Section G - Academic Affairs Policies and Procedures

Policies

Academic Affairs Calendar and Final Exam Schedule

The Academic Affairs Calendar is issued each July and lists the important due dates for Academic Affairs activities for the academic year. This calendar is available online at the following link:

Section H - Academic Affairs Calendar

Final Exam Schedule – Common Questions:

1. When are final exams for 6 and/or 7.5-week courses?
2. When are final exams for 12-week courses?
3. When are final exams for online courses?
4. Why don’t we have any final exams in my course?
5. Why does my friend have their final exams one or two weeks before final exam week?

The College contract with faculty is for 168 days; 160 of those days are for the purpose of instruction, and 8 days are non-teaching days. When the academic calendar is planned, it must comply with the 168 days per United Faculty Agreement and assure that the required number of hours per class are met. For the 7.5, 12 and 15- week sessions, the week of finals is considered as part of the required 80 days of instruction. If final exams are not conducted during the 15th week, the required number of contact hours has not been met, students are shortchanged in the amount of instructional time they pay for in fees, and faculty have not complied with the terms of the Faculty Collective Bargaining Agreement.

The following table should help clarify each semester’s last class and final exam dates:

Last Class Date and Final Exam Schedule, 2024-2025 Academic Year

Enacted in Section G July 2004 from existing policy; revised July 2009; reviewed June 2010; revised July 2013, July 2014; July 2015; July 2017; July 2018, July 2019; July 2020; July 2021; July 2023; July 2024

Academic Affairs Calendar and Final Exam Schedule

The Academic Affairs Calendar is issued each July and lists the important due dates for Academic Affairs activities for the academic year. This calendar is available online at the web address above.

Final Exam Schedule – Common Questions:

1. When are final exams for 6 and/or 7.5-week courses?
2. When are final exams for 12-week courses?
3. When are final exams for online courses?
4. Why don’t we have any final exams in my course?
5. Why does my friend have their final exams one or two weeks before final exam week?

The College contract with faculty is for 168 days; 160 of those days are for the purpose of instruction, and 8 days are non-teaching days.  When the academic calendar is planned, it must comply with the 168 days per United Faculty Agreement and assure that the required number of hours per class are met.  For the 7.5, 12 and 15- week sessions, the week of finals is considered as part of the required 80 days of instruction.  If final exams are not conducted during the 15^th week, the required number of contact hours has not been met, students are shortchanged in the amount of instructional time they pay for in fees, and faculty have not complied with the terms of the Faculty Collective Bargaining Agreement.

The following table should help clarify each semester’s last class and final exam dates:

Last Class Date and Final Exam Schedule, 2022-2023 Academic Calendar Year

    

Enacted in Section G July 2004 from existing policy; revised July 2009; reviewed June 2010; revised July 2013, July 2014; July 2015; July 2017; July 2018, July 2019; July 2020; July 2021; July 2022

 

 

Academic Affairs Checklist

Faculty

Item	Compliance	Frequency
Syllabus posting	Board Policy, Federal and State Law –textbook information	Every semester per posted deadlines in Section G, Academic Management Manual
Office Hours	State Policy - www.flrules.org/gateway/Fla-Admin-Code-R.-6A-14.0491	Every semester
Textbook Certification	Federal and State Law	Once per year, or when textbooks change
Faculty Observations	Board Policy, faculty contract	Per guidelines in Academic Management Manual, Section G
Performance appraisal	Board Policy, faculty contract	Per guidelines for performance appraisal (HR)
Blackboard course setup	College Policy – Content must be loaded by noon on the day faculty return for Fall and Spring and two days before the Summer term.	Every semester
Attendance verification – “never attended”	Federal law	Every semester
Attendance verification – “last date of attendance”	Federal law	Every semester
Mid Term Grading	Faculty Contract	Every semester
Final Course Grades via Web	College Policy	Every semester
SPD Travel and Conferences	College Policy	Per established deadlines on Academic Affairs website

Scheduling

Item	Compliance	Frequency
Off-Site Approval	SACSCOC	Every semester
Class Size Minimums	College Policy	Every semester
Class Roll-over, Schedule Prep	College Policy	Every semester – class notes, class sizes, designators, class time for hybrid classes - See Academic Management Manual

Enacted July 2013, Reviewed 2019, July 2020

Academic Progress Standards

Good Academic Status

Students who are not on academic probation or dismissal from the College are considered in good academic status.

Probation

Students in credit programs must maintain a cumulative grade point average (CGPA) of:

• 1.4 or better for 1-14 semester hours attempted
• 1.6 or better for 15-27 semester hours attempted
• 1.8 or better for 28-45 semester hours attempted
• 2.0 or better for over 45 semester hours attempted

The College administration will continually assess the impact of the academic progression policy and make adjustments as necessary to the academic probation grade point average table above.

It is anticipated that the cumulative grade point average to remain in good academic standing will increase in the future. Therefore, it is imperative that students meet with an academic advisor on a regular basis to discuss academic success issues and support services, as well as carefully plan their academic program.

Academic Probation

Probation will be continued as long as the student fails to achieve the standard cumulative grade point average (CGPA) for the number of hours attempted (see table above). Probation will be calculated at the end of each term. Transfer students whose CGPA does not meet the standard for good academic status will enroll on academic probation. Any student on academic probation will be limited in course load to a maximum of 12 semester hours during the fall, spring and summer terms.

Students on academic probation are required to meet with an academic advisor prior to registering for subsequent terms. Academic advisors are authorized to limit the number of hours and types of courses taken by students on academic probation. Academic probation is noted on the student’s permanent record.

Academic Suspension

Academic suspension is the first involuntary separation. Academic suspension results from a student’s failure, while on academic probation, to regain good academic standing or achieve a minimum 2.0 term grade point average (GPA). Suspension requires the student to stay out of school for one semester to reflect on their academic goals and level of commitment to education.

Academic suspension is noted on the student’s permanent record. Students readmitted after an academic suspension will be on academic probation and must meet with an academic advisor prior to registering for classes.

Academic Dismissal

Academic dismissal is a subsequent involuntary separation imposed upon a student who, having been previously suspended from the College and readmitted, fails to regain good academic status or achieve a minimum 2.0 term grade point average (GPA) for each academic term. Academic dismissal requires the student to stay out of school for one full calendar year to reflect on his/her commitment to education and to make any necessary changes to facilitate future success. Academic dismissal is noted on the student’s permanent record. Students who are readmitted after being academically dismissed will be on academic probation and must meet with an academic advisor prior to registering for classes. See Guidelines for Reinstatement.

Note: Students on academic suspension or dismissal are eligible to enroll in the Career Certificate Program (CPP) or avocational courses.

Enacted in Section G July 2004 from existing policy; reviewed June 2010, reviewed May 2019, July 2020

Academic Records Retention Policy

Schedule A: Academic Records

Record Type	Retention Period
Examination Materials: Non-standardized	1 semester after expiration of appeal process
Grade Records: Data Input Forms	1 semester
Class Rolls	3 fiscal years
Student Class Work Records	Retain until obsolete
Copy of Grade Books	One academic year
Course and Program Records: Professor/Department Files	2 anniversary years
Student Appeal Records	5 fiscal years after final appeal
Final Exit State Exam (standardized)	Three fiscal years, ending June 30
Other Standardized Tests	Three fiscal years, ending June 30

Link to Records Retention Schedules, https://www.pbsc.edu/documents/GS5-Public-Universities-and-Colleges.pdf 

Notes:

1. All records will be submitted to the office of the appropriate Associate Dean or Dean responsible for the program or discipline.
2. Individual student exams will not be retained.
3. Examination materials: Non-standardized will be retained 1 semester after expiration of appeal process.
4. Health Science programs and other limited access academic programs holding “programmatic accreditation” must comply with specific standards as required. For example, the State Department of Health, American Medical Association and subsidiaries, HIPAA and other regulatory agencies may have additional standards for records retention.
5. All records disposal MUST be done by shredding or incineration.

Schedule B: Faculty Related Documents

Record	Retention Period
Student assessment of courses and faculty	Data are retained electronically by Institutional Research & Effectiveness
Classroom observation of faculty	Five years after termination - Faculty permanent personnel file in Human Resources
Performance appraisal of faculty	Five years after termination - Faculty permanent personnel file in Human Resources
Any disciplinary action or other documents	Five years after termination - Faculty permanent personnel file in Human Resources

Enacted in Section G July 2004 from existing policy; reviewed July 2010; revised February 2020; revised July 2024

Attendance and the First Day of Class

In our focus on student engagement, Palm Beach State seeks to emphasize the importance of first class meeting attendance. Research and our own experience clearly show the connection between teaching and learning that begin in the first class and student success. We earlier proposed a prohibition on adding a class after the first class meeting. However, this registration solution has raised many concerns and prompted further discussion on possible negative impacts on students.

In these discussions, it became clear that a student's presence in class on the first day is not a registration issue but an attendance issue. While attendance is expected for all class sessions and activities, class attendance policies are set by the individual faculty member. Therefore, the policy on adding classes must give the faculty member some flexibility to determine in advance whether to allow or prohibit adding the class after the first class meeting.

The statement in bold below was developed by a subcommittee that studied this issue. The Joint Deans’ Council recommended approval of the policy to the President’s Cabinet, who approved the policy. It is published in the College Catalog and the Student Success Handbook, as follows:

Attendance at the first class meeting of any Palm Beach State course is required. Students who do not attend the first class may be dropped from the course, depending upon the individual faculty member's attendance policy. It is the student's responsibility to read the course schedule notes and/or visit the College website. The College policy of reinstating students for financial aid reasons or for having been dropped due to College error supersedes individual faculty attendance policies.

Enacted July 2006; reviewed June 2010; reviewed July 2019, July 2020

 

Attendance Statement and Reporting Requirements

Federal law requires the college to record the students who have never attended each class. The college uses this enrollment information to adjust Financial Aid awards, which makes the reporting accuracy and timeliness very important.

According to 34 CFR 668.22(I)(7): Academic attendance and academically-related activity includes but is not limited to:

•   Physically attending a class where there is an opportunity for direct interaction between the instructor and students;

•   Submitting an academic assignment;

•   Taking an exam, an interactive tutorial, or computer-assisted instruction;

•   Attending a study group assigned by the school;

•   Participating in an online discussion about academic matters; and

•   Initiating contact with a faculty member to ask a question about the academic subject studied in the course.

 

The Instructor Verify Participation window opens the day after add/drop for each of your classes and remains open for at least 2 calendar days.  The Add/Drop dates for your classes may be different depending on the class Session code. You can view the dates of your particular sections via Workday. From the Faculty dashboard, select “View My Course Section Schedule Enhanced (PBSC STU)”.

General dates are also posted on the Academic Calendar: https://www.pbsc.edu/academiccalendar/

Instructions:

1.   The Instructor Verify Participation roster opens the first day after add/drop and remains open for at least 2 calendar days.

2.    You can access your Never Attended roster by going to your Faculty Dashboard and clicking Verify Participation for My Course Section under the “Participation Verification for Financial Aid” tab.  For the full job aid, please visit: faculty_verifyparticipation.pdf (palmbeachstate.edu)

3.    If all students have participated, scroll to the bottom of the page and click the orange “OK” button.  To report a student never attended during the attendance window, select the “Did Not Attend” radial button by the student’s name. Please do not select “No longer attending”, as this is not currently being utilized by this institution. 

4.    You should wait until after the Drop without Record End date but before the window closes if possible to make sure you have seen any student who may register during the last days of add/drop.

5.    The roster must be submitted by 11:59PM of the due date. If you miss the deadline to submit attendance verification, you will need to submit a printed roster indicating Attending or Did Not Attend. Sign and date the roster and submit to the Associate Dean’s office. The Associate Dean will submit to the Campus Registrar to facilitate the attendance verification process.

6.   To make changes to what you submitted once the window has closed, you will need to send an e-mail to your CAMPUS REGISTRAR indicating the Student’s Name, Id and reference number of the class.  NOTE: One e-mail for each student is required as this e-mail will be placed in the student file

       

NOTE: “Did Not Attend” means the student has never attended the class.  If the student misses the first class/assignment but attends any time after, they have attended.

 

Enacted July 2007; reviewed June 2010; revised July 2011; revised July 2013; July 2014; July 2015, updated August 2018, July 2020, revised July 2024

Block Scheduling Templates

Fall/Spring 2021-2022

Class Scheduling Template

15 Weeks/12 Weeks/7.5 Weeks

 

Summer

Class Scheduling Template

6 Weeks/8 Weeks/12 Weeks

 

Enacted in Section G July 2004 from existing policy; reviewed June 2010; revised May 2019, July 2020; February 2021

Chart of Programs

Copy of 2024-2025 Chart of Programs

 

 

Enacted in Section G July 2004 from existing policy; reviewed July 2005; July 2006; July 2007; July 2008; July 2009; July 2010; July 2011; July 2013; July 2014; July 2015; August 2016; May 2018, July 2019; June 2020; July 2021; July 2022; July 2023; July 2024

 

Class Audit Policy

A student may be admitted to certain courses on an audit basis with the completed request form submitted prior to the deadline as published in the Palm Beach State catalog. Audit requests will not be processed after the add/drop period ends. Classes designated as audit during add/drop do not count as attempts. Students auditing a course must attend class, but they are not required to take tests and examinations. No audit students may change their schedule to seek credit in any course in which they are enrolled. Prerequisites, tuition and all special fees apply.

Courses taken for the third or fourth attempt or for high school dual enrollment/early admission may not be audited. Students are not permitted to audit college preparatory courses, courses under a selected admission program, or vocational credit or noncredit courses. A student may not audit a course in which he or she received a grade of ‘C’ higher. An instructor may withdraw an audit student (XW) for non-attendance.

Enacted July 2006; reviewed June 2010, July 2020

Class Size Guidelines/Suggested Week Guidelines

Guidelines for Scheduling Credit/Prep Course Offerings 2022-2023

Class size is set by the college administration with exceptions approved by Academic Deans’ Council and VPAA. The college administration may change the class size.

Scheduling Goals:

1. Develop a schedule that is based on student need.
2. Maintain an average class size of 25.
3. Reflect on schedule the approved program and discipline wheels.
4. Achieve a fulltime to part-time faculty ratio of 55/45%.
5. Schedule classes in appropriately sized room based on assigned class size.

Recommended Class Size and Length of Time Guidelines by Course 1 or Prefix

                                                                                                                                                                                05082024

Enacted in Section G July 2004 from existing policy; reviewed July 2005, July 2006, July 2007, July 2008, July 2009, July 2010; July 2011; July 2013; July 2014; July 2018; July 2020; July 2021; July 2022; July 2024

 

Cluster Guidelines

1. The Cluster is comprised of disciplines and/or programs. Each cluster has a liaison, who is an associate dean or director.
2. Programs or a discipline(s) may choose to meet more frequently. If a program or a discipline meets outside of the four required meetings during the academic year, minutes must be taken and distributed via email to the Academic Minutes Distribution list.
3. Any cluster member may place an item on the agenda for discussion and/or voting. The cluster chair does not have the right to refuse an agenda item from a cluster member.
4. An item is approved if the majority of cluster members present approve the agenda item.
5. The Cluster Liaison is responsible for:
   1. Collaborating with the Cluster Chair to ensure that at least the four required meetings are scheduled.
   2. Holding a group meeting with all the programs and disciplines under that cluster.
   3. Ensuring that minutes are taken, including addressing any district issues set forth by the VPAA, and distributed to the Academic Minutes Distribution list.
   4. Identifying which program/clusters actually meet in addition to the main cluster meeting. If discipline or programs meet in addition to the main cluster meeting, minutes must also be taken and distributed.
   5. Clusters are recommending bodies. Recommendations by the cluster are made to the cluster liaison, who then sends them to Deans’ Council following established policy and procedure.
   6. Supporting approved and established college policies and procedures.
6. Minutes Guidelines:
   1. The Cluster Chair is responsible for naming a scribe and ensuring that minutes are submitted.
   2. Minutes should be prepared and distributed no more than one week after a cluster meeting is held.
   3. Minutes should be prepared using the standard minutes template located at https://www.pbsc.edu/academicservices/documents/MinutesTemplate.doc. Minutes must address any identified district issues set forth by the VPAA.
   4. Any cluster recommendations should be in writing and sent to the VPAA in addition to being in the cluster minutes.
   5. Any curriculum changes (new courses, revised courses, etc.) must be initiated through the established curriculum process (www.pbsc.edu/Curriculum-Development)

Enacted July 2004; revised July 2008; reviewed July 2010; revised July 2014; revised July 2015; July 2020

Conversion of Non-Credit to Credit

Palm Beach State College recognizes the State of Florida’s statewide articulation agreements for:

1. Career Certificate Program (CCP) to AS Degree
2. Industry Certification to AS Degree

Credits are granted through the Prior Learning Assessment process at (www.pbsc.edu/priorlearning). For additional details on program specifics, please see the state Web page at www.fldoe.org/academics/Statewide-Career-and Technical-Education-Articulation-Agreements.

Enacted July 2010

Course Outlines Database

All Palm Beach State College course outlines are stored electronically in a database system. These course outlines include the following fields:

• Full course title
• Course description
• Credit hours, Clock hours, Lecture hours, Lab hours, Clinical hours (as each apply to the course)
• Funding Category and Transfer Status
• General Education Status
• Gordon Rule Status
• Pre-requisite courses
• Co-requisites courses
• Materials/equipment required by the student
• Number of times course can be taken
• Course effective term/outline creation term/course revision term
• Special Fees/Course Fee Revision Date
• General Education Learning Outcomes Supported
• Course Learning Outcomes
• Methods of Assessment

Course outlines are updated through the curriculum process as described under curriculum development procedures.

All course outlines are located at palmbeachstate.edu/utilities/CourseOutlines

Enacted July 2009; reviewed July 2010, revised July 2016, reviewed July 2018

Credit Hour Definition

Policy

Palm Beach State College has policies and procedures for determining credit hours to be awarded for courses. These policies and procedures are reflective of commonly accepted practices in higher education and are compliant with SACSCOC policy and State of Florida policy. Florida Administrative Code policy 6A.14.030, defines credit hours for various course types, and forms the basis for the College’s definitions and policy.

Definition

Palm Beach State College operates on a semester basis. Credit is a unit of measure assigned to courses or course equivalent learning. Credit is awarded if the learning activity it represents is part of, or preparatory for, an organized and specified program leading to a postsecondary certificate or degree. Credit is a device which indicates to the learner, to educational institutions, to employers, and to others how much of the program the learner has completed. The credit awarded may be independent of where the learning occurs. If a learning activity does not meet these requirements, credit shall not be awarded.

All credits are based on Carnegie Units, where 50 minutes of instruction is the accepted metric in accordance with commonly accepted practice in higher education, and comply with federal government regulations (34 CFR 600.2):

Except as provided in 34 CFR 668.8(k) and (l), a credit hour is an amount of work represented in intended learning outcomes and verified by evidence of student achievement that is an institutionally established equivalency that reasonably approximates not less than — (1) One hour of classroom or direct faculty instruction and a minimum of two hours of out of class student work each week for approximately fifteen weeks for one semester or trimester hour of credit, or ten to twelve weeks for one quarter hour of credit, or the equivalent amount of work over a different amount of time; or (2) At least an equivalent amount of work as required in paragraph (1) of this definition for other academic activities as established by the institution including laboratory work, internships, practica, studio work, and other academic work leading to the award of credit hours.

A clock hour is a period of time consisting of a period of time consisting of— (1) A 50- to 60-minute class, lecture, or recitation in a 60-minute period; (2) A 50- to 60-minute faculty-supervised laboratory, shop training or internship in a 60-minute period; or (3) Sixty minutes of preparation in a correspondence course.

Types of Credit at Palm Beach State College

Type	Definition
College Credit	College credit is the type of credit assigned by Palm Beach State College institutions to courses or course equivalent learning that is part of an organized and specified program leading to a baccalaureate, associate degree, certificate, or Applied Technology Diploma pursuant to the stipulations in subsections 6A-14.030(1)-(a)(1), FAC. One (1) college credit is based on the learning expected from the equivalent of fifteen (15) fifty-minute periods of classroom instruction; with credits for such activities as laboratory instruction, internships, and clinical experience determined by the institution based on the proportion of direct instruction to the laboratory instruction, internships, or clinical experience. Lower division college credit is assigned to college credit courses offered to freshmen and sophomores (1000 and 2000 level courses) and upper division college credit is assigned to college credit courses offered to juniors and seniors (3000 and 4000 level courses).
	Lecture Instruction – Fifteen hours of instruction for 15 weeks	1 Credit
	Lab Instruction – Thirty to sixty hours of instruction for 15 weeks	1 Credit
	Clinical Instruction – Forty-five to one hundred twenty-eight hours for 15 weeks (program specific)	1 Credit
Clock Hour	A clock hour is the unit assigned to courses or course equivalent learning that is part of an organized and specified program leading to an Applied Technology Diploma or a Career and Technical Certificate pursuant to subsections (7) and (10) 6A-14.030 FAC. It applies to postsecondary adult career courses as defined in Section 1004.02(25), F.S. One (1) clock hour is based on the learning expected from the equivalent of thirty (30) hours of instruction.
Developmental Credit	Developmental credit is the type of credit assigned by Palm Beach State College to courses that provide degree seeking students who wish to enroll in college credit courses with additional academic preparation determined to be needed pursuant to Rule 6A-10.0315, FAC. One (1) developmental credit is based on the learning expected from the equivalent of fifteen (15) fifty-minute periods of classroom instruction.
Institutional Credit	Institutional credit is postsecondary credit that is competency based. Institutional credit is not guaranteed to automatically transfer. 6A.14.030(1)(a)(4) FAC Institutional Credit is based on the learning expected from the equivalent of fifteen (15) fifty-minute periods of classroom instruction.
Continuing Education and Avocational Courses	No college credit is awarded for these courses.

Courses offered in Alternative Formats and Settings

Courses offered in alternative formats in various learning modalities (hybrid courses, online courses, independent study, cooperative education, practicums, internships, and externships) meet the same learning outcomes as classroom courses. Courses taught in high schools through the dual enrollment program use the same course outline and learning outcomes, per Florida Administrative Code 6A-14.064, College Credit Dual Enrollment.

Program Credit Hour Length Determination

Program lengths are set by the State of Florida for all degree and certificate programs.

Program	Credits/Hours	Florida Statute and Administrative Code
Bachelor of Applied Science (BAS)	120	FS 1007.25(9) FAC 6A-14.030(2)
Bachelor of Science (BS)	120	FS 1007.25(9) FAC 6A-14.030(2)
Associate in Arts (AA)	60	FS 1007.25(8) FAC 6A-14.030(3)
Associate in Science (AS)	Per FLDOE Framework	FAC 6A-14.030(4) FAC 6A-10.024(6)(a) FAC 6A-6.0571
College Credit Certificate (CCC)	Less than 60 credit hours	FAC 6A-14.030(6)
Career and Technical Certificate (CCP)	Clock Hours defined by FLDOE Frameworks	FAC 6A-14.030(10) FAC 6A-6.0571
Applied Technology Diploma (ATD)	Less than 60 credit hours	FAC 6A-14.030(7)
Advanced Technical Certificate (ATC)	9-45 credit hours	FAC 6A-14.030(8)
Certificate of Professional Preparation (CPP)	9-30 credit hours	FAC 6A-14.030(9)

All established program lengths are found at: www.fldoe.org/academics/career-adult-edu/career-tech-edu/curriculum-frameworks/index.stml

Procedure for Adherence to the Guidelines

All courses recommended for approval by the College’s Curriculum Committee are approved by the VPAA. All changes made to a course’s credit or clock hours are proposed to the Curriculum Committee. All approved courses are sent the Statewide Course Numbering System for prefix and number assignment.

Scheduling Classes

The College’s Workday Student has programmed routines to make sure a class’s loaded hours are in compliance with the guidelines as stated in this policy.

Enacted July 2014; reviewed July 2015; reviewed July 2016, updated July 2019; updated August 2020; July 2023

District Board of Trustees Policies

Copy of District Board of Trustees policies

 

Curriculum Control

TITLE: Curriculum Control

NUMBER - 6Hx-18-2.01

LEGAL AUTHORITY 1001.61 FS, 1001.64 FS, 1007.23(2-5) FS, 1001.65 FS

DATE ADOPTED/AMENDED Readopted 2/27/75; Amended 7/26/79, 12/13/90, 8/11/99, 6/20/00; 4/8/08

Policy:

The Vice President of Academic Affairs and a committee appointed by the President or designee shall review, monitor, and/or approve:

1. Curriculum studies
2. Curriculum proposals
3. Course and program reviews
4. New programs and courses
5. Deletions of courses and programs
6. Prerequisites, co-requisites, and course credit and clock hours

Curriculum Committee actions are subject to the approval of the Vice President of Academic Affairs, the President, the District Board of Trustees, and the Department of Education, as appropriate.

General Education Program

TITLE - General Education Program

NUMBER - 6Hx-18-2.02

LEGAL AUTHORITY 1001.61 FS, 1001.64 FS, 1007.25 FS, 1007.33 FS; 6A-14.030 FAC

DATE ADOPTED/AMENDED - Readopted 2/27/75; Amended 12/13/90, 6/19/01; 4/8/08

Policy:

There shall be a recognizable, common core of subject matter (General Education Program) that expresses the educational philosophy of the College.

1. Bachelor of Applied Science Degree.  A minimum of 36 semester hours in General Education shall be completed by a student who earns the Baccalaureate Degree.
2. Bachelor of Science Degree. A minimum of 36 hours in General Education shall be completed by a student who earns the Baccalaureate Degree.
3.  Associate in Arts Degree. A minimum of thirty-six semester hours in General Education shall be completed by a student who earns the Associate in Arts Degree.
4.  Associate in Science Degree. A minimum of fifteen semester hours in General Education shall be completed by a student who earns the Associate in Science Degree.
5. Associate in Applied Science Degree. A minimum of fifteen semester hours in General Education shall be completed by a student who earns the Associate in Applied Science Degree.
6. The semester hours in General Education must be drawn from and must include at least one course from each of the following areas: humanities/fine arts, social behavioral sciences, and natural sciences/mathematics.

 

Academic Freedom

TITLE – Academic Freedom

NUMBER - 6Hx-18-2.03

LEGAL AUTHORITY 1001.64 FS
DATE ADOPTED/AMENDED – Adopted 2/26/21

Policy:

This policy defines and protects Academic Freedom at Palm Beach State College for the faculty and students.   The District Board of Trustees recognizes that the essential role of Palm Beach State College is the pursuit and dissemination of knowledge, and that institutions of higher education are established for the common good and not to further a special interest of an individual member of the faculty, the institution, or the public. PBSC is dedicated to the preservation of a college atmosphere which encourages freedom of expression for faculty and students in the development of knowledge, scholarship and creative activities.   All non-bargaining unit instructional personnel shall be governed by Policy 6Hx-185.49.

Definition

Academic freedom is defined as the following: the right to freely engage in intellectual inquiry and debate without fear of censorship, sanction, or retaliation. Academic freedom and responsibility as defined applies to teaching, research, and creativity.  With Academic Freedom, the College encourages objective and diverse points of view on the part of faculty, students, invited speakers and within its libraries/learning resources centers, to better stimulate the educational process so long as they do not attempt by word or deed to intimidate or restrain others who express a differing point of view.  

 Educational & Institutional Responsibility

All members of the faculty, regardless of status, are entitled to academic freedom as follows:  

1. Instruction: Materials & Subject Matter

   • Faculty members are free to develop their subjects in their classes within the goals and objectives of the curriculum.

   • While faculty members are entitled to freedom in the classroom in discussing subject matter, they should use discretion and maintain objectivity when presenting controversial issues and in the use of learning resources material, and avoid controversial matters which has no relation to his/her subject.

   • Faculty members recognize that students are also entitled to academic freedom in the classroom in the discussion and research of their course topic and should not permit personal prejudice to interfere with the evaluation of a student’s performance or assignment.

   Scholarship & Publication

2. Faculty members are entitled to academic freedom in scholarship and in the publication of the results, subject to adequate performance of  their academic duties at the College and adherence to relevant conflict of interest/outside employment rules stipulated in Collective Bargaining Agreement and Human Resources policies. 

   Opinions as Private Citizens

Faculty members are citizens, members of a learned profession, and officers of an educational institution. When they speak or write as citizens, they should be free from institutional censorship or discipline, but their special position in the community imposes special obligations. As scholars and educational officers, they should remember that the public may judge their profession and their institution by their utterances. Hence, they should always be accurate, should exercise appropriate judgement, should show respect for the opinions of others, and should make every effort to indicate that they are not speaking for the institution.

Academic Freedom for Students

In placing equal important on academic freedom for students as it does for the faculty's academic freedom, the College acknowledges the obligation to afford each student the opportunity to develop his or her educational potential  in an environment that protects academic freedom and freedoms as a citizen or resident of the United States.   The College’s student handbook shall include approved regulations for student activities, academic achievement, and personal responsibilities that support the examination of ideas in an atmosphere of freedom and confidence, and that respect the dignity and rights of students.    Note: Procedures to this policy can be found in the Faculty Handbook and the Student Handbook.

Procedure/Accountability/Enforcement

The President, through the Vice President for Academic Affairs and Vice President Student Services, Enrollment Management, shall be responsible for developing procedures  to ensure  the awareness, and remediation  relevant to this policy. To the extent that there is a conflict between this policy and the Collective Bargaining Agreement (CBA) the terms and conditions in the CBA shall prevail. Students, regardless of status, have the right to have access to a procedure for redress in the event of an alleged abridgment of said student’s academic freedom.  Such instances will be considered through the Procedures for Student Complaints in DBOT Policy 6Hx-18-3.30 Student Complaints.

Cultural and Intellectual Environment

TITLE - Cultural and Intellectual Environment

NUMBER - 6Hx-18-2.04

LEGAL AUTHORITY 1001.61 FS, 1001.64 FS

DATE ADOPTED/AMENDED - Readopted 2/27/75; Amended 6/19/01, 4/08/08

Policy:

In keeping with the mission of the College, the cultural mission of Palm Beach State College is to foster and develop the artistic potential of its students, area residents and visitors through traditional and contemporary professional and academic performing and visual arts programs and through the commission of new works.

1. The College shall provide a series of programs by artists, performers, and lecturers and shall also utilize other means available for creating a stimulating cultural and intellectual environment for the students and faculty.
2. The College shall share resources with the community and create partnerships to develop future audience and practitioners, to encourage the development of the imagination and appreciation in its audiences through professional series, education and partnership outreach programs.

Instruction

TITLE - Instruction

NUMBER - 6Hx-18-2.05

LEGAL AUTHORITY 1001.61 FS, 1001.64 FS

DATE ADOPTED/AMENDED Readopted 2/27/75; Amended 9/18/85, 8/11/99, 6/20/00; 4/8/08

Policy:

Instruction shall be related to the learning outcomes of each course, the capabilities of the students, and the general College standards of quality. The process of instruction shall be organized so that students are provided timely written information including:

1. The goals and learning outcomes
2. The requirements of the course
3. The nature of the course content
4. The methods and variety of evaluation employed
5. The materials for the course.

Collegewide Course Outline and Syllabus

TITLE - Collegewide Course Outline and Syllabus

NUMBER - 6Hx-18-2.051

LEGAL AUTHORITY 1001.61 FS, 1001.64 F.S.;

DATE ADOPTED/AMENDED Adopted 6/19/01, Amended 4/8/08, 10/08/2013, 9/15/2020

Policy:

All faculty assigned to teach a credit course shall prepare a course syllabus, which provides information in the categories established within the current syllabus management system, two weeks prior to the first day of class. Faculty are required to post electronic copies of their syllabi in the College’s Learning Management System (LMS) by the first day of class. All course outlines are approved by the Curriculum Committee and the Vice President of Academic Affairs (VPAA) per Board Policy 6Hx-18-2.01 and are to be kept on file in the Academic Services Office.

Instructional Program

TITLE - Instructional Program

NUMBER - 6Hx-18-2.06

LEGAL AUTHORITY 1001.61 FS, 1001.64 FS

DATE ADOPTED/AMENDED Readopted 2/27/75; Amended 6/22/75, 9/18/85, 12/13/90, 8/11/99, 6/20/00; 4/8/08

Policy:

The instructional program shall include curricula in the following areas:

1. College credit
2. Career Certificate Program (CCP) credit
3. Developmental Education Institutional credit
4. Continuing Workforce Education (non-credit)
5. Avocational (non-credit)

The college relates to a number of commissions, committees, and agencies at the state, regional, and national levels, designed to provide facilities, financial assistance and information which aid the college to continuously assess and improve its program.

Administration of the Library Learning Resource Center (LLRC)

TITLE - Administration of the Library Learning Resource Center (LLRC)

NUMBER 6Hx-18-2.07

LEGAL AUTHORITY 1001.61 FS, 1001.64 FS

DATE ADOPTED/AMENDED Readopted 2/27/75; Amended 6/19/01; 4/8/08

Policy:

The Library Learning Resources Center (LLRC)/media centers shall be administered as part of the academic program. The LLRC shall be evaluated regularly and systematically to ensure that it is meeting the needs of faculty and enrolled students and is supporting the programs and mission of Palm Beach State College.

Deletion of Courses from Catalog and Statewide Course Numbering System

TITLE - Deletion of Courses from Catalog and Statewide Course Numbering System

NUMBER 6Hx-18-2.08

LEGAL AUTHORITY 1001.61 FS, 1001.64 FS, 1007.24 FS

DATE ADOPTED/AMENDED Adopted 12/13/90; Amended 6/19/01, 2011

Policy:

As part of the annual procedure for preparation of the Palm Beach State College Catalog, the course inventory will be reviewed by the Office of Academic Affairs. Courses that have not been taught for five years will be reviewed by the Curriculum Committee and deleted from the Catalog. Notice of deletion will be sent to the Office of the Statewide Course Numbering System. A course not taught for the preceding five years may be continued in the Catalog if it is to be offered during the next five years. The president shall annually submit to the District Board of Trustees certification for the College that it has complied with the law.

Textbook Selection

TITLE - Textbook Selection

NUMBER 6Hx-18-2.11

LEGAL AUTHORITY - 1001.64.FS, 1004.085 FS, 6A-14.092 FAC

DATE ADOPTED/AMENDED Adopted 6/19/2001; Amended 2/11/2003, 4/8/2008, 3/16/2010, 1/14/2014, 6/14/2022

Amended 10/17/17

Policy:

Each faculty cluster will develop and maintain an instructional material selection process, which may include the option by a full-time faculty member to select no instructional material. 

Before implementation, each cluster’s instructional material selection process will require the approval of the Vice President of Academic Affairs in consultation with Dean’s Council.  

With the purpose of maintaining an up-to-date instructional material selection process, each cluster will review its process once every academic year.

Each cluster’s instructional material selection process will include the following guidelines:

1. Texts Instructional material will be adopted for a minimum of three (3) academic years.

     a. All adoptions of instructional material (new or new edition) become effective in the fall term of each academic year, or in a different term with approval of the Vice President of Academic Affairs.

     b. For academic disciplines in which technology changes rapidly, instructional material may be changed more often.

2. Each cluster will select the instructional material that all adjuncts within their discipline must use for each course collegewide.

3. Sequential courses using the same set of instructional materials collegewide for more than one term shall have the allowance made for the selection of open educational resources (OER) to maximize textbook affordability.

4. Faculty that are reassigned classes must use the instructional materials already selected for those classes.

 

Field Trips

TITLE - Field Trips

NUMBER 6Hx-18-2.12

LEGAL AUTHORITY 1001.61 FS, 1001.64 FS, 6A-14.024 FAC

DATE ADOPTED/AMENDED Adopted 6/19/01, Amended 4/8/08

Policy:

Field trips are valuable learning experiences when an integral part of a course. The following shall apply to field trips:

1. Possible interference with other courses should be considered when scheduling field trips.  Field trips should not be scheduled during the last week of classes of any term.
2. Students cannot be required to attend a field trip nor can the trip be included in computing grades if the trip is announced to the class after the add-drop period.  Allowance should be given when trips are included in computing grades to those students who are unable to attend because of illness, work schedules, family responsibilities, or other obligations.
3. Only those students enrolled in a class taking a field trip may use College-provided transportation.
4. Transportation by College-provided vehicles may be paid by the individual department or cost center offering the course.  Meal and motel expenses of students on field trips may not be paid by College funds.  Other related expenses, such as convention registration fees, are paid by the individual students attending.  Expenses incurred by a group performing an activity at the request of some other area of the College are paid by the requesting area.
5. Students on approved field trips or other official school business or functions should not be marked absent from class.  However, they are required to make up work missed while on the trip.
6. Students must complete and sign appropriate permission forms.
7. Faculty and staff are not authorized to transport students in their personal vehicles. If students are to be transported by the College, they must be transported by commercial carriers or by College vehicles.

Speakers or Guests

TITLE - Speakers or Guests

NUMBER 6Hx-18-2.13

LEGAL AUTHORITY 1001.64 FS; 6A-14.024 FAC

DATE ADOPTED/AMENDED Adopted 6/19/01

Policy:

When faculty want to invite persons, who are not members of the faculty as guest speakers for classes, prior written approval must be obtained from the president or his/her designee in advance of the proposed appearance date.

Online Course Equivalency

TITLE – Online Course Equivalency

NUMBER 6Hx-18-2.14

LEGAL AUTHORITY 1004.0961 FS, 6A-14.0304, 6A-10.024(7)

DATE ADOPTED/AMENDED Adopted 9/8/15

Policy:

Student Responsibility for Initiating the Online Course Equivalency Process

The student is responsible for initiating a process prior to the first term of enrollment to have online courses evaluated for equivalency to a Palm Beach State College. Such courses must be found in a program of study offered by the College.

Process: Student Completes Form

The process is initiated by the student by completing the Online Course Equivalency Form and providing documentation of the equivalency of course learning outcomes between the online course the student took and the Palm Beach State College course for which the student wishes to receive credit. The documentation provided by the student must also provide evidence of mastery of the student learning outcomes and that the faculty who taught the course had equivalent credentials to teach the course as would be required for a Palm Beach State College faculty member. Examples of documentation would include (but not be limited to) examination grades, completed projects, and academic term papers. This form is submitted to the Dean of Curriculum. For faculty credentials, the student must provide the name of the instructor, their earned degrees and the major, and other professional experience such as work in the industry that would qualify them to teach.

Review by Dean of Curriculum and Educational Technology

Evidence provided by the student will be reviewed by the Dean of Curriculum to ensure required documentation is attached, the form is complete, the requested course is in the student’s intended program of study and the faculty who taught the course had equivalent credentials to a Palm Beach State College faculty member. The Dean will determine if the course meets a general education, a major course or an elective requirement.

Faculty Review

The faculty member who reviews the form and documentation provided by the student will determine if the online course content and learning outcomes are comparable to a course offered at Palm Beach State College, and that the online course meets the quality and accreditation standards intended for a transfer course. The faculty member will also determine if the student has mastered the course learning outcomes by earning the equivalency of a passing grade.

Equivalency Guidelines

The College follows equivalency course guidelines as stated by the American Council on Education in accordance with the Articulation Coordinating Committee as stated in Florida State Board Rule 6A-10.024(7) for awarding credits to students who have participated in accelerated mechanism exam programs. Credit for all exams is awarded based on the recommendation of the State of Florida Articulation Coordinating Committee.

Student Appeal Process

Should the student wish to appeal the decision of the faculty or dean, the student should forward a copy of the application form and all documentation to the Vice President of Academic Affairs. The decision of the Vice President of Academic Affairs is final.

Any credit awarded through this process will be added to the student’s transcript and a transcript note will be added noting awarding of credit through an online course.

Dual Enrollment Guidelines

All dual enrollment classes must meet the criteria as specified in Florida Administrative Code - www.flrules.org/gateway/Fla-Admin-Code-Rule-6A-14.064.

Each dual enrollment class must complete the Dual Enrollment Checklist form and forward a copy of the form no later than the first day of class and a copy of the final exam/grade book used in the class at the end of the term to the VPAA.

Dual Enrollment Reporting Form: https://www.pbsc.edu/academicservices/Dual-Enrollment-Class-Form

Criteria for Dual Enrollment Classes

Area	Criteria
Student Eligibility	All students must meet eligibility criteria as stated in FLS 1007.271. Only dual enrollment high school students are permitted to enroll in the class.
Faculty Credentials	All faculty teaching dual enrollment courses must meet the credentialing criteria at: Section B. All faculty must be provided with a Faculty Handbook.
Course Outline	All faculty teaching dual enrollment courses shall be provided with the Palm Beach State course outline (www.pbsc.edu/boardoftrustees/BoardPolicy/Course-Outline-Number-6Hx-18-2.051.pdf).
Class Loading	The associate dean (or designee) shall be responsible for loading of the class. The class must meet the expected course hours as stated in the course outline. The class cannot be scheduled for more hours or fewer hours than is stated in the course outline for a combination of lecture/lab hours. The class must use the special designator DE – Dual Enrollment.
Holidays and Closed Days	Dual enrollment classes shall meet according to the closed days/holidays as observed by the School District calendar.
Course Syllabus	All faculty teaching dual enrollment courses shall use the course syllabus template at www.pbsc.edu/instructionaldesigntechnology/Syllabi-Creator-Tool.aspx. The syllabus shall be approved by the associate dean prior to the start of classes.
Textbook	The textbook used by the class shall be the same textbook designated by the faculty for use by adjunct instructors. The associate dean shall provide textbook information to the School District.
Final Exam	Final exams used in the dual enrollment course shall be approved by the associate dean prior to the administration of the exam. Completed and scored exams must be returned to the associate dean and kept for 1 year.
Submission of Grades	All faculty teaching dual enrollment classes shall submit grades electronically, observing grade submission deadlines for the given session and term.

Educational Technology Use

Palm Beach State encourages the use of technology by faculty to enhance teaching and learning. Resources are available for faculty at each campus to learn technology skills for both classroom and e-Learning classes. The following resources are available:

PBSC Online
www.pbsc.edu/online
www.pbsc.edu/eLearning
PBSC Online manages the Learning Management System (LMS - Canvas), provides assistance with online course development, provides LMS and online teaching/learning workshops and one-on-one training, and ensures quality in distance learning course structure and delivery.

Instructional Design Technology (IDT)
www.pbsc.edu/instructionaldesigntechnology

The Instructional Design Technology Department supports faculty in developing short, single-concept reusable learning content in multimedia, interactive, and gamification formats to create active-learning environments—for online, hybrid, and face-to-face courses. IDT also assists faculty by offering instructional-technology-related workshops and one-on-one coaching.

Center for Teaching and Learning Excellence (CTLE)
www.pbsc.edu/CTLE
The Center for Teaching and Learning Excellence (CTLE) is a faculty-led, physical and virtual initiative supporting collaboration in discovering, sharing, and creating innovative practice to advance all students' success while empowering faculty to achieve their teaching goals.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Enacted July 2009; reviewed July 2010, updated July 2019; updated July 2022; July 2023

Online Learning – Faculty Load/e-Pack Policies

Faculty Load

Online learning is defined as:  Video conferencing and Online classes which are delivered over the internet. PBSC Courses are offered in four Modalities:

• In-person – The class meets in the classroom. The instructor utilizes the Canvas LMS for the in-person class where students may interact through messaging, the instructor may provide handouts, presentations slides, and/or administer assignments or tests.
• Live Online – Live Online courses require no physical classroom meetings. Instruction is synchronously scheduled/delivered with days/times for instruction and interactions. Uses electronic delivery methods (i.e., Zoom, Microsoft Teams, remote labs, video conferencing, chats, collaborations, or social learning technologies) to transmit instruction/information.
• Hybrid – In this type of class, 40-60% of the content must be delivered in a face-to-face (classroom) environment. The remainder of the instruction is conducted online asynchronously utilizing the Canvas LMS.
• Online – In this class, all instruction is delivered asynchronously via the Canvas LMS. Students may be required to take examinations utilizing a video-proctoring system (i.e., Respondus Monitor), or to take major exams in the College Testing Labs.

Any exceptions to this policy must be approved by Deans’ Council. E-Pack

 

For the purposes of faculty load, based on a full-time faculty load of 90 points for a fall/spring term schedule, a minimum of 45 points must be taught in in-person instruction. Anything over 45 points may be by online learning, subject to approval of the appropriate associate dean and academic dean. If full load taught online in the fall – their full load must be in-person in the spring. 

   

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Enacted May 2006; revised June 2007; revised April 2009; reviewed June 2010; revised July 2013; revised July 2023, revised July 2024

 

Policy Goals

Approved June 2007

 

Policy Goals

To efficiently provide media-rich e-content digital learning resources tailored to the objectives of specific Palm Beach State College courses.

Polices

1. The use of an E-Pack (or equivalent) for an asynchronous course (purely online) must be approved by the campus Dean of Academic Affairs or their delegate on the campus where the course is scheduled prior to the course being offered.
2. Any E-Pack used must meet Palm Beach State’s objectives and standards for the course.
3. E-Packs for asynchronous courses should not constitute the entire content of the course and should be integrated into the course or used as supplemental material.
4. Instructors should be cognizant of any access fees that may be charged by an E-Pack provider and be familiar with the support policies of the provider.

 

Please see Section N: PBSC Online for detailed policies regarding Online Learning.          

 

 

 

 

 

 

Enacted May 2006; revised June 2007; revised April 2009; reviewed June 2010; revised July 2013; revised July 2023, revised July 2024

Email Guidelines for Faculty and Instructors (pending Workday)

1. The Palm Beach State email system assures a more consistent and reliable means for faculty/instructors and staff to communicate with students. Palm Beach State email systems and the College’s website are official means of communication with students.
2. For the protection and privacy of the College’s students and faculty, all email correspondence between faculty members/instructors and students must be through the Palm Beach State email system. Faculty members/instructors should use the assigned Palm Beach State email account and communicate with students through the Palm Beach State student email system.
3. Palm Beach State assigns all students a College email address when processing their applications. Students will receive information about their Palm Beach State email with their Conditions of Acceptance (COA) letter.
4. Faculty members/instructors may determine how email is used in his/her classes. It is highly recommended that faculty members/instructors clearly articulate to students how email is to be used in class and include email policies in the course syllabus.
5. Students should be encouraged to use and frequently check their Palm Beach State email account as this will be their official means of communication with faculty and administration.
6. Emailing within the College’s course management system (CMS), Blackboard, will remain the same. Faculty members/instructors may use Blackboard to communicate to students within the course. When emailing students outside the CMS, faculty members/instructors must use the College email system.
7. Faculty members, instructors and students are able to forward Palm Beach State email to a personal email account, but the College cannot be held responsible if the email does not arrive at a personal email address. Palm Beach State can only guarantee delivery to the Palm Beach State email address.
8. All bulk email messages to students (emails outside the class or CMS) must be approved by a member of the President’s Staff prior to being sent.
9. Information about the student email system is located on the Web page at: www.pbsc.edu/Student-Updates/Student-Email
10. The Palm Beach State Email Administrative Procedure can be found at: http://intranet.pbcc.edu/HR/Documents/Computer-Use-Agreement.pdf

Enacted July 2008; reviewed July 2010

Faculty Observation and Student Assessment Guidelines

Full-Time Faculty

Observations

1. Full-time faculty/instructors who are eligible to apply for Continuing Contract will be observed a minimum of one time each fall and each spring term. If teaching an online course, at least one of the observations must be in an online course.
2. Full-time faculty who have earned Continuing Contract Status will be observed once, either in the fall or spring term.
3. Observations will be done by the faculty/instructor member’s immediate supervisor or dean.
4. Observations will be unannounced.

Student Assessments

1. Student assessments will be conducted for each class every term using the online student assessment system.
2. The statistical summary and student comments will be available to the supervisor, dean and faculty member/instructor for review.
3. The statistical summary will be made available to students.

Adjunct Faculty

Observations

1. New adjuncts will be observed a minimum of once per term (fall and/or spring) for the first two semesters of employment.
2. All other adjuncts will be observed a minimum of once a year.
3. Observations will be done by the department chair, program manager, director, associate dean and/or dean.
4. Observations will be unannounced.

Student Assessments

1. Student assessments will be conducted in all classes each term.
2. The statistical summary, and student comments will be available to the department chair, program manager, dean, associate dean, and faculty member for review.
3. The statistical summary will be made available to students.

For detailed information on the online student assessment system, please visit the Web page at www.pbsc.edu/ire/Data/student-assessment-of-courses-and-faculty.aspx.

Enacted July 2004; revised July 2008; reviewed July 2010, revised July 2013; revised 2019

Faculty Office Hours (pending Workday)

Faculty Office Hours Posting: Full-Time Faculty

As part of the Instructor Resource Management (IRM) process and also to meet state statutes and rule requirements, Palm Beach State College is required to enter full-time faculty office hours in the PantherNet system.

• The instructions on the procedure to enter faculty office hours in the PantherNet system are located in Section E.
• For more information on the state requirements for posting office hours, please see the Florida Administrative Code Rule on faculty availability to students at www.flrules.org/Instructional-Personnel-Availability-To-Students/Fla-Admin-Code-Rule-6A-14.0491.
• All faculty office hours MUST be posted by the end of the first week of classes in each term and updated as assignments change.
• This information MUST also be posted outside the full-time faculty member’s door using a template developed and approved at the campus level. See templates at www.pbsc.edu/academic-affairs-policies/Office-Hours-Templates

Enacted July 2004 from existing policy; reviewed July 2010

Final Course Grade Appeal Policy and Process

The evaluation of academic work is the responsibility of the faculty member. The method for assigning the final course grade is established by the faculty member. Per Board Rule 6Hx118-3.191, faculty shall communicate the grading policy of the course to their students in writing via the course syllabus at the beginning of each class. If this policy changes during the term, students should be notified of any changes in writing.

The final course grade appeal is NOT to be used to review the judgment of a faculty member in assessing the quality of the student’s work. Grounds for final grade appeals shall be evaluated in terms of the standards established by the faculty member as stated in the syllabus. Criteria for an appeal are:

• An error in the calculation of the grade, or
• The assignment of a grade was a substantial departure from the faculty member’s previously printed standards in the course syllabus.

Appeal Process

If a student believes his/her final course grade was awarded in error or was a substantial departure from the standards contained in the course syllabus, the student should contact the instructor immediately after receiving the final grade. All informal discussions about final grades must be initiated within 10 business days beginning with the first day of the following academic semester. The timeline is very important. If the professor is not available, the student should contact the professor’s supervisor. The student should keep copies of the class syllabus and all other work such as exams, quizzes, homework, and in-class assignments. Document everything. If a resolution is not reached, the student may ask for a formal review of the final grade.

Request for a Formal Review of Final Course Grade

1. A request for a formal review must be submitted in writing to the faculty member’s associate dean (or equivalent or designee) within 15 business days of the beginning of the academic semester. A written request for a formal review is required and must include:
   1. The specific complaint, clearly stated;
   2. All relevant course information including syllabus, exams, homework and other graded work; and
   3. A statement of the resolution that the student is seeking.
2. Within five business days of receipt of the student’s appeal, the associate dean (or equivalent or designee) will review the appeal and notify the student, faculty member and dean of academics of his/her decision through College email.
3. If the student does not agree with the decision in Step 2, he/she may appeal to the chairperson of the Campus Final Course Grade Appeal Committee (contact the Dean of Academic Affairs Office). The appeal must be made to the committee chairperson within five business days following the receipt of the associate dean’s (or equivalent or designee) decision. Within five business days of the receipt of the student’s appeal, the committee chairperson will convene the committee. The committee chairperson will notify all of the hearing by College email. The student, faculty member, and associate dean may appear before the committee. Within five business days of the committee hearing, the chairperson will notify the dean of academics of the committee’s written recommendation.
4. Within five business days of receipt of the committee’s recommendation, the dean of academics will notify the student, faculty member, associate dean (or equivalent or designee) of his/her decision through the College email. The decision of the dean of academics is FINAL and cannot be appealed.
5. The dean of academics may extend any of the timelines specified above if extenuating circumstances makes this necessary.

Note: Please refer to www.pbsc.edu/academicaffairs/Final-Grade-Appeal website for student final course Grade Appeal Forms.

Campus Final Course Grade Appeal Committee

Who will be on the committee?

The campus academic dean shall select the members for the Campus Final Course Grade Appeals Committee. If a campus has Health Sciences and/or Public Safety programs, the campus academic dean shall also select the members for a Final Course Grade Appeals Committee for each of these program areas.

Unless otherwise required by program accreditation, the committee shall be composed of six persons including two students, three faculty and one administrator. In addition, three alternates will be identified. Faculty, staff and students who are directly involved in the case may not serve on the committee. The academic dean shall select one of the committee members to serve as chairperson.

What role will the chairperson have on the committee?

• Facilitate the hearing process, only voting in case of a tie.
• Call the hearing to order and introduce all members present.
• Explain to the student and all participants the manner in which the hearing will be conducted.
• Maintain proper decorum and order.
• Ensure that the student and the faculty have the opportunity to testify and present evidence.
• Ensure that all available relevant evidence is presented and that the recommendation is based upon the appeal criteria, evidence and any testimony given.
• Call a recess at his/her discretion.

What will happen during the hearing?

• Opening remarks will be given by the chairperson.
• The student will present any evidence supporting the appeal.
• Faculty will present their reply.
• At the conclusion of the hearing, the participants will be excused, and in closed session, a recommendation will be rendered by a majority vote.

How will the committee make its recommendation?

The process for determining the outcome of the hearing is called deliberation. This process involves a review of the criteria, evidence and testimony, discussion and a vote. The committee will use the preponderance of evidence standard to determine whether the grade should stand or be changed. The chairperson will ensure that only evidence presented at the hearing itself may be taken into account in reaching a decision and that the committee adheres to the standards of confidentiality. A recommendation will be delivered via College email within five business days to the campus academic dean.

How will the dean of academics notify all of his/her decisions?

Within five business days of receipt of the Final Course Grade Appeals Committee’s recommendation, the campus academic dean will notify the student, faculty and committee chairperson through College email of his/her decision. The decision of the campus academic dean is final*.

*The Academic Dean is the President’s designee, per Board Policy 6Hx-18-3.34.

Enacted July 2004 in Section G from existing policy; revised July 2010; July 2011; July 2014; July 2015

Foreign Transcript Evaluation

To be an approved foreign transcript evaluator, the evaluator must belong to the National Association of Credential Evaluation Services (NACES). To see the current membership list, please visit the Web page at www.naces.org/members.

Enacted July 2004 in Section G from existing policy; revised July 2008; reviewed July 2010; reviewed July 2013; reviewed July 2020

Gordon Rule Policy Statement

In compliance with Florida State Board of Education Administrative Rule 6A-10.030, the College will accomplish Gordon Rule writing standards through designated courses in communications, humanities and social science. These courses, which require significant writing, were incorporated into the College’s 1993 implementation of a writing-across-the-curriculum approach in its degree programs. This statement reaffirms that philosophy and clarifies the specific standards for meeting the requirements of the Gordon Rule.

College-level placement scores and/or other prerequisites (for those students required by statute to be tested and placed) are required for enrollment in all Gordon Rule writing courses. A minimum grade of ‘C’ is required in all Gordon Rule courses.

To support a culture of academic excellence, to maintain consistency and to create comparable levels of rigor in all designated courses, the following are the minimum criteria for Gordon Rule courses:

• The standards listed below are considered by the College to be the minimum requirements for college-level writing:

1. The writing has a clearly defined thesis or central idea.
2. The writing includes adequate evidence to support the thesis or idea.
3. The writing reflects the awareness of the conventions of standard written English such as grammar, punctuation, spelling and word usage.
4. The writing uses clear and logical organization.
5. The writing demonstrates the ability to synthesize and apply discipline content at the course-specific level.

• All writing assignments must be the student’s original, independently produced work.
• Designated Gordon Rule courses must require a minimum word count for writing assignments as established by each cluster. Writing assignments used to fulfill the Gordon Rule requirement are those that include evidence of analysis, comparison, interpretation, or other critical thinking applications. Assignments with such evidence are acceptable.

• Writing assignments used to fulfill the Gordon Rule requirement are those that include evidence of analysis, comparison, interpretation, or other critical thinking applications. Assignments with such evidence are acceptable. 

Following are examples of assignments that typically include the evidence stated above:

       *  In-class and out of class writing assignments (essays/essay/type tests)

       *  Critical analyses of course readings, presentations, or discussions

       *  Research papers

       *  Creative writings appropriate to the course

       *  Reports

       *  Academic journals

       *  Case Studies

       *  Portfolios

       *  Oral history assignments

       *  Position papers

       *  Speech outlines and formal accompanying scripts for oral presentations 

Following are examples of assignments that typically do not include the evidence stated above unless the Gordon Rule criteria can be demonstrated:

       *  Résumés

       *  Note-taking (outside class)

       *  Class notes

       *  Free-writing or brainstorming

       *  Emails, blogs or bulletin board discussions

       *  Visual media reports without accompanying full-length script

       *  Writings with extensive quotations or paraphrases

       *  Personal writings unrelated to course content

       *  Homework assignments with responses copied from textbooks or reading materials 

• Writing assignments must be incorporated into the designated course curriculum and must be computed in the course final grade.
• In addition to the grade, faculty will provide students feedback on all Gordon Rule writing assignments.
• At least one of the writing assignments must be edited and polished.

The “Gordon Rule”

6A-10.030 Other Assessment Procedures for College-Level Communication and Computation Skills.

1. In addition to assessments that may be adopted by the State Board of Education or Board of Governors to measure student achievement in college-level communication and computation skills, other assessment requirements shall be met by successful completion of coursework in English and mathematics. For the purposes of this rule, a grade of ‘C’ or higher shall be considered successful completion.
2. Prior to receipt of an Associate in Arts degree from a public community college or university or prior to entry into the upper division of a public university or college, a student shall complete successfully the following:
   1. Six (6) semester hours of English coursework and six (6) semester hours of additional coursework in which the student is required to demonstrate college-level writing skills through multiple assignments. Each institution shall designate the courses that fulfill the writing requirements of this section. These course designations shall be submitted to the Statewide Course Numbering System. An institution to which a student transfers shall accept courses so designated by the sending institution as meeting the writing requirements outlined in this section.
   2. Six (6) semester hours of mathematics coursework at the level of college algebra or higher. For the purposes of this rule, applied logic, statistics and other such computation coursework which may not be placed within a mathematics department may be used to fulfill three (3) hours of the six (6) hours required by this section.
   3. Students awarded college credit in English based on their demonstration of writing skills through dual enrollment, advanced placement, or international baccalaureate instruction pursuant to Rule 6A-10.024, F.A.C., and students awarded college credit based on their demonstration of mathematics skills at the level of college algebra or higher through one (1) or more of the acceleration mechanisms in Rule 6A-10.024, F.A.C., shall be considered to have satisfied the requirements in subsection 6A-10.030(2), F.A.C., to the extent of the college credit awarded.
3. Exemptions and Waivers. Any public community college or university desiring to exempt its students from the requirements of subsection 6A-10.030(2), F.A.C., shall submit an alternative plan to the Department of Education. Upon approval of the plan by the Department, the plan shall be submitted to the State Board of Education or the Board of Governors as appropriate. Upon approval by the State Board of Education or the Board of Governors, said plan shall be deemed effective in lieu of the requirements of subsection 6A-10.030(2), F.A.C.

Specific Authority 1001.02(1), (2)(n) FS. Law Implemented 1001.02 FS., Section 15, Chapter 87-212, Laws of Florida. History–New 1-11-82, Formerly 6A-10.30, Amended 6-8-88, 12-18-05.

Statement updated March 2015 based on faculty input in 2014-2015; approved by Academic Leadership Council 9/17/15

Enacted 1993; revised July 2013, July 2017

Independent Study Definitions and Guidelines

Definition: Independent Study is a delivery mode for courses, listed in the Palm Beach State catalog, needed for a student’s progress toward graduation. Typically, the needed course is not offered in the term in which the student wished to graduate, and the student has met all other requirements for graduation

Description: Students arrange independent study courses through a faculty member. A learning contract is developed by the student and faculty member and approved by the associate dean and/or dean. The faculty member will be compensated, and workload assigned per the current Salary Schedule.

Procedure: If a student needs a course for graduation and a scheduling or other conflict necessitates that the student complete the course through independent study, the student can pursue a learning contract.

• The learning contract (www.pbsc.edu/academicservices/Documents/Independent-Study-Form.doc) will be completed by the student and signed by the faculty member and submitted to the associate dean and/or dean.
• The associate dean/dean will complete the associate dean’s/dean portion of the contract: (1) approve or disapprove the course, (2) approve the faculty member’s appointment to the independent study, (3) add any other requirements, (4) sign the contract and forward it to the Registrar’s Office (the student can deliver it).
• The Registrar’s staff registers the student in the course.
• The student pays the course fee(s).
• The student has one semester to complete the course, just like any course offered for a semester.
• The associate dean/dean will process the faculty payment for the course.

Enacted July 2005; reviewed July 2010

Lab and Lecture Co-Enrollment Policy for Science Classes

Policy Effective Fall Term 2014-1

In a lecture science course where there is a required co-requisite lab, students may withdraw from the lab class, but stay in the lecture class. (Students may also choose to withdraw from both). Students will not be allowed to withdraw from the lecture and remain enrolled in the lab.

Enacted July 2013

Mid-Term Grading

Palm Beach State College provides an online tool to assist faculty and instructors in the assignment of mid-term grades. This online tool uses the same technology as our online grading system and provides mid-term grades to students through email. No printing is required, which saves time and resources and also supports the College's commitment to sustainability. Mid-term grading can be accessed from faculty and instructor offices, from the Professional Teaching and Learning Centers, and from home through Employee Web (www.pbsc.edu/EmployeeWeb). If you are not sure how to use the College's online grading system, please visit the following link: https://www.pbsc.edu/academicservices/information-and-reference/academic-affairs-policies-and-documents/

How the Mid-Term Grading Tool Works

Faculty and instructors will have a one-week window after mid-term exams to issue mid-term grades*.

(See https://www.pbsc.edu/academicservices/information-and-reference/academic-affairs-policies-and-documents for more details).

The faculty or instructor will log onto the EmployeeWeb, and the mid-term grading tool will appear under the Faculty/Advisors tab, where end-of-term grading appears. Each class where the faculty or instructor is assigned as a primary instructor will appear. The faculty member or instructor may issue the following grades:

A – Excellent

B – Good

C – Fair

D - Poor but passing

F – Failure

N - No pass

P – Pass

S – Satisfactory

U – Unsatisfactory

The following table displays the session dates and mid-term (interim) grading windows for the 2024-2025 Academic Year:

(Dates are subject to change)

*Article XIV Mid-Term Grade Procedure (Collective Bargaining Agreement)

Section A: Within one week after the close of the mid-term grading period, mid-term grades will be made available to all students for each class that the teaching bargaining unit member teaches by either written notification or individual conference Agreement between the Board of Trustees of Palm Beach State College and the United Faculty of Palm Beach State College.

Enacted July 2009 from existing policy; revised July 2010; July 2011; June 2020

Official Communication with Students

New policies and upcoming policy changes will be communicated to students via The Official Student Updates website, located at www.pbsc.edu/StudentUpdates.

Email: Students will be encouraged to use their college-assigned email address. Should they choose not to receive communication via email, they must refer to the Official Web page for information. Please see www.pbsc.edu/Student-Updates/Student-Email for more information on Palm Beach State provided student email.

Enacted July 2007; reviewed July 2010

Online Course Equivalency Process

Palm Beach State College developed this policy for compliance with FS 1004.0961, Rule 6A-14.0403 and 6A-10.024(7). The Board Policy number is 6Hx-18.2.14, under Academic Affairs.

Student Responsibility for Initiating the Online Course Equivalency Process

The student is responsible for initiating a process prior to the first term of enrollment to have online courses evaluated for equivalency to a Palm Beach State College. Such courses must be found in a program of study offered by the College.

Process

Student Completes Form

The process is initiated by the student by completing the Online Course Equivalency Form and providing documentation of the equivalency of course learning outcomes between the online course the student took and the Palm Beach State College course for which the student wishes to receive credit. The documentation provided by the student must also provide evidence of mastery of the student learning outcomes and that the faculty who taught the course had equivalent credentials to teach the course as would be required for a Palm Beach State College faculty member. Examples of documentation would include (but not be limited to) examination grades, completed projects, and academic term papers. This form is submitted to the Dean of Curriculum For faculty credentials, the student must provide the name of the instructor, their earned degrees and the major, and other professional experience such as work in the industry that would qualify them to teach.

Review by Dean of Curriculum

Evidence provided by the student will be reviewed by the Dean of Curriculum to ensure required documentation is attached, the form is complete, the requested course is in the student’s intended program of study and the faculty who taught the course had equivalent credentials to a Palm Beach State College faculty member. The Dean will determine if the course meets a general education, a major course or an elective requirement.

Faculty Review

The faculty member who reviews the form and documentation provided by the student will determine if the online course content and learning outcomes are comparable to a course offered at Palm Beach State College, and that the online course meets the quality and accreditation standards intended for a transfer course. The faculty member will also determine if the student has mastered the course learning outcomes by earning the equivalency of a passing grade.

Equivalency Guidelines

The College follows equivalency course guidelines as stated by the American Council on Education in accordance with the Articulation Coordinating Committee as stated in Florida State Board Rule 6A-10.024(7) for awarding credits to students who have participated in accelerated mechanism exam programs. Credit for all exams is awarded based on the recommendation of the State of Florida Articulation Coordinating Committee.

Student Appeal Process

Should the student wish to appeal the decision of the faculty or dean, the student should forward a copy of the application form and all documentation to the Vice President of Academic Affairs. The decision of the Vice President of Academic Affairs is final.

Any credit awarded through this process will be added to the student’s transcript and a transcript note will be added noting awarding of credit through an online course.

Enacted September 2015

Saturday, Sunday and Holiday Class Scheduling

There are differences between the Academic Calendar and the Class Meeting Calendar when referencing whether classes are scheduled on a given weekend or holiday.

The ACADEMIC CALENDAR is the official calendar mandated by the State. The format of this calendar is set by the State and does not reflect weekend closings. It shows only Monday through Friday activities and holidays for the college, as well as the number of official class days that the College is required to schedule.

The CLASS MEETING CALENDAR is then developed from the Academic Calendar and expanded to include the activities and closings for all days within each term, including weekends.

Both the Academic Calendars and Class Meeting Calendars from the current academic year and forward are located at Palm Beach State Academic Calendar

The following criteria are used to determine the scheduling of classes on weekends:

Monday Holidays

There are no classes scheduled on the Saturday and Sunday preceding the following Monday holidays:

• Martin Luther King Jr. Day
• Memorial Day
• Labor Day

Spring Holiday

There are no classes scheduled for the Saturday and Sunday after the Spring Holiday, which falls on a Friday.

Spring Break

Spring Break begins on a Monday. There are no classes scheduled on the Saturday and Sunday immediately following Spring Break.

Thanksgiving Break

There are no classes scheduled to begin at 5:00 p.m. or later on the Wednesday prior to Thanksgiving Day. However, any class already in progress at 5:00 p.m. on that Wednesday should be completed. There are no classes scheduled for the Saturday and Sunday immediately following the Thanksgiving break.

Independence Day and Veteran's Day

No classes are scheduled on Independence Day (July 4) or Veteran's Day (November 11). The college is closed only on the day of the holiday, regardless of the day of the week these holidays may fall.

January

If January 2 falls on a MONDAY: The College will be closed for both faculty and staff on January 2; faculty may or may not return on January 3.

If January 2 falls on a FRIDAY: The College will be closed for both faculty and staff on January 2, 3 & 4; faculty may or may not return on January 5.

If January 2 falls on a TUESDAY, WEDNESDAY, or THURSDAY: The College will be open for staff on January 2; faculty may or may not return that day.

Enacted July 2004 in Section G from existing policy; revised January 2007; reviewed July 2010

Student Training in Technology

Policy

Student training in the use of technology shall be embedded in every academic program offered by Palm Beach State College. Other Palm Beach State College departments (Library Learning Resource Centers, Student Learning Centers, Corporate and Continuing Education) shall also support student training in technology through workshops, tutoring and courses. The documented resources can be found at: https://www.pbsc.edu/academicservices/information-and-reference/academic-affairs-policies-and-documents

Procedure

Each Palm Beach State College program shall document student training in the use of technology as part of the program review process. This assessment shall be updated every two years. The training documentation shall consist of the technology hardware and software used in the program and which courses in the program have embedded training in the use of technology. The form can be downloaded from: https://www.pbsc.edu/academicservices/Student-Training-and-Use-of-Technology/Technology-Assessment.docx.

PBSC Online Course Training

PBSC Online offers and manages a Canvas Orientation course called ELO1000 - Canvas for Students. This course helps students understand the online learning features of the Canvas LMS. Students can join and enroll in this course at any time during their studies at Palm Beach State College. Upon successful completion, students receive a certificate, which may be required by faculty for fully online courses.

 

E-Learning Online Course Training (pending update)

The eLearning Department provides and facilitates a Canvas Orientation non-credit/no-fee online course for students to learn about online learning and the functions of the Canvas learning management system. The students are invited to join and may enroll into this course anytime during their study at Palm Beach State College directly in Canvas.  Upon successful completion, students receive a Certificate which may be required by faculty teaching fully online courses.

Enacted July 2009; reviewed July 2010; revised 2019; updated July 2022

Syllabus Posting Online

District Board of Trustees Policy 6Hx-18-2.051 *states all faculty assigned to teach a credit course shall prepare a course syllabus, which provides information in the categories established within the ‡current syllabus management system, two weeks prior to the first day of class. Faculty are required to post electronic copies of their syllabi in the College’s Learning Management System (LMS) by the first day of class.

DBOT Policy requires faculty to post syllabi to the following deadlines:

 

Posting Syllabi to your Faculty Homepage

To post your syllabi to your faculty home page, you must use Simple Syllabus. You can access Simple Syllabus through the Syllabi Creator Tool. For information on how to use Simple Syllabus, please go to Simple Syllabus Tutorials.

The faculty member's name MUST be attached to the class for the class to be displayed on the faculty member’s home page. If a faculty member's name is added to a course, it will display the next day on the Web, as it is refreshed each night.

**(LMS) Blackboard to CanvasBlackboard (LMS) courses will be available 48 hours prior to the start of classes.
‡Simple Syllabus – College Management System.

Enacted July 2008; revised July 2009; reviewed July 2010; revised July 2011; revised July 2014; revised July 2015; revised June 2016, updated July 2019, updated October 2020, updated January 2021

Syllabus Template

Faculty/Program Instructor Syllabus Posting Online

The District Board of Trustees Policy 6Hx‐18‐2.051 addresses the course syllabus and the posting of the syllabus. The new wording REQUIRES all faculty/instructors to post their syllabus ONLINE for each course prior to each term’s registration period. This syllabus must include all textbook information, which is part of the syllabus template.

PBSC has adopted Simple Syllabus; a centralized, template-driven platform that enables instructors to quickly personalize and publish interactive class syllabi. After a teaching assignment is issued, Simple Syllabus builds a syllabus which will remain unpublished until the instructor fills in all required information. After the instructor completes the information and publishes the syllabus in Simple Syllabus, it is automatically linked to their Faculty Home Page.

For classes with multiple instructors, all persons assigned as secondary instructors will automatically have the syllabus attached to their assignment.

The syllabi must be published by or on the first day of registration for a given term.

Syllabi will be stored in a central database for two academic years.

For personal assistance, faculty can visit convenient e-Learning/Instructional Design Technology Centers:

Boca Raton campus - Room AD 300

Lake Worth campus - Room LL 103

Lake Worth campus Bachelor's Programs - Room CBP 124

Palm Beach Gardens campus - Room LL 217

Loxahatchee Groves campus - Room LGA 228

Belle Glades campus - Room TEC 221

Simple Syllabus Instructional Videos

palmbeachstate-elearning.mediaspace.kaltura.com/channel/Simple%2BSyllabus/95278671

Simple Syllabus PDF Guide

www.pbsc.edu/instructionaldesigntechnology/documents/secure/SyllabusUserTraining.pdf

Simple Syllabus FAQs (PDF)

www.pbsc.edu/instructionaldesigntechnology/documents/secure/simplesyllabusfaqs.pdf

Testing Center Use Guidelines for e-Learning Students

1.        Faculty Preparation of Testing Materials

A Faculty Test Instruction form is to accompany each test when submitted to a Palm Beach State College Test Center. There are two forms: Make-Up Test Instruction Form and e-Learning Test Instruction Form. They can be downloaded from the Test Center website under the link, Faculty Forms.

They are also available in all Palm Beach State College Test Centers and designated locations on each campus.

Professors are to submit a list of student names testing at a specific test center. This list is to be submitted along with the Faculty and/or e-Learning Test Instruction forms. Test Center personnel will follow the Professors directions in accordance with college policies.

One test copy per student must be submitted to the Test Center.

Test Center personnel cannot make multiple test copies. The Instructional Support Department on each campus is available to make copies for Professors that need to submit multiple test copies to the Test Center.

Insert Professors name, course name and page number on each test page, per test, to prevent possible error.

Insert Professors contact information, phone number, or email, in the event Test Center personnel need to ask a question or resolve an issue.

2.        Administering Tests to Students

Students must arrive at the Test Center with enough time to complete the test based on Professor time limit as specified on the Faculty Test Instruction Form.

The Test Centers cannot pass class materials, projects, homework, or tests from the Professor to the student and vice versa.

An e-Learning student who misses the test deadline date will need to pay a $5.00 make-up fee, and have permission from the Instructor, to test after the deadline date. The Instructor must contact the test center to extend the test deadline date. Test make-up fee applies when a test deadline date is extended for some students, but not for an entire class.

Tests should not be faxed to the Test Centers, except in an emergency, as they are not always legible. Please contact the Test Center to discuss this option.

Emailing tests in a conventional format is encouraged. A conventional test format includes: multiple choice, essay, fill in the blank, true/false. Email process is not to be used for multiple test copies sent to Test Center.

To be accepted via email, the test and test instruction form should be in MS Word as an attachment.

Palm Beach State College test centers are not responsible for scoring examinations. Scantron/score machines are available in PTLC, or faculty workrooms.

3.        Pilot Testing of New Test Methods

Pilot testing for a new testing program should be coordinated by the Test Coordinator and the IT Manager on the pilot campus. Any technical issues need to be resolved between the software technical support staff and a Palm Beach State College IT Manager, not Test Center staff. If a Professor wishes to implement a new testing software/website, a test pilot needs to be completed at one test center location one semester prior to college wide use.

If a test interruption or technical issue cannot be resolved locally, the test center personnel are not responsible for contacting software/website tech support.

All DL paper/pencil tests for the term should be sent to the Test Center as soon as possible following drop/add period. Tests may also be sent to the Test Center during the semester, at least four to seven days before the start date of a scheduled exam.

Enacted July 2009; reviewed July 2010

Textbook Affordability and Certification Procedures

In accordance with Florida Statute 1004.085 and Florida Administrative Code 6A-14.092, the following policies are to be observed:

No employee of Palm Beach State College may demand or receive any payment, loan, subscription, advance, deposit of money, service, or anything of value, present or promised, in exchange for requiring students to purchase a specific textbook for coursework or instruction.

A Palm Beach State College employee may receive:

(a)   Sample copies, instructor copies, or instructional materials. These materials may not be sold for any type of compensation if they are specifically marked as free samples not for resale.

(b)   Royalties or other compensation from sales of textbooks that include the instructor's own writing or work.

(c)  Honoraria for academic peer review of course materials.

(d)  Fees associated with activities such as reviewing, critiquing, or preparing support materials for textbooks pursuant to guidelines adopted by the State Board of Education or the Board of Governors.

(e)  Training in the use of course materials and learning technologies.

Textbook Adoptions and Posting Information

New textbooks must be adopted no later than seventy-five (75) days prior to the first day of classes to allow sufficient lead time for the bookstore to work with publishers so as to confirm availability of the requested materials and to ensure maximum availability of used books. Where courses are added after this seventy-five (75) day deadline, textbooks for such courses shall be adopted as soon as is feasible to ensure sufficient lead time.

Pursuant to Section 1004.085, F.S., for those classes added after the forty-five (45) day notification deadline, institutions shall post textbook information on their websites immediately as such information becomes available. This shall be accomplished through the faculty/instructor posting of the syllabus online, as required in Board Policy 6Hx-18-2.051.

The textbook information on the syllabus must include the International Standard Book Number (ISBN) for each required textbook or other identifying information, which must include, at a minimum, all of the following: the title, all authors listed, publishers, edition number, copyright date, published date, and other relevant information necessary to identify the specific textbook or textbooks required for each course.

Textbook Certification

Faculty/instructors must attest that:

1. All textbooks and other instructional items ordered will be used, particularly each individual item sold as part of a bundled package.
2. The extent to which a new edition differs significantly and substantively from earlier versions, and the value of changing to a new edition.

The certification of the above two items is accomplished through a Web-based form. Please see the Web page at https://www.pbsc.edu/academicservices/information-and-reference/academic-affairs-policies-and-documents for information on the Web tool and the reporting requirements.

Statute on Textbook Affordability

Section 1004.085, F.S. Textbook and instructional materials affordability

Adopt textbooks and instructional materials no later than seventy-five (75) days prior to the first day of classes for 95% of sections. No later than seventy-five (75) days prior to the first day of classes, colleges shall share a list of adopted textbooks and instructional materials with bookstores to allow sufficient lead time to bookstores to work with publishers so as to confirm availability of the requested materials and to ensure maximum availability of used books. Where courses are added after this seventy-five (75) day deadline, textbooks for such courses shall be adopted as soon as is feasible to ensure sufficient lead time.

This shall be accomplished through the faculty/instructor posting of the syllabus online, as required in Board Policy 6Hx-18-2.051. The textbook information on the syllabus must include the International Standard Book Number (ISBN) for each required textbook or other identifying information, which must include, at a minimum, all of the following: the title, all authors listed, publishers, edition number, copyright date, published date, and other relevant information necessary to identify the specific textbook or textbooks required for each course.

6A-14.092 Textbook Affordability.

Pursuant to Section 1004.085, F.S., institutions within the Florida College System through the Chief Academic Officer or designee(s) shall:

1. Adopt textbooks and instructional materials no later than seventy-five (75) days prior to the first day of classes for 95% of sections. No later than seventy-five (75) days prior to the first day of classes, colleges shall share a list of adopted textbooks and instructional materials with bookstores to allow sufficient lead time to bookstores to work with publishers so as to confirm availability of the requested materials and to ensure maximum availability of used books. Where courses are added after this seventy-five (75) day deadline, textbooks for such courses shall be adopted as soon as is feasible to ensure sufficient lead time.
2. Ensure that pursuant to Section 1004.085(6), F.S., for those classes added after the forty-five (45) day notification deadline, institutions shall post textbook information on their websites immediately as such information becomes available.
3. Select textbooks and instructional materials through cost-benefit analyses that enable students to obtain the highest-quality product at the lowest available price, by considering, in addition to those items listed in Section 1004.085(7)(g), F.S.:
   1. The length of time that textbooks and instructional materials remain in use, prioritizing textbooks and instructional materials that will remain in use for a minimum of three (3) years.
   2. Course-wide adoption, specifically for high enrollment general education courses.
4. Identify a process to ensure publishers provide a description of the content revisions made between the current edition and a proposed new edition of required textbook and instructional materials.
5. The board of trustees of each Florida College System institution shall report by September 30 of each year to the Chancellor of the Florida College System, in a format determined by the Chancellor, the following:
   1. The textbook and instructional materials selection process for general education courses with a wide cost variance and high-enrollment courses; course sections with no cost shall not be included in the examination of cost variance between different sections of the same course;
   2. Specific initiatives of the institution designed to reduce the costs of textbooks and instructional materials;
   3. Policies implemented regarding the posting of textbook and instructional materials for at least 95% of all courses and course sections forty-five (45) days before the first day of class;
   4. The number of courses and course sections that were not able to meet the textbook and instructional materials posting deadline for the previous academic year.

Rulemaking Authority 1004.085(7) FS. Law Implemented 1004.085 FS. History–New 2-25-09, Amended 10-17-17.

Enacted January 2010; reviewed July 2010; revised July 2013, revised August 2018

Vendor Gifts

Florida Statute 112.3148 (Reporting and prohibited receipt of gifts by individuals filing full or limited public disclosure of financial interests and by procurement employees) provides the law on the receiving of gifts.

If a college employee is involved with decision, approval, disapproval or recommendation or preparation of the purchase, request, audit or any other advisory capacity of a vendor you may not accept a gift having a value in excess of $100.

If you do receive such a gift, you have the responsibility to return the gift to the giver or donate to charity. If you donate to a charity, you must document the custodial trail and it must not remain in your custody for longer than need be to transfer to the charity.

If you do not return the gift to the sender or donate to charity, there is a lengthy process involved.

While not intended you may subject yourself and the College the appearance of being bribed by a vendor or giving unfair treatment to someone who has not tendered a gift. This is not the result you want or the College can afford.

The law specifies fines and imprisonment as penalties for violation of the statute.

Enacted July 2013

Web Grading

As part of the duties of teaching a class, each person (faculty member/program instructor/adjunct faculty/contracted faculty, vendor) who is the primary instructor of the class is responsible for entering the final course grades using the Palm Beach State College Web grading system through the EmployeeWeb system at www.pbsc.edu/EmployeeWeb. For additional assistance with Web Grading please visit: www.pbsc.edu/Class-Roster-and-Grading-Information. The primary instructor of the class is the person who has responsibility for issuing the grades in a timely manner.

Canvas Grades (gradebook)

Palm Beach State College requires the use of the Canvas Grades (gradebook) for recording individual student activity scores, calculated and weighted mid-term and final grades, and sharing/providing students access to them continuously throughout the term in a timely manner.  The required use of the Canvas gradebook applies to all course delivery modalities (classroom, hybrid, live-online and fully online).

Use of Third-Party Online Grading Tools

Palm Beach State College does not support faculty use of third-party Web-based grading tools. Such tools could be a violation of FERPA rules as student records are being stored on a third-party website. In accordance with College policy, faculty must use grade book software tools provided by the College or record grades in a hard copy grade book. Failure to comply may be a violation of college policy.

The general timelines for submission of final courses grades are as follows:

1. The grading window opens one day after the withdrawal period of the class has expired (e.g., last day for withdrawal is 10/24/05; grading window would open 10/25/05).
2. Generally, the primary instructor has five business days to submit the grades once the last class day has passed as recorded on the PantherNet system. The exception to this is for a class that ends less than five days BEFORE the end of the term – in this case, the last day of the term is the last date to submit grades for the class. For example, the last class day is 12/13 and the term ends 12/16 – since this class ends three days before the end of the term, the grades are due at the end of the term 12/16.
3. The last possible time/date to submit grades would be the last day of a term at 6:00 PM.

Classes taught by Non-Palm Beach State College Employees

In the case of classes being taught by non-employees (e.g., contracted instructors, Palm Beach County School District employees, apprenticeship instructors), these instructors are still required to be credentialed through Palm Beach State College’s established process in Section B-Faculty Credentialing Criteria.

These instructors should be processed using the guidelines posted at the following link so that they may be credentialed, added to the Palm Beach State College email, and added to the class they will be teaching, https://www.pbsc.edu/academicservices/faculty-information/faculty-credentialing-tools.aspx 

Late Grade Processing

For classes that miss the deadline for grading, late grades will automatically be issued by the PantherNet system. These grades are very detrimental to students in placing them in classes during the next term, for students transferring and in state reporting of student performance.

It is the responsibility of the associate dean to ensure that all late grades are followed up on as soon as possible with each primary instructor. Once a late grade has been issued, the primary instructor must indicate on a printed class roster the actual grade to be issued. This form must be signed by the dean or associate dean before Student Services will update the PantherNet system with the correct grade.

For details on the process of Web grading, please click on the following link: https://www.pbsc.edu/academicservices/information-and-reference/academic-affairs-policies-and-documents.

Enacted July 2005; reviewed July 2010; revised July 2011; revised October 2012; revised 2019

Year-Round Schedule

The purpose of a college wide year-round schedule is to build a schedule of classes that are based on student need for an efficient and successful program completion.

Scheduling Guidelines:

1. The College-wide schedule will be a full three terms: summer, fall, and spring
2. Summer terms are based on student need to complete program in a timely fashion to support the completion agenda.
3. All programs, including the A.A. program, will be on a wheel that will allow students to continue in their program in the summer term.
   1. A.S. wheels should be developed on a five-semester model; six semesters if an evening program
   2. An evening student must be able to complete their program in the evening
   3. If program also has CCCs, there must be a wheel for college credit certificates
   4. Wheels should assure that general education pre- and/or co-requirements do not conflict with programmatic offerings
4. Building space MUST be fully utilized by spreading course offerings Monday through Friday in the fall and spring terms.
5. Utilize 7 a.m. on all campuses
6. Utilize afternoons on all campuses
7. Schedule back-to-back courses to enable students to take more than one course
8. Increase 12 week fall and spring offerings
9. Develop five different schedules for all prep students and for first year students
10. Collaborate with all departments when developing the schedule

Enacted July 2013

Procedures

Accreditation Report/Information

https://www.pbsc.edu/academicservices/Academic-Affairs/Program-Accreditation-Report

This report is to be filed for each program that has accreditation requirements.

Program Name:
Accrediting Agency/Address:	Agency: Street Address 1: Street Address 2: City/State/Zip:
Date of Last Accreditation Visit:
Next Accreditation Visit:
Period of Accreditation:	Years
Recommendations during last accreditation visit (specify):
Follow-Up Report – Date, Response to Recommendations:	Date
Year or Mid-Year Reports Date Due Each Year:
Person responsible for Accreditation:
Accreditation Yearly Fee:

Accreditation Steps

1. Send accreditation reports to VPAA at least four weeks in advance of sending the report to the accrediting agency.
2. Send accreditation visitation schedule to VPAA prior to the visit and make sure VPAA is invited to the exit interview
3. Send a copy of any recommendations received from the accrediting agency to VPAA; also send a copy of the follow-up report to the VPAA prior to being sent to the agency.
4. Send a copy of all yearly reports sent to accrediting agencies to VPAA.

To see a listing of all Palm Beach State College Accredited and Certified programs, please visit the following link: www.pbsc.edu/academicservices/Program-Accreditation-and-Certification.

Enacted July 2004; reviewed July 2010

Accreditation Report / Information

Accreditation Report/Information

https://www.pbsc.edu/academicservices/Academic-Affairs/Program-Accreditation-Report

This report is to be filed for each program that has accreditation requirements.

Program Name:
Accrediting Agency/Address:	Agency: Street Address 1: Street Address 2: City/State/Zip:
Date of Last Accreditation Visit:
Next Accreditation Visit:
Period of Accreditation:	Years
Recommendations during last accreditation visit (specify):
Follow-Up Report – Date, Response to Recommendations:	Date
Year or Mid-Year Reports Date Due Each Year:
Person responsible for Accreditation:
Accreditation Yearly Fee:

Accreditation Steps

1. Send accreditation reports to VPAA at least four weeks in advance of sending the report to the accrediting agency.
2. Send accreditation visitation schedule to VPAA prior to the visit and make sure VPAA is invited to the exit interview
3. Send a copy of any recommendations received from the accrediting agency to VPAA; also send a copy of the follow-up report to the VPAA prior to being sent to the agency.
4. Send a copy of all yearly reports sent to accrediting agencies to VPAA.
5.  VPAA notifies SACSCOC Liaison of any changes to program accreditation status. 
6. SACSCOC Liaison notifies accrediting agencies of any significant changes, changes to accreditation status; or other updates impacting accurate representation of the college as appropriate per SACSCOC Accrediting Decisions of Other Agencies Policy Statement.

To see a listing of all Palm Beach State College Accredited and Certified programs, please visit the following link: www.pbsc.edu/academicservices/Program-Accreditation-and-Certification.

Enacted July 2004; reviewed July 2010; September 2021

Articulation Agreement Procedures

An articulation agreement (a.k.a. transfer agreement) is a signed contract between Palm Beach State College and other colleges or universities that guarantees a smooth transfer of PBSC graduates to another college or university. This agreement ensures the transfer of general education credits and core curriculum courses that satisfy requirements at both institutions.

While agreements benefit PBSC by developing partnerships with other institutions, their primary purpose is to benefit students in various ways:

• Facilitates progression - establishes seamless progression to upper division coursework and/or major disciplines and preserves credits earned and competencies achieved at PBSC;
• Removes barriers to admission and ideally provides preferential admission to PBSC graduates including waived admission requirements, priority admission or other benefits; and
• Offers Financial benefits in the form of reduced tuition, waived application fees, and scholarship and/or financial aid eligibility.

By providing concrete pathways for PBSC students to continue their education upon completion of their programs, these agreements also support the college’s advising and recruitment efforts.

Articulation Agreement or Memorandum of Understanding (MOUs) development at Palm Beach State College is generally limited to regionally accredited institutions or those non-regionally accredited institutions that have participated in the Florida Statewide Course Numbering System process of course evaluation. All others are considered on a case-by-case basis. Factors that determine the suitability of initiating an agreement include:

• Disciplines or programs that are not already served by an existing agreement or MOU
• High-volume programs where large number of students would benefit from such agreements
• Competitive disciplines where students would receive preferential access/gain advantage to admission
• Other factors that support PBSC strategic mission and goals

Articulation will be entered into only to facilitate program graduate progression to the next level of education; Palm Beach State does not support articulation agreements that encourages students to transfer before completing a degree at the College.

The responsibility for articulation agreements falls under the Vice President for Academic Affairs (VPAA). Academic Services supports the development of articulation agreements by facilitating meetings between Palm Beach State College faculty members and faculty of other institutions, and shepherding agreements through the process.

Articulation Agreement Procedures

Palm Beach State College has developed a process for initiating a transfer agreement (below). This document details the steps involved in creating such agreements.

Phase 1: Articulation Proposal

1. Faculty will coordinate with their Cluster Chair and Associate Dean liaison to discuss articulation opportunity, determine feasibility, and identify benefits to PBSC graduates.
2. Cluster Chairs, Program Directors and/or Associate Deans communicate with Academic Services about the desire for articulation with a specific institution or group of institutions.
   • Submit completed Proposed Articulation/MOU Information Sheet to Academic Services.
3. Academic Services will:
   • Verify the existence of agreements that could support the need already at the College.
   • Ensure alignment with PBSC mission, goals and strategic plan(s).
   • Check state documents (Common Prerequisites, Statewide Articulation Manual, etc.) for related information pertaining to courses and programs and statewide agreements.

Phase 2: Articulation development

1. If an agreement is approved for discussion, Academic Services will:
   • Make initial contact with the articulation officer of the other institution
   • Coordinate a meeting with the cluster chair, associate dean, dean, and faculty, staff, and articulation officer of the other institution when possible. In the case of out-of-state institutions, a conference call or other means of communication will be used to facilitate the process. The following topics will be discussed:
   • Preserving the maximum amount of student credit from one institution to the other.
   • Clarifying issues relating to curriculum (e.g., course content, pre-requisites, co-requisites) and how they fit into the agreement to the benefit of students. If both institutions offer the same degree level in a discipline (Associate to Associate; Bachelor to Bachelor, etc.), discuss what the advantage is to create the agreement being discussed.
   • Discover all hidden costs to the student and incorporate them into the narrative of the agreement.
   • Assuring that the articulating institution will provide some type of tracking mechanism so that student performance can be monitored after the student has articulated.
   • In the case of private institutions, discuss a reasonable tuition reduction be made available for students using the agreement.
   • Also, for private institutions, discuss a reasonable advantage for students to use the agreement as opposed to public institution programs of the same type (i.e., tuition reduction).
2. After the initial meeting and any needed subsequent meetings requested, an agreement, or memorandum of understanding, will be drafted covering the issues stated above.
   • The receiving institution puts forward the template that is to be used and the submitting institution has the right to review and alter to the needs of their institution and to the agreement of both parties. If the receiving institutions does not have a standard template for articulation, Palm Beach State can offer samples of agreements/MOU used in the past to the receiving institution.
3. The cluster, Associate Dean, Deans, and VPAA will review the agreement draft. The VPAA will determine if Deans’ Council needs to review the agreement as well.
4. The College General Counsel will review the agreement and determine if it meets the legal standard necessary for the College.
5. Transfer agreements must correspond to Palm Beach State programs. If not, agreements cannot be made until the program is modified through the curriculum process.

Phase 3: Articulation Approvals

1. Upon Palm Beach State approval, the final draft of the agreement will be sent to the articulating institution for approval. Any revisions proposed by the articulating institution will need to be reviewed as outlined in C and D above until all revisions and counter revisions have been approved by both parties.
2. When the final revisions are made, the agreement is sent to the College General Counsel to be converted to a PDF document with a label and date stamp of approval.
3. Academic Services will work with the articulating institution to coordinate signing of the agreement by each institution’s president and any additional signees request by both parties.

Phase 4: Articulation Implementation and Records

1. Academic Services will file the agreement with the Florida College System, the articulating institution, and Palm Beach State.
2. The agreement will be in effect for 1-2 years with a one-year extension followed by a mandatory review and signature process, unless agreed on otherwise by all parties.
3. In some cases, College Relations and Marketing (CRM) will prepare press release showcasing new agreement.
4. Academic Services will update the Transfer Agreement website with new/revised information.
5. The Program will update their Guided Pathways map(s) to reflect the new/revised opportunity available to graduates.
6. CRM will update any associated program brochures related to the agreement as needed.
7. Student Services personnel (Advising) will be notified by Academic Services through email with information on the new agreement.
8. Transfer agreements will be reviewed by the participating PBSC Program every 1-2 years for course number and other curriculum changes, and during each program review cycle.

Enacted July 2004 in Section G from existing policy; reviewed July 2010; revised July 2015; revised July 2016; revised April 2018

Class Cancellation Process

September 2020

Corporate and Continuing Education/Avocational Course Development

Courses developed in Corporate and Continuing Education/Avocational should follow the procedure outlined below:

Course Dictionary Form

1. The course is developed by the program coordinator/manager.
2. Using the CCE/Avocational Form, the details of the course are listed, including a course title, description, course objectives and a calculation of any requested special course fees.
3. Form is approved by the Campus Academic Dean and/or Provost for CCE and avocational.
4. The completed and approved form is sent to newcourses@palmbeachstate.edu for loading into the PantherNet course dictionary – allow five business days for processing.

Enacted July 2006; revised July 2008; reviewed July 2010; revised July 2011; revised July 2024

Continuing Contract Procedures

Please see Continuing Contract Manual for 2017-202X Cohorts.

Course Special Fee Procedure

Credit and CCP Courses

1. All Credit and CCP courses where a special fee is warranted must complete the Course Special Fee Data Entry form at Curriculum Management (smartcatalogiq.com). Complete the form and email it for review and approval as directed. The form MUST include a “calculation method,” which details the costs associated with charging the special course fee.
2. The completed form is reviewed by the Vice President of Academic Affairs for approval by the District Board of Trustees (DBOT).
3. Each Credit and CCP course special fee will be reviewed on a three-year schedule or be adjusted as needed and justified. If adjustment is needed, a new fee form is completed online and submitted for review by the VPAA and approval by the DBOT.
4. Review Cycle: 2012-13, 2015-16, 2018-19, 2021-22

Special fees are categorized as follows:

• Science or health lab/clinical with chemicals, organic or other consumable supplies.
• Nursing or other health science class with specialized tools and supplies required for skills/competencies.
• Classes taught in computer labs with standard and/or specialized software, toner or supplies.
• Regular classroom course with intermittent instruction/use of computer lab.
• Technical/mechanical lab or studio with specialized tools or equipment.
• Technical/mechanical course with specialized tools, supplies, or other consumable items.
• E-learning course with software or other specialized delivery costs.
• Individual applied lessons in the performing arts.
• Computer networking, electronics, or specialized technical class with extraordinary software and/or hardware costs.
• Contracted fee paid by Palm Beach State College on a student’s behalf.

CCE and Avocational Courses

Any Special Fees for these types of courses are proposed on the CCE/Avocational Course Dictionary Form and approved by the Campus Academic Dean for CCE/Avocational courses.

Public Notice and Fee Approval

All course fees (excluding: Corporate and Continuing Education (CCE) fees, Medical Accident and Liability fees, and new courses requiring course fees) are to be publicly noticed twenty-eight (28) days prior to undergoing DBOT review and reviewed once per year, pursuant to F.S. 1009.23(20).

Section 20 states:

(20) Each Florida College System institution shall publicly notice and notify all enrolled students of any proposal to increase tuition or fees at least 28 days before its consideration at a board of trustees meeting. The notice must:

1. Include the date and time of the meeting at which the proposal will be considered.
2. Specifically outline the details of existing tuition and fees, the rationale for the proposed increase, and how the funds from the proposed increase will be used.
3. Be posted on the institution’s website and issued in a press release.

Course Fees are defined in Section 12(a):

(12)(a) In addition to tuition, out-of-state, financial aid, capital improvement, student activity and service, and technology fees authorized in this section, each Florida College System institution board of trustees is authorized to establish fee schedules for the following user fees and fines: laboratory fees, which do not apply to a distance learning course; parking fees and fines; library fees and fines; fees and fines relating to facilities and equipment use or damage; access or identification card fees; duplicating, photocopying, binding, or microfilming fees; standardized testing fees; diploma replacement fees; transcript fees; application fees; graduation fees; and late fees related to registration and payment. Such user fees and fines shall not exceed the cost of the services provided and shall only be charged to persons receiving the service. A Florida College System institution may not charge any fee except as authorized by law.

Enacted July 2004 in Section G from existing policy; revised July 2006, July 2009, July 2010, July 2011, July 2015, July 2019, January 2020; July 2024

Credentialing Non-Employee

Paper, PantherNet and Online Process

1. Non-employees who are teaching courses for Palm Beach State College, and/or who will have access to student records: Please contact HR to complete the Student Records tutorial (FERPA).
2. Non-employees who will not be teaching courses for Palm Beach State, and/or who will not have access to student records: Begin with Step 2.
3. Non-employees should complete the Computer Use Agreement Form:
4. (https://www.pbsc.edu/academicservices/Computer-Use-Agreement) and submit to the Department Chair (or appropriate supervisor).
5. Department Chair (or appropriate supervisor) should complete the Non-employee Email Account Request Form (http://intranet.palmbeachstate.edu/hr/Documents/emailaccountrequest.pdf)
6. Department personnel should submit both completed forms to Human Resources. HR will certify completion of the forms and load the non-employee into PantherNet (which creates a Palm Beach State College email address, People Finder entry, and makes them available for PantherNet faculty credentialing).

Approval Process

To ensure maximum efficiency, it is suggested that this process start concurrently with the paper process, as listed above.

1. Submit Online Roster documentation (transcripts, etc.) for credentialing approval. All faculty credentialing requests should be submitted to the Academic Deans’ Council for credit, prep and CCP; for CCE and avocational, the associate dean or dean approves the credential.

   Academic Services will process the credential on PantherNet.

2. Once credentialed, the department can add the instructor to the class.

Note: All instructors tied to a course can view the class roster, but only the PRIMARY instructor can grade.

Enacted July 2005; reviewed July 2010; reviewed 2019

Curriculum Development

Academic Services facilitates curriculum development by offering consultations, access to course outlines and development resources, and support of the Palm Beach State College-wide Curriculum Committee activities.

 

Enacted July 2004 in Section G from existing policy; revised July 2005; reviewed July 2006. July 2007, July 2008, July 2009, July 2010, July 2016; revised July 2018, July 2019; July 2024

Creating a New Course

There are many reasons new courses are developed: changing degree needs, student interest, or new subject areas.  Creating a new course involves steps to ensure that the new course is in compliance with state and accrediting agencies, meets the standards for inclusion in the College's curriculum, and is appropriate to higher education.

 

Step 1:  Cluster Decision & Approval

The first step in the process of creating a new course begins with the cluster and business partnership council (BPC). Once the decision is made to create a new course, and the cluster and BPC (as necessary) approves the initial course development, a faculty member is assigned to start the formal college process of course development and approval.

 

Step 2:  Documentation & Submission

Creating a new course requires the completion of the online New Course Form. The New Course Form may be submitted in the College's Watermark Curriculum Management system once all supporting documentation is received.  This includes Cluster minutes and other items as needed to support the request (business partnership minutes, State Framework, accreditor documentation, etc.).  Course development is never done in isolation and course additions may trigger additional curricular actions.  If the new course request impacts any existing course or program at the College, the associated revision requests must also be submitted for the new course request to be considered.

 

Step 3:  Approvals & Technical Review

Once the online New Course Form is submitted, the request enters the workflow for Associate Dean, Dean, and other required approvals.  The submission also undergoes a technical review to resolve any issues which may impact approval, implementation &/or compliance. If necessary, the Deans' Council also examines the curriculum proposal to determine the impact it will have on the college facilities, personnel and budget. Once all issues and approvals are resolved, the new course request is added to the next available agenda of the College-wide Curriculum Committee.

 

Step 4:  Curriculum Committee Review & VPAA approval

The Curriculum Committee examines the proposal in detail for content, coherence, and any impact to the Course Dictionary, Degree Audit and other courses and programs. The Curriculum Committee makes a recommendation to the Vice-President of Academic Affairs (VPAA) who gives final approval for the curriculum action. 

 

Step 5:  Implementation

Upon VPAA approval, the College course dictionary, State course inventory (SCNS) and the catalog are updated to go into effect the following Fall term according to the timeline established by College policy. Programs must also update their Pathway Maps to reflect the approved changes. 

 

Note: All courses offered for CCP or AS credit must be attached to an existing or new program offered at Palm Beach State College.

 

Enacted July 2004 in Section G from existing policy; revised July 2005; reviewed July 2006. July 2007, July 2008, July 2009, July 2010, July 2016; revised July 2018, July 2019; July 2024

Revising a Course

Revising an existing course involves steps to ensure that all areas of the College affected by the revision understand the change and are aware of its ramifications. There are many reasons courses are revised - updating outdated offerings, meeting state-wide discipline committee decisions, complying with accreditation or licensure requirements, or responding to business partnership recommendations.

Step 1: Cluster Decision & Approval

The first step in revising a course begins with the cluster. An individual faculty member or an entire cluster will decide revisions are needed for an existing course. If the cluster approves the idea, a member will be assigned to begin the formal process of course revision and approval.

 

Step 2: Documentation & Submission

A course revision requires the completion of a Change Course Form in Watermark, the College's online curriculum management system.  Once this form and its' support documents (cluster minutes, business partnership minutes (BPC) (if needed), associated course addition, revision and deletion requests) are received, the revision request may be submitted and will move into the approval workflow.

Step 3: Approvals & Technical Review

Once submitted, the request enters the workflow for Associate Dean, Dean, and other required approvals.  The submission also undergoes a technical review to resolve any issues which may impact approval, implementation &/or compliance.  Upon completion of the review process, the request is added to the Curriculum Committee agenda. 

Step 4: Curriculum Committee Review & VPAA approval

The Curriculum Committee examines the proposed revisions to the course to determine the impact on the Course Dictionary, Degree Audit, and other programs and certificates. The Curriculum Committee makes a recommendation to the Vice President of Academic Affairs (VPAA) who gives final approval for program revisions. Unless an exception is authorized by the VPAA, all course revisions will go into effect the following Fall after the approval of the VPAA.

Keep in mind that a revised course (other than an AA course or a Developmental Ed course) action may include a program action submission as well. 

 

 

 

Enacted July 2004 in Section G from existing policy; revised July 2005; reviewed July 2006. July 2007, July 2008, July 2009, July 2010, July 2016; revised July 2018, July 2019; July 2024

Deleting a Course

Deleting an existing course involves steps to ensure that all areas of the College affected by this curriculum action are aware of the ramifications of this action. Course deletion is the removal of a course from the Palm Beach State course offerings.  There are many reasons programs or program concentrations are deleted: changing community needs, outdated offerings, state-wide discipline committee or accrediting agency decisions, or business partnership council recommendations.

 

Removing a course from one program list which is still included in another program list is not a course deletion. Rather, this is a program revision action.

 

STEP 1: Cluster Decision & Approval

The first step in the process of deleting an existing course begins with the appropriate cluster. The cluster will review needs assessments, college enrollment records and/or state requirements, and decide on curriculum changes involving the deletion of a course. Once the full cluster approves the deletion, a designated cluster member begins the formal process of course deletion.

 

STEP 2: Documentation & Submission

Deleting a course requires the Delete Course Form submitted through the online curriculum management system (Watermark). Once the form, along with needed support documents (program addition or revision forms, cluster and BPC minutes, or program learning outcomes) is submitted, the proposal will move into the approval workflow.

 

STEP 3: Technical Review & Curriculum Committee Approval

The proposal is reviewed by Academic Services and prepared to be presented to the Curriculum Committee at the next scheduled meeting. The Curriculum Committee examines the proposal for impact on the Course Dictionary, Degree Audit System and other programs and certificates.

 

STEP 4: VPAA Approval

If approved by the Curriculum Committee, a recommendation is made to the Vice President of Academic Affairs (VPAA) who gives final approval for the curriculum action.

 

STEP 5:  Implementation

Upon VPAA approval, the College course dictionary, State course inventory (SCNS) and the catalog are updated to go into effect the following Fall term according to the timeline established by College policy. 

 

Programs must also update their Pathway Maps to reflect the approved changes.  

 

Enacted July 2004 in Section G from existing policy; revised July 2005; reviewed July 2006. July 2007, July 2008, July 2009, July 2010, July 2016; revised July 2018, July 2019; July 2024

Create a New Program

Adding a new program or program concentration involves steps to ensure that this curriculum action is adequately justified and that all areas of the College affected by the addition are aware of its ramifications. This action will require Deans' Council approval, President's Cabinet approval and Palm Beach State District Board of Trustees approval. There are many reasons new programs/program concentrations are developed - emerging community training needs, basic student interest or new, state-approved subject areas.

The first step in the process of creating a new program/program concentration begins with the cluster. A faculty member presents his or her idea to the cluster or the cluster as a whole decides that a new program or program concentration is warranted in the discipline. If the cluster approves the idea, a faculty member is assigned to begin the formal process of program development and approval. This process is called the Curriculum Review Process.

The Curriculum Review Process is a multi-part process. For new programs, the hosting campus Provost is included in the signature process. This is accomplished by preparing a New Program Proposal Form Steps 1 & 2 following the guidelines noted on the form and gathering all the required signatures. Once final approval is given, then a Program/Concentration Addition Form is prepared.  The signed Program Proposal forms and the rest of the supporting documents (related course and program action forms, course outlines, Cluster and Business Partnership Council Minutes) are sent electronically to Academic Services electronically by email. The email should copy the cluster chair, associate dean, dean of the faculty and the host campus provost creating the program.  This full packet will be submitted to the President’s Cabinet for approval and Deans' Council for approval by the VPAA.

President’s Cabinet and Deans' Council examine this curriculum action to see what impact it will have on the College facilities, personnel, academic resources and budget. If approved, the Program/Concentration Addition action is added to the Palm Beach State Curriculum Committee agenda for consideration.

The Curriculum Committee examines the curriculum action details for impact on the Course Dictionary, Degree Audit and other programs and certificates. If approved, the Curriculum Committee makes a recommendation to the Vice-President of Academic Affairs (VPAA) who gives final approval for the curriculum action.

Once approved by VPAA, the new program/program concentration is submitted to the District Board of Trustees (DBOT) for approval.  This process is a two DBOT agenda read and approval process. Unless an exception is authorized by the VPAA, all curriculum action goes into effect and will be advertised according to the Curriculum Action Timeline on the Curriculum Website following the approval of the VPAA and the DBOT.

If the cluster is creating a new program or certificate that has never been offered in Florida, once the VPAA approved the program creation, further steps must be taken to seek Department of Education approval to offer this program in the state of Florida. The cluster will work with Academic Services to put together the necessary state forms and approvals.

If a new program constitutes a substantive change to the offerings of the institution, the originator is required to complete a form (www.pbsc.edu/sacscoc/) justifying the change which may lead to additional follow up actions with SACSCOC.

 

Documents Submitted for New Program/Concentration Action:

New Program Proposal Form with Signatures

Program/Concentration Addition Form

• Other Course and Program Forms Related to the Addition
• Course Outlines 
• Cluster/BPC Minutes
• Create a New Statewide Program (If necessary)
• Substantive Change Form (If necessary)

 

Enacted July 2004 in Section G from existing policy; revised July 2005; reviewed July 2006. July 2007, July 2008, July 2009, July 2010, July 2016; revised July 2018, July 2019; July 2024

Program Revision

Revising an existing program involves steps to ensure that all areas of the College affected by the revision understand the changes that will be made and are aware of their ramifications. There are varied reasons programs are revised - updating outdated offerings, meeting state-wide discipline committee decisions, and complying with business partnership recommendations.

The first step in the process of revising an existing program begins with the cluster. The cluster or a designated sub-committee will review needs assessments, College records and/or state requirements and outline program revisions it deems necessary. Once the full cluster approves the changes, a designated cluster member will begin the formal process of program revision and approval. This process is part of the Curriculum Review Process.

Program revision requires a Program/Concentration Revision Form to be completed. Once this form and its' support documents (cluster minutes, Business Partnership Council Minutes, course addition, revision and deletion forms) are gathered, they are submitted to Academic Services electronically (email). The email should copy the cluster chair, associate dean, and dean of the faculty revising the program.  This packet will be added to the Palm Beach State Curriculum Committee agenda.

The Curriculum Committee examines the proposed revisions to the program to determine the impact on the Course Dictionary, Degree Audit, and other programs and certificates. The Curriculum Committee makes a recommendation to the Vice-President of Academic Affairs (VPAA) who gives final approval for the curriculum action. Unless an exception is authorized by the VPAA, all curriculum action goes into effect according to the Curriculum Action Timeline on the Curriculum Website following the approval of the VPAA.

Program Concentration Revision Needing DBOT Approval

In some cases, if the program revision involves deleting a program concentration from the College offerings, this action needs President’s Cabinet and Deans' Council approval to be considered by the Curriculum Committee. In these instances, this action will need DBOT approval once VPAA approves the Curriculum Committee approval. Contact Academic Services for clarification if you plan to submit this type of action.

 

Delete an Existing Program or Program Concentration

There are many reasons programs, or program concentrations, are deleted - outdated offerings, state-wide discipline committee or accrediting agency decisions, or Business Partnership Council recommendations.

Deleting an existing program or program concentration involves steps to ensure that this curriculum action is adequately justified and that all areas of the College affected by the deletion are aware of its ramifications. Deletion of an existing program or program concentration requires approval by the VPAA, Deans' Council, President's Cabinet, President, Palm Beach State District Board of Trustees and SACSCOC approval of Teach Out Plan(s) prior to implementation.

Programs must first initiate the Program Termination Procedure outlined in the Academic Management Manual’s Section G.  Once this has been initiated, the program may proceed with the curriculum action to the delete the program.

The first step in the curriculum change process of deleting an existing program or program concentration begins with the cluster. The cluster will review needs assessments, college enrollment records and/or state requirements, and outline program revisions it deems necessary. Once the full cluster approved the deletion, a designated cluster member will begin the formal process of program or program concentration deletion. This process is part of the Curriculum Review Process.

For complete program deletion and program concentration only, a Program Deletion Form is prepared and sent with support documents (Cluster minutes, Business Partnership Council Minutes, and related curriculum forms) to Academic Services electronically (email).  The email should copy the cluster chair, associate dean, and dean of the faculty revising the program. The full packet is sent to Deans’ Council and President’s Cabinet for approval.

In the case of a deleted program, Deans' Council examines the justification for the deletion and the impact on the College offerings and resources. If the deletion is approved, the topic of the program deletion is put on the President's Cabinet agenda for discussion and recommendation to the Palm Beach State Board of Trustees. President's Cabinet approval of this action initiates the creation of a Board Packet by the VPAA office for presentation to the Board of Trustees. The Palm Beach State DBOT approval is a two agenda reading and approval process. After the DBOT approval, the College catalog text is revised for the next edition. The Curriculum Committee is notified by the VPAA of the decision of the Board of Trustees as an FYI and the time frame for completion of the deletion of the program is established. The originator of this curriculum action is notified by Academic Services when the Board of Trustees ratifies the program deletion.

Create a New Program at the State Level

New degree programs, program concentrations or certificates identified through the program review process can be proposed as new programs to the State. The first step is to submit the normal paperwork for creating a new program through the Palm Beach State curriculum process (New Program Proposal Form Steps 1 & 2, Palm Beach State Deans' Council review, President’s Cabinet Review, Curriculum Committee Review, Vice President Academic Affairs review). If the new program or certificate is approved through the Palm Beach State Curriculum Review Process, the following documents will need to be submitted to the Florida Department of Education Workforce Development office for authorization and inclusion in the state program inventory.

 

The State Submission documents required:

 

1. Statement of Justification – This should include a list of the occupations for which the curriculum prepares students, and data on the number of jobs and job openings in the region in the identified occupational titles.
2. Curriculum Framework – This document details the program including major concepts/content, laboratory activities, and intended outcomes. To locate the state curriculum framework for the program or certificate being developed go to  www.FLDOE.Org/Workforce/CTE-Curriculum-Frameworks
3. Student Performance Standards – This document details the competencies of the intended outcomes.
4. Program Outline – Course list that will constitute the degree program or certificate.
5. Course Outlines – Course outline for each of the courses in the degree program or certificate.
6. New Program Submittal Form – The Submittal Form will need to be completed.
7. Sample Articulation Agreement – The state requires a sample articulation agreement from high school to the post-secondary level of education. The articulation agreement only needs to be proposed.

The entire package is submitted to the Florida Department of Education Workforce Development Office of the Department of Education by Academic Services. Academic Services will work with the cluster creating the program or certificate to facilitate the process and ensure that the package is complete. This process can take from 3 months to a year to complete.

 

 

Enacted July 2004 in Section G from existing policy; revised July 2005; reviewed July 2006. July 2007, July 2008, July 2009, July 2010, July 2016; revised July 2018, July 2019; July 2024

 

 

Faculty Credentialing

Step 1 – Potential Instructor formally applies to Palm Beach State

All potential instructors should formally apply to the college to ensure eligibility to work in the United States and submit copies of their transcript through the online application system, Workday.

Step 2 – Prepare the Faculty Roster

For Credit, College Preparatory and CCP Faculty –

All faculty who teaches Credit, College Preparatory and CCP courses must have a Dean submit to the Deans’ Council a completed online Faculty Credential Request, listing relevant degrees, coursework, certifications, licenses, and verified work experience (if applicable based on credentialing criteria). The Dean should carefully review the candidate’s credentials to ensure strict compliance with the credentialing guidelines prior to sending the faculty roster for a full Deans’ Council and VPAA review and approval. When reviewing graduate transcripts which include both semester and quarter hours, each graduate course in the discipline should be listed on the online Faculty Credential Request with the appropriate placement of graduate semester hours in the credit hour column, using the conversion formula below. For individuals whose graduate transcript shows all quarter hours, there is a minimum of 27 graduate quarter hours is required for credentialing. Conversion of all credit hours should be made to semester hours when both types of credit have been taken. The online system will automatically compute these formulas on the form.

Formulae:	1 quarter hour	=	.667 semester hour
	1 semester hour	=	1.5 quarter hours

Example: An individual possesses a Master’s degree in the discipline with 15 graduate semester hours in the discipline, and a second transcript from another accredited institution with 5 quarter semester hours:

5 quarter semester hours x .667	=	3.335 equated semester hours
15 semester hours+3.335	=	18.335 semester hours

Additional Notes:

1. Undergraduate classes taken as an undergraduate cannot count towards graduate hours in the discipline.
2. Courses taken that are described as eligible for counting towards a Bachelor’s degree or graduate degree may be counted if the course is taken after admission into graduate school and if it is counted towards the graduate degree in the appropriate discipline.

For CCE and other noncredit Faculty

All faculty who teach CCE and other noncredit courses (avocational and lifelong learning) must have the appropriate Dean/Associate Dean and/or Program Director approve the completed online Faculty Credential Request, which must include information on degrees and any relevant certifications, experience and/or licensures. This online request is submitted directly to Academic Services without a Deans’ Council review.

Step 3 – VPAA and Academic Deans’ Review

An Academic Dean will submit the faculty credential for review through the Online Faculty Credentialing Database (OFCD) Web page, which can be accessed at the following link:

https://www.pbsc.edu/academicservices/information-and-reference/faculty-credentialing-tools.aspx

A unanimous “approve” vote must be recorded; if the “approve” vote is not unanimous, the credential must be reviewed during a regularly scheduled Academic Deans’ meeting. All applicants with foreign credentials (defined as awarded in a country other than the United States of America or one of its territories) must be evaluated by one of the Palm Beach State College approved foreign transcript evaluation and translation services on the following Web page:

https://www.pbsc.edu/academicservices/information-and-reference/faculty-credentialing-tools.aspx

The VPAA Has Final Approval of Credit/Prep/CCP Faculty Rosters.

All faculty must meet the stated credentials in this manual. In exceptional cases, faculty not meeting the stated criteria may be considered for appointment using the following guidelines:

Exceptions to stated faculty credentials occur in two cases:

1. The faculty member has outstanding professional experience and demonstrated contributions to the teaching discipline, which may be presented in lieu of formal academic preparation.
2. The faculty member has training in a closely related discipline and the competencies needed to teach the course objectives were covered in the related disciplines.

In these cases, the Dean and/or Associate Dean must provide documentation as to how the faculty member’s experience and/or education allows him/her to teach the objectives in the course, using the Justification and Exception form, located in the forms section of the manual and online at: www.pbsc.edu/academicaffairs/Justification-&-Documentation-Exception-to-the-Credentialing-Criteria-Requirements-form.

This information must also be copied into the online faculty roster through the OFCD.

Step 4 – Loading Faculty Credentials on the PantherNet System

After the credential has been approved by the VPAA and the Academic Deans’ for Credit/Preparatory/CCP, or by a Dean or Associate Dean/Program Director for CCE/avocational, a copy of the credential request will be automatically sent to the Academic Services office along with the online voting results. The faculty member will then be loaded onto the PantherNet system by Academic Services (provided that the person has been loaded as an applicant/employee by Human Resources).

Step 5 – Official Transcripts sent to Human Resources

The faculty member is responsible for ensuring that official transcripts are sent to Human Resources. If the Human Resources office has not received the adjunct’s official transcript in the initial term in which they are teaching, they cannot continue to teach in subsequent terms at Palm Beach State until such time the official transcript is received. This is College policy and must be followed.

Enacted July 2004 in Section G from existing policy; reviewed July 2010, July 2019

Faculty Hiring Procedures

The following information is the process for full-time faculty, temporary full-time faculty, and full-time CCP Instructors, including timelines and process steps for committees.

Position Vacancy Forms

The following MUST appear on the vacancy form (in addition to all the other boxes which need to be completed):

1. Courses to be taught: Identify all courses that this position will teach.
2. Minimum Qualifications: This should be exactly what the Credential Manual states for the discipline or program position to be filled.

Any reference to teaching experience preferred or required, should not be stated (it can be part of the grid for evaluation, but will not be stated in any description, ad, etc.) The statement “Ability to demonstrate the use of technology in the classroom; must be able to use the technology required for the course” MUST appear in this box on all position vacancy forms. If there are other requirements, such as licenses/certifications, that should be part of stated requirements (it should also be in the credential manual).

Faculty Transfers

Faculty transfers will be announced in November and will close in December. Positions will be noted as budget approved or contingent upon budget approval. HR will give the applications for faculty transfer to the applicable Dean. Offers will be made no later than February 1.

Timeline and Overview

Process	Timeline
1. Identification of needed faculty positions	August
2. Create Job Requisition in “Workday System”. Please review Job Requisitions Job Aid under Workday Training:	September
3. Faculty Transfer announcements	September
4. Faculty positions be posted/advertised	October
5. Close date for faculty positions	November
6. HR application review	December
7. Academic Affairs receives all applications for prescreening in the Workday System	December
8. Academic Screening Committees receive applicant pools for screening. Committee membership must be approved by HR. Standard scoring grids available through HR for application, resume and transcripts should be used. The grid can be altered if approved through Human Resources. The VPAA must review all potential interview candidates using the Faculty Roster Form submitted by the hiring Dean.	January
9. Final decision on new positions to be filled through budget process	February
10. Interviews are scheduled for candidates. Questions must be approved by HR. Telephone interviews can be used as an initial interview process if there are many applicants, but it is not a required step if the number of applicants is small. All applicants should bring a transcript copy to the interview.	January/February
11. Recommendations on recommended applicants for each faculty/CCP Instructor position (no more than three) forwarded to Deans’ Council with the following documents: The Top Three MUST have:    a. Completed Faculty Rosters (paper version)    b . Scanned Transcripts    c . Strengths/Weaknesses sheet with scores on interview, microteaching, and essay	February/March
12. VPAA makes final recommendation of new faculty to the President, per Board Policy 6Hx-18-5.21. All faculty positions should be complete by May.	February/March
13. Recommendations made to the District Board of Trustees	March/April

Department Checklist for Full-Time Faculty/Instructor Hiring

Before the Term Begins

1. Provide any additional information Human Resources may need to process faculty member/instructor.
2. Email faculty member/instructor on accessing Palm Beach State College email.
3. Provide textbooks (preferably sent to the faculty member/instructor’s home).
4. Email faculty member/instructor their teaching assignments for the upcoming term.
5. Monitor that the faculty member/instructor has created a faculty Web page, created and uploaded compliant syllabi, and certified the textbooks they use – Provide link to this Web page - https://www.pbsc.edu/academicservices/information-and-reference/academic-affairs-policies-and-documents/faculty-webpage-syllabi.aspx which has Web page/syllabi information, and this page: https://www.pbsc.edu/academicservices/information-and-reference/academic-affairs-policies-and-documents which has textbook certification information.
6. Assign the faculty member/instructor an office and ensure office has furnishings and is clean.
7. Work with IT on a computer, either using the computer of the faculty member they replaced or securing a new computer (faculty can choose desktop or laptop).
8. Work with IT on a telephone line and phone number for the faculty member.
9. Process paperwork on key requests (door key and desk/cabinet keys).
10. Provide the faculty member with a mailbox in the department office area/workroom.
11. Provide information on obtaining a parking sticker.
12. Request electronic copies of syllabi for the semester.
13. Obtain copy of faculty/instructor schedule including office hours, lunch breaks, college business, teaching – total must be 35 hours – enter data into PantherNet and post on faculty door. See templates at: www.pbsc.edu/academic-affairs-policies-and-documents/Office-Hours-Templates
14. Process IRM (Instructor Resource Management) contracts for all classes – pre and final contracts. Copy of final contract is sent to HR.

During the Term

1. Ensure that faculty/instructors are accessing rosters and checking that all students in class are on the roll.
2. Remind faculty/instructors on mid-term grading procedures.
3. Remind faculty/instructors on student assessment procedures.
4. Remind faculty/instructors to post syllabi for the next term by published deadlines.

As the Term Ends

1. Remind faculty/instructors on grading procedures
2. Check grading reports for “I” and “L” grades - follow-up with faculty/instructor
3. Obtain copy of grade book for filing (should include grades for all assignments) using end-of-term check-out sheet (example) https://www.pbsc.edu/academicservices/documents/End-of-Term-Checkout

Enacted July 2006; revised July 2007, July 2008, July 2009, July 2010, July 2011; July 2013; July 2018; July 2019

Faculty Meetings

Before classes begin in the fall, each campus holds the following meetings:

1. New faculty/instructor meeting
2. Fulltime faculty and/or adjunct meeting
3. Department chair meeting (separate or inclusive)

1. Letter/email to all full-time faculty and department chairs informing of semester start-up activities
   1. Welcome back letter with district/campus activities
   2. District links to convocation or a PDF attachment of the summary of pre-fall term faculty/instructor activities along with convocation agenda
   3. Academic calendar
   4. Campus start up dates/events at a glance
   5. Flyer for all faculty meeting
2. Department chairs receive the above along with the following
   1. Extra duty day dates
   2. District training/workshop
   3. Campus meeting

Adjunct Orientation

1. Encourage all faculty to attend adjunct orientation meeting
2. Letter should be sent to all adjuncts inviting them to the meeting
3. New Faculty Experience (NFE)
4. Agenda items for meeting should include
   1. College and specific campus information
   2. Introductions of campus administration, department chairs, and faculty
   3. Campus and college activities
   4. Academic calendar
   5. Faculty Handbook supplemented with campus handbooks
   6. Key dates for faculty: college closings, exam schedule, grade due dates
   7. Campus maps
   8. Faculty resources on campus
   9. Academic policies
   10. Campus tour
   11. Class roster, grading, attendance, syllabus template
   12. E-mail, keys

Enacted July 2011; updated July 2019

Field Observation Procedures for Teacher Education

www.pbsc.edu/field-observation

Students enrolled in EDF 2005 Introduction to The Teaching Profession and EDF 2085 Introduction to Diversity for Educators are required to complete 15 hours of Field Observation (FO) for each course. Students enrolled in EPI 0950 Teaching Methods Practicum are required to complete 30 hours of practicum.

The purpose of the field observation is to provide meaningful learning experiences for pre-service educators in accordance with state mandated guidelines for teacher preparation. Through the field observation, students should have an opportunity to:

• Observe best practices and techniques for effective classroom management
• Connect theory with practice
• Assist students in career decisions
• Develop personal skills and values

Field Observation Process

Students required to complete field observation for EDF 2005, EDF 2085, and EPI 0950 will have a variety of ways to complete this observation. Through a public school, charter school, and private school setting, students may select the venue that works the best for them.

Field Observation in a Palm Beach or Martin County public school follows a strict placement procedure that includes a Level 2 security clearance or Martin County Security Clearance Letter and placement through the Academic Services Office. Charter, private, and out-of-county school (Broward, Hendry) placements can be arranged by the student through self-placement and may have different requirements for security clearance. All field observation placements must be approved by the Palm Beach State course instructor prior to initiation.

THE CODE of ETHICS and THE PRINCIPLES of PROFESSIONAL CONDUCT of THE EDUCATION PROFESSION in FLORIDA is explained in the State Board of Education Rule 6B-1.001. In addition to observing the mandated code, Palm Beach State students are strongly advised to respect the internal rules of the school.

• Attendance and Punctuality - Schools, administrators, and teachers run on tight daily schedules, so be mindful of their time. Arrive at the school 10-15 minutes early. Follow the cooperating teacher’s directions at all times and do not become a distraction in the classroom. Notify the cooperating teacher if a personal emergency arises. Leave a message if necessary.
• Appearance - Follow the school dress code and dress professionally. Avoid revealing and provocative clothing and jewelry; leave sandals, sneakers, shorts, jeans, sleeveless shirts and flashy and facial jewelry at home. Maintain a clean and neat appearance all times. Make a good impression.
• Conduct - Demonstrate professional behavior at all times. Avoid negative comments about the college, school staff, students, and/or the cooperating teacher. Please remember that you are there to quietly observe.
• Confidentiality - Classroom work with students is always confidential. You may have access to "privileged information" which, naturally, should be treated as such. "Privileged information" is defined as personal records, grades, test scores, behavior and attitude of students. Keep your observations on a professional level. You must not divulge information to which you may have access.

THE CODE of ETHICS* and THE PRINCIPLES of PROFESSIONAL CONDUCT** for THE EDUCATION PROFESSION in FLORIDA is explained in the State Board of Education Rules 6A-10.080 and 6A-10.081 (6B-1.001). In addition to observing the mandated codes, Palm Beach State students are strongly advised to respect the internal rules of the school.

• Attendance and Punctuality - Schools, administrators, and teachers run on tight daily schedules, so be mindful of their time. Arrive at the school 10-15 minutes early. Follow the cooperating teacher’s directions at all times and do not become a distraction in the classroom. Notify the cooperating teacher if a personal emergency arises. Leave a message if necessary.
• Appearance - Follow the school dress code and dress professionally. Avoid revealing and provocative clothing and jewelry; leave sandals, sneakers, shorts, jeans, sleeveless shirts and flashy and facial jewelry at home. Maintain a clean and neat appearance all times. Make a good impression.
• Conduct - Demonstrate professional behavior at all times. Avoid negative comments about the college, school staff, students, and/or the cooperating teacher. Please remember that you are there to quietly observe.
• Confidentiality - Classroom work with students is always confidential. You may have access to "privileged information" which, naturally, should be treated as such. "Privileged information" is defined as personal records, grades, test scores, behavior and attitude of students. Keep your observations on a professional level. You must not divulge information to which you may have access.

Please see the Field Observation website for details.

*Rulemaking Authority 1001.02, 1012.51, 1012.53 FS. Law Implemented 1012.32, 1012.34, 1012.51, 1012.53, 1012.795, 1012.796 FS. History-New 3-24-65, Amended 8-9-69, Repromulgated 12-5-74, Amended 8-12-81, 7-6-82, Formerly 6B-1.01, 6B-1.001.

**Rulemaking Authority 1001.02, 1012.51, 1012.53 FS. Law Implemented 1012.32, 1012.34, 1012.51, 1012.53, 1012.795, 1012.796 FS. History-New 7-6-82, Amended 12-20-83, Formerly 6B-1.06, Amended 8-10-92, 12-29-98, Formerly 6B-1.006.

Enacted July 2006; revised July 2008, reviewed July 2010; revised July 2013, revised July 2016

Foreign Language Evaluation for Baccalaureate Degree

www.pbsc.edu/Programs/Baccalaureate-Degree/Foreign-Language-Requirements

Baccalaureate students must meet the provision of Florida Statute 1007.262 regarding the statewide foreign language requirement as an exit requirement. Students must have completed two sequential foreign language courses in high school or at the postsecondary level. American Sign Language I and II is an approved sequence per Florida Statute 1007.2615.

Florida Statute 1007.262 Foreign language competence; equivalence determinations.]

The Department of Education shall identify the competencies demonstrated by students upon the successful completion of 2 credits of sequential high school foreign language instruction. For the purpose of determining postsecondary equivalence, the department shall develop rules through which community colleges correlate such competencies to the competencies required of students in the colleges’ respective courses. Based on this correlation, each community college shall identify the minimum number of postsecondary credits that students must earn in order to demonstrate a level of competence in a foreign language at least equivalent to that of students who have completed 2 credits of such instruction in high school. The department may also specify alternative means by which students can demonstrate equivalent foreign language competence, including means by which a student whose native language is not English may demonstrate proficiency in the native language. A student who demonstrates proficiency in a native language other than English is exempt from a requirement of completing foreign language courses at the secondary or community college level.

History.—s. 353, ch. 2002-387; s. 117, ch. 2007-217.

1Note.—Section 21, ch. 2010-70, directs the Division of Statutory Revision to prepare a reviser’s bill to substitute the term “Florida College System institution” for the terms “Florida college,” “community college,” and “junior college” where those terms appear in the Florida K-20 Education Code.

Florida Administrative Code - 6A-10.02412 Foreign Language Competence and Equivalence

The provisions herein shall be used by Florida College System institutions to determine equivalency, pursuant to Section 1007.262, F.S., between two (2) credits in one (1) foreign language at the secondary level and the equivalent at the postsecondary level.

1. The competence to be demonstrated by students upon successful completion of two (2) credits of secondary instruction in one (1) foreign language is:
   1. Modern languages.
      1. The ability to understand, with some repetition, simple questions and statements.
      2. The ability to read and understand the information presented in a simple paragraph.
      3. The ability to pronounce the language well enough to be intelligible to native speakers.
      4. The ability to ask and answer questions and maintain a simple conversation in areas of immediate need on very familiar topics.
      5. The ability to deal with everyday situations such as greetings, leave-takings, buying food, and asking directions.
      6. The ability to write a short paragraph on a familiar topic.
      7. The ability to demonstrate limited social competence in the foreign culture by showing comprehension of common rules of etiquette, customs and sensitivities, and a knowledge of contributions to the arts and humanities by the people who speak the target language.
   2. Classical languages.
      1. The ability to read and understand materials ranging from low to medium levels of difficulty; that is, adapted text.
      2. The ability to give a reasonably accurate account of the contents of the reading material by answering questions, paraphrasing, translating, or summarizing.
      3. The ability to demonstrate knowledge of history, culture, and contributions to the arts and humanities of ancient civilizations.
2. Completion of a postsecondary course at the elementary 2 level in one (1) foreign language or American Sign Language (ASL) shall be considered to produce the competence specified in subsection (1) herein.
3. Students may demonstrate completion of the competencies specified in subsection (1) herein by other means as determined by the Florida College System institution.

Rulemaking Authority 1001.02(1), 1007.262 FS. Law Implemented 1001.02, 1007.262 FS. History–New 2-23-88, Amended 10-17-89, 11-13-90, 10-4-93, 11-21-05, 6-25-14.

Procedure for Determining Proficiency in a Foreign Language (other than two years of High School Instruction or one year of College Instruction in a Foreign Language).

For Students who are proficient in a foreign language through means other than high school or college instruction, the student may choose to show proficiency through a faculty evaluation of a student’s native language. The faculty member must be a native speaker of the language to be evaluated.

1. Student downloads the Faculty Evaluation of Students Native Language form at: Faculty Evaluation of Students Native Language form and submits the form to the Bachelor’s Degree Office.
2. Bachelor’s degree programs office identifies a native speaker of the language. If a native speaker cannot be located among Palm Beach State College Faculty, the student cannot use this procedure.
3. Faculty member assess the student’s writing, reading, speaking and listening skills and completes the evaluation form.
4. The faculty member submits the form to the Bachelor’s Degree Office.
5. If the faculty member has certified the highest-level ability on all four categories on the form, the Bachelor’s Degree office will update the student’s records that the foreign language requirement has been satisfied and the form will be scanned to the student’s electronic file.

Enacted July 2011; revised July 2014; reviewed July 2019

General Education Review Procedure

There are two types of review for general education. First, a full review of the general education philosophy, learning outcomes, and coursework in both A.S. and for the A.A. degree is an important College-wide process undertaken periodically, typically about every five years. Second, courses can be considered for the addition or deletion of a general education course designation in between the full review. Each process is driven by faculty and guided by the General Education Council (“the Council”). The Council is comprised of faculty representatives from each general education area.

Full Review of the Philosophy, Outcomes, and Coursework

1. The process may be initiated by the Vice President of Academic Affairs (VPAA) or the General Education Council.
2. The Council helps prepare draft documents of the current general education philosophy, learning outcomes, and coursework for cluster review and input. The cluster system allows faculty College-wide to provide input into the review process.
3. Clusters make recommendations on changes to the general education philosophy, related institutional learning outcomes, and for the addition or deletion of general education courses. The recommendations are compiled for Council review.
4. The Council incorporates these recommendations into draft changes to the general education philosophy, outcomes, and/or coursework. Changes are sent to faculty College-wide electronically and/or clusters for a second review.
5. New comments and recommendations on the draft document are compiled by the Council for review.
6. The Council prepares a final recommendation document for submission to the VPAA for final review and approval.
7. The approved changes to the general education philosophy and coursework are communicated to the college community and will take effect the following fall term.

Review of General Education Course Changes Outside of the Full Review

General education course offerings are established based on several criteria, some of which are required by the Florida Department of Education (FLDOE¹) and/or the College’s regional accreditor, the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC²). Other factors include scheduling, curriculum, and transfer processes and general education requirements for the associate of science (A.S.) and bachelor’s degree programs. Faculty who wish to request the addition or deletion of a general education course designation may do so outside of the full review process if all criteria are met and the process is followed.

Process to Request the Addition of a General Education Course Designation

1. Faculty identify the benefit to students in the PBSC associate in arts (A.A.), associate in science (A.S.), or bachelor degree programs, and identify any impact to their transfer to in-state public universities, if the general education designation is added.
2. Cluster faculty meet with clusters in the proposed general education area for the course, and with the program directors or associate deans of any program that may be affected if the general education designation is added.
3. Originating cluster approves, formally documenting justification and cluster agreement/approval in the minutes.
4. All clusters in the proposed general education area must document in their minutes the number of cluster faculty for and against the proposed addition of the course to the general education area.
5. Cluster chair or designee must complete the Course Change Request to Add General Education Designation Form (page 2) and submit to Academic Services.
   • Form: www.pbsc.edu/curriculum-development/documents/gen-ed-course-designation-add-2019.pdf
   • Academic Services email: whitec2@palmbeachstate.edu
6. Curriculum Coordinator forwards as an agenda item to the General Education Council chair.
7. General Education Council chair coordinates meeting date and time with cluster representative(s).
8. Cluster representatives from the submitting cluster and any clusters in the proposed general education area meet with the General Education Council to discuss request.
9. General Education Council makes recommendation to Curriculum Committee through Academic Services.
10. Curriculum Committee makes recommendation to the Vice President of Academic Affairs (VPAA).
11. VPAA makes recommendation to the District Board of Trustees (DBOT) for final decision (per DBOT policy 6Hx-18-2.01³).
12. Approvals become effective in the subsequent academic year if catalog scheduling permits (the year after otherwise).

Criteria for General Education Courses

Courses that count toward the required general education credits must meet criteria established by the College, the state, and SACSCOC. General education courses…

• …support the PBSC general education philosophy and at least one applicable institutional learning outcome.⁴
• …fit within at least one pathway (based on meta majors until formal pathways are announced).⁵
• …support internal programs and transfer to in-state public universities.
• …fit within one of the following areas: communication, humanities (literature and fine arts), mathematics, natural science, and social science to align with state and accreditation requirements.⁶
• …include “high-level academic and critical thinking skills” to align with state requirements.¹
• …contribute to general education as a whole, rounding out the “breadth of knowledge” to align with regional accreditation requirements... reinforce cognitive skills, and not be focused on “skills, techniques, and procedures specific to the student’s occupation or profession” to align with regional accreditation requirements.⁷

Requesting the Deletion of a General Education Course Designation

The FLDOE has established several general education “core” courses. These are noted at PBSC as “Tier 1” courses. The general education designation cannot be removed from a core course. Additionally, faculty who wish to request the deletion of a general education designation from a non-core course must review and report the potential implications of the change before moving forward for action.

Process

1. Faculty identify any impact on students in the PBSC associate in arts, associate in science, or bachelor’s degree programs, and identify any impact of their transfer to in-state public universities, if the general education designation is removed.
2. Cluster faculty meet with program director or associate dean of any program that may be affected if the general education designation is removed. This meeting should verify alternate provisions for prerequisite or corequisite courses if the course to be removed is a prerequisite or corequisite course for the program.
3. Cluster approves, formally documenting the justification and cluster agreement/approval in the minutes.
4. Cluster chair or designee must complete the Course Change Request to Delete General Education Designation Form and submit to Academic Services.
   • Form: www.pbsc.edu/curriculum-development/documents/gen-ed-course-designation-delete-2019.pdf
   • Academic Services email: whitec2@palmbeachstate.edu
5. Curriculum Coordinator forwards as an agenda item to the General Education Council chair.
6. General Education Council chair coordinates meeting date and time with cluster representative(s).
7. Cluster representative(s) meet(s) with the General Education Council to discuss request.
8. General Education Council makes recommendation to Curriculum Committee through Academic Services.
9. Curriculum Committee makes recommendation to the Vice President of Academic Affairs (VPAA).
10. VPAA makes recommendation to the District Board of Trustees (DBOT) for final approval (per DBOT policy for Curriculum Control, #6Hx-18-2.01)^8.
11. Approvals become effective in the subsequent academic year if catalog scheduling permits (the year after otherwise).

Process enacted July 2004 in Section G from existing policy. Revised July 2009, July 2010, July 2011; July 2014; March 2019; June 2020.

¹FL Statute 1007.25: http://www.leg.state.fl.us/Statutes/index.cfm?App_mode=Display_Statute&Search_String=&URL=1000-1099/1007/Sections/1007.25.html

²SACSCOC Principles of Accreditation: Foundations for Quality Enhancement (2017, pp.20-22): http://www.sacscoc.org/pdf/2018PrinciplesOfAcreditation.pdf

³DBOT Policy #6Hx-18-2.01: https://www.pbsc.edu/boardoftrustees/Documents/BoardPolicies/Section2/2.01.pdf

⁴PBSC General Education Philosophy and Learning Outcomes: https://www.pbsc.edu/ire/CollegeEffectiveness/ilos-2018/gen-ed.aspx

⁵Meta-majors at PBSC: https://www.pbsc.edu/academicservices/curriculum-and-programs/metamajor.aspx

⁶FL Statute 1007.25: http://www.leg.state.fl.us/Statutes/index.cfm?App_mode=Display_Statute&Search_String=&URL=1000-1099/1007/Sections/1007.25.html; SACSCOC Principles of Accreditation: Foundations for Quality Enhancement (2017, pp.20-22): http://www.sacscoc.org/pdf/2018PrinciplesOfAcreditation.pdf

⁷SACSCOC Principles of Accreditation: Foundations for Quality Enhancement (2017, pp.20-22): http://www.sacscoc.org/pdf/2018PrinciplesOfAcreditation.pdf

⁸DBOT Policy #6Hx-18-2.01: https://www.pbsc.edu/boardoftrustees/Documents/BoardPolicies/Section2/2.01.pdf

Incomplete Grade Documentation Procedure

The purpose of Incomplete Grade documentation procedure is to provide the associate dean’s office with information about how a student is to complete an Incomplete (I) grade.

• There have been several situations where a student returned to the college to complete the necessary assignments to complete course requirements in association with the “I” grade. However, in each case, the instructor was not available; the student could not be guided towards successful completion of the required course assignments.
• The completed form and accompanying documentation will reside with the faculty member and the associate dean’s office. The department chair should also keep a copy for incomplete grades issued by adjunct instructors. The form is not intended for use by the registrar or the dean of student services; it is an internal form within each associate dean’s office. It is still the faculty member’s responsibility to grade the materials once they are submitted by the student.
• The form is not intended for use by the registrar or the dean of student services; it is an internal form within each associate dean’s office. It is still the faculty member’s responsibility to grade the materials once they are submitted by the student using an official Grade Change form: www.pbsc.edu/Change-of-Grade-Form
• The purpose of the form is not to give permission to the faculty member to issue an “I” grade. The associate dean signs the form to assure both faculty and student that s/he is aware of the agreed arrangement and will support that arrangement in any way needed.

Incomplete Grade Form:

https://www.pbsc.edu/academicservices/documents/INC-Grade-Form.docx

Enacted July 2006; reviewed July 2010; July 2019

Instructional Overloads

An instructional overload is defined as any teaching assignment that exceeds the standard/expected teaching load of any full-time faculty member as specified in the Agreement between the District Board of Trustees of Palm Beach State College and the United Faculty of Palm Beach State College otherwise known as the Collective Bargaining Agreement.

The following guideline pertains to that portion of a full-time faculty member’s workload committed to teaching that exceeds their minimum instructional obligation of 5 courses (45 load points or 15 credit hours) per semester or 10 courses (90 load points or 30 credit hours) per academic year.

Full-time faculty may be asked (but not required) to teach, or they may request (but may not be granted), credit classes beyond the minimum/maximum credit hour assignment as defined in the current Collective Bargaining Agreement. Such assignments will be based on the needs of the College and determined on a case-by-case basis by the Dean and Vice President of Academic Affairs in consultation with the supervising administrator (e.g. Associate Dean).

Ultimately, such an overload assignment must not encroach upon, prevent, constrain or compromise the faculty member’s performance or fulfillment of their other obligations (e.g., service on committees; maintenance of instructional quality; office hours; attendance at cluster, departmental, divisional or college-wide activities and events).

To be eligible to teach an overload, a faculty member must have met or exceeded expectations in all areas or aspects of their annual performance appraisal. A faculty member may be approved to teach a two-course overload (usually an additional 18 load points or 6 credits) each semester. Exceptions to this rule may be authorized only by the Vice President of Academic Affairs in consultation with the Dean of Academic Affairs.

July 2020

Leave for Commencement Procedure

District Board of Trustees policy 6Hx-18-5.60 states:

The academic procession at Commencement exercises shall be composed of all faculty members on duty. Commencement is a paid duty day, and faculty members are expected to participate unless their absence is specifically authorized by the Vice President of Academic Affairs and approved by the President in advance.

To request leave for Commencement:

1. The Faculty member completes a time off request in Workday.
2. If the member is requesting leave for commencement due to a medical condition, a medical release should be submitted to the supervisor for signature and then to Human Resources at least two weeks before commencement, for determination if a reasonable accommodation can be made that would facilitate attendance at commencement.
3. The faculty’s immediate supervisor will email VPAA, notifying him that a request has been submitted in Workday.
4. If approved by the VPAA, a list of faculty time off requests will be forwarded to the President for final approval.
5. The VPAA will notify the Supervisor if the time-off request has been approved.

Material Selection Rubric

The College Affordability Task Force developed this Material Selection Rubric in 2017. The Task Force proposes an organized, systematic process in which the cluster selects textbooks and ancillary course materials based on sound academic decisions and prices.

The process was modeled in part after a textbook selection process used by the PBSC Math Cluster. Usually, the Math Cluster selects committees for the courses in need of new course materials. These selection committees will then have publishers present their products to them. After the presentations, the committees make recommendations to the Math Cluster for adoption.

Design of this rubric accounts for quality, affordability, and many other factors necessary for choosing the best textbooks for a course. This rubric will need adaptations depending on each Cluster’s needs. The Task Force is confident that this rubric will help the selection committees choose the best course materials for the students. When selecting course material, the math selection committees use criteria that are closely associated with this rubric to assist in unifying course material selection.

Link to Material Selection Rubric

New Faculty Campus Orientation Procedure

1. The first week of August a letter, with attachments, will be sent from the campus academic dean to each new faculty member welcoming them to the institution and communicating to them their schedule for orientation, convocation, and other campus activities.
2. The following should be included in the welcoming letter:
   1. District links to convocation or a PDF attachment of the summary of pre-fall term faculty/instructor activities along with the Convocation agenda
   2. Link to campus and Lake Worth maps
   3. Campus activities
   4. New faculty campus orientation agenda
   5. Transferring faculty members should be invited (not required to attend) to campus
   6. Campus start-up dates/events at a glance
   7. Flyer for all faculty meeting
3. Either in packet or in campus orientation, provide information regarding
   1. Department chair contact
   2. Direct supervisor contact
   3. Building support personnel contact
   4. Instructional Support contact
   5. Workroom locations
   6. Mail room locations
   7. Academic community list
   8. Quick start guide for Outlook Voice Access
4. Agenda for New faculty campus orientation
   1. Welcome and breakfast
   2. Introductions
   3. Presentation and/or Walking Tour of campus resources (Facilities, security, MTIS/ISC, student services, PTLC, SLC, LLRC, other)
   4. Campus activities

Enacted July 2011

IRE Recommendation Procedure - New Programs

New Programs – Institutional Research and Effectiveness (IRE) Cycle

On a three-year cycle, the office of Institutional Research & Effectiveness will research and identify new programs to propose as part of the college’s Institutional Effectiveness process. Various national and state databases will be used to research new and emerging needs for the College’s Service area. A program assessment form (sample located at www.pbsc.edu/academicservices/Sample-Assessment) will be produced to assess the current and future job market, costs to start the program and projected FTE. A meeting will be held with campus Provosts and Deans to assess campus capability of starting the proposed new programs. If the program is approved, it is to be brought through the established curriculum process.

IRE Recommendation for New Programs – Response to Emerging Business and Industry Need

At any time, new programs may be researched in response to an emerging need or other College initiative. The College official guiding such an effort must complete the following form to assess need, cost, and benefit to the College: Palm Beach State College - New Program Proposal Form. The campus approved form is then forwarded to the VPAA for approval through the President’s Cabinet.

Enacted July 2007; revised July 2010; revised June 2016; revised January 2020

Off-Campus College Activity

When students enrolled in a class are required to participate in or attend an off-campus college activity under control of Palm Beach State College, each student must complete the following forms:

1. Release, Hold Harmless and Indemnification Agreement Release, Hold Harmless and Indemnification Agreement Student Participant
2. Emergency Information & Medical Treatment Form Emergency Information and Medical Treatment Form - Student Activities

Enacted July 2011

Pilot Project Procedures and Guidelines

Pilot projects are defined as projects where changes are proposed that affect changes in curriculum (courses and programs), textbooks and tests for diagnostic purposes.

The Pilot Project Form is to be used for faculty or staff who wish to pilot a project involving changes in curriculum (courses and programs), textbooks and tests for diagnostic purposes.

The pilot projects’ expected outcomes should reflect the College’s mission and strategic plan, which can be viewed at www.pbsc.edu/ire/StrategicPlanning/default.aspx.

The maximum duration of a pilot project is one academic year, with the opportunity to continue for an additional year if approved by the VPAA.

The person proposing the pilot project submits the completed form to their Academic Dean, to be reviewed by the Deans’ Council.

The Deans’ Council will make a recommendation on approving/not approving to the Vice President of Academic Affairs.

The VPAA notifies the campus dean on the final decision. The campus dean will notify the person proposing the pilot project as to the approval status.

If approved, the campus academic dean provides oversight of the pilot project.

Enacted July 2006; reviewed July 2010, updated July 2017; July 2019

Prior Learning Assessment

The complete policies and procedures for prior learning are found in Section I of the Academic Management Manual. The categories of Prior Learning are defined below. The Prior Learning website is located at www.pbsc.edu/priorlearning-Assessment

Challenge Exams

Palm Beach State College has identified certain courses within the curriculum as being eligible for earning credit or hours through a challenge examination. If the student achieves a passing score on the examination, credit or hours will be awarded to the student's transcript.

Palm Beach State Course Equivalency

This is a process for granting college credit or clock hours for previously earned CCP or credit course work towards a CCP or credit certificate or an A.A. or A.S. degree. Also, students who have taken and passes courses in certain CCP programs at Palm Beach State may apply for granting of credit by following this process.

Prior Learning Portfolio

Palm Beach State College has developed a portfolio-based system of demonstrating that a student has achieved the course objectives for A.S. and CCP courses. This process involves a written portfolio which is prepared under the guidance of a program instructor or faculty member.

Career Pathways/Tech Prep Articulation from the School District of Palm Beach County

Palm Beach State College has an agreement with the School District of Palm Beach County to accept certain combinations of course work taken at the high school along with an assessment to qualify for awarding of college credits.

Discipline Related Prior Learning Forms

• Advanced Placement of Apprenticeship Courses

  Students enrolled in Palm Beach State apprenticeship programs may be advanced placed into the curriculum by awarding hours for courses in which they been evaluated as meeting the competencies of the course.

• Health Core Courses for CCP Programs

  Each student enrolled in a health credit or CCP program where HSC 0003 or PRN 0022 is required may meet this requirement by documentation of having the course competencies achieved through coursework or work experience.

• FDLE Corrections Academy or Law Enforcement Academy to Criminal Justice AS Degree

  Students who have taken classes through a FDLE Law Enforcement Academy and have passed the Florida State Certification Exam will be granted credits toward the Criminal Justice A.S. degree. The student requesting credit for prior learning credit must complete the prior learning assessment form and present it to the Chair of the Criminal Justice Program for approval. If the application is approved by the Chair, and the Academic Dean, it will be forwarded to the registrar for processing.

• Dental Assisting to Dental Hygiene

  Students who have earned the Dental Assisting credential and are graduates of an ADA (American Dental Association) accredited dental assisting program will be granted 19 hours of coursework. The student must have passed all dental science courses with a grade of ‘C’ or higher no more than five years prior to the Dental Hygiene application deadline date.

• Radiologic Technology

  Students who have earned their ARRT (American Registry of Radiologic Technologists) credential and are graduates of a JRCERT (Joint Review Committee on Education in Radiologic Technology) accredited radiography program have the opportunity be granted 45 hours of coursework towards the A.S. degree in Radiography.

• Surgical Services AS
  
  Students who have earned their National Board of Surgical Technology and Surgical Assisting (NBSTSA) or equivalent credential and are graduates of a CAAHEP (Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs) accredited surgical services program will be granted 34 hour of coursework.

• Florida Fire College to Fire Science

  Students who have taken classes through the FSFC (Florida State Fire College) from a credentialed instructor will be granted the appropriate credit hours for FFP courses that are approved by the Fire Science Director. The student requesting credit for FFP classes taken through the FSFC must complete the prior learning assessment form and present it to the Fire Science Director for approval. If the application is approved by the Director, and the Dean of Public Safety, it will be forwarded to the registrar for processing.

• EPI Course Equivalency for EPI 0010

  Students who have successfully taken and documented FOR-PD Reading Competency 2 through the School District of Palm County within the last five (5) years or have passed [with a ‘C’ or higher] and documented a course from an accredited college or university with an outline comparable to EPI 0010 within the last five (5) years may qualify for this equivalency. The student must also complete a portfolio. The student requesting the credit for EPI 0010 must complete the prior learning assessment form and present it to the Institute for Teacher Education manager for approval.

For more details, please see Section I.

Enacted July 2004 in section G from existing policy; revised July 2005, July 2006, July 2007, July 2008, July 2009, July 2010, July 2016; July 2019; July 2021

Program Assessment

1. Program Learning Outcomes Assessment - Please see Section L.
2. General Education Assessment - Please see Section L.
3. Program Health Indicators - Please see Section K.

Enacted July 2004 in Section G from existing policy; revised July 2008, July 2009; reviewed July 2010

Program Termination Procedure

1. If a campus deems that a program should be terminated, the campus shall submit in writing to the Vice President of Academic Affairs (VPAA):
   1. A completed Program Termination Form (Palm Beach State College - Academic Affairs - Program Termination Form)
   2. The SACSCOC Substantive Change Assessment Form (Palm Beach State College - Academic Affairs - Substantive Change Form).
      In order to comply with SACSCOC procedure for program closures, the Program Termination Form must include the following information:
      • Rationale for termination
      • HR Impact:
        • names and titles of affected faculty and staff
        • plan for notification, redeployment or assistance finding employment in the event of their termination
      • Facilities & Property Impact:
        • classroom space disposition
        • equipment and asset disposition,
      • Student Impact:
        • names of students in the program
        • indication of whether students will incur additional cost additional cost to students and
        • teach-out plan(s) for these students*
        • identify any additional costs students will incur from the teach out plan and how students will be notified of this expense
      • Other accrediting bodies for program (in addition to SACSCOC)

Note: Please contact Academic Affairs for additional requirements if a Teach-out agreement with another institution will be implemented.

2. If the VPAA approves the termination request, it will be taken to the President’s Cabinet for recommendation. If the President’s Cabinet recommends approval, the request shall be moved to the President for final approval. If not, then it will be sent back to the campus with comments.
3. Upon the President’s approval, the Teach-out Plan will be submitted to SACSCOC for approval.
4. The curriculum committee is copied on the program termination and the teach-out plan is presented to the curriculum committee as a “for your information” item. Note: The program must also initiate all appropriate changes to the curriculum associated with the program closure using established PBSC curriculum change procedures.
5. Upon SACSCOC approval each student must be notified in writing of the program termination and given the approved “teach-out” plan and timeline for program completion.
6. The VPAA Office will file required paperwork with appropriate college and accreditation bodies to include the District Board of Trustees and the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools.
7. A college-wide email is distributed announcing program termination.
8. A final report is prepared by the campus and submitted to the VPAA Office when the last students have completed the program.

Enacted July 2004 in Section G from existing policy; revised July 2008; reviewed July 2010; revised July 2018

Program Transfer Procedure

The following are guidelines for the transfer of programs and/or disciplines between Palm Beach State College campuses. This procedure must be started at least one year in advance of the proposed move. Prior to a recommendation for program transfer, a meeting should be held between the original and receiving campus leadership. Items to discuss and resolve are:

1. Rationale for transferring program. The rationale should be clear and documented for ease of sharing with the receiving campus. History of program, its enrollment, completers and other data should be shared.

Space

1. Necessary size and numbers of classrooms
2. Lab requirements, wet and dry
3. Computer requirements (hardware and software), entire lab or supplemental (will computer equipment be moved, or need to be requested in the budget process at the new location)
4. Storage, especially for special materials and equipment (inside and outside of classroom)
5. Office space for faculty and support staff
6. Support services in SLC, library, media services or other areas

Curriculum Issues

1. Status of program, pending curriculum changes
2. Number of majors
3. Completion rates
4. Library resource needs (already in place, to be moved or needs to be requested in the budget cycle at the new location)
5. Relationship to other academic programs
6. See https://www.pbsc.edu/curriculum-development/substantive-change.aspx

Budget

1. Plan for changes in budget, personnel.
2. Discussion of any need for new budgets or separation of current budgets.
3. Are any Fund-2 or grants associated with the transferred program?

After the above discussion, a recommendation to transfer program/discipline is referred to the Academic Deans’ Council; a recommendation from the Deans’ Council to the President’s Cabinet; VPAA recommends to the President. In addition, SACSCOC will have to be notified, and a substantive change application will be prepared and filed.

2. If a recommendation has been approved by the President, the following guidelines should be followed:

Course Management

1. Who will hire adjuncts, load sections, and do adjuncts (PAFs); for which terms?
2. Confirmation of the course wheel
3. Is the program free standing, i.e. AS, or located within an existing department?
4. Plan for transfer of credentialing rosters, transcripts and personnel files from one associate dean’s office to another.
5. Facility classification and usage notification to facilities
6. Sections reallocation
7. Who is responsible for deliverable/accountability during transfer?

Communication of above information by original and receiving campus leadership:

1. To VPAA, Academic Leadership Council, Provosts
2. To students
3. To Business Partnership Council, community, related business interests
4. To College Relations and Marketing
5. Computer Resources, LLRC, Media Services
6. To Payroll, Purchasing, Business areas

Enacted July 2006; revised July 2007, July 2008, July 2009, July 2010, July 2019, July 2024

 

Release Time Procedure and Guidelines

1. Department Chair release time - see current Collective Bargaining Agreement (Collective Bargaining Agreement July 1, 2023 - June 30, 2026)
2. The Academic Deans’ Council may assign release time per academic year for each of the following areas:
   1. Professional Teaching and Learning Center
   2. Music auditions and productions
   3. Theatre production
   4. Program/Regional accreditation
   5. Grant activities (if provided through grant)
   6. Presidential and/or Academic Affairs initiatives
   7. Service-Learning
3. Release time will be available college-wide for curriculum development of new courses and programs.
   1. It is the responsibility of the institution to assign a full load to a faculty member. Release time should not be used to complete the teaching load.
   2. All release time requests are submitted to the VPAA for review and action.
   3. Release time is approved by the President upon recommendation from the Vice President of Academic Affairs.

Enacted July 2004 in Section G from existing policies; revised July 2008; reviewed July 2010, revised 2012; reviewed July 2019, July 2024

Request for Advancement in Rank

The forms below will help guide the process for advancement in rank for bargaining unit full-time faculty members.

Request for Advancement in Rank - Coursework or degree in-field –  Job Aid for the Form to request advancement in rank using courses or a degree that is within the faculty member's assigned area of specialization: https://www.pbsc.edu/informationtechnology/workday/Student/workday_student_training/faculty.aspx or contact Academic Affairs Office.

Request for Advancement in Rank - Coursework or degree outside the area of specialization – Job Aid for the Form to request advancement in rank using courses or a degree that is outside of the faculty member's assigned area of specialization:  https://www.pbsc.edu/informationtechnology/workday/Student/workday_student_training/faculty.aspx or contact Academic Affairs Office.

 

 

 

 

 

Enacted January 20068 in Section G from existing policy; reviewed July 2010; July 2024

Sabbatical Leave Guidelines and Timeline

The guidelines for Sabbatical Leave are found in the current Collecting Bargaining Unit Agreement (Collective Bargaining Agreement July 1, 2023 – June 30, 2026). Sabbaticals are granted dependent upon available budget.

Timeline:

• 1st week of October - Announcement is made by email to all faculty by the Vice President of Academic Affairs (VPAA) that applications for Sabbatical Leave for the following academic year are due by December 1.
• December 1 - Sabbatical Leave applications are due to VPAA.
• 1st week of December - Applications are sent to the Sabbatical Leave Committee for review and ranking.
• 2nd week of December - Sabbatical Leave Committee returns their ranking of the applications and the VPAA's office prepares a final ranking sheet which is used to determine the final outcome.
• 1st or 2nd week of January - Faculty (and their Deans/Provosts) are notified that their names will be placed on the Board agenda for approval of Sabbatical Leave, and they are invited to attend the meeting to be introduced to the Board.
• February - Sabbatical Leave Awards are placed on the DBOT agenda for approval. An announcement is made to the college of the recipients of the awards following the Board meeting.

Enacted July 2004 into Section G from existing policy; reviewed July 2010; updated July 2019; July 2024

Staff and Program Development

www.pbsc.edu/academicaffairs/spd-page.aspx

Funds for Staff and Program Development (S&PD) for all Academic areas are in the budget of the Vice President of Academic Affairs. To request funds for travel or an activity that enhances teaching and learning, full-time faculty and staff in the Academic areas of the College will send proposals to the Vice President of Academic Affairs. An S&PD Committee (comprised of faculty, staff, and administrators) will review the proposals and make recommendations to the Vice President of Academic Affairs.

Please see the following document for complete details: Academic Affairs S&PD Guidelines

S&PD Deadlines: Academic Affairs S&PD Proposal Deadlines (VPAA)

Proposal Form-A: Academic Affairs S&PD Proposal Form-A (Travel & Non-Travel Activities)

Activity Report Form - Academic Affairs S&PD Activity Report Form-D (All Activities)

 

Enacted July 2004 into Section G from existing policy; revised July 2005, July 2006, July 2007, July 2008, July 2009, July 2010; July 2024

Student Complaints and Grievances

Resolution of student complaints and grievances are important to student success. Palm Beach State College recognizes that sometimes a student feels unfairly treated or would like further clarification of a rule or policy. If a student’s problem is not resolved at the initial point of inquiry, students are encouraged to submit the Student Problem Resolution Form. More information on how to report different concerns can be found by visiting Panther’s Voice.

This form generates an incident report that is routed to the appropriate administrator for resolution through our management software system called Maxient. The record of the complaint in Maxient provides one place to document and appropriately resolve all student complaints.

 

 

July 2019; July 2022; July 2024

Substantive Change Policy and Procedure

1. Purpose: Compliance with the Substantive Change for SACSCOC Substantive Change Policy and Procedures. 
2. Policy: No employee of Palm Beach State College will implement any change to a College Program, College Campus, College Campus Offerings, Off-site Location, District Board of Trustees Policy or Program Delivery Method that might create a substantive change without the approval of the Substantive Change Review Committee.
3. Process for Submission: Faculty and/or staff must submit changes for assessment and/or approval:
   1. Substantive Change Assessment Form (Form 1). This form must be submitted for each type of change as outlined in the Substantive Change Responsibility Chart.
      • The Substantive Change Assessment form will be required of every curriculum action that adds or modifies a program.
      • Submission of the form for other types of changes is the responsibility of the initiator of the proposed change (i.e., relocating a program, new facility, or a new campus). The form is submitted to the Substantive Change Review Committee.
   2. Campus Off-Site Course Approval Web Form - This Web form is submitted for each off-campus site utilized by the campuses. The form is submitted to the Campus Deans for review and approval. Forms must be submitted at least 90 days before the term starts.
4. Process for Review: The Substantive Change Assessment Form and the Campus Off-Site Course Approval Forms will be reviewed by the SACSCOC Liaison and appropriate College Leadership on the type of change proposed (Institutional, Program &/or Off-site).  Review may include DBOT, President Cabinet, Vice President of Academic Affairs, the Dean of Curriculum, the Deans' Council, the Director of Institutional of Institutional Research & Effectiveness and/or Director of Assessment). The PBSC accreditation liaison may also consult with the SACSCOC institutional representative, and other appropriate staff to determine if the proposed change qualifies as a substantive change.
5. Process for Compliance Reporting:  Substantive Change reporting obligations identified through the College’s review process will be coordinated by the College’s SACSCOC Liaison.  The SACSCOC Liaison serves as the College’s point of contact for Commission staff.  All PBSC staff inquiries about SACSCOC Substantive Change Policies and Procedures, The Principles of Accreditation or other accreditation policies and processes are routed through PBSC’s Accreditation Liaison, who will contact Commission staff if necessary.

   Note: The type and scope of a substantive change reporting obligation identified by these reviews may impact implementation timelines.  No changes may be implemented without the appropriate SACSCOC compliance reporting and approvals.

   All pending changes must adhere to SACSCOC’s Advertising and Student Recruitment Policy Statement

Substantive Change Compliance & Reporting Requirements

Substantive Changes Revised December 2020
Program Changes	Prior Approval or Notification Requirement	SACSCOC Submission Deadlines	Prospectus Requirement
Clock-Credit Hour Conversion	Approval	January 1st |July - December|, July 1st |Subsequent Year January - June|	Yes
Competency-based Education by Direct Assessment – Approval	Approval	March 15 |June Board Meeting|, September 1st |December Meeting|	Yes
Competency-based Education by Direct Assessment – Notification	Notification	January 1st |July - December|, July 1st |Subsequent Year January - June|	No
Cooperative Academic Arrangement	Notification	January 1st |July - December|, July 1st |Subsequent Year January - June|	No
Cooperative Academic Arrangement with Non-Title IV Entities – Approval	Approval	January 1st |July - December|, July 1st |Subsequent Year January - June|	Yes
Cooperative Academic Arrangement with Non-Title IV Entities – Notification	Notification	January 1st |July - December|, July 1st |Subsequent Year January - June|	No
Correspondence Education - Approval *Approval only required if on restriction	Approval	January 1st |July - December|, July 1st |Subsequent Year January - June|	Yes
Correspondence Education- Notification	Notification	January 1st |July - December|, July 1st |Subsequent Year January - June|	No
Dual Academic Award	Notification	January 1st |July - December|, July 1st |Subsequent Year January - June|	No
Joint Academic Award with non-SACSCOC Institution(s) or Entity(ies)	Approval	January 1st |July - December|, July 1st |Subsequent Year January - June|	Yes
Joint Academic Award with SACSCOC Institution(s)	Notification	January 1st |July - December|, July 1st |Subsequent Year January - June|	No

Program Changes cont.	Prior Approval or Notification Requirement	SACSCOC Submission Deadlines	Prospectus Requirement
Method of Delivery – Approval *Approval only required if on restriction	Approval	January 1st |July - December|, July 1st |Subsequent Year January - June|	Yes
Method of Delivery – Notification1	Notification	January 1st |July - December|, July 1st |Subsequent Year January - June|	No
New Program – Approval1	Approval	January 1st |July - December|, July 1st |Subsequent Year January - June|	Yes
New Program – Notification1	Notification	January 1st |July - December|, July 1st |Subsequent Year January - June|	No
Program Closure	Approval	January 1st |July - December|, July 1st |Subsequent Year January - June|	Teachout Required
Program Designed for Prior Learning – Approval	Approval	January 1st |July - December|, July 1st |Subsequent Year January - June|	Yes
Program Designed for Prior Learning – Notification	Notification	January 1st |July - December|, July 1st |Subsequent Year January - June|	No
Program Length Change3	Approval	January 1st |July - December|, July 1st |Subsequent Year January - June|	Yes
Program Re-open	Notification	January 1st |July - December|, July 1st |Subsequent Year January - June|	No

Off-Campus Instructional Site (OCIS) Changes	Prior Approval or Notification Requirement	SACSCOC Submission Deadlines	Prospectus Requirement
Off-campus Instructional Site Notification 25%-49%	Notification	January 1st |July - December|, July 1st |Subsequent Year January - June|	No
Off-campus Instructional Site Extensive Review Approval (including branch campus)	Approval	March 15 |June Board Meeting|, September 1st |December Meeting|	Yes
Off-campus Instructional Site Limited Review Approval (including branch campus) 50% or more	Approval	January 1st |July - December|, July 1st |Subsequent Year January - June|	Yes
Off-campus Instructional Site Relocation Non-Branch Campus	Notification	January 1st |July - December|, July 1st |Subsequent Year January - June|	No
Off-campus Instructional Site Relocation Branch Campus	Approval	January 1st |July - December|, July 1st |Subsequent Year January - June|	Yes
Off-campus Instructional Site Name or Address Change	Notification	January 1st |July - December|, July 1st |Subsequent Year January - June|	No
Off-campus Instructional Site Closure	Approval	January 1st |July - December|, July 1st |Subsequent Year January - June|	Teachout Required
Off-campus Instructional Site Re-open	Notification	January 1st |July - December|, July 1st |Subsequent Year January - June|	No

Institutional Changes	Prior Approval or Notification Requirement	SACSCOC Submission Deadlines	Prospectus Requirement
Change in Measure of Student Progress to Completion	Approval	January 1st |July - December|, July 1st |Subsequent Year January - June|	Yes
Competency-based Education by Course/Credit-based Approach – Institutional-level Approval	Approval	January 1st |July - December|, July 1st |Subsequent Year January - June|	Yes
Distance Education – Institutional-level Approval	Approval	January 1st |July - December|, July 1st |Subsequent Year January - June|	Yes
Correspondence Education– Institutional-level Approval	Approval	January 1st |July - December|, July 1st |Subsequent Year January - June|	Yes
Governance Change	Notification & Approval	March 15 |June Board Meeting|, September 1st |December Meeting|	Yes
Institution Closure	Approval	January 1st |July - December|, July 1st |Subsequent Year January - June|	No
Institution Relocation	Approval	January 1st |July - December|, July 1st |Subsequent Year January - June|	Yes
Institution, Program, or Location Acquisition	Notification & Approval	March 15 |June Board Meeting|, September 1st |December Meeting|	Yes
Institutional Contingency Teach-out Plan	Approval	January 1st |July - December|, July 1st |Subsequent Year January - June|	Teachout Required
Level Change *Additional Requirements and deadlines	Approval	Contingent	No
Merger / Consolidation	Notification & Approval	March 15 |June Board Meeting|, September 1st |December Meeting|	Yes
Mission Change2	Approval	January 1st |July - December|, July 1st |Subsequent Year January - June|	Yes
Ownership, Means of Control, or Legal Status Change	Notification & Approval	March 15 |June Board Meeting|, September 1st |December Meeting|	Yes

¹ a significant departure is one in which a program is not closely related to previously approved programs at the institution, site or for the mode of delivery. To determine if a new program is a “significant departure”, it is helpful to consider the following questions:

• What previously approved programs does the institution offer that are closely related to the new program and how are they related?
• Will significant additional equipment or facilities be needed? 
• Will significant additional financial resources be needed?
• Will a significant number of new faculty members be required?
• Will a significant number of new courses be required?
• Will significant additional library/learning resources be needed?

² significant changes in mission are those that lead to a fundamental shift in the nature of the institution, such as an institution that had offered only professional programs deciding to add general education offerings, or a technical college transforming itself into a comprehensive community college.

³ significant changes in program length are those with noticeable impact on the program’s completion time (e.g., increasing a baccalaureate degree from 124 hours to 150 hours).

Off-campus Instructional Site reported to SACSCOC

25-49% of instruction: Off Campus Instructional Sites
Dual Enrollment at High Schools
Site Name and Address	Implementation Date	Degree
John I. Leonard High School, 4710 10th Avenue North, Lake Worth, FL 33463	Fall Term 2012	Associate in Arts
Jupiter High School, 500 North Military Trail Jupiter, FL 33458	Fall Term 2004	Associate in Arts; Associate in Science
Lake Worth Community High School, 1791 Lake Worth Road, Lake Worth, FL 33460	Fall Term 2012	Associate in Arts
Palm Beach Central High School, 8499 Forest Hill Boulevard, West Palm Beach, FL 33411	Fall Term 2004	Associate in Arts
Palm Beach Lakes Community High School 3505 Shiloh Drive, West Palm Beach, FL 33407	Fall Term 2021	Associate in Arts; Associate of Science
Royal Palm Beach High School, 10600 Okeechobee Boulevard, Royal Palm Beach, FL 33411	Fall Term 1999	Associate in Arts
Santaluces Community High School 6880 Lawrence Road, Lantana, FL 33462	Fall Term 2021	Associate in Arts
Seminole Ridge High School, 4601 Seminole Pratt Whitney Road, Loxahatchee, FL 33470	Fall Term 2006	Associate in Arts
Suncoast High School, 1717 Avenue S, Riviera Beach, FL 33404	Fall Term 2012	Associate in Arts
Wellington High School, 2101 Greenview Shores Boulevard, Wellington, FL 33414	Fall Term 1998	Associate in Arts
CLINICAL SITES
Bethesda Memorial Hospital, 2815 S. Seacrest Boulevard, Boynton Beach, FL 33435	Fall Term 2002	Associate in Science - Nursing
Palms West Hospital, 1301 State Road 80 West Palm Beach, FL 33470	Spring Term 2005	Associate in Science - Nursing
St. Mary’s Hospital, 901 45th. Street West Palm Beach, FL 33407	Spring Term 2002	Associate in Science - Nursing

>50% of instruction: Off Campus Instructional Sites
Site Name and Address	Implementation Date	Degree
Belle Glade Campus, 1977 College Drive, Belle Glade, FL 33430	1972	Associate in Arts; Associate in Science; Certificates
City of Riviera Beach Public Works Center (CORB), 1481 West 15th Street, Riviera Beach, FL 33404	Fall Term 2019	College Credit Certificate (CCC)
Boca Raton Campus, 801 Palm Beach State College Drive, Boca Raton, FL 33431	1971	Associate in Arts; Associate in Science; Certificates
Loxahatchee Groves Campus, 15845 Southern Boulevard, Loxahatchee, FL 33470	2017	Associate in Arts; Associate in Science; Certificates
Palm Beach Gardens Campus, 3160 PGA Boulevard, Palm Beach Gardens, FL 33410	1982	Associate in Arts; Associate in Science; Certificates

Form 1:  PBSC Substantive Change Form

This form is located at https://www.pbsc.edu/curriculum-development/create-a-new-program/substantive-change.aspx

Form 2:  Web Form for Campus Off-Site Course Approval

This form is located on the College Portal

(https://mypbsc.palmbeachstate.edu/faculty_staff/ →Forms and Utilities → College Forms → Academic Services → Off-Campus Approval)

Enacted July 2007 into Section G from existing policy; revised July 2010; revised July 2019; revised December 2020; revised July 2021

Textbook Procedures and Certification

To be in compliance with the Florida Admin. Code R. 6A-14.092, pursuant to Section 1004.085, F.S. (www.flrules.org/gateway/RuleNo.asp?ID=6A-14.092), all faculty and instructors must post textbook information in their syllabi and post such syllabi to the College’s website. The information can be found at the following link: https://www.pbsc.edu/academicservices/faculty-information/faculty-webpage-syllabi.aspx

The textbook information must include:

The International Standard Book Number (ISBN) for each required textbook or other identifying information, which must include, at a minimum, all of the following: the title, all authors listed, publishers, edition number, copyright date, published date, and other relevant information necessary to identify the specific textbook or textbooks required for each course.

Additional Selection Policy

1. Textbook selection follows the Cluster Textbook selection policy. After the initial textbook selection for a new course, textbook selection is in place for three years and then the cluster reviews the textbook for updating. A textbook adoption form and its approval process is only submitted if the course textbook is changed more frequently than the standard three-year period.
2. E-Learning classes may use either the cluster-approved textbook, or with cluster approval, the textbook designated by the publisher of the e-Learning class. Textbooks/software packages will be used for three (3) years, unless they become unavailable through the publisher.
3. Edition changes are only considered new textbook/software adoptions if they significantly change the course outline.
4. Instructors may request, through their supervisors, supplemental textbooks or materials to use in addition to the required textbook; however, requests must include a rationale that describes how materials support district-wide course objectives and benefit the academic program. Unless the supplemental materials for a course will be adopted by the entire cluster for use in each section, materials will not be sold as a set (shrink-wrapped) with the textbooks/software. However, if requested by an individual faculty member, supplementary materials can be sold separately.

Process to Initiate Textbook Adoption

1. Once a cluster has approved a textbook/software selection or change according to the authorized textbook/software selection guidelines, the cluster chair or designee will initiate the Textbook/Software Adoption process for those textbooks that fall under the standard adoption period. Textbooks are adopted for a minimum of three years. Those selected in less than three years must follow the approval process below. Those selected at or beyond the three-year period will be listed in the Cluster meeting minutes as adopted.
   1. Complete the Textbook/Software Adoption form.
   2. Along with the course outline and a copy of the cluster or business partnership minutes approving the textbook/software adoption, send the Textbook/Software Adoption form for (*) signature approval to:
      • Cluster Chair/Department Chair/Program Director
      • District Director of Telecommunication Networks and Compute Resources
      • LLRC Director
      • Associate Dean Liaison to Cluster

      It is recommended that signatures be obtained through the electronic signature procedure.

      (*) A copy of the proposed Textbook/Software Adoption form and support documents should be sent to the Curriculum Academic Coordinator in Academic Services. It may be determined at this point that if the requested Textbook/Software Adoption will significantly change the course outline case, the changes will need to be approved by the Palm Beach State Curriculum Committee.

   3. Once the signatures in “b.” are obtained, the Textbook/Software Adoption form and the support documents, along with the record of the signatures, are sent to the Vice President of Academic Affairs for approval.
2. On notification of approval of the VPAA, the originator should send out a copy of the Textbook/Software Adoption Form to the Academic Minutes Distribution List and the Palm Beach State College Bookstore manager.
3. Once approved, the course outline on the Palm Beach State Course List website will be updated with the new textbook/software adoption information by the office of Academic Services.

Enacted July 2004 into Section G from existing policy; revised July 2007, July 2008, July 2009, July 2010, July 2016; July 2024

Web Resources – Class Rosters, Department Chair and Web Grading

Palm Beach State College has developed Web-based resources for faculty to access class rosters and grade classes. The class rosters are accessed through the EmployeeWeb system, which can be accessed through the following link: www.pbsc.edu/Employee-Web

Class Rosters – The instructions for accessing class rosters are located online at:

www.pbsc.edu/info/default.aspx

Department Chair Web Page – A collection of Palm Beach State documents and links of interest can be found at:

www.pbsc.edu/academicservices/Faculty-Information/Dept-Chair-Web-Page

Web Grading – The directions for Web grading are located online at:

www.pbsc.edu/info

Enacted July 2006; reviewed July 2010