/Institutions/Pensacola-State-College/json/2014-2015/Catalog-local.json

/Institutions/Pensacola-State-College/json/2014-2015/Catalog.json

2014-2015 Catalog > Student Handbook > Student Responsibilities > Basic Student Responsibilities

Basic Student Responsibilities

The statement which follows was prepared by a student-faculty committee after an extensive and intensive review and study of the College’s rules and regulations governing students and student organizations. The purpose of this statement is to clarify for students and to assist students in understanding the position of the College on matters of student rights and responsibilities. This statement endorses a concept of community responsibility wherein students will be provided the opportunity to develop an independent capacity to search for truth and formulate educational goals.

Introduction

A student is first a citizen of his or her country, and as such is entitled to its freedoms and benefits as well as being 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 of which membership brings to the student 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 not compulsory. The Federal Constitution protects the equality of opportunity for all qualified persons to enroll at Pensacola State College. Enrollment is voluntary. 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 assure 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 Responsibilities

1. The student is responsible for compliance with regulations contained in the College Catalog/Student Handbook, and in any bulletins, letters or memoranda issued by the President or his or her designated representatives.
2. The student should strive to become an active learner and engage in free discussion, inquiry, and expression where appropriate.
3. The student should make every effort to be present for class sessions throughout the term so that sufficient basis is established for grading.
4. The student is responsible for learning the content of any course as required by the instructor.
5. The student should be punctual and prepared for class.
6. The student is responsible for his or her own and his or her classmate’s honesty in the classroom, according to the Student Honor Code.
7. The student is responsible for his or her actions on campus and in the classroom.
8. The student is responsible for reviewing his or her Pirate Mail account on a frequent and regular basis.

College Authority Regarding Student

1. Under the authority of the State Board of Education (Regulation No. 6A-14.56), the District Board of Trustees of Pensacola State College is required to establish policies and procedures governing the behavior and discipline of students.
2. The delegated authority of the College to impose penalties will be asserted when the Code of Conduct is violated.
3. When activities of the student results 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. 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.

Policy Information

A student who wishes to suggest changes in the academic policy of the College (policy concerning curriculum, attendance, grading, etc.) should submit a written recommendation to the Student Government Association for evaluation. The SGA may approve or disapprove the suggestion. If approved, the proposal will be submitted by the SGA through administrative channels to the President of the college for action.

Classroom Activity

1. The instructor, in the classroom and in conference, should encourage free discussion, inquiry and expression. Student performance should be evaluated solely on an academic basis, not on opinions or conduct in matters unrelated to academic standards.
2. Students 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. They are responsible, however, for learning the content of any course of study for which they are enrolled.
3. Students should be evaluated through orderly procedures. Students are responsible for maintaining standards of academic performance established for each course in which they are enrolled.

Class Attendance

Regulations governing punctual and regular class attendance are outlined under the Academic Regulations and Policies section.

Dress and Appearance

Students are expected to dress and maintain their personal appearance in a manner which will not endanger their health, welfare, or safety. This will be in accordance with state and local laws and the College’s Code of Conduct.

Student Honor Pledge

All students enrolled at Pensacola State College are expected to fulfill the 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.”

The following shall be considered infractions of the honor pledge:

1. Lying is a deliberate falsification of facts. It includes a deliberate act of deception or the telling of an untruth during direct questioning before members of authority, either fellow students or faculty members.
2. Cheating is giving or receiving aid, whether written, oral, or otherwise, in order that a student may receive undeserved credit.