Academic Affairs

Academic Honors

The College recognizes student achievement in several ways, as indicated below.

Term Honors Lists

Two academic honors lists are published on the College’s website at the end of the fall and spring terms of each academic year. These honors lists recognize students who have achieved outstanding grade point averages for the term. To be eligible for the lists, students must be in good academic standing at Pensacola State College as outlined in the Standards of Academic Progress.

The President’s List: Full-time students (12 credit hours or more per term of college level coursework) who earn an overall GPA of 4.0 for the term.

Dean’s List: Full-time students (12 credit hours or more per term of college level coursework) who earn an overall GPA of 3.50 - 3.99 for the term.

Robinson Honors Program

The Robinson Honors Program at Pensacola State College is designed to meet the needs of academically gifted students seeking to make the most of their college experience. The program offers a unique learning experience in a “college within a college” atmosphere intended to cultivate critical thinking, encourage civic and community engagement, and develop a synthesis of knowledge across disciplines. A generous endowment from Grover Robinson IV and the Robinson family provides students with opportunities beyond the traditional classroom. Robinson Scholars benefit from an enriched curriculum; attendance at cultural events, such as the College’s Lyceum series of world-class performances and insightful seminars; academic and career planning services; service learning opportunities; academic and leadership conferences; and opportunities for travel and travel scholarships for field trips to regional museums and historical sites and trips abroad to exciting destinations like Costa Rica and Prague. For more information, email the Robinson Honors Program Director at honorsprogram@pensacolastate.edu.

Student Excellence Awards

At this annual honors ceremony, students are recognized as Department or Program Scholars and for Scholastic Achievement, Leadership, and Service.

1. Department Scholar and Program Scholar recipients are selected by the individual academic departments in recognition of outstanding performance in the classroom and high test scores on competitive departmental examinations.
2. Scholastic Achievement Award recipients are selected by grade point averages. Recipients must have maintained a 3.9 GPA or better while completing at least 80% of the requirements for the degree they are seeking.
3. The Leadership Award is based on participation in service clubs.
4. Service Award recipients are selected by the faculty and department heads. This award is based on the outstanding service rendered by students in their respective departments, schools, or campuses.

Graduation Honors

All students are eligible for academic achievement recognition during the appropriate Commencement Ceremony. Grade point averages are based on all credit hours attempted at Pensacola State College combined with transfer credits from other institutions attended, including courses not used for the degree awarded. Baccalaureate and associate degree students will graduate with honors according to three honors categories:

Cum Laude will be awarded to students with a cumulative GPA between 3.50 - 3.74.

Magna Cum Laude will be awarded to students with a cumulative GPA between 3.75 - 3.99.

Summa Cum Laude will be awarded to students with a cumulative grade point average of 4.0.

The determination of these three Latin honors categories for the Commencement Ceremony is based on the cumulative grade point average at the end of the student’s last term of enrollment prior to the term of graduation. Students who have met the criteria for honors prior to their term of graduation will be eligible to wear honors cords at the Commencement Ceremony.

The transcript is the final and official record of a student’s standing at the time of graduation. A student meeting the honors criteria at the time of graduation and after the official analysis of eligibility for graduation will have the appropriate notation affixed to the official transcript and on the degree, certificate, or diploma awarded.

Course Policies

Maximum Attempts for a Course

Students may attempt any college credit course or developmental education course twice with regular fee assessment. Per Florida Administrative Code Rule 6A-14.0301, students enrolling in a third attempt of any course will not be permitted to withdraw from the class. A final grade of W, I, or N will not be permitted, and a letter grade will be assigned. Per Florida Statute 1009.285, a third or greater attempt of a course will result in the assessment of the full cost of instruction unless an exception has been granted for extenuating circumstances. The full cost of instruction is approximately three times the cost of the in-state tuition rate. A student may appeal the assessment of the full cost of instruction to the Vice President, Academic and Student Affairs, or a designee, by submitting a request in the Student Records System.

A request for enrollment in a course for a fourth or greater attempt requires the approval of the Vice President, Academic and Student Affairs, or a designee.

Florida Law mandates the maximum number of times a student can attempt any course.

Maximum Hours Per Term

A student is limited to enrollment in no more than eighteen (18) credit hours per term, regardless of the session(s) in which the student is enrolled. A student may not enroll in more than nine (9) credit hours during a B or D session.

A request for a waiver to the limit may be discussed with an advisor or student services director on any campus or center.

Repeating Courses

Courses in which a grade of D, D+, or F was earned may be repeated for credit and only the most recent grade earned will be used to calculate the cumulative grade point average. For any student who repeats a course in which a grade of D or D+ was earned and earns a grade of F in the repeated course, the F grade will replace the D or D+ for calculation of the cumulative grade point average.

Courses that are not indicated in the course description as repeatable courses should not be retaken if the initial grade was a C or better. If repeated, credit will not be given for the repeat and the grade earned in the repeat will not count for GPA calculation.

Students receiving financial aid should consult with a financial aid representative before repeating any course.

Other institutions to which the student transfers may include all course attempts in the computation of the transfer grade point average.

Attendance Policies

Regular class attendance and consistent class participation are significant factors that promote student success. Each student is expected to attend all class meetings of all courses for which he or she is registered.

Attendance Verification for the First Week of Classes

Attendance during the first week of classes is mandatory. Each instructor is required to verify attendance for each registered student, and any student who has yet to attend at least one class meeting during the first week of classes may be dropped from the class. A student registered for a distance learning course must log in to the course via the College’s Learning Management System, Canvas, access course content, and complete assignments during the first week of class in accordance with the instructor’s course syllabus.

Failure to attend class during the first week of class or throughout the term may result in revocation or reduction of financial aid. A student is responsible for adhering to the deadlines for schedule adjustment and should drop any class section he or she does not intend to complete. The student should not assume that any class section will be dropped for him or her.

A student who is withdrawn for not attending the first week of class may discuss reinstatement with the faculty member. If the faculty member does not support the reinstatement, the student may petition the Student Academic Appeals Committee for reinstatement. A student who has registered for a distance learning course is required to access the website for the course during the first week. Failure to do so may result in withdrawal.

Attendance policies differ between credit hour programs and clock hour certificate programs. Consult the appropriate attendance policy for more information.

Credit Hour Attendance Policies

Regular and punctual attendance in class is required. Each student is responsible for knowing and adhering to the faculty member’s attendance policy for each course taken. Specific attendance requirements for each course will be included in the course syllabus provided by the faculty member.

Distance Learning Attendance Policy

For any student enrolled in an asynchronous distance learning course, participation in the course according to the schedule of events described by the faculty member is considered attendance. A student who does not access the class through the learning management system, Canvas, during the first week of class, does not take examinations by established due dates, or does not otherwise participate in the distance learning process as outlined by the faculty member is subject to withdrawal according to the attendance policies outlined below.

Excessive Absences

Although instructors are not required to withdraw students for excessive absences, they may do so using the following guidelines. A student may miss one class meeting beyond the number of times the class meets per week before being considered excessively absent. For example, if a student is enrolled in a class that meets three times per week, the student may miss four class meetings. If the student fails to attend a fifth class meeting, the student may be considered excessively absent and could be withdrawn by the faculty member. This policy may be followed for 16-week classes in the fall or spring term and 12-week classes in the summer. These allowable absences should provide for student illness as well as permit the student to take care of emergencies and personal business.

Absences during an eight-week session or a six-week summer session may be considered excessive if the student misses more than three day classes or more than two evening classes.

A student registering late in any course will be counted absent for those class meetings missed before the registration.

Students who do not attend during the first week of class may be withdrawn. See the Attendance Verification for the First Week of Classes section.

In certain specialized programs, such as health-related programs, licensure, certification, or accreditation requirements may mandate fewer absences than the College normally permits. A student enrolled in a program with more stringent attendance requirements is informed of those requirements. If the specific program requirements are not met by the student, the student will not be withdrawn from non-program specific courses but may be withdrawn from the program and program-specific courses.

Tardy Policy

A student not present at the beginning of any class meeting is considered tardy. When so specified in departmental policies, program policies, or the faculty member’s syllabus, habitual or excessive tardiness may be converted to absences. Some faculty members will not permit late entrance into a class as this can disturb the educational experience for other students. The faculty member’s section syllabus will indicate the faculty member’s policy on late entry.

Clock Hour Attendance Policies

Attendance is required in all course meetings for clock hour certificate programs. Pensacola State College recognizes the following as excused absences:

1. Jury Duty or required court appearance.
2. Documented illness of self, spouse, minor dependent child, parent, or household member. Any clinical site refusal to allow a student to attend for health reasons is considered an illness of self.
3. Established, recognized religious holidays.
4. College-sponsored activities such as SkillsUSA, Health Occupation Student Association, or Student Government Association events.
5. Death of an immediate family member or household member.
6. College closures.

All documents supporting an excused absence request must be presented to the faculty member prior to the absence, except in the case of illness, death, or College closure. Documentation of illness, as defined above, must be presented to the faculty member immediately upon return to class. Documentation of a required absence for religious reasons must be supported by a signed letter from the student’s clergy member or religious leader affirming their association with the organization.

Each program will specify the number of hours that may be excused. While excused absences do not have to be made up for financial aid purposes and will not impact the disbursement of financial aid funds, some programs may require the time to be made up for academic purposes, including grades or required clinical hours.

Certification of Attendance

The Admissions Office will provide official statements certifying attendance status to outside agencies. Certification of the attendance of veterans is processed by the Veteran Services Office.

Grade Information

A grade is awarded in every college credit, vocational credit, and developmental education course, as well as in certain non-credit courses. Pensacola State College maintains permanent records for every student registering for courses. A student may obtain the final grade for a course by accessing his or her records online through Workday via MyPSC at pensacolastate.edu. A cumulative record of the student’s grades appears on the transcript. A complete explanation of the letter grades appears in the Grades Table.

Grade Reports

A grade report will not be mailed to a student. A student may view final grades by accessing his or her record online through Workday via MyPSC at pensacolastate.edu. A student may obtain midterm progress and grade information from the instructor. Midterm grades do not display on the academic transcript and do not become a part of a student’s permanent record.

Minimum Grades

Unless otherwise specified, a grade of D or D+ is counted as earned credit, may be used to meet program requirements, and will be used in calculating academic progress. Any student seeking a baccalaureate degree or an Associate in Arts degree must earn a minimum grade of C in each mathematics course and each writing emphasis course used to meet general education requirements. This minimum grade requirement is established by Florida Administrative Code Rule 6A-10.030. See the General Education section of this College Catalog for more information about the requirements.

Incomplete Grades

The following conditions must be met in order for a student to be eligible for an Incomplete (I) grade:

1. The student must be passing the course;
2. The student must have completed at least 70% of the course requirements; and
3. The student and the instructor must reach a mutual agreement that the student has a reasonable chance of successfully completing the course without additional instruction.

If all three conditions are met, the student and the instructor will enter into a written contract for the completion of the course. A copy of the contract will be provided to the student, and copies will be maintained by the instructor and the department head. The contract shall include the following information:

1. The student’s last date of attendance in the course;
2. The student’s remaining requirements for course completion; and
3. The student’s deadline for completing the remaining course requirements. The last date to complete the course is determined at the instructor’s discretion but shall not be later than the midterm of the following term.

A grade of I in a college credit or vocational credit course will become a grade of F if not completed by the date indicated by the instructor. A grade of I in a developmental education course will become a grade of N if not completed by the date indicated by the instructor. With extenuating and mitigating circumstances, a student may request that a failing grade of F be changed to a W by filing a formal appeal for late withdrawal to the Student Academic Appeals Committee.

An Incomplete grade will not be issued if

1. The student has ceased attending class;
2. The student is not passing the class; or
3. The student has not completed at least 70% of the course requirements.

In any of these three cases, a grade other than an Incomplete will be assigned.

Grade Point Average

The student’s permanent record contains grade point average (GPA) calculations. The student’s GPA is used in determining academic standing, graduation readiness, eligibility for the honors lists and graduation with honors, and in other academic decisions.
In general, the Grade Point Average is computed as follows:

Quality Point Total ÷ Total Credit Hours (for GPA) = GPA

When calculating the cumulative GPA, use total quality points and total credit hours. Quality points are awarded as follows:

To determine the total quality points for a grade in a particular course, the following formula is used:

Credit Hours X Grade Quality Points = Total Quality Points for Course

For example, the total quality points for a grade of C in ENC 1101 (a three-credit hour course) are calculated by multiplying the credit hours by the grade quality points for a C: three credit hours X two grade quality points = six total quality points for the course.
Credit hours are defined as those credits in which a letter grade of A through F has been awarded. Grades of S, P, U, I, N, W, and X do not carry grade quality points. In general, credits for these grades do not count in hours pursued. However, in certain other circumstances, such as the determination of repeat enrollments and in the computation of certain specialized GPAs, credit hours that carry these grades may be included in the GPA computation. Questions regarding grade calculations may be directed to any Student Services Office.

1. Final grades may be based on daily work, special reports, research papers, laboratory and field work, tests, final examinations, and other course assignments or requirements.
2. Upon written request, a transcript will be furnished without charge.
3. A course with a final grade of P or C or higher cannot be repeated for credit or to improve one’s GPA, unless the course is designated as repeatable for credit.
4. I (Incomplete) grades received at the end of any term become failing grades of F if not completed by the date assigned by the instructor or the maximum completion date of the mid-term of the following term.
5. A grade of N is used only in developmental education courses. A grade of N may be assigned to a student earning a D or F in such a course. VA-assisted student education benefits will not be affected by an N grade, but the VA student should not expect to retain benefits for any course(s) assigned a W or X.
6. Credit hours earned through examinations such as Advanced Placement exams, College-Level Examination Program (CLEP), and departmental examinations do not affect the GPA. These credit hours do count toward graduation and are counted as meeting certain course requirements.
7. Not to be assigned by the instructor. Except in non-credit courses, a student may elect to audit a course at registration or before drop and add period ends, and the status cannot be changed later.
8. Credit earned through the Pass/Fail option will carry a grade of P or F. A grade of P will not be included in the calculations of the grade point average; however, a grade of F will be included in the calculations of grade point average.
9. Assigned only in non-credit classes.

Grading Policies

Student Course Withdrawals

A student may withdraw from a class after the drop and add period ends and before the deadline to withdraw. Students are encouraged to consult with their advisor prior to withdrawing from any class and to contact the Office of Financial Aid for questions regarding fee liability or financial aid awards. The enrollment status of full-time or part-time may be adjusted based on the date of a course withdrawal, and the student withdrawal counts as an attempt at the course.

Early F Grade Assignment

At the 70th percent point of the class, the faculty member will be permitted to assign an Early F to a student who meets any of the following criteria:

1. A student who has stopped attending a class;
2. A student who stops attending a class after the 70th percent point of the class;
3. A student who stops attending a course being attempted for the third time;
4. A student who has been determined to be cheating on any assignment or examination; or
5. A student who has plagiarized any written assignment.

A student who has been assigned the Early F for non-attendance will be provided an opportunity to adjust the F to a W (student withdrawal). The F must remain in third-attempt courses, in cases where the student does not request the adjustment prior to the established withdrawal deadline, and in cases where the F is assigned for academic dishonesty. If the adjustment is processed, the last date of attendance, as reported by the faculty member of record, will remain.

A student who has been assigned an F as a result of academic dishonesty does not have the option of requesting an adjustment to W but may dispute the grade assigned by following the grade grievance process. The student who appeals a grade via the grade grievance process is not eligible to petition the Student Academic Appeals Committee for a late withdrawal.

Under extenuating circumstances, a student will have an opportunity to appeal for late withdrawal after the 70th percent point of the class. The Student Academic Appeals Committee will review these appeals. Information regarding the appeal process may be obtained in any registration office.

Change of Grade

Grade changes shall not be made after one year following the end of the term in which the course was taken, except in cases of College error or administrative approval.

Students Receiving Veterans Benefits

A student receiving benefits from the Veterans Administration is required to abide by the College Attendance Policy. If the student exceeds the number of absences permitted and does not have the faculty member’s approval to continue attending class, certification will be terminated.

College Trips

A student who is representing the College on official business, including field trips, will not be counted absent, provided prior notice is given to the faculty member and any missed work is completed.

Special Programs

In certain specialized programs, such as health-related programs, licensure, certification, or accreditation requirements may mandate fewer absences than the College normally permits. A student enrolled in one of these programs is informed of these externally imposed attendance requirements. If these requirements are exceeded, the student will not be withdrawn from non-program specific courses but may be withdrawn from the program-specific courses as well as the program.

Academic Grade Amnesty

A credit student with previous coursework that is ten (10) years of age or older may seek Academic Grade Amnesty (AGA), which will remove the effect of those credits on the cumulative grade point average.

AGA may be granted only once in a student’s academic career. If granted, AGA applies to all credit courses and grades that are ten or more years of age. The student may not select specific terms, specific courses, or specific grades for amnesty. AGA will apply to all coursework that is ten years of age and older from the date AGA is granted.
If a student has already earned a degree or certificate, Academic Grade Amnesty will not be permitted if it results in the forgiveness of courses used for the previously earned degree or certificate.

All courses and grades affected by AGA will remain on the official Pensacola State College transcript, even though the grades are not used in calculating the cumulative grade point average. A notation of the Academic Grade Amnesty will be posted to the student’s record and will appear on the official transcript.

AGA granted at Pensacola State College may not be honored in the transfer process. Other institutions may consider the older credits and grades when evaluating a student’s Pensacola State College transcript. A student seeking AGA is encouraged to discuss the matter with representatives of the institution to which transfer is planned.

AGA has no effect on federal and state student financial aid standards of academic progress.

Any student requesting AGA is required to meet with an advisor before submitting the request for AGA.

Final Exams

Final examinations are administered during the final examination week at the end of each term at the dates and times published on the Pensacola State College website as well as at the designated date and time during the mini-sessions. It is each student’s responsibility to know when and where the final examination is scheduled and to be present and on time with all required materials. The administration of a final examination at any time other than the published final examination period is a violation of College procedure. However, a change to the published examination date and time may be made by the course faculty member, with the department head’s approval, during the scheduled examination week if an examination is scheduled on a non-class day or if simultaneous examinations are scheduled. A student may not attempt a final examination twice for a single class. Any examination in a distance learning course must be scheduled in a way that will not hinder any student’s participation in traditionally delivered courses or examinations.

Late Examinations

In the event of an individual student’s absence for a final examination in any class due to illness, or other reason approved by the course faculty member prior to the exam, a grade of I (incomplete) may be assigned by the instructor of record and a deferred examination may be given.

Grade Appeal Process

Academic Appeals

1. Grade Grievance Procedure: A student who disputes a final grade assigned by a faculty member has ten (10) working days from the time of grade assignment to initiate a grievance. After the 10-day period, the student loses the right to file a grievance. See the Student Grade Grievance Procedure located in the Student Handbook. No other administrative remedy is available.
2. Graduation Policy Exception: A student who wishes to request an exception to an existing graduation policy may appeal to the Student Academic Appeals Committee.
3. Reinstatement in Class: A student who has been withdrawn for excessive absences may request consideration for reinstatement by discussion with the faculty member. If the faculty member does not permit continued enrollment, the student may appeal to the Student Academic Appeals Committee.
4. Late Withdrawal: A student who wishes to withdraw from a class after the established withdrawal deadline may petition the Student Academic Appeals Committee.
5. 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 Student Academic Appeals Committee.
6. A student in an online course who has completed the College’s grievance process and the applicable state grievance process may appeal non-instructional complaints to the Florida State Authorization Reciprocity Agreement Postsecondary Reciprocal Distance Education Coordinating Council (FL-SARA PRDEC Council). Additional information on the complaint process may be found by visiting the FL-SARA Complaint Process page: fldoe.org/sara/complaint-process.stml.

Tutoring Services

Math Lab

Free face-to-face or virtual math tutoring is available to all Pensacola State College students currently enrolled in clock hour, developmental education, or college-level courses. No appointment is necessary. The math labs are located on the Pensacola, Milton, and Warrington campuses, and at the South Santa Rosa Center. Tutoring is available at the Century Center via video conferencing. Services include tutoring in all math and math-related courses, instruction for using graphing and scientific calculators, study tips, test-taking strategies, and textbooks and solution manuals for most Pensacola State College math courses. Computers with math tutorial software are also available. In addition, free virtual tutoring featuring live online help for all math courses is offered. For more information regarding these services, contact any of the math labs. Below are the locations and telephone numbers for each math lab.

Writing Lab

Free writing tutoring is available to all Pensacola State College students currently enrolled in developmental education or college-level courses. No appointment is necessary. The writing labs are located on the Pensacola, Milton, and Warrington campuses, and at the South Santa Rosa Center. Tutoring is available at the Century Center via video conferencing. Services include assistance with writing assignments for any Pensacola State College course, grammar review, support for developmental reading courses, vocabulary development, and access to computers. Distance tutoring is available via video conferencing, and online paper reviews are provided via eLearning or PirateMail. In addition, free virtual tutoring featuring live online help is offered. For more information regarding these services, contact any of the writing labs. Below are the locations and telephone numbers for each writing lab:

Virtual Tutoring

Free virtual tutoring featuring live online help is available for students enrolled in writing emphasis courses as well as many disciplines, including but not limited to mathematics, chemistry, physics, and biology. For more information about virtual tutoring, access Virtual Tutoring Labs through the College’s website at pensacolastate.edu/current-students/.

Libraries

In support of the Pensacola State College mission, the Library provides academic and social spaces to promote educational, vocational, cultural, technological, and lifelong learning opportunities.

Resources include the online catalog, interlibrary loan, books, e-books, research databases, and full-text magazine articles on the library website at pensacolastate.edu/library/. A Pensacola State College ID is required to access web-based resources.

Each campus Library furnishes photocopy machines and computers. A PirateMail account is required for a student to access any Library computer. Copying and printing services require a valid PSC ID. Library computers are equipped for visually impaired students and the Library website is ADA-compliant.

The Library offers two college credit courses: LIS 2005 Information and Internet Research and LIS 1004 Introduction to Internet Research.

Library hours and locations can be accessed through the College’s website at pensacolastate.edu/library/. For holiday closures and extended hours call (850) 484-2001 or check pensacolastate.edu/library/.

South Santa Rosa and Century Centers

Librarians provide workshops at these facilities when requested by faculty. Online materials and services are available to students at these locations as well as phone, email, and Virtual Librarian Zoom research assistance.

Technologies

eLearning (Distance Learning)

Pensacola State College is committed to providing every student with a consistent, comprehensive, and user-friendly eLearning environment to maximize scheduling flexibility and reduce travel time.

Most eLearning opportunities are college credit courses that are part of a baccalaureate, Associate in Arts, or Associate in Science degree program. These courses cover the same material at the same level of academic rigor as in the traditional face-to-face classroom environment; however, some students find online learning to be more challenging than classroom learning. Developmental education courses and Career Certificate (Vocational Certificate) clock-hour courses are not typically available through eLearning. The student utilizing VA benefits should contact the Veteran Services Office in Building 6 on the Pensacola Campus or by email at veterans@pensacolastate.edu to discuss using VA benefits for online coursework.

The extent to which a student may engage in eLearning is described in the following course models.

Distance Learning: Distance learning courses, also referred to as “online” courses, require no on-campus visits, except possibly for exams. Pensacola State College offers two types of online courses: Live Online (or Synchronous Online) and Online (or Asynchronous Online).

A Live Online class is scheduled like a traditional face-to-face class with the same content and experiences. The difference is that students and the faculty member are in different locations and are logged in to the class via the internet during the scheduled day(s) and time(s). Students see and hear the faculty member and classmates and participate in the class virtually. Reliable internet access, a webcam, and a microphone are required. Live Online classes are also referred to as Synchronous Online classes.

An Asynchronous Online class is not scheduled for specific days and times. Although the student may complete the coursework when desired, the student must make certain to meet all deadlines established by the faculty member. Reliable internet access is required.

Note: Although no on-campus visits are required for a Live Online or Asynchronous Online class, many instructors do require proctored testing, which the student may complete on a PSC campus or under the supervision of a mutually acceptable proctor living anywhere in the world.

In a Hybrid Course, campus visits are reduced and substituted with online instruction. Hybrid courses do not carry a Distance Learning Fee.

In-Person Face-to-Face Courses: These courses meet at a scheduled day, time, and location. A majority of college-credit courses now incorporate some degree of eLearning methods and technology. Although a traditional face-to-face course meets on campus for all instruction, the faculty member often includes supplemental course materials via Canvas, the College’s learning management system.

PirateMail

Each admitted student is provided an institutional email account called PirateMail and PirateMail used as the official method of communication to the student from the College. The student should activate the PirateMail account within a week of admission and is expected to check the PirateMail accounts at least once per week, more often during a registration period. The PirateMail account becomes available to the credit-seeking student one business day after the application or re-application has been processed. Failure to access the PirateMail account and read communications from the College will not be grounds for an appeal of any action taken by the College or any requirement established by a faculty member when that information has been communicated to a student by PirateMail. The PirateMail account will remain active throughout a student’s enrollment and for three terms after the last term of attendance.

College Closing

Due to unanticipated circumstances or in situations beyond the control of the College, the College may be closed. The College makes every effort to notify all students in a timely manner when a College closure will take place. Days during a College closure are considered non-class days for instructional purposes.

Development Educational Program

Developmental education is instruction through which a student who has been admitted to the College may attain the communication and computation skills necessary to be successful in college credit instruction.

The College offers developmental education courses in English, reading, and mathematics. Per Florida Statute 1008.30 and Rule 6A-10.0315, the students below are not required to be assessed for college readiness for communication and computation and thus have no testing requirements:

• A student who began 9th grade in a Florida public school in the 2003-2004 school year, or any year thereafter, and earned a standard high school diploma;
• A student who is an active-duty member of any branch of the United States Armed Services;
• A transfer student who earned a C or better in an approved college-level mathematics or English course from a regionally-accredited school; this student is exempt from placement testing for the area(s), computation or communication, in which the C or better was earned.
• A student who achieved the appropriate college-level scores on an approved common placement test within the last two years.

Students required to demonstrate college readiness for communication and computation may do so via a wide range of Common Placement Tests or Alternative Methods-either Tests and Assessments or Performance in High School Coursework-as indicated on the College Readiness and Assessment Standards document posted on the Documents and Links section of the Testing Center web page located at pensacolastate.edu/current-students/student-services/testing-center/. Contact an advisor for more information.

Test scores are used for placement in reading, writing, and mathematics courses. The scores are not used for admission purposes. A student who is not required to demonstrate college readiness for communication and computation may choose to be assessed and enroll in developmental education instruction.

A transfer student who has completed college-level English courses with grades of C or better and college-level mathematics courses with grades of C or better will not be required to submit placement test scores. However, if the official transcript is not on file and evaluated by the time of the second term of registration, demonstration of college readiness in communication and computation will be required.

Enrollment in any required developmental education courses should begin in the first term of attendance but must begin before the 12th credit hour is attempted. Enrollment in other college-level courses is permitted, provided the student is also enrolled in at least one of the required developmental education courses. Students should remain continuously enrolled in developmental education coursework until successfully completing all required developmental education courses.

A student whose placement test scores indicate the requirement for enrollment in two or more developmental education courses is recommended to enroll in SLS 1101 College Success. Enrollment in SLS 1101 will be recommended even if the course is not a part of the curriculum for the student’s degree plan. Contact an advisor for more information.
Developmental education courses do not satisfy any requirements for graduation. Each developmental education course description indicates the number of college preparatory (c.p.) credits awarded. For assistance in college credit course selection or for additional information about this state requirement, contact an advisor.

In accordance with Florida law, alternatives to traditional developmental education instruction, such as approved documented student achievements or private provider instruction, may be used to satisfy required developmental education coursework. For information on these options, contact Dr. Nelson Stewart in the Mathematics and Computer Science Department at (850) 484-1125 or Dr. Tracy Peyton in the English and Communications Department at (850) 484-1400.

Prior Learning Assessment

A student may earn credit for knowledge and skills gained outside the traditional classroom. On-the-job training, travel experiences, self-study, apprenticeship, and other similar life experiences may be translated into equivalent college or vocational credit through the Prior Learning Assessment (PLA) process. Only training and experiences in areas corresponding directly to Pensacola State College coursework will qualify for PLA credit. PLA credit will not be awarded for skills and experiences in areas not taught currently at the College. PLA credits awarded will be based on a portfolio review and will appear on the official Pensacola State College transcript in the same manner as other external credits. In all cases, no more than 25% of the student’s degree may be earned through PLA credits. Additional restrictions may apply to certain programs and courses. Questions and concerns regarding the Prior Learning Assessment process should be directed to the Office of the Vice President, Academic and Student Affairs, at (850) 484-1706.

Excess Credit Hours

Florida Statute establishes an excess hour surcharge for a student seeking a baccalaureate degree at a state university. It is critical that students, including those entering Florida state colleges, are aware of the potential for additional course fees.

Excess hours are defined as hours that go beyond 120% of the hours required for a baccalaureate degree program. For example, if the length of the program is 120 credit hours, the student may be subject to an excess hour surcharge for any credits attempted beyond 144 credit hours (120 x 120%).

All students whose educational plan may include earning a bachelor’s degree should make every effort to enroll in and successfully complete those courses that are required for their intended major on their first attempt. Florida college students intending to transfer to a state university should identify a major or transfer program early and be advised of admission requirements for that program, including the approved common prerequisites. Course withdrawals and/or repeats, as well as enrollment in courses non-essential to the intended major, may contribute to a potential excess hours surcharge.

Academic Honesty

Plagiarism, academic cheating, and other forms of academic dishonesty are serious offenses. A faculty member may take action against any student who is suspected of academic dishonesty. The action taken may be the awarding of a failing grade on the assignment in question or withdrawal from the course with the assignment of an Early 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 a resolution after discussion with the faculty member, the student may discuss the situation with appropriate academic officers beginning with the department head and the appropriate dean.

Plagiarism involves presenting the work, words, or ideas of another student, individual, 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 presented 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.).

Additional information can be found in the Student Handbook section of this College Catalog.

Standards of Academic Progress

College Credit Programs

The regulations regarding academic progress apply to all credit students regardless of the beginning date of attendance. In determining academic progress, all credits are combined: college credit and developmental education. Transfer courses and courses taken as audits will not be included in the determination of academic standing. “Attempted” is defined as any course in which a student has processed an official registration and in which a student remains enrolled after the schedule adjustment period excluding any course for which a student receives a refund. A student’s academic standing is determined at the end of the term in which the 13th hour is attempted. At the end of that term and every term thereafter, a student must have earned credit in one-half of all hours attempted and have a cumulative grade point average dependent upon those attempted hours as follows:

See the Grading Policy for an explanation of cumulative grade point average calculation; however, the GPA referred to here is a combined GPA of all courses regardless of level (college, vocational, developmental/preparatory).

Good Standing

A student is in good standing when the above requirements are met.

Academic Warning

A student is considered to be in good standing while in the warning status.

Academic Probation

A student will be placed on academic probation, after being on warning, at the end of a term if any one of the conditions in the above table is not met.

Academic Suspension

A student will be suspended, after being on probation, if any one of the conditions in the above table is not met.

Suspension Waiver

A student may request approval to re-enroll after suspension by filing a formal appeal to the Student Academic Appeals Committee. Appeal procedures may be accessed online through Workday via MyPSC at pensacolastate.edu or by contacting the Registrar’s office. If approved, the student will be permitted to enroll in a status of Suspension Waiver and is expected to complete all classes attempted with grades of C or better. In some instances, the Committee will establish additional enrollment conditions. If disapproved, the student may be dismissed. See Academic Dismissal.

Academic Dismissal

If, after being permitted to re-enroll in the status of Suspension Waiver, a student does not meet the conditions established by the Student Academic Appeals Committee, the student may be dismissed for one term. A student may appeal a dismissal to the Student Academic Appeals Committee. If approved, the student will re-enroll in the status of Suspension Waiver. If disapproved, the student will be required to sit out for one term. Committee disapproval may be appealed to the Vice President, Academic and Student Affairs.

Clock Hour Programs

Satisfactory progress is evaluated at the end of each grading period after grades are posted and evaluated. In order for a student to meet satisfactory academic progress in a clock-hour certificate program, both qualitative and quantitative conditions must be satisfied.

Qualitative

GPA: The student must maintain a GPA of a least 2.0 in all clock-hour courses. All terms of clock-hour attendance will be included in the GPA evaluation. Individual clock-hour programs may require a higher minimum GPA.

Quantitative

Progression: The student must successfully complete at least 67% of the clock hours attempted in a grading period. Progression is defined as the ratio of clock hours completed to clock hours attempted in a program during the scheduled weeks of attendance.

“Attempted” is defined as any course in which a student has processed an official registration and in which a student remains enrolled after the schedule adjustment period. Any course for which a student receives a refund will be excluded.

Good Standing

A student is meeting satisfactory progress when the above qualitative and quantitative requirements are met.

Academic Warning

If a student fails to meet the qualitative or quantitative requirements, the student will be considered under a satisfactory academic progress warning.

Academic Suspension

A student will be suspended, after being on warning, if either qualitative or quantitative conditions are not met in the warning period. The warning period is usually one term.

Clock Hour Suspension Waiver

A student may request approval to re-enroll after suspension by filing a formal request for a Suspension Waiver to the Student Academic Appeals Committee. Appeal procedures may be obtained online through Workday via MyPSC at pensacolastate.edu or by contacting the Registrar’s office. If approved, the student will be permitted to enroll in a status of

Clock Hour Suspension Waiver and is expected to complete all classes attempted with grades leading to a GPA of 2.0 or better. In some cases, the required grade point average may be higher than 2.0 in order for the student to have the required grade point average to graduate within the specified time frame. Additionally, the Committee may establish additional enrollment conditions. If disapproved, the student may be dismissed. See Academic Dismissal.

Academic Dismissal

If, after being permitted to re-enroll in the status of Suspension Waiver, a student does not meet the conditions established by the Student Academic Appeals Committee, the student may be dismissed for one term. A student may appeal a dismissal to the Student Academic Appeals Committee. If approved, the student will re-enroll in the status of Suspension Waiver. If disapproved, the student will be required to sit out for one term. Committee disapproval may be appealed to the Vice President, Academic and Student Affairs.

Transfer Students

Individuals requesting that hours be transferred to Pensacola State College for a clock hour certificate program must have successfully completed those hours within the previous four (4) years of entering Pensacola State College. The College will evaluate transfer hours on a case-by-case base with a requirement of at least 25% of a program being completed at Pensacola State College. Transfer hours must be evaluated and awarded prior to enrollment and the calculation of potential federal and state aid.

Good Standing

A student is in good standing when the above requirements, both completion and minimum GPA are met.

Academic Warning

A student will be placed on academic warning at the end of a term if any one of the conditions in the above table is not met. A student is considered to be in good standing while in the warning status.

Academic Probation

A student will be placed on academic probation, after being on warning, at the end of a term if any one of the conditions in the above table is not met.

Academic Suspension

A student will be suspended, after being on academic probation, at the end of a term if any one of the conditions in the above table is not met.

Suspension Waiver

A student may request approval to re-enroll after suspension by filing a formal appeal to the Student Academic Appeals Committee. Appeal procedures may be obtained online through Workday via MyPSC at pensacolastate.edu or by contacting the Registrar’s office. If approved, the student will be permitted to enroll in a status of Suspension Waiver and is expected to complete all classes attempted with grades of C or better. If disapproved, the student may be dismissed. See Academic Dismissal.

Academic Dismissal

If, after being permitted to re-enroll in the status of Suspension Waiver, a student does not meet the conditions established by the Student Academic Appeals Committee, the student may be dismissed for one term. A student may appeal a dismissal to the Student Academic Appeals Committee. If approved, the student will re-enroll in the status of Suspension Waiver. If disapproved, the student will be required to sit out for one term. Committee disapproval may be appealed to the Vice President, Academic and Student Affairs.