Student Handbook

Introduction

A student is first a citizen of his or her country, and as such is entitled to its freedoms and benefits and is simultaneously responsible for compliance with its laws and regulations: local, state, and national. Similarly, when a person enrolls at Pensacola State College, he or she becomes a member of the academic community, and members of this community have certain responsibilities. In this sense, the relationship between the student and the College is a voluntary agreement, or contract, which involves rights and responsibilities designed to accomplish with maximum order and effectiveness the goals of the College.

Enrollment at this institution is voluntary, not compulsory. The Federal Constitution protects the equality of opportunity for all qualified persons to enroll at Pensacola State College. Since enrollment is voluntary, the student voluntarily assumes the obligations of performance and behavior reasonably imposed by the institution relevant to its lawful mission, processes, and functions. The institution assumes the obligation of establishing guidelines and taking necessary steps to ensure compliance with this obligation. The rights of the students to learn and of the faculty to teach are obligations the institution is charged to uphold. The institution will, therefore, take the necessary steps to protect those rights.

No member of the academic community may, without liability to lawful discipline, intentionally act to impair or prevent the accomplishment of any lawful mission, process, or function of the institution.

Student Honor Pledge

All students enrolled at Pensacola State College are expected to fulfill the College’s Honor Pledge, which is as follows:
I pledge myself to uphold the highest standards of truth, honor, and integrity. I refuse to tolerate violations of these standards on the part of any other student.

College Authority

1. Under the authority of s. 1001.64, F.S., and s. 1006.60, F.S., the District Board of Trustees of Pensacola State College is authorized to establish policies and procedures governing the behavior and discipline of students.
2. The authority of the College to impose penalties will be asserted when the Code of Student Conduct is violated. The authority also carries to restricting students from registration and returning to class until conduct violation hearings are resolved.
3. When activities of the student result in violation of federal, state, or local laws, those students who violate such laws will be penalized as prescribed by civil and institutional authorities.
4. Registered student organizations are also responsible for compliance with the policies set forth in this section.
5. Activities sponsored by the College, including student groups participating off campus in College-sponsored or related activities, shall be subject to supervision by the College.
6. The College is not required to postpone hearings for violations of the Code of Student Conduct or College policies if there are also criminal proceedings. In some cases, the College will allow the investigation of law enforcement and criminal proceedings to take place prior to a conduct hearing with a student or recognized student organization.

Student Responsibilities

Student Code of Conduct

1. The Pensacola State College Student Code of Conduct is published in the College Catalog. A student or recognized student organization accused of violating the Pensacola State College Student Code of Conduct shall be entitled to certain procedural rights outlined below. All students attending the College are expected to abide by the Student Code of Conduct.
   1. The term “student” includes any person taking courses, both credit and non-credit, at Pensacola State College on a full time, part time, or transient basis in any program, including but not limited to, undergraduate, professional, certificate, dual enrollment, adult education, and distance learning; any person who has been offered admission to Pensacola State College, regardless if enrolled in class; and/or any person who is not currently enrolled for a particular term but who has a continuing relationship with Pensacola State College.
   2. The term “recognized student organization” includes any group of persons who is registered or recognized by an official Pensacola State College department, program, or office, including but not limited to, student organizations, honor societies, academic/departmental groups, or intramural teams.
2. The Code shall apply to conduct that occurs on College premises and at College-sponsored activities when such conduct adversely affects the College community and/or the pursuit of the College’s objectives and/or when required by law. Pensacola State College reserves the right to review and adjudicate off campus conduct of any student or student organization that may adversely affect the College community and/or the pursuit of its objectives and/or when required by law.
3. The College reserves the right to put in place interim sanctions against a student or recognized student organization prior to the adjudication of alleged violations. Interim sanctions may include, but are not limited to, class removal, no contact directives, and interim suspension. In the event the Executive Director, Institutional Equity and Student Conduct, Campus Public Safety, and/or the Vice President, Administrative Services and General Counsel, determines that the continued presence of a student on any of the campuses or centers of Pensacola State College poses an imminent threat to the student and/or the College community, they shall have the authority to immediately remove the student from the campus without the immediate entitlement of due process for the student. The student may request the initiation of due process only when the Executive Director, Institutional Equity and Student Conduct, Campus Public Safety, and/or the Vice President, Administrative Services and General Counsel, determines that the student no longer poses a threat to himself or herself or others in the College community.
4. The College may charge a student or a registered student organization with violation(s) of the Code of Student Conduct by the last day of the academic semester following the semester in which the violation(s) occurred. If the violation(s) involve criminal law, the College may bring charges in accordance with the statute of limitation under Florida law.
   
   Any student or recognized student organization found to have committed or to have attempted to commit the following misconduct is subject to disciplinary sanctions through the student conduct process. Expulsion, suspension, or any lesser penalty may be imposed upon any student or recognized student organization who participates in any of the following:
   1. Abuse or Endangerment
      Physically harming or abusing, assaulting, battering, intimidating, harassing, coercing, bullying, verbally abusing, or threatening harm to any person, intentionally or recklessly, or causing reasonable apprehension of such harm, or creating a condition that endangers the health and safety of one’s self or others. Abuse also includes but is not limited to fighting, the use of a knife, gun, or other weapon, or restraining or transporting someone against his or her will.
   2. Abuse of Computer Resources
      Theft, improper use or other abuse of computer facilities and resources, including but not limited to
      1. Use of College computers and/or technology resources to send, receive, or view obscene or sexually explicit messages or pictures.
      2. Any violation of the College’s Acceptable Use Policy which governs all use of the College’s information technology services.
      3. Unauthorized entry into a file, to use, read, or change the contents, or for any other purpose.
      4. Unauthorized transfer of a file.
      5. Use of another individual’s identification and/or password.
      6. Use of computing facilities and resources to interfere with the work of another student, faculty member, or College official.
      7. Use of computing facilities and resources to send obscene or abusive messages.
      8. Use of computing facilities and resources to interfere with normal operations of the College computing system.
      9. Use of computing facilities and resources in violation of copyright laws.
   3. Abuse of the Student Conduct System
      Abuse of the Student Conduct System, including but not limited to
      1. Failure to obey a notice from the Student Conduct Review Board, professional staff in the Office of Institutional Equity and Student Conduct, or any College official, to appear for a meeting or hearing as part of the Student Conduct System.
      2. Falsification, distortion, or misrepresentation of information before a student conduct staff member or a disciplinary board.
      3. Disruption or interference with the orderly conduct of any disciplinary hearing.
      4. Knowingly completing and submitting a false incident report.
      5. Attempting to discourage an individual’s proper participation in, or use of, the Student Conduct process.
      6. Attempting to influence the impartiality of a member of the Student Conduct Review Board or the hearing administrator prior to, or during the course of, any phase of the student conduct process.
      7. Harassment (verbal or physical) or intimidation of a witness, complainant, or member of the disciplinary board or the hearing administrator prior to, during, or after a student conduct hearing.
      8. Failure to comply with the sanction(s) imposed at the resolution of an informal or formal hearing.
      9. Influencing or attempting to influence another person to commit an abuse of the student conduct process.
   4. Academic Misconduct
      All forms of academic misconduct are prohibited at Pensacola State College. There are many types of academic misconduct, including but not limited to plagiarism, cheating, facilitation, fabrication, and unauthorized collaboration. Plagiarism involves presenting the work, words, or ideas of another student, individual(s), or artificial intelligence without proper citation, even if unintentionally. Presenting someone else’s work as your own, even if in your own words, is plagiarism. It is plagiarism if the work you present is derived from the work of any other person, including, among others, any other student or a College faculty member. It is plagiarism if the work you present is derived from any work, including among other things, any work of a literary, musical, dramatic, pictorial, graphic, sculptural, motion picture, sound recording, audiovisual or architectural nature, and regardless of the medium in which it is fixed, whether written, stored electronically, or in any other form by which it can be perceived, reproduced, or otherwise communicated, either directly or with the aid of a machine or device. Presenting plagiarized work as your own may also constitute infringement under Federal copyright laws (Title 17 U.S.C.). The receipt or transmission of unauthorized aid on assignments or examinations is prohibited and includes, but is not limited to, cheating, plagiarism, fabrication of information or citations, facilitation of acts of academic dishonesty by others, unauthorized possession of examinations, submitting work of another person or submitting one’s own work previously used without informing the instructor, and tampering with the academic work of other students.
      
      Faculty members retain the right to act against any student who is suspected of academic misconduct. The faculty member, using his or her academic judgment, may take actions including but not limited to awarding a failing grade or removal of a student from the course with the assignment of a grade of F. The evaluation of and awarding of grades for academic work, whether for individual assignments, tests/quizzes or the overall course grade, are at the sole discretion of the faculty member and are academic decisions. The Office of Institutional Equity and Student Conduct may bring charges under the Student Code of Conduct against any student who exhibits a pattern of academic misconduct during their enrollment at the College. These charges and any subsequent adjudication and sanctions would be in addition to any action a faculty member may determine is appropriate. In these instances, the disciplinary process and procedures for Non-Academic Misconduct would apply (see Non-Academic Misconduct).
   5. Alcohol
      Possession, use, manufacturing, or distribution of alcoholic beverages on any College property, during College-sponsored student travel, or any College-sponsored event off campus. Exceptions to this policy will occur at special events expressly approved by an act of the District Board of Trustees of Pensacola State College where persons twenty-one (21) years of age or over are permitted to consume alcohol.
   6. Classroom Recordings
      Pursuant to section 1004.907, F.S., a student may, without prior notice, make a video or audio recording of a class lecture for a class in which a student is enrolled for that student’s own personal educational use. A class lecture is defined as a formal or methodical oral presentation as part of a college course intended to present information or teach enrolled students about a particular subject.
      1. Prohibited Classroom Recordings: It shall be a violation of this Code of Student Conduct for students to record class activities other than class lectures. This prohibition on recording includes, but is not limited to, lab sessions, student presentations (whether individually or part of a group), student discussions (except when incidental to and incorporated within a class lecture), clinical presentations such as patient history, academic exercises involving student participation, tests or examination administrations, field trips, and private conversations between students in the class or between a student and a faculty member. An exemption to all or part of this paragraph may be made if such exemption is determined by the Student Resource Center for ADA Services to be required as a reasonable accommodation under Federal or Florida disability laws for a student with a documented disability.
      2. Prohibited Sharing of Classroom Recordings: It shall also be a violation of this Code of Student Conduct for students to publish or share any recording, whether lawfully made or made in violation of this section, without first obtaining the written consent of the faculty member and all other individuals captured in the recording. This prohibition on publishing and sharing includes transmitting, circulating, distributing or otherwise providing access to the recording, regardless of format or medium, to any other person, or persons, including but not limited to another student in the class. This prohibition on sharing also prohibits posting on or uploading to, in whole or in part, any social media or online video platform.
   7. Destruction of Property
      Malicious destruction, damage, vandalism, defacing or misuse of College property, including library materials or any property belonging to others on campus.
   8. Dishonesty
      Acts of dishonesty include, but are not limited to, the following forms of deceit:
      1. Cheating, plagiarism, or other forms of academic dishonesty.
      2. Furnishing false information (written or oral) to any College official.
      3. Forgery, alteration, or misuse of any Pensacola State College document, record, or instrument of identification.
   9. Disorderly or Indecent Conduct
      Conduct that is disorderly, lewd, indecent, a breach of peace, or an unlawful assembly such as unauthorized occupation of any College facility, or aiding, abetting, or procuring another person to breach the peace on College premises or at functions sponsored by the College. Disorderly and indecent conduct includes, but is not limited to the following:
      1. Unauthorized use of electronic or other devices to make an audio or video record of any person while on College premises without his or her prior knowledge, or without his or her effective consent, when such a recording is likely to cause injury or distress.
      2. Taking unauthorized pictures of another person in a gym, locker room, or restroom.
      3. Exhibitionism in the form of nudity.
      4. Lewd and lascivious conduct.
      5. Indecent exposure of the person.
      6. Obscenity or public profanity.
   10. Disruptive Behavior (Disruption of Operations)
       Disruption of any function of the College, including but not limited to,
       1. Conduct which disrupts the learning environment of any class while in session and/or failure to comply with the directives of a faculty or other staff member.
       2. Interference with academic freedom or freedom of speech of any member or guest of the College.
       3. Participating in, or leading or inciting others to participate in any activity which disrupts, obstructs, or interferes with the normal operation of the College, including any classroom instruction, meetings, administrative functions, student events, athletic events, student services, disciplinary proceedings, public service activities, or any other College function or event of any kind, on or off campus, or any authorized non-College activities being conducted on campus.
       4. Interference with the freedom of movement of any member or guest of the College to enter, use or leave any College facility, service, or scheduled activity, to carry out their normal functions or duties, or the obstruction of the free flow of pedestrian or vehicular traffic on College premises or at College sponsored or supervised functions.
   11. Drugs
       Possession, use, manufacturing or distribution of narcotics, marijuana, sedatives, tranquilizers, stimulants, hallucinogens, or any other controlled substances under Federal or State law, except as expressly permitted by law.
   12. Failure to Comply
       Failing to comply with reasonable directives from any College officials related to the performance of their official duties when directed to do so. Failure to provide identification to any College official or administrative officer, or when reasonable cause exists, failing to leave College-controlled premises or dangerous situations when directed to do so by properly authorized persons, including public safety personnel or other College staff. Failing to complete sanctions as part of the student conduct process.
   13. Fire Safety Violations
       Tampering with fire or other safety equipment or setting unauthorized fires. Exhibiting behaviors that risk the health and safety of one’s self or others during a fire related incident. Burning candles, incense, or other items in athletic dormitories or other College facilities, whether attended or unattended.
   14. Harassment
       Engaging in behavior that is sufficiently severe or pervasive so as to threaten an individual or substantially interfere with the individual’s employment, education, or access to College programs, activities, or opportunities, if such behavior would detrimentally affect a reasonable person under the same circumstances. Harassing behavior includes, but is not limited to, threats, intimidation, coercion, bullying and/or other conduct which threatens or endangers the mental or physical health or safety of any person or causes reasonable apprehension of such harm. Behaviors that are considered harassment also include, but are not limited to, the following:
       1. Directing physical conduct, or verbal, written, or electronic communication towards an individual because of the individual’s age, race, color, ancestry, national origin, religion, creed, service in the uniformed services, veteran status, sex, sexual orientation, marital or family status, pregnancy, physical or mental disability, gender identity, genetic information, or political ideas.
       2. Subjecting a person or group of persons to unwanted physical contact or threat of such.
       3. Engaging in a course of conduct, including following the person without proper authority (e.g., stalking) under circumstances which would cause a reasonable person to fear for his or her safety or the safety of others or to suffer emotional distress.
       4. Engaging in a course of conduct to communicate, or to cause to be communicated, words, images, or language by or through the use of devices or electronic or written communication directed at a specific person (e.g., cyber stalking), causing substantial emotional distress to that person and serving no legitimate purpose.
   15. Hazing
       Participation in hazing. See Anti-Hazing Policy.
   16. Intoxication
       Intoxication while on campus, whether resulting from consumption of alcohol, drugs, or other substances on or off campus, when a person is intoxicated to the degree that the person may endanger himself or herself, other persons or property, or disrupt persons in the vicinity.
   17. Retaliation
       Taking adverse or hostile action against any individual or group on the basis of a good faith report made or complaint filed by such individual or group, or on the basis of an individual’s participation in an investigation, hearing, or inquiry by the College or an appropriate authority, or the individual’s participating in a court proceeding relating to suspected wrongful conduct. Retaliation against any person or group making a complaint is in many cases prohibited by law, and in matters such as sexual assault or sexual violence, retaliation by the accused offender or someone associated with the accused offender is a serious offence.
   18. Sexual Harassment or Sexual Misconduct
       The College prohibits any sexual misconduct or sexual harassment and may discipline students for acts of sexual harassment or sexual misconduct when the conduct is unwelcome and would be determined by a reasonable person to be so severe, pervasive, and objectively offensive that it effectively denies a person equal access to the College’s educational programs and/or activities. Sexual harassment may include, but is not limited to, verbal or physical conduct of a sexual nature, sexual advances, requests for sexual favors, sexual exploitation, and stalking. Sexual misconduct is a form of sexual harassment and refers to attempted or completed unwanted or non-consensual sexual activity, including but not limited to, rape, sexual assault, sexual battery, forcible sodomy, sexual penetration with an inanimate object, intercourse without consent, sexual touching and fondling, the touching of an unwilling person’s intimate parts (defined as genitalia, groin, breast, or buttock, or clothing covering those intimate parts), forcing an unwilling person to touch another’s intimate parts, sexual exploitation, domestic violence, dating violence, and sexual coercion. The College’s Title IX policy, Policy 6Hx20-1.028, may be accessed at pensacolastate.edu/current-students/student-services/studentconduct/#Title-IX.
   19. Smoking
       Violating College policies prohibiting smoking indoors, including the use of e-cigarettes (vape).
   20. Theft or Possession of Stolen Property
       Actual or attempted theft, larceny, stealing, embezzlement, or taking of property owned by the College, a member of the College community, or any other person, on or off campus. Being in possession of property belonging to another individual or entity without the express permission of the owner of such property. Taking or attempting to take anything of value from the care, custody, or control of a person or persons by force or threat of force or violence and/or by putting the victim in fear.
   21. Unauthorized Entry or Use
       The College has the right to control all use and entry into facilities for reasons of security, safety, or protections of property and may close facilities at specified times. It should be recognized that an open or unlocked door is not an invitation to enter and use facilities. Unauthorized entry or use may include, but is not limited to, the following:
       1. Unauthorized entry into or use of College property or facilities including buildings, offices, classrooms, athletic dormitory rooms, College property leased to private entities or individuals, computers, computer networks, and any other restricted facilities.
       2. Remaining on College property against the directive of a College police officer or public safety officer after the cessation of all classes and closure of all College offices, facilities, and libraries at night or when the College is officially closed for holidays.
       3. Unauthorized possession, duplication, or use of keys to any College premises, including but not limited to, College buildings or vehicles.
       4. Infringing upon the rights of any member of the College community to privacy in offices, laboratories, athletic dormitories, or College property leased to private entities or individuals.
       5. Infringing upon the rights of any member of the College community to maintain the confidentiality of their personal papers, records, and effects.
   22. Violation of College Policies
       Any violation of a written College policy, rule, procedure, administrative directive, or contract between the student and the College. Complicity in any violation by another person of this Code of Student Conduct, a College policy, rule, procedure, or administrative directive by being present at, or having advanced knowledge of, such violation and taking any action that constitutes support, assistance, or an act in furtherance of the violation.
   23. Violation of the Law
       Committing any criminal act prohibited by, or otherwise violating, any federal, state, or local law, including applicable county and city ordinances.
   24. Weapons, Explosives and Dangerous Items
       Pensacola State College prohibits the possession of weapons at a College-sponsored event or on any College property, or the use of any weapon, even if legally possessed, in a manner that harms, threatens, or causes fear to others. Weapons, as defined under s. 790.001(13), F.S., include but are not limited to, swords, sword canes, firearms, electric weapons or devices, destructive devices, razor blades, box cutters, pellet guns, and air rifles. Weapons and firearms stored in private vehicles on PSC property must adhere to FSS 790.251 requirements for proper storage. Sworn FDLE certified law enforcement officers attending class or events at any College campus or center may carry a weapon, if required to do so by the policies of the law enforcement agency by which such officers are employed.

Anti-Hazing Policy

No student or other person associated with Pensacola State College shall engage in any “hazing” activities as that term is described herein below.

As used herein, “hazing” means any action or situation which recklessly or intentionally endangers the mental or physical health or safety of a student for the purpose of initiation or admission into or affiliation with any organization operating under the sanction of Pensacola State College. Such term shall include beating, branding, forced calisthenics, or exposure to the elements; forced consumption of any food, liquor, drug or other substance; or any other forced physical activity which could adversely affect the physical health or safety of the individual; and, any other forced activity which could adversely affect the mental health or dignity of the individual. Any activity as described above upon which the initiation, admission into, or affiliation with a Pensacola State College organization is directly or indirectly conditioned shall be presumed to be a “forced” activity, the willingness of an individual to participate in such activity notwithstanding.

Any student or other person associated with a College organization who engages in any hazing activity, on or off campus, may be subject to the following penalties, including but not limited to, a fine up to $100, withholding of diploma or transcript pending payment of any fine imposed, and/or disciplinary probation.

If the hazing activities are willful and flagrant violations of this policy and/or if the hazing consists of brutality of a physical nature, the student or other person associated with a College organization who engages in such hazing activities may be suspended or dismissed. Any College organization which authorizes hazing in blatant disregard of this policy may be subject to the following penalties, including but not limited to:

1. Suspension or forfeiture of social privileges;
2. Suspension or forfeiture of representation in student publications;
3. Suspension or forfeiture of representation in intramural or other competitive campus activities; or
4. Suspension of individual members’ rights to participate in other campus activities or organizations.

The penalty to be imposed on a College organization, which authorizes hazing in blatant disregard of this policy, will depend upon the facts of each incident. Repeated violation of this policy may result in the suspension or forfeiture of the organization’s campus charter.

Any penalties for violation of the Anti-Hazing Policy shall be in addition to those penalties imposed for violation of any of the criminal laws of the State of Florida or for violation of any other rule promulgated by the College to which the violator may be subject.

Any student or other person associated with a College organization charged with the violation of the Anti-Hazing Policy shall be entitled a hearing and to the same procedural rights as any student accused of violating the Student Code of Conduct.

1. Annually every Registered Student organization advisor shall be given a copy of the Anti-Hazing Policy in the Club Handbook and shall be charged with the responsibility of informing the Registered Student organization members of the adoption of this policy.
2. A representative of the College will meet with each student organization at the beginning of each school year to review, discuss, and answer all questions relating to the Anti-Hazing Policy.
3. Each College organization shall be required to incorporate the Anti-Hazing Policy in its bylaws and to submit a copy of its revised bylaws to the Office of Student Engagement and Leadership.
4. The Anti-Hazing Policy shall be posted in the College Catalog.
5. Any amendment to the Anti-Hazing Policy, rules, or penalties shall be submitted to the State Board of Education for its approval within ten (10) days after the adoption of such amendment.

Academic Misconduct Process and Procedures

All forms of academic misconduct are prohibited at Pensacola State College.

1. Faculty members retain the right to act against any student who is suspected of academic misconduct. The faculty member, using his or her academic judgment, may take the following types of action, including but not limited to
   1. the awarding of a failing grade on the assignment or test/quiz in question; or
   2. removal of a student from the course with the assignment of a grade of F.
2. All incidents of academic misconduct will be reported to the Office of Institutional Equity and Student Conduct. The faculty member reserves the right to ask for the Office of Institutional Equity and Student Conduct to investigate the alleged academic misconduct prior to awarding of a grade or other action. In these instances, information gathered in an investigation will be provided to the faculty member, but the Office of Institutional Equity and Student Conduct will not take any disciplinary action.
3. The Office of Institutional Equity and Student Conduct may bring charges under the Student Code of Conduct against any student who exhibits a pattern of academic misconduct during his or her enrollment at the College. These charges and any subsequent adjudication and sanctions would be in addition to any action a faculty member may determine is appropriate. In these instances, the disciplinary process and procedures for Non-Academic Misconduct would apply (See Non-Academic Misconduct).
4. The evaluation of academic work is the responsibility of the faculty member. The awarding of grades, whether for individual assignments, tests/quizzes, or the overall course grade, is at the sole discretion of the faculty member and is an academic decision. A student may appeal a final course grade following the process for a grade grievance.

Plagiarism and Academic Cheating

1. Plagiarism and academic cheating are serious offenses. A faculty member may take action against any student who is suspected of plagiarism or academic cheating. The action taken may include the awarding of a failing grade on the assignment in question or removal from the course with the assignment of a course grade of F. A student who disputes the allegation of plagiarism or academic cheating may discuss the situation with the faculty member. If the student does not reach resolution after discussion with the faculty member, the student may discuss the situation with appropriate academic officers beginning with the department head or director followed by the appropriate dean or associate vice president.
2. Plagiarism involves presenting the work, words, or ideas of another student, individual(s), or artificial intelligence without proper citation, even if unintentionally. Presenting someone else’s work as your own, even if in your own words, is plagiarism. It is plagiarism if the work you present is derived from the work of any other person, including, among others, any other student or College faculty member. It is plagiarism if the work you present is derived from any work, including among other things, any work of a literary, musical, dramatic, pictorial, graphic, sculptural, motion picture, sound recording, audiovisual or architectural nature, and regardless of the medium in which it is fixed, whether written, stored electronically, or in any other form by which it can be perceived, reproduced, or otherwise communicated, either directly or with the aid of a machine or device. Presenting plagiarized work as your own may also constitute infringement under Federal copyright laws (Title 17 U.S.C.).
3. Academic cheating involves the use or attempted use of any unauthorized materials or resources, including artificial intelligence, for any academic exercise. Cheating includes but is not limited to using another student’s work without that student’s expressed consent or without proper attribution; using any materials or resources, through any medium, which the faculty member has not given expressed permission to use; collaborating with another person through any medium when the faculty member has prohibited collaboration; submitting work produced by another person or artificial intelligence; impersonating another person in any academic activity or providing an unfair academic advantage to another person by producing or completing academic work or activities on behalf of another person, with or without compensation.

Class Attendance

Regulations governing punctual and regular class attendance are outlined under Attendance Policies.

Dress and Appearance

Each student is expected to dress and maintain a personal appearance which will not endanger his or her health, welfare, or safety. This will be in accordance with state and local laws and the Student Code of Conduct.

Classroom Activities

1. The faculty member, in the classroom and in conference, should encourage free discussion, inquiry, and expression. Student performance should be evaluated solely on an academic basis.
2. The student should be free to take reasoned exception to the data or views offered in any course of study and to reserve judgment about matters of opinion. He or she is responsible, however, for learning the content of any course of study for which he or she is enrolled.
3. The student would be evaluated through orderly procedures. The student is responsible for maintaining standards of academic performance established for each course in which he or she is enrolled.

Non-Academic Misconduct

Educational Pre-Hearing Process

The Director of Institutional Equity and Student Conduct, or designee, shall attempt to informally resolve alleged violations of the Pensacola State College Student Code of Conduct with the student or recognized student organization. The purpose of the Educational Pre-Hearing process is to review the following with the student or recognized student organization: the reported behavior which allegedly violates the student Student Code of Conduct, the conduct process including the formal hearing, possible sanctions, and to answer questions. During the Educational Pre-Hearing meeting, the student or recognized student organization may be given the opportunity to accept responsibility for the alleged violation(s). If the student or recognized student organization accepts responsibility, sanction(s) may be implemented. The resolution associated with the Educational Pre-Hearing process is final and cannot be appealed. During the Educational Pre-Hearing process, the College will not bring charges against a student or registered student organization. The Director of Institutional Equity and Student Conduct, or designee, will initiate an Educational Pre-Hearing meeting by providing a written notice to the student or student organization. The written notice will include the reported behavior which allegedly violates the Student Code of Conduct, the citation to the specific provision of the Student Code of Conduct at issue and the date/time/location of the pre-hearing meeting. This written notice will not include any charge(s). The Office of Institutional Equity and Student Conduct will maintain a record of the Educational Pre-Hearing process, the outcome and any sanctions. The records will be maintained and purged in accordance with state-approved records retention schedules.

When the Educational Pre-Hearing process cannot resolve the alleged violation(s) of the Student Code of Conduct, the matter will be referred to the Formal Hearing process. If a student or recognized student organization fails to participate in the Educational Pre-Hearing Meeting, the College may place a registration hold on a student(s) record until the matter is resolved. The College also reserves the right to refer the matter directly to the Formal Hearing process for adjudication/resolution.

Rights of Students and Recognized Student Organizations

Each Pensacola State College student and recognized student organization is entitled to certain procedural rights and guarantees in the student conduct process. The rights outlined below are not exhaustive but serve as guidelines to ensure that all students and recognized student organizations are treated fairly. Due process will be provided in the adjudication of alleged violations(s) and charges under the College Student Code of Conduct. The following due process protections are provided to all students and/or registered student organizations charged with violations of the Student Code of Conduct.

Any charged student/registered student organization has the right to a timely written notice which provides notice of the alleged violation(s) and sufficient details and sufficient time to prepare for any disciplinary proceeding. The written notice must provide the following:

1. The allegation(s) to be investigated;
2. The citation to the specific provision of the Student Code of Conduct;
3. The process to be used in determining whether a violation has occurred and associated rights; and
4. The date, time, and location of the disciplinary proceeding.

The written notification is considered timely if it is provided to the student or recognized student organization at least seven (7) business days before the disciplinary proceeding by the Office of Institutional Equity and Student Conduct. The student or registered student organization may waive this right to a seven (7) day advanced notification. The written notification will be delivered via PirateMail to the student or registered student organization and serves as constructive notice of the disciplinary proceeding. If the student is under the age of 18, then written notification may be sent to address/email of a parent or guardian.

A student or recognized student organization may inspect the related conduct file upon request to the Office of Institutional Equity and Student Conduct in advance of the disciplinary proceeding. At least five (5) business days before the disciplinary proceeding, the College must provide the following to the student or registered student organization.

1. A listing of all known witnesses that have provided, or will provide, information against the student or registered student organization; and
2. All known information relating to the allegation, including inculpatory and exculpatory information.

The student or registered student organization may waive this right to a five (5) day advanced notification.

All students or student organizations have the following rights:

1. The right to a presumption that no violation occurred. The College has the burden to prove, by a preponderance of the evidence, that a violation has taken place. Preponderance of the evidence means that the information presented supports the finding that it is more likely than not that the violation of the Student Code of Conduct was committed by the student or registered student organization.
2. The right to an impartial hearing officer.
3. The right against self-incrimination and the right to remain silent. Such silence may not be used against the student or student organization.
4. The right to an advisor or advocate, such as the PSC Student Ombudsman, who may not serve in any other role, including as an investigator, decider of fact, hearing officer, member of a committee or panel convenes to hear or decide the outcome of the charge(s); the right to have and advisor, advocate, or legal representative, at the student’s or student organization’s own expense, present at any disciplinary proceeding. Such person may directly participate in all aspects of the proceeding, including the presentation of relevant information and questioning of witnesses.
5. The alleged student or recognized student organization has a right to utilize the College Ombudsman at no cost. The use of the Ombudsman is at the sole discretion of the charged student/student organization. The College Ombudsman will be assigned from a pool of staff who have been trained to provide guidance and advice throughout all disciplinary proceedings.
6. The right to appeal the final decision of the administrative hearing officer or the Student Conduct Review Board directly to the Vice President, Administrative Services and General Counsel, or designee, who will receive the appeal and render a final decision. The Vice President, Administrative Services and General Counsel, or designee, who receives the appeal may not have directly participated in any other proceeding related to the charged violation(s).
7. The right to an accurate and complete record of every disciplinary proceeding relating to the charged violation(s) of the code, including a record of any appeal, to be made, preserved, and available for copying upon requests by the charged student or student organization.

A written decision will be sent to the alleged student or recognized student organization within five (5) business days following the hearing. This time may be extended for cases in which additional time is needed for deliberations. If additional time is needed, the student or recognized student organization will be notified. At any time during the student conduct process, the alleged student or recognized student organization has the right to meet with staff from the Office of Institutional Equity and Student Conduct to discuss the incident and be informed of the entire student conduct process.

Formal Hearing Process

1. The student shall receive written notification of the alleged violations and charges under the College’s Student Code of Conduct along with the date, time, and location of the hearing. The written notification will be provided to the student or recognized student organization at least seven (7) business days prior to the hearing by the Director of Student Conduct, or designee. The written notification will be delivered via PirateMail and serves as constructive notice of the formal hearing. Five (5) days in advance of the hearing, the College will provide the student or registered student organization all relevant information related to the allegations/charges(s) and a list of witnessed the College may call during the hearing.
2. The formal hearing will be recorded. The formal hearing may take place in either of the following formats and in most instances, the student or recognized student organization will choose the hearing format. The College reserves the right to make the final determination on the hearing format.
3. Student Conduct Review Board: The Office of Institutional Equity and Student Conduct shall convene the Student Conduct Review Board. The Student Conduct Review Board shall, at a minimum, consist of one (1) member of the faculty, one (1) member of the College staff, and one (1) member of the student body; or
4. Administrative Hearing: The Office of Institutional Equity and student Conduct shall convene an administrative hearing which will be conducted by a single administrator.
5. The Director of Student Conduct, or designee, shall present the evidence associated with the alleged violation of the College Student Code of Conduct. The Director of Student Conduct, or designee, may also call witnesses as part of the presentation of evidence. The charged student or recognized student organization will be able to hear all evidence and may question any witnesses presented by the College.
6. The student or recognized student organization shall be entitled to appear in person and to present the defense to any alleged violations and charges directly to the Student Conduct Review Board or the Hearing Administrator. The student or recognized student organization may call witnesses on their behalf. Students or recognized student organizations may bring an advisor to the hearing. If the student or recognized student organization does not appear and has not provided satisfactory justification to the Director of Student Conduct for non-appearance, the hearing shall be held in the student’s or recognized student organization’s absence.
7. Following the hearing, the Student Conduct Review Board or Hearing Administrator will determine if the student or recognized student organization is responsible for the alleged conduct violations. The deliberations by the Student Conduct Review Board or Hearing Administrator are closed and are not recorded. If a student or recognized student organization is found responsible, the Student Conduct Review Board or Hearing Administrator will recommend disciplinary sanctions. The Director of Student Conduct may accept the recommendation(s), reject the recommendation(s), modify the recommendation(s), or request the Student Conduct Review Board or Hearing Administrator to reconvene to further review the evidence in the case.
8. All decisions of the Student Conduct Review Board or Hearing Administrator are based upon the preponderance of evidence standard. The determination by any Student Conduct Review Board or Hearing Administrator shall be made on the basis of whether it is more likely than not that the student or student organization violated the Student Code of Conduct. Formal rules of process, procedure, and/or technical rules of evidence, such as those applied in criminal or civil court, are not used in the College’s formal hearing process.
9. The Director of Student Conduct will officially notify the student or recognized student organization of the determination of responsibility and the nature of sanctions. This notification will be in writing and will be sent to PirateMail.

Sanctions

The following sanctions may be imposed upon any student or recognized student organization found to have violated the Student Code of Student Conduct or other College policies. More than one (1) sanction may be imposed for any single violation. Some sanctions require completion by a specific deadline. Failing to complete any sanction(s) by required deadlines will result in additional sanctions. Sanctions include, but are not limited to, the following:

1. Class Removal or Reassignment: Removes a student from a class or requires a student to move into a different class or section. Students may also be instructed not to return to class until they have met with the Executive Director, Institutional Equity and Student Conduct.
2. Community Service: Requires a student or recognized student organization to complete hours of service to Pensacola State College or the Pensacola community.
3. Counseling: Requires a student to meet with a professional counselor or other third-party who can provide an assessment regarding the student’s ability to positively transition back to the College environment and is able to act in a way that does not harm self, others, or the community. The student would be responsible for any costs of this assessment.
4. Educational Sanctions: Includes, but is not limited to, the requirement of the completion of an educational assignment or assessment such as a research paper, program presentation, or attendance at a College event.
5. Expulsion: A permanent separation of the student from Pensacola State College.
6. Fines/Restitution: An amount of money applied to the student account for the violation of a policy or compensation for loss, damage, or injury to the College or another individual.
7. Leadership Restriction: Students will not be allowed to serve in leadership positions for academic or co-curricular organizations and may not participate in College-sponsored travel.
8. Loss of Privileges: A denial of specified privileges for a designated time period, such as restriction from certain buildings, inability to hold events, or restrictions on student travel. Students may also receive a Trespass Warning from the Office of Public Safety restricting access to any College property for a specific time period.
9. Loss of Recognized Student Organization Status: A loss of all privileges including College recognition as a student organization for a specified time period.
10. Probation: Probation for a designated period that includes the probability of more severe disciplinary sanctions, if the student or recognized student organization is found to violate any College policies during the probationary period.
11. Suspension: A separation of the student from Pensacola State College for a definite time period, after which the student may be eligible to return.
12. Withholding Degree: A withholding of the awarding of a degree otherwise earned until the completion of the process set forth in the Student Code of Conduct.
13. Written Warning: A formal or informal notice in writing to the student or recognized student organization indicating a violation of College policies.

Conduct Records Retention

The non-academic records of any student or recognized student organization charged with an alleged violation of the College’s Student Code of Conduct and applicable student conduct process shall be maintained in the Office of Institutional Equity and Student Conduct. The records will be maintained and purged in accordance with state-approved records retention schedules.

Student Appeals

Pensacola State College will observe the fundamentals of due process to reach a fair, equitable, and consistent resolution for students with complaints and grievances. Due process will be observed in the adjudication of alleged student violations of College policies and procedures. In addition, students who feel their grievance has not be resolved by the College may seek guidance from the Florida Department of Education at fldoe.org/schools/higher-ed/fl-college-system/about-us/concerns-complaints.stml.

Student Advocate/Student Ombudsman

Reflecting s. 1006.51, F.S., Student Ombudsman office, Pensacola State College has created a Student Advocate/Student Ombudsman, who is accountable to the Vice President, Academic and Student Affairs. A student pursuing either a non-academic or an academic complaint/grievance may utilize Pensacola State College Student Advocate/Student Ombudsman at no cost or obligation. The use of the services of the Student Advocate/Student Ombudsman is to be determined by the student.

The Coordinator, Student Engagement and Leadership, on each campus shall serve as the Student Advocate/Student Ombudsman for his or her respective campus or center. The Pensacola campus Student Advocate/Ombudsman shall serve in this capacity for the South Santa Rosa Center, Century Center, Downtown Center, and for eLearning students. However, when deemed necessary by the Vice President, Academic and Student Affairs, he or she may appoint a different person to serve as the Student Advocate/Student Ombudsman. The Student Advocate/Ombudsman can assist with guidance and advice regarding the informal and formal processes associated with institutional processes for conduct, complaints, and grievances including, but not limited to

1. Assistance in seeking a mutually agreeable resolution of the complaint;
2. Assistance throughout the informal and formal processes associated with complaints and grievances;
3. Comprehension of existing policies and procedures of the College;
4. Serving as an advisor to the student during academic and non-academic appeal or hearing procedures; and
5. Referring the student to the Executive Director, Institutional Equity and Student Conduct, for guidance and assistance if the academic or non-academic complaint relates to alleged discrimination and harassment issues.

Student Conduct Appeal Process

1. The student or recognized student organization will have the right to appeal any decision or sanction imposed by the Student Conduct Review Board or Hearing Administrator.
2. The student may appeal the decision in writing to the Vice President, Administrative Services and General Counsel, within five (5) business days of the notification of the decision.
3. The Vice President, Administrative Services and General Counsel, will review the appeal without a hearing. The written appeal of the student or recognized student organization will be reviewed along with the recording of the hearing and all documents submitted at the hearing. Grounds for appeal are limited to the following
   1. Procedural rights were violated in the hearing process;
   2. New information is discovered that was not available at the time of hearing;
   3. Information presented does not support the decisions; or
   4. Sanctions imposed were not appropriate for the violation.
4. If the decision is overturned, the Vice President, Administrative Services and General Counsel, may modify the decision and/or disciplinary sanctions or may remand the case to the Student Conduct Review Board or the Hearing Administrator for reconsideration or a new hearing.
5. If the decision is upheld by the Vice President, Administrative Services and General Counsel, the sanctions will remain in place and the decision is considered final and binding.

Academic Appeals

Grade Grievance

In order to institute the grade grievance procedure for a final course grade, the student will be prepared to show that course or grade requirements were not clearly explained in the section syllabus, requirements were not uniformly applied, requirements were changed without sufficient notice or for capricious reasons, the faculty member’s data were not accurate, the final course grade could not be reasonably derived from data given, and/or prejudice affected assignment of the grade.

The outcome of the process may be that the assigned grade will stand, assignment of the grade will be postponed until some agreed upon work has been completed, another grade will be substituted for the one originally assigned, or a compromise fitting the specific situation is reached. If the outcome results in the change of the final course grade, then the student has exhausted all appeals and is not eligible to request a late withdrawal from the course.

In the event that the faculty member who assigned the grade is no longer employed by the College, a faculty member from the same program or discipline will serve in the stead of the original faculty member. This substitute faculty member will be selected by a vote of the faculty members and the department head in the affected department or discipline.

In the event that the faculty member who assigned the grade will be returning to his or her position at the College but is temporarily away for longer than ten (10) days, the faculty member will be notified by his or her department head of the impending action. Unless the faculty member agrees to be available to meet earlier or has an alternate solution, the timelines below shall be amended so that the initial ten (10) days specified in Step One will not begin until the faculty member returns from the temporary absence. If, however, the Step Two deadline would be delayed longer than thirty (30) calendar days, another full-time faculty member or administrator shall be designated to substitute. If the faculty member is unable to identify a substitute who is willing and able to fill this role, the department head shall serve as the substitute. For extenuating circumstances where the student cannot meet the 10-day deadline, the student should contact the appropriate department head or dean for an extension of time. The student should be prepared to present appropriate documentation to explain the need for the extension.

Informal Process for Grade Grievance

1. Within ten (10) working days of when the student’s final grade is posted on the College’s Student Information System, the student shall meet with the faculty member and present data to support his or her assertion.
2. Within ten (10) working days, the faculty member must give fair hearing to the student’s claim and consider the data in an attempt to resolve the issue. In the event that the resolution is not satisfactory to the student, the student may proceed to Step Three.
3. The student must meet with the department head and present data to support his or her assertion in the dispute. The department head must then meet and discuss the dispute with the faculty member. The department head must then attempt to resolve the dispute within ten (10) working days. In the event that the resolution is not satisfactory to the student, the student may proceed to Step Four.
4. The student must meet with the appropriate dean and present data to support his or her assertion in the dispute. The dean must then meet and discuss the dispute with the faculty member and department head. The dean must then attempt to resolve the dispute within ten (10) working days. In the event that the resolution is not satisfactory to the student, the student may proceed to the Formal Process.

Formal Process for Grade Grievance

Within ten (10) working days of when the student is notified of the dean’s response, the student may begin the formal grievance process by outlining the grievance in writing and presenting the petition to the dean. A one-time panel will be assembled including three (3) students and three (3) faculty members, none of whom shall have any direct connection with the parties involved. At least one of the student members and at least one of the faculty members must be from a related discipline in which the grade is being disputed. In the event that there is no related discipline, at least one (1) student member and at least one (1) faculty member shall possess demonstrated knowledge of or experience with the discipline area involved in the grade dispute. A chair for the panel will be selected by the Vice President, Academic and Student Affairs. Following the hearing, the chair will submit the panel’s recommendation to the Vice President, Academic and Student Affairs, for a final decision.

Other Appeals

Graduation Policy Exception: A student who wishes an exception to an existing graduation policy may appeal to the Associate Vice President, Academic Affairs.

Reinstatement in Class: A student may request consideration for reinstatement by discussion with the appropriate department head, who will consult with the faculty member. If the faculty member does not permit continued enrollment, the student may appeal to the Student Academic Appeals Committee.

Late Withdrawal: A student who wishes to withdraw from a class after the established withdrawal deadline may petition the Student Academic Appeals Committee.

Academic Suspension or Academic Dismissal: A student who has been placed on academic suspension or who has been dismissed for academic reasons may petition for continued enrollment to the Associate Vice President, Academic Affairs.

Non- Academic Appeals

Formal Student Grievance Procedure

The purpose of the formal student grievance procedure is to provide a means to mediate a fair and equitable solution to any complaint other than grades and discrimination or harassment that a student may have with a College employee, office, or policy. The first process to resolve student grievances should be an informal resolution of complaints with the individual(s) involved when possible.

If a student wishes to submit a formal student grievance, the appropriate form located on the forms page of the Pensacola State College website at fldoe.org/schools/higher-ed/fl-college-system/about-us/concerns-complaints.stml should be completed. The form should be submitted to the appropriate office for review. Academic complaints, other than grade grievances, should be submitted to the Vice President, Academic and Student Affairs. Complaints related to disability services, public safety, or the help desk should be submitted to the Vice President, Administrative Services and General Counsel. Financial complaints should be submitted to the Vice President, Business Affairs. Complaints involving admissions, enrollment, registration, advising, financial aid, and other student related services should be submitted to the Associate Vice President, Student Services.

Once the Formal Student Grievance Form has been submitted to the appropriate office, the complaint will be investigated. Any student who submits a Formal Student Grievance Form will be notified of the resolution. Every effort will be made to resolve the complaint within fourteen (14) business days; however, time may be extended by mutual consent of the parties concerned.

In the event the student feels the grievance was not managed properly by the institution, the student may visit the Florida College System Complaint Procedure Information webpage at fldoe.org/schools/higher-ed/fl-college-system/about-us/concerns-complaints.stml for information on how to file a complaint if it is believed that the complaint warrants additional investigation.

Distance Education students who have completed the internal institutional grievance process and the applicable state grievance process may appeal non-instructional complaints to the FL-SARA PRDEC Council. For additional information on the complaint process, please visit the FL-SARA Complaint Process page at fldoe.org/sara/complaint-process.stml.

Grievances Alleging Discrimination

Pensacola State College prohibits discrimination and harassment of any kind. The Non-Discrimination Policy clearly prohibits discrimination based on race, color, ethnicity, sex, pregnancy, creed, age, religion, marital status, national origin, disability, sexual orientation, or gender identity (6Hx20-1.007). A student with a complaint regarding issues of discrimination or harassment, including Title IX, Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, or discriminatory conduct in the form of sexual misconduct/sexual harassment, should immediately notify the Executive Director, Institutional Equity and Student Conduct. This includes allegations of discrimination or harassment, whether the alleged discriminatory act occurs on or off campus, in an academic environment or non-academic environment or involves a college sanctioned program, service, or activity. The Executive Director, Institutional Equity and Student Conduct, is located in the Building 5, Room 510, on the Pensacola campus, 1000 College Blvd., Pensacola, FL 32504. The phone number is (850) 484-2128.

In addition, Pensacola State College prohibits retaliation. At no time should a student be penalized, threatened, intimidated, or otherwise be discouraged from filing a discrimination complaint if the student in good faith made allegations of discrimination or believes he or she has been subjected to discriminatory conduct.

Students requiring ADA accommodations during any informal/formal conduct process or appeal/grievance process can contact the ADA Services office to coordinate appropriate support services.

In case of an extreme emergency, dial 9-911 on any campus telephone to be connected to a law enforcement operator of the jurisdiction where you are located. That agency will dispatch emergency help. It is important to stay on the line and give them your location.

Additional information can be found by visiting pensacolastate.edu/publicsafety/.

Public Safety

The Department of Public Safety is committed to the safety of students, employees, and visitors at all College campuses and centers. The Department of Public Safety takes a proactive stance in response to crime on campus and strives to identify problems and address issues before a crisis occurs. A student is encouraged to assist the Department of

Public Safety by contacting the department when any of the following occur:

1. You are a victim of crime occurring on campus.
2. You are or may be a victim of domestic violence.
3. You are a victim of rape (including acquaintance rape).
4. You are being stalked.
5. You know of crimes occurring on campus.
6. You have been a victim of crime, on or off campus, and need information, counseling, or referral for further help.
7. You have questions about Florida laws or law-related issues.
8. You need help and do not know where to go or whom to ask for information.
9. You need assistance starting your car.
10. You need car key assistance to enter your car.
11. You would like a police escort to ensure safety to or from your class.

Public Safety and Security Hours and Information

The Department of Public Safety operates 24 hours a day/7 days a week. Uniformed police officers patrol the campus by marked vehicle, foot patrol, and perambulator. Police officers carry firearms and have authority to make arrests. Additionally, uniformed public safety officers assist in situations that do not call for specific police action. If you have an on-campus emergency, please contact (850) 484-2500.

Trespassing

Pensacola State College adheres to Florida law addressing the crime of trespassing. Although, as a state college, Pensacola State College is open to the general public, specific situations may constitute the crime of trespassing. In those cases, any law enforcement officer may arrest, either on or off the premises, and without warrant, any person whom the law enforcement officer has probable cause to believe has committed any of the specific offenses addressed in the following Florida laws.

s.810.08, F.S. Trespass in Structure or Conveyance
s.810.09, F.S. Trespass on Property Other than Structure or Conveyance
s.810.095, F.S. Trespass on School Property with a Firearm or Other Weapon Prohibited
s.810.097, F.S. Trespass Upon Grounds or Facilities of a School

Florida State Statutes are accessible through the following website: leg.state.fl.us/statutes/. Additionally, an individual may be removed from campus for violation of any applicable College policy or procedure.

Student Motor Vehicle Regulations

1. All students and employees operating motor vehicles on any Pensacola State College campus must register their vehicles at the time of class registration or upon employment. Vehicles may be registered in the Department of Public Safety on any Pensacola State College campus.
2. Registered vehicles will be issued a Pensacola State College parking decal. To obtain a decal, the student must present a current student identification card (or receipt for fees paid) and a current vehicle registration. There is no charge for a parking decal. Vehicle registration procedures apply to part-time as well as full-time students and employees.
3. The decal shall be permanently affixed to the rear window (right side) or rear bumper (right side) so that the permit is clearly visible from behind. Motorcycles and similar vehicles shall display the permit on the rear of the vehicle so that it is clearly visible from behind.
4. If a decal is lost, becomes illegible, or is invalid due to expiration, it is the student’s or employee’s responsibility to immediately register the vehicle.
5. Decals are non-transferable.
6. The person who registered a vehicle and was issued a decal for that vehicle is, at all times, responsible for that vehicle, regardless of who is driving the vehicle. If the vehicle is sold, the decal should be removed.
7. Parking decals are subject to revocation by the administration in the event of repeated violations of campus parking and traffic regulations.
8. Handicapped parking will be by decal issued by the state of Florida only. Contact the Pensacola State College Department of Public Safety for additional information.

Student Motor Vehicle and Parking Violations

1. A student may appeal a motor vehicle and parking ticket violation through the Department of Public Safety on the appropriate campus.
2. The student must appeal the ticket violation within ten (10) class days after receiving the ticket. Any appeal received after this time will not be considered.
3. There must be justifiable reasons for the appeal process to be initiated. The Director, Public Safety, will review the appeal.
4. The Director, Public Safety, will either uphold the issuance of the ticket or recommend that the ticket be rescinded. This decision is final.

Additional Information

Posting, Distributing, Exhibiting Printed or Filmed Material

Students may distribute free non-commercial literature on campus. Signs and tables may be used in conjunction with distributing the literature, but tables should be supervised at all times. In the event of congestion or unreasonable interference with the flow of students passing through the area, the appropriate administrator, or his or her designee, may reasonably regulate such activity.

Non-commercial notices may be posted by students and registered student groups on all bulletin boards. All postings must be cleared through the appropriate College official to avoid congestion and to obtain optimum use of facilities available.

Students are expected to use mature judgment and a sense of discretion in the publication, posting, and distribution of any material on campus and to realize that they and their group or organization must accept responsibility for the consequences of their behavior.

The President, or his or her authorized designee, may prohibit the distribution on campus of any material or publication or the showing on campus of any films containing obscene or defamatory matter, or containing matter which the President, or his or her authorized designee, reasonably believes would incite others to take action which would substantially disrupt or materially interfere with school activities. Should the President prohibit the distribution of any film on campus, the student or recognized student group thereby aggrieved shall, upon written application to the President, or his or her authorized designee, obtain a hearing within two (2) days following the filing of the appeal before the Student/Faculty Hearing Panel. The appeal procedure shall be the same as provided in the case where the President denies a student organization’s request to invite an outside speaker to appear on campus.

Responsibility for editorial or other content of publications distributed on campus shall lie with the sponsoring agency, group, or organization. All publications distributed on campus should appropriately indicate that the opinions expressed therein are not necessarily those of the College or of the student body. The use of the College name, seal, or other official insignia in printed matter shall not imply that the College approves, supports, or endorses the contents.

1. On the Pensacola or Milton campuses, all postings must be approved by the Office of Student Engagement and Leadership and at the Warrington Campus, Century Center, or South Santa Rosa Center by the Office of Student Services.
2. Posting includes posters, small banners, sheet banners hung between trees, stake signs, changeable signs, table tents, flyers, rolling signs, easel signs, and commercial advertisements.
3. Posting may be done two (2) weeks prior to any club/organization or College sponsored event including athletics, intramurals, homecoming, mid-term, organization week, and various elections.
4. Posting outlined in (2) above may be done on all campus bulletin boards, in the gymnasium, or in an appropriate area approved by the College.
5. No posting will be allowed on doors or glass or on building walls other than the gymnasium interior walls.
6. Any posting should be removed by the sponsoring agency, group, or organization, within one College business day after the event has taken place. Tables and easels be set up in designated areas. In these areas, signs may be used in conjunction with the tables. Tables should be supervised at all times. In the event of congestion or unreasonable interference with the flow of students passing through the area, the appropriate dean, or his or her designee, may reasonably regulate such activity.

Guest Speakers

The freedom of speech and assembly guaranteed by the First and Fourteenth amendments of the United States Constitution shall be enjoyed by the students of Pensacola State College including the opportunity to hear off-campus or outside speakers on the College campus. Free discussions of subjects of controversial nature shall not be curtailed.

Students at Pensacola State College are expected to accept fully the responsibilities that accompany the freedoms of speech and assembly which they enjoy. When inviting an outside speaker, a student organization is charged with the responsibility of making a choice that reflects the students’ genuine concern for the best interest and welfare not only of their own organization but of the College and the community as well.

Policies concerning the issuance of invitations to outside speakers shall be limited to the following:

1. A request to invite an outside speaker will be considered only when made by an organized student group recognized by the College.
2. Invitations by an organized group shall not be issued to an outside speaker without prior written concurrence by the President of the College, or such person or committee as may be designated by the President (such person or committee thereafter referred to as his or her authorized designee), for scheduling of speaker dates and assignments of campus facilities.
3. Any speaker request shall be made in writing by an officer of the student organization desiring to sponsor the proposed speaker not later than ten (10) calendar days prior to the date.
4. Any speaker request shall be made in writing by an officer of the student organization desiring to sponsor the proposed speaker not later than ten (10) calendar days prior to the date of the proposed speaking engagement. This request shall contain the name of the sponsoring organization; the proposed date, time and location of the meeting; the expected size of the audience; and topic of the speech. Any request not acted upon by the President, or his or her authorized designee, within four (4) days after submission shall be deemed granted. A request made by a recognized organization may be denied only if the President, or his or her authorized designee, determines, after proper inquiry, that the proposed speech will constitute a clear and present danger to the institution’s orderly operation by the speaker’s advocacy of such actions as,
   1. The violent overthrow of the government of the United States, the state of Florida, or any political subdivision thereof;
   2. The willful damage or destruction, or seizure and subversion of the institution’s buildings or other property;
   3. The forcible disruption or impairment of, or interference with, the institution’s buildings or other property;
   4. The physical harm, coercion, intimidation, or other invasion of lawful rights of the institution’s officials, faculty members, or students; or
   5. Other campus disorders of a violent nature.

In determining the existence of a clear and present danger, the President, or his or her authorized designee, may consider all relevant factors, including whether such speaker has, within the past five (5) years, incited violence resulting in the destruction of property at any state educational institution or willfully caused the forcible disruption of regularly scheduled classes or other educational functions at any such institution. Where the request for an outside speaker is denied, any sponsoring organization thereby aggrieved shall, upon application to the President, or his or her authorized designee, obtain a hearing within two (2) days following the filing of its appeal before the Student/Faculty Hearing Panel for a de novo consideration of the request. The matter may be referred to the District Board of Trustees of Pensacola State College if the Student/Faculty Hearing Panel believes that the request was improperly denied by the President. Any sponsoring organization aggrieved by the action of the Student/Faculty Hearing Panel or the District Board of Trustees of Pensacola State College in denying the request may obtain judicial review upon application at any court of competent jurisdiction, state or federal, by presenting its verified petition setting forth the grounds of complaint and giving adequate notice of such filing to the President. Upon a hearing to be conducted as soon as practicable, and at such time and place as the court may prescribe, the court shall either reverse or affirm the decision of the President as may be proper under the law and facts. When the request for an outside speaker is granted and the speaker accepts the invitation, the sponsoring organization shall inform the President, or his or her authorized designee, in writing immediately. The President, or his or her authorized designee, may, at his or her discretion, require that the meeting be chaired by a member of the administration or faculty and may further require a statement to be made at the meeting that the views presented are not necessarily those of the institution or of the sponsoring group. In accepting the invitation to speak, the speaker assumes full responsibility for any violation of law committed by the speaker while on campus.

Guests and Children on Campus

Individuals who are not registered may not attend classes or labs unless expressly authorized to do so by the appropriate administrator.

Individuals who bring children to campus are responsible for their supervision at all times. College officials are to contact a parent or other party responsible for children left unattended on campus and inform them that children must be properly supervised while on campus.

Administrators and faculty members have the authority to enforce these guidelines.

Individuals who bring children to campus and refuse to abide by these guidelines are to be referred to the Office of Student Affairs on the appropriate campus.

No children are permitted in labs, shops, clinical areas, or any area where potential hazards exist, with the exception of children directly involved in the instructional process (e.g., patients in the Dental Clinic or observed children in the Child Care Lab).

Fundraising Activities

Only College-recognized organizations may conduct fundraising projects. Such organizations may sell consumable goods on campus, if they are prepared in accordance with health department regulations, as well as non-consumable goods or services in order to raise funds for the support of activities, provided that this provision shall not be construed to allow the raising of funds for the support of activities or causes unrelated to the local College community, unless expressly authorized by the President, or his or her designated representative. In the event that any controversy arises over whether a particular project is designed to raise funds for activities or causes unrelated to the local College community, or whether any item is improper for sale, the President, or his or her designated representative, shall resolve the controversy.

Any organization desiring to conduct a fundraising project on campus shall submit a written request describing the project to the appropriate Office of Student Engagement and Leadership on the form available from that office at least two weeks prior to the time that the organization desires to conduct the project. The completed form shall contain the signature of the organization’s president and advisor, if applicable, when submitted to the appropriate Office of Student Engagement and Leadership for consideration. The activity may commence only after approval by the appropriate dean or his or her designated representative.

Solicitation of donations, directly or indirectly, for support of any cause shall not be permitted on campus unless written permission from the President, or his or her designated representative, is first obtained.

This provision shall not be construed to allow the sale of printed matter as a fund raising project. The sale of printed matter on campus is not permitted except within the operation of the College bookstores.

Fundraising projects must not conflict with other scheduled projects or programs and must be in accordance with local, state, and federal laws.