and may include hospital
management; coordinator/supervisor in a health care facility; program
administrator; case manager/supervisor; medical technician; radiology
applications management; sales representative/marketing; educator and
consultant. A bachelor’s degree also will prepare students for graduate education
in their specific discipline.
This program provides students who already hold an A.S. degree in a heath
related field, the opportunity to continue their education and earn a bachelor’s
degree. Classes are offered in an online environment that allows students to
continue working while completing course work. The program enhances and
develops leadership and knowledge through academic inquiry while using
current, practical health and human care models. It also increases students’
understanding of diverse populations and prepares students to take a leadership
role while enhancing their understanding of the political, social, legal and ethical
issues that may be encountered. Finally, students gain knowledge that brings
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together clinical care, diversity, and critical inquiry, which is essential to
effectively provide care to the public.
e) College of Public Safety Administration
Bachelor of Applied Science in Public Safety Administration
SPC provides a baccalaureate degree in Public Safety Administration for public
safety professionals and first responders, with specialties available in the areas
of law enforcement, corrections, fire science, emergency management,
emergency medical services, gang enforcement management and private
security to upgrade their existing knowledge and to create opportunities to
advance into administrative and management positions.
This is the first such baccalaureate program offered in Florida. The program will
be offered through a combination of classroom and online instructional options,
thereby enabling students to balance their coursework with their jobs and family
demands.
Gangs Enforcement Certificate
This certificate is designed to prepare students who hold a bachelor’s degree or
higher in any academic discipline, to work in law enforcement agencies,
correctional institutions, juvenile courts, human and social services organizations,
and juvenile justice agencies whose mission is to address youth violence.
Students will gain the technical knowledge needed to combat the serious crisis of
juvenile delinquency and gang violence in the United States. To enter the
certificate program, a student must hold a four-year degree or higher and
successfully complete the 18 hours per term.
f) School of Veterinary Technology
Bachelor of Applied Science in Veterinary Technology
A baccalaureate degree in Veterinary Technology enables a certified veterinary
technician to provide animal patients with highly specialized diagnostic treatment
care under the supervision of a veterinarian. The program completer can use
these courses to prepare for certification as a specialist in such areas as
anesthesia, emergency and critical care, and dental hygiene. Graduates also will
be qualified for sales and marketing jobs in the veterinary pharmaceutical and
equipment industry; for management and administrative positions in larger
practices and corporate practices; and for teaching positions in veterinary
technology programs.
All courses will be offered online to accommodate the schedules of working
graduate technicians throughout the state and country. The SPC program is one
of only 15 in the nation and the only one online.
Hospital Management Certificate
The upper division Hospital Management Certificate is designed for students who
already have an A.S. or A.A .degree in a non-veterinary technology field, but are
interested in managing veterinary hospitals. The coursework covers the areas of
supervision, leadership, finance, marketing, and legal and ethical issues. It also
satisfies the educational requirements needed to be eligible to take the Certified
Veterinary Practice Manger examination administered by the Veterinary Hospital
Managers Association.
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All courses are offered online and offer the flexibility to accommodate the needs
of those interested in pursuing these certificates throughout the country.
g) School of Paralegal Studies
Bachelor of Applied Science in Paralegal Studies
The baccalaureate program in paralegal studies opened in January 2006 on the
Clearwater Campus. The program is the only public bachelor’s degree
approved by the American Bar Association. The program is designed to educate
and train students to assist attorneys in performing tasks that would otherwise be
performed by the supervising attorney, thus enhancing the quality, efficiency and
cost effectiveness of delivery of legal services. The National Federation of
Paralegal Associations recommends that future practitioners have a four-year
degree to enter the profession. The Florida Bar recently has created the Florida
Registered Paralegal program, which allows paralegals qualified by education
and experience to carry the designation Florida Registered Paralegal.
Classes are taught by practicing attorneys and judges, assisted by experienced
paralegals, to provide students a balanced perspective and insight into the tasks
paralegals perform. The program emphasizes the working relationship between
the paralegal and the attorney. Course content focuses on communication skills,
law office management, legal research and writing, and substantive and
procedural law.
h) College of Orthotics and Prosthetics
Bachelor of Applied Science in Orthotics and Prosthetics
This new program is the only one offered in the Southeast, and only the fourth in
the nation. A bachelor’s in Orthotics and Prosthetics degree will equip the
completer to serve the growing needs of the state’s population, especially the
needs of children and the elderly, two groups that make up more than 40 percent
of Florida’s population.
As a certified prosthetist, program completers will provide patients with artificial
limbs. As a certified orthotist, they will provide patients with customized braces
to help them support body segments, such as the spine, that have been injured
or are affected by neurological or skeletal disorders. Following graduation,
students will be qualified to sit for the American Board for certification in
Orthotics, Prosthetics, and Pedorthics (ABC) exam after one year of supervised
clinical experience in a residency approved by the National Commission on
Orthotics and Prosthetics Education (NCOPE).
E. Collegewide information
1. Internet presence
If you find Web pages that need updates, contact Vicki Westergard, director, Web and
Instructional Technology Services (WITS), 727- 394-6280.
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2. College calendar
3. Abbreviations of college site names
When it is necessary in the official literature of the college to refer specifically to one of
the campuses of the college or to make distinctive designations, the following symbols
are used:
AC
CL
DO
HC
CT
EP
Allstate Center
Clearwater Campus
District Office
Health Education Center
Corporate Training
EpiCenter
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MT
SE
DT
SP/G
TS
PAL
Midtown
Seminole Campus
SPC Downtown
St. Petersburg/Gibbs Campus
Tarpon Springs Campus
Palladium
4. College insignia
The same nickname, the same student body symbol (a titan), the same colors (royal blue
and white), the same official college motto (lux et veritas), and the same official college
emblem are used by ALL sites since the college is a single institution.
5. Titan symbol
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II. Settling in
A. First week
1. Parking
Staff members are assigned parking areas at most sites and are expected to cooperate
in the observance of parking and driving regulations as required of students. Infractions
by members of the faculty and staff will be referred to the appropriate supervisor.
Please make sure your parking decal is displayed properly. Parking decals may be
obtained from the security offices on the various sites. Faculty and staff ID cards also
may be obtained from security. THE MAXIMUM SPEED LIMIT ON ALL COLLEGE
PROPERTY IS 10 MPH.
2. College ID
Photo ID is obtained through the site security office.
B. Finding information
1. Faculty and Staff Directory
College employees are responsible for making changes in their individual information in
the faculty and staff directory. To change information, go to the Tech Support Web site.
2. BOT rules and college procedures
3. Information line
If a student has a question about SPC, please direct the student to our SPC
Information Line at 727-341-4772. This is not an answering machine. This number
puts you through to the team in the Information Center. Many of the people who staff
the Information Line phones are students who've had the same questions that your
student may have, and all of them are trained to answer questions about SPC.
C. Getting things done
1. Forms
a) Forms Web site
Many college forms are online. Logon to Staff Central and use the Forms link.
b) Change of address
Notice of change of address and/or telephone number should be communicated via the online
SPC HR - Change Address Form with a copy to the program director/dean or appropriate
supervisor. If you are a traveler and receive reimbursements via Accounts Payable, you must
notify Accounts Payable separately from HR and include your employee ID. Each employee
is responsible for changing their college-related information on the Tech Support Web site for
the college’s Faculty and Staff Directory.
29
2. Helpdesk
The computer/technical support desk phone number is 4357 if you are at any campus or
727- 341-HELP (4357) if you are calling from off campus.
3. Work orders
There are two types of work orders:
a) Technology-related issues should be directed to the Tech Support Desk (e-mail,
network, phone system, password reset, printer connections, laptops, software
installation, new computer connections, etc.) Turnaround time varies depending
on the complexity of the issue.
b) Maintenance related issues should be directed to the Facilities Work Order
form (air conditioning, plumbing, electrical, appliances, cleanup, moving furniture,
hanging of artwork or bulletin boards, etc.) Turnaround time is generally very
short.
4. Inter-campus mail
The college maintains its own service for distributing mail, announcements, memoranda,
and materials between the sites and the EpiCenter Services Building. Delivery service to
all campuses is made daily. All mail, announcements, and ordinary materials are to be
sent for local delivery through the central mailing centers on each site and at the
EpiCenter. However, if there are packages or materials too bulky to bring to the central
mailing point, site receiving should be notified, requesting pickup of such bulky materials
or packages at other points on the site. A schedule is available in the mailroom on each
site. The system is not to be used for distributing mail of a personal nature.
5. Business Services rules and procedures
NOTE: Your supervisor can assist in acquainting you with these rules and procedures.
a) Budget preparation and implementation
Vice president of Business Services has supervisory responsibility for the
preparation and implementation of the college budget.
b) Payroll deductions
Payroll deductions are described in rule 6Hx23-5.11. In addition, please note that
direct deposit is available to all college employees. Deposits can be made to most
financial institutions in the U.S. Each budgeted employee may select up to three
different financial institutions. Non-budgeted (temporary) employees are limited to
one financial institution.
c) Purchases
College expenditures are made primarily through purchase orders. Alternatively, a
check request may be used in certain instances, particularly when a vendor does not
accept purchase orders.
“The Board of Trustees has authorized the president or designee to approve the
purchase of supplies, equipment, commodities and services. Through the
administrative structure of the college, the president has vested with the director of
purchasing certain responsibility and authority for procurement of property, supplies
and services. No other employee of the college is permitted to order any equipment,
30
supplies, commodities or services on behalf of the college, directly and on his/her
own authority. ”The payment of any unauthorized purchases may be the sole
responsibility of the person placing the order.” (Excerpt from Rule 6Hx23-5.12).
Limited exceptions include the Board-authorized procurement card program involving
Facilities Planning & Institutional Services staff, reimbursable purchases with one’s
own cash or credit card or a check request up to $300 per day, and petty cash up to
$100 per day. All reimbursable and petty cash purchases must have prior
approval of the appropriate Budget Supervisor.
d) Supplies Requisitions
Requests for appropriate equipment, supplies or services are submitted directly to
the program director/dean or appropriate supervisor. Program directors/deans and
other budget supervisors should submit requisitions as follows:
1. Paper, letterhead stationery and envelopes can be ordered from District
Impressions.
2. Requisitions for purchase orders must be completed, signed by the
appropriate program director/dean or supervisor and sent to the Purchasing
Department when ordering supplies, equipment and services. The
Purchasing Department will prepare the purchase order for submission to the
vendor, including SPC bookstore purchases.
NOTE: When electronic requisitioning is added to the PeopleSoft financial system,
these procedures will be revised. Purchasing procedures can be found at the
StaffCentral Web site. Click on Business Services, then Purchasing.
e) Credit cards
The college will accept VISA, MasterCard and American Express credit cards for
payment of fees. The contracted college bookstore accepts these credit cards and
others for purchases from the SPC bookstores.
f) Travel guidelines
In accordance with 112.061, Florida Statutes, all travel must be authorized and
approved in advance by the agency head or the designated representative.
Additional information regarding business-related travel
This information is provided for anyone who travels on official college-related
business, no matter where the approved travel takes place. For purposes of this
document, travel period is defined as “the point at which the traveler departs on the
official trip through point at which traveler returns from said trip.”
1. Workers’ Compensation discussion: In 1935, the Florida Legislature created the
Workers’ Compensation law, which is found in Chapter 440, Florida Statutes.
The basic purpose of this law is “...to assure the quick and efficient delivery of
disability and medical benefits to an injured worker and to facilitate the worker’s
return to gainful reemployment at a reasonable cost to the employer.”2
2
Source: §440.015, Florida Statutes
31
The law provides that the employer must pay compensation or furnish benefits as
stipulated in the law “...if the employee suffers an accidental injury or death
arising out of work performed in the course and scope of employment.”3
The college employee traveling on college -related business should keep in mind
that Workers’ Compensation might not apply to every activity engaged in during
the travel period. Some examples:
Joe Traveler departs from the EpiCenter on Tuesday 8/1 for a flight to
Washington D.C. to attend a conference on domestic violence. He will stay
at the John Adams Hotel, where the conference is being held. Traveler
attends all sessions and does not depart the hotel until the conference ends
and he is on his way to the airport for the return flight on 8/6. He drives
directly home from the airport and arrives at 9 p.m. on 8/6, at which time the
travel period ends.
COMMENT- Traveler probably was covered by Workers’ Compensation during
the entire travel period.
Joe Traveler departs from the EpiCenter on Tuesday 8/1 for a flight to
Washington D.C. to attend a conference on domestic violence. He will stay
at the John Adams Hotel, where the conference is being held. Traveler
attends all sessions of the conference. However, on Thursday night he
departs the hotel and travels in a rental car to Baltimore to visit his college
roommate, returning to the hotel at 2 a.m. on Friday. He then finishes the
conference and goes to the airport for the return flight on 8/6. He drives
directly home from the airport and arrives at 9 p.m. on 8/6, at which time the
travel period ends.
COMMENT – Workers’ Compensation probably did not apply from the period
Traveler left the hotel to visit his college roommate until he returned to the hotel.
Joe Traveler departs from the EpiCenter on Tuesday 8/1 for a flight to
Washington D.C. to attend a conference on domestic violence. He will stay
at the John Adams Hotel, where the conference is being held. Traveler
attends all sessions but departs the hotel each evening for dinner at nearby
eateries, returning to the hotel around 8:30 p.m. each evening. The
conference ends and he is on his way to the airport for the return flight on 8/6.
He drives directly home from the airport and arrives at 9 p.m. on 8/6, at which
time the travel period ends.
COMMENT- Again, Mr. Traveler probably was covered by Workers’
Compensation during the entire travel period.
The law in these examples and in any official employee travel is that
compensation is not payable “...if the injury was occasioned primarily by the
intoxication of the employee; by the influence of any drugs, barbiturates, or other
stimulants not prescribed by a physician; or by the willful intention of the
employee to injure or kill himself, herself, or another.”4
3
4
Source: §440.09(1), Florida Statutes
Source: §440.09(3), Florida Statutes
32
Further, an employee “...who is required to travel in connection with his or her
employment who suffers an injury while in travel status shall be eligible for
benefits...only if the injury arises out of and in the course of employment while he
or she is actively engaged in the duties of employment.”5
Workers’ Compensation eligibility depends upon the circumstances of each
instance of employee travel as it relates to Chapter 440, Florida Statutes, and
case law as applied to Chapter 440. Non-essential personal deviations for the
benefit of the employee and not for the benefit of the employer are considered
outside the scope of employment and are not covered by Workers’
Compensation.
2. Car Rental Discussion: The college employee traveling on college-related
business in a rental vehicle should keep in mind that the same principles
involving Worker’s Compensation apply. Use of the rental vehicle for personal
purposes would probably not be covered by Worker’s Compensation coverage in
the event of injury or death in the event of an accident in, or connected with the
use of, the vehicle for personal purposes.
College employees who are approved to rent a vehicle during official travel
should use the Florida State Contract #518-020-05-1 with Avis whenever
possible. The contract is good through June 30, 2009.
In addition to the cost savings, the reason to use this contract is because
“primary insurance coverage is provided in the following amounts:
$100,000/$300,000 bodily injury and $50,000 property damage insurance.
Vendor [Avis] assumes all fire, accident, and collision losses. Collision damage
is assumed by the vendor and payment of the daily CDW, Collision Damage
Waiver, or LDW, Loss Damage Waiver, fee is not authorized. All drivers must
have a valid driver’s license.”6
The car rental contract currently includes 100 percent coverage for all collision
damage to vehicles. All accidents must be reported to the vendor promptly.7
Both “In-State” and “Out-of-State” rates are “dry” rates. In other words, Avis
Rent-A-Car is not responsible for reimbursing fuel purchased for the rental car.
Vehicles will be rented full, and it is strongly suggested that employees return the
vehicle full or refueling service charges will be applied.
Primary third party liability insurance coverage is provided in the rental cost in the
following amounts: $100,000/$300,000 bodily injury and $50,000 property
damage insurance when the vehicle is rented by an eligible customer for
business purposes. Contractor assumes all fire, accident, and collision losses
when vehicle is rented for State, or eligible customer, business purposes.
5
Source: §440.092(4), Florida Statutes
6
Source: Page 5, Paragraph 5, Avis Car Rental State Contract, expires June 30, 2009.
Source, Page 6, Paragraph 6, Avis Car Rental State Contract, ibid.
7
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Collision damage is assumed by the contractor and payment of the daily CDW,
Collision Damage Waiver, or LDW, Loss Damage Waiver, fee is not authorized.
All drivers must have a valid driver's license and are required to drive the rental
vehicle in a safe, prudent manner, in accordance with State laws, and under
provisions of State-owned vehicle use. Renter is responsible for purchasing
insurance for vehicles rented for personal or leisure use.
Finally, out-of-state rentals will have tax charges. Only in-state rentals that are
billed directly to the college by use of an Avis Credit Card are tax exempt. Sales
taxes and the $2.00 per day surcharge will apply to all rentals not billed directly to
the college.
An important reminder: The college should be reimbursed for any mileage for
personal use when using a rental car on a business-related trip.
g) Other services available
1. College equipment repair is available through the Telecommunications
Services Department at the EpiCenter Services building and are
accomplished via submission of a Technical Support Work Order. Service,
repair, and interdepartmental moving of college computers are all available
through your campus Technology Resource Specialist (TRS), in conjunction
with a Technical Support Work Order.
2. Brochures, tests, booklets, memos, forms and other materials can be printed,
collated, stapled, reduced and cut at a low price in the Printing Services
department, 341-3303.
3 Word-processing departments are comprehensive units of secretarial and
word-processing technical staff located on certain college sites that provide
service and support to all college departments.
6. Facilities
a) Building maintenance
Building maintenance, including air conditioning, heating and custodial (e.g.,
cleaning, buffing, vacuuming, window washing), is the responsibility of the
director of physical plant on each site. Faculty members should report building
maintenance and custodial needs and problems directly to the immediate
supervisor, who will then contact the appropriate person on each site. Building
maintenance does not include construction and renovation, which is coordinated
through the office of Facilities Services at the EpiCenter Services building.
b) Building construction and renovation
The college construction crew under the direction of the director of Facilities
Services accomplishes in-house construction and renovation.
c) Inventory control and property records
(See also P6Hx23-5.13) Each piece of accountable equipment acquired by St.
Petersburg College is assigned to a department of the college for accountability
purposes. It is the responsibility of each budget supervisor to maintain adequate
precautions to safeguard assigned property. Please note that inventory control is
everyone’s business!
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d) Permanent transfer of accountable equipment
Permanent transfer of accountable equipment between departments or buildings
is to be reported on the “Move Request” form (located on StaffCentral).
Temporary transfers of accountable equipment do not need to be reported unless
the St. Petersburg College moving crew is to make the move. In cases where
the moving crew is involved, the transfer should be reported on “Move Request”
form (located on StaffCentral). It is the responsibility of the Asset Custodian to
know the location of their property.
e) When property is stolen
When property is stolen, it must be reported on “Request for Relief from Property
Accountability” form PR-411 (located on StaffCentral) and on an “Accident/Incident
Report” form RM402 (obtained through Security). The department will also need to
contact the police department and obtain a Police Report. When property is lost,
damaged, destroyed, or no longer usable or needed, it must be reported on “Request for
Relief from Property Accountability”.
f) Equipment may be used off campus temporarily
College equipment may be used off campus by employees for a college -related
activity. Form PR-415, “Request For Temporary Off-Campus Use of College
Equipment” (located on StaffCentral), must be completed and approved by the
site administrator or a member of the President’s Cabinet before equipment may
be used off campus.
g) Conservation of energy
Each instructor should regulate the classroom lights to conserve electricity. If the
classroom is to be vacant for more than 15 minutes, then all lights should be
turned off.
III. Expectations
A. Work week
1. Duty hours for faculty
a) Duty hour requirements for full-time instructors
b) Twelve-month instructors (40 hours/week)
2. Instructional assignments
a) Teaching load
b) Evening classes
c) Supplemental teaching
(See also 6Hx23-2.23) The assignment of all classes, including extra-pay
classes, within a given department is a responsibility of the program
director/dean or appropriate supervisor. It is expected that the following priority
for the assignment of extra-pay classes will generally be observed:
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1. A member of the program in which that section is being offered
2. A member in the corresponding discipline at another site who is qualified in
that subject
3. Other members (not members of the program) of the SPC faculty on the
campus on which that section is being offered
4. Other members (not members of the corresponding program) of the SPC
faculty on other sites
5. Qualified individuals outside the college
An instructor who finds it necessary to miss a class because of illness or some other
reason must notify as soon as possible the program director/dean, who will provide
information to the instructor regarding the arrangements necessary for the class. No
instructor is authorized to make personal arrangements for a substitute.
If an instructor is absent for illness or personal reasons from an “extra pay” class, a
“per” class deduction will be made.
d) Excess ECH
e) Absence of an instructor from class
3. Non-instructional activities
a) Faculty meetings
Official meetings on campus of the general faculty, staff or career service
personnel shall be called only with the approval of the president or designee,
naming the time and place of meeting.
The provost/vice president and/or program directors/deans call faculty meetings.
Such meetings are to be conducted periodically and faculty members are
expected to attend.
b) Non-instructional assignments
c) Off-campus travel
4. Curriculum development
a) Faculty payment for curriculum development
As part of a base contract, a full-time faculty member is normally expected to
develop, modify and enhance curriculum related to both courses and programs
as part of the responsibilities included in the faculty job description.
b) Curriculum development beyond the base contract
In rare circumstances when curriculum development exceeds the base contract,
payment is made on a project deliverable basis.
The provost/vice president may recommend to the senior vice president of
Academic and Student Affairs that supplemental pay is appropriate based on one
or more of the following factors:
1. Curriculum to be developed requires the preparation of extensive original
materials
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2. The course has never been taught at the college and appropriate materials
are not readily available from other colleges or publishers
3. The time frame for development is short, requiring an extraordinary time
commitment
4. The time frame for development occurs outside contracted workdays for
faculty
5. New delivery methodologies require an extensive time commitment to ensure
that course objectives and criteria for performance are met
6. Curriculum is developed at the request of the administration or other
departments and is outside the curriculum normally expected to be developed
in a particular discipline.
See Faculty-Non-Teaching Supplemental Pay Schedule
Supplemental non-teaching assignments (including curriculum
development and supplemental non-teaching assignments) will be paid
according to the following schedule:
Level
Pay rate per project deliverable
(each deliverable is based on a
minimum of 32 work hours estimate)
A ≤ BA
$500 PER DEFINED PROJECT
DELIVERABLE
B ≥ MA
$750 PER DEFINED PROJECT
DELIVERABLE
*C
$1000 PER DEFINED PROJECT
DELIVERABLE
D
$1250 PER DEFINED PROJECT
DELIVERABLE
Rates of pay in levels C-D may be used to hire faculty based on one or more of
the following criteria:
Recognized specialized expertise
Recognized technical expertise
Specialized certification
*The upper division is utilizing level “C” for developing a course. There are
three expected deliverables for developing a three credit course. Thus, it is
expected that a three credit course will cost $3,000 to develop.
Other areas of administrative assignment can utilize the deliverable
method, determining the number of project deliverables and rate of pay for
each assignment.
Project deliverables must be specified in advance of the appointment and
included on the Personnel Action Authorization Request form (PAAR).
37
Lump sum payments will be made following the completion and
certification to Human Resources of all project deliverables (and
certification of minimum contact hours).
Full-Time Faculty general supplemental non-instructional assignments (no
project deliverable) are compensated at the rate of $25.00 per hour.
Process for requesting supplemental pay:
Prepare Personnel Authorization Action Request (PAAR)
c) Excess teaching preparations
Payment for excess teaching preparations is described in the Salary Schedules
and Related Policies. See Excess Teaching Preparations form on StaffCentral
under Academics.
5. Faculty Qualifications
All potential faculty applying for employment — as well as active employees who want to
teach supplemental classes outside of the field in which they are already credentialed by
St. Petersburg College — must provide documentation of their qualifications including
but not limited to official transcripts and other proof of appropriate certificates and
qualifications that may be required for particular disciplines. While copies of such
documentation may be used by the program director or dean for preliminary verification
of credentials, official copies must be provided timely to Human Resources, where they
shall remain on file. The college primarily uses the guidelines from the Southern
Association of Colleges and Schools (SACS) to determine whether a faculty member is
qualified to teach a particular subject. Visit the Human Resources Web site for
complete information on faculty credentials.
B. Faculty Evaluation
1. Full-time faculty
Evaluation of all college employees in budgeted positions is a requirement. Evaluation
of personnel provides for recognition of strengths and weaknesses, ways and means of
overcoming identifiable weaknesses, and the immediate needs of faculty and staff.
Each official evaluation becomes a part of that employee’s personnel file. Employees
under annual contracts, whose contracts have not been renewed, as well as employees
in grant positions, need not be evaluated.
The appropriate supervisor and faculty member should sign the annual evaluation form
after reviewing the year’s activities and performance goals achieved. The faculty
member receives a copy of the signed evaluation, and the original form is filed in the
Human Resources office.
Each supervisor responsible for faculty evaluations will receive appropriate instructions
and information from the provost/vice president and/or Human Resources office. The
purpose of this instruction and information is to ensure, as much as reasonably possible,
uniformity in the administration of faculty evaluations.
38
Full-time faculty members are evaluated annually using the same criteria throughout the
college. The collegewide Faculty Evaluation form (HR 440), found on StaffCentral on
the Forms page, to record the evaluation includes the following criteria for evaluation:
1. Organization of course or program of study;
2. Explanation of course outline and objectives, grading and attendance policies,
student assessments, and course content;
3. Presentation of course or program of study (Pedagogical Methods);
4. Knowledge of subject taught;
5. Ability to constructively encourage student interest, involvement and success.
6. Attitude toward students;
7. General attitude toward total responsibility of a professional academician; and
8. Time, professional development, curriculum development, institutional support,
rapport with colleagues and other professionals, etc.
2. Adjunct faculty
All adjunct instructional personnel (instructors, counselors and librarians) teaching credit
courses will be evaluated within the first term that instructor teaches in any academic
year. After the initial evaluation period, the evaluation will include documentation of
professional development completed within the last two years that demonstrates
competency in teaching and/or discipline-specific topics. If the instructor works for more
than one program director/dean, only one of those needs to evaluate the person. The
supervisor shall send to the program director/dean’s office a copy of the annual
evaluation, on which the professional development shall appear, signed by the employee
and the supervisor. All adjunct instructional personnel teaching non-credit courses will
be evaluated every two years. The Adjunct Faculty evaluation form can be found on
StaffCentral on the Forms page, under Human Resources.
C. Required Professional Development
1. Orientation for new faculty
Orientation for new full-time faculty takes place prior to the beginning of the fall Term.
New full-time faculty members are taken by college bus to the various sites where
pertinent college policies and information are imparted. Each site’s unique qualities are
spotlighted during the orientation program.
2. Initial professional development
a) Full-time faculty
(See also 6Hx23-2.022, section XIV Special Requirements)
All full-time faculty (instructors, counselors and librarians), program
directors/deans, provosts/vice presidents, associate provosts, academic site
administrators, associate and assistant academic site administrators, and vice
presidents or associate and assistant vice presidents of Academic and Student
Affairs must have graduate-level credits in or be able to document knowledge of
the topics of "history and philosophy of community colleges" and "college
teaching."
Full-time budgeted personnel in these categories who are employed after July 1,
1992, and who do not meet this requirement when they are employed, or those
who were in positions that were exempt from this requirement when they were
employed but who now hold one of the specified positions, must complete the
39
two specified or one or two approved substitute courses, earning grades of "B" or
better before the end of their second year of employment in these positions to be
eligible for reappointment.
b) Adjunct faculty
The college also provides a series of on-line modules entitled Excellence in
Adjunct Instruction on college teaching methods designed to help adjunct faculty
develop sound instruction.
Adjunct faculty must complete the six modules or provide evidence of equivalent
coursework prior to being considered for future employment.
3. On-line instruction requirement
Any faculty, full-time or adjunct, wishing to teach an on-line course must complete the
on-line module titled Pathways to E-Learning prior to teaching the course.
4. Ongoing professional development/change in academic credentials
(See also P6Hx23-2.022). The college is responsible for determining that individuals
employed by the college have achieved a level of professional and personal growth that
justifies their appointment of positions of trust. Further, as a condition of continued
employment, the college will require full-time faculty to continue their professional and
personal development by completing and updating a two-year professional development
plan in cooperation with their supervisor at the time of the annual evaluation. Adjunct
faculty, as a condition for employment, will provide evidence of continuing professional
development at the time of hire.
Change in academic credentials
When academic credentials of instructional staff undergo a change that merits a change
in the grade, the director of Human Resources determines if a new salary is appropriate.
Refer to the Faculty Salary Schedule on the HR Web site.
It is the employee’s responsibility to notify the Human Resources department in
writing of any change in academic credentials and provide the appropriate transcript
evidence. Upon verification by Human Resources of the transcript evidence and upon
determination that a change in salary is appropriate, the employee is entitled to the new
rate of pay retroactive to the date that written notification was received by the Human
Resources department.
Also of note: It is the responsibility of the faculty member to verify the accuracy of the
Human Resources determination of his/her pay grade prior to the signing of the contract.
Once a contract is signed by the employee, it may not be modified to pay additional
sums retroactively should it later be determined that the determination of pay grade was
incorrect. Adjustments may only be made prospectively.
40
D. Faculty involvement in campus life
1. Required functions
a) Faculty Professional Development day(s)
Faculty Professional Development Day is usually held once a year. It is an
enrichment event that appears on the college calendar; therefore, it is a duty
day. Scheduled in the morning are presentations, and in the afternoon
discipline-related meetings. For more information regarding Faculty Professional
Development Day, talk with your program director/dean.
b) Graduation
St. Petersburg College holds graduation ceremonies at the end of Terms I and II
and following the Summer Terms.
The main ceremony is held in May at the end of Term II, and high value is placed
on faculty/A&P staff participation. ALL FULL-TIME FACULTY AND A&P
STAFF ARE EXPECTED TO PARTICIPATE IN MAY (TERM II) ACADEMIC
PROCESSIONAL UNLESS APPROVAL OF ABSENCE IS OBTAINED IN
ADVANCE IN WRITING FROM THE COLLEGE PRESIDENT.
To request approval of absence from the May graduation ceremony, a
faculty/staff member must provide specific reasons for the request in a letter or email to the president by the deadline, which will be published in the Blue & White
early during Term II. Notification of the status of requests will be provided within
two weeks after the published deadline for submitting the requests. If approval
for absence from the May ceremony is granted, the faculty/staff will submit an
appropriate leave form or consult with their program director/dean regarding a
make-up day. The day of graduation is considered an official duty day with
pay, although participation in the ceremony satisfies the duty requirements
for that day. If a written request for approval of absence is not submitted and
the absence subsequently approved, a day of pay will be deducted from the
salary of full-time faculty/staff members who do not participate in the ceremony.
Full-time faculty and A&P staff who are in an “acting” status are strongly
encouraged to participate in the processional; however, participation is not
mandatory. Those who do not participate will be expected to work the full day
the day of the ceremony or complete an appropriate leave form.
Each faculty/staff member is responsible for securing appropriate academic
regalia, which may be ordered through the bookstore manager. The faculty/staff
member using the forms provided by the bookstore must arrange requests and
payment of the rental charges.
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Term I and Summer Term ceremonies do not hold academic processionals and,
therefore, do not require faculty/staff participation. However, attendance is
encouraged to show support of the graduates and the work they’ve done to earn
their degrees. Reserved seating is provided for faculty/staff to sit together at
these ceremonies.
c) Other required Professional Development days
Other requirements are described above under Section C, Required Professional
Development.
2. Committees
Any person participating as a member of an official college committee should include the
regularly scheduled committee activity as a part of the regular workweek, to be reflected in
the class and office schedule. Committee or subcommittee, activities in addition to regularly
scheduled meeting times, may also be reflected on the on-campus office schedule so the
activity is scheduled as a part of the regular workweek.
If committee activities conflict with a teaching schedule and it is necessary that a
committee member use a faculty member as a substitute, the substitute also may
include the time involved as a part of the regular workweek.
a.
b.
c.
d.
e.
f.
g.
h.
i.
j.
k.
l.
m.
n.
Calendar Committee
CLAST Appeals Committee and CLAST Alternates
Curriculum and Instruction Committee
Disciplinary Board
Discrimination Grievance Hearing Panel
EA/EO Committee
Faculty Compensation Committee
Faculty Grievance Committee
Financial Aid Committee
Insurance Committee
Instructional Technology Advisory Group (ITAG)
Library Committee
Sexual Harassment Committee
Student Grievances Committee
a) Calendar Committee
Charge: This committee is responsible for developing and recommending the
College calendar for the ensuing year. The committee considers State Board of
Education Rules that are designed to insure articulation with other colleges,
college employment policies and procedures, college events, holidays,
registration schedules, beginning and ending dates of each academic term, and
other dates that are vital to the successful and efficient operation of the college in
the development of the proposed calendar.
Membership: The membership of this committee normally consists of two
instructional faculty members (from different programs) from CL, SP/G, TS, SE
and HEC; one instructional faculty member from AC; one student from CL, SP/G,
TS, AC and SE (because of the specialized nature of programs at HEC and AC,
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students from those sites will serve as program availability permits); one career
staff member from CL, SP/G, TS, HC, AC and EP; one librarian; one advisor; one
associate provost; one registrar; one representative from Human Resources, one
representative from Business Services; one representative from Administrative
Information Systems; and the vice president of Academic and Student Affairs.
The president appoints the chairperson and members of the committees.
Term of office: One-year term beginning in August. Meetings normally occur
during August and December.
Responsible to: The president.
b) CLAST Appeals Committee and CLAST Alternatives
(See also P6Hx23-4.45, and 6Hx23-5.17)
Charge: This committee is appointed to consider all appeals by St. Petersburg
College students to waive the requirements of CLAST for the granting of the
Associate in Arts degree.
Membership: The committee will be chaired by the vice president of Academic
and Student Affairs or designee, and will include four additional appointed
members: the institutional test administrator, a faculty member from
mathematics, a faculty member from English, and a faculty member from a
department other than mathematics or English.
Terms of office: One-year term; however, they may be reappointed as often as
deemed appropriate by the president to ensure continuity on the committee and
consistency in decisions made or recommended by the committee.
Responsible to: The president and vice president of Academic and Student
Affairs.
c) Curriculum and Instruction Committee
Charge: This committee receives recommendations from the various academic
areas regarding proposed curriculum changes. The committee reviews and
recommends action to be taken on curriculum proposals relative to credit courses
and programs offered through the various delivery systems.
Membership: The committee is composed of representatives from the various
disciplines and sites. The members rotate on a two-year cycle. (See the
Curriculum and Instruction Manual, or call Curriculum Services, EpiCenter, Ext.
3218/329l.) The president appoints the chairperson and the members of the
committee.
Term of office: Two years, rotating basis. This committee meets throughout the
academic year.
Responsible to: The president and the vice president of Academic and Student
Affairs.
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d) Disciplinary Board
Charge: This board considers all student disciplinary cases that could result in
disciplinary suspension or dismissal from the college, including alleged violations
of student regulations or other student misconduct.
Membership: The board is composed of representatives from each site
including a faculty member, a student, the vice president of Academic and
Student Affairs and the senior vice president, Academic and Student Affairs. The
president appoints the chairperson and Board members.
Term of office: One-year term beginning in August. The Board meets upon
request.
Responsible to: The president and vice president, Academic and Student
Affairs.
e) Discrimination Grievance Hearing Panel
(See also P6Hx23-1.34)
Charge: This panel is responsible for hearing formal complaints of discrimination
and makes recommendations to the college president.
Membership: The president, with advice from the EA/EO officer, designates a
pool of (10) panelists, to include a diverse mix of persons selected on the basis of
familiarity with various areas of the college. Each Hearing Panel is composed of
three members, two of whom are selected by the litigants. The two members
select the third member.
Term of office: One-year term beginning in August. The panel meets upon
request.
Responsible to: The president and EA/EO officer.
f) Equal Access/Equal Opportunity Committee
Charge: This committee will convene to review the activities of each campus,
and those conducted in conjunction with the community, in an effort to encourage
and celebrate diversity, and to assist the mission of the college as an equal
access/equal opportunity institution. Further, this committee will consider and
review new programs and policies of the college that pertain to equal
opportunity, as well as to encourage and oversee faculty, staff and student
training and awareness in regard to issues of racial, ethnic and gender diversity,
equal access and accommodation, sexual harassment and nondiscrimination.
Current EA/EO statement: St. Petersburg College is dedicated to the concept of
equal opportunity. The college will not discriminate on the basis of race, color,
religion, sex, age, national origin or marital status, or against any qualified
individual with disabilities, in its employment practices or in the admission and
treatment of students. Recognizing that sexual harassment constitutes
discrimination on the basis of sex and violates this rule, the college shall not
tolerate such conduct. Should you experience such behavior, please contact the
of EA/EO officer by phone at 727-341-3261; by mail at PO Box 13489, St.
Petersburg FL 33733-3489; or e-mail the EA/EO officer.
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Membership: The membership of the committee should include members of the
faculty, career employees and administrative/professionals. The committee’s
members should likewise reflect a diverse composition and represent various
campus and college sites. The president appoints the chairperson and
committee members.
Term of office: One-year term beginning in August. The committee meets
monthly throughout the year.
Responsible to: The president and the EA/EO Office.
g) Faculty Compensation Committee
Charge: This committee reviews compensation for faculty and is responsible for
making recommendations to the president about issues involving faculty
compensation.
This committee is a subcommittee of the Faculty Governance Organization; the FGO
Executive Committee meets as the Faculty Compensation Committee.
Responsible to: The president.
h) Faculty Grievance Committee
Charge: This committee hears complaints relating to alleged violations of
individual rights, benefits, working conditions, appointment, reappointment,
tenure, promotion and reassignment of members of the faculty.
Membership: The committee is composed of one administrative/professional
person named by the president, one administrative/professional person selected
by the faculty, two faculty members elected by the faculty, and one member
unanimously selected by the other four members. The committee elects the
chairperson. The director of Human Resources serves in a non-voting capacity.
Term of office: Appointed/elected according to College Procedure P6Hx232.021. The committee meets upon the filing of a grievance.
Responsible to: The president.
i)
Financial Assistance Committee
Charge: This committee reviews and recommends institutional financial aid
policies with regard to legislative mandates, scholarship apportionments, and
changes in award criteria or funding levels. In addition, the Financial Aid
Committee serves as an escalation point for the campus-based Financial
Assistance Services (FAS) Committee and (FAS) Officer Committee. The
Financial Assistance Committee is responsible for reviewing and providing
determination on written appeals of decisions made by the (FAS) Officer
Committee.
Membership: The committee is chaired by the vice president for administrative
services, and includes members composed of faculty and campus-based
administrators/professionals from the St. Petersburg/Gibbs, Clearwater, Health
Education, Seminole and Tarpon Springs sites; the director of (FAS); the
associate vice president of Financial & Business Services, and the vice president
of Academic and Student Affairs. The president appoints members of the
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committee.
Term of office: One-year term beginning in August. Committee meets
throughout the year so members must be available during term breaks.
Members may be re-appointed as often as deemed appropriate by the president
to ensure continuity on the committee and consistency in decisions made or
recommended by the committee.
Responsible to: The president
j)
Insurance Committee
(See also 6Hx23-5.08)
Charge: The Insurance Committee periodically reviews the college’s health, life
insurance and related programs and makes recommendations to the President.
Membership: The committee is composed of three persons (one faculty
member, one career staff and one administrative representative) from each of the
following sites:
-- St. Petersburg/Gibbs Campus, Clearwater Campus, Caruth Health
Education
Center, Seminole Campus, Allstate Center;
and
-- a total of three representatives from EpiCenter, District Office and Tarpon
Springs
Campus (combined)
and
-- two representatives from Facilities Services.
The director of Human Resources serves as the chairperson, and the president
appoints the committee members.
Term of office: One-year term beginning in August. The committee meets oncall prior to insurance renewals, potential cost increases, etc.
Responsible to: The president
k) Instructional Technology Advisory Group (ITAG)
This group develops recommendations on strategic instructional technology
issues to present to the Technology Oversight Group (TOG)
Co-Chairmen: Senior vice president of Academic and Student Affairs; director of
Web Instructional Technology Services; vice president of Administration.
Charge: This group provides cross-functional and cross-instructional
departmental reviews of major instructional technology issues. Major issues are
interrelated with operations, funding, staffing, customer service, organizational
structure and other processes of the college. It is the role of the group to review
and make recommendations on instructional technology issues to the
Technology Oversight Group.
Group Responsibilities:
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





Review and recommend instructional technology goals and objectives for the
college.
Review and recommend instructional technology standards.
Evaluate instructional technology support against the standards and
recommend solutions.
Facilitate the instructional technology informational flow to the campuses.
Review and recommend priorities for instructional technology projects.
Prepare documentation for inclusion in the college’s technology plan.
Membership: Provost/vice president in charge of Seminole Campus, one other
provost/vice president or associate provost, two faculty members each from
SP/G and CL and one from each of the other campuses recommended by
provosts/vice presidents, two faculty members from each four-year campus,
three faculty members at large recommended by FGO president, one
representative from Corporate Training, one representative from AIS, one
IT/Training coordinator.
Term of office: Positions not specified by title have a one-year term.
Responsible to: The president, senior vice president of Academic and Student
Affairs, and provost/vice president in charge of Seminole Campus.
l) Library Committee
Charge: This committee is responsible for providing advice and counsel in the
development of library policies, procedures, programs and services.
Membership: The committee is composed of one instructional faculty member
from each campus and center, one representative from counseling, two
representatives from campus or center administrations, two students, and the
director of Libraries (ex officio). The president appoints the chairperson and
members of the committee.
Term of office: Non-student members are appointed for two-year terms on a
rotational basis. Student members are appointed for one-year terms and
normally are second-year students at the college. The committee meets twice
per academic term during Terms I and II.
Responsible to: The president through the senior vice president of Academic
and Student Affairs and the director of Libraries.
m) Sexual Harassment Committee
Charge: This committee reviews the college’s sexual harassment rule and
procedure on a periodic basis and makes recommendations for changes. The
committee further makes recommendations for dissemination of the rule,
procedure and awareness of the college’s policy and reporting procedures.
Membership: The college attorney chairs the committee. The committee is
composed of faculty and administrators from each site. In addition, there are four
student representatives: one male and one female from both the Clearwater and
St. Petersburg/Gibbs campuses. The president appoints the members of the
committee.
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Term of office: One-year term for students, two-year terms for faculty,
administrators and staff.
Responsible to: The president.
n) Student Grievances Committee
(See also P6Hx23-4.36)
Charge: This is a campus-based committee that hears grievances arising from
alleged violations of College Rules and Procedures (with the exception of
discrimination matters) as defined in BOT Rule Hx23-4.36 - Student Grievances
and Appeals, Appeals to Waive Requirements of CLAST, Appeals to Exclude
Coursework from Grade Point Calculations, and Student Body Governance and
Recommendations.
Membership: The campus committee is composed of two faculty members, two
students, and one administrator, and is chaired by the associate provost or
designee. The provost/vice president recommends a pool of committee members
who are confirmed by the president.
Term of office: One year beginning in August. The committee meets upon request.
Responsible to: The campus provost/vice president or designee.
3. Other
Intramural sports
Faculty members of St. Petersburg College are encouraged to participate in the
intramural sports program provided this participation is outside the normal workweek.
E. Conduct
1. Standards of conduct for employees
Chapter 112, Part III, of the Florida Statutes sets forth specific ethical standards for the
conduct of college employees. College employees should recognize they are bound by
these provisions and must conduct their activities, both inside and outside of the college,
in a manner consistent with the ethical standards expressed therein.
The main goal of the Code of Ethics is to promote the public interest and maintain the
respect of the citizens of Florida for their government, including St. Petersburg College.
The Code of Ethics also is intended to ensure that public employees conduct themselves
independently and impartially, not using their positions for private gain other than their
salary as provided by law.
The Code contains standards of conduct that are intended to further the above goals, by
avoiding conflicts of interest. The standards include the following categories (limited
examples also are given):
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a) Gifts
It is inappropriate to solicit or accept a gift or favor that could influence your
judgment on a matter.
b) Unauthorized compensation
An employee cannot accept anything of value given to influence the employee’s
action.
c) Doing business with one’s agency
It is inappropriate for a college employee acting in a private capacity to do
business with the college.
d) Conflicting employment or contractual relationship
It is inappropriate for a college employee to hold any employment or have any
contractual relationship with any entity doing business with the college.
e) Misuse of public position
Using your name and position to gain privilege, benefit or exemption for yourself
or someone else is an example of misuse of public position.
See Florida Statutes 112.313 for more detail.
The area of greatest concern is doing business with your own agency. Examples of this would
include operating a business outside of the college that does business with the college. Another
example would be purchasing items at the college auction. Both of these are examples of
prohibited conflicts of interest. There is, however, an exemption for transactions that do not
exceed $500. Therefore, for example, an employee could purchase up to $500 worth of items at
the college auction without violating the College Rule.
Obviously, the Code of Ethics is a complicated area. This section is intended to call your
attention to the existence of the Code of Ethics and not to answer all of your questions. If you
have any questions concerning application of the code, please consult your supervisor.
2. Alcohol and Substance Abuse Policy
The possession or consumption of alcoholic beverages and/or the use, possession, sale,
barter, exchange, gift, distribution or other transaction of any illegal drugs, or controlled
substances or their chemical counterfeits, are prohibited at or on any campus or center
of St. Petersburg College, or at any college -sponsored or college -affiliated activity or
event except as otherwise provided in Rule 6Hx23-5.09 and Procedure P6Hx23-5.091.
Students and employees found in violation of this policy may be disciplined. For
additional information, see Supplement to Faculty, Staff and Student Handbook,
published annually.
3. Sexual harassment policy and training
St. Petersburg College does not tolerate sexual harassment. In its ongoing quest to
maintain a work environment free from sexual harassment, the college has another way
for employees to both learn about sexual harassment — and show that they understand
what they’ve learned. All current and new employees — whether budgeted, OPS,
adjunct or percent-of-load — will be required to take the interactive, online tutorial, and
pass the end-of-course mastery test with an 80 percent or higher. The test may be retaken as often as possible until the 80 percent score is reached. Test results are
received directly by Human Resources. For hourly budgeted and OPS employees, the
49
test must be taken during work hours. It may be taken at an employee’s desk, in any
college library, or in the Human Resources office in the EpiCenter Services building.
OPS and adjunct employees must successfully complete the module by the end of the
academic term in which they are hired. Budgeted employees must complete the module
before their next evaluation.
In addition to the mastery test, the tutorial web site can be a resource for employees who
want to search it for a certain subject. A drop-down menu includes such helpful topics
as: “What if you experience sexual harassment?” and “Confidentiality.” The tutorial is
on the Human Resources home page under Preventing Sexual Harassment Training.
The college’s sexual harassment policy also is distributed throughout the college on
paper and online.
4. Controlled substances
5. Drug-free workplace
(See also P6Hx23-5.25)
6. Smoking in college facilities
7. Outside employment
Extra-college activities by members of the staff, faculty or administration should be
examined in a professional and ethical light. Activities that are determined to be in
violation of professional ethics should be promptly abandoned.
Any individual who has a financial interest in a business with a fictitious name is
encouraged to inquire about the applicability of the Florida fictitious name and conflict of
interest laws.
The administration may question the propriety or conflict of interest of any individual’s
extra-college activities and may require the individual to confer with appropriate officials
to determine a proper course of action.
8. Personal financial obligations
Employees of the college are expected to handle their personal financial obligations in
such a manner as to prevent the involvement of the college or the administration. Failure
to comply with this policy may be grounds for dismissal.
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9. Public visitation and/or telephone contacts
The complexity of the college program and the physical size of multiple-campus
operations preclude the general public from contacting students or faculty with easy
accessibility either by telephone or by visitation. The college shall assume no
responsibility for making contacts with students or with faculty who receive phone calls.
However, in case of emergency, reasonable attempts shall be made to aid a caller. It is,
therefore, suggested that when faculty members are expecting special calls or visitors,
they should leave word in the office of the appropriate program director/dean, provost/ vice
president as to where they may be located if they are to be away from their offices.
10. Nepotism
11. Legal services for employees
Whenever any civil action has been brought against any employee of the college for any
act or omission arising out of and in the course of the performance of the employee’s
duties and responsibilities, the Board of Trustees may defray all costs of defending such
action, including reasonable attorney fees and expenses together with costs of appeal,
and said Board of Trustees may arrange for and pay the premium for appropriate
insurance to cover all such losses and expenses. However, any attorney’s fee paid by
the board for any employee who is found to be personally liable by virtue of acting
outside the scope of employment, or was acting in bad faith, with malicious purpose, or
in a manner exhibiting wanton and willful disregard of human rights, safety or property,
may be recovered by the board from such employee.
IV. Academic procedures
A. Course information
1. Course content
The objectives and content of any course offered on more than one site of the college
shall be the same and shall be taught so as to comply with the course description. The
official curriculum content of courses and programs is on the file server. (See
current Curriculum and Instruction Manual for further details. Information for printing out
a course outline is below.) It includes course description, major learning outcomes and
a core of common objectives stated in performance terms, which will be taught by all
faculty. Each instructor is expected to add objectives to the core to completely describe
the course offering. Changes to course content and course descriptions must be
approved through the Curriculum Committee procedures and the Board of Trustees.
Instructors must comply with the approved course content of the courses they
teach.
2. Printing out a course outline
Please see the curriculum directory.
a) WINDOWS Users: You can create a shortcut, or enter \\filecluster\voyager\curriculum in the "Run" dialog from the "Start" menu.
b) MAC Users: Access this folder in its new location by going to the "GO" menu,
then selecting "Network."
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Once the network dialog window has opened, click on network, click on ADMIN
(the domain), then click on File-Cluster.
Click the OK button.
A new dialog box appears: Enter ADMIN in the domain field and your username
and password in the other two fields.
When the dialog appears that says, "Select the SMB/CIFS shared volume you
want to connect," select "Voyager" and click on OK. The curriculum folder will
appear in that directory share.
3. Syllabus format/sample
a) Opening class information
At the first class meeting, instructors are required to present in written form vital
information to each class. This includes the instructor’s attendance policy,
textbooks required for the course, course objectives grading policy, emergency
preparedness, academic honesty, accommodations, and campus safety and
security. Click here to see a Sample Syllabus Template.
b) Final examinations
The giving of the final examination shall be left to the discretion of the individual
instructor, with the concurrence of the program director/dean or appropriate
supervisor. With the exception of the Common Finals, students averaging an “A”
or “B” may be exempted from the final examination by obtaining permission from
the instructor. The instructor shall advise the students of the instructor’s final
exam policy in the course syllabus.
Final examinations must be administered at the time indicated in the Final
Examination Schedule, unless a change is approved by the appropriate program
director/dean and the appropriate site administrator.
Instructors are required to keep final examination papers on file for the duration
of the subsequent regular term (Term I or II).
c) Final examinations, special
Students wishing to take final examinations other than during the regularly
scheduled final examination period must obtain permission from the instructor or
program director/dean (or appropriate supervisor). If permission is granted,
Business Services is notified in writing of the number of special examinations a
student will take, the course and section numbers, and the amount of the
approved fee(s). After the student has paid the special examination fee(s) at
Business Services, he presents his copy of the validated permission form to the
instructor(s) and takes the examination(s) as arranged with the instructor(s).
4. Course corequisites and prerequisites
The following definitions and operational criteria for co-requisites and prerequisite
courses have been adopted college wide. Monitoring of prerequisites and corequisites
is accomplished through the registration process. However, instructors often need to be
able to explain the requirements to students and grading may be complicated by
progress in a corequisite course.
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Corequisite course is one in which a student must enroll and attend during the
same term as the course to which it is a corequisite. (In some instances the corequisite relationship is reciprocal and in others it is one-way only.) Student
performance in the corequisite course is dependent upon performance in the
course to which it is corequisite. If a student withdraws or is withdrawn from the
course to which it is corequisite, then the student must withdraw or be withdrawn
from the co-requisite as well.
Prerequisite course is one that must be completed satisfactorily prior to enrolling
in the course to which it is a prerequisite.
5. Independent study
These study programs provide an additional service for students. This type of study
program, available to all students, is especially beneficial when circumstances prevent
attending a regular course section and the course is needed in that particular session.
Independent study course sections must be initiated at the program level and approved
by the site administrator. However, an independent study section may be offered only
when circumstances prevent offering a regular course section that a student needs in a
particular term. Assignment of instructors is the prerogative of the program director/dean
or supervisor. Independent study is designed to teach the course content to students
who do not already possess course knowledge.
Only Directed Independent Study (DIS) assignments requested by the appropriate
program director/dean or supervisor are eligible for supplemental salary payment or for
inclusion in a faculty member’s ECH (load) assignment. In order to qualify for such
purposes, the DIS assignment must be documented by the completion of an
individualized DIS Agreement Form establishing the commitment on the part of the
student and the faculty member. These are available through program director/dean or
appropriate supervisors. When such DIS assignments are made, supplemental
payments and load assignments will be calculated on an ECH basis according to the
following formula, where SCL = Standard Course Listing:
1 Number of DIS students
30 X
SCL average class size for the course
X
ECH for the course
=
DIS ECH
State Board of Education Rules dictate that tuition fees shall be charged ONLY for
instruction provided by the college. Tuition fees shall not be charged for the assessment
of prior learning or the award of credit based on prior learning, regardless of whether the
prior learning was acquired through instruction provided by the college or through
instruction or experience external to the college (SBE Rule 6A-14.54(6), FAC).
Independent study cannot be used as a means of evaluating and awarding credit for
existing knowledge from prior learning. For evaluating and crediting existing knowledge
from prior learning, see the section entitled, “Credit by Assessment of Prior Learning”
(Experiential Learning Program).
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B. MySPC overview
This interface allows you to enter grades and withdrawals and view your class rosters
and class schedule. MySPC is highly visible in the left (blue) column of the SPC home
page.
1. Login hints
Your MySPC login will be the same as your network login and will automatically change
when your network login changes. Note that the password is case sensitive. If you are
locked out of the system or forget your password, you must contact the Employee
Tech Support Desk at 791-2795 to have your password reset.
It may take a minute or more to display the choice of term. Choose a term to view a list
of your classes for that term. Choose a class to see a list of students including their
student ID and Grading Basis (Graded, Audit, P/NP). Total number of students appears
at the top of the screen. If you have more than 100 in your class, use the arrows in the
blue bar above your class list to see the rest of the students. Click the Detail link to view
additional info about the class – enrollment capacity, location, meeting times, etc. To
make a spreadsheet from your class roster, see below.
2. Attendance reports and withdrawals
(See also 6Hx23-4.30)
Instructors MUST maintain accurate per class records of student attendance. The
newly revised Rules address instances when attendance reports are critical.
a) Beginning of each term
For the college to be able to take required action on “no shows” or students who
do not attend any classes, it is important that instructors turn in a completed copy
of the Permanent Roll (SR 448 – Attendance Report) no later than Monday of the
third week of classes (but preferably on Friday of the second week of classes) for
all regular and express terms and no later than one week after the beginning of
modmester and other terms. The completed report should list in Category B (On
roll but not in class) ALL students who have not attended class by that date.
Notice of Drop forms is not needed for those students – they will be
AUTOMATICALLY dropped. The completed Attendance Report should be
submitted to the program director/dean that will transmit the forms to your
campus registrar.
b) Attendance of veterans
The Veterans Administration requires timely reporting of students who are
receiving veterans’ benefits and who are no longer attending classes. To avoid
fiscal liability for the overpayment of benefits, the college must report students
who have stopped attending within 30 days of the last class attended. To
complete the process on time, including personal follow-up with the students, the
college needs reports of non-attendance quickly.
In the case of veterans enrolled in A.A., A.S., or certificate programs, students
exceeding more than three unexcused absences within one term will be dropped
for non-attendance, terminated from veterans’ benefits for unsatisfactory
progress, and the VA will require a refund of any monies received.
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Instructors should give careful attention to class attendance by students who are
receiving VA benefits. They are clearly indicated with a “V” on your class roles.
Instructors should complete the necessary form that can be obtained from their
department chairperson or the Scholarships and Student Financial Assistance on
each campus for each student who has missed two consecutive classes and
submit it to your Office of Scholarships and Student Financial Assistance within
three days of the second consecutive class missed by the student.
3. Record grades
Only available after the end of Express Add/Drop
Choose a term to display a list of the classes for which you are the primary instructor.
Choose a class to begin entering grades. Type the grade, pressing Tab to move your
cursor to the next grade entry field. If you enter an invalid value, the system will alert
you. You can click the spyglass icon
values.
and click the
button for a list of valid
In PeopleSoft you can save your grade entry in progress. Click the Save button at the
bottom of the Grade Roster screen to save what you have done so far. Any grades you
save will be posted to the student's record during day’s end processing each
night.
To finalize your grade posting
When grades are in for every student, choose Approved from the Approval Status pulldown menu at the top of the roster and click the Save button at the bottom of the screen.
This step is necessary to mark your grades as completed on the grade submission
report. Please Note: Do NOT choose “Ready for Review” from the Approval Status pulldown menu because that option is not used.
a) Tips to facilitate grade entry process
1. Be familiar with campus/program procedures and deadlines
2. Login early to establish PIN
3. Follow the instructions carefully
4. Call Webmaster at Ext. 3180
b) Important: Late entry of student grades
ENTERING GRADES LATE DOES MUCH MORE THAN JUST TEST A
STUDENT’S PATIENCE! PLEASE READ THIS LIST.
1. Student panics, picks up the phone, calls program director/dean, provost/,
senior vice president, president, etc.
2. Effect on next term schedule – prerequisites not met.
3. Financial aid for the term – failure to meet SOP (complete 50% of attempted).
4. Financial aid reduced for next term – insufficient credit hours to qualify for FT.
5. Student application for transfer rejected – insufficient coursework to qualify
for transfer.
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4. Changes to grades
Once a grade is posted OR a Grade Roster is saved as Approved, you may no longer
change the grades online. You will need to submit a grade change form to your campus
records office.
a) Creating a file from your class roster
1. Follow the directions on the first page of this handout to access your class
roster.
2. Use your pointer to click and drag over the information to highlight it.
(Depending on your browser version, you may be able to select only the
columns you wish to copy.)
3. Choose Copy from the Edit menu of your browser, or hold Ctrl and press C.
4. Open Excel or Word and paste in the data (Edit menu and Paste or Ctrl-V.)
The data you selected will paste into columns in Excel, or as a table in Word.
(Note: if you have more than 100 students in your class, go to Page 2 of your
roster and repeat this process.
b) Grade changes policy
(See also 6Hx23-4.36): A student’s grade normally may not be changed except
by the instructor who assigned the original grade and except as provided herein.
“Grade change” refers to a possible change in grade assigned by an instructor on
the basis of academic performance. It does not include possible changes in
failing grades assigned “by default” for excessive absences, unofficial
withdrawals, withdrawing after the deadline date, or for other administrative
reasons in keeping with existing policies. In addition, the Student Grievances
Committee may change a grade under appropriate circumstances.
The Committee on Academic Appeals (SP/G and TS) or the Student Appeals
Committee (CL) will determine justification for changing a student’s status in a
course. In this category are included requests referred to as “belated approval
for withdrawal.” When such approval is granted, the grades will be changed to
“W.” All requests for a grade change, from an assigned letter to “X” (audit), must
first be submitted in writing by the student to the Committee on Academic
Appeals (SP/G and TS) or the Student Appeals Committee (CL) for final action.
Students will be encouraged not to contact the instructor directly. The committee
will screen requests for grade changes to “X” (audit) to determine the merits in
each case. If the committee disapproves the change, the action is final, and the
instructors will not be contacted. If the committee feels the change should be
made, the chairperson of the committee will notify each instructor involved, giving
a review of the case and requesting the instructor to give written approval or
disapproval. No grade change will be made without the written approval and
concurrence of the instructor who originally assigned the grade. In cases in
which the instructor who assigned the grade is no longer employed by the
college, the committee will make final determination.
C. ANGEL overview
SPC uses a learning management system called ANGEL ("A New Global Environment
for Online Learning") to deliver online/blended courses and support face to face classes.
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ANGEL combines course content with tools like e-mail, discussion forums and
interactive quizzes in an easy-to-learn, user-friendly interface. ANGEL is a powerful and
flexible tool to use for your online courses and to supplement your face-to-face courses.
The mission of the Web and Instructional Technology Services (WITS) department is to
act as a facilitator for the use of technology in the instructional process. Instructional
technologists located at Allstate, Clearwater, Health Education Center, Seminole, St.
Petersburg/Gibbs and Tarpon Springs offer frequent classes in ANGEL and other
instructional support software. For workshop schedules and enrollment details, contact
your campus Instructional technologist.
D. Hurricane instructional plan.
Emergency preparedness procedures for faculty
The college realizes that it is possible for a significant natural disaster to compromise
SPC campus facilities sufficiently to disrupt the delivery of classes on campus(es) for an
extended period of time. SPC has ways our operations can continue following such an
emergency. Faculty who teach blended and/or face-to-face classes and who wish to
have a better opportunity to continue to receive uninterrupted compensation from SPC
should be prepared to work with students online via ANGEL to complete their
coursework. Please consult with your supervisor regarding any deadlines for ANGEL
training that might apply.
You should begin to prepare for an emergency scenario by taking the following steps
now:
1. Check with your campus instructional technologist to see if there is a standard
course platform for your course(s). If not, look for a colleague at SPC who teaches
your same course(s) in an online format. (You may use MySPC’s View Course
Offerings option to search.) If your course is not currently taught online, discuss with
your program director/dean now about the feasibility of developing course materials
for emergency online delivery.
2. Communicate your proposed plans for each of your courses with your program
director/dean. Program directors/deans will determine if your course should be
taught online and, if so, will monitor successful completion of training, modification of
content, etc., to confirm who will teach the class (if approved for online delivery) in
the event of a disaster.
3. If approved, complete basic ANGEL training on how to teach a developed course.
You will complete this training online in Pathways to eLearning. Contact your
campus Instructional Technologist to enroll in the PTE course.
4. If you are copying a colleague’s course, meet with them to review the course content
and make sure you understand how to conduct the course and manage the grade
book. Should you opt to use a colleague’s course materials for your class, you are
still expected to complete ANGEL training on how to teach a developed course.
5. If approved, copy your course materials to your course shell, following the
notification that shells have been created.
6. Learn how to publish or modify your syllabus in ANGEL, and make sure your ANGEL
syllabus is accurate. Note that it is possible to hide all course content except the
syllabus until such time as emergency procedures must be enacted.
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7. Enable your course, as instructed in ANGEL tutorials.
8. Add a statement to your syllabus which indicates the plan for your course in the
event that an emergency interrupts regular operations.
Sample #1 – Instructor is trained and prepared
Emergency Preparedness
In the event that a hurricane or other natural disaster causes significant
damage to St. Petersburg College facilities, you may be provided the
opportunity to complete your course work online. Following the event, please
visit the college Web site for an announcement of the college’s plan to
resume operations.
This syllabus is currently available in ANGEL for your convenience. Log in to
ANGEL to confirm that you have access, reporting any difficulty to the SPC
Student Technical Call Center at 727- 341-4357.
Sample #2 – Course is not appropriate for online delivery (clinicals, art
classes, etc.)
Emergency Preparedness
In the event that a hurricane or other natural disaster causes significant
damage to St. Petersburg College facilities, you will not be provided the
opportunity to complete your course work online due to the hands-on
requirements for this course. Following the event, please visit the college
Web site regarding your options for completing this course work at an
alternate location.
This syllabus is currently available in ANGEL for your convenience.
Sample #3 – Course not offered online; course content is not fully developed
for online delivery.
Emergency Preparedness
In the event that a hurricane or other natural disaster causes significant
damage to St. Petersburg College facilities, you will not be provided the
opportunity to complete your course work online at this time. This course is
not currently offered online, and the development of course materials for
online delivery is not yet complete.
This syllabus is currently available in ANGEL for your convenience.
Sample #4 – Instructor is not trained and prepared; student given option to
transfer sections
Emergency Preparedness
In the event that a hurricane or other natural disaster causes significant
damage to St. Petersburg College facilities, you may be provided the
opportunity to transfer your registration to another section of this course so
that you may complete your course work online with a different SPC
instructor. Following the event, please visit the college Web site for an
announcement of the college’s plan to resume operations.
9. Encourage your students to try to log in and check out the syllabus and any
additional course materials you may have chosen to include online. Ask them to
report any difficulty in seeing the class to the Technical Call Center at 727-341-4357.
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E. Special programs
1. Field trips
(See also 6Hx23-3.03): Field trips for instructional purposes involving students and
instructional staff are planned and organized in the following manner:
The program director/dean or appropriate supervisor concerned presents a
recommendation for a field trip to the appropriate site administrator. The
recommendation should contain the class or group involved, the number attending, the
faculty member(s) in charge, the destination of the trip, the mode of transportation,
estimated cost, the purposes of the trip as related to the instructional program, and the
expected value of the activity.
When an instructor wishes to take classes on a field trip, it is necessary to avoid conflict
with student attendance in other classes and to secure proper approval prior to the trip
as outlined above. If the trip will cause any student to miss classes in any other course,
prior clearance must be arranged with other instructors. After the field trip has received
final approval, the program director/dean must coordinate the details of the trip through
the office of the associate provost or the designate representative. Special attention
must be given to the modes of transportation used for field trips. See also section
entitled “Authority to Incur Travel Expenses”.
2. Study Abroad and other International Programs
In accordance with SPC’s mission to provide and encourage education globally,
students and faculty may have an opportunity to participate in international study
programs or international exchanges. Participating faculty members traveling with
students are subject to the policies and procedures of the study abroad program.
Also, all international initiatives are coordinated in concert with the office of the director,
International Programs; please contact this office at 341-3355 for information.
3. Speakers or consultants
When St. Petersburg College is paying a faculty member on a full-time basis for a given
course, another St. Petersburg College faculty member cannot receive remuneration for
participating in that same course, except as an approved substitute when the regular
faculty member is absent from class.
When instructors wish to have speakers who are not members of the faculty of St.
Petersburg College appear in their classes, they are required to obtain approval from the
program director/dean or appropriate supervisor well in advance of the proposed
appearance date. Program directors/deans or appropriate supervisors will confer with
their supervisor where financial obligations on the part of the college are concerned or
where the safety or welfare of the college community may become an issue.
F. Support
1. Use of copy machines, telephones and computers
College use of copy machines: The college utilizes a cost-per-copy arrangement with
Ricoh Business Systems for the 68 walk-up convenience copiers located at various sites
. These copiers are not owned or leased by SPC. They are the property of the vendor.
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(The college is liable for any damage to these machines so please treat them as if they
were your own). The college pays for each copy made under this arrangement and also
provides the paper and staples. The vendor furnishes all other supplies and service.
These copiers are programmed with a separate numeric code for each department in
order to operate them. The contract with Ricoh Business Systems is due to expire
September of 2009. Employees who are aware in advance of their printing needs may
choose instead to utilize the in-house print shop, District Impressions.
Personal use of copy machines
(See also 6Hx23-5.28): The personal use of copy machines is discouraged. Limited
personal copies can be made at a cost of 10 cents per black and white copy, plus tax.
Payment for such use is to be made to the business office.
Personal use of telephones: Use of the telephone for personal reasons is not
encouraged and should be limited to reasonably necessary use. Abuse of this privilege
may result in discipline.
Personal use of computers: College computers, as is the case with all college facilities
and property, are owned by the public. Occasional personal use is acceptable. Regular
or frequent use, however, is inappropriate.
Furthermore, except for certain protected messages and content as defined by Florida
Statutes Rule 6Hx23-6.900 regarding protection of student privacy, your use of college
computers is subject to review by the college, and upon request, by the public.
Inappropriate use may result in disciplinary action. Inappropriate uses include:
A. Use of college information technology to break any international, federal, state or
local law (or to aid in any crime).
B. Use of college information technology for the creation, storage, display or
transmission of profit-oriented, commercial, political or business purpose.
C. Consistent with the college’s sexual harassment policy, creating, viewing, storing,
transmitting or publicly displaying pornographic (as defined by the U.S. Supreme
Court), obscene, defaming, slanderous, harassing or offensive data (including
sound, video, text and graphics data).
D. Circumventing established college software security procedures or obtaining
information system access and passwords to which one is not entitled.
E. Unauthorized alteration or removal of college hardware security systems.
F. Unauthorized modifications to college hardware or software.
G. Unauthorized access, alteration or destruction of another employee’s data,
programs or electronic mail.
H. Connecting or installing personal or non-college-owned information technology
hardware or software to the college network without prior approval.
I.
Installing non-college-owned software without prior approval and documented
proof of legal licensure.
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2. Library
(See also P6Hx23-5.12 and P6Hx23-5.13) The library supports and assists the
instructional programs of the college with books, audiovisual materials, electronic
resources equipment and services. Campus libraries cooperate to provide information
services with daily delivery of materials from other campuses through the college courier
service. Library resources also are available online. Librarians and career library staff
assist the teaching faculty with bibliographic instruction, research and development of
educational materials. Although the normal circulation period is two weeks, faculty can
request extended borrowing privileges. Faculty members are provided with bar-coded
photo identification cards, which serve as library cards.
Library Online offers many similar resources and services. Library Online is available
from any home, office or campus computer with Internet access, and offers:




Approximately 50,000 ebooks
60 research databases
Thousands of full-text journal articles
AskALibrarian and other services
Access to library collections is provided through LINCC, the statewide library automation
system for community college libraries. Each campus library has public access
terminals that allow library users to locate materials at any campus library through
author, title and subject searches. The library collections of the other 27 community
colleges also are available through the terminals. An “information gateway,” part of the
automated system, provides access to the state university library collections, an
electronic encyclopedia (ERIC), periodical indexes and the Internet. See a librarian for
interlibrary loan services. Network file servers managed by the libraries provide access
to medline and CINAHL, and faculty members have telnet access to LINCC through the
college network.
Materials placed on Library Reserve by faculty are kept at the circulation desks. Faculty
members are requested to review “Reserves” each term and remove materials that are
no longer needed.
A college wide Library Committee, with membership from the faculty, administration and
the student body, advises the library in developing collections and providing services.
Policies and procedures are available in the library and on the Server on the college
Web site. Use the link for Library Online Site Map to access alphabetical information and
services. A student library handbook, pathfinders and other printed guides to library use
also are provided.
A one-hour credit course in electronic library services taught by librarians was added to
the curriculum in 1994. LIS 1002, Electronic Research Strategies for College Students,
provides students with in-depth experience in searching electronic resources. Contact
the campus libraries to schedule bibliographic instruction specific to your courses,
general library class tours, or individual instruction sessions.
Selection of books and audiovisual materials is the combined responsibility of the college
community including teaching faculty, library faculty, the administrative staff, and
students. Librarians serve as liaisons to academic departments to select library
materials. Purchase is guided by reviews in professional literature and the library
collection development policy. In developing new programs and courses, faculty must
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determine adequate library support before requesting approval of the Curriculum and
Instruction Committee. Periodical subscriptions are the by calendar year. Request
periodical subscriptions in Term II for a start date of the following January. Materials are
added to the library collections commensurate with budget allocations, based on the
following considerations:
1. The mission, goals, and objectives of the college.
2. The college curriculum.
3. Instructional methods.
4. Special needs of students.
The college supports the tenet that academic integrity and responsibility to the college
community include the free access to materials representing divergent points of view
concerning controversial problems and issues. The college further subscribes to the
following statements in the Library Bill of Rights (adopted June 18, 1948 by the
American Library Association Council, amended February 2, 1961, and June 27, 1967)
concerning selection of materials:
1. As a responsibility of library service, books and other library materials are chosen
for values of interest, information, and enlightenment of all the people of the
community. In no case should library materials be excluded because of the race
or nationality or the social, political, or religious views of the authors.
2. Libraries should provide books and other materials presenting all points of view
concerning the problems and issues of our times; no library materials should be
proscribed or removed from libraries because of partisan or doctrinal disapproval.
3. Censorship should be challenged by libraries in the maintenance of their
responsibility to provide public information and enlightenment.
4. Libraries should cooperate with all persons and groups concerned with resisting
abridgment of free expression and free access to ideas. This selection policy
applies equally to all learning resource materials, whether acquired by purchase,
or exchange.
3. Bookstores
The bookstores stock textbooks and educational supplies for faculty and students. Textbooks are
ordered through the programs, not by individual instructors. The regular bookstore hours are as
follows:
St. Petersburg/Gibbs Campus (347-0310)
and Clearwater Campus (791-2624)
Monday - Thursday
7:45 a.m. to 7:30 p.m.
Friday
7:45 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Tarpon Springs Campus (712-5735)
Monday -Thursday
7:45 a.m. to 7:30 p.m.
Friday
7:45 a.m. to 2 p.m.
Health Education Center (545-0261)
Monday and Thursday
8:30 a.m. to 7 p.m.
Tuesday and Wednesday
8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Friday
8:30 a.m. to 1 p.m.
Seminole Campus (394-6160)
Monday andThursday
8:30 a.m. to 7 p.m.
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Tuesday and Wednesday
Friday
8:30 a.m. to 2 p.m.
8:30 a.m. to noon
eCampus
Books ordered for eCampus courses may be picked up at
any campus during the hours posted above. eCampus
students also may order books on-line via eFollett’s and
have the books sent to their homes or businesses.
NOTE: During the first week of classes, the hours are extended. Faculty
and students should contact the appropriate bookstore for the extended hours of
operation.
4. Web and Instructional Technology (WITS)
Provides technology courses and course development assistance for faculty at
http://it.spcollege.edu
5. Staff and Program Development (SPD) Workshops
SPD provides computer training and professional development workshops for the
employees of St. Petersburg College. Please see Course offerings on the SPD Web
site. Online computer skills training also is available through SPD. For more information,
visit the SPD Web site. If you have suggestions for training or need specialized training,
please contact SPD at Ext. 5231.
6. Software manuals available online
7. Data processing
The college administrative data processing services are provided through the
Administrative Information Systems Department located at the Seminole Campus.
Overall coordination is provided through the office of the Vice President for
Administrative Information Systems, located at the EpiCenter Services building.
V. Academic policies
A. Principles of good practice in undergraduate education
St. Petersburg College encourages faculty to employ research-based best practices to
engage students in their education. Among the most widely used models of good
practice is one developed by Chickering and Gamson (1991). Their research showed
that good practice in education:
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
Encourages contact between students and faculty.
Develops reciprocity and cooperation among students.
Encourages active learning.
Gives prompt feedback.
Emphasizes time on task.
Communicates high expectations.
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7. Respects diverse talents and ways of learning. 8
B. Development of new programs and new courses and revision of current programs
and courses
Each degree program offered by the college has an official set of requirements and
approval processes, beginning with program directors/deans, and including the
Curriculum and Instruction Committee, the President’s Cabinet, the SPC Board of
Trustees, and ultimately the state of Florida Department of Education. These
requirements contain pre-entry requirements, required general education courses, core
courses (in baccalaureate programs), major and support courses, any special graduation
criteria, sequence of courses where applicable, and total program length. Each program
of study has a designated number of general education courses. The bachelor’s degrees
and A.A. degree must comply with the state of Florida mandate of 36 hours of General
Education. The A.S. and A.A.S. degrees have a minimum of 17 hours of general
education courses, and some require more hours, depending on the course of study.
Some A.S. degrees are state mandated as transferable to the State University System
(e.g., USF, UF, FSU). Some A.S. programs have pre-entry requirements that may be
applied to the general education requirements. Consult with one of the program
directors/deans in the discipline to get the background on each program before
proceeding with program or course additions or changes.
St. Petersburg College faculty members are responsible for participating in the
development and revision of all degree programs and courses. The College’s Board of
Trustees has established a process, found in BOT Rule 6Hx23-3.04, for reviewing
recommendations for new programs and courses and revisions to programs and courses
through the curriculum committee. Faculty suggestions for new programs or courses
should follow the academic procedures and processes noted in the Curriculum and
Instruction (C & I) Manual, found on Staff Central under the link “Where do I find
Curriculum Files?” These procedures may differ slightly depending upon the program,
but always involve the faculty.
New degree program proposals are developed by individual faculty or collaborative
faculty groups by first researching educational needs through business and industry
advisory committees and economic councils, reviewing accreditation requirements and
existing state curriculum frameworks, and benchmarking similar programs at other
institutions. Program requirements also must be compatible with the college’s mission.
State guidelines, local industry representatives, and advisory committees provide
direction on appropriate support courses. As the process progresses, content specialists
in each program of study may be identified to research existing curricula and to work
with the practitioners in each field of study to highlight areas that also might be
incorporated into the curricula.
A course of study outlining the requirements and any recommended sequence of
courses is included in the proposal. Major learning outcomes also are developed for
each program and documented in a program matrix, which identifies courses in which
each major learning outcome is introduced, enhanced, and reviewed/reinforced.
Ultimately, major learning outcomes must be assessed through the end-of-program or
general education assessment processes. New course proposals must be compatible
8
SOURCE: Chickering, A.W., and Gamson, Z.F. (1991). Applying the Seven Principles for Good Practice
in Undergraduate Education. New Directions for Teaching and Learning. Number 47, Fall 1991. San
Francisco: Jossey-Bass Inc.
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with the purpose of the program to which they belong. Program and course proposals
are then reviewed by other faculty and program directors/deans in the discipline. Once
this part of the curriculum process has been completed, the materials are submitted
through a process through the originating campus provost/vice president to the
Curriculum and Instruction Committee. The Curriculum and Instruction Committee is
composed primarily of faculty representatives from each department at each site.
Although proposals are passed through provosts/vice presidents and department heads
as part of the approval process, the faculty bears sole responsibility for content and for
methods of instruction. The Board of Trustees approves all programs after they are
approved by the Curriculum and Instruction Committee and reviewed/approved by
Cabinet. New programs are submitted to the state of Florida Department of Education
for final approval.
C. Access to and protection of information
St. Petersburg College maintains a strong policy regarding academic grades.
Information contained in the Financial, Human Resources/Payroll, and Student System
databases and files (whether electronic or hard copy) may only be used, released or
shared by authorized personnel in accordance with college procedures. Access to this
information is given on a need-to-know basis ONLY.
It also is your responsibility to REPORT any student, or someone on behalf of a student,
who approaches you directly or indirectly seeking an unauthorized grade change or an
undocumented (without proper paperwork) change on the student’s records. Failure to
use this information as described or to promptly report unauthorized requests or
changes to this information is cause for disciplinary action up to and including
termination of employment.
1. Confidentiality of grades
CURRENT FEDERAL AND STATE LAWS PERTAINING TO CONFIDENTIALITY OF
STUDENT RECORDS PROHIBIT THE UNAUTHORIZED DISCLOSURE OF ANY
PERSONALLY IDENTIFIABLE STUDENT INFORMATION COVERED UNDER THE
PROVISIONS OF THE LAWS IN QUESTION. THEREFORE, STUDENT GRADES
MAY NOT BE PUBLICLY POSTED IN ANY MANNER, EVEN USING STUDENT
NUMBERS FOR IDENTIFICATION PURPOSES.
D. Copyright
1. Policy
(See also P6Hx23-1.35) Contact the Library Director’s Office for a copy of the
Copyright Manual for Faculty and Staff for the current year.
St. Petersburg College supports and encourages its employees to develop scholarly and
creative works and educational materials and products--intellectual property that may be
subject to copyright or patent and which may generate royalty income.
Such development may involve the use of college time and resources. In order to
balance, protect, and define the respective rights of St. Petersburg College and its
employees regarding intellectual property that may be subject to copyright or patent, the
following policy is established.
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2. Materials subject to copyright and patent
The following types of published and unpublished materials may be subject to copyright:
 All written works, including books, journal articles, texts, glossaries,
bibliographies, study guides, resource materials, laboratory and other manuals,
syllabi, tests, and proposals as well as works in other media.
 Lectures, musical or drama compositions, and unpublished scripts.
 Films, filmstrips, charts, transparencies, and other visual aids and teaching
devices.
 Video and audio tapes and cassettes.
 Live video or audio broadcasts.
 Programmed instructional material.
 Computer programs.
 Pantomimes and choreographic works.
 Pictorial, graphic, and sculptural works.
 Sound recordings.
 Other materials subject to U.S. copyright laws and controls.
An invention or discovery of any new and useful process, machine, manufacture, or
composition of matter, or any new or useful improvement thereof, may be patented.
3. Fair use
The Copyright Act of 1976 gives the status of statutory law to certain use of
copyrighted works that prior to January 1, 1978, was privileged only under various
court holdings. This is "fair use" as authorized under Section 107 of the 1976 Act,
which reads as follows:
Section 107. Limitations on exclusive rights: Fair Use
"Notwithstanding the provisions of Section 106 [exclusive rights of copyright owner],
the fair use of a copyrighted work, including such use by reproduction in copies of
phonograph records or by any other means specified by that section, for purposes
such as criticism, comment, news reporting, teaching (including multiple copies for
classroom use), scholarship, or research is not an infringement of copyright. In
determining whether the use made of a work in any particular case is a fair use, the factors to
be considered shall include:
(1) the purpose and character of the use, including whether such use is of a
commercial nature or is for nonprofit educational purposes.
(2) the nature of the copyrighted work.
(3) the amount and substantiality of the portion used in relation to the
copyrighted work as a whole.
(4) the effect of the use upon the potential market for or value of the copyrighted
work. "
Though now a statutory privilege, not merely a judicial doctrine, fair use remains a
difficult protection to measure for several reasons, two of them being:
1. the fair use "factors" set forth as usage standards in Section 107 are not the sole
considerations that could justify particular photocopying as fair use;
2. not all of the four specific factors set forth in Section 107 need be present to
justify as fair use every incident of unlicensed photocopying. Rather, "the courts
must be free to adapt the doctrine to particular situations on a case-by-case
basis."
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In response to these uncertain boundaries of the fair use privilege, representatives of
the publishing industry and education negotiated as a minimum "safe harbor" the
"Agreement on Guidelines for Classroom Copying in Not-for-Profit Educational
Institutions." These guidelines are provided as Attachment A to this procedure
P6Hx23-1.35, as one means to help gauge whether particular photocopying lies
within the fair use privilege.
It should be noted, however, that the purpose of the negotiators, to define a minimum usage, is
clearly stated in the guidelines and that the quantitative sections of the guidelines have more
apparent utility at a small elementary or secondary school than at a university or large college.
However, some of the qualitative parts of the guidelines, like "Spontaneity," are thoroughly
consistent with the standards of Section 107 itself and are also realistic tests for faculty and
staff to apply in judging the propriety of particular copying.
In like manner, "Guidelines for Educational Uses of Music" were negotiated among music
publishers, music teachers, and schools of music. These guidelines are useful minimum
criteria for air use of music by copying and are made Attachment B of the stated procedure
to this statement (P6Hx23-1.35 ).
4. Video Technology
Off-air copying. In addition, in 1981, a national committee developed guidelines for offair copying. These guidelines also are useful and are attached as Attachment C in the
stated procedure (P6Hx23-1.35 ).
Classroom performances of videotapes, DVDs, and other electronic presentations.
Under the "fair use" exemption, instructors may use copyrighted videotapes, DVDs, and
other electronic presentations in the classroom as a part of face-to-face instruction, so
long as the following conditions are met:
 The performance is made from a legitimate copy.
 Attendance is limited to the instructors and students.
 The performance is cultural value.
 The performance is of teaching activities.
 The performance takes place in a classroom or similar place devoted to
instruction.
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5. Electronic Resources
The growth of the Internet and electronic resources has led to questions regarding
copyright protection of electronic information. The use of computer programs and
information available electronically was addressed by the Working Group on Intellectual
Property Rights chaired by Bruce A. Lehman, Assistant Secretary of Commerce and
Commissioner of Patents and Trademarks. The Working Group decided that the current
Copyright Act applies to electronic publications as well as traditional publications. The
report of this group, Intellectual Property and the National Information Infrastructure,
published in September 1995, states, “With no more than minor clarification and limited
amendment, the Copyright Act will provide the necessary balance of protection of rights
– and limitations on those rights – to promote the progress of science and the useful
arts.”
E. Links for further information
1. Academic freedom
2. Academic titles
3. Textbook selection and adoption
4. Resale of complimentary textbooks
5. Software use
a) At the college
b) At home
VI. Student policies
A. At the start of the term
1. Admission
a) Admission to the general college
(See also 6Hx23-4.02)
Students seeking admission to a program that has limited admission should
consult the Admissions Office on any campus. Some programs have special
admission requirements beyond those stated in the general admission policy of
the college.
b) Admission forms and records
The forms used in admissions and records are the same for all sites. It is the
responsibility of the registrar to supply appropriate forms for all sites. Many of
these forms are also online at StaffCentral.
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2. Registration
a) Proper registration of students
Program planning and course selection are basically the responsibility of the
student. However, assistance in making proper choices always is available from
the college faculty. Should an instructor become aware that a student does not
meet pre-requisite or course sequence requirement in a given course, the
student will be advised to consult with the appropriate advisor or counselor. If a
student does take and complete a course out of sequence or without the stated
prerequisites, earned credit will not be taken away, and the student will retain the
grade. In no case will multiple credits be awarded for the same course, unless
such credit is authorized in the description.
b) Registration fees
(See also 6Hx23-4.20) After completion of registration, the student is given a
due date for paying registration fees. Failure to pay fees by this date will result in
cancellation of the student’s course schedule.
c) Audit students
Audit students are those who attend classes for no credit.
1. Students may register for a class on an audit basis without special permission
at the regularly scheduled registration time.
2. Fees are the same for both credit and audit students.
3. Audit students may change to credit status after the registration period, but
prior to the end of the term only upon the approval of the faculty member, the
program director/dean and the campus provost/vice president, associate
provost or the site administrator.
4. Audit students are required to meet course prerequisites, including
appropriate scores on the SPC Placement Test.
5. Students who opt for audit before the end of the drop/add period shall not
have the course count as an attempt.
d) Multiple campus attendance
Students may attend any site and obtain any service requiring access to their
permanent record files at any site, except the resolution of record problems that
require reference to the hard copy housed at the College Registrar’s Office.
However, hard copies of records may be faxed from campus to campus.
3. Financial Assistance
a) Guidelines
(See also P6Hx23-4.031) Financial Assistance Requirements
1. Students must be determined to have “financial need” for most programs.
(See the Steering to Success guide which is available both in print and
electronically on SPC’s FAS Web site) Students apply for financial
assistance using the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) each
academic year. The FASFA is available online for the student to complete
beginning in January of the prior academic year.
2. Students must have a high school diploma, GED or meet “ability to benefit”
criteria.
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3. Students must be admitted to a degree-seeking program or an eligible
certificate program.
4. Students must be U.S. citizens or eligible non-citizens.
5. Students must NOT be in default on any federal student loan NOR owe
repayment on a federal grant.
6. Students must be registered with Selective Service (where applicable).
7. Students must meet minimum hours of enrollment and other program-specific
criteria.
8. Students must be in good standing as defined by the federal government and
the college’s “Standards of Progress.” (See below.)
9. Dual enrolled students including SPC Collegiate High School students are not
eligible for financial assistance including student employment.
b) Standards of Progress
Federal regulations require that students demonstrate that they are moving
through their academic program at a reasonable rate or are “making progress”
toward their degree. Standards of Progress is determined at the end of summer
term, regardless of whether the student is receiving financial assistance.
Students enrolled in college credit certificate programs with a length of one
year or less (24 credit hours) will have their standards of progress
measured at the end of each term.
The college has established a cumulative grade point average that a student
must attain as he or she progresses. In determining a required grade point
average, only grades of A, B, C, D, WF and F are considered. All other grades,
i.e., W, I, S, P and X, do not affect the grade point average.
Credit hours
earned
1 - 15
16 - 30
30+
Required cumulative
grade point average
1.50
1.75
2.00
Further, we have established that students must cumulatively complete 67
percent (2/3) of the course work that they attempt to continue to qualify for
assistance. In determining the 67 percent completion rate, only grades of A, B,
C, D, and P will be taken into consideration. All other grades, i.e., I, F, W, WF, X,
N and NG, do not satisfy the completion rate requirements. Courses taken on an
audit basis (grade of “X”) cannot be counted in financial assistance calculations.
Generally, students may not receive financial assistance after they have
attempted 90 credit hours for an associate degree, or 180 credit hours for a
bachelor’s degree. This total will be based on information gathered through the
Admissions Office. Academic counselors/advisors must approve all courses
taken after students reach this point.
Special exceptions to the standards may be granted for extenuating
circumstances provided that the student documents the facts during the year in
question. All appeals must be made at the campus Financial Assistance
Services office. Students will be notified by mail if they do not meet satisfactory
academic requirements. It is the student’s responsibility to notify SPC if they
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desire to begin the appeals process. Most private scholarships do not allow for
student appeals.
c) Book line of credit
Students who have been awarded the Federal Pell Grant, Federal Supplemental
Educational Opportunity Grant, Academic Competitiveness Grant, Student
Incentive Grant, Federal Stafford Loans, Federal PLUS Loan, and /or Private
Loan will have up to $550 of the balance on these accounts available in the form
of a Book Line of Credit.
The amount of the Book Line of Credit is determined by the remaining financial
assistance after tuition and fees are deducted. Any reduction in financial
assistance may result in a reduction in the Book Line of Credit.
The Book Line of Credit will not be available to students who are only receiving
Florida Bright Futures, Institutional or outside scholarships, or the Florida Student
Assistance Grant.
The Book Line of Credit for each term will be available to eligible students three
weeks prior to the first day of classes at the Follett’s Bookstores on SPC
campuses. Students are required to produce their photo IDs and class
schedules to purchase books.
Financial assistance balances remaining will be processed the fourth week of
classes via the student’s new Higher One account. Students must activate their
Higher One accounts before their balances can be processed.
d) Refunds and return to Title IV (R2T4)
Financial assistance recipients thinking about completely withdrawing from
classes should be directed to a financial assistance counselor. If classes are
dropped during a refund period, the refund first will be credited to the financial
assistance program(s) from which assistance was disbursed, as the students will
be required to repay funds received.
If a student receiving financial assistance completely withdraws from, is
dismissed from, or stops attending, SPC before the 60th percentile of the term,
the student will be required to repay a percentage of the financial assistance
received to the U.S. Department of Education. Also, the student may owe the
college additional funds that were credited to his/her account but were since
returned to the federal government by the college.
The amount a student repays is based on the federal Formula for Return of Title
IV funds. The law requires funds be returned to the programs from which they
were awarded. The order for return is federal Stafford Unsubsidized Loan,
federal Stafford Subsidized Loan, federal Pell Grant, federal Academic
Competitiveness Grant, and federal Supplemental Educational Opportunity
Grant.
Separate 60% dates are used for those students in Express or Modmester
classes. Return of Title IV dates area posted on the Financial Assistance
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Services (FAS) Web site at:
http://www.spcollege.edu/central/SSFA/HomePage/index.htm
4. OSSD staff and services
All faculty members are encouraged to make use of the services of the Office of
Service for Students with Disabilities staff whenever there is any indication that such
services will be useful in the interest of students. Faculty members on each site are
especially invited to confer with the appropriate site administrator, advisor or
counselor regarding any and all matters concerning the welfare of students.
5. Academic requirements
a) College preparatory instruction
Students are allowed three attempts to satisfy a college preparatory skill area
requirement. An “attempt” will include any registration in each skill area of English,
reading, and/or mathematics for a required preparatory course, such as MAT 0002, MAT
0024, REA 0001, REA 002, ENC 0010 or ENC 0020, which does not result in a full
refund of fees to the student for that course. Any SPC course registration that eventually
results in a grade of A, B, C, D, F, S, X, W, WF, N, or I will be considered an attempt.
Class rolls for all sections of preparatory courses will include codes that indicate the
student’s preparatory status. Program directors/deans have copies of the “Preparatory
Instruction Monitoring System Specifications.”
b) Substantial writing requirement
Courses taken in fulfillment of the Gordon Rule require the attainment of a grade of “C”
or higher. Courses included under this requirement are identified in Board of Trustees
Rule 6Hx23-4.32, General Education Program.
B. During the term
1. Student e-mails
Acceptable use of student e-mail is currently under development. Please see
StaffCentral for updates.
2. Course changes
a) Course transfer
b) Changes in program after beginning of class
3. Attendance
a) Notice of student illness
When the provost/vice president is informed of an illness that will keep a student out
of classes for several days, the student’s instructors will be notified. By the same
token, if an instructor should learn of such an illness, it is important that the
information be given to the appropriate site administrator so that the student’s other
instructors also may be notified.
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b) Excessive absences of students
Attendance taking throughout the term is not required but is strongly encouraged.
Attendance throughout the term may be taken in the ANGEL Learning Management
System Attendance Manager module. It will be the responsibility of each instructor to
insure that all students are informed of his or her class attendance and excessive absence
policy in writing via the course syllabus. The instructor determines when the absences of
a particular student have become “excessive.” During the first two weeks of each class,
the instructor is required to take attendance in the college’s student information system.
During a period of one week just after the sixty (60) percent point in the term, instructors
shall determine any student enrolled in his or her class who is not actively participating in
his or her class. Instructors are required to identify and record any of his or her students
who are not actively participating in his or her class in the college’s student information
system by the end of the one week period just after the sixty (60) percent point in the term.
Each instructor shall exercise his or her professional judgment to determine if a student is
actively participating in his or her class. Examples of active participation include:
completion of a recent exam, submission of a class assignment, attendance in a
scheduled class meeting, and participation in online discussion groups.
Instructors will be notified via email when no attendance has been taken for a student
during the first two weeks and when it is time to determine active participation (just after the
sixty (60) percent point in the term).
Recognizing that the college offers courses of varying length (express, eight week, and
dynamically dated classes), the instructor will have one week to take attendance at the
beginning of such classes. Furthermore, the period to determine active participation will be
calculated and each instructor will be notified when students who are not participating may
be recorded as such in the college’s student information system.
I.
Regular class attendance is expected of all students. When absent for less
than a week because of illness or other emergencies, a student should notify,
or have someone notify, the appropriate instructors. In the case of extended
absences of a week or more, the student should notify, or have someone
notify, the office of the associate provost.
II. It is important that the student become aware of each instructor’s attendance
and excessive absence policy.
c) Absence from final examination
Absence from a final examination necessitates that the student request
approval for an early or make-up examination period from the instructor,
program director/dean or appropriate supervisor, and the associate provost.
d) Excused absences
 For religious purposes

For approved activities, other than field trips
The faculty sponsor in charge of a planned activity that will require
participating students to miss class must, if possible, notify the
appropriate site administrator in writing two weeks before the date of such
activity. This notification should include the dates, times involved, and a
complete list of students’ names. It is the student’s responsibility to check
with the appropriate instructor(s) in advance to ascertain whether
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absences from the class(es) will be approved and, if so, to make any
necessary arrangements to make up the work missed.

Jury duty
4. Withdrawals
a) Policy
Students should be made aware that some universities recalculate transfer
students’ grade point averages by converting all “W” grades beyond the
university’s limit to “F” grades. Therefore, “W” grades may be detrimental to
students’ GPAs at the next institution they attend. When a final grade of “W” is
assigned, that is not preprinted on the grade sheet, to a student receiving
Veterans’ Benefits as indicated, a completed SR 409, Notice of Drop, with last
date of attendance indicated must be submitted with the grade sheet.
b) Voluntary withdrawal during “W” period
If the drop is voluntary during the “W” period, the student should withdraw him or
herself from the class via MySPC.
c) Voluntary withdrawal after “W” period
Students and faculty may not withdraw a student after the voluntary withdrawal
deadline.
5. Grades
a) Faculty notification of student progress
Each faculty member is obligated to establish procedures to ensure that
students are apprised of their progress at least one week before the end of the
voluntary withdrawal period. This progress notification shall be based upon at
least one formal evaluation.
b) Grading system
c) Incomplete grades and procedure
Incomplete grades are determined by the instructor and are then reported to the
Student Records Office. An incomplete grade received at the end of any term
becomes an “F” if not completed by the succeeding Fall or Spring term.
The following conditions must be met before an instructor is permitted to extend
the “I” grade.
1. Documented evidence of the reason(s)/circumstance(s) for granting the “I”
and extension of time to complete the course(s).
2. Minimum completion of 80% of the coursework required for the class(es).
3. Evidence via attendance, test grades, required projects, term papers,
clinical/cooperative experiences, etc., that the student is in good standing in
the course.
4. Completion of a fully executed form with signatures of the student and
instructor(s).
The student may not sign up for another section of the course during the
applicable period of the incomplete grade.
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Students and faculty members are reminded that failure to complete the “I” grade
by the end of the succeeding Fall or Spring term will result in automatic
conversion of the grade to an “F.”
A student will be permitted to complete the course in a manner determined by the
instructor in order to have the incomplete grade changed. The time period
allowed for such completion will be at the discretion of the instructor but shall not
exceed the length of one academic term.
If a student wishes to repeat the courses, the incomplete grade will not be
counted.
d) Determination of academic standing
(See also 6Hx23-4.24)
e) Repeat courses and academic average
6. Procedure to identify students with learning and other disabilities
Each college site has a designated specialist to help students who have learning
disabilities and other disabilities; please contact that specialist if you have any
questions.
a) Testing services
(See also P6Hx23-4.45) Faculty members are urged to refer any student who might
profit from additional specialized testing to counselors, the campus or site office of
Testing Services, or to the appropriate site administrator.
C. Students’ rights and responsibilities
1. Statement on students’ rights, freedoms, and responsibilities
Freedom to teach and freedom to learn are inseparable facets of academic freedom.
The freedom to learn depends upon appropriate opportunities and conditions in the
classroom, on campus, and in the larger community. Students must exercise their
freedom with responsibility. The purpose of this statement is to enumerate the essential
provisions for student freedom to learn, and the responsibilities inherent to that freedom,
at St. Petersburg College. In addition, students have a right to be free from
discrimination in the classroom and on campus. It is the policy of the college that no
student shall be discriminated against on the basis of race, color, religion, national origin,
sex, age, marital status, or disability. Faculty members should avoid discriminatory
references or comments and should make no distinction based upon the above
categories.
Students should be encouraged to freely express views and opinions on matters
relevant to a given course. Freedom of speech, expression, and religion are closely
related. For this reason, college personnel should not inhibit the expression of relevant
religious views by students and should refrain from promoting their own personal
opinions.
In addition, the classroom and college work environment should be free from racial or
ethnic slurs and sexual innuendo. Sexual and other types of harassment directed at a
student will not be tolerated. (See 6Hx23-2.010 and 6Hx23-2.011)
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All employees have a duty to immediately report acts of discrimination and sexual
harassment, whether directed at a student or another employee. Each college site has at
least two representatives to whom discrimination can be reported for immediate
response. Those individuals are identified in official college publications.
2. Academic Honesty
This section includes revised language which, at Faculty Manual press time, had not yet
been submitted to the SPC Board of Trustees for approval; please consult the SPC Staff
Central link to the Board of Trustees Rules for the current version of this rule.
All students have an ethical obligation to adhere to the Honor Code and are required to
acknowledge in writing that they will abide by SPC’s Academic Honesty Policies
published in the Student Handbook and/or the Supplement to the Faculty, Staff, and
Student Handbooks. Upon initial registration each term, students must sign the
Academic Honesty statement at the bottom of the registration form prior to registering for
classes via the registration office. Likewise, in order to register online via MySPC for
classes, students will be presented with the Academic Honesty statement and must
agree to its terms prior to continuing with registration. Violations of the Honor Code and
Policies include but are not limited to the following:
a. Cheating — The improper taking or tendering of any information or material
which is used to determine academic credit, including (but not limited to) copying
from another student's test or homework paper, allowing another student to copy
from a test or homework assignment, using unauthorized materials during a test,
collaborating during an in-class or take-home test with any other person, having
another individual write or plan a paper, including those bought from research
paper services, or submitting the same paper/project in more than one class.
b. Plagiarism — The attempt to represent the work of another, as it may relate to
written or oral works, computer-based work, mode of creative expression (i.e.
music, media or the visual arts), as the product of one's own thought, whether the
other's work is published or unpublished, or simply the work of a fellow student.
When a student submits oral or written work for credit that includes the words,
ideas, or data of others, the source of that information must be acknowledged
through complete, accurate, and specific references, and, if verbatim statements
are included, through use of quotation marks as well. By placing one’s name on
work submitted for credit, the student certifies the originality of all work not
otherwise identified by appropriate acknowledgements. A student will avoid
being charged with plagiarism if there is an acknowledgement of indebtedness.
c. Academic Misconduct — The intentional violation of college policies by
tampering with grades or taking part in obtaining or distributing any part of a test,
quiz, or graded assignment.
d. Disruptive Behavior - Each student’s behavior in the classroom or Web course is
expected to contribute to a positive learning/teaching environment, respecting the
rights of others and their opportunity to learn. No student has the right to interfere
with the teaching/learning process, including the posting of inappropriate
materials on chat room or Web page sites.
e. Right to Confidentiality – The Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act of 1974
provides that any information related to an alleged violation of SPC's disciplinary
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policy or the outcome of a disciplinary hearing be treated as strictly confidential
by faculty members.
f.
Other violations of the Academic Honor Code include bribery, misrepresentation,
conspiracy, and fabrication. Definitions and examples of these terms can be
found in the Board of Trustees’ Rule 6Hx23-4.461, Academic Honesty
Guidelines.
For further information and specific examples on all of the Academic Honesty
Guidelines, see 6Hx23-4.461
3. Student dress
Students are expected to dress neatly and in good taste at all times while on campus
and while attending any college -sponsored activity. Shoes should be worn in all
buildings of the campus. Good taste requires that shoes and shirts be worn.
4. Student use of college facilities
Students are not permitted to remain in any college building after college hours without
faculty supervision.
5. Students’ classroom responsibility
Students are free to reserve judgment about matters of opinion and to express their
views in a reasonable manner. They are responsible for learning the content of all
courses as prescribed by the instructor. Students have protection through orderly
procedures regarding questions on their academic evaluation.
6. Faculty advisors’ responsibility to student organization
Faculty advisors of student organizations are requested to see that their organizations
follow the prescribed procedures for securing dates and places for meetings and parties,
complying with all applicable college rules, regulations, and procedures. Faculty advisors
of student organizations with monies handled by the internal accounts office should
check with the Business Office regarding the proper manner to make purchases and
approve invoices. These records are audited and must be handled in the approved
manner.
Faculty members are expected to cooperate in serving as advisors or sponsors of
classes, clubs, and organizations of all types, as no group is permitted to exist on
campus without faculty sponsorship. Certain guidelines for such faculty/student
relationships are discussed in occasional meetings, and conferences with the student
activities specialist are encouraged.
Campus advisors will advise organizations concerning college policies and their
responsibilities.
No request for chartering shall be granted to an organization that advocates violation of
federal or state laws. All staff sponsors and advisors of student organizations will be
appointed by the president pursuant to equal access/equal opportunity guidelines.
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7. Disciplinary problems
(See also 6Hx23-4.33)
Instructors are not expected to jeopardize the progress of a class by permitting the
continued presence of any student whose behavior in any way could adversely affect the
class. While the responsibility for classroom discipline ordinarily rests with the instructor,
the appropriate site administrator will handle any disciplinary problems. This includes
the observing of inappropriate actions of students or any violation of student regulations
pursuant to 6Hx23-4.33, on campus or center of the college, or at any college sponsored or college -affiliated activity or event. Penalties administered for such actions
will be in accordance with Disciplinary Rule 6Hx23-4.35.
8. Student Threats
(See also 6Hx23-4.333)
Students that pose a threat to themselves or others may be subject to being evaluated
under the College’s threat assessment procedure. A threat assessment is an evaluation
of a student’s behavior in a given situation that focuses on actions, communications, and
specific circumstance that might suggest that he or she poses a threat of targeted
violence.
In addition to student disciplinary regulations and threat assessment, students that
exhibit unusual or disruptive behavior, and demonstrate psychological dysfunction, may
be subject to a professional evaluation and may be suspended if deemed unable to
conform to the standards of acceptable behavior necessary to the college environment.
9. Student grievances and appeals
Students have the opportunity to appeal certain actions of the college through the
student grievance process. A “grievance” is defined for the application of this rule to be
a complaint, other than a discrimination grievance, alleging that a student’s (grievant’s)
rights have been abridged through any of the following:
a. A violation of rules and/or procedures of the college.
b. Arbitrary or capricious action by a college employee.
c. Improper removal from the college or a program of the college for academic
reasons.
d. Improper denial of admission or re-admission to the college or a program of the
college.
e. Information contained in the student’s record.
f. Arbitrary and/or capricious action in the award of a final grade.
g. An academic matter that may be grieved as an academic appeal.
This process may include an informal level and a formal level. The student should be referred to
the appropriate site administrator for guidance. Discrimination grievances are processed in
accordance with Rule 6Hx23-1.34. The student should contact the EA/EO Officer.
In addition, students may petition for an exception to established college rules and/or procedures
through an academic appeal to the appropriate academic appeals committee on their home
campus for the following:
a.
b.
c.
d.
belated withdrawals;
deviations from graduation requirements;
changes to permanent records;
academic probation, suspension and dismissal;
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e. changes from audit to credit;
f. inappropriate action by the student based on misleading advice by a college
employee
g. exclusion of course work from grade point average calculations and cumulative
credit hours attempted;
h. extension of time allowed to complete work when an “IN” (incomplete) grade has
been assigned; and
i. all other academic rules and procedures except those referred to in paragraph
I.A.1.a. through e. in 6Hx23-4.36.
10. Faculty referrals to academic advising services
Instructors and academic advisors/counselors are urged to confer regarding student
problems. On occasion, an instructor might feel that a student could profit from
academic advising. It is the responsibility of that instructor either to suggest that the
student see an academic advisor/counselor or to suggest to the academic advisor /
counselor that such advising appears desirable.
11. Academic standing
a) Academic warning
A student must maintain at least a 2.0 cumulative GPA in college level
coursework. Failure to do so will result in the student being placed on academic
warning.
b) Academic probation
After being placed on academic warning, a student who fails to maintain at least
a 2.0 term GPA will be placed on academic probation. A student on academic
probation will be restricted by the following rules:
i The student will remain on probation until the cumulative GPA has been
raised to 2.0 or higher.
ii A student receiving VA benefits and/or other forms of financial aid may
lose some or all of such benefits under the provisions of the rule
regarding probation and suspension.
c) Academic suspension
After being placed on academic probation, a student will be suspended at the
end of any term for which his or her term GPA is below 2.0.
While under academic suspension, the student is ineligible to re-enroll for a
period of one term.
d) Academic dismissal
A student who has been suspended for at least one term and who returns and
then fails to maintain a minimum term GPA of 2.0 each term will be dismissed.
A student who has been academically dismissed is not eligible for further
enrollment for at least one calendar year (12 months) following such dismissal.
Following the completion of an academic dismissal as described above, the
student is required to consult with an academic advisor/counselor prior to readmission.
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In addition, students in health-related programs may be placed on academic
probation, suspension, or dismissal pursuant to BOT Rule 6Hx23-4.53 HealthRelated Programs – Special Rules.
e) Reinstatement appeals procedure
Students who have been academically dismissed may petition for reinstatement
to the campus Student Appeals Committee. See Student Academic Appeals.
12. Student records
(See also P6Hx23-4.37)
WARNING: The confidentiality of student records is protected by federal and state
law. Please read the rule and procedure carefully and DO NOT release any
information from a student’s record except as authorized.
a) Record and transcript control
The hard copy of all records of students on any campus is sent to the College
Registrar at the District Office for digital imaging and storage.
b) Release of student records
c) Rights of students, parents, and guardians
13. Collection of money from students
College personnel shall NOT collect money from students for any purpose without
receiving prior approval from the president. Any such funds collected shall be deposited
with the college Business Office.
14. Graduation
D. Links to additional information
1. Tutoring
2. Reservations for use of college facilities by recognized student organizations
Please see your supervisor for the appropriate procedures to follow in making
reservations for use of college facilities by recognized student organizations.
3. Credit by assessment of prior learning/experiential learning
4. Student forms online
Students may also refer to the MySPC site
5. College catalog
Academic and Student Affairs, Curriculum Services, develops and revises the college’s
catalog. The catalog currently is distributed in printed form and on standard sized CDs and can be
downloaded in PDF form from the SPC Web site.
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VII. Collegewide Policies
A. EEO
1. Equal access/equal opportunity
St. Petersburg College is dedicated to the concept of equal opportunity. The college will
not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, age, national origin, or marital
status, or against any qualified individual with disabilities, in its employment practices or
in the admission and treatment of students. Recognizing that sexual harassment
constitutes discrimination on the basis of sex and violates this rule, the college shall not
tolerate such conduct. Should you experience such behavior, please contact the EA/EO
officer by phone at 727-341-3261, by mail at PO Box 13489, St. Petersburg FL 337333489, or e-mail the EA/EO officer.
2. Equal employment opportunities
(See also 6Hx23-2.010 and 6Hx23-2.011) St. Petersburg College is dedicated to the
concept of equal opportunity. The college will not discriminate on the basis of race,
color, religion, sex, age, national origin or marital status, or against any qualified
individual with disabilities, in its employment practices or in the admission and treatment
of students. Recognizing that sexual harassment constitutes discrimination on the basis
of sex and violates this rule, the college will not tolerate such conduct. Should you
experience such behavior, please contact the director of EA/EO at 727- 341-3261 or by
mail at P.O. Box 13489, St. Petersburg, FL 33733-3489.
 Any employee who is found to have violated this rule shall be disciplined and
such discipline may include dismissal.
 Unwelcome sexual advances, requests for sexual favors, or other verbal or
physical conduct of a sexual nature constitute sexual harassment when (1)
submission to such conduct is made, (2) submission to or rejection of such
conduct by an individual is used as the basis for an employment decision
affecting such individual, or (3) such conduct has the purpose or effect of
substantially interfering with an individual’s work performance or creating an
intimidating, hostile, or offensive working environment.
 Acts of the above nature by an employee that might lead a student to believe that
grades might be affected unless the student consents to such acts or
suggestions also are considered to be sexual harassment.
 Reporting discrimination
o If an employee has reason to believe that another employee or student has
been discriminated against, that employee shall report such discrimination
immediately to any one of the following persons so that appropriate action will
be taken:
o College EA/EO officer
o Director of Human Resources
o President
o Appropriate provost/vice president or associate provost.
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B. Gifts
1. Solicitation or acceptance of gifts
Solicitation for the purpose of giving gifts may be embarrassing to those involved;
therefore, the giving of gifts, whether to members of the staff, faculty, or administration of
the college, should only be done with circumspection and when the donation is
voluntary. An employee cannot solicit or accept a gift (or anything of value) given to
influence the employee’s action or judgment. Because of possible misinterpretation,
solicitation for or acceptance of gifts to members of the administration is discouraged. It
also is advisable to examine Section 112.313(2), Florida Statutes, concerning the
solicitation and acceptance of gifts and Section 112.3145(3)(d)48, Florida Statutes
concerning the disclosure of gifts.
2. Gifts to the college
(See also P6Hx23-5.13)
C. Media
The office of Institutional Advancement (located at the EpiCenter Services building) is
responsible for preparing and/or releasing communications to the news media so that
the community served by the college may be kept informed of the developments and
activities of the sites of the college. All faculty members are encouraged to release
information to the news media through this office. This does not preclude the answering
of routine questions asked of faculty members by the news media.
D. Official entertainment
Any official entertainment or the hosting of a convention or conference on any campus
must be approved by the president, and any possible arrangements for meeting
expenses for such activities, either in full or in part, must be considered by the president.
These decisions usually have budget consequences.
E. Basic human rights
VIII. Personnel policies
A. Human Resources
1. Position descriptions and manuals
Position description information for administrative/professional and career service
positions is located and kept up to date on the Human Resources (HR) Web site.
2. Procedures for filling faculty vacancies
3. Career service manual
B. Contracts
1. Annual contracts
Annual contracts are provided to faculty in budgeted positions (instructors, librarians, counselors)
who are reappointed and who do not hold continuing contracts. Any questions concerning
contracts should be directed to Human Resources. An employee under an annual contract has
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no expectation of continued employment at the college beyond the contract’s term, and the nonrenewal of such a contract does not entitle the employee to a hearing or to the use of the
college’s grievance procedure.
2. Reappointment or non-reappointment of annual contract instructional
personnel not under continuing contract
Those making recommendations until such time as the president authorizes such action shall
not disclose notice of recommendation for reappointment or non-reappointment to any college
employee under consideration. The college employee shall be advised of non-appointment at
least seven days before action by the Board of Trustees. Reappointments usually are
considered at the regular February Board meeting.
3. Continuing contracts
Continuing contracts are awarded based upon the provisions of State Board of
Education Rule 6A-14-0411. The requirements for such an award are generally as
follows:
a. Completion of three full years of satisfactory service in regular full-time
instructional capacity at St. Petersburg College during a period not in excess of
five successive years.
b. Reappointment for the fourth year without reservations or specifications.
c. Recommendation of the president based on successful performance of duties
and demonstration of professional competence, and completion of the two
required graduate courses. The graduate coursework requirements are set forth
in Rule 6Hx23-2.022.
However, any employee who is otherwise entitled to receive a continuing contract may be issued
an annual contract if such employee does not meet the required standards for a continuing
contract or if the required duties and responsibilities of the position have been restricted or will be
needed for a limited time.
A contract for less than the number of days in the optional base contract (30 equated credit
hours) shall not apply toward gaining eligibility for a continuing contract.
4. Supplemental contracts
All supplemental contracts are issued on a contingency basis. If the class is cancelled, the
contract may be terminated. Each supplemental contract references the Instructional
Assignment Letter. Instructional Assignment Letters are issued each term and contain
information regarding the compensation for course assignments for the person accepting the
contract. Note that the college does not provide travel reimbursement for persons on
supplemental contracts.
5. Instructional contract other than 12-month
(See also P6Hx23.2.211)
6. Dismissal and return to annual contract
Any employee who is under continuing contract may be dismissed or may be returned to
annual contract status by the Board of Trustees upon the recommendation of the
president for good and sufficient reasons. The employee whose contract is under
consideration shall be given at least seven days’ written notice before the president’s
recommendation, including a copy of the charges. If at this point the board determines
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that it will consider the charges, the employee shall be given the opportunity to request a
hearing.
7. Loss of continuing contract status
Any employee holding a continuing contract who accepts an offer of annual employment
in a capacity other than that in which the continuing contract was awarded shall lose
continuing contract status, unless said employee has been granted administrative leave,
pursuant to board rules.
8. Suspension or dismissal during the contract year
Instructional personnel, including those holding continuing contracts and those holding
annual contracts, may be suspended or dismissed during the term of the contract, i.e.,
mid-year, provided the employee shall have an opportunity to be heard at a public
hearing after at least fourteen days notice of the charges and of the time and place of
the hearing. The charges must be based on immorality, misconduct in office,
incompetence, gross insubordination, willful neglect of duty, drunkenness, or conviction
of any crime involving moral turpitude.
C. Salaries
1. Academic Titles: Establishment of academic ranks
This procedure provides a system of titles that may be used by the faculty on a voluntary
basis for purposes of external communication, since the college does not have a system
of faculty rank. It is understood that title has no relationship to compensation and that
titles will not be reflected in any official college records. See P6Hx23-3.901. Chart of
titles appears on page 2 of the procedure.
2. Instructional salaries and related policies
The director of Human Resources shall annually submit to the president
recommendations for salary schedules and related policies. The schedules shall be
based upon adopted classification standards and shall determine the basis for
compensation of instructional personnel.
3. Maximum wage or salary
When faculty, administrative, professional and managerial, and career service employees reach
the maximum wage or salary for their grades or transfer to positions where wages or salaries
exceed the maximum for that classification, the wages or salaries will be red lined (frozen). A
wage or salary can only be increased when the wage or salary does not exceed the maximum for
the grade, unless otherwise authorized by the president.
4. Annual salary increase
The Board of Trustees normally considers wage and salary increases on an annual basis, and if
an increase is granted, the action taken by the board shall be deemed to be included in the Salary
Schedule.
5. Total compensation of employees in budgeted positions
The college presently provides a number of benefits in addition to salary to comprise total
compensation. A person employed in a budgeted part-time position will be responsible for paying
at least half the premium for individual health insurance coverage. Spouse and family coverage
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also would be additional. However, employees in budgeted part-time positions before
November 21, 1995, shall be entitled to receive individual health coverage as if they
were full-time employees. A budgeted part-time position, as defined by Board of
Trustees Rule, is one that is at least 20 hours per week but less than 37.5 hours per
week, and is an officially adopted, budgeted position.
6. Acting pay
Employees in acting positions will be compensated at the base wage or salary for the appropriate
grade, unless otherwise authorized by the president.
7. Benefits for designated employees
In certain circumstances, the president is authorized to purchase uniforms and other protective
clothing and equipment for designated employees.
8. Overtime
Overtime compensation is paid to qualified employees for hours worked in excess of 40
hours within a workweek. Overtime must have prior approval of the supervisor. The
overtime compensation rate is one and one-half times the regular hourly rate of pay.
9. Emergency work
Emergency work is defined as a task that, because of its nature, must be performed during a time
when an employee is normally not available for work. An employee who is required to return to the
college to perform emergency work will be paid for a minimum of four (4) hours work.
10. Holiday work and holiday pay
Non-senior career service full-time employees who work on a date designated as a
college holiday will be compensated one and one-half (1 ½) times their regular pay in
addition to pay for the holiday. Employees will receive compensation for a designated
college holiday(s) so long as they work, or are on an approved leave of absence with
pay, both the last workday before and the first workday after the holiday(s).
11. College credit in lieu of experience requirements
To calculate the training and experience of applicants for employment, or employees for
promotion, related college credit may be considered on a year-for-year basis. Related
college credit is interpreted to mean that the major emphasis of the acquired thirty (30)
hours per term or equivalent for a year shall be related to the duties and responsibilities
of the position for which the applicant or employee is being considered.
12. Wage or salary increase for additional responsibilities for faculty,
administrative, professional and managerial, and career service employees
The president may approve a temporary wage or salary increase of up to and including ten
percent for an employee who is assuming the responsibilities of an unfilled position or of an
employee who is absent from duty for an extended period of time. In order to qualify, the
employee must assume substantial responsibilities of the absentee.
13. Work Study and student assistants’ salary schedule
If employed at Clearwater, Seminole, St. Petersburg/Gibbs or Tarpon Springs campuses, or at the
Health Education Center, Allstate Center, or any other work site, the salary ranges from $8.49 to
$9.49 per hour. See Adjunct, Temporary and Substitute Personnel for salary criteria.
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14. Temporary (Other Personal Services – OPS) employees salary schedule
When Other Personal Services (OPS) are requested and contract services are not used, the
Human Resources Department may determine a base pay within the career service salary
schedule for Other Personal Services (OPS) where there exists: (a) a critical need for personnel
(trades workers, technicians, specialists, support staff or some other personnel need); (b) an
emergency situation; or (c) a qualified OPS candidate whose employment will result in significant
savings to the college.
D. The following are links to the Human Resources Web page:
1. Instructional salaries – full-time faculty
2. Change in academic credentials
IMPORTANT: It is the employee’s responsibility to notify the Human
Resources Department in writing of any change in academic credentials and
provide the appropriate transcript evidence. Should course work change a pay
grade, it is the employee’s responsibility to alert Human Resources.
3. Adjunct/supplemental salary schedule – Credit
4. Grade/Salary per Equated Credit Hour
5. Emergency Medical Services – Credit
6. Microsoft Certified Systems Engineer (MCSE) and Microsoft Certified Solutions
Developer (MCSD) instruction
7. Excess teaching preparations
8. Adjunct/Supplemental salary schedule – Non-credit
9. Substitute pay
10. Extended substitute pay
11. Percent of load
12. Center for Excellence - Florida Education Fund (GRANT)
13. College Reach-Out Grant
14. Brain Bowl, Forensics, and Computer Team Coaching Salary Schedule
15. Experiential Learning salary schedule
16. Supplemental salary schedules for student activities
17. Athletics salary schedule
18. Supplemental salary schedule for Writing Assessment
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19. Supplemental salary schedule for Writing Assessment
20. Miscellaneous salary schedule
21. Work Study and student assistants’ salary schedule
22. Temporary (Other Personnel Services) employees salary schedule
23. Supplemental pay
E. Time off
1. Sick leave
(See also P6Hx23-2.31)
Each full-time employee in a budgeted position shall earn one (1) day of sick leave with
compensation for each calendar month or major fraction of a calendar month of service
during each fiscal year, up to a maximum of twelve (12) days per year. For example,
faculty on a nine month, 15-15-0 or 18-18-0 assignments normally will receive nine (9)
days of sick leave per year. Faculty on 15-15-6 assignments will normally receive
eleven (11) days of sick leave per year. By state law, sick leave is earned not by
contract status, but by time actually served. The number of sick leave days anticipated
to be earned during the fiscal year or according to contractual status will be credited to
each employee on July 1st or first duty day of academic year for faculty (or at date of
employment for new faculty and administrative and professional employees, or at the
end of the probation period for career service personnel). In the event an employee
terminates employment with the college for any reason and has taken sick leave with
compensation in any amount greater than the number of sick leave days earned at the
time of termination, the employee’s final compensation shall be adjusted in the amount
overdrawn.
Because of the varied work schedules of faculty, it will be assumed that each faculty member
works five days each week. A faculty member may be assigned classes and office hours on less
than five days. Should this occur, each assigned day will equate its part to a five-day schedule.
Example:
Days Worked During
Week
5
4
3
Sick & Personal Time
Charged
6 hours
7.5 hours
10 hours
Faculty must be assigned to work at least three (3) days per week to receive credit for sick leave
and retirement earning purposes.
Sick leave credit is cumulative from year to year
Each full-time employee in a budgeted position who finds it necessary to be absent from
duty because of illness as defined in the Board Rule 6Hx23-2.31 shall notify the
supervisor or other appropriate official no later than the opening of the day’s work on the
day of the absence.
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If an employee qualifies for FMLA (Family Medical Leave Act) due to a serious medical
condition then the employee will remain eligible for health and life insurance coverage
for a period of up to twelve weeks in a one year period. The college will continue to pay
its portion of the employees medical premium cost during the utilization of FMLA time,
whether or not the employee chooses to take the leave as unpaid or paid. However,
after the 12 week period if the employee continues to be on approved leave and has
exhausted their sick or vacation time the entire cost of the coverage is paid by the
employee.
2. Vacation leave
Vacation leave is accrued by 12-month faculty, advisors and librarians at a rate of one
day per month of service. After five years of service, vacation is accrued at 1-¼ days
per month, and after ten years, vacation is accrued at 1-½ days per month. Vacation
should be requested in advance and a leave request form should be completed with
supervisor signature.
3. Professional leave
The SPC president approves unpaid leave. It may be requested for thirty consecutive
days (20 duty days in a fiscal year) or fewer for the following purposes: participating in
activities which will be of professional benefit to the employee and the college, e.g.,
working toward an advanced degree, attending a workshop, attending an extended
conference, or earning college credits in teaching or related fields. No professional
leave shall be granted unless adequate provisions have been made to handle the
regular duties of the employees.
4. Sabbatical leave
Please reference Board Rule 6Hx23-2.37 for information on obtaining or qualifying for
sabbatical leave.
Persons selected to be awarded leave must meet the criteria set by the board. The
awarding of leaves is dependent upon the resources available for leave; therefore,
leaves may or may not be awarded each year and, if awarded, may be limited. Special
limitations are placed upon persons having been on extended professional leave (with or
without pay). Such persons will not be granted sabbatical leave immediately following
an extended professional leave period, and any subsequent request for sabbatical leave
will be subject to review by the President’s Cabinet.
Application for sabbatical leave should be made to the president’s office before February
1 of the contract year for which the leave is requested. Upon official approval by the
president to the employee, a Leave of Absence form should be completed and submitted
to Human Resources.
It should be noted that funds are not always available for this type of leave.
5. Accidental injuries or illness
(See also 6Hx23-2.902)
An employee who suffers a workplace injury must report it to the supervisor in a timely
fashion. In the absence of the supervisor, the injury should be reported to Campus
Security Dispatch (791-2560). As soon as possible, complete a FCCRMC Accident/
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Incident report form with your supervisor or campus security and send to risk
management. If medical treatment is requested by the employee, risk management will
make the referral and authorize treatment.
If EMERGENCY treatment is needed (after business hours), call 911 if necessary and
Campus Security. Report to the nearest medical facility, inform the staff that you have an
occupational injury and refer them to risk management for authorization. Notify your
supervisor and risk management the next business day. As soon as possible, complete
a FCCRMC Accident/Incident Report form and send to risk management.
6. Family and medical leave
7. Sick leave pool
8. Illness in line of duty
9. Personal leaves
10. Personal leave without pay
11. Court-related leaves
12. Administrative leave from continuing contract
13. Military and National Guard leave
F. Benefits – Employer paid
1. Insurance
a) Group health
Group health insurance is available through a national provider, with several
levels of benefits available, for eligible college employees, retirees, and COBRA
participants. SPC pays for medical coverage for active employees in budgeted
full-time positions. Active employees in budgeted part-time positions pay for ½
the monthly cost of medical coverage. This coverage is tied to a July 1 – June
30 plan year and is subject to change. For the most accurate information, go to
the Benefits Information page.
b) Term life
Term life insurance: The college purchases a base amount of life insurance for
each employee equal to their base annualized salary, rounded up to the next
higher thousand.
c) Medical expense reimbursement plan
The Medical Expense Reimbursement Plan allows employees (and eligible
spouse and/or dependent(s)) to be reimbursed for co-payments not reimbursed
from the group health insurance plan. The MERP also reimburses vision
expenses. Please refer to the MERP procedure available through the Human
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Resources Department under the Cancer/Dread Disease heading for eligibility
requirements.
d) Worker’s compensation
Worker’s Compensation Insurance is provided by the college and requires that
any accident/incident be reported in a timely manner to the supervisor or the Risk
Management Department.
2. Retirement plans
The college is a member of the Florida Retirement System, which offers several
plans, and contributions are 100% employer paid. Employer contribution rates are
set by law and subject to change each year.
The traditional Pension Plan provides a fixed benefit at retirement and has a sixyear vesting requirement. The benefit is based on your age and length of service at
retirement; the average of your highest five years of salary; and your FRS
membership class during the time you’ve been with an FRS employer. The
Investment Plan does not provide a fixed benefit at retirement and has a one-year
vesting requirement. The benefit is based on employer contributions, your choice of
investments for those contributions, and how well those investments perform. In
addition, the Board of Trustees of St. Petersburg College has authorized the
provision of a State Community College Optional Retirement Program, under
which annuity contracts providing retirement and death benefits may be purchased
by and on behalf of eligible employees who elect to participate in the program.
Participation in the optional retirement program is limited to Instructional, Executive
Management, Instructional Management, or Institutional Management positions
approved by the college.
The college contributes an amount equal to 6.2% of your annual earnings into Social
Security.
3. Recognition program
The college offers a Recognition Program, which provides service awards to
employees reaching landmark service anniversaries, e.g., one, five, ten, fifteen, etc.
4. Use of college…
a) Exemption of course fees
Under certain conditions, credit course fees may be waived after six months of
employment in a budgeted position. This benefit also is available to the
employee’s spouse and/or any eligible dependents.
b) Library privileges
Use of college library facilities with checkout privileges at no cost.
c) Athletic privileges
Free use of natatorium, Nautilus, etc.
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d) College events
Free admission to most college-sponsored events. This does not include events
at The Palladium Theater.
5. Other benefits/privileges
a) Direct deposit
College employees are eligible to deposit their paycheck directly to their financial
institution. Funds are made available on the morning of the pay date. Several
institutions offer “free” checking services when paychecks are direct deposited.
b) Notary Public
Free notary service for college employees is available at Human Resources,
EpiCenter; Student Records, CL and SP/G; and administration, HC and TS.
c) Parking
Free parking is provided to all employees.
d) Discounts
Discounts are provided for numerous attractions throughout Florida.
e) Income protection
This optional insurance is available through payroll deduction. Benefits are
payable in addition to sick leave and medical coverage.
f) Automobile insurance
Automobile insurance is available at discounted rates through a national
insurance company and payable by payroll deduction.
G. Benefits – Employee paid
1. Group health for spouse/dependents
Group health and dental insurance for the employee’s spouse and/or dependent(s) is
available with the college’s group health insurance provider.
2. Vision
Vision coverage is available as a voluntary benefit. Coverage has several levels of
benefits, and premiums may be paid through payroll deduction.
3. Short- and long-term disability insurance
Short and long-term disability insurance may be purchased through the college. Proof of
good health subject to underwriting standards, is required for new enrollees. Deductions
and benefits begin after approval by the current provider.
4. 403(b) and 457(b) retirement accounts
A tax-sheltered annuity - 403(b) & 457(b) - is a retirement plan that allows the college to
purchase annuity contracts or custodial account funding vehicles for participating faculty
with pretax money. It is a faculty member's choice to set aside compensation on a pre-
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tax basis in these accounts. The Human Resources office maintains a list of savings
options through various annuity companies.
5. Optional term life insurance
Optional Term Life Insurance is available. Employees may purchase increments of the
base term amount (provided by the college) up to a maximum of three times –
quadrupling the term life coverage.
6. Supplemental insurance
Supplemental insurance coverage is available at group rates to the employees for
unexpected accidents, hospitalization and other catastrophic events. These benefits are
paid directly to the employee, regardless of other plans.
7. Flexible benefits plan
St. Petersburg College’s flexible benefits plan takes advantage of tax benefits
available through the Internal Revenue Service Code Section 125. The plan gives
employees the ability to pay for some benefits on a pre-tax basis and as a result, to
reduce their taxable income.
If you participate in the flexible benefits plan, payroll deductions for the coverage
elected, (i.e., medical coverage, dental coverage, vision coverage, disability insurance
and optional life insurance – up to $50,000), are deducted from your gross salary before
federal income and social security taxes are taken, thereby saving you money.
Participation in this plan restricts the times and circumstances under which you can
make changes to your benefits coverage. If you are paying a benefit premium with pretax dollars, changes to that coverage can only be made when you have a change in
family status, such as marriage, divorce, birth or adoption of a child, death of a spouse
or child, or change in your spouse’s benefit eligibility or employment status. Changes
must be made within 30 days of the qualifying event or you may not make these
changes until the next Open Enrollment period.
8. Flexible spending account
St. Petersburg College's benefits plan includes a Flexible Spending Account (FSA)
available through Custom Benefits Services. Employees pay for unreimbursed medical
expenses and/or dependent care on a pre-tax basis. There is a $5,000 maximum
established for each account year (e.g., $5,000 medical expenses, and $5,000
dependent care expenses).
By electing to redirect a portion of your salary to the college's plan, you essentially
"bank" your money in a tax-free account. The money is used to pay for expenses that
formerly were paid out of your take-home (after tax) pay. It is important to estimate your
expenses conservatively as you have two and a half months (until March 15 following
the end of the plan year on Dec 31 ) to submit claims for reimbursement. Any funds left
in your account after this date are forfeited under IRS regulations.
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H. Retiring, resigning, reduction in force, and terminal pay
1. Retirement
St. Petersburg College is an agency of the Florida Retirement System. All budgeted employees
are automatically enrolled in the Florida Retirement System (FRS) and may choose either the
traditional FRS Pension Plan or the FRS Investment Plan. Budgeted faculty members are
eligible to elect to withdraw from the Florida Retirement System in lieu of the Community College
Optional Retirement Plan. Eligible employees have ninety days from the commencement of
their employment or transfer into a CCORP-eligible position to elect to participate in the
Community College Optional Retirement Program. Eligible employees who do not elect to
participate are required to be members of the Florida Retirement System.
a) The FRS Pension Plan
The basic features of the Florida Retirement System provide that members may
retire under one of the following circumstances:
1. At age 62 with six or more years of creditable service; or
2. With thirty years of service, regardless of age; or
3. With a minimum of six years of service, regardless of age, with a reduction in
monthly benefits of five percent (5%) for each year of the member’s age
under the normal retirement age of 62.
b) The FRS Investment Plan
A retirement plan designed for a more mobile workforce.
1. Qualify for a benefit after 1 year of service.
2. Benefit depends on how much money the college contributes into a portable
individual account that you control.
3. Decide how much risk to take by allocating your account balance amount
professionally managed investment funds.
4. Can take your benefit in a single payment, in multiple payments over time, in
guaranteed monthly payments for life, or any combination.
Credit may be obtained for periods of military service, leaves-of-absence, prior
service and out-of-state service by purchase of creditable time. Since rules and
costs differ, the Human Resources office will assist you in obtaining this
information.
If you have any questions relating to your particular retirement system, please
contact Human Resources. HR personnel will be happy to assist you with all
inquires
If you are interested in obtaining credit for purchased time as outlined above, you
should contact Human Resources.
When you have made your DECISION TO RETIRE, please do the following:
1. Inform your supervisor of your final work date. The supervisor will prepare
termination papers.
2. Notify Human Resources that you plan to retire and obtain the proper
Application for Service Retirement form (FR-11 or TR-11).
3. Contact the payroll office to verify the number of sick and/or vacation days
that you have. Some retiring employees choose to take some of their
vacation days prior to termination.
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4. Complete the appropriate Application for Service Retirement form and mail or
fax it, along with a copy of your birth certificate, to Human Resources.
It is advised that you contact Human Resources if you receive notification
from Tallahassee that your account is not in proper order for retirement.
c) Community College Optional Retirement Program
The basic features of the Optional Retirement Program are as follows:
1. It is a defined contribution pension program.
2. Each pay period, the college contributes a percentage of your earnings to an
annuity on your behalf.
3. The employee designs personal investment strategy to suit his/her own needs and
circumstances.
4. Typically, vesting is full and immediate.
5. Income can begin at any age with benefit actuarially determined.
2. Resignation
a) Resignations
b) Repayment for training received
3. Reduction in force
Should the board have to choose from among its personnel who are on continuing contracts as to
who should be retained, among the criteria to be considered shall be educational qualifications,
efficiency, compatibility, character, and capacity to meet the educational needs of the community.
Whenever the board is required to or does consolidate or reduce its program, the board may
determine, on the basis of the foregoing criteria from its own personnel and any other instructional
personnel, which college employees shall be employed for service at the college, and any
employee no longer needed may be dismissed. The decision of the board shall not be controlled
by any previous contractual relationship. In the evaluation of these factors, the decision of the
board shall be final.
4. Terminal pay
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APPENDIX A
ORGANIZATIONAL CHART
(Under development)
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APPENDIX B
FACULTY GOVERNANCE ORGANIZATION CONSTITUTION
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ARTICLE I
NAMES AND STRUCTURE
Members of the Faculty Governance Organization (FGO) shall include full-time employees of St.
Petersburg College who are instructors, librarians, or advisors and who are paid according to
the instructional salary schedule and hold continuing or annual contract, but shall not include
acting, adjunct, percent of load, or temporary employees.
FACULTY COUNCIL
Elected representatives from the Faculty Governance Organization at each college site shall be
organized, respectively, into bodies called Faculty Councils.
FACULTY SENATE
Elected representatives from each Faculty Council shall be members of the college wide faculty
governance body, the Faculty Senate.
SENATE EXECUTIVE BOARD
The elected presiding officers from each Faculty Council shall be the Senate Executive Board.
ARTICLE II
AFFIRMATIVE ACTION STATEMENT
The Faculty Governance Organization of St. Petersburg College is committed to the concept of
Affirmative Action. The Senate Executive Board, in consultation with the college president, will
review membership on the Faculty Councils, the Faculty Senate and FGO committees. If
necessary, appointments will be made by the Senate Executive Board, in consultation with the
college president, to assure continued adherence to the college’s Affirmative Action philosophy.
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ARTICLE III
DEFINITION OF TERMS
1. The word SITE shall be used consistently to identify the St. Petersburg/Gibbs Campus, the
Clearwater Campus, the Tarpon Springs Campus, the Seminole Campus and the Health
Education Center. For the purpose of FGO representation, the Allstate Center and the
EpiCenter are not presently considered sites.
2. The elected members of each Site’s Faculty Council shall be called REPRESENTATIVES.
3. The Representatives elected to the Faculty Senate shall be called SENATORS.
4. The FORMAL PROCEDURES of the college are those procedures included in the St.
Petersburg College Rules and Procedures Manual and fall under the jurisdiction of the
college president.
5. RULES are those rules included in the St. Petersburg College Rules and Procedures
Manual and are under the jurisdiction of the college president and the Board of Trustees.
6. OCCUPATIONAL FACULTY are those whose primary function is to teach the specialized
courses in any of the Associate’s in Science Degree or certificate programs, other than the
Business Degree faculty who have dual course assignments.
7. SITE ADMINISTRATOR shall mean the provost/vice president or equivalent on each site or
said person’s designee.
8. APPORTIONMENT GROUPS shall be the groups of members of the Faculty Governance
Organization which meet together for the purpose of expressing the views of the
membership to the Faculty Council representatives who are elected by these groups.
ARTICLE IV: FACULTY GOVERNANCE ORGANIZATION
SECTION 1
The purposes of the Faculty Governance Organization acting through apportionment groups,
Representatives, and Senators are:
A. To establish a vehicle by which the concept of an academic community composed of faculty
and administrators can become more of a reality.
B. To provide a method for effective participation by faculty, and for cooperative and supportive
interaction between faculty and administration in working toward common goals.
C. To provide a forum for debate and recommendations for resolution of issues.
D. To develop and maintain a climate in which the collegial approach to college governance
can be carried out.
E. To integrate faculty governance into the pertinent formal administrative procedures of the
institution.
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SECTION 2
The members of the Faculty Governance Organization shall include full-time employees of St.
Petersburg College who are instructors, librarians, and advisors who are paid according to the
instructional salary schedule and hold continuing or annual contract, but shall not include acting,
adjunct, percent of load, or temporary employees at St. Petersburg College. Privileges of the
general membership include, but are not limited to, the right to vote and hold office.
ARTICLE V: THE FACULTY COUNCILS
SECTION 1: STRUCTURE REFLECTS MULTI-SITE STRUCTURE
The Faculty Council structure is designed to reflect the multi-site structure of St. Petersburg
College.
SECTION 2: PURPOSE
A. To serve, by administrative recognition, as the official voice of the faculty on each site.
However, the individual faculty member, or faculty members of a department or program,
may present concerns and questions directly to the administration, and the administration
may seek opinions from faculty by referendum or otherwise.
B. To provide a formal method for the Faculty Council and the administrative officers on each
site to confer on matters within its responsibilities.
C. To establish a meaningful working relationship with the site administration on those matters
within its responsibilities.
D. To recommend, advise, monitor and attempt to resolve differences pertaining to issues
within its responsibilities submitted by faculty on that site.
SECTION 3: RESPONSIBILITIES
A. The Faculty Council may be concerned with the development, review, or evaluation of rules and
formal procedures applying to the following matters:
1. Broad matters of educational policy and philosophy.
2. Varied delivery systems of instruction (educational television, self-paced, lecture, etc.).
3. Student academic standards.
4. Types of and approaches to remedial and developmental programs.
5. Personnel policies that directly affect members of the Faculty Governance Organization.
6. Rule 6Hx23-3.01 relating to academic freedom.
7. Evaluation instruments for use by students and/or supervisors to assess the performance of the
members of the Faculty Governance Organization.
B. Resolution of individual problems dealing with course assignments, teaching schedules, class size,
and load shall be between the instructor and supervisor. The instructor may invite the Faculty
Council chairperson of the site to join the instructor and the supervisor for a discussion.
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C. To attempt to resolve individual problems. If resolution cannot be achieved, the established
grievance procedure may be utilized at the discretion of the instructor.
D. Specific matters relating to the curriculum, course content, and description of courses shall remain
with the curriculum committee.
E. Involvement with the instructional salary schedule is through membership on the college wide
compensation committee.
F. Involvement with the college budget process is through representatives from the Senate Executive
Board meeting with the President’s Cabinet for regular briefings during the budget process.
G. This collegial faculty governance is not intended to replace the assigned responsibilities of site and
college administrators.
SECTION 4: MEMBERSHIP
A. The membership of the Faculty Councils shall be elected by the membership within the
apportionment groups of each site.
B. The apportionment of representatives for the Faculty Council on the St. Petersburg/Gibbs campus
shall be as follows:
Business, Computer Science, Criminal Justice Institute, & Open Campus
2
Communications & Humanities & Fine Arts
4
Counselors, Librarians, & Physical Education
2
Mathematics, Science & Engineering
4
Social Science, Alternate Instruction Center & Ethics
3
C. The apportionment of representatives for the Faculty Council on the Clearwater campus shall be as
follows:
Business & Computer Science
3
Communications & Humanities & Fine Arts
4
Counselors, Librarians, & Physical Education
2
Mathematics, Science, & Technical Arts
4
Social Science & Ethics
2
D. The Tarpon Springs Campus and the Seminole Campus shall have a Faculty Council composed of
all members at that site, until such time as the number of members is large enough, as determined
by the Faculty Senate, to warrant apportionment. At that time the manner of apportionment will be
locally decided and must be approved by the Senate Executive Board.
E. The apportionment of the Representatives for the Faculty Council at the Health Education Center
shall be as follows:
Nursing
4
Other health fields
4
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F. In cases where the percentage of occupational representatives on the Faculty Council,
based on the non-at-large membership, does not reflect the site’s percentage of
occupational faculty, representatives-at-large shall be elected to attain that percentage. This
election shall be a site-wide election from among the occupational faculty.
G. The site administrator on each site or the site administrator’s designee shall be a non-voting
ex-officio member.
H. A census of the members in each apportionment group shall be taken by the Senate in
December of every fifth year, beginning with December 1993. If an adjustment in Faculty
Council membership is necessary to equalize apportionment group representation this shall
be done with the approval of two-thirds of the Faculty Senate
SECTION 5. ELECTION OF REPRESENTATIVES
A. The Faculty Council representatives shall be elected from and by the General
Membership of each apportionment group as defined in Article V, Section 4,
Membership, of this Constitution.
B. Within the first three weeks of February, the incumbent representatives shall
convene with their apportionment group for the apportionment group to prepare a
slate of nominees for representatives for the ensuing year. The nominations shall be
made by the apportionment group. This slate of nominees shall be posted
immediately at the site designated place.
C. The chairperson of the Faculty Council shall call a meeting of each apportionment
group during March to elect its representatives. Nominations for representative, with
the previous written permission of the nominee, shall be accepted from the floor.
Nominees receiving, by written ballot, a majority vote of the membership present and
voting shall be declared elected. The incumbent representatives shall conduct this
election and retain accurate documentation of that vote to be forwarded to the
Faculty Senate.
D. Representatives shall be elected for two-year terms. Terms of office will be
staggered for purposes of continuity. To implement staggered terms, the terms of
office for the following apportionment groups will commence on the first duty day of
Term I following their election in March of an even year:
Business, Computer Science, Criminal Justice, & Open Campus
SP/G
Library, Counseling, & Physical Education
SP/G
Social Sciences, Alternate Instruction Center, & Ethics
SP/G
Communications & Humanities & Fine Arts
CL
Nursing
HC
Tarpon Springs
TS
Terms of office for the following apportionment groups will commence on the first duty
day of Term I following their election in March of an odd year:
Business & Computer Science
CL
Library, Advising, & Physical Education
CL
Social Sciences & Ethics
CL
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Communications & Humanities & Fine Arts
SP/G
Mathematics, Science & Engineering
SP/G
Areas other than Nursing at HC
HC
Seminole Campus
SE
The number of terms for each representative shall not be limited
SECTION 6: DUTIES OF THE REPRESENTATIVES OF THE FACULTY COUNCIL
A. To attend and participate in Faculty Council meetings.
B. To initiate action on issues within its responsibilities
C. To become knowledgeable on issues brought before the Faculty Council and those affecting
their apportionment groups.
D. To report Faculty Council business regularly to their apportionment groups.
E. To express opinions on written proposals submitted by the site administration.
SECTION 7: OFFICERS OF THE FACULTY COUNCIL
A. Each Faculty Council shall elect a chairperson, vice-chairperson, secretary, and
parliamentarian.
B. This election shall take place during the regular Faculty Council meeting in March.
C. The Term of office for all officers of the Faculty Council shall be one year commencing on the
first duty day of Term I.
D. Officers may succeed themselves.
E. Duties of chairman shall include, but not be limited to:
1. Call and chair meetings of the Faculty Councils and, in conjunction with the officers of
the Faculty Council, set the agenda.
2. Serve on the Senate Executive Board.
3. Attend the site administrator’s staff meetings at least monthly to discuss current issues,
plan for the future, and consider agenda items to be dealt with by each respective group.
4. Establish a Faculty Council budget with the site administrator and college president.
This budget shall include one-fifth released time for the chairperson, secretarial
assistance, travel and other necessary expenses.
F. Duties of vice-chairman
1. To assume the duties of the chairperson in case of absence of the chairperson.
G. Duties of secretary
1. To provide records of the proceedings of the Faculty Council meetings.
2. To inform the faculty in writing of actions taken by the Faculty Council.
3. To publish the place, time, and agenda of special meetings.
4. To carry out other duties as assigned by the chairperson.
H. The duty of the parliamentarian is to advise the chairperson on matters concerning
parliamentary procedures.
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SECTION 8: MEETINGS OF THE FACULTY COUNCIL
A. The Faculty Council shall select a day of the week during the first and third weeks of
the month for the time of their regular meetings.
B. Special meetings of the Faculty Council may be called only by the Faculty Council
chairperson. Special meetings normally are reserved to discuss emergency issues
or other issues that need immediate attention. The Faculty Council chairperson may
call a special meeting upon the presentation of a written petition signed by 40
percent of the committee or upon request of the site administrator or college
president. The special meeting may be called within eight working days of the
receipt of the petition or request. The Faculty Council chairperson shall set the time
and the agenda for the special meeting, and the secretary shall notify the Faculty
Council membership.
C. Meetings of the Faculty Council shall be as directed by these Articles and by law and
shall be open to FGO members.
D. Records shall be maintained as provided by these Articles and by law at designated
locations as approved by the Faculty Council and shall be open to FGO members.
SECTION 9: TRANSACTIONS OF FACULTY COUNCIL BUSINESS
A. Robert’s Rules of Order, Newly Revised, shall be followed except where in conflict
with this constitution or standing operating procedures.
B. A quorum of the Faculty Council shall consist of a simple majority of its membership.
If a quorum does not exist, no business shall be transacted except for a motion to
recess to a specified time or to adjourn to another specified date.
C. Items of business brought before the Faculty Council and voted upon must receive a
simple majority vote of the Faculty Council members present in order to become
recommendations of the Faculty Council.
D. Recommendations of the Faculty Council about site matters shall be submitted to the
site administrator. The site administrator and the Faculty Council shall develop a
mutually agreeable timetable for a response, based upon reasonableness and good
faith. If the site administrator fails to respond within the agreed timetable, the
recommendations of the Faculty Council shall be sent to the Faculty Senate for
action.
E. In cases where mutual agreement with the site administrator is not reached, the
Faculty Council, by a two-thirds vote of the membership present, shall present its
recommendations or proposals to the Faculty Senate for action. The Faculty Senate
shall respond within five (5) working days after its regular or special meeting and
may request the Faculty Council to grant additional time to study the issue.
F. Recommendations of the Faculty Council determined to be issues shall be forwarded
to the Faculty Senate.
G. Requests for information from the administration pertaining to business of the
Faculty Council must be channeled through the Faculty Council chairpersons to the
site administrator.
H. In cases where the site administrator submits a proposal to the Faculty Council for its
reaction, the site administrator and the Faculty Council chairperson shall develop a
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mutually agreeable timetable for a response, based upon reasonableness and good
faith.
I.
The officers of the Faculty Council shall conduct business of the Faculty Council if
the Council is unable to convene from the end of Term II to the beginning of Term I
of the following academic year.
SECTION 10: COMMITTEES
A. Faculty councils may establish standing and special committees as necessary for
their work. The chairperson of these committees shall be a representative,
appointed by the Faculty Council chairperson, and approved by a majority of the
Faculty Council representatives.
B. The Faculty Council chairperson and vice-chairperson shall be ex-officio members of
council committees.
C. All written material prepared by a Faculty Council committee for distribution to the
faculty shall include an authorization by the Faculty Council chairperson and the
date, except in special cases as determined by the Faculty Council.
D. Each committee chairperson shall submit a written report to the Faculty Council
chairperson by May 1, make periodic reports to the Council, and receive pertinent
suggestions from the Council.
SECTION 11: REMOVAL OF REPRESENTATIVE OR OFFICERS
A representative or officer may be removed by the following procedure:
A. A notice of intent to start a petition for removal of a representative or officer shall be
sent to the representative or officer at the same time it is sent to the Faculty Council
chairperson. The notice of intent shall state the reasons for removal and shall
include pertinent documentation.
B. If the representative or officer so desires, he may request a hearing at a Faculty
Council meeting to answer allegations brought against him in the notice of intent and
may be represented by a chosen representative. The representative or officer shall
have at least ten working days notice before the hearing.
C. After the Faculty Council meeting where the representative or officer has had the
opportunity for a hearing, the petition may be started.
D. At least two-thirds of the Faculty Council members shall sign the petition for it to be
valid, and the petition shall be forwarded to the Faculty Council chairperson.
E. At the next Faculty Council meeting the chairperson shall entertain a motion from the
floor to retain the representative or officer. If there is no motion or second to the
motion or if the motion fails, the Faculty Council chairperson shall declare the
representative removed or the office vacant.
F. In case of a chairperson being removed, the vice-chairperson acts in the place of the
chairperson under this section.
SECTION 12: VACANCY
A. If a representative has been removed, resigns, or is no longer a member of the
Faculty Governance Organization, the replacement representative shall be elected
by and from that apportionment group. The Faculty Council chairperson shall call
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and arrange for that election meeting. The newly elected representative shall serve
out the remaining term of the previous representative.
B. An office seat on the Faculty Council shall be declared vacant when an officer
resigns, is removed, or is no longer a member of the Faculty Governance
Organization:
1. If the office of chairperson is vacant, the vice-chairperson shall assume the office
of chairperson.
2. If the office of vice-chairperson or secretary is vacant, a special election to fill that
office shall be held within 15 working days after the office is declared vacant.
3. If the office of parliamentarian is vacant, the chairperson shall appoint the
replacement.
4. Any newly elected officer shall serve out the time of the previous officer.
SECTION 13: STANDING OPERATING PROCEDURES
Each Faculty Council shall adopt a set of standing operating procedures consistent with
the provision of this constitution, which reflect mutual cooperation with the site and
college administration.
ARTICLE VI: FACULTY SENATE
SECTION 1: PURPOSES OF THE FACULTY SENATE
A. To provide a formal way for members of the faculty councils to participate in decision
making by and for St. Petersburg College.
B. To provide a vehicle for involvement of faculty in administrative proposals at a
reasonable period of time prior to the time the proposals are presented to the
decision-making body.
C. To advise and recommend to the college administration, the college president and/or
the Board of Trustees on matters within the Faculty Senate’s responsibility.
D. To assist the college administration in finding reasonable solutions to college-related
problems.
E. To assist the faculty councils.
F. To assure the faculty fair consideration in matters of its concern within its
responsibilities.
G. To serve by the recognition of the college administration and the Board of Trustees
as the official voice of the Faculty Governance Organization. However, an individual
faculty member or faculty members of a department or program, may present
concerns and questions directly to the administration, and the administration may
seek opinions from faculty by referendum or otherwise.
H. To develop a cooperative spirit within the total college governance in those matters
within its responsibilities.
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SECTION 2: RESPONSIBILITIES OF THE FACULTY SENATE
A. The Faculty Senate may be concerned with the development, review, or evaluation
of Rules and Formal Procedures applying to the following matters on a collegewide
basis.
1. Broad matters of educational policy and philosophy.
2. Varied delivery systems of instruction (educational television, self-paced, lecture,
etc.)
3. Student academic standards.
4. Types of and approaches to remedial and developmental programs.
5. Personnel policies that directly affect members of the Faculty Governance
Organization.
6. The Rule 6Hx23-3.01 relating to academic freedom.
7. Evaluation instruments for use by students and/or supervisors to assess the
performance of the members of the Faculty Governance Organization.
8. Changes in the faculty grievance procedure
9. Changes to the official college philosophy and objectives statement of St.
Petersburg College as stated in the College Catalog.
B. The Faculty Senate may initiate, refer, or propose issues to the Faculty Councils when such
issues are within the responsibilities of the Faculty Councils.
C. The Faculty Senate may initiate and propose issues relating to the matters set forth in
paragraph “A” above to the college president.
D. The Faculty Senate shall act upon matters submitted to it by the faculty councils and
function as coordinator of the faculty councils, through which Faculty Council proposals may
be made to the college president.
E. Resolution of individual problems dealing with course assignments, teaching schedules,
class size and load shall be between the instructor and supervisor and shall be handled on a
site level.
F. The Faculty Senate president and the college president shall mutually agree upon and
define those mechanical or routine policies and procedures that need not be subjected to
the processes herein established.
G. Specific matters relating to the curriculum, course content, and description of courses shall
remain with the curriculum committee.
H. Involvement with the instructional salary schedule is through membership on the
compensation committee.
I.
Involvement with the college budget process is through representatives meeting with the
President’s Cabinet for regular briefings during the budgeting process.
SECTION 3: MEMBERSHIP OF THE FACULTY SENATE
A. The chairpersons of the Faculty Councils are members of the Faculty Senate.
106
B. The representative from each apportionment group at each site receiving the highest
number of votes within that apportionment group election shall serve as its senator, as well
as its representative.
In cases where the percentage of senators, who are occupational faculty based on the nonat-large membership, does not reflect the college’s percentage of occupational faculty,
senators-at-large shall be elected to attain that percentage. The current senate will elect
occupational representatives from the Faculty Councils to serve as senators-at-large, thus
attaining an equitable percentage of occupational faculty.
C. The Term of office for a senator is two years coincidental with his Term of office as a
representative.
D. If a senator cannot attend a meeting, he shall designate a Faculty Council representative
from his apportionment group to serve in his place.
E. The college president or the president’s designee shall be a non-voting ex-officio member.
SECTION 4: DUTIES OF SENATORS
A. To attend meetings of the Faculty Senate.
B. To keep the Faculty Councils informed of Faculty Senate matters and those college
matters affecting them.
C. To consider, and if appropriate, initiate action on issues within Faculty Senate
responsibilities.
D. To study, and become knowledgeable on, issues brought before the Faculty Senate.
SECTION 5: OFFICERS OF THE FACULTY SENATE
A. The Faculty Senate shall elect a president, vice president, secretary, and
parliamentarian. The president shall be selected from among the Faculty Council
chairpersons.
B. This election shall take place during the regular Faculty Senate meeting in April.
C. The Term of office shall be for one year and shall commence on the first duty day of
Term I.
D. Officers may succeed themselves.
E. Duties of Faculty Senate president shall include, but not be limited to:
1. To call and chair meetings of the Faculty Senate and, in conjunction with the
officers of the Faculty Senate, set the agenda.
2. To serve as president of the Senate Executive Board.
3. To appoint Faculty Senate committees.
4. To plan with the college president a budget for Faculty Senate business,
secretarial help, and an additional one-fifth released time for the Faculty
Senate president.
5. To be a voting member of the Faculty Senate.
6. To ensure that opportunity for the presentation of viewpoints on relevant
issues is available at meetings.
7. To invite expert witnesses to appear before the Faculty Senate.
8. To attend meetings of the Board of Trustees.
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F. Duties of Faculty Senate vice-president:
1. To assume the duties of the Faculty Senate president in his/her absence.
2. To assume other duties assigned by the Faculty Senate president.
G. Duties of Faculty Senate Secretary:
1. To record and distribute minutes and proceedings of the Faculty Senate.
2. To oversee assigned secretarial assistance.
3. To post the agenda and notice of meetings.
4. To assume other duties as assigned by the Faculty Senate president.
H. The duty of the parliamentarian is to advise the Faculty Senate president on
parliamentary procedures.
SECTION 6: MEETINGS OF THE FACULTY SENATE
A. The Faculty Senate shall select a day of the week during the second and fourth
weeks of the month for its regular meetings.
B. Special meetings of the Faculty Senate may be called only by the Faculty Senate
president. Special meetings are normally reserved to discuss emergency issues or
other issues that need immediate attention. The specific reasons for requesting the
Faculty Senate president to call a special meeting must be submitted in writing. The
Faculty Senate president shall call a special meeting upon written request by 30
percent of the Senators or by a Faculty Council or the Senate Executive Board or by
the college president. The special meeting must be called within five working days
of the receipt of a request. The Faculty Senate president shall set the time and the
agenda for the special meeting, and the secretary shall notify the Faculty Senate
membership.
C. Meetings of the Faculty Senate shall be as directed by these Articles and by law and
shall be open to FGO members.
D. Records shall be maintained as provided by these Articles and by law at designated
locations as approved by the Faculty Senate, and shall be open to FGO members.
SECTION 7: TRANSACTIONS OF FACULTY SENATE BUSINESS
A. Robert’s Rules of Order, Newly revised, shall be followed except where in conflict
with this Constitution or Standing Operating Procedures.
B. A quorum of the Faculty Senate shall consist of a simple majority of the membership.
If a quorum does not exist, no business shall be transacted except for a motion to
recess to a specified time or to adjourn to another specified date.
C. Items of business brought before the Faculty Senate and voted upon must receive a
simple majority of the Faculty Senate membership present in order to become
recommendations of the Faculty Senate.
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D. Recommendations made by the Faculty Senate regarding formal procedures and
rules must be ratified by the Faculty Councils before presentation to the college
president. The Faculty Senate shall receive a response from all Faculty Councils
within ten (10) working days. If a Faculty Council does not ratify the
recommendation of the Faculty Senate, notice to this effect must be delivered to the
Faculty Senate accompanied by the Faculty Council’s objections as a basis for
deliberation by the Faculty Senate. If the resulting recommendation of the Faculty
Senate remains the same, it may, by a two-thirds vote of the Senate membership,
forward the matter on to the college president for action. The right to submit a
minority report to the college president is guaranteed to the dissenting Faculty
Council in each instance.
E. Recommendations made by the Faculty Senate regarding formal procedures within
its responsibilities shall be delivered directly to the college president for his
consideration. The college president and the Faculty Senate president shall develop
a mutually agreeable timetable for a response based upon reasonableness and good
faith.
F. Recommendations made by the Faculty Senate regarding Board of Trustees Rules
that are within its responsibilities shall be delivered directly to the college president.
The college president and the Faculty Senate president shall develop a mutually
agreeable timetable for a response based upon reasonableness and good faith. If
the college president accepts the recommendations, those recommendations in the
form of Board of Trustees Rules shall be forwarded on, following the college’s legal
procedure, to the Board of Trustees for their consideration. If the recommendations
are rejected by the college president, or appropriate designee, he/she shall be
invited to present the rationale for the reconsideration request or rejection. After a
discussion of the question, the Faculty Senate will reconsider the recommendation in
light of the rationale presented. In cases where agreement is not reached between
the college president and the Faculty Senate on Board of Trustees Rules, the
Faculty Senate shall, upon two-thirds vote of the Senate membership, request of the
Secretary of the Board of Trustees that the item be placed on the agenda of the next
meeting of the Board of Trustees for its consideration.
G. The college president and the Faculty Senate Executive Board shall mutually agree
upon and define those mechanical or routine college rules and procedures that need
not be subjected to processes herein established.
H. Requests for information from the administration pertaining to business of the
Faculty Senate must be channeled through the faculty Senate president to the
college president.
I.
The Senate Executive Board and the officers of the Faculty Senate shall conduct
business of the Faculty Senate if the Senate is unable to meet from the end of Term
II to the beginning of Term I of the following academic year.
J. On matters submitted to the Faculty Senate by the college president, the college
president and the Faculty Senate president shall develop a mutually agreeable
timetable for a response, based upon reasonableness and good faith.
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SECTION 8: COMMITTEES
Senate Committees
A. The Faculty Senate may establish standing and special committees necessary for its
work. The chairperson of committees shall be a senator, appointed by the Senate
president and approved by the Senate.
B. The president and vice-president of the Senate shall be ex-officio members of all
Senate committees.
C. All written material prepared by a Faculty Senate committee for distribution to the
faculty shall include an authorization by the faculty Senate president and the date,
except in special cases as determined by the Senate.
D. Each committee chairperson shall submit a written report to the Faculty Senate
president by May 1, make periodic reports to the Senate, and receive pertinent
suggestions from the Senate. If the committee meets after May 1, subsequent
written reports shall be submitted to the Faculty Senate president. Committee
members may be designated by the committee chairperson to report to the Faculty
Councils after the committee chairperson has reported to the Senate.
E. College Committees
With regard to college wide standing committees, the Senate Executive Board and
the college president shall prepare a mutually agreed upon list of nominees for
membership on said committees and the college president shall appoint members
there from. A good faith effort will be made to appoint and notify committee
members by the end of Term II. Complete membership lists shall be appended to
the Faculty Manual.
SECTION 9: REMOVAL OF SENATORS OR OFFICERS
A Senator or officer may be removed by the following procedure:
A. A notice of intent to start a petition for removal of a senator or officer shall be sent to
the senator or officer at the same time it is sent to the Faculty Senate president. The
notice of intent shall state the reasons for removal and shall include pertinent
documentation.
B. If the senator or officer so desires, he may request a hearing at a Faculty Senate
meeting to answer allegations brought against him in the notice of intent and may be
represented by a chosen representative. The senator or officer shall have at least
ten working days notice before the hearing.
C. After the Faculty Senate meeting where the senator or officer has had the
opportunity for a hearing, the petition may be started.
D. At least two-thirds of Faculty Senate members shall sign the petition for it to be valid,
and the petition shall be forwarded to the Faculty Senate president.
E. At the next Faculty Senate meeting the chairperson shall entertain a motion from the
floor to retain the senator or officer. If there is no motion or second to the motion or if
the motion fails, the Faculty Senate president shall declare the senator removed or
the office vacant.
F. In case of the president being removed, the vice-president acts in the place of the
president under this section.
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SECTION 10: VACANCY
A. If a senator has been removed, resigns, or no longer is a member of the FGO, the
replacement senator shall be elected by and from the apportionment group of that
site. The Faculty Senate president shall call and arrange for that election meeting.
The newly elected Senator shall serve out the remaining term of the previous
senator.
B. An office seat on the Faculty Senate shall be declared vacant when an officer
resigns, is removed, or is no longer a member of the FGO.
1. If the office of president is vacant, the vice president shall assume the office
of president or, in the event that the vice president is not a council
chairperson, the Senate shall hold a special election to fill the presidency
within 15 working days after the office is declared vacant.
2. If the office of vice president or secretary is vacant, a special election to fill
that office shall be held within 15 working days after the office is declared
vacant.
3. If the office of parliamentarian is vacant, the president shall appoint the
replacement.
4. Any newly elected officer shall serve out the time of the previous officer.
SECTION 11: STANDING OPERATING PROCEDURES
A. The Faculty Senate shall adopt a single set of standing operating procedures
consistent with the provisions of this constitution, which reflect mutual cooperation
with the site and college administration.
ARTICLE VII: SENATE EXECUTIVE BOARD
SECTION 1: SENATE EXECUTIVE BOARD
The Senate Executive Board shall consist of the chairperson of the Faculty Council from each
site.
SECTION 2: PURPOSES
A. To serve as the vehicle between the Faculty Senate and the college president/Board of
Trustees.
B. To serve as the vehicle between the FGO and the college president/Board of Trustees.
C. To serve as a liaison between the Faculty Senate and the President’s Cabinet.
SECTION 3: DUTIES
A. To assume a leadership role in representing the Faculty Governance Organization with the
administration.
B. To develop a working knowledge of college rules and procedures, the State Board of
Education (SBE) regulations, and relevant Florida statutes.
C. To assist the administration in finding solutions to problems.
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D. To meet with the President’s Cabinet at least monthly to discuss current issues, plan for the
future, and consider agenda items to be dealt with by each respective group.
E. To bring recommendations of the Faculty Senate to the college president.
F. To foster a climate of cooperation and goodwill in maintaining the collegial approach to
governance of the college.
G. To report to the Faculty Senate.
SECTION 4: OFFICERS
A. The Faculty Senate president shall be president of the Senate Executive Board.
B. The secretary of the Senate Executive Board shall be elected by the members of the Senate
Executive Board. Term of office shall be one year. Officers may succeed themselves.
ARTICLE VIII: METHODS OF CONSTITUTIONAL AMENDMENT
SECTION 1: AMENDMENTS TO CONSTITUTION
Amendments to this constitution shall be adopted when they have been approved by two-thirds
of FGO members voting by secret ballot in an election called for that purpose and have been
accepted by the college president upon the advice and consent of the Board of Trustees.
SECTION 2: PROPOSED AMENDMENTS
Proposed amendments must receive an affirmative vote from two-thirds of the membership of
the Faculty Senate before they are placed before the membership of the Faculty Governance
Organization for ratification.
SECTION 3: SUBMITTED 1 MONTH PRIOR TO VOTE
Proposed amendments must be submitted to the Faculty Senate at least one month before the
vote on the proposal. Those proposed amendments approved by the Faculty Senate shall be
published for at least one (1) month before being voted upon by the FGO membership.
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APPENDIX C
Syllabus Template
(Under development)
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