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:
- Curriculum studies
- Curriculum proposals
- Course and program reviews
- New programs and courses
- Deletions of courses and programs
- 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.
- 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.
- Bachelor of Science Degree. A minimum of 36 hours in General Education shall be completed by a student who earns the Baccalaureate Degree.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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:
- 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
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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.
- 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.
- 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:
- The goals and learning outcomes
- The requirements of the course
- The nature of the course content
- The methods and variety of evaluation employed
- 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:
- College credit
- Career Certificate Program (CCP) credit
- Developmental Education Institutional credit
- Continuing Workforce Education (non-credit)
- 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:
- 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.
- 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.
- Only those students enrolled in a class taking a field trip may use College-provided transportation.
- 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.
- 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.
- Students must complete and sign appropriate permission forms.
- 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.