ST. PETERSBURG COLLEGE
2007-2008
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 ...................................................... 15
C.
College locations..................................................................................................... 17
1.
College mailing address: ........................................................................... 17
2.
Maps to the various learning sites: .......................................................... 17
3.
Site physical addresses and maps: ......................................................... 17
D.
What’s new ............................................................................................................... 18
1.
EpiCenter .................................................................................................... 18
2.
Collaborative Labs ..................................................................................... 19
3.
Programs for High School Students ........................................................ 20
4.
Baccalaureate programs ........................................................................... 21
E.
Collegewide information ........................................................................................ 27
1.
Internet presence ....................................................................................... 27
2.
College calendar ........................................................................................ 27
3. Abbreviations of college site names ............................................................... 28
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.
Telephone contact directory ..................................................................... 29
2.
Staff Central ................................................................................................ 29
3.
Information line .......................................................................................... 30
C.
Getting things done ................................................................................................ 30
1.
Forms .......................................................................................................... 30
2.
Help desk .................................................................................................... 30
3.
Work Orders................................................................................................ 30
4.
Inter-campus mail ...................................................................................... 31
5.
Business Rules and Procedures .............................................................. 31
6.
Facilities ...................................................................................................... 35
III. EXPECTATIONS ............................................................................................... 36
A.
Workweek................................................................................................................. 36
1.
Duty hours for faculty ................................................................................ 36
2.
Instructional assignments ......................................................................... 36
3.
Non-instructional activities ....................................................................... 37
4.
5.
Curriculum development ........................................................................... 37
Faculty Qualifications ................................................................................ 39
B.
Faculty Evaluation................................................................................................... 40
1.
Full-time faculty .......................................................................................... 40
2.
Adjunct faculty ........................................................................................... 40
C.
Required Professional Development .................................................................... 41
1.
Orientation for new faculty ........................................................................ 41
2.
Initial professional development .............................................................. 41
3.
On-line instruction requirement ............................................................... 43
4.
Ongoing professional development/change in academic credentials . 43
D.
Faculty involvement in campus life....................................................................... 43
1.
Required functions .................................................................................... 43
2.
Committees ................................................................................................. 44
3.
Other ............................................................................................................ 50
E.
Conduct .................................................................................................................... 50
1.
Standards of conduct for employees ....................................................... 50
2.
Alcohol and Substance Abuse Policy ...................................................... 51
3.
Sexual harassment policy and training ................................................... 51
4.
Controlled substances .............................................................................. 51
5.
Drug-free workplace .................................................................................. 51
6.
Smoking in college facilities ..................................................................... 52
7.
Outside employment .................................................................................. 52
8.
Personal financial obligations .................................................................. 52
9.
Public visitation and/or telephone contacts ............................................ 52
10.
Nepotism ..................................................................................................... 52
11.
Legal services for employees ................................................................... 52
IV. ACADEMIC PROCEDURES ............................................................................. 53
A.
Course information ................................................................................................. 53
1.
Course content ........................................................................................... 53
2.
Printing out a course outline .................................................................... 53
3.
Syllabus format/sample ............................................................................. 53
4.
Course corequisites and prerequisites ................................................... 54
5.
Independent study ..................................................................................... 54
B.
MySPC Overview ..................................................................................................... 55
1.
Login hints .................................................................................................. 55
2.
View my class schedule ............................................................................ 56
3.
Access class rosters ................................................................................. 57
4.
Attendance reports and withdrawals ....................................................... 57
5.
Record grades ............................................................................................ 58
6.
Changes to grades ..................................................................................... 59
C.
ANGEL overview ..................................................................................................... 60
D.
Hurricane Instructional Plan. Emergency Preparedness Procedures for
Faculty 61
E.
Special programs .................................................................................................... 63
1.
Field trips .................................................................................................... 63
2.
Study Abroad and other International Programs .................................... 63
3.
Speakers or consultants ........................................................................... 63
3
F.
Support ..................................................................................................................... 64
1.
Use of copy machines, telephones and computers ............................... 64
2.
Library ......................................................................................................... 65
3.
Bookstores.................................................................................................. 67
4.
Web and Instructional Technology (WITS) .............................................. 68
5.
Staff and Program Development (SPD) Workshops ............................... 68
6.
Software manuals available online .......................................................... 68
7.
Data processing ......................................................................................... 68
V. ACADEMIC POLICIES ...................................................................................... 68
A.
Principles of good practice in undergraduate education ................................... 68
B.
Development of new programs and new courses and revision of current
programs and courses ........................................................................................... 69
C.
Access to and protection of information .............................................................. 70
1.
Confidentiality of grades ........................................................................... 70
D.
Copyright ................................................................................................................. 70
1.
Policy ........................................................................................................... 70
2.
Materials subject to copyright and patent ............................................... 71
3.
Fair use........................................................................................................ 71
4.
Video Technology ...................................................................................... 72
5.
Electronic Resources ................................................................................ 73
E.
Links for further information .................................................................................. 73
1.
Academic freedom ..................................................................................... 73
2.
Academic titles ........................................................................................... 73
3.
Textbook selection and adoption ............................................................. 73
4.
Resale of complimentary textbooks ........................................................ 73
5.
Software use ............................................................................................... 73
VI.
STUDENT POLICIES ........................................................................ 73
A.
At the start of the semester .................................................................................... 73
1.
Admission ................................................................................................... 73
2.
Registration ................................................................................................ 74
3.
Financial Aid ............................................................................................... 75
4.
OSSD staff and services ............................................................................ 77
5.
Academic requirements ............................................................................ 77
B.
During the semester ............................................................................................... 78
1.
Student e-mails .......................................................................................... 78
2.
Course changes ......................................................................................... 78
3.
Attendance .................................................................................................. 78
4.
Withdrawals ................................................................................................ 80
5.
Grades ......................................................................................................... 80
6.
Procedure to identify students with learning and other disabilities..... 82
C.
Students’ rights and responsibilities .................................................................... 82
1.
Statement on students’ rights, freedoms, and responsibilities ............ 82
2.
Academic Honesty ..................................................................................... 83
3.
Student dress ............................................................................................. 84
4.
Student use of college facilities ............................................................... 84
5.
Students’ classroom responsibility ......................................................... 84
6.
Faculty advisors’ responsibility to student organization ...................... 84
4
7.
8.
9.
10.
11.
12.
13.
D.
VII.
Disciplinary problems ................................................................................ 85
Student grievances and appeals .............................................................. 85
Faculty referrals to counseling services ................................................. 86
Academic standing .................................................................................... 86
Student records .......................................................................................... 87
Collection of money from students .......................................................... 87
Graduation .................................................................................................. 87
Links to additional information.............................................................................. 87
1.
Tutoring ....................................................................................................... 87
2.
Reservations for use of college facilities by recognized student
organizations .............................................................................................. 87
3.
Credit by assessment of prior learning/experiential learning ............... 88
4.
Student forms online ................................................................................. 88
5.
College catalog ........................................................................................... 88
COLLEGEWIDE POLICIES .............................................................. 88
A.
EEO
1.
2.
88
Equal access/equal opportunity ............................................................... 88
Equal employment opportunities ............................................................. 88
B.
Gifts
1.
2.
89
Solicitation or acceptance of gifts............................................................ 89
Gifts to the college ..................................................................................... 89
C.
Media 90
D.
Official entertainment ............................................................................................. 90
E.
Basic human rights ................................................................................................. 90
VIII.
PERSONNEL POLICIES .................................................................. 90
A.
Human Resources website .................................................................................... 90
1.
Position descriptions and manuals ......................................................... 91
2.
Procedures for filling faculty vacancies .................................................. 91
3.
Career service manual ............................................................................... 91
B.
Contracts .................................................................................................................. 91
1.
Annual contracts ........................................................................................ 91
2.
Reappointment or non-reappointment of annual contract instructional
personnel not under continuing contract ................................................ 91
3.
Continuing contracts ................................................................................. 91
4.
Supplemental contracts ............................................................................ 92
5.
Instructional contract other than 12-month ............................................ 92
6.
Dismissal and return to annual contract ................................................. 92
7.
Loss of continuing contract status .......................................................... 92
8.
Suspension or dismissal during the contract year ................................ 92
C.
Salaries ..................................................................................................................... 92
1.
Academic Titles: Establishment of academic ranks ............................. 92
2.
Instructional salaries and related policies .............................................. 92
3.
Maximum wage or salary........................................................................... 93
4.
Annual salary increase .............................................................................. 93
5.
Total compensation of employees in budgeted positions .................... 93
6.
Acting pay ................................................................................................... 93
5
7.
8.
9.
10.
11.
12.
13.
14.
Benefits for designated employees ......................................................... 93
Overtime ...................................................................................................... 93
Emergency work ........................................................................................ 93
Holiday work and holiday pay................................................................... 93
College credit in lieu of experience requirements .................................. 94
Wage or salary increase for additional responsibilities for faculty,
administrative, professional and managerial, and career service
employees ................................................................................................... 94
Work Study and student assistants’ salary schedule ............................ 94
Temporary (Other Personal Services – OPS) employees salary
schedule ...................................................................................................... 94
D.
The following are links to the Human Resources Web page: ............................ 94
1.
Instructional salaries – full-time faculty .................................................. 94
2.
Change in academic credentials .............................................................. 94
3.
Adjunct/supplemental salary schedule – Credit ..................................... 94
4.
Grade/Salary per Equated Credit Hour .................................................... 94
5.
Emergency Medical Services – Credit ..................................................... 95
6.
Microsoft Certified Systems Engineer (MCSE) and Microsoft Certified
Solutions Developer (MCSD) instruction ................................................. 95
7.
Excess teaching preparations .................................................................. 95
8.
Adjunct/Supplemental salary schedule – Non-credit ............................. 95
9.
Substitute pay............................................................................................. 95
10.
Extended substitute pay ............................................................................ 95
11.
Percent of load ........................................................................................... 95
12.
Center for Excellence - Florida Education Fund (GRANT) ................... 95
13.
College Reach-Out Grant .......................................................................... 95
14.
Brain Bowl, Forensics, and Computer Team Coaching Salary Schedule
..................................................................................................................... 95
15.
Experiential Learning salary schedule .................................................... 95
16.
Supplemental salary schedules for student activities ........................... 95
17.
Athletics salary schedule .......................................................................... 95
18.
Supplemental salary schedule for Writing Assessment ........................ 95
19.
Miscellaneous salary schedule ................................................................ 95
20.
Work Study and student assistants’ salary schedule ............................ 95
21.
Temporary (Other Personnel Services) employees salary schedule ... 95
22.
Supplemental pay ...................................................................................... 95
E.
Time off .................................................................................................................... 95
1.
Sick leave .................................................................................................... 95
2.
Vacation leave ............................................................................................ 97
3.
Professional leave ...................................................................................... 97
4.
Sabbatical leave ......................................................................................... 97
5.
Accidental injuries or illness .................................................................... 98
6.
Family and medical leave .......................................................................... 98
7.
Sick leave pool ........................................................................................... 98
8.
Illness in line of duty .................................................................................. 98
9.
Personal leaves .......................................................................................... 98
10.
Personal leave without pay ....................................................................... 98
11.
Court-related leaves ................................................................................... 98
12.
Administrative leave from continuing contract ...................................... 98
13.
Military and National Guard leave ............................................................ 99
F.
Benefits – Employer paid ....................................................................................... 99
1.
Insurance .................................................................................................... 99
2.
Retirement plans ........................................................................................ 99
3.
Recognition program ............................................................................... 100
4.
Use of college ........................................................................................... 100
5.
Other benefits/privileges ......................................................................... 100
6
G.
Benefits – Employee paid ..................................................................................... 101
1.
Group health for spouse/dependents .................................................... 101
2.
Dental and vision ..................................................................................... 101
3.
Short- and long-term disability insurance ............................................. 101
4.
403(b) and 457(b) retirement accounts .................................................. 101
5.
Optional term life insurance .................................................................... 101
6.
Additional life insurance ......................................................................... 101
7.
Supplemental insurance .......................................................................... 101
8.
Flexible benefits plan ............................................................................... 102
9.
Flexible spending account ...................................................................... 102
H.
Retiring, resigning, reduction in force, and terminal pay ................................. 103
1.
Retirement................................................................................................. 103
2.
Resignation ............................................................................................... 104
3.
Reduction in force .................................................................................... 104
4.
Terminal pay ............................................................................................. 104
APPENDIX A ........................................................................................................ 105
ORGANIZATIONAL CHART ................................................................................ 105
APPENDIX B ........................................................................................................ 107
FACULTY GOVERNANCE ORGANIZATION CONSTITUTION .......................... 107
ARTICLE I ............................................................................................................ 108
NAMES AND STRUCTURE ................................................................................................ 108
FACULTY COUNCIL ........................................................................................................... 108
FACULTY SENATE ............................................................................................................. 108
SENATE EXECUTIVE BOARD ........................................................................................... 108
ARTICLE II ........................................................................................................... 108
AFFIRMATIVE ACTION STATEMENT ............................................................................... 108
ARTICLE III .......................................................................................................... 109
DEFINITION OF TERMS ..................................................................................................... 109
ARTICLE IV: FACULTY GOVERNANCE ORGANIZATION ............................... 109
SECTION 1
................................................................................................................... 109
SECTION 2
................................................................................................................... 110
ARTICLE V: THE FACULTY COUNCILS ........................................................... 110
SECTION 1: STRUCTURE REFLECTS MULTI-SITE STRUCTURE ................................ 110
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SECTION 2: PURPOSE ..................................................................................................... 110
SECTION 3: RESPONSIBILITIES...................................................................................... 110
SECTION 4: MEMBERSHIP ............................................................................................... 111
SECTION 5. ELECTION OF REPRESENTATIVES ........................................................... 112
SECTION 6: DUTIES OF THE REPRESENTATIVES OF THE FACULTY COUNCIL ...... 113
SECTION 7: OFFICERS OF THE FACULTY COUNCIL ................................................... 113
SECTION 8: MEETINGS OF THE FACULTY COUNCIL ................................................... 114
SECTION 9: TRANSACTIONS OF FACULTY COUNCIL BUSINESS ............................. 115
SECTION 10: COMMITTEES ............................................................................................. 115
SECTION 11: REMOVAL OF REPRESENTATIVE OR OFFICERS ................................. 116
SECTION 12: VACANCY ................................................................................................... 116
SECTION 13: STANDING OPERATING PROCEDURES ................................................. 117
ARTICLE VI: FACULTY SENATE....................................................................... 117
SECTION 1: PURPOSES OF THE FACULTY SENATE ................................................... 117
SECTION 2: RESPONSIBILITIES OF THE FACULTY SENATE ...................................... 118
SECTION 3: MEMBERSHIP OF THE FACULTY SENATE ............................................... 119
SECTION 4: DUTIES OF SENATORS ............................................................................... 119
SECTION 5: OFFICERS OF THE FACULTY SENATE ..................................................... 119
SECTION 6: MEETINGS OF THE FACULTY SENATE .................................................... 120
SECTION 7: TRANSACTIONS OF FACULTY SENATE BUSINESS ............................... 120
SECTION 8: COMMITTEES ............................................................................................... 122
SECTION 9: REMOVAL OF SENATORS OR OFFICERS ................................................ 122
SECTION 10: VACANCY ................................................................................................... 123
SECTION 11: STANDING OPERATING PROCEDURES ................................................. 123
ARTICLE VII: SENATE EXECUTIVE BOARD .................................................... 123
SECTION 1: SENATE EXECUTIVE BOARD ..................................................................... 123
SECTION 2: PURPOSES ................................................................................................... 123
SECTION 3: DUTIES .......................................................................................................... 123
8
SECTION 4: OFFICERS ..................................................................................................... 124
ARTICLE VIII: METHODS OF CONSTITUTIONAL AMENDMENT .................... 124
SECTION 1: AMENDMENTS TO CONSTITUTION ........................................................... 124
SECTION 2: PROPOSED AMENDMENTS ........................................................................ 124
SECTION 3: SUBMITTED 1 MONTH PRIOR TO VOTE ................................................... 124
APPENDIX C ........................................................................................................ 125
SYLLABUS TEMPLATE ...................................................................................... 125
COURSE PREFIX AND NUMBER ...................................................................................... 126
COURSE NAME .................................................................................................................. 126
MEETING INFORMATION .................................................................................................. 126
SPECIAL ACCOMMODATIONS ......................................................................................... 126
COURSE GOALS ................................................................................................................ 127
COURSE OBJECTIVES ...................................................................................................... 127
PREREQUISITES (IF APPLICABLE) ................................................................................. 127
GRADING
................................................................................................................... 127
ACADEMIC HONESTY........................................................................................................ 127
TEXTBOOK INFORMATION ............................................................................................... 127
ASSIGNMENTS ................................................................................................................... 128
EMERGENCY PREPAREDNESS ....................................................................................... 128
CAMPUS SAFETY AND SECURITY .................................................................................. 128
RESOURCES
................................................................................................................... 128
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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 then-new St. Petersburg High School. Today the College stands as a
multi-campus, two-year/four-year public institution with nine 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 86 degree programs
offered by 16 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 session. 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
2006, SPC acquired the historic Palladium Theatre in downtown St. Petersburg,
pledging to continue to use it for community events and promising to add quality
educational enterprise at the Palladium 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 are also available in each of the campus/site libraries and provost’s
offices, and on the College website at http://www.spcollege.edu.
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 twenty-eight (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 which have a bearing on
SPC.
a) The Board of Trustees
See http://www.spcollege.edu/webcentral/welcome/bot.htm (To return to the
Faculty Manual from the internet browser, use the “back” key.)
b) The President
Carl M. Kuttler, Jr. (See also
http://www.spcollege.edu/webcentral/welcome/cmk1.htm ) 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 collegewide 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
11
includes the Leepa-Rattner Museum of Art; Caruth Health Education Center
(HEC) in 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 is always 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 entrylevel skills in reading, writing and mathematics through the college
12
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




preparatory 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’s degrees in Arts, Associate’s degrees in
Science, and Associate’s degrees in Applied Science, as well as certificates and Applied
Technology diplomas. SPC is also 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.
14
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’s degrees awarded in Nursing and No. 6 for
Liberal Arts & Sciences/General Studies/Humanities; No. 10 for associate’s 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 ’05 he was inducted into the Tampa Bay Business
Hall of Fame. In March of ‘05, 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 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 15 bachelor’s degrees.
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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.
Last year, 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
two-year 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 on the Seminole Campus now has 16 partner
institutions and offers 86 bachelor’s, master’s and doctoral programs to area
residents. One partner, the University of Florida, operates its own College of
Dentistry Clinic and College of Pharmacy buildings at the site.
SPC’s charter school, St. Petersburg Collegiate High School, was rated “A” by
the state at the end of its first and second 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.
16
C. College locations
1. College mailing address:
ST PETERSBURG COLLEGE
P O BOX 13489
ST PETERSBURG FL 33733
2. Maps to the various learning sites:
http://www.spcollege.edu/webcentral/campus/county.htm (To return to the
Faculty Manual from the internet browser use the “back” key.)
3. Site physical addresses and maps:
1.
Tarpon Springs Campus (.pdf)
- Directions
- Tarpon Springs website
600 Klosterman Road
Tarpon Springs, FL 34689
2.
Clearwater Campus (.pdf)
- Directions
- Clearwater Campus website
2465 Drew Street
Clearwater FL 33765
3.
SPC LifeLong Learning and Dual Credit(.pdf)
- Directions
- SPC Lifelong Learning website
- Dual Credit website
14044 ICOT Blvd.
Clearwater FL 33760
4.
EpiCenter (.pdf)
- Directions
- EpiCenter website
13805 58th Street North
Largo, FL 33760
5.
District Office
6021 142nd Ave N.
Largo, FL 33710
6.
Seminole Campus (.pdf)
- Directions
- Seminole Campus website
9200 113th Street North
Seminole FL 33772
7.
Caruth Health Education Center (.pdf)
- Directions
- Health Education Center website
7200 66th Street North
Pinellas Park FL 33781
8.
St. Petersburg/Gibbs Campus (.pdf)
- Directions
- St. Pete/Gibbs Campus website
6605 Fifth Avenue North
St. Petersburg FL 33710
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9.
SPC Downtown Center (.pdf)
- Directions
- SPC Downtown website
244 Second Ave. North
St. Petersburg FL 33701
10.
SPC Midtown (.pdf)
- Directions
- SPC Midtown website
1048 22nd Street South
St. Petersburg FL 33712
11.
Allstate Center (.pdf)
- Directions
- Allstate Center website
3200 34th Street South
St. Petersburg FL 33711
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
employment-related 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 and Banking.
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.
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2. Collaborative Labs
Collaborative Labs is 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
 4 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 peninput device)
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Multiple LAN-accessible LCD projectors and screens
Video Conferencing
Plasma displays
Wireless and wired Internet access
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 or www.spcollege.edu\central\collaborative.
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’s 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’s 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’s degree.
For additional information please visit the high school web site
www.spcollege.edu/spchs.
b) Early College Program at SPC Clearwater Campus
The Early College Program, a new and innovative option for students, will be
located on the Clearwater Campus of St. Petersburg College. Juniors and seniors
who meet dual credit 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
2007. Students will remain fully dual-enrolled in their home high schools and in
college classes while participating in a course progression leading to simultaneous
completion of the high school diploma and the Associate in Arts. Currently, SPC
and PCS provide for part-time dual enrollment and for early college admission of
high school seniors. The Early College Program will allow for full-time dual
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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 is proud to offer baccalaureate degree options to the residents
of West Central Florida. SPC offers bachelor’s degree programs in Education,
Nursing, Technology Management, Paralegal Studies, Banking, International
Business, Dental Hygiene, Veterinary Technology, Public Safety Administration and
Orthotics and Prosthetics.
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. We have a support system in place 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. Full-time and part-time
programs are offered at the Tarpon Springs and the St.
Petersburg/Gibbs campuses.
 Exceptional Student Education (K-12) with Infused ESOL. Full-time and
part-time programs are offered at the Tarpon Springs and the St.
Petersburg/Gibbs campuses.
 Secondary Mathematics Education (6-12). A full-time program is offered
at the Clearwater campus.
 Secondary Science/Biology Education (6-12). Full-time programs are
offered at the Clearwater campus.
 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 four majors: Elementary Education (K6), Exceptional Student Education (K-12), Secondary Mathematics
Education (6-12), and Secondary Science (Biology) Education (6-12).
Students have classroom-based practical experiences starting in the junior
year. Each Education track includes between 155 to 200 school-based
hours, which allow Education students to hone their teaching skills in a
supervised public-school setting. 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.
Our supportive and friendly environment is structured as a Learning
Community — a group of students who take classes together and connect
outside the classroom. Courses are scheduled on a track so the Learning
Community goes through the program as a group/cohort. Not only will
students learn with other students, they also will collaborate with colleagues
in the profession who are attempting to solve problems in education. Our
“Power of the Practitioner” program is a value added feature for final interns
to prepare them with essential communication skills.
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College of Education students use state-of-the-art technology; they have
access to laptop computers in a wireless classroom environment, special
software packages, and Internet material and multimedia offerings. Students
are encouraged to 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 education professionals, there are three
classroom-based learning experiences in which each pre-service teacher
participates: The Survey Experience, the Practicum Experience, and the
Internship.
During the Survey Experience, students new to the education major develop
awareness of the culture of the education system and the classroom
teacher’s role in it. While based in the schools, students observe teaching
and classroom strategies, analyze student behavior, and become familiar
with the role of administrators, parents and other partners in the school
setting.
During the Practicum Experience, students have a more active role in the
classroom. They design lessons and teach them while they increase their
understanding of student learning and schools as organizations.
Finally, the Internship gives students the full experience. While in the
classroom, the intern will have many opportunities to apply what they have
learned about the content areas, effective teaching and assessment of
student learning. Student teachers are assigned to area schools according
to their education track.
b) College of Technology & Management
Bachelor of Applied Science in Technology Management
Technology Management is an innovative program that provides the
technical skills and the 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 supervise others, manage and direct technical
processes, operations and personnel. Whether they want to work for a large
corporation or work for themselves, program completers 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, and a desire to get ahead.
Classes are offered online using Angel and an Internet classroom that allows
for 24/7 access to courses. Or one can take blended courses, which are half
classroom based and half Internet-based. Blended courses are offered at
the EpiCenter in state-of-the-art classrooms. Each classroom is equipped
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with laptop computers, broadband wireless network connections, DVD, VCR
and computer projection systems.
Students are given practical, real-world experience in technology
management in three specialization tracks: Software systems development
management, which enables completers to play key roles on softwaredevelopment teams including data analyst, process designer and interface
designer; Network management, which enables completers to manage and
operate information and network resources for a company or a small
business; and Engineering technology management, which enables
completers to identify ways to improve manufacturing processes and
understand how changes in the process affect the entire production staff and
the productivity of the enterprise. A student also 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). SPC also accepts about 15 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
implications 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 of 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
Bachelor of Applied Science in Banking
The college offers courses leading to a baccalaureate degree in Banking.
The program has a broad-based financial curriculum applicable to
professional careers in the banking, financial services and insurance
industries.
The degree program was offered in response to a need expressed by
banking industry representatives.
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c) College of Nursing
Bachelor of Science in Nursing
SPC’s Nursing (BSN) 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 BSN 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
10-week 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.
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.
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 sixto eight-week increments, allowing time for work and family.
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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 test will be available online, and students will submit their
competed work electronically.
A bachelor’s degree may enable graduates to become instructors in twoyear 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
placement-services office. Other opportunities include administrative
positions in public health, hospitals or professional organizations.
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.
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 will also 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 offered online.
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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 one in Florida and has
been 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.
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 degree in Orthotics and Prosthetics 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 National Boards
in Prosthetics, after one year of supervised clinical experience in a residency
approved by the National Commission on Orthotics and Prosthetics
Education (NCOPE).
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E. Collegewide information
1. Internet presence
http://www.spcollege.edu
If you find Web pages that need updates, e-mail the webmaster@spcollege.edu or
contact Vicki Westergard, director, Web and Instructional Technology Services
(WITS), located at Seminole Campus, at 394-6280.
2. College calendar
See the College Calendar online at
http://www.spcollege.edu/webcentral/admit/dates.htm
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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
MT
SE
SPC
Downtown
SP/G
TS
Allstate Center
Clearwater Campus
District Office
Health Education Center
Corporate Training
EpiCenter
Midtown
Seminole Campus
SPC Downtown
St. Petersburg/Gibbs Campus
Tarpon Springs Campus
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
(See also 6Hx23-1.25) 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. Telephone contact directory
http://www.spcollege.edu/central/directory (Using the back key in the Internet
browser will bring you back to this page.) College employees are responsible for
making changes in their individual information in the contact directory. To
change information, go to http://www.spcollege.edu/helpdesk/ in the Faculty and
Staff Resources drop-down menu.
2. Staff Central
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Complete set of BOT rules and college procedures
http://www.spcollege.edu/central/dbtrules/
3. Information line
(727) 341-4SPC (4772) or E-Mail: Information@spcollege.edu. 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 at
https://it.spcollege.edu/StaffCentral/index.cfm or 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 or appropriate supervisor. If you are a traveler and receive
reimbursements via Accounts Payable, you must notify Accounts Payable
separately from HR. Email accountspayable-EPI@spcollege.edu and include
your employee ID. Each employee is responsible for change of their
college-related information on the HelpDesk web page for the College’s
Contact Directory.
2. Help desk
The Collegewide computer/technical help 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 HelpDesk via
http://www.spcollege.edu/helpdesk (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.
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4. Inter-campus mail
(See also P6Hx23-5.917): 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 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, Information Systems, Planning &
Budgeting has supervisory responsibility for the preparation and implementation
of the College budget.
b) Payroll deductions
(See also 6Hx23-5.11): 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 (3) different financial institutions. Nonbudgeted (temporary) employees are limited to one (1) financial institution.
c) Purchases
(See also 6Hx23-5.12):
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, 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 up to $300, and petty cash. All
reimbursable and petty cash purchases must have prior approval of the
appropriate Budget Supervisor.
d) Supplies Requisitions
(See also P6Hx23-5.121): Requests for appropriate equipment, supplies or
services are submitted directly to the program director or appropriate supervisor.
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Program directors 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 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
(See also 6Hx23-5.17) The College will accept Visa and MasterCard 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
(See also 6Hx23-5.16 and Chapter 112.061, Florida Statutes). Keep in mind
that 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
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:
2
3
Source: §440.015, Florida Statutes
Source: §440.09(1), Florida Statutes
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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 was probably 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 was probably 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
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
4
Source: §440.09(3), Florida Statutes
5
Source: §440.092(4), Florida Statutes
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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. 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
6
7
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.
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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 for college printers and computers 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 at the District
Impressions Office, 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
(See also 6Hx23-6.01): 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 6Hx23-5.13 and 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!
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.
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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 “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. Workweek
(See P6Hx23-2.141)
1. Duty hours for faculty
(See P6Hx23-2.141)
a) Duty hour requirements for full-time instructors
(See P6Hx23-2.141)
b) Twelve-month instructors (40 hours/week)
(See P6Hx23-2.141)
2. Instructional assignments
a) Teaching load
(See P6Hx23-2.141)
b) Evening classes
(See P6Hx23-2.141)
c) Supplemental teaching
(See also 6Hx23-1.01 and 6Hx23-2.23) The assignment of all classes,
including extra-pay classes, within a given department is a responsibility of the
program director 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; and
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, 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
(See P6Hx23-2.141)
e) Absence of an instructor from class
(See also P6Hx23-2.25)
3. Non-instructional activities
a) Faculty meetings
(See also 6Hx23-1.27): 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 and/or program directors call faculty meetings. Such meetings are
to be conducted periodically and faculty members are expected to attend.
b) Non-instructional assignments
(See P6Hx23-2.141)
c) Off-campus travel
(See P6Hx23-2.141)
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.
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The provost 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;
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; and
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.
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Project Deliverables must be specified in advance of the appointment and
included on the Personnel Action Authorization Request form(PAAR).
Lump Sum payments will be made following the completion and certification
to Human Resources of all project deliverables (and certification of minimum
contact hours).
Process for requesting supplemental pay:
Prepare Personnel Authorization Action Request (PAAR)
PAAR located here
c) Excess teaching preparations
Payment for excess teaching preparations is described in the Salary Schedules
and Related Policies. See Excess Teaching Preparations form on Staff Central
under Academics.
5. Faculty Qualifications
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If you wish to be cleared to teach in an additional discipline, you must be cleared by
the Faculty Credentialing office. SPC primarily uses the guidelines from SACS to
determine whether a faculty member is qualified to teach a particular subject. There
is an SPC Faculty Credentials Resource Web page,
www.spcollege.edu/central/credential with links to the Board of Trustees rule
concerning faculty qualifications, Faculty Credential Forms, Lower Division Teaching
Discipline Booklet, and much more. The Faculty Credential Form must be submitted
by your program director or dean.
B. Faculty Evaluation
1. Full-time faculty
(See also 6Hx23-2.10) 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 of an employee shall become 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 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.
Full-time faculty members are evaluated annually using the same criteria throughout the
College. The Collegewide Faculty Evaluation form (HR 440), found on Staff Central
forms, 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
See St. Petersburg College Rule 6Hx23-2.022
All adjunct instructional personnel (instructors, counselors and librarians) teaching credit
courses will be evaluated within the first session 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
40
competency in teaching and/or discipline-specific topics. If the instructor works for more
than one program director or dean, only one of those needs to evaluate the person. The
supervisor shall send to Human Resources a copy of the annual evaluation, on which
the professional development shall appear, signed by the employee and the supervisor.
In addition, the supervisor will record the completion of the evaluation in the HR
database for the purpose of providing evidence of compliance with ongoing faculty
professional development. All adjunct instructional personnel teaching non-credit
courses will be evaluated every two years. The Adjunct Faculty evaluation form can be
found on Staff Central forms 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 session.
New full-time faculty 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
St. Petersburg College Rule 6Hx23-2.022: XIV. Special Requirements
All full-time faculty (instructors, counselors and librarians), program directors,
provosts, 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."
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If an individual occupying one of the (above) specified positions can document prior
knowledge of the specified topic(s) and/or the suitability of a course more appropriate
to his/her job responsibilities to the satisfaction of a majority of the College's
provosts, then the faculty member or administrator, with approval of a majority of the
provosts, may substitute one or two graduate-level courses for those specified. The
taking of the two courses or approved substitute courses is mandatory unless
previously completed graduate courses meet the requirements. The substitute
courses should help the faculty member or administrator perform his/her job
responsibilities more effectively and/or become sensitive to the mission, population
or administration of community colleges. The substitute course(s) should not be
directly related to a specific teaching discipline. Documentation of prior knowledge
or request for approval of substitution will be managed through petition to the
provosts sitting as a group. 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 two specified or one or two approved substitute
courses, earning grades of "B" or better before the end of their third year of
employment in these positions to be eligible for reappointment. Full-time personnel
in these categories who were employed before July 1, 1990, and academic advisors,
instructional assistants and student activities coordinators who have baccalaureate
degrees will be encouraged to enroll in the graduate courses on a space-available
basis.
Upon completion of each course, personnel are required to furnish Human
Resources an official transcript from the institution that offered the course within 90
days of the completion of the course.
The College will attempt to have the graduate courses offered by appropriate
universities locally or via distance technology. However, the requirement remains in
effect even if the courses must be taken at one of the state universities. The College
will pay the tuition, fees and cost of books for the first enrollment in each course.
Textbooks for the courses, which will be provided by the College for use during the
period of enrollment, may be purchased by the individual for subsequent personal
use; individuals will reimburse the College for the cost of the text.
If for any reason a second attempt in either course is necessary, the individual will be
responsible for the costs.
The College will pay required tuition and fees directly to the university offering the
courses; however, individuals who earn grades of less than "B" will be required to
reimburse the College for the tuition and fees except in extenuating circumstances
approved by the president. Individuals who receive grades of "I" (incomplete) must
complete the course with a grade of "B" or better within a two-session period after
the session in which they enrolled for the course. Individuals who fail to achieve a "B"
or better within this time period will be required to reimburse the College for the
tuition and fees.
b) Adjunct faculty
The College also provides a series of on-line modules on college teaching methods
designed to help adjunct faculty develop sound instruction.
42
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 6Hx23-2.022 and 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 (Taken from 6Hx23-2.24 - Change in Employment
Grade for Instructional Personnel) 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, linked to
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.
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 collegewide presentations, and in the afternoon
collegewide discipline-related meetings. For more information regarding Faculty
Professional Development Day, talk with your program director.
b) Graduation
St. Petersburg College holds graduation ceremonies at the end of Terms I and II and
following the Summer Terms.
43
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 e-mail 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 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.
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. Calendar Committee
b. CLAST Appeals Committee and CLAST Alternates
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c.
d.
e.
f.
g.
h.
i.
j.
k.
l.
m.
n.
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
(See also P6Hx23-1.29)
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, TSC, SEM
and HEC; one instructional faculty member from AC; one student from CL, SP/G, TS,
AC and SEM (because of the specialized nature of programs at HEC and AC,
students from those sites will serve as program availability permits); one career staff
member from CL, SP/G, TS, HC, AC and Epi; one librarian; one counselor; one
assistant 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 6Hx23-4.36, 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.
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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.
d) Disciplinary Board
(See also 6Hx23-4.35)
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 6Hx23-1.34 and P6Hx23-1.34)
Charge: This panel is responsible for hearing formal complaints of discrimination as
identified in Board of Trustees Rule 6Hx23-1.34 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 an appropriate mix of minorities, women, disabled and
other 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. In addition, the EA/EO
officer shall serve on the Hearing Panel as the non-voting chairperson.
Term of Office: One-year term beginning in August. The panel meets upon
request.
Responsible to: The president and EA/EO officer.
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f) Equal Access/Equal Opportunity Committee
(See also 6Hx23-1.34, P6Hx23-1.34 and 6Hx23-2.01)
Charge: This committee participates in the review of the annual reports made by the
College, as required by the Office for Civil Rights; reviews other activities of the
College that may impact protected groups; and makes recommendations to the
president for his consideration relating to issues involving equal opportunity for
protected ethnic groups, as mandated by Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1965.
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 email the EA/EO officer at eaeo_director@spcollege.edu.
Membership: The membership of the committee consists of participants
representing the faculty, career employees and administrative/professionals from all
sites of the College. 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.
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
(See also P6Hx23-2.021)
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 P6Hx23-2.021.
The committee meets upon the filing of a grievance.
Responsible to: The president.
i) Financial Aid 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.
47
In addition, the Financial Aid Committee serves as an escalation point for the
campus-based Scholarships & Student Financial Assistance (SSFA) Committee and
SSFA Officer Committee. The Financial Aid Committee is responsible for reviewing
and providing determination on written appeals of decisions made by the SSFA
Officer Committee.
Membership: The committee is chaired by the senior vice president of
Administration, 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 SSFA; the associate
vice president of Financial & Business Services, and the vice president of Academic
and Student Affairs. The president appoints members of the committee.
Term of Office: One-year term beginning in August. Committee meets
throughout the year so members must be available during session 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 6Hx23-4.53 and 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, Tarpon Springs Campus, Allstate Center;
and
-- a total of three representatives from EpiCenter, ICOT Center 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 on-call
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; senior vice president of Administration
Charge: This collegewide 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.
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Group Responsibilities:
 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 in charge of eCampus, one other provost or assistant
provost, two faculty members each from SP/G and CL and one from each of the
other campuses recommended by provosts, two faculty members from each fouryear 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 in charge of eCampus.
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 vice president of Academic and Student
Affairs and the director of Libraries.
m) Sexual Harassment Committee
(See also 6Hx23-2.011)
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.
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 6Hx23-4.36 and P6Hx23-4.36)
49
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
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 or designee.
3. Other
a) 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
(See also 6Hx23-2.03) 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 is also 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 are also given):
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.
50
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
test must be taken during work hours. It may be taken at an employee’s desk, in any
college library, or in the HR office at EpiCenter Services. 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.
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.”
It also can be directly reached at http://training.newmedialearning.com/psh/stpetersburgc/index.htm.
The college’s sexual harassment policy also is distributed throughout the college on
paper and online.
4. Controlled substances
(See 6Hx23-2.02)
5. Drug-free workplace
(See P6Hx23-2.02 and P6Hx23-5.25)
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6. Smoking in college facilities
(See 6Hx23-1.37)
7. Outside employment
(See also 6Hx23-2.03) 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.
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 program director’s or provost’s office where they may be
located if they are to be away from their offices.
10. Nepotism
(See 6Hx23-2.13)
11. Legal services for employees
(See also P6Hx23-5.904) 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.
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IV. Academic procedures
A. Course information
1. Course content
(See also 6Hx23-3.04): 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
The location of the curriculum directory is \\file-cluster\voyager\curriculum.
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."
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 2 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 and the grading policy. Click here to see a
Sample Syllabus.
b) Final examinations
(See also 6Hx23-4.19): The giving of the final examination shall be left to the
discretion of the individual instructor, with the concurrence of the program director or
appropriate supervisor. With the exception of the Collegewide 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.
53
Final examinations must be administered at the time indicated in the Collegewide
Final Examination Schedule, unless a change is approved by the appropriate
program director 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 (or appropriate supervisor). If permission is granted, the Business Office 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 the Business Office, 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
(See also P6Hx23-3.906): The following definitions and operational criteria for corequisites 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.
Corequisite course is one in which a student must enroll and attend during the
same session 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 pre-requisite.
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 session. Assignment of instructors is the prerogative of the program director
or supervisor. Independent study is designed to teach the course content to students
who do not already possess course knowledge.
54
Only Directed Independent Study (DIS) assignments requested by the appropriate
program director or supervisor are eligible for supplemental salary payment or for
inclusion in a faculty member’s ECH (load) assignment. In order to quality 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 directors 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).
B. MySPC Overview
This new 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
Help Desk at 791-2795 (or via email at mailto:helpdesk@spcollege.edu) to have
your password reset.
55
This is the screen you will get when you have logged into MySPC:
2. View my class schedule
You may need to first select the term in which you wish to see your schedule.
56
3. Access class rosters
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.
4. Attendance reports and withdrawals
Instructors MUST maintain accurate per class records of student attendance. The
newly revised Rules, 6Hx23-4.31 and 6Hx23-4.30, 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 are not needed for those students – they will be AUTOMATICALLY
dropped. The completed Attendance Report should be submitted to the program
director who will transmit the forms to your Campus Registrar.
b) Withdrawals
Withdrawals will be entered as W in MySPC under Record Grades. Enter the W
grade for the student in the column that reads “Roster Grade.”
57
Be sure to click the Save button at the bottom of the grade roster to save the W
grades entered. Any grades entered and saved via the grade roster, including W
grades, will be posted to your students’ official records that evening when the grade
posting process is run. Beginning the next day, these grades will also appear in the
“Official Grade” column as well which indicates the grades are on the students’
official records. If you see a W grade listed in the “Official Grade” column but not in
the “Roster Grade” column, that indicates the student either self-withdrew via
MySPC, was withdrawn due to non-payment, or was withdrawn by an authorized
administrator.
c) Attendance of veterans
(See also P6Hx23-4.912): 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 semester will be
dropped for non-attendance, terminated from veterans’ benefits for unsatisfactory
progress, and the VA will require a refund of any monies received.
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.
5. 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.
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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) or e-mail for help
(webmaster@spcollege.edu)
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, provost, senior
vice president, president, etc.
2. Effect on next session schedule – prerequisites not met.
3. Financial aid for the session – failure to meet SOP (complete 50% of
attempted).
4. Financial aid reduced for next session – insufficient credit hours to qualify for
FT.
5. Student application for transfer rejected – insufficient coursework to qualify
for transfer.
6. 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 6Hx23-4.20): 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.
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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 software framework called ANGEL ("A New Global Environment for
Online Learning") to deliver online courses. ANGEL combines course content with
tools like e-mail, discussion forums and interactive quizzes in an easy-to-learn, userfriendly 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.
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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,
go to the SPC professional development community group on the ANGELDEV Web
site (angeldev.spcollege.edu).
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 signature
course 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 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. Program directors will determined 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
collegewide 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.
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.
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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 or via e-mail at
Onlinehelp@spcollege.edu.
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
www.spcollege.edu 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.
62
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) 3414357.
E. Special programs
1. Field trips
(See also 6Hx23-3.03 and P6Hx23-3.03): Field trips for instructional purposes involving
students and instructional staff are planned and organized in the following manner:
The program director 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 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” in BOT rule 6Hx23-5.16.
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 or appropriate supervisor well in advance of the proposed appearance
date. Program directors 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.
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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
collegewide. These copiers are not owned or leased by SPC. They are the property of
the vendor. (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: 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. See BOT Rules
6Hx23-5.171 and 6Hx23-5.28.
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.
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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.
2. Library
(See also P6Hx23-5.12 and P6Hx23-5.13) (http://www.SPC.edu/central/libonline) 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 collegewide 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 at http://www.spcollege.edu/central/libonline 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 have telnet access to LINCC through the College
network.
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VCRs, overhead projectors and other audiovisual equipment are scheduled for use and
repaired by the libraries. Request equipment though the campus library and report
broken or malfunctioning audiovisual equipment to the departmental secretary or the
library. Videotapes, compact disk recordings and other audiovisual materials are listed
in LINCC. Telecourse videotapes also are listed in LINCC and the libraries provide
copies of the tapes for student checkout as well as reserve copies of the Telecourse
syllabi and textbooks.
Materials placed on Library Reserve by faculty are kept at the circulation desks. Faculty
are requested to review “Reserves” each term and remove materials that are no longer
needed.
A Collegewide 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
determine adequate library support before requesting approval of the Curriculum and
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Instruction Committee. Periodical subscriptions are the by calendar year. Request
periodical subscriptions in Session 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.
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Seminole Campus (394-6160)
Monday andThursday
Tuesday and Wednesday
Friday
8:30 a.m. to 7 p.m.
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
the Clearwater, Tarpon Springs, and St. Petersburg/Gibbs
campuses 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://tech.SPC.cc.fl.us/
5. Staff and Program Development (SPD) Workshops
SPD provides computer training and professional development workshops for the
employees of St. Petersburg College. The SPD computer courses are open to
adjunct faculty. Course offerings are listed at http://www.spcollege.edu/central/spd/.
Online computer skills training also is available through SPD. For more information, visit
the SPD Web page listed above. If you have suggestions for training or need
specialized training, please contact SPD at Ext. 5231.
6. Software manuals available online
http://onestop.spcollege.edu/software/manuals.htm
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:
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1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.
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.
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 and/or 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 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 college-wide 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.
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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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
with the purpose of the program to which they belong. Program and course proposals
are then reviewed by other faculty and program directors in the discipline. Once this part
of the curriculum process has been completed, the materials are submitted through a
college-wide process through the originating campus provost 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 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
(See also 6Hx23-4.37): 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 POSTED IN ANY MANNER, EVEN USING
STUDENT NUMBERS FOR IDENTIFICATION PURPOSES.
D. Copyright
1. Policy
See 6Hx23-1.35 and 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.
70
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.
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
(Board of Trustees’ Rules and Procedures P6Hx23-1.35): 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:
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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."
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 are also 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
(See 6Hx23-3.01)
2. Academic titles
(See P6Hx23-3.901)
3. Textbook selection and adoption
(See P6Hx23-3.912)
4. Resale of complimentary textbooks
(See 6Hx23-3.911)
5. Software use
a) At the college
For information on College software, see
http://onestop.spcollege.edu/software/wahsur.htm.
b) At home
http://onestop.spcollege.edu/software/wahsur.htm
VI.
Student policies
A. At the start of the semester
1. Admission
a) Admission to the general college
(See 6Hx23-4.01 and 6Hx23-4.02)
Students seeking admission to a program that has limited admission should consult
the Student Records Office on any campus. Some programs have special admission
requirements beyond those stated in the general admission policy of the College.
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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 http://www.spcollege.edu/webcentral/forms.htm.
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 is always available from the College
faculty. Should an instructor become aware that a student does not meet prerequisite or course sequence requirement in a given course, the student will be
advised to consult with the appropriate counselor. If a student does take and
complete a course out of sequence or without the stated pre-requisites, 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 6Hx23-5.17) 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.
4. After the registration period and up to the deadline date for dropping a
course, audit students may change to credit status only after obtaining the
written recommendation of the instructor with concurrence of the program
director involved, and completing the appropriate audit form with the Records
Office.
5. Audit students are required to meet course pre-requisites, including
appropriate scores on the SPC Placement Test.
6. 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.
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3. Financial Aid
a) Guidelines
(See also 6Hx23-4.03 and P6Hx23-4.031) Financial Aid 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 SSFA website) Students apply for financial
assistance using the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) each
academic year. The FASFA is available online or in paper form Applications
for the new academic year are available 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.
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 Spring term, regardless
of whether the student is receiving financial assistance.
The College has established a 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
Up to 15
By 30
By 45
By 60
Required Cumulative
Grade Point Average
1.50
1.75
2.00
2.00
Percent Completion
50%
50%
50%
50%
Further, we have established that students must complete 50 percent (1/2) of the
course work that they attempt each year to continue to qualify for assistance. In
determining the 50 percent completion rate, only grades of A, B, C, D, F and S will
be taken into consideration. All other grades, i.e., I, 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.
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Generally, students may not receive financial assistance after they have attempted
90 credit hours for an associate’s 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 Scholarships and Student Financial
Assistance 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 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, and/or the Federal Stafford 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 private or parent PLUS
loans.
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 third 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.
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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 are posted on the Scholarships and Student Financial
Assistance (SSFA) website 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 Student Services
Office of 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, campus registrars or
counselors regarding any and all matters concerning the welfare of students.
5. Academic requirements
a) College preparatory instruction
(See also 6Hx23-4.451) Students are allowed three (3) 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, N, or I will be considered an attempt. ││ WF
Class rolls for all sections of preparatory courses will include codes that indicate the
student’s preparatory status. Program directors have copies of the “Preparatory Instruction
Monitoring System Specifications.”
b) Substantial writing requirement
(See also 6Hx23-4.32) 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.
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B. During the semester
1. Student e-mails
Acceptable use of student e-mail is currently under development. Please see Staff
Central for updates.
2. Course changes
a) Course transfer
(See 6Hx23-4.311)
a) Changes in program after beginning of class
(See 6Hx23-4.02)
3. Attendance
a) Notice of student illness
When the provost 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.
b) Excessive absences of students
6Hx23-4.30
CLASS ATTENDANCE
It will be the responsibility of each instructor to insure that all students are informed of his/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.” It
is also the responsibility of the instructor to take regular attendance for students enrolled in
his/her class(es) and promptly withdraw any student in violation of that policy. Class
attendance rosters will be maintained by instructors in the ANGEL Learning Management
System Attendance Manager module and shall be updated weekly. Program Directors/Deans
will have the responsibility of monitoring management reports on student attendance and must
promptly notify instructor(s) who are not monitoring attendance, updating attendance rosters
and processing student withdrawals.
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.
The effect of absences upon grades is determined by the instructor. It is
important that the student become aware of each instructor's attendance
and excessive absence policy.
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If any student violates the instructor’s attendance and excessive absence
policy, the instructor will withdraw the student and assign a grade
pursuant to BOT Rule 6Hx23-4.31. The instructor will withdraw the
student within seven (7) calendar days of the last date of attendance and
violation of the attendance policy. Any student withdrawn for excessive
absences will be sent notification of such action. All instructors’ syllabi
shall reflect attendance policies that define the maximum absences or
scheduled class hours based on the following guidelines:
Meeting Times Per Week
Max. Total Absences
Five (5)
Four (4)
Three (3)
Two (2)
One (1)
Up to 7
Up to 6
Up to 5
Up to 4
Up to 2
Exceptions to the guidelines include Science, Technology and/or Allied
Health labs, clinicals or internships, and courses that provide variable or
abbreviated meeting patterns such as blended, Weekend Computer
Institute (WCI), express, modmester or online instruction. However, in
any case a clearly defined attendance/ participation policy shall be
provided to students.
III.
For an instructor who fails to provide a syllabus or who fails to include in
his/her syllabus an attendance and excessive absence policy, the
instructor and student shall be bound by the following:
A.
Absences exceeding the guidelines established in II. Above for
the scheduled class hours shall be considered excessive.
B.
The instructor will withdraw the student or the student will
be administratively withdrawn and assigned a grade
pursuant to BOT Rule 6Hx23-4.31.
C.
Any student withdrawn for excessive absences will be sent
notification of such action.
c) Absence from final examination
(See also P6Hx23-4.19) Absence from a final examination necessitates that the
student request approval for an early or make-up examination period from the
instructor, program director or appropriate supervisor, and the assistant provost.
d) Excused absences
 For religious purposes
(See 6Hx23-1.34, P6Hx23-1.34 and 6Hx23-4.01)

For approved activities, other than field trips
(See also 6Hx23-4.30) 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
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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 absences
from the class(es) will be approved and, if so, to make any necessary
arrangements to make up the work missed.

Jury duty
(See P6Hx23-4.30)
4. Withdrawals
a) Policy
(See also 6Hx23-4.31) 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) Involuntary withdrawal
(See also 6Hx23-4.31) If the reason for the drop is involuntary during the “W” period,
i.e., for excessive absences, the instructor will go to Record Grades in MySPC to
enter the W grade. 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,
press the Tab key to move your cursor to the next grade entry field, and continue
entering grades until finished. If you enter an invalid value, the system will alert you.
You can click the spyglass icon
values. “WF”
and click the
button for a list of valid
c) Voluntary withdrawal during “W” period
(See also 6Hx23-4.31) If the drop is voluntary during the “W” period, the student can
either withdraw from the class via MySPC or see the instructor and request a
withdrawal. The procedure then followed is the same as for involuntary withdrawal.
d) Voluntary withdrawal after “W” period
(See 6Hx23-4.31) Students and faculty may not withdraw a student after the
voluntary withdrawal deadline.
5. Grades
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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 (1) week before the end of the voluntary
withdrawal period. This progress notification shall be based upon at least one (1)
formal evaluation.
b) Requirements for instructors of Title III students
If a faculty member finds the designation Title III next to a student’s name on the
enrollment sheet, he or she should be cognizant of the following responsibilities with
respect to that student:
The faculty member will receive and will need to respond to an electronic notification
(Early Alert) asking for the student’s progress in the course at that point in the
semester.
The faculty member will need to be aware of the Title III site coordinator, who is
responsible for monitoring the progress of students enrolled in the Title III First Year
Experience on his or her campus.
The faculty member will need to be aware that each Title III student is assigned a
personal mentor through the Counseling/Advising Department, who will meet with
the student at least twice during the semester to offer additional support.
c) Grading system
(See 6Hx23-4.20)
d) Incomplete grades and procedure
(See also 6Hx23-4.20) 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.
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.”
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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 session.
If a student wishes to repeat the courses, the incomplete grade will not be
counted.
e) Determination of academic standing
(See 6Hx23-4.15 and 6Hx23-4.24)
f) Repeat courses and academic average
(See 6Hx23-4.15)
6. Procedure to identify students with learning and other disabilities
(See P6Hx23-4.021) 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 6Hx23-4.45 and 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
(See also 6Hx23-3.01) 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. 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 harassment directed at a student will not be
tolerated. Sexual harassment has been interpreted to include the creation of a hostile
environment without tangible loss. In the classroom and work environment, this could
mean the use of sexually offensive language without any effect on a student’s grade.
Other more obvious types of sexual harassment are, of course, prohibited.
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All employees have a duty to immediately report acts of discrimination, 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
(Taken from Academic Honesty Guidelines, 6Hx23-4.461)
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 chatroom or Web page sites.
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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
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
(See also 6Hx23-4.33)
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
(See also 6Hx23-3.01)
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.
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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.
7. Disciplinary problems
(See also 6Hx23-4.35, 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 anywhere 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 grievances and appeals
(See also 6Hx23-4.36)
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 (BOT Rule 6Hx23-4.37).
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.
e.
f.
belated withdrawals;
deviations from graduation requirements;
changes to permanent records;
academic probation, suspension and dismissal under BOT Rule 6Hx23-4.46;
changes from audit to credit;
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.
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9. Faculty referrals to counseling services
(See also 6Hx23-4.48)
Instructors and counselors are urged to confer regarding student problems. On
occasion, an instructor might feel that a student could profit from counseling. It is the
responsibility of that instructor either to suggest that the student see a counselor or to
suggest to the counselor that such counseling appears desirable.
10. Academic standing
(See 6Hx23-4.46)
a) Academic warning
(Also see 6Hx23-4.46)
A student who fails to maintain at least a 2.0 GPA at any time after completing a
minimum of seven (7) semester hours of credit will be placed on academic warning
status. While in warning status, the student is considered to be in good academic
standing.
b) Academic probation
After being placed on academic warning, a student who fails to maintain at least a
2.0 session 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.
iii.
A student must maintain at least a 2.0 GPA each session and receive
credit in at least one-half (50%) of the credit hours attempted.
c) Academic suspension
After being placed on academic probation, a student will be suspended at the end of
any session for which his or her session GPA is below 2.0.
While under academic suspension, the student is ineligible to re-enroll for a period of
one session.
d) Academic dismissal
(See also 6Hx23-4.46)
A student who has been suspended for at least one session and who returns and
then fails to maintain a minimum session GPA of 2.0 each session 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 a counselor prior to re-admission.
In addition, students in health-related programs may be placed on academic
probation, suspension, or dismissal pursuant to BOT Rule 6Hx23-4.53 Health
Related Programs – Special Rules.
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e) Reinstatement appeals procedure
Students who have been academically dismissed may petition for reinstatement to
the campus Student Appeals Committee. See Student Academic Appeals.
11. Student records
(See also 6Hx23-4.37 and 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 Tarpon Springs Campus for microfilming and storage.
b) Release of student records
(See 6Hx23-4.37)
c) Student record checking for graduation
All such statistical and academic record computing as is generally required of the
Records Office is compiled for each campus and reported to, and distributed by, the
campus registrar. Graduation lists are prepared for each campus and reported to the
College Registrar. Honor lists for each campus are compiled by the College
Registrar.
d) Rights of students, parents, and guardians
(See 6Hx23-4.37)
12. Collection of money from students
(See also 6Hx23-1.17)
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.
13. Graduation
(See 6Hx23-4.24)
D. Links to additional information
1. Tutoring
(See 6Hx23-2.26)
2. Reservations for use of college facilities by recognized student organizations
(See also P6Hx23-4.911)
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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
(See 6Hx23-4.17)
4. Student forms online
Students should refer to http://www.spcollege.edu/webcentral/forms.htm
or the MySPC site
https://my.spcollege.edu/psp/ps/EMPLOYEE/PSFT_PORTAL_SPC/h/?tab=PAPP_GU
ES for student forms.
5. College catalog
Academic and Student Affairs, Curriculum Services, develops and revises the College’s c
atalog. 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.
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 at eaeo_director@spcollege.edu.
2. Equal employment opportunities
(See also 6Hx23-2.01 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.
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


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 are also 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 or Associate Provost
B. Gifts
1. Solicitation or acceptance of gifts
(See also 6Hx23-2.03): 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 is also 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 6Hx23-5.13 and P6Hx23-5.13)
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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
(See also P6Hx23-5.908)
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
(See 6Hx23-1.341)
VIII. Personnel policies
A. Human Resources website
The following hyperlink connects to the Human Resources Web site
http://www.spcollege.edu/central/hr/
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1. Position descriptions and manuals
Position description information for administrative/professional and career service
positions is contained in the College’s position description manual and online under the
Human Resources (HR) site on the College’s home page (Web Central -- see
http://www.spcollege.edu/Central/HR/classify.htm. To return to the Faculty Manual
from the Internet browser, use the “back” key.) The library and the provost’s office on
each site maintain copies of the manual.
2. Procedures for filling faculty vacancies
(See 6Hx23-2.201)
3. Career service manual
(http://www.spcollege.edu/central/hr/CSManual/index.htm)
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
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
(See also 6Hx23-2.22)
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.
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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
(See P6Hx23-2.141)
All supplemental contracts are issued on a contingency basis. If the class is cancelled, the
contract may be terminated. Each supplemental contract includes the amount of
remuneration 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 6Hx23-2.211 and 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 (7) days’ written notice before the president’s recommendation, including a copy of the
charges. If at this point the board determines that it will consider the charges, the employee shall
be given the opportunity to request a hearing.
7. Loss of continuing contract status
(See also 6Hx23-2.21)
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 (14) 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
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based upon adopted classification standards and shall determine the basis for
compensation of instructional personnel. The College’s Salary Schedule and Related
Policies are available on the College Web site:
http://www.spcollege.cc.fl.us/central/hr/facsal.htm.
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 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
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pay, both the last workday before and the first workday after the holiday(s). See the
College Calendar online at http://www.SPC.edu/webcentral/admit/dates.htm.
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)
semester hours 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 (10)
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 Heath Education Center, Allstate Center, or any other work site, the
salary ranges from $8.49 to $9.94 per hour. See Adjunct, Temporary and Substitute
Personnel for salary criteria.
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
General compensation information on the faculty salary schedule can be found at
http://www.spjc.cc.fl.us/central/hr/facsal.htm.
2. Change in academic credentials
(See http://www.spcollege.cc.fl.us/central/hr/facsal.htm#change)
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
(See http://www.spcollege.edu/central/hr/tempsal.htm#credit)
4. Grade/Salary per Equated Credit Hour
(See http://www.spcollege.edu/central/hr/tempsal.htm#EQ)
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5. Emergency Medical Services – Credit
(See http://www.spcollege.edu/central/hr/tempsal.htm#EQ)
6. Microsoft Certified Systems Engineer (MCSE) and Microsoft Certified Solutions
Developer (MCSD) instruction
7. Excess teaching preparations
(See http://www.spcollege.edu/central/hr/tempsal.htm#excess)
8. Adjunct/Supplemental salary schedule – Non-credit
(See http://www.spcollege.edu/central/hr/tempsal.htm#ncsal)
9. Substitute pay
(See http://www.spcollege.edu/central/hr/tempsal.htm#sub)
10. Extended substitute pay
(See http://www.spcollege.edu/central/hr/tempsal.htm#extsub)
11. Percent of load
(See http://www.spcollege.edu/central/hr/tempsal.htm#extsub)
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
19. Miscellaneous salary schedule
20. Work Study and student assistants’ salary schedule
21. Temporary (Other Personnel Services) employees salary schedule
22. Supplemental pay
E. Time off
1. Sick leave
(See also 6Hx23-2.31 and 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,
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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. During Terms III, 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
8 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 is accrued at a rate of one day per month of service with no limit on accrual.
Up to four days each fiscal year may be taken as Personal Days.
Sick leave credit will be 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 below shall notify the supervisor or other appropriate
official no later than the opening of the day’s work on the day of the absence. Any
employee, before claiming and receiving compensation for time absent on sick leave,
shall file a leave of absence request form.
Full-time employees in budgeted positions who are unable to perform their duties at the
College due to personal illness, accident, disability or extended personal illness or
because of illness or death of father, mother, brother, sister, husband, wife, child or other
close relative or member of their own household and who have to be absent from work
shall, upon request, be eligible to receive sick leave, subject to the provision
herein.
Part-time employees in budgeted positions are eligible to receive all benefits as
described herein on a pro-rata basis.
Sick leave earned during Terms I and II may be used by employees under contract
during Term III or Term IV.
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Former employees who are re-employed within five (5) years of their prior termination
date shall receive credit for sick leave that had accumulated but was unused during their
previous employment. In implementing this policy, sick leave will be deemed as used if
the leave has been certified to another eligible Florida institution or if terminal pay
benefits have been received for the leave.
College employees who have exhausted their accrued sick and vacation leave and are
on an approved sick leave for personal medical reasons will remain eligible for health
and life insurance coverage. The College will continue to pay its portion of the premium
cost for a period of up to three (3) months, after which the entire cost of the coverage
must be paid by the employee.
Any employee who is absent continuously for an extended period of time because of
illness or injury may be required to submit a medical statement from an authorized
physician.
2. Vacation leave
Vacation leave is accrued by 12-month faculty, counselors 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.
3. Professional leave
Leave for thirty (30) consecutive days (20 duty days) or fewer for the following purposes
shall be known as professional leave. Such leave shall be with or without pay and shall
be known as professional leave. Such leave shall be with or without pay and shall not
exceed 20 duty days in any fiscal year. Professional leave may be granted by the
president to an employee for the purpose of 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.
Leave with or without pay extending for more than thirty (30) consecutive days (20 duty
days) for appropriate purposes shall be known as extended professional leave. The
president may approve extended professional leave for up to three calendar months.
Extended professional leave beyond three (3) months for professional study or travel
may be granted with or without pay by the Board of Trustees. Extended professional
leave shall count toward service on the salary schedule. Sick leave and vacation leave
benefits do not accrue during extended leave. Extended professional leave does not
gain credit for the acquisition of a continuing contract.
4. Sabbatical leave
(See also 6Hx23-2.37)
These guidelines are to be used in the selection of persons for sabbatical leaves and are
not to be interpreted as superseding or negating any board policy regarding sabbatical
leave.
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Persons selected to be awarded leave must meet the criteria set by the board. The
awarding of leaves and the number of leaves awarded will be 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 6Hx23-1.20)
An employee suffering an injury in the line of duty shall, if able, report to the appropriate
supervisor to initiate the First Report of Injury form. A Leave of Absence form (HR-414)
is to be completed by the employee and appropriate supervisor and submitted to Human
Resources in the same pay period that the accident occurred. An employee contracting
an illness in the line of duty is required to submit a physician’s statement with the
completed Leave of Absence form.
The board must approve all Illness in the Line of Duty leave.
6. Family and medical leave
(See 6Hx23-2.35)
7. Sick leave pool
(See 6Hx23-2.31)
8. Illness in line of duty
(See 6Hx23-2.31)
9. Personal leaves
(See 6Hx23-2.32)
10. Personal leave without pay
(See 6Hx23-2.34)
11. Court-related leaves
(See 6Hx23-2.38)
12. Administrative leave from continuing contract
(See 6Hx23-2.21)
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13. Military and National Guard leave
(See 6Hx23-2.33)
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 HMO coverage for active employees in budgeted full-time
positions. Active employees in budgeted part-time positions pay for ½ the monthly
cost of HMO coverage. Employees who choose a benefit level higher than the HMO
pay the difference between the cost of the HMO and the plan selected.
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 for up to $25 per plan year
in vision expenses. Please refer to the MERP procedure available through the
Human Resources Department 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 six-year
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
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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 is also available to the employee’s
spouse and/or any eligible dependents. See 6Hx23-2.02 for details.
b) Library privileges
Use of College library facilities with checkout privileges at no cost.
c) Athletic privileges
Free use of natatorium, Nautilus, etc.
d) College events
Free admission to most College-sponsored events.
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; administration, HC and TS.
c) Discount cards
Discounts are provided for numerous attractions throughout Florida including Disney
World, EPCOT, Busch Gardens, Sea World, Cypress Gardens and others; contact
Human Resources.
d) Income protection
This optional insurance is available through payroll deduction. Benefits are payable
in addition to sick leave and medical coverage.
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e) Automobile and property/casualty insurance
Automobile and homeowners insurance is available at discounted rates through
Liberty Mutual Insurance Company and payable by payroll deduction.
f) Credit union
Achieva (used to be Pinellas County Teacher’s Credit Union) offers checking,
savings and loan opportunities to all College personnel. Information concerning the
Achieva organization can be obtained from the credit union ambassador on your site,
directly from the Achieva or from the PCTCU Web site at
https://www.achievacu.com/ (To return to the Faculty Manual from the internet
browser, use the “back” key.)
G. Benefits – Employee paid
1. Group health for spouse/dependents
Group health insurance for the employee’s spouse and/or dependent(s) is available
with the College’s group health insurance provider, at the employee’s expense.
2. Dental and vision
Dental and vision coverages are available as voluntary benefits. 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 pretax 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 through Canada Life Assurance Company.
Employees may purchase increments of the base term amount (provided by the College)
up to a maximum of two times – tripling the term life coverage.
6. Additional life insurance
Additional life insurance is available through American Heritage Life under a Flex Life
Policy. Flex Life is not the same as group life insurance, but is designed to supplement
group insurance. It is portable in the event you leave the College, and coverage is
available for you, your spouse and your children.
7. Supplemental insurance
Additional supplemental insurance coverage is available through the American Family
Life Assurance Company of Columbus (AFLAC). Several AFLAC plans are available at
SPC, and these benefits are paid directly to the employee, regardless of other plans.
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8. 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.
9. Flexible spending account
St. Petersburg College's flexible 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 (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 September 15
following the end of the plan year on June 30) 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
(See also 6Hx23-2.07)
St. Petersburg College employees are members of one of two retirement programs. The Florida
Retirement System was adopted during the 1970 state legislative session combining the then 18
various state retirement programs into one. Members of the original programs were given the
option of changing programs. (See web site for Florida Retirement System at
http://www.rol.frs.state.fl.us/ ) Some St. Petersburg College employees elected to stay with the
Teachers Retirement System. Effective December 1, 1970, all full-time College personnel who
are not members of the Teachers Retirement System are required to become members of the
Florida Retirement System; however, effective May 1, 1996, eligible employees have sixty (60)
days from the commencement of their employment to elect to participate in the Community
College Optional Retirement Program. Eligible employees who do not elect to participate are
required to become members of the Florida Retirement System.
a) Florida retirement program
The basic features of the Florida Retirement System provide that members may
retire under one of the following circumstances:
1. At age 62 with ten or more years of creditable service; or
2. With thirty (30) years of service, regardless of age; or
3. With a minimum of ten (10) 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) Teachers’ retirement program
The basic features of the Teachers Retirement System provide that members may
retire:
1. At age 60 if membership was prior to July 1, 1963, with ten (10) years of
service.
2. At age 62 if membership was on or after July 1, 1963, with ten (10) years of
service.
3. At age 55, with ten (10) years of service, with a reduction in monthly benefits
of five percent (5%) for each year of said person’s age under the normal
retirement age (60 or 62, depending on enrollment date in the system).
Credit may be obtained with both systems for periods of military service, leaves-ofabsence, prior service and out-of-state service by purchase of creditable time. Since
rules and costs differ between the two retirement systems, the Human Resources
office should be contacted for more information regarding this matter.
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 and they have a supply of the necessary forms used by the Division of
Retirement.
If you are interested in obtaining credit for purchased time as outlined above, you
should contact Human Resources six (6) months prior to your planned termination
date. If you feel your retirement account is in order, you should begin the retirement
process ninety (90) days prior to your planned termination date.
When you have made your DECISION TO RETIRE, please do the following:
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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.
4. Complete the appropriate Application For Service Retirement form and return
it, along with a copy of your birth certificate, to Human Resources.
Your Human Resources office will take over from this point, obtaining
necessary certification of service and earnings from the payroll office and any
other prior agencies forwarding all documents to the Division of Retirement.
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) 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
(See 6Hx23-2.27)
b) Repayment for training received
(See 6Hx23-2.27)
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
(6Hx23-2.07)
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APPENDIX A
ORGANIZATIONAL CHART
105
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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 counselors 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 Collegewide 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 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 counselors 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, counsel, 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 Collegewide
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.
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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
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 exofficio 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 (3) 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 (2) 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
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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, Counseling, & Physical Education
CL
Social Sciences & Ethics
CL
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 (1) year commencing on the first
duty day of Term I.
D. Officers may succeed themselves.
E. Duties of chairperson shall include, but not be limited to:
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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-Chairperson
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.
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 are normally reserved to discuss emergency issues or other
issues that need immediate attention. The specific reasons for requesting the Faculty
Council chairperson may call a special meeting upon the presentation of a written petition
signed by 40 percent (40%) of ther, or upon request of the site administrator or College
president. The special meeting may be called within eight (8) 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.
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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 collegewide issues shall be
forwarded to the Faculty Senate.
G. Requests for information from the administration pertaining to business of the Faculty
Councils 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 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.
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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 (10) 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 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:
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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 collegewide
compensation committee.
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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.
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 non-at-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 (2) 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 (1) year and shall commence on the first duty day of
Session 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.
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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.
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 (5) 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.
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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.
D. Recommendations made by the Faculty Senate regarding collegewide 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 Collegewide 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 therefrom. 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 (10) 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.
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.
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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 (1) 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 (1) 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
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Color has been used for emphasis on this document. Please include each section and
policy in your syllabus, and insert your respective campus phone numbers where
indicated. Also, consult with your Program Director regarding any program-specific
syllabus requirements and/or guidelines.
SYLLABUS TEMPLATE
INSTRUCTOR
(Name, office location, office hours, phone number and
e-mail address)
ACADEMIC DEPARTMENT (Give Department Information, Dept. Chairperson name,
Office location and Phone number)
COURSE PREFIX AND NUMBER
COURSE NAME
NOTE- Include a brief course description, such as an abstract. Place the overview near the top of the main
syllabus page where users can easily find it or on a preceding, site introduction page. Provide a link to the
full course description.
MEETING INFORMATION
(Location of meeting room)
(Meeting days and class time)
IMPORTANT: Include Attendance Policy in this section mentioning number of absences allowable,
importance of notifying instructor if absence is anticipated. Refer to College policy (Revised October
2006) on class attendance 6Hx23-4.30 i.e., Attendance: You are subject to being dropped if you
accumulate more than five unexcused absences during the term. Absence: It is the student’s responsibility
to notify the instructor of ANY absence. (NOTE TO FACULTY: Taking attendance is extremely
important for veterans and international students. It is important to refer to College policy (Revised
October 2006) on class attendance, Rule 6Hx23-4.30,
http://www.spcollege.edu/central/botrules/R4/4_30.doc )
(Lab safety/health procedures if applicable)
SPECIAL ACCOMMODATIONS
If you wish to request accommodations as a student with a documented disability, please make an
appointment with the Learning Specialist on campus. If you have a documented hearing loss, please
contact the Program for the Deaf/Hard of Hearing at 791-2628. If you will need assistance during an
emergency classroom evacuation, please contact your campus learning specialist immediately about
arrangements for your safety. The Office of Services for Students with Disabilities can be reached at 7912628 or 791-2710 (CL), 341-4758 (SP/G), 394-6108 (SE)
712-5789 (TS) or 341-4532 (AC).
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COURSE GOALS
(List the goal(s) of the course in terms of expected outcomes for a student. An excellent source is the
Major Learning Outcomes section of the course outline. See the C&I information on the College Server).
COURSE OBJECTIVES
(List the course objectives that will lead the student through the learning process to achieve the course goal.
See again the Course Objectives Stated in Performance Terms section of the course outline).
PREREQUISITES (IF APPLICABLE)
(List any requirements for established skills or knowledge that cannot be easily determined from the course
title or description).
GRADING
Describe the grading system by which the student’s coursework will be assessed. Specify how assignments
and other course components are weighted with regard to overall course grade. The grading system should
address opportunities for success across different learning styles and examination methods that test higher
order cognitive and affective skills. Be sure to also consult with program director and other colleagues to
ensure that the grading system conforms to department and/or College policy.
ACADEMIC HONESTY
St. Petersburg College has an Academic Honesty policy. It is your responsibility to be familiar with the
policies, rules, and the consequences of violations. Read about the policy at:
http://www.spcollege.edu/webcentral/admit/honesty.htm. There is no tolerance for cheating and
academic dishonesty. Discipline can range from a zero on that specific assignment to expulsion from the
class with a grade of F. Note that copy/pasting published information, whether it's from your textbook or
the Internet, without citing your source is plagiarism and violates this policy. Even if you change the words
slightly, the ideas are someone else's, so you still have to cite your sources. Cheating, plagiarism, bribery,
misrepresentation, conspiracy and fabrication are defined in Rule 6Hx23-4.461, Student Affairs: Academic
Honesty Guidelines, Classroom Behavior.
TEXTBOOK INFORMATION
Provide all relevant information for any textbooks or course readers required or suggested for the course. If
online information about the text is available from the publisher, include a hyperlink to it as well as any
online tutorials or assistance aids.
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ASSIGNMENTS
List all assignments, information on the date due, scope of assignment and relative weight toward the final
grade in the course. If applicable create a separate Web page for the list of assignments and place a
prominent link to the assignments page on the syllabus page.
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 341-4357 or via email at
Onlinehelp@spcollege.edu
CAMPUS SAFETY AND SECURITY
For information on campus safety and security policies please contact (insert campus security number or
general number for online courses). For information on registered sexual offenders on SPC campuses
please contact campus security or the Associate Provost’s office. For general information please go to the
state of Florida’s website at http://www3.fdle.state.fl.us/sopu/index.asp
RESOURCES
List any resources, citations, tutorial assistance or other aids that may assist the student in the course.
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