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 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