Through out this manual you will be asked to refer to SPC Board of Trustees Rules & Procedures, Please use the following link in order to accomplish this task:  http://www1.spjc.edu/central/dbtrules/
 
 

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INTRODUCTION

GOVERNANCE:

Each of Florida’s twenty-eight (28) community/junior colleges has it 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. These rules are all based on a higher legal authority, primarily rules of the State Board of Education. The State Board of Education rules are derived from authority given by the Florida Legislature as recorded in the Florida Statutes.

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 two-volume manual, the St. Petersburg College BOT Rules and Procedures Manual, and are also available in each of the campus/site libraries, and from program directors.

HISTORY:

St. Petersburg Junior College (SPJC) was founded in 1927 and is the oldest junior college in the state. A group of local citizens, headed by Captain George Lynch, superintendent of Pinellas County Schools, was the prime mover in establishing SPJC, originally a private non-profit two-year college offering three curricula to 87 students. The founders’ major concern was to provide higher education facilities for high school graduates who could not afford to attend college away from home. Tuition fees and an annual grant from the city of St. Petersburg first supported the institution. SPJC was accredited in 1931. A junior year, added in the fall of 1933, was discontinued in 1938. The College then strengthened its philosophy to remain a two-year college.

The College changed from private to public school status in 1948, becoming a part of the Pinellas County school system until 1968. It was then placed under the direct control of the St. Petersburg Junior College District Board of Trustees.

Originally located in the downtown area, the College moved to its present St. Petersburg Campus site in 1942 after a tract of twenty-five acres was donated by the city of St. Petersburg. The Clearwater Campus was opened in 1965 to provide for the rapidly expanding population of upper Pinellas County. A District Office complex, located in Pinellas Park, midway between campuses, was completed in 1968. In 1970 a Tarpon Springs Center was established to serve the people of that area, and in 1980 a Health Education Center was established in Pinellas Park to house all health programs at the College. The Technology Campus in Seminole opened July 1998. The Criminal Justice Institute is housed at the Allstate Center in south St. Petersburg. The College also has a site at Bay Pines, the SPC Center @ USF St. Petersburg and the SPC @ ICOT Corporate Training Center.

In June of 2001, the governor signed the Education bill that contained provisions making us a unique 4-year college, a 2 plus 2 college; hence our name changed to St. Petersburg College (SPC) and our District Board’s name changed to Board of Trustees (BOT).

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PHILOSOPHY AND OBJECTIVES:

St. Petersburg College is a comprehensive community college with an open-door policy and is firmly committed to equal access and equal opportunity for all persons. The mission of the 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 special expertise.

EQUAL ACCESS/EQUAL OPPORTUNITY (EA/EO):

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) 341-3247 or (727) 3261 or by mail at P.O. Box 13489, St. Petersburg, FL 33733-3489.

EDUCATIONAL OBJECTIVES:

St. Petersburg College fulfills its mission led by an outstanding, diverse faculty and staff and enhanced by advanced technologies, distance learning, international education opportunities, innovative teaching techniques, comprehensive library and other information resources, continuous institutional self-evaluation, a climate for student success, and an enduring commitment to excellence. In support of our mission, the specific goals of the College are to:

7. Provide opportunities to improve employability, enhance career skills, and attain personal enrichment through courses, seminars, workshops and other continuing education programs;

The main emphasis in the organization and operation of St. Petersburg College is that the College, with its multiple sites, is a single institutional entity. The sites include District Office (DO), Clearwater Campus (CL), St. Petersburg/ Gibbs Campus (SP/G), Tarpon Springs Center (TS), Health Education Center (HC), Allstate Center (AC), Seminole Campus (SE); SPC Center @ USF St. Petersburg (USF/SP) and the Corporate Training Services Center SPC @ ICOT site (IC).

The relationship of personnel on each site of the College to District Office staff is the same as relationships on a single site to the administrative staff on such site.

There is always present a necessity for close articulation, coordination, and cooperation among the sites of the College. Individual differences among the sites arising from differing student body characteristics, geographic location, or purely local factors will be respected and their effect on procedures or policies will be respected.

With the exception of certain courses in specialized subject matter areas, such as the occupational programs, all 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 insure to all students optimum uniformity of quality instruction.

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FACULTY GOVERNANCE:

The Faculty Governance Organization provides a vehicle through which faculty members may have input into administrative decisions of the College. The Faculty Governance Organization Constitution is attached as Appendix C.

POSITION DESCRIPTIONS:

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). The library and the provost’s office on each site maintain copies of the manual.

BUILDING CONSTRUCTION AND RENOVATION:

The College construction crew under the direction of the Director of Facilities Services accomplishes construction and renovation in-house.

ATTENDANCE AT GRADUATION CEREMONIES:

St. Petersburg College holds graduation ceremonies at the end of Sessions I and II and following the Summer Sessions. The main ceremony is held in May at the end of Session 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 (Session II) academic processional unless approval of absence is obtained 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 Session 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 maintain a regular working schedule on the day the ceremony is held or have completed an appropriate leave form indicating that leave has been authorized. 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 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.

Session I and Summer Session 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.

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CHANGE OF ADDRESS FOR FACULTY MEMBERS:

Notice of change of address and/or telephone number should be given to the program director or appropriate supervisor, and a copy should be sent to the Human Resources Office at the District Office or to your campus-based HR representative. Change of college-related information should be completed on the HelpDesk web page in the Contact Directory.

CONSERVATION OF ENERGY:

Each instructor should regulate the classroom lights to conserve electricity. If the classroom is to be vacant for more than twenty minutes, then all lights should be turned off.

CREDIT UNION:

The Pinellas County Teacher’s Credit Union (PCTCU) offers checking, savings and loan opportunities to all College personnel. Information concerning the PCTCU organization can be obtained from the credit union ambassador on your site, directly from the PCTCU or from the PCTCU web site at http://www.pctcu.org.

DATA PROCESSING:

The College administrative data processing services are provided through the Administrative Information Systems Department located at the Allstate Center. Overall coordination is provided through the office of the Vice President for Administrative Information Systems located at District Office.

FACULTY PARTICIPATION IN INTRAMURAL SPORTS PROGRAM:

Faculty members of St. Petersburg College are encouraged to participate in the intramural sports program provided this participation is outside the normal workweek.

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.

PUBLIC VISITATION AND/OR TELEPHONE CONTACTS:

The complexity of program and the physical size of multiple campus operation preclude the general public 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, every reasonable attempt 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.

RELEASE OF INFORMATION TO NEWS MEDIA:

The Office of Institutional Advancement 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.

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SYMBOLIC 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	Allstate Center
CL	Clearwater Campus
DO	District Office
HC	Health Education Center
SP/G	St. Petersburg/Gibbs Campus
TS	Tarpon Springs Campus
SE	Seminole Campus
USF/SP	SPC Center @ USF St. Petersburg
IC	SPC @ ICOT Corporate Training

Through out this manual you will be asked to refer to SPC Board of Trustees Rules & Procedures, Please use the following link in order to accomplish this task:  http://www1.spjc.edu/central/dbtrules/

ACADEMIC FREEDOM:

See 6Hx23-3.01

ACADEMIC TITLES:

See P6Hx23-3.901

BASIC HUMAN RIGHTS:

See 6Hx23-1.341

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 District Office.

COLLEGE INSIGNIA

(See also 6Hx23-4.38) The same nickname (Titans), the same student body symbol, 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.

CONTROLLED SUBSTANCES:

See 6Hx23-2.02

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COPY MACHINES:

(See also 6Hx23-5.171 and 6Hx23-5.28): Each site has copy machines. Keys are assigned to designated departments, programs and individuals to operate copy machines and to count the number of copies made. Limited personal copies can be made at a cost of ten cents per copy, plus tax.

GIFTS TO THE COLLEGE:

See 6Hx23-5.13 and P6Hx23-5.13

ENROLLMENT IN CLASS BY EMPLOYEES AND THEIR DEPENDENTS WITHOUT THE PAYMENT OF FEES:

See 6Hx23-2.02

GIFT GIVING TO EMPLOYEES

(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. Because of possible misinterpretation, solicitation for gifts to members of the administration is discouraged. It is also advisable to examine Section 112.313(2), Florida Statutes, concerning the solicitation of gifts and Section 112.3145(3)(d), Florida Statutes concerning the disclosure of gifts.

INSURANCE:

See 6Hx23-4.53, 6Hx23-5.08 and 6Hx23-5.17

INTERCAMPUS MAIL SERVICE

(See also P6Hx23-5.17): The College maintains its own service for distributing mail, announcements, memoranda, and materials between the sites and the District Office. Delivery service to all campuses and District Office 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 District Office.

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.

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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.

PERMANENT TRANSFER OF ACCOUNTABLE EQUIPMENT

Permanent transfer of accountable equipment between departments or buildings are to be reported on "Report of Permanent Change in Location and/or Ownership of Accountable Property," form PR-413. 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," form PP-420.

WHEN PROPERTY IS STOLEN

When property is stolen, it must be reported on "Report of Lost or Stolen Property," form PR-414, and on "Request for Relief from Property Accountability," form PR-411. When property is lost, damaged, destroyed, or no longer usable or needed, it should be reported on "Request for Relief from Property Accountability," form PR-411.

EQUIPMENT MAY BE USED OFF CAMPUS

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, must be completed and approved by the site administrator or a member of the President’s Cabinet before equipment may be used off campus.

MEMBERSHIP IN PROFESSIONAL ORGANIZATIONS:

(See also 6Hx23-2.11): Membership in professional organizations is not required of St. Petersburg College faculty members, but is encouraged. The College shall not, however, pay for individual memberships.

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.

PARKING:

(See also 6Hx23-1.25): Staff members are assigned parking areas at the 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 hangtag for parking is displayed.

The maximum speed limit on College property is 10 mph.

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PARTICIPATION IN RESEARCH PROJECTS:

(See also P6Hx23-3.908 and P6Hx2-3.909) Requests for information of a research nature are often received by faculty members. These requests range from a simple, one-page form, consisting of a few, easily answered questions, to requests for the commitment of a considerable amount of faculty time and effort, up to an in depth, comprehensive research study for a doctoral dissertation, a research foundation, or a governmental agency. Individual faculty members are not required to participate in another’s research project.

The following procedure is for the purpose of screening these requests and processing to completion those that are approved.

Requests received by a Faculty Member:

Faculty member receives a request to supply information or participate in a project.

If a request is from a professional association of which he/she is a member, and does not involve institutional data, faculty member may proceed to complete items and mail. Send a copy to Institutional Research Office.

If requests are to several faculty members and involve the name, influence, or prestige of SPC or involve information normally as part of official records to be sought from students, or otherwise affecting the operation, organization, or future planning of SPC, the faculty member should discuss the request with the appropriate supervisor and, if considered worth pursuing, forward the request to the Institutional Research Officer along with a memorandum indicating the person(s) forwarding the request, and recommendations as to the importance of the request.

• The Institutional Research Office will, in consultation with all person(s) and offices affected, reach a decision as to the need for participation.
• A faculty member who wishes to write a master’s thesis or doctoral dissertation that would involve institutional data or would involve information about SPC students or information from SPC students and staff should provide to the Office of Institutional Research:
• A complete Concept Paper or prospectus clearly stating the purposes and objectives of the project, the methodology to be used, and the information being requested from the College.
• An assurance of anonymity of all SPC data in all published reports, unless otherwise cleared by the president.
• Copies of all instruments, e.g., tests or questionnaires to be administered;
• The Director of Institutional Research will present the request at the next meeting of the Research group. The Research Group may accept the requested participation or request additional information. The Director of Institutional Research will notify the faculty member of the decision to reject or accept the requested participation.At any time, if further participation in the project is considered to be not in the best interests of the College, the researcher will be notified of the College’s rejection immediately; and
• Faculty member requesting the College’s participation will be required to provide the Office of Institutional Research with a complete, final copy of the research report for the central research file.

(See 6Hx23-2.02)

RESERVATIONS FOR USE OF COLLEGE FACILITIES BY RECOGNIZED STUDENT ORGANIZATIONS:

(See also P6Hx23-4.911): Please see your supervisor for the appropriate procedures to follow in making reservations for use of College facilities by recognized student organizations.

RESERVATIONS FOR USE OF COLLEGE FACILITIES BY RECOGNIZED STUDENT ORGANIZATIONS:

(See also P6Hx23-4.911): Please see your supervisor for the appropriate procedures to follow in making reservations for use of College facilities by recognized student organizations.

SMOKING IN COLLEGE FACILITIES:

(See 6Hx23-1.37)

TUTORING:

(See 6Hx23-2.26)

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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 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 have a faculty member substitute, the substitute may include the time involved as a part of the regular workweek.

LIST OF COLLEGEWIDE COMMITTEES

• Calendar Committee
• CLAST Appeals Committee
• Curriculum and Instruction Committee
• Disciplinary Board
• Discrimination Grievance Panel
• EA/EO Committee
• Faculty Compensation Committee
• Faculty Grievance Committee
• Insurance Committee
• Library Committee
• Student Grievances Committee
• Wellness Committee

CALENDAR COMMITTEE

(See also P6Hx23-1.905)

Charge: The Calendar Committee is responsible for developing and recommending the College calendar for the ensuing year. The Committee considers State Board of Education Rules that are designed to insure articulation with other colleges, College employment policies and procedures, College events, holidays, registration schedules, beginning and ending dates of each academic term, and other dates that are vital to the successful and efficient operation of the College in the development of the proposed calendar.

Membership: The membership of this Committee normally consists of: two instructional faculty members (from different programs) from CL, SP/G, TS and HC; one instructional faculty member from AC; one student from CL, SP/G, TS, HC, and AC; one career staff member from CL, SP/G, TS, HC, AC, and DO; one Librarian; one Counselor; one Assistant Provost; one Registrar; one representative from Human Resources, one representative from Business Services; one representative from Data Systems; and the Vice President for Educational and Student Services. The President appoints the chairperson and members of the Committees.

Term of Office: One-year terms beginning in August. Meetings normally occur during August and December.

Responsible to: the President.

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CLAST APPEALS COMMITTEE

(See also 6Hx23-4.36, P6Hx23-4.45, and 6Hx23-5.17)

Charge: The CLAST Appeals Committee is appointed to consider all appeals by St. Petersburg College students to waive the requirements of CLAST for the granting of the Associate in Arts degree.

Membership: The Committee will be chaired by the Vice President for Educational and Student Services 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 terms; however, they may be reappointed as often as deemed appropriate by the President to insure continuity on the Committee and consistency in decisions made or recommended by the Committee.

Responsible to: the President and Vice President for Educational and Student Services.

CURRICULUM AND INSTRUCTION COMMITTEE

Charge:The Curriculum and Instruction 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.) The President appoints the chairperson and the members of the Committee.

Term of Office: Two-year, rotating basis. This Committee meets throughout the academic year.

Responsible to: the President and Vice President for Educational and Student Services.

DISCIPLINARY BOARD

(See also 6Hx23-4.35)

Charge: The Disciplinary Board considers all student disciplinary cases that could result in disciplinary suspension or dismissal from 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 Associate Vice President of Educational and Student Services and the Vice President for Educational and Student Services. 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 for Educational and Student Services.

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DISCRIMINATION GRIEVANCE PANEL

(See also 6Hx23-1.34 and P6Hx23-1.34)

Charge: The Discrimination Grievance 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, handicapped and other persons selected on the basis of familiarity with various areas of the College. Each Hearing Panel is composed of three (3) members, two (2) of which are selected by the litigants. The two (2) 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.

EQUAL ACCESS/EQUAL OPPORTUNITY COMMITTEE

(See also 6Hx23-1.34, P6Hx23-1.34 and 6Hx23-2.01)

Charge: The Equal Access/Equal Opportunity 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.

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.

FACULTY COMPENSATION COMMITTEE

Charge: The Compensation Committee reviews compensation for faculty and is responsible for making recommendations to the President about issues involving faculty compensation.

Membership: The membership of this Committee is representative of all College sites and is appointed by the President. The Compensation Committee elects its chair.

Term of Office: Appointed annually by the President with the philosophy that some current members can be re-appointed to provide for continuity.

Responsible to: The President.

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FACULTY GRIEVANCE COMMITTEE

(See also P6Hx23-2.021)

Charge: The Faculty Grievance 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 (1) administrative/professional person named by the President, one (1) administrative/professional person selected by the faculty, two (2) faculty members elected by the faculty, and one (1) member unanimously selected by the other (4) members. The Committee elects the chairperson. The Director for 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.

INSURANCE COMMITTEE

(See also 6Hx23-4.53 and 6Hx23-5.08)

Charge: The Insurance Committee periodically reviews the College’s health and life insurance programs and makes recommendations to the College President.

Membership: The Committee is composed of faculty representatives from the various sites and representatives from Human Resources, Payroll, Business Services and Purchasing. The President appoints the chairperson and CSommittee members.

Term of Office: One-year term beginning in August. The Committee meets on-call prior to insurance renewals, cost increases, etc.

Responsible to: The President and Director of Human Resources.

LIBRARY COMMITTEE

Charge: The Library 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: Members (except students) 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 Sessions I and II.

Responsible to: The President through the Vice President for Educational and Student Services and Director of Libraries.

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STUDENT GRIEVANCE COMMITTEE

(See also 6Hx23-4.36 and P6Hx23-4.36)

Charge: The Student Grievance Committee hears students’ grievances arising from College Rules and Procedures or actions, with the exception of discrimination matters, defined in Board of Trustees Rule 6Hx23-4.36.

Membership: The Committee is composed of four faculty members and two students from the various sites. The President designates two alternate members and appoints the chairperson and members of the Committee.

Term of Office: one-year term beginning in August. The Committee meets upon request.

Responsible to: the President and Vice President for Educational and Student Services.

WELLNESS COMMITTEE

Charge: The Wellness Committee develops recommendations for enhancing the wellness – the well being – of all College employees.

Membership: The Committee is composed of representatives from all classes of employees at the College – usually one to two faculty representatives from each site as well as an appropriate number of career service and administrative/professional representatives. The President appoints the chairperson and members of the Committee.

Term of Office: one-year terms beginning in August. Members may be re-appointed. Meetings are called at the request of the chair.

Responsible to: the President and Director of Human Resources.

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ATTENDANCE REPORTS AND WITHDRAWALS

Instructors must maintain accurate records of student attendance. The following guidelines should apply:

Beginning of each Session: 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 sessions and no later than one week after the beginning of modmester and other sessions. 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 that will transmit the forms to your Campus Registrar.

• During Each Session: For the College to be able to take appropriate action on all other drops, including instructor initiated drops for nonattendance, the instructor must complete a Notice of Drop (SR 409) indicating the LAST DATE OF ATTENDANCE in the class. The Notice of Drop should be submitted as soon as the instructor makes the decision to drop the student so that the information can be processed in a timely manner (no later than two weeks after the last date of attendance) to avoid overpayments of financial aid.
• End of Each Session: Notice of Drop forms must also be completed for ALL "W" grades assigned on the final grade sheets unless the "W" is preprinted on the grade sheet. The Notice of Drop forms, showing the last date of attendance in the class, must be submitted with the grade sheets by the posted time for which grades are due. Notice of Drop forms that are received by the Campus Registrars at least two weeks prior to the final examination period will be processed and will result in preprinted "W" grades on the grade sheets.

(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. 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.

COPYRIGHT AND PATENT, MATERIALS SUBJECT TO:

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 the U.S. copyright laws and controls

COPYRIGHT, 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

• 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;
• 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."

1. The performance takes place in a classroom or similar place devoted to instruction.

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 right – to promote the progress of science and the useful arts."

GRADE REPORTS:

At the end of the session, each instructor will turn in to the campus registrar’s office a student grade report for each class. Roll sheets for this purpose are distributed to instructors before the close of each session. Grade sheets must be turned in at or before the times and dates shown in the College calendar to avoid creating major difficulties for the College and individual students. (Late grade sheets often result in inappropriate cancellation of registration, notification of placement, probation or suspension, cancellation or reduction of financial aid and other traumatic consequences for students.)

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). 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.

COURSE CO-REQUISITES AND PRE-REQUISITES:

(See also P6Hx23-3.906): The following definitions and operational criteria for co-requisites and prerequisite courses have been adopted College-wide. Monitoring of prerequisites and co-requisites 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 co-requisite course.

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.

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:

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).

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 College-wide Common Finals, students averaging an "A" or "B" may be exempted from the final examination by obtaining permission from the instructor.

Final examinations must be administered at the time indicated in the College-wide 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 session (Session I or II).

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FINAL EXAMINATIONS, SPECIAL:

Students wishing to take final examinations other than during the regularly scheduled final examination period must obtain permission from the instructor, 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).

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.

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 assistant provost or his 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."

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.

GRADE CHANGES:

(See also 6Hx23-4.20): A student’s grade may not normally 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), 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 be first 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 not be encouraged 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 that 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.

MICHAEL M. BENNETT LIBRARIES:

(See also 6Hx23-5.13 and P6Hx23-5.13) The library supports and assists the instructional programs of the College with books, audiovisual materials, electronic resources equipment and services. Campus libraries cooperate to provide College-wide information services with daily delivery of materials from other campuses through the College courier service. 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 are provided with bar-coded photo identification cards, which serve as library cards.

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 serves managed by the libraries provide access to medline and CINAHL and faculty have telnet access to LINCC through the College network.

VCRs, overhead projectors and other audiovisual equipment are scheduled 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 check out 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 College-wide Library Committee with membership from the faculty, administration and the student body advises the library in developing collections and providing services. Policies and procedures are available in the library and on the Server on the College network in the folder, Library Information (AWS95#1). A student library handbook, pathfinders and other printed guides to library use also are provided.

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A one-hour credit course in electronic library services taught by librarians was added to the curriculum n 1994. LIS 1002, Electronic Access to Information, 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 Instruction Committee. Periodicals are subscribed to 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;

• The mission, goals, and objectives of the College
• The College curriculum
• Instructional methods
• Special needs of students

• As a responsibility of library service, books and other library materials selected 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.
• 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.
• Censorship should be challenged by libraries in the maintenance of their responsibility to provide public information and enlightenment.
• Libraries should cooperate with all persons and groups concerned with resisting abridgment of free expression and fee access to ideas. This selection policy applies equally to all learning resources materials, whether acquired by purchase, or exchange.

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.

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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.

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.

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:

Through out this manual you will be asked to refer to SPC Board of Trustees Rules & Procedures, Please use the following link in order to accomplish this task:  http://www1.spjc.edu/central/dbtrules/

ACADEMIC HONESTY

(See 6Hx23-4.461)

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CREDIT BY ASSESSMENT OF PRIOR LEARNING/EXPERIENTIAL LEARNING

(See 6Hx23-4.17)

TEXTBOOK SELECTION AND ADOPTION

(See P6Hx23-3.912)

RESALE OF COMPLIMENTARY TEXTBOOKS

(See 6Hx23-3.911)

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BUDGET PREPARATION AND IMPLEMENTATION:

The Vice President of Business Services has supervisory responsibility for the preparation and implementation of the College Budget.

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. Non-budgeted (temporary) employees are limited to one (1) financial institution.

CHECK CASHING

(See also P6Hx23-5.04): The College business offices may cash checks not exceeding a total of $50 per day for College employees during posted hours. No student checks shall be cashed; however, checks will be accepted from students in payment of fees and bookstore purchases.

PURCHASES:

(See also 6Hx23-5.12): All firms have been notified to require purchase orders for any official College purchase. This rule applies to faculty, staff and student organization representatives.

SUPPLIES REQUISITIONS

(See also P6Hx23-5.121): Requests for appropriate materials or supplies are submitted directly to the program director or appropriate supervisor. Program directors and other budget supervisors should submit requisitions as follows:

• Paper, letterhead stationery, and envelopes can be ordered from District Impressions.
• Purchase order requisitions must be completed 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 bookstore purchases.

CREDIT CARDS:

(See also 6Hx23-5.17) The College will accept Visa and Master Charge credit cards for payment of fees. The lessee of the College bookstore also accepts the same cards for purchases from the bookstore.

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FACULTY BOOKSTORE DISCOUNT:

All College employees are entitled to a 10% discount on all items (except special sale items) purchased from the site bookstores. Prior to the purchase, employees should identify themselves to the cashier.

OTHER SERVICES AVAILABLE:

• College equipment repair for electric typewriters, printers, and personal computers is available through the Facilities Telecommunications Services department at the district services building (back building at District Office). In addition, this department is responsible for moving and securing all College computer equipment.
• 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.
• 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.

(See also 6Hx23-5.16 and Chapter 112.061, Florida Statutes) On November 24, 1997, the Board of Trustees approved several substantive changes to Travel Rule 6Hx23-5.16. The highlights of those changes are discussed below. 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 his designated representative.

• In-district Travel is now known as District Zone Travel. District Zone, or same day travel, includes the counties of Pinellas, Hillsborough, Pasco, Polk, Manatee and Sarasota.
• A Travel Authorization Request (TAR) IS NOT required for district travel.
• Written pre-approval is required for district zone travelers. This may be in the form of electronic mail or memorandum to the Travel Clerk and may be given at the beginning of the fiscal year by the budget supervisor, or as the travel is to occur on an individual-traveler basis.
• A Travel Reimbursement Voucher (TRV) IS required for reimbursement of authorized district zone travel mileage and any other approved expenses.
• Reimbursement within the travel guidelines may be requested for meals for district zone travel outside of Pinellas County.
• If travel within the district zone is for the purpose of attending a conference or seminar for which a registration fee is charged, the traveler may request advance reimbursement for a registration fee in excess of $50.00 by submitting a Check Request to the Travel Clerk in Accounts Payable. Upon return from the conference or seminar, the traveler receiving the advanced reimbursement must present a receipt attached to his/her copy of the Check Request that accompanied the check.
• Travel outside of District Zone: A budget supervisor is the President’s designated representative for approving same day or overnight travel not exceeding $1,000.00 in cost. (The Director of Human Resources approves all travel exceeding $1,000.00 in cost, TAR must also have the President’s signature.) A Travel Authorization Request (TAR) IS required for travel outside of the district zone as is a Travel Reimbursement Voucher (TRV) for reimbursement of authorized expenses.

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STUDENT POLICIES

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.

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.

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.

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."

GORDON RULE GRADE REQUIREMENTS

(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.

The recommended MINIMUM period for retention of student writing samples by classroom instructors is one (1) calendar year.

AUDIT STUDENTS

Audit students are those who attend classes for no credit.

• Students may register for a class on an audit basis without special permission at the regularly scheduled registration time.
• Fees are the same for both credit and audit students.
• Audit students may change to credit status after the registration period.
• 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.
• Audit students are required to meet course prerequisites including appropriate scores on the SPC Placement Test.
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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.

FACULTY USE OF STUDENT-SERVICES STAFF

All faculty members are encouraged to make use of the services of the Student Services 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.

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 prerequisites, earned credit will not be taken away, and the student will retain the grade. In no case will multiple credit be awarded for the same course, unless such credit is authorized in the description.

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.

RECORD AND TRANSCRIPT CONTROL

The hard copy of all records of students on any campus is sent to the College Registrar at District Office for microfilming and storage.

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.

ACADEMIC HONESTY:

(See 6Hx23-4.461)

STATEMENT ON STUDENT 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.

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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, or marital status, and that qualified individuals with a disability shall not be discriminated against. 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 their views and opinions on matters relevant to the given course. Freedom of speech, expression, and religion are closely related. For this reason, all College personnel should not inhibit the expression of relevant religious views by students and should refrain from promoting their 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.

All employees have a duty to report acts of discrimination, whether directed at a student or another employee.

Through out this manual you will be asked to refer to SPC Board of Trustees Rules & Procedures, Please use the following link in order to accomplish this task:  http://www1.spjc.edu/central/dbtrules/

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.

RIGHTS OF STUDENTS, PARENTS, AND GUARDIANS

See 6Hx23-4.37

RELEASE OF STUDENT RECORDS

See 6Hx23-4.37

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.

STUDENT USE OF COLLEGE FACILITIES

(See also P6Hx23-4.911) Students are not permitted to remain in any College building after College hours without faculty supervision.

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.

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DISCIPLINARY PROBLEMS

(See also 6Hx23-4.35 and P6Hx23-4.35) 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. Penalties administered for such actions will be in accordance with Disciplinary Rule 6Hx23.4.35.

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.

PROCEDURE TO IDENTIFY STUDENTS WITH LEARNING AND OTHER DISABILITIES:

See P6Hx23-4.021

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.

FINANCIAL AID GUIDELINES

(See also 6Hx23-4.03 and P6Hx23-4.031) Financial Aid Requirements

• Students must be determined to have "financial need" for most programs (see Financial Aid Institutional Application). The College uses the Free Application for Federal Student Aid for this purpose. To be considered, students must apply each academic year.
• Students must have a high school diploma, GED or meet "ability to benefit" criteria.
• Students must be admitted to a degree-seeking program.
• Students must be U.S. citizens or permanent residents.
• Students must NOT be in default on any federal student loan NOR owe repayment on a federal grant.
• Students must be registered with Selective Service (where applicable).
• Students must meet minimum hours of enrollment and other program specific criteria.
• Students must be in good standing as defined by the federal government and the College’s "Standards of Progress." (See below.)
• Associate of Arts degree-seeking students who receive state aid must take the CLAST examination prior to the completion of 60 semester credits to continue receiving financial aid.
FINANCIAL AID 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 are applicable every term regardless of whether or not the student is receiving financial assistance. Therefore, the College has established a grade point average that a student must attain as he or she progresses. In determining required grade point average, only grades of A, B, C, D and F are considered. All other grades, i.e., W, I. S, P, and X, do not affect the grade point average

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Further, we have established that students must complete 50 percent (1/2) of the course work that they attempt each semester 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, 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. A student who fails to complete the Standard of Progress requirement will be placed in a warning status. During the next semester of enrollment, if the student fails to complete the Standard of Progress requirement, the student will be placed on a probationary status and will not be eligible for future financial assistance until he/she successfully completes 50% of the hours attempted in one session and has a cumulative grade point average equal to the credit hour interval indicated in the chart below. Generally, students may not receive financial assistance at SPC if they have attempted more than 90 credits.

Credit Hours Earned	Required Cumulative Grade Point Average	Percent Completion
Up to 15	1.50	50%
By 30	1.75	50%
By 45	2.00	50%
By 60	2.00	50%

Special exceptions to the standards may be granted for extenuating circumstances provided that the student documents the facts during the session in question. All appeals must be made at the campus Scholarships and Student Financial Assistance office. A student who has become disqualified under progress standards may become eligible provided he/she successfully completes 50 percent of the hours attempted in one session and has a grade point average equal to the above chart.

NOTICE OF STUDENT ILLNESS

(See also P6Hx23-4.31) When the provost is informed of an illness that will keep a student of out 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.

EXCESSIVE ABSENCES OF STUDENTS

(See also 6Hx23-4.30) It will be the responsibility of each instructor to insure that all students are informed in writing of the class attendance and excessive absence policy. The instructor determines when the absences of a particular student have become "excessive." If any student accumulates so many absences that in the judgment of the instructor further enrollment will be of little value, the instructor may recommend the student be dropped and assigned a grade of "W." Generally, students exceeding more than three (3) unexcused absences within one semester will be dropped for nonattendance and assigned the appropriate grade of "W" or "F." The notification of an excessive absence drop from a course will be forwarded by the instructor to the campus registrar. If there is any question about a student’s absence, the instructor should contact the appropriate site administrator for possible information concerning the particular case. Reinstatement of a student to any class, for credit or audit, can be made only with the written approval of the appropriate site administrator.

EXCUSED ABSENCES FOR RELIGIOUS PURPOSES

(See 6Hx23-1.34, P6Hx23-1.34 and 6Hx23-4.01)

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STUDENT ABSENCES FOR APPROVED ACTIVITIES, OTHER THAN FIELD TRIPS

(See also 6Hx23-4.30) The faculty sponsor in charge of an activity that is planned and which would require the missing of classes by the students involved must, if possible, notify the appropriate site administrator in writing two weeks prior to the date of such activity. This notification should include the dates, times involved, and a complete list of students’ names. It is the student’s responsibility to check with the appropriate instructor(s) in advance to ascertain whether absences from the class (classes) will be approved and, if so, to make any necessary arrangements to make up the work missed.

JURY DUTY FOR STUDENTS

(See P6Hx23-4.30)

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.

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 PRIOR to the end of the voluntary withdrawal period. This progress notification shall be based upon at least one (1) formal evaluation.

GRADING SYSTEM

(See 6Hx23-4.20)

DETERMINATION OF ACADEMIC STANDING

(See 6Hx23-4.15 and 6Hx23-4.24)

REPEAT COURSES AND ACADEMIC AVERAGE

(See 6Hx23-4.15)

INSTRUCTIONS FOR TURNING IN GRADES:

Return final grades to the Student Records Office in person on any campus by the deadline published in the College Catalog. Please use a #2 pencil. Grade changes for incorrect preprinted grades and waivers of student who have been added are to be done on FORM 18, provided fees have been paid. If you have manually recorded a "W" grade for a veteran, you must complete a Withdrawal Form with the date of the last attendance. Turn these forms in with your grade and attendance sheets.

COURSE TRANSFER

(See 6Hx23-4.311)

CHANGES IN PROGRAM AFTER BEGINNING OF CLASS

(See 6Hx23-4.02)

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WITHDRAWAL 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.

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 complete and sign the form. The form is in quintuplicate. The instructor forwards the form to the campus registrar. The campus registrar verifies the information, posts the student’s schedule, and distributes the copies. The records copy is used as input into the CRT terminal.

Voluntary Withdrawal During "W" Period

(See also 6Hx23-4.31) If the drop is voluntary during the "W" period, the student initiates the form and obtains the instructor’s signature. The procedure then followed is the same as for involuntary withdrawal.

Voluntary withdrawal after "W" Period

(See 6Hx23-4.31)

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.

• Documented evidence of the reason(s)/circumstance(s) for granting the "I" and extension of time to complete the course(s);
• Minimum completion of 80% of the coursework required for the class(es);
• Evidence via attendance, test grades, required projects, term papers, clinical/cooperative experiences, etc., that the student is in good standing in the course; and
• 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.

ACADEMIC WARNING, PROBATION, SUSPENSION AND DISMISSAL

See 6Hx23-4.46

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.

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:

• The student will remain on probation until the cumulative GPA has been raised to 2.0 or higher.
• 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.
• A student must maintain at lease a 2.0 GPA each session and receive credit in at least one-half (50%) of the credit hours attempted.
Academic Suspension

After being placed on academic probation, a student will be suspended at the end of any session for which his session GPA is below 2.0.

While under academic suspension, the student is ineligible to re-enroll for a period of one session.

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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REINSTATEMENT APPEALS PROCEDURE:

Students who have been academically dismissed may petition for reinstatement to the campus Student Appeals Committee. See Student Academic Appeals.

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 violation of rules and/or procedures of the College;
• arbitrary or capricious action by a College employee;
• improper removal from the College or a program of the College for academic reasons;
• improper denial of admission or re-admission to the College or a program of the College;
• information contained in the student’s record (BOT Rule 6Hx23-4.37).
• arbitrary and/or capricious action in the award of a final grade;
• 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:

• 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;
• exclusion of course work from grade point average calculations and cumulative credit hours attempted;
• extension of time allowed to complete work when an "IN" (incomplete) grade has been assigned;
• all other academic rules and procedures except those referred to in paragraph I.A.1.a. through e. in 6Hx23-4.36.
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 complied by the College Registrar.

GRADUATION

See 6Hx23-4.24

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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 whose monies are handled by the internal accounts office should check with the Business Office regarding the proper manner to make purchases and approve invoices. These records are audited and must be handled in the approved manner.

Faculty members are expected to cooperate in serving as advisors or sponsors of classes, clubs, and organizations of all types, as no group is permitted to exist on campus without faculty sponsorship. Certain guidelines for such faculty/student relationships are discussed in occasional meetings, and conferences with the student activities specialist are encouraged.

Campus advisors will advise organizations concerning College policies and their responsibilities. No request for chartering shall be granted to an organization that advocates violation of federal or state laws. All staff sponsors and advisors of student organizations will be appointed by the President pursuant to equal access/equal opportunity guidelines.

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Through out this manual you will be asked to refer to SPC Board of Trustees Rules & Procedures, Please use the following link in order to accomplish this task:  http://www1.spjc.edu/central/dbtrules/

EMPLOYMENT POLICIES

ARRANGEMENTS FOR CONFERENCES WITH ADMINISTRATORS:

Any faculty member who desires a conference with an administrator should contact that administrator’s office directly to set up an appointment. If the faculty member is simply seeking information, the sources start with the program director or supervisor and progress to the provost, the director of human resources, and the president.

ABSENCE: FACULTY (TEACHING) – ABSENCE OF AN INSTRUCTOR FROM CLASS

See also P6Hx23-2.25

DUTY HOURS FOR FACULTY

See P6Hx23-2.141

DUTY HOUR REQUIREMENTS FOR FULL-TIME INSTRUCTORS

See P6Hx23-2.141

WORKWEEK

See P6Hx23-2.141

SUPPLEMENTAL CONTRACTS

See P6Hx23-2.141

EXCESS ECH

See P6Hx23-2.141

EVENING CLASSES

See P6Hx23-2.141

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, 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.

OFF-CAMPUS TRAVEL

See P6Hx23-2.141

NON-INSTRUCTIONAL ASSIGNMENTS

See P6Hx23-2.141

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TWELVE-MONTH INSTRUCTORS (40-HOURS PER WEEK)

See P6Hx23-2.141

EXCESS TEACHING PREPARATIONS

Payment for excess teaching preparations is described in the Salary Schedules and Related Policies. See FORM in this section.

FACULTY PAYMENT FOR CURRICULUM DEVELOPMENT

Curriculum Development Responsibilities as Part of 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.

CURRICULUM DEVELOPMENT BEYOND THE BASE CONTRACT

Stipends may be paid for curriculum development activities that exceed what is expected as part of the base contract. The Provost may recommend to the Vice President of Educational and Student Services that a stipend is appropriate based on one or more of the following factors:

• Curriculum to be developed requires the preparation of extensive original materials.
• The course has never been taught at the College and appropriate materials are not readily available from other Colleges or publishers.
• The time frame for development is short, requiring an extraordinary time commitment.
• The time frame for development occurs outside contracted workdays for faculty.
• New delivery methodologies require an extensive time commitment to insure that course objectives and criteria for performance are met.
• 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.
Stipends: will be based on Equated Credit Hours (ECH) with 1 ECH = 32 hours of time spent in developing curriculum and will be paid at the end of each semester.

Process: 1) Prepare Personnel Action Request (PAR) and 2) Enter into system as curriculum supplemental with ECH and date.

OUTSIDE EMPLOYMENT

(See also 6Hx23-2.03) Extra-College activities by members of the 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.

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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) 341-3257 or (727) 341-3261 or by mail at P.O. Box 13489, St. Petersburg, FL 33733-3489.

The College recognizes that sexual harassment constitutes discrimination on the basis of sex and violates this rule. The College shall not tolerate such conduct. Any employee who is found to have violated this rule shall be disciplined and such discipline may include dismissal.

• Unwelcome sexual advances, requests for sexual favors, or other verbal or physical conduct of a sexual nature constitute sexual harassment when (1) submission to such conduct is made, (2) submission to or rejection of such conduct by an individual is used as the basis for 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.
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, which is 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 in 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:

• Gifts
• Unauthorized compensation
• Doing business with one’s agency
• Conflicting employment or contractual relationship
• Misuse of public position
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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 $500.00. Therefore, for example, an employee could purchase up to $500.00 worth of items at the College auction without violating the College Code.

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.

ANNUAL CONTRACTS

Annual contracts are sent to all faculty in budgeted positions (instructors, librarians, counselors) who do not hold continuing contracts. Employees are sent appointment letters immediately after their appointment by the Board of Trustees, St. Petersburg College. 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 non-renewal of such a contract does not entitle the employee to a hearing or to the use of the College’s grievance procedure.

REAPPOINTMENT OR NON-REAPPOINTMENT OF ANNUAL CONTRACT INSTRUCTIONAL PERSONNEL NOT UNDER CONTINUING CONTRACT

(See also 6Hx23-2.22) Notice of recommendation for reappointment or non-reappointment shall not be disclosed to any College employee under consideration by those making recommendations until such time as the President authorizes such action. The College employee shall be advised of non-appointment at least seven days prior to Board action. Reappointments usually are considered at the regular February meeting of the Board of Trustees.

SUPPLEMENTAL CONTRACTS

All supplemental contracts are issued on a contingency basis. If the class is cancelled, the contract is then null and void. Each supplemental contract includes the amount of remuneration for the person accepting the contract. The College does not provide travel reimbursement for persons on supplemental contracts.

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 directors or appropriate supervisor. It is expected that the following priority for the assignment of extra-pay classes will generally be observed:

• A member of the program in which that section is being offered.
• A member in the corresponding discipline at another site who is qualified in that subject.
• Other members (not members of the program) of the SPC faculty on the campus on which that section is being offered.
• Other members (not members of the corresponding program) of the SPC faculty on other sites.
• Qualified individuals outside the College.
An instructor who misses 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 form an "extra pay" class, a "per" class deduction will be made.
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CONTINUING CONTRACTS

Continuing contracts are awarded based upon the provisions of State Board of Education Rule 6A-14-411. The requirements for such an award are generally as follows:

• Completion of 3-full years of satisfactory service in regular full-time instructional capacity at St. Petersburg College during a period not in excess of 5 successive years.
• Reappointment for the 4^th year without reservations or specifications.
• Recommendation of the President based on successful performance of duties and demonstration of professional competence.
However, any employee who is otherwise entitled to receive a continuing contract may be issued an annual contract if such employee does not meet the required standards for a continuing contract or if the required duties and responsibilities of the position have been restricted or will be needed for a limited time.

A contract for less than the number of days in the optional base contract (30 Equated Credit Hours) shall not apply toward gaining eligibility for a continuing contract.

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 prior to 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.

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.

Should a certificated College employee resign during the academic year, be absent from duty, and return the same academic year or thereafter, the employee shall lose continuing contract status.

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Should a certificated College employee resign at the close of an academic year and be reappointed effective the beginning of the next academic year, a continuing contract will only remain in force with the approval of the Board of Trustees.

INSTRUCTOR EVALUATION

(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. The purpose of this instruction and information is to insure, as much as reasonably possible, uniformity in the administration of faculty evaluations.

Full-time faculty is evaluated annually using the same criteria throughout the College. The College-wide form (HR 440) that is to record the evaluation includes the following criteria for evaluation:

• Organization of course or program of study.
• Explanation of course outline and objectives, grading and attendance policies, student assessments, and course content.
• Presentation of course or program of study (Pedagogical Methods).
• Knowledge of subject taught.
• Ability to constructively encourage student interest, involvement, and success.
• Attitude toward students.
• General attitude toward total responsibility of a professional academician.
• Time, professional development, curriculum development, institutional support, rapport with colleagues and other professionals, etc.
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.

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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 eighteen various state retirement programs into one. Members of the original programs were given the option of changing programs. 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.

OPTIONAL RETIREMENT PROGRAM

The basic features of the Optional Retirement Program are as follows:

• It is a defined contribution pension program
• Each pay period, the College contributes a percentage of employee’s earnings to an annuity on the employee’s behalf;
• Employee designs personal investment strategy to suit own needs and circumstances;
• Typically, vesting is full and immediate; and
• Income can begin at any age with benefit actuarially determined.
FLORIDA RETIREMENT SYSTEM

The basic features of the Florida Retirement System provide that members may retire under the following circumstances.

• At age 62 with Six or more years of creditable service; or
• With thirty (30) years of service, regardless of age; or
• With a minimum of six (6) 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.
TEACHERS RETIREMENT SYSTEM

The basic features of the Teachers Retirement System provide that members may retire:

• At age 60 if membership was prior to July 1, 1963, with six (6) years of service, or
• At age 62 if membership was on or after July 1, 1963, with six (6) years of service, or
• At age 55, with ten six (6) years of service, with a reduction I monthly benefits of five percent (5%) for each year of said person’s age under normal retirement age (60 or 62, depending on enrollment date in system).
Credit may be obtained with both systems for periods of military service, leaves-of-absence, prior service and out-of-state service by purchase of creditable time. Since rules and costs differ between the two retirement systems, the Human Resources office should be contacted for more information regarding this matter.

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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 have a supply of the necessary forms used by the Division of Retirement.

If you are interested in 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:

• Inform your supervisor of your final work date. The supervisor will prepare termination papers.
• Notify Human Resources that you plan to retire and obtain the proper Application for Service Retirement form (FR-11 or TR-11).
• 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.
• 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.

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.

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CREDENTIALING

(See also 6Hx23-2.022 and P6Hx23-2.022) The College will use as the minimum requirements for employment, initial certification and renewal of certification for instructional, administrative and professional personnel, the Accreditation Criteria established by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools (SACS) and the requirements set forth in 6Hx23-2.022. See FORMS at the end of this section.

CERTIFICATION

(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 – thus, certified. Further, as a condition of continued employment, the College will require individuals to continue their professional and personal development by being re-certified every seven years.

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 additional coursework change a faculty member’s pay grade, it is the responsibility of the faculty member to alert Human Resources.

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 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.

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 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.

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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.

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 prior to 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.

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 faculty on 18-18-0 assignment will normally receive eight (3) days of sick leave per year, and 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 1^st or first duty day of academic year for faculty (or at date of employment for new faculty and administrative and professional employees, or at 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 varied work schedules of faculty, it will be assumed that each faculty member works five days each week. During Sessions III and IV, 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	Sick & Personal Days Charged
	5	1.00
	4	1.25
	3	1.67

Faculty must be assigned to work at least three (3) days per week to receive credit for sick leave and retirement earning purposes.

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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 not 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 sessions I and II may be used by employees under contract during Session III or Session IV.

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.

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.

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EMPLOYMENT BENEFITS TO FACULTY

The following benefits are provided for members of our teaching faculty who occupy budgeted positions:

SOCIAL SECURITY

The College contributes an amount equal to 7.65% of your adjusted gross salary into Social Security (FICA); your contribution rate is also 7.65% of your adjusted gross salary.

RETIREMENT PLAN

In addition to Social Security, as a budgeted staff member of the College, you also become a member of the Florida Retirement System (FRS). The College pays your full contribution cost that currently is equivalent to 10.15% of your gross salary. Effective May 1, 1996 all faculty in budgeted positions may choose an option to the Florida Retirement System – Community College Option Retirement Program (CCORP).

HEALTH COVERAGE

Group health coverage is effective on the first of the month following 31 days of employment with the College. Limited vision coverage is included. The College offers several health coverage plans. The premium cost under the least expensive plan is paid by the College for your health coverage. Should you desire to participate in a higher cost plan or to include your spouse or family, you may do so at your expense, paid through payroll deduction.

LIFE INSURANCE

Group term life insurance is effective on the first of the month following 31 days of employment with the College. The College pays for your life insurance at the level of your annual salary rounded to the next highest thousand. Additional life insurance is available at your expense, paid through payroll deduction.

CANCER/DREAD DISEASES COVERAGE

The College provides, at no cost to you, a comprehensive cancer/dread diseases medical plan. Coverage extends to your immediate family members at no additional charge.

DENTAL COVERAGE

Two types of optional dental coverage are available through the American Dental Plan (ADP).

EXEMPTION OF COURSE FEES

In order to be eligible for course fee exemptions, the employee must be full-time and working in a budgeted position at least six (6) months prior to and at the time of commencement of classes. The employee’s spouse and eligible children age 23 or younger also are eligible for a maximum of 18 credit yours per academic year. Part-time employees are eligible for fee exemptions for a maximum of 9 credit hours per academic year for the employee only.

COLLEGE BOOKSTORE

A ten (10) percent discount is given to College staff.

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PARKING

Free parking is provided for all College employees.

LIBRARY PRIVILEGES

Use of College library facilities with checkout privileges at no cost.

ATHLETIC PRIVILEGES

Free use of tennis course natatorium, Nautilus, etc.

COLLEGE EVENTS

Free admission to College-sponsored events.

PHOTO COPYING

You may make a limited number of personal copies at 10 cents per copy.

TAX SHELTERED ANNUITIES AND MUTUAL FUNDS

This is a pre-tax retirement savings option available to you as a College employee. A wide variety of companies offer annuities and mutual funds (also known as 403(b)) products. Contributions are made through payroll deduction.

CREDIT UNION

As a College employee you are eligible to join the Pinellas County Teachers Credit Union http://www.pctcu.org/introframes.html. An initial deposit of $50.00 and a completed membership application will open your share (savings) account and establish your membership. You may then participate in a regular saving plan by signing up for payroll deductions. Additional credit union services include checking accounts, summer savings, IRA accounts, etc.

NOTARY PUBLIC

Free notary service for College employees is available at Human Resources, DO; Student Records, CL and SP/G; administration, HC and TS.

CHECK CASHING:

Available on campus to employees at no cost, up to $50.00.

DISCOUNT CARDS

Discount s are provided for numerous attractions throughout Florida including Disney World, EPCOT, Busch Gardens, Sea World, Cypress Gardens and others.

INCOME PROTECTION

This optional insurance is available through payroll deduction. Benefits are payable in addition to sick leave and medical coverage.

BLOOD BANK

Blood drives are conducted on each College site.

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AUTOMOBILE AND PROPERTY/CASUALTY INSURANCE

Automobile and Homeowners insurance is available at discounted rates through Liberty Mutual Insurance Company and payable by payroll deduction.

FLEXIBLE BENEFIT PLAN

The amount you pay though payroll deductions for health, disability, supplemental life, dental or vision coverage can be paid on a pre-tax basis though the College’s flexible benefits plan. The dollars you contribute for these coverage’s will be deducted before federal income or social security taxes are assessed. Changes in coverage may only be made during the annual Open Enrollment period.

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 deposit.

REPORTING DISCRIMINATION

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:

• College’s EA/EO Director
• Director of Human Resources
• President
• Appropriate Provost or Associate Provost


Through out this manual you will be asked to refer to SPC Board of Trustees Rules & Procedures, Please use the following link in order to accomplish this task:  http://www1.spjc.edu/central/dbtrules/

DRUG-FREE WORKPLACE

See P6Hx23-2.02 and P6Hx23-5.25

TEACHING LOAD

See P6Hx23-2.141

TEMPORARY DUTY

See 6Hx23-2.09

ABSENCE OF INSTRUCTOR FROM CLASS

See P6Hx23-2.25

NEPOTISM

See 6Hx23-2.13

INSTRUCTIONAL CONTRACT OTHER THAN 12-MONTH

See also 6Hx23-2.211 and P6Hx23.2.211

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RESIGNATIONS

See 6Hx23.2.27

PERSONAL LEAVE WITHOUT PAY

See 6Hx23-2.34

FAMILY AND MEDICAL LEAVE

See 6Hx23-2.35 and P6Hx23-2.35

SICK LEAVE POOL

See 6Hx23-2.31

ILLNESS IN LINE OF DUTY

See 6Hx23-2.31

PERSONAL LEAVES

See 6Hx23-2.32

COURT RELATED LEAVES

See 6Hx23-2.38

ADMINISTRATIVE LEAVE FROM CONTINUING CONTRACT

See 6Hx23-2.21

MILITARY AND NATIONAL GUARD LEAVE

See 6Hx23-2.33

TERMINAL PAY

6Hx23-2.07

PROCEDURES FOR FILLING FACULTY VACANCIES

See 6Hx23-2.201

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EXCESS TEACHING PREPARATIONS

(Full-time faculty – 4 or more preparations)

Instructor: ________________________________________ Session/Year ________________

Department: ________________________________________ Site _____________________

Department #: ________________________________________

LIST INSTRUCTOR’S SCHEDULE FOR THE SESSION

(Use courses with highest ECH and Duplicate sections first as part of base contract.)

SECTION	PREFIX	COURSE #	TITLE	ECH	CONTRACT CODE BASE/OPT/ROT/SUPP

TOTAL NUMBER OF PREPARATION IN BASE/OPT/ROB _____________

TOTAL ECH FOR EXCESS PREPARATIONS STIPEND _____________ (May not exceed 6 ECH)

STIPEND _____________ ($100 x excess ECH)

INSTRUCTOR: ___________________________ DATE _____________

APPROVAL:

PROGRAM CHAIR ________________________________________________ DATE ______________

PROVOST _______________________________________________________ DATE ______________

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St. Petersburg College

Human Resources Office

MEMORANDUM Date

TO: (Faculty Name)

FROM: Susan Kubler, Human Resources, DO

RE: Master’s + 30 or Bachelor’s + 62, including a Master’s

If you wish to apply for a degree change reflecting Master’s + 30 or Bachelor’s + 62 (including a Master’s), you will need to do the following:

• Complete the Application for Master’s + 30/Bachelor’s +62, including a Master’s. On the application, you will list the courses that would document the necessary coursework. An application is enclosed. To be accepted, the coursework must have been completed by an educational institution that is accredited by SACS (or equivalent). For the Master’s + 30, coursework must be graduate level. For the Bachelor’s +62, including a Master’s, coursework may be upper division undergraduate, or graduate level.
• Obtain an official transcript from the university that awarded the appropriate credit. A transcript request form is enclosed.
Human Resources must receive all documentation within 30 calendar days of the start of Session I and II and within 15 calendar days for Session III and IV. Change in pay level will be effective the beginning of the session.

If you have any questions, please call me at 3203.

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St. Petersburg College

APPLICATION FOR DEGREE CHANGE

MASTER’S + 30

Name: ____________________________________________________ Department/Campus ___________________

Master’s Degree earned from: ________________________________ Date Awarded: __________________________

GRADUATE LEVEL COURSES COMPLETED AFTER MASTER’S DEGREE WAS CONFERRED:




DATE	INSTITUTION	PREFIX	NUMBER	DESCRIPTION	SEMESTER HOURS

TOTAL: ____________________________

Verified by:______________________________________________________, Supervisor, HR Records Date: __________________

Approved by ____________________________________________________, Director, HR Date: __________________

Input: _______________________________

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St. Petersburg College

APPLICATION FOR DEGREE CHANGE

BACHELOR’S + 62, INCLUDING A MASTER’S

Name: ____________________________________________________ Department/Campus ___________________

Master’s Degree earned from: ________________________________ Date Awarded: __________________________

UPPER DIVISION UNDERGRADUATE/GRADUATE LEVEL COURSES COMPLETED AFTER BACHELOR’S DEGREE WAS CONFERRED:




DATE	INSTITUTION	PREFIX	NUMBER	DESCRIPTION	SEMESTER HOURS

TOTAL: ____________________________

Verified by:______________________________________________________, Supervisor, HR Records Date: __________________

Approved by ____________________________________________________, Director, HR Date: __________________

Input: _______________________________

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EXCESS TEACHING PREPARATIONS

(Full-time faculty – 4 or more preparations)

Instructor: ________________________________________ Session/Year ________________

Department: ________________________________________ Site _____________________

Department #: ________________________________________

LIST INSTRUCTOR’S SCHEDULE FOR THE SESSION

(Use courses with highest ECH and Duplicate sections first as part of base contract.)

SECTION	PREFIX	COURSE #	TITLE	ECH	CONTRACT CODE BASE/OPT/ROT/SUPP

TOTAL NUMBER OF PREPARATION IN BASE/OPT/ROB _____________

TOTAL ECH FOR EXCESS PREPARATIONS STIPEND _____________ (May not exceed 6 ECH)

STIPEND _____________ ($100 x excess ECH)

INSTRUCTOR: ___________________________ DATE _____________

APPROVAL:

PROGRAM CHAIR ________________________________________________ DATE ______________

PROVOST _______________________________________________________ DATE ______________

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FACULTY COMPUTER INTERVIEW CHECKLIST







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GRADUATE COURSE REQUIREMENT

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 site administrators and vice presidents or associate and assistant vice presidents of Educational and Student Services, 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." 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 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 administrator 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 but who not 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 re-appointment. 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 then "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 2-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 tuition and fees.

Specific Authority: 240.319(2) & (3), F.S.

Law Implemented: 240.319(4)(b), (h), (I), 240.324.335, F.S.; SBE Rules 6A-14.0261, 6A-14.0262(7), 6A-14.0262(7)(f),F.A.C.

History: Adopted – 2/20/86. Amended – 10/17/89. Filed – 10/17/89. Effective – 10/17/89; 7/21/92. Filed – 7/21/92. Effective – 7/21/92; 10/20/93. Filed – 10/20/93. Effective – Session I, 1993-94; 5/18/99. Filed – 5/18/99. Effective – 5/18/99.

I understand the above requirement and agree to comply with this requirement.

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Supervisor’s Signature Date Faculty Member’s Signature Date

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INSTRUCTIONAL SALARIES AND RELATED POLICIES

PROCEDURE: 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.

INSTRUCTIONAL SALARIES AND RELATED POLICIES

The Director of Human Resources shall annually submit to the President recommendations for salary schedules and related policies. The schedules shall be based upon adopted classification standards and shall determine the basis for compensation of instructional personnel. The College’s Salary Schedule and Related Policies is available on the College Web Site: http://www.SPC.cc.fl.us/central/hr/facsal.htm.

INSTRUCTIONAL SALARIES

(See http://www.SPC.cc.fl.us/central/hr/facsal.htm#FT)

FULL-TIME FACULTY

(Seehttp://www.SPC.cc.fl.us/central/hr/facsal.htm#FT)

CHANGE IN ACADEMIC CREDENTIALS

(See http://www.SPC.cc.fl.us/central/hr/facsal.htm#change)

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.

ADJUNCT/SUPPLEMENTAL SALARY SCHEDULE – CREDIT

(See http://www.SPC.edu/central/hr/tempsal.htm#credit)

GRADE/SALARY PER EQUATED CREDIT HOUR

(See http://www.SPC.edu/central/hr/tempsal.htm#EQ)

EMERGENCY MEDICAL SERVICES – CREDIT

(See http://www.SPC.edu/central/hr/tempsal.htm#EQ)

MICROSOFT CERTIFIED SYSTEMS ENGINEER (MCSE) & MICROSOFT CERTIFIED SOLUTIONS DEVELOPER (MCSD) INSTRUCTION

EXCESS TEACHING PREPARATIONS

(See http://www.SPC.edu/central/hr/tempsal.htm#excess)

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ADJUNCT/SUPPLEMENTAL SALARY SCHEDULE – NONCREDIT

(See http://www.SPC.edu/central/hr/tempsal.htm#ncsal)

SUBSTITUTE PAY

(See http://www.SPC.edu/central/hr/tempsal.htm#sub)

EXTENDED SUBSTITUTE PAY

(See http://www.SPC.edu/central/hr/tempsal.htm#extsub)

PERCENT OF LOAD

(See http://www.SPC.edu/central/hr/tempsal.htm#extsub)

TELECOURSE ECH/CLASS SIZE MATRIX

(See http://www.spjc.edu/central/hr/tempsal.htm)

The Following are Links to the Human Resources Web Page:

CENTER FOR EXCELLENCE - FLORIDA EDUCATION FUND
(GRANT FOR HIGH SCHOOL STUDENTS)

COLLEGE REACH-OUT GRANT

BRAIN BOWL, FORENSICS, AND COMPUTER TEAM COACHING SALARY SCHEDULE

EXPERIENTIAL LEARNING SALARY SCHEDULE

SUPPLEMENTAL SALARY SCHEDULES FOR STUDENT ACTIVITIES
ATHLETICS SALARY SCHEDULE

SUPPLEMENTAL SALARY SCHEDULE FOR WRITING ASSESSMENT

MISCELLANEOUS SALARY SCHEDULE

WORK STUDY AND STUDENT ASSISTANTS SALARY SCHEDULE

TEMPORARY (OTHER PERSONAL SERVICES) EMPLOYEES SALARY SCHEDULE

SUPPLEMENTAL PAY

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.

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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.

TOTAL COMPENSATION FOR EMPLOYEES IN BUDGETED POSITIONS

The College presently provides a number of benefits in addition to salary to comprise total compensation. However, 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 would also be additional. However, employees in budgeted part-time positions prior to 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.

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.

BENEFITS FOR DESIGNATED EMPLOYEES

In certain circumstances the President is authorized to purchase uniforms and other protective clothing and equipment for designated employees.

OVERTIME

Overtime compensation is paid to qualified employees for hours worked in excess of forty (40) hours within a workweek. Overtime must have the prior approval of the supervisor. The overtime compensation rate is one and one-half (1 ½) times the regular hourly rate of pay.

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.

HOLIDAY WORK AND HOLIDAY PAY

Non-senior career service full-time employees who work on a date designated as a College holiday will be compensated one and one-half (1 ½) times their regular pay in addition to pay for the holiday. Employees will receive compensation for a designated College holiday(s) so long as they work, or are on an approved leave of absence with pay, both the last workday prior to and the first workday after the holiday(s).

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.

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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.

THIRD SHIFT DIFFERENTIAL (Applies only to custodians)

Third shift differential is 50 cents per hour.

WORK STUDY AND STUDENT ASSISTANTS SALARY SCHEDULE

Employed at Clearwater, Seminole, or St. Petersburg/Gibbs or the Tarpon Springs Center = $5.55 per hour.

Employed at District Office, the Health Education Center, Allstate Center, or any other work site = $5.75 per hour.

TEMPORARY (OTHER PERSONAL SERVICES) 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 such 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.

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APPENDIX A

FACULTY GOVERNANCE ORGANIZATION CONSTITUTION
 
 
 
 
 

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 college-wide faculty governance body, the Faculty Senate.

SENATE EXECUTIVE BOARD

The elected presiding officers from each Faculty Council shall be the Senate Executive Board.

ARTICLE II

AFFIRMATIVE ACTION STATEMENT

The Faculty Governance Organization of St. Petersburg College is committed to the concept of Affirmative Action. The Senate Executive Board, in consultation with the College President, will review membership on the Faculty Councils, the Faculty Senate and FGO committees. If necessary, appointments will be made by the Senate Executive Board, in consultation with the College President, to assure continued adherence to the College’s Affirmative Action philosophy.

ARTICLE III

DEFINITION OF TERMS

• The word SITE shall be used consistently to identify the St. Petersburg/Gibbs Campus, the Clearwater Campus, the Tarpon Springs Center, and the Health Education Center. For the purpose of FGO representation, the Allstate Center and the District Office are not presently considered sites.
• The elected members of each Site’s Faculty Council shall be called REPRESENTATIVES.
• The Representatives elected to the Faculty Senate shall be called SENATORS.
• 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.
• 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.
• 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.
• SITE ADMINISTRATOR shall mean the Provost or equivalent on each site or said person’s designee.
• 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.


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ARTICLE IV: FACULTY GOVERNANCE ORGANIZATION

SECTION 1

The purposes of the Faculty Governance Organization acting through apportionment groups, Representatives, and Senators are:

• To establish a vehicle by which the concept of an academic community composed of faculty and administrators can become more of a reality.
• To provide a method for effective participation by faculty, and for cooperative and supportive interaction between faculty and administration in working toward common goals.
• To provide a forum for debate and recommendations for resolution of issues.
• To develop and maintain a climate in which the collegial approach to College governance can be carried out.
• To integrate faculty governance into the pertinent formal administrative procedures of the institution.
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.

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ARTICLE V: THE FACULTY COUNCILS

SECTION 1

The Faculty Council structure is designed to reflect the multi-site structure of St. Petersburg College.

SECTION 2: PURPOSE

• 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.
• To provide a formal method for the Faculty Council and the administrative officers on each site to confer on matters within its responsibilities.
• To establish a meaningful working relationship with the site administration on those matters within its responsibilities.
• To recommend, counsel, monitor, and attempt to resolve differences pertaining to issues within its responsibilities submitted by faculty on that site.
SECTION 3: RESPONSIBILITIES
• The faculty Council may be concerned with the development, review, or evaluation of rules and Formal Procedures applying to the following matters:
• Broad matters of educational policy and philosophy.
• Varied delivery systems of instruction (educational television, self-paced, lecture, etc.).
• Student academic standards.
• Types of and approaches to remedial and developmental programs.
• Personnel policies that directly affect members of the Faculty Governance Organization.
• Rule 6Hx23-3.01 relating to academic freedom.
• Evaluation instruments for use by students and/or supervisors to assess the performance of the members of the Faculty Governance Organization.
• 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 to attempt to resolve individual problems. If resolution cannot be achieved, the established grievance procedure may be utilized at the discretion of the instructor.

 

 
 
 

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• Specific matters relating to the curriculum, course content, and description of courses shall remain with the curriculum committee.
• Involvement with the instructional salary schedule is through membership on the college-wide compensation committee.
• 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.
• This collegial faculty governance is not intended to replace the assigned responsibilities of site and college administrators.
SECTION 4: MEMBERSHIP
• The membership of the Faculty Councils shall be elected by the membership within the apportionment groups of each site.
• 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

• 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

• The Tarpon Springs Center 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.
• The apportionment of the Representatives for the Faculty Council at the Health Education Center shall be as follows:

 

 

Nursing 4

Other health fields 4

• 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.
• The site administrator on each site or the site administrator’s designee shall be a non-voting ex-officio member.
• A census of the members in each apportionment group shall be taken by 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
• 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.
• 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.
• 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.
• 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 Session I following their election in March of an even year:
Business, Computer Science, Criminal Justice, & Open Campus SP/G

Library, Counseling, & Physical Education SP/G

Social Sciences, Alternate Instruction Center, & Ethics SP/G

Communications & Humanities & Fine Arts CL

Nursing HC

Tarpon Springs TS

TABLE OF CONTENTS Terms of office for the following apportionment groups will commence on the first duty day of Session 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

The number of terms for each Representative shall not be limited

SECTION 6: DUTIES OF THE REPRESENTATIVES OF THE FACULTY COUNCIL
• To attend and participate in Faculty Council meetings.
• To initiate action on issues within its responsibilities
• To become knowledgeable on issues brought before the Faculty Council and those affecting their apportionment groups.
• To report Faculty Council business regularly to their apportionment groups.
• To express opinions on written proposals submitted by the Site administration.

 

 
 
 

SECTION 7: OFFICERS OF THE FACULTY COUNCIL

• Each Faculty Council shall elect a chairperson, vice-chairperson, secretary, and parliamentarian.
• This election shall take place during the regular Faculty Council meeting in March.
• The term of office for all officers of the Faculty Council shall be one (1) year commencing on the first duty day of Session I.
• Officers may succeed themselves.
• Duties of Chairperson shall include, but not be limited to:
• Call and chair meetings of the Faculty Councils and, in conjunction with the officers of the Faculty Council, set the agenda.
• Serve on the Senate Executive Board.
• 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.
• 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.
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• Duties of Vice-Chairperson
• To assume the duties of the chairperson in case of absence of the chairperson.
• Duties of Secretary
• To provide records of the proceedings of the Faculty Council meetings.
• To inform the faculty in writing of actions taken by the Faculty Council.
• To publish the place, time, and agenda of special meetings.
• To carry out other duties as assigned by the chairperson.
• The duty of the Parliamentarian is to advise the chairperson on matters concerning parliamentary procedures.
SECTION 8: MEETINGS OF THE FACULTY COUNCIL
• 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.
• 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 the Representatives, 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.
• Meetings of the Faculty Council shall be as directed by these Articles and by law and shall be open to FGO members.
• Records shall be maintained as provided by these Articles and by law at designated locations as approved by the Faculty Council and shall be open to FGO members.
SECTION 9: TRANSACTIONS OF FACULTY COUNCIL BUSINESS
• Robert’s Rules of Order, Newly Revised, shall be followed except where in conflict with this Constitution or Standing Operating Procedures.
• 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.
• Items of business brought before the Faculty Council and voted upon must receive a simple majority of the Faculty Council members present in order to become recommendations of the Faculty Council.

 

 
 
 

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• Recommendations of the Faculty Council about site matters shall be submitted to the site administrator. The site administrator and the Faculty Council Chairperson 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.
• 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.
• Recommendations of the Faculty Council determined to be college-wide issues shall be forwarded to the Faculty Senate.
• 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.
• 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.
• The officers of the Faculty Council shall conduct business of the Faculty Council if the Council is unable to convene from the end of Session II to the beginning of Session I of the following academic year.

 

 
 
 

SECTION 10: COMMITTEES

• 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.
• The Faculty Council chairperson and vice-chairperson shall be ex-officio members of Council committees.
• 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.
• 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 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.
• 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.
• After the Faculty Council meeting where the Representative or officer has had the opportunity for a hearing, the petition may be started.
• 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.
• 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.
• In case of a chairperson’s being removed, the vice-chairperson acts in the place of the chairperson under this section.
SECTION 12: VACANCY
• 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.
• 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:
• If the office of chairperson is vacant, the vice-chairperson shall assume the office of chairperson.
• 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.
• If the office of parliamentarian is vacant, the chairperson shall appoint the replacement.
• 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.

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ARTICLE VI: FACULTY SENATE

SECTION 1: PURPOSES OF THE FACULTY SENATE

• To provide a formal way for members of the Faculty Councils to participate in decision making by and for St. Petersburg College.
• To provide a vehicle for involvement Faculty in administrative proposals at a reasonable period of time prior to the time the proposals are presented to the decision-making body.
• 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.
• To assist the College administration in finding reasonable solutions to college-related problems.
• To assist the Faculty Councils.
• To assure the faculty fair consideration in matters of its concern within its responsibilities.
• 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.
• To develop a cooperative spirit within the total College governance in those matters within its responsibilities.
SECTION 2: RESPONSIBILITIES OF THE FACULTY SENATE
• The Faculty Senate may be concerned with the development, review, or evaluation of Rules and Formal Procedures applying to the following matters on a college-wide basis.
• Broad matters of educational policy and philosophy.
• Varied delivery systems of instruction (educational television, self-paced, lecture, etc.)
• Student academic standards.
• Types of and approaches to remedial and developmental programs.
• Personnel policies that directly affect members of the Faculty Governance Organization.
• The Rule 6Hx23-3.01 relating to academic freedom.
• Evaluation instruments for use by students and/or supervisors to assess the performance of the members of the Faculty Governance Organization.
• Changes in the Faculty Grievance procedure
• Changes to the official College philosophy and objectives statement of St. Petersburg College as stated in the College Catalog.
• The Faculty Senate may initiate, refer, or propose issues to the Faculty Councils when such issues are within the responsibilities of the Faculty Councils.
• The Faculty Senate may initiate and propose issues relating to the matters set forth in paragraph "A" above to the College President.
• 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.
• 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.
• 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.
• Specific matters relating to the curriculum, course content, and description of courses shall remain with the curriculum committee.
• Involvement with the instructional salary schedule is through membership on the college-wide compensation committee.
• Involvement with the instructional salary schedule is through membership on the college-wide compensation committee.
• Involvement with the college budget process is through representatives from the Seanate Executive Board meeting with the President’s Cabinet for regular briefings during the budgeting process.

 

 
 
 

SECTION 3: MEMBERSHIP OF THE FACULTY SENATE

• The Chairpersons of the Faculty Councils are members of the Faculty Senate.
• 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.
• The term of office for a Senator is two (2) yeas coincidental with his term of office as a Representative.
• If a Senator cannot attend a meeting, he shall designate a Faculty Council Representative from his apportionment group to serve in his place.
• The College President or the President’s designee shall be a non-voting ex-officio member.

 

 
 
 

SECTION 4: DUTIES OF SENATORS

• To attend meetings of the Faculty Senate.
• To keep the Faculty Councils informed of Faculty Senate matters and those College matters affecting them.
• To consider, and if appropriate, initiate action on issues within the Faculty Senate responsibilities.
• To study, and become knowledgeable on, issues brought before the Faculty Senate.

 

 
 
 
 

SECTION 5: OFFICERS OF THE FACULTY SENATE
• The Faculty Senate shall elect a president, vice president, secretary, and parliamentarian. The President shall be selected from among the Faculty Council chairpersons.
• This election shall take place during the regular Faculty Senate meeting in April.
• The term of office shall be for one (1) year and shall commence on the first duty day of Session I.
• Officers may succeed themselves.
• Duties of Faculty Senate President shall include, but not be limited to:
• To call and chair meetings of the Faculty Senate and, in conjunction with the officers of the Faculty Senate, set the agenda.
• To serve as President of the Senate Executive Board.
• To appoint Faculty Senate committees
• 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.
• To be voting member of the Faculty Senate.
• To insure that opportunity for the presentation of viewpoints on relevant issues is available at meetings.
• To invite expert witnesses to appear before the Faculty Senate.
• To attend meetings of the Board of Trustees.
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• Duties of Faculty Senate Vice-President:
• To assume the duties of the Faculty Senate President in his/her absence.
• To assume other duties assigned by the Faculty Senate President.
• Duties of Faculty Senate Secretary::
• To record and distribute minutes and proceedings of the Faculty Senate.
• To oversee assigned secretarial assistance.
• To post the agenda and notice of meetings.
• To assume other duties as assigned by the Faculty Senate President.
• The duty of the Parliamentarian is to advise the Faculty Senate President on parliamentary procedures.
•  
SECTION 6: MEETINGS OF THE FACULTY SENATE
• The Faculty Senate shall select a day of the week during the second and fourth weeks of the month for the time of its regular meetings.
• 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 the written request by thirty 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.
• Meetings of the Faculty Senate shall be as directed by these Articles and by law and shall be open to FGO members.
• 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
• Robert’s Rules of Order, Newly revised, shall be followed except where in conflict with this Constitution or Standing Operating Procedures.
• 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.
• 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.
• Recommendations made by the Faculty Senate regarding college-wide 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.
• 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.
• 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, 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 their consideration.
• 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.
• 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.
• 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 Session II to the beginning of Session I of the following academic year.
• 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
• 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.
• The President and Vice-President of the Senate shall be ex-officio members of all Senate committees.
• 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.
• 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.

 

 
 
 
 

• College Committees
• With regard to college-wide standing committees, the Senate Executive Board and the College President shall prepare a mutually agreed upon list of nominees for membership on said committees and the College President shall appoint members there-from. A good faith effort will be made to appoint and notify committee members by the end of Session 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 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.
• 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.
• After the Faculty Senate meeting where the Senator or officer has had the opportunity for a hearing, the petition may be started.
• At least two-thirds of the Faculty Senate members shall sign the petition for it to be valid, and the petition shall be forwarded to the Faculty Senate President.
• 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.
• In case of the president’s being removed, the vice-president acts in the place of the president under this section.
SECTION 10: VACANCY
• 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.
• 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.
• 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.
• 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.
• If the office of parliamentarian is vacant, the president shall appoint the replacement.
• Any newly elected officer shall serve out the time of the previous officer.
SECTION 11: STANDING OPERATING PROCEDURES
• 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

• To serve as the vehicle between the Faculty Senate and the College President/Board of Trustees
• To serve as the vehicle between the FGO and the College President/Board of Trustees
• To serve as a liaison between the Faculty Senate and the President’s Cabinet.
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SECTION 3: DUTIES

• To assume a leadership role in representing the Faculty Governance Organization with the administration.
• To develop a working knowledge of College rules and procedures, the State Board of Education (SBE) regulations, and relevant Florida statutes.
• To assist the administration in finding solutions to problems.
• 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.
• To bring recommendations of the Faculty Senate to the College President.
• To foster a climate of cooperation and goodwill in maintaining the collegial approach to governance of the College.
• To report to the Faculty Senate.
SECTION 4: OFFICERS
• The Faculty Senate President shall be president of the Senate Executive Board
• 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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Last revised 26-Apr-2002