Dec 17, 2025  
2025-2026 College Catalog 
  
Catalog Navigation
  Catalog Home
  Academic Standards and Policies
  Academic Support
  Admissions
  Campus Maps
  Community Educational Offerings
  Course Descriptions
  Directory
  Financial Information
  General College Information
  General Education Requirements
  President’s Message
  Programs of Study
  Student Handbook
  Student Information
  Addendums
  Exploring SFSC’s New Digital Catalog
HELP
2025-2026 College Catalog

2025-2026 Student Handbook

< Return to: Handbook Home  

Student Rights and Responsibilities

When you are admitted to SFSC, you are subject to the jurisdiction of the College during your enrollment. As a member of the College community, you are expected to act responsibly in all areas of personal and social conduct. You are responsible for the observance of all SFSC District Board of Trustees’ policies and procedures as published in the College Catalog, the Student Handbook, and other College information bulletins. Violation of any of these rules may lead to disciplinary action in accordance with prescribed procedures for the handling of disciplinary cases and may range from reprimand to expulsion from the College.

The disciplinary function at SFSC is an integral part of the educational mission of the College. Discipline is seen as a tool for guiding and teaching rather than punishment. Unacceptable behavior is often symptomatic of attitudes, misconceptions, and emotional crises; the treatment of these symptoms through education and rehabilitative activities is an essential element of the disciplinary process. Severe disciplinary action against a student, such as suspension or expulsion, is considered and invoked only when other remedies fail. Even in the case of irrevocable expulsion for misconduct, the process will not be considered punitive in the criminal sense but rather the determination that the student is unqualified to continue as a member of the College community.

RIGHTS

Upon registration, students are entitled to the following freedoms and/or rights provided that their exercise is accomplished in accordance with College procedures and does not result in disruption or disturbance:

  • Right to a quality education.
  • Right to fair and equitable treatment in all interactions.
  • Right to participate in activities according to guidelines set forth in the course syllabi and general College policies and procedures.
  • Right to freedom of access to higher learning within the limits of its facilities. SFSC is open to all persons who are qualified according to its admissions and good standing policies. It is the responsibility of the College to make available the criteria it shall use in evaluating student success in all programs. It is the responsibility of the students to avail themselves of knowledge of these objectives and criteria as published and set forth by the College. The facilities and services of the College will be open to all enrolled students provided facilities are used in a manner appropriate to the academic community and in compliance with College policies.
  • Right to freedom of expression in the classroom. Instructors in the classroom and in conference will encourage free discussion, inquiry, and expression where relevant and appropriate to the educational objectives of the course. Students are free to take reasoned exception to the data or views offered in any course of study and to reserve judgment about matters of opinion; however, they are responsible for learning the content of any course of study for which they are enrolled. Student grading is done solely on an academic basis according to the course grading policy and not on opinions expressed by students in or outside of class.
  • Right to freedom of inquiry. Students and student organizations are free to examine and to discuss all questions of interest to them and to express opinions publicly and privately. You are free to support causes by orderly, peaceable, and acceptable means which do not disrupt the regular and essential operations of the College. When anyone wishes to invite a speaker to the SFSC campus, certain rules must be met by the inviting person or persons. Any speaker, entertainer, consultant, or other person(s) not employed by the College or enrolled in the College, invited or uninvited to the campus for the purpose of addressing, entertaining, consulting, or otherwise contacting any group of students, faculty, or other employees of the College, must provide information to the Office of Community Relations and Marketing at 863-784-7379 in advance of the visit. If the person or persons desire to come on campus uninvited, then it will be the responsibility of the person or persons to notify the Office of Community Relations and Marketing in advance of the visit if a gathering of 100 or more is anticipated. The institutional control of the campus facilities will not be used as an instrument of censorship. It is the responsibility of the persons who invite outside speakers to make it clear to the College and outside community that all views expressed are not those of the students, faculty, or employees of SFSC.
  • Right to protection against improper disclosure. Information about student views, beliefs, and political associations which instructors, counselors, and advisors acquire in the course of your work is considered confidential.
  • Right to privacy. The privacy and confidentiality of all student records shall be preserved. Official student records, supporting documents, and other student files shall be handled only by members of the College staff authorized for that purpose. Regulations of the State Board of Education prescribe the content and custody of limited access records that a college may maintain on its students (see section on Records and FERPA in this Handbook) and states that health and medical records of personal counseling, required student and family financial income records, transcript or student permanent academic records, and student placement records shall be open to inspection only by the student, the parents or guardian of minor students, and such members of the professional staff of the College as have responsibility for working with the students. The custodian of student records may release information from these records to others only upon authorization in writing from the student, parent of a minor, or upon order of a court of competent jurisdiction or by federal law. Students interested in access to these records should contact the Office of the Registrar.
  • Right to initiate changes at the College. If you have an idea or want to make a request for improvement in the regulations and conditions governing student life at SFSC, you should make your desires known to the Student Government Association (SGA). The SGA will evaluate the proposal and, through the SGA coordinator and designated representatives, make suggestions and recommendations to an appropriate member of the College staff for consideration and action. If this process does not result in a mutually acceptable outcome, you may request that the proposal be reviewed in the following order:
     
    1. The Learning and Student Success (LASS) Committee;
    2. The vice president of academic affairs;
    3. The president of the College; and 
    4. The SFSC District Board of Trustees.

    At any step in this process, you may request a recommendation from the vice president of student services of the College.
  • Right to know information. Reports, policies, and general information are available to you and potential students upon request from the vice president of student services, Building B, Room 167, Highlands Campus. 

RESPONSIBILITIES

As a student, you have a responsibility to:

1. Complete all admissions and enrollment requirements.
2. Review and consider all information about a program(s) before enrolling.
3. Keep the College informed of name and/or mailing address changes. These changes should be directed to the Office of the Registrar.
4. Report an accident or illness occurring on campus. You, another student, or a College representative should contact the vice president of student services to report any accident or illness at 863-784-7107. Although the College has no medical resources, hospitals are close by. Emergency first aid kits are located in each building on campus, and Student Services will notify the family or designated person of an injured or ill student. Any student involved in an accident on campus should contact the vice president of student services and complete an incident report. See safety information in this Handbook.
5. Arrange for payment of all fees before classes begin.
6. Attend class. Absences may result in a student being administratively withdrawn from a class. Students receiving state or federal financial aid assistance who are withdrawn from classes may be required to repay the funds. Instructors will explain class attendance policies to all students during their first week of class. Individuals not registered for a class are not permitted to attend the class. Veterans and students receiving financial assistance have other attendance requirements.
7. Contact your instructors (or your counselor/advisor) immediately if any concern or situation arises that may interfere with your progress or completion of the courses in which you are enrolled.
8. Contact your counselor or advisor if you wish to discuss concerns or situations of an academic, career, or personal nature.
9. Complete and submit the appropriate paperwork to drop or withdraw from a course or courses.
10. Abide by the policies and procedures of the College as set forth in the SFSC College Catalog and Student Handbook.

STUDENT CODE OF CONDUCT AND JUDICIAL PROCEDURES

SFSC has established regulations which are considered necessary to preserve and maintain an environment conducive to learning, to ensure the safety and welfare of members of the College community, to encourage students in the development and practice of good citizenship and self-discipline, and to protect property and equipment of the College. The vice president of student services is responsible for consideration and action regarding all disciplinary matters. This consideration and action will be based on College policies. Following are the standards of conduct expected of students and other members of the College community:

Definitions

A. The term “College” means South Florida State College.
B. The term “Code” may be referred to hereinafter as the Student Code of Conduct.
C. The term “student” includes all persons taking courses at SFSC, both full-time and part-time. Persons who are not officially enrolled for a particular term but who have a continuing relationship with SFSC are considered “students.” 
D. The term “faculty member” means any person hired by SFSC to conduct instructional activities. 
E. The term “SFSC official” includes any person employed by SFSC performing assigned administrative or professional responsibilities. 
F. The term “member of the SFSC community” includes any person who is a student, faculty member, SFSC official, or any other person employed by SFSC. A person’s status in a particular situation shall be determined by the vice president of student services or designee. 
G. The term “SFSC premises” includes all land, buildings, facilities, and other property in the possession of or owned, used, or controlled by SFSC. 
H. The term “organization” means any number of persons who have complied with the formal requirements of SFSC recognition/registration as an official student group.
I. The term “judicial body” means any person or persons authorized by the vice president of student services or designee to determine whether a student has violated the Code and to recommend imposition of sanctions. 
J. The term “shall” is used in the imperative sense (e.g., “must do” or “is obligated to do”). 
K. The term “may” is used in the permissive sense (e.g., “may or may not do”). 
L. The term “policy” is defined as the written regulation of SFSC as found in, but not limited to, the Student Code of Conduct, Student Handbook, and the College Catalog. 
M. The term “cheating” includes, but is not limited to: (1) use of any unauthorized assistance in taking quizzes, tests, or examinations; (2) dependence upon the aid of sources beyond those authorized by the instructor in writing papers, preparing reports, taking tests solving problems, or carrying out other assignments; or (3) the acquisition, without permission, of tests or other academic material belonging to a member of the SFSC faculty or staff. 
N. The term “plagiarism” includes, but is not limited to, the use, by paraphrase or direct quotation, of the published or unpublished work or ideas of another person without full and clear acknowledgment. It also includes the unacknowledged use of materials prepared by another person or agency engaged in the selling of term papers or other academic materials.

INTERIM ACTIONS FOR EMERGENCY SITUATIONS 

The president of the College is authorized to develop procedures to implement this policy including procedures for interim actions in emergency situations.

The vice president of student services, or designee, is authorized to determine if an alleged violation of the Student Code of Conduct warrants interim action. Interim action may be implemented at any time prior to the conclusion of the conduct process, including the appeal process.

A. The criteria used in making this determination is:

  1. Whether a student poses an ongoing threat of harm, disruption of, or interference with the normal operations of the College; and whether interim suspension is necessary to protect the health (physical and mental), safety or general welfare of the College community or to preserve College property.

B. Interim action includes, but is not limited to, one or more of the following:

  1. Interim Suspension. If the vice president of student services, or designee, determines that other interim measures are necessary to protect the health, safety, or welfare of the student or the College community, they may:
    a. Restrict or ban attendance at any or all classes.
    b. Restrict or ban access or contact with individuals in the College community.
    c. Restrict or ban access to College property, places, facilities, or equipment.
    d. Restrict or ban participation in College activities or organizations.
    e. Restrict or ban from College housing. 
    f. Suspend an SFSC student organization.
    g. Otherwise restrict conduct or ban access to College resources.
 
  2. The vice president of student services, or designee, may immediately place a registration hold on any student who has interim action taken against them, which prevents the student from accessing, changing, or altering his or her course registration and/or admission status.
 
  3. The vice president of student services, or designee, may also request that a student’s access to the portal, email, online course rooms, and other online information access be suspended. Implementation of interim action, such as interim suspension, requires the student be notified in writing immediately upon the determination that an interim action(s) is warranted. The notice shall state the basis for the interim actions(s) and that the student will have the opportunity to inspect all information that initiated the interim action(s). The written notice will be sent to the student’s College email account. The College may also communicate the determination verbally to the student but must also concurrently deliver the written notice as described above. The student has three business days from the date of the notice to make a written request to appeal the interim action(s). The appeal of the interim action(s) will be heard by the vice president of academic affairs, or designee, within three business days of receipt of the appeal. The hearing may be delayed due to a term break or closing of the College. The notification of decision shall be in correspondence via email to the student within three business days of hearing the appeal. The student’s appeal of the interim action(s) must be based on one of the following:
    a. An egregious error pertaining to the student’s or organization’s involvement contention that the violation, even if proven, does not pose a threat to the health, safety, or general welfare of the College community and thus does not warrant interim action.
    b. As a result of an appeal, if it is determined by the vice president of academic affairs, or designee, that the interim action be overturned, the student’s status will be reinstated and the conduct process will continue in accordance with the Student Code of Conduct.
    c. If the student does not appeal the interim action the conduct process will continue in accordance with the Student Code of Conduct.

Judicial Authority

A. The vice president of student services shall develop policies, procedures, and assurances for administering the judicial program and procedural rules for the conduct of hearings, which are consistent with provision of the code and College policies. 
B. Decisions made by a judicial body shall be final, pending the normal appeal process.
C. A judicial body may be designated as arbiter of disputes within the student community in cases which do not involve a violation of the Code. All parties must agree to arbitration, and to be bound by the decision with no right of appeal.
D. With the exception of acts of violence, or sexual misconduct (which is addressed separately by the College’s sexual harassment policy), accusations which allege a violation of the Student Code of Conduct may be handled in an informal manner, and not by hearing, based upon initial review by the vice president of student services, or designee.   

Hearings

A. Two types of hearings (administrative and committee) are provided for by the Code. Administrative hearings are more informal, can be scheduled more quickly than committee hearings, and are usually better suited to cases involving fewer questions of fact. Committee hearings are generally more appropriate for cases involving more serious charges.
B. The administrative hearing will be conducted by the vice president of student services or designee.
C. The committee hearing will be conducted by the Student Judicial Committee (SJC). The Committee, as a standing committee, is composed of three students (one from the Division of Arts and Sciences, one from the Division of Applied Sciences and Technologies, and one from Division of Health Sciences), three faculty members (one from the Division of Arts and Sciences, one from the Division of Applied Sciences and Technologies, and one from Division of Health Sciences), three administrators, and a hearing officer appointed by the president of the College. The hearing officer is a nonvoting member of the committee. Student members are to be selected by the vice president of student services from a list of students submitted by the SGA no later than Sept. 15 of each year. A voting quorum of four is required for transaction of business. No member of the committee who has an interest in the case shall sit in judgment. The Committee is responsible for hearing charges lodged against students for conduct under District Board of Trustees Policy 3.33, Control and Discipline of Students.
D. Normally, students may choose the hearing type to adjudicate their case. However, the vice president of student services or designee reserves the right to choose the appropriate hearing type based on the nature and circumstances of the case. 
E. If the student in question fails to appear for the hearing, the hearing may be held in the student’s absence. 
F. The hearing body will consider prior records of disciplinary action and victim impact statements only in the sanctioning phase of deliberations. 
G. The hearing body’s determination of “responsible” or “not responsible” will be based solely on information presented at the hearing. The standard of proof required to render a decision will be Preponderance of the Evidence.

Proscribed Conduct

A. The College’s jurisdiction and discipline are generally limited to conduct which occurs on College premises or conduct which adversely affects the College community and/or the pursuit of its objectives. However, SFSC will exercise its right to discipline a student for activities, which take place off campus when those activities adversely affect the College community. The vice president of student services will consider and determine on a case-by-case basis any off-campus activity in which the College jurisdiction should be asserted.
B. Any student found to have committed the following misconduct is subject to the disciplinary sanctions as outlined below under Judicial Policies, section B: Sanctions. All students, including students with disabilities, have the responsibility to meet the code of conduct by adapting behavior to the educational environment. Code of conduct violations and disruptive behavior, in particular, are to be defined as disciplinary in nature and not issues of mental health:
  1. Acts of dishonesty, including but not limited to the following:
    a. Cheating, plagiarism, or other forms of academic dishonesty, including the use of artificial intelligence (AI) to produce academic work or to show academic progress.
    b. Furnishing false information to any SFSC official, faculty member or office, including writing bad checks to SFSC for payment of fees, 
    c. Forgery, alteration, or misuse of any SFSC document, record, or instrument of identification, and
    d. Tampering with the election of any SFSC-recognized student organization. 
  2. Disruption or obstruction of teaching, research, administration, disciplinary proceedings, or other SFSC activities, including its public service functions on or off campus, or other authorized non-SFSC activities, when the act occurs on SFSC premises.
  3. Attempted or actual theft of and/or damage to property of SFSC or property of a member of the SFSC community or other personal or public property, including the theft of textbooks or library books.
  4. Participation in a campus demonstration which disrupts the normal operations of SFSC and infringes on the rights of other members of the SFSC community; leading or inciting others to disrupt scheduled and/or normal activities within any campus building or area, intentional obstruction which unreasonably interferes with freedom of movement, either pedestrian or vehicular, on campus.
  5. Electronic theft or other abuse of computer time, systems, and internet access including but not limited to:
    a. Unauthorized entry into files or systems to use, read, change the contents, or for any other purpose,
    b. Unauthorized use of another individual’s identification, password, or access privileges,
    c. Unauthorized use of the SFSC name, logos, insignia, copyrights, or identifiable properties,
    d. Use of computing facilities to interfere with the work of another student, faculty member, or SFSC official, and
    e. Other uses that violate the SFSC technology access and use policy.
  6. Physical abuse, including but not limited to, sexual battery, assault or rape, verbal abuse, threats, intimidation, harassment, coercion, stalking, retaliation, and/or other conduct which threatens or endangers the health or safety of any person.
  7. Hazing, defined as an act which endangers the mental or physical health or safety of a student, or which destroys or removes public or private property, for the purpose of initiation, admission into, affiliation with, or as a condition for continued membership in a group or organization. 
  8. Failure to comply with directions of SFSC officials or law enforcement officers acting in performance of their duties and/or failure to identify oneself to these persons when requested to do so. 
  9. Unauthorized use of premises and/or possession, duplication, or use of keys or entry codes to any SFSC premises. 
  10. Violation of published SFSC policies, rules, or regulations. 
  11. Violation of federal, state, or local law on College premises or at SFSC-sponsored or -supervised activities. 
  12. Use, possession, or distribution of narcotic or other controlled substances except as expressly permitted by law. 
  13. Use, public intoxication, and possession or distribution of alcoholic beverages except as expressly permitted by the law and SFSC regulations. 
  14. Illegal or unauthorized possession of firearms, explosives, other weapons, or dangerous chemicals on SFSC premises. 
  15. Obstruction of the free flow of pedestrian or vehicular traffic on SFSC premises or at SFSC-sponsored or -supervised functions. 
  16. Conduct which is disorderly, lewd, or indecent; breach of peace; or aiding, abetting, or procuring another person to breach the peace on SFSC premises or at functions sponsored by or participated in by SFSC.
  17. Abuse of the judicial system, including but not limited to:
    a. Failure to obey the summons of a judicial body,
    b. Falsification, distortion, or misrepresentation of information before a judicial body,
    c. Disruption or interference with the orderly conduct of a judicial proceeding, or any other SFSC proceeding including class,
    d. Institution of a judicial proceeding knowingly without cause,
    e. Attempting to influence the impartiality of a member of a judicial body prior to or during the judicial proceeding,
    f. Harassment (verbal or physical) and/or intimidation of a member of a judicial body prior to, during, or after a judicial proceeding,
    g. Failure to comply with the sanction(s) imposed under the Code, and
    h. Influencing or attempting to influence another person to commit an abuse of the judicial system.
  18. Sexual battery in any form, including attempted or acquaintance rape, will not be tolerated by the College. There is also a range of exploitative behavior, which does not amount to assault, which may result in disciplinary action against the perpetrator. Attempts to obtain sexual favors through psychological coercion, including but not limited to threats to embarrass or intimidate the victim (in a way that does not include threat of force) are examples of behavior that may result in disciplinary action. Greater detail is covered in the sexual misconduct procedures (available from the vice president of student services and Title IX coordinator). 
  19. Violation of Florida Statute § 553.865 “Safety in Privacy Spaces Act” - As provided by Section 553.865, F.S., willfully entering a restroom or changing facility designated for the opposite sex on the premises of the College and refusing to depart when asked to do so by any College administrative personnel, faculty member, security personnel, or law enforcement personnel, except when entering for these purposes:
    a. To accompany a person of the opposite sex for the purpose of assisting or chaperoning a child under the age of 12, an elderly person as defined in Section 825.101, F.S., or a person with a disability as defined in Section 760.22, F.S., or a developmental disability as defined in Section 393.063, F.S.
    b. For law enforcement or governmental regulatory purposes 
    c. For the purpose of rendering emergency medical assistance or to intervene in any other emergency situation where the health or safety of another person is at risk 
    d. For custodial, maintenance, or inspection purposes, provided that the restroom or changing facility is not in use
    e. If the appropriate designated restroom or changing facility is out of order or under repair and the restroom or changing facility designated for the opposite sex contains no person of the opposite sex
    Students have the right to file a complaint with the Attorney General should they feel that an educational institution has failed to meet the minimum requirements for restrooms and changing facilities under Section 553.865(4) and (5), F.S.    
  20. On occasion, situations may arise not specifically covered by College regulations or the Code, but which are harmful to the welfare of the College community or are obstructive to the orderly processes of the College. In these incidents, interpretation will be made by representatives of the College and appropriate action will be taken.
  21. SFSC students may record video or audio of class lectures in courses in which they are enrolled. Effective 07/01/2021 and per Federal and State privacy laws and regulations, students may record class lectures for three reasons, as delineated in Florida Statute Section 1004:097 (3) (g):
    a. for their education use;
    b. in connection with a complaint to the public institution of high education where the recording was made; or
    c. as evidence in, or in preparation for, a criminal or civil proceeding.
   

Recordings may not be used to engage in academic dishonesty and as a substitute for class participation and class attendance.

A class lecture is defined as a formal or methodical oral presentation by the faculty member as part of a SFSC class session intended to present information or teach the enrolled students about particular subjects. 

Students are prohibited from recording class activities other than lectures, including but not limited to lab sessions, student presentations (whether individually or as part of a group), class discussion (except when incidental to and incorporated with a class lecture), clinical presentations such as patient history, academic exercises involving student participation, tests or examination administrations, field trips, private conversations between students in the class or between a student and the faculty member, and guest speakers during a class session. 

A class lecture does not constitute other class activities such as class discussions unless these discussions are incidental to and incorporated within a class lecture. That means that questions asked by students in the class and answered by the faculty member during the lecture portion of the class may be recorded, while the classroom discussion portion of the class after the lecture may not. Classroom activities other than a lecture may not be recorded without the express consent (a clear and direct statement of agreement) of all participants.

NOTE: Your faculty member may or may not announce when the lecture portion of the class has ended, but it is up to the student to ensure not to record at an impermissible time and portion of the class session.

Student recordings of lecture may not be published or shared without the written consent of the faculty member. In this case, the word “publish” means to share, transmit, circulate, distribute, or otherwise provide access to the recording, regardless of the format to another person or persons, including but not limited to another student in the class. Also prohibited is the recording, or transcript of the recording, to be published, posted on, or uploaded to a media platform, including but not limited to social media, book, magazine, leaflet, picket sign, or printed anywhere. Failure to adhere to these requirements may constitute a violation of the SFSC Student Code of Conduct and a violation of the law. 

Florida Statute 1004.097 (4) (a) also provides a cause of action for declaratory and injunctive relief, damages, and reasonable attorney fees and court costs for those harmed by a violation of the Bill’s provisions. 

If a student shares or “publishes” a recording of a class lecture without the faculty member’s written consent, and, per Florida HB 233, a student’s unauthorized use of a recorded lecture allows the faculty member to take it to court for damages, including attorneys’ fees, totaling up to $200,000. Additionally, a student may face potential violations of the Student Code of Conduct.

Student accommodations to receive support services from the College Disabilities Office are made in advance. Recording of class lectures or other class activities are traditionally part of the course accessibility support provided to students with disabilities. Florida Statute 1004.097 will not impact activities as an approved auxiliary aid.

C. Violations of civil or criminal law will be referred to the appropriate law enforcement agency. 

Judicial Policies

A. Charges and Hearings (Complaints)

  A student who wishes to register a complaint should contact the specific source of the problem (person/office) with an explanation of the details. If no resolution comes of the discussion with the source, the student should follow the hierarchy by contacting the supervisor/chairperson, and subsequently the director/dean of the person or office. If no satisfaction or resolution is reached, then a formal complaint should be filed in writing to the vice president of student services. The vice president of student services will inform the student of the procedures and timeframes involved in the process.

A student who believes that he or she has been subjected to harassment or discrimination or any such conduct that has the effect of unreasonably interfering with the student’s educational experience should report such behavior to a College official who should notify the vice president of student services of the complaint. Confidentiality shall be maintained to the greatest extent possible within the law and the requirements needed for conducting appropriate investigation. If no satisfaction or resolution is reached, then a formal complaint should be filed in writing to the vice president of student services who will inform the student of the procedures and timeframes involved in the process.

If a complaint is filed against a student, the student in question will be guaranteed the following rights inherent in due process:
  1. The student shall be notified by the vice president of student services in writing by certified mail, return receipt requested, addressed to the student at his/her last known residence, and/or by handing a copy to the student. The notification will include that he/she is accused of violating a regulation and will explain the nature of the proceedings against him/her.
  2. The student shall be entitled to the following:
    a. Written notification of the charge(s) and the time and place of the hearing at least five days prior to the hearing.
    b. Written notification of the names of the witnesses who are directly responsible for having reported the alleged violation or, if there are no such witnesses, written notification of how the alleged violation came to be reported.
    c. Written notification of the evidence to be received at the hearing.
  3. The student shall be entitled to attend in person throughout the presentation of evidence; to know the identity of witnesses against him/her; to present evidence; and to receive a case summary after the hearing. The student also may elect not to appear before the judicial body. Should the student elect not to appear, the hearing shall be held in his/her absence.
  4. If the student has been charged with a violation of College policy or a criminal act, he/she may bring a legal counselor to the hearing provided that:
    a. The vice president of student services is notified by the student of his/her intention to bring a legal counselor to the hearing within two College work days after receiving notice of the hearing, and
    b. The legal counselor is aware that he/she may provide only passive assistance to the student. The counselor is not allowed to speak to any witness or member of the judicial body.
  5. The student shall be entitled to remain in class until charges have been heard and disciplinary action imposed unless it is determined that the student may pose a threat to the health and safety of the College community.
  6. The student shall be entitled to ask questions of the judicial body or any witnesses.
  7. The student shall not be required to testify against themself. 
  8. The student shall be entitled to an expeditious hearing of their case.
  9. The student shall be entitled to an impartial decision-maker.
  10. The student shall be entitled to present a defense.
  11. The student shall be entitled to make a transcript of the hearing.
  12. The student shall be entitled to have the hearing open to the public if the facilities for such a meeting are available without undue hardship to the College.
  13. Should the student admit to the facts charged, they will be afforded the right to a hearing on the disciplinary action to be imposed.
  14. The student may appeal the initial hearing decision with the vice president for academic affairs, or designee, within seven days from date of the letter notifying the student of the judicial body’s decision.
  15. The decision of the vice president for academic affairs shall be final.

B. Sanctions

  1. A student violating the rules and regulations of the College shall be subject to the following disciplinary action determined by the nature of the offense, considering the student’s previous conduct record: 
    a. Reprimand/Warning - A notice in writing to the student that the student is violating or has violated College regulations.
    b. Probation - Probation is for a designated period of time and includes the probability of more severe disciplinary sanctions if the student is found to be violating any institutional regulation during the probationary period.
    c. Requirement of Restitution - Compensation for loss, damage, or injury. This may take the form of appropriate service and/or monetary or material replacement.
    d. Academic Penalty - For academic dishonesty violations, the student will be given a zero (F) for the assignment/course as indicated by the case.
    e. Discretionary Sanctions - Work assignments, service to SFSC, community service, or other related discretionary assignments.
    f. Loss of Privileges - Denial of specified privileges for a designated period of time.
    g. Fines - Previously established and published fines may be imposed. 
    h. Dean’s Hold or Other Departmental Hold - A hold is placed on a student who has unfinished business with a College official or department. A hold prohibits a student from the following: obtaining transcripts, obtaining a diploma, receiving funds, and registering for and attending classes. The hold is lifted only if the student attends to the matter which initiated the hold. 
    i. Suspension - Separation of the student from the College or residence hall for a definite period of time, after which the student is eligible to return. Conditions for readmission may be specified. 
    j. Dismissal - Separation from the College or residence hall for an indefinite period of time. Readmission may be possible, based on meeting all readmission criteria and obtaining clearance from the vice president of student services or designee. 
    k. Expulsion - Permanent separation of the student from SFSC or residence hall. NOTE: When a student is found guilty of unacceptable conduct which warrants suspension or expulsion, the vice president of student services shall forward the findings and recommendations of the case to the vice president for academic affairs for review prior to the effective date of implementation of the action to be taken.
  2. More than one of the sanctions listed above may be imposed for any single violation.
  3. First offense students who are found guilty of academic dishonesty as determined by the instructor of the course will have the following sanctions applied:
    a. Be given a grade of zero (F) for the assignment/exam involved,
    b. If successful completion of the assignment/exam is required for the course, the student will also be given a grade of F for the course, and
    c. A copy of the action will be forwarded to the vice president of student services where it will be maintained in a disciplinary file. Should the student be charged a second time for academic dishonesty, the student will be required to go through the judicial process as outlined in the SFSC Student Handbook.
  4. Other than SFSC expulsion, disciplinary sanctions shall not be made part of the student’s permanent academic record, but shall become part of the student’s confidential record. Upon graduation, the student’s confidential record may be expunged of disciplinary actions other than suspension or expulsion, upon application to the vice president of student services. Cases involving the imposition of sanctions other than suspension or expulsion shall be expunged from the student’s confidential record three years after final disposition of the case or according to state laws.

C. Appeals

  Appeals of the judicial body, or vice president of student services, or designee’s decision, must be filed within five College business days of the decision rendered to the student. If an appeal is not filed within this timeframe, the student is considered to have accepted the decision and sanctions, and the case is considered closed. Except as required to explain the basis of new evidence not reasonably available at the time of the hearing, an appeal shall be limited to review of the verbatim record of the initial hearing and supporting documents for one or more of the following purposes:
  1. To determine whether the original hearing was conducted fairly in light of the charges and evidence presented, and in conformity with prescribed procedures giving the complaining party a reasonable opportunity to prepare and present evidence that the Code was violated, and giving the student in question a reasonable opportunity to prepare and to present a rebuttal of those allegations.
  2. To determine whether the decision reached regarding the student in question was based on substantial evidence, that is, whether the facts in the case were sufficient to establish that a violation of the Code occurred.
  3. To determine whether the sanction(s) imposed were appropriate for the violation of the Code, which the student was found to have committed.
  4. To consider new evidence, sufficient to alter a decision or other relevant facts not brought out in the original hearing, because such evidence and/or facts were not known to the person appealing at the time of the original hearing.
  5. If an appeal is upheld by the vice president for academic affairs (VPAA), or designee, the matter may be resolved by the VPAA, or designee, or may be remanded to the original judicial body for re-opening of the hearing to allow reconsideration of the original determination and/or sanctions.
  6. In cases involving appeals by the student in question of violating the Code, review of the sanction by the VPAA, or designee, may not result in more severe sanction(s) for the student in question. Instead, following an appeal, the VPAA, or designee may, upon review of the case, reduce, but not increase, the sanctions imposed by the judicial body or vice president of student services.
  7. In all cases, once final action has been taken, the vice president of student services shall inform the complainant in writing of that action.
  8. The decision of the VPAA, or designee, is the final decision of the College.

Student’s Rights

A. Rights of the Student in Question

  1. To have a presumption that no violation occurred.
  2. To have an impartial hearing officer.
  3. To be given a written notice of the Student Code of Conduct charge and the allegations upon which the charge is based.
  4. To be given an information session, at which time the judicial process and the student’s rights will be fully explained. The student will be permitted to review all materials related to the charge and then confirm the forum in which the case will be heard. An agreed upon date will then be set for the hearing. This must be requested by the student at least two College working days prior to the date of the hearing of the case.
  5. To have the hearing handled in a forthright and timely fashion and be notified of all timelines.
  6. To be accompanied during the hearing by an advisor of the student’s choice, who is not serving in any other role.
  7. To be given a fair and impartial hearing, during which the student will be permitted to address the charges and provide information, including witnesses. The student may remain silent and has a right against self-incrimination.
  8. To know that a recording will be made of the entire hearing process.
  9. To appeal the decision of the hearing body.

B. Rights of the Alleged Victim or Complainant

  1. To have a judicial referral handled in a forthright and timely fashion.
  2. To be accompanied during the hearing by an advisor of the complainant’s choice.
  3. To have unrelated past behavior excluded from the judicial process.
  4. To submit questions to the hearing body. The hearing body will then consider posing the questions to the charged student.
  5. To submit a statement about the impact of the offense, to be considered by the hearing body only in the sanctioning phase of deliberations if the student in question is found responsible for the charge.
  6. To be present throughout the hearing, or portions thereof, as approved by the hearing chair.
  7. To be notified of the outcome of the hearing process. In the case of sexual assault, both parties are to be notified at the same time.
  8. To know that a recording will be made of the entire hearing process.

Interpretation and Revision

A. Any question of interpretation regarding the Code shall be referred to the VPAA or designee for final determination.
B. The Code shall be reviewed annually by the vice president of student services under the direction of the VPAA.

DISCRIMINATION, HARASSMENT, AND/OR SEXUAL HARASSMENT COMPLAINT PROCEDURE

I.  Purpose:

  The purpose of this procedure is to specify the appropriate process for students, employees, applicants for admission or employment or third parties alleging discrimination or harassment based on race, color, religion, gender, national origin, ethnicity, age, disability, marital status, political affiliation, sexual orientation, genetic information, or pregnancy for filing a discrimination or harassment complaint.
  A. Student: This procedure does not apply to complaints related to matters such as academic problems, academic grades, mistreatment by any College employee that is not related to discrimination, wrongful fee assessment, financial aid concerns, records and registration errors, and student employment of a general nature. 
  B. Employee: This procedure does not apply to employee performance appraisals, unless it is alleged that the appraisal is based on factors other than the employee’s performance.

II. Definitions:

  A. Student: Throughout this procedure, the term “student” includes current students and applicants for admission. 
  B. Employee: Throughout this procedure the term “employee” includes current employees and applicants for employment.
  C. Complaint: The dissatisfaction that occurs when an employee believes that any condition of employment is unjust or inequitable based on discrimination or harassment or when a student believes that any condition of his or her educational experience is unjust or inequitable based on discrimination or harassment.  
  D. Complainant: An individual or group of individuals who file a complaint against another individual or group of individuals.
  E. EA/EO (Equal Access/Equal Opportunity) Coordinator: Individual(s) appointed by the president to assist a student or employee in defining the specifics of an incident or complaint, facilitate the following procedures, and monitor the case through to its conclusion.  The EA/EO coordinator does not represent the student or employee. Specific contact information for the EA/EO employee coordinator and the EA/EO student coordinator is provided below. In addition, this information is prominently displayed throughout all the campuses and centers and can be found on the College’s website (Title IX Sexual Harassment and Discrimination page). 

EA/EO Student Coordinator
Dr. Mark Bukowski, Vice President of Student Services
863-784-7107, Building B, Room 167, First Floor
600 West College Drive, Avon Park, FL 33825
Mark.Bukowski@southflorida.edu
 
EA/EO Employee Coordinator
Donald L. Kesterson Jr., Director of Human Resources
863-784-7336, Building I, Room 100, First Floor
600 West College Drive, Avon Park, FL 33825
Donald.Kesterson@southflorida.edu
 
  F. Harassment: Consists of verbal or physical conduct on the basis of race, color, religion, gender, national origin, ethnicity, age, disability, marital status, political affiliation, sexual orientation, genetic information, or pregnancy that: 
    1. is intended to or is reasonably likely to embarrass, distress, agitate, disturb or trouble the person or designated group to whom it is directed or to create an intimidating, hostile or offensive educational or work environment; 
    2. has the purpose or effect of unreasonably interfering with the individual’s work or school performance or participation; or
    3. otherwise adversely affects an individual’s employment or educational opportunities.
    Harassment, as defined above, may include, but is not limited to, repeated remarks of a demeaning nature, implied or explicit threats, slurs, innuendoes or gestures, demeaning jokes, stories, pictures, objects or activities directed at recipient which reflect upon the recipient’s race, color, religion, gender, national origin, ethnicity, age, disability, marital status, political affiliation, sexual orientation, genetic information, or pregnancy.
  G. Sexual Harassment: A form of discrimination which is against the law and is against Board policy.  The College will not tolerate sexual harassment activities by any of its students or employees. Sexual harassment is behavior based on sex which falls under one of the following categories:
    1. Harassment which culminates in a tangible employment or academic action such as discharge, demotion, undesirable reassignment, or lowered grading; or
    2. Harassment in which no adverse tangible employment or academic action is taken but which is sufficient to constructively alter an employee’s working conditions or student’s educational experience.
  H. Respondent: An individual or group of individuals against whom a complaint is filed.

III. Guiding Principles

  A. Retaliation - It is a violation of College policy to retaliate or take reprisal against any person who has filed a complaint or who has complained about discrimination, harassment or sexual harassment based on the fact that the employee raised an issue about discrimination, harassment, or sexual harassment to his or her supervisor, or any supervisor, or manager of the College, to any dean, vice president, or other administrator, to any other person, entity, or human rights agency.
  B. False or Malicious Complaints - Any student or employee found to have acted dishonestly or maliciously in filing a complaint, or in their actions or witness statements during an official investigation, shall also become subject to possible disciplinary action.

IV. Procedure

  A. The College will thoroughly investigate and resolve all appropriate complaints. 
  B. The privacy of both the complainant and the respondent will be respected, consistent with the College’s legal obligations under state and federal laws and with the necessity to investigate allegations of misconduct and take corrective action when this has occurred. 
    1. Student: During an investigation, the College reserves the right to reassign a student in accordance with the Student Code of Conduct. 
    2. Employee: During the investigation, the College reserves the right to reassign an employee or place an employee on paid leave.
  C. The EA/EO coordinators are responsible for investigation of all employee and student complaints. 
    1. Student:  All communications, documents, and records, paper or electronic, pertinent to a student complaint process shall be kept in files separate from student academic records. 
    2. Employee: All communications, documents, and records, paper or electronic, pertinent to an employee complaint process shall be kept in files separate from human resource records.
  D. Filing a Complaint
    In the event that a student or employee believes that he/she has been the subject of discrimination, harassment, or sexual harassment and cannot resolve the issue with the alleged party, that individual shall report his/her complaint to the appropriate EA/EO employee coordinator or the EA/EO student coordinator within 60 working days of the alleged incident. Information on contacting the EA/EO coordinators is available on the College website and prominently displayed throughout College facilities.
    1. Student: In the event that the alleged party is the EA/EO coordinator, the student should report his/her complaint to the vice president for academic affairs. Contact information for the vice president for academic affairs is available on the College website. 
    2. Employee:  In the event that the alleged party is the EA/EO coordinator, the employee should report his/her complaint to the vice president of administrative services. Contact information for the vice president of administrative services is available on the College website.
    Any administrator or faculty who is informed of a complaint must refer the complainant to the appropriate EA/EO coordinator immediately. The EA/EO coordinator will describe the complaint process to the complainant and review information relative to the complaint. If a complainant cannot state a sufficient basis in fact or law to support a discrimination, harassment, or sexual harassment claim, the EA/EO coordinator shall assist the complainant with selecting a more appropriate internal means of resolving the specific complaint.
    Additionally, any administrator or faculty who has knowledge of a complaint must refer the complainant to the appropriate EA/EO coordinator. The College has an obligation under law to investigate all reports of discrimination, harassment, and/or sexual harassment, whether or not a complaint has been filed by the victim.
  E. Investigation
    1. Informal - The EA/EO coordinator will attempt to resolve the allegation informally by meeting with both parties, either individually or together. The informal resolution process is an attempt to resolve complaints quickly and to the satisfaction of all parties, while protecting confidentiality to the extent authorized by law. The aim of the informal dispute resolution is not to determine if there was intent to discriminate or harass, or actual discrimination, harassment and/or sexual harassment, but to ensure that the alleged discriminatory and/or harassing conduct ceases and the matter is resolved promptly at the lowest possible level. Both parties must agree to an informal resolution process. The EA/EO coordinator will complete the informal investigation within 30 working days.
      If the complaint is resolved by mutual agreement of the parties, the matter will be considered settled. The EA/EO coordinator will file a written report outlining the result of the informal complaint to both parties and the president within 15 working days of final resolution of the informal complaint.
    2. Formal - If the complaint cannot be resolved informally, the complainant shall file a formal, written complaint with the EA/EO coordinator.
  a. All complaints should be in writing. Written complaints may be submitted in the form of a letter or memo. The complaint should include the following:
  • Complainant’s name and signature 
  • Description of the act or acts complained of 
  • Identity of the person or persons involved in the complaint (the “respondents”)
  • Date(s) on which alleged acts occurred
  • Names and contact information of potential witnesses
  • Effect the alleged acts have had on the complainant
  • Complainant’s desired resolution
  • Any other information the complainant believes is relevant
  b. Written complaints must be filed within 10 working days after receipt of the informal report. Upon receipt of the written complaint, the following will occur:
  • The EA/EO coordinator will review the formal complaint process with the complainant and provide a copy of the applicable College policy and procedure.
  • The EA/EO coordinator will notify the president and the appropriate department administrator of the formal complaint.
  • The EA/EO coordinator will conduct a prompt and thorough investigation by reviewing documents and interviewing witnesses.   
  • Any persons thought to have information or evidence relevant to the complaint shall be interviewed and such interviews shall be appropriately documented.
  • If determined necessary, an appropriate senior-level administrator will conduct interviews jointly with the EA/EO coordinator.
  • While interviewing witnesses, the EA/EO coordinator will not disclose information gathered from witness interviews to anyone other than the complainant and respondent. Both the complainant and the respondent have the right to know the statements made and the identification of persons making statements.    
  • The EA/EO coordinator may remind a reluctant witness that it is his or her duty to cooperate with the investigation.
  • The EA/EO coordinator may secure any information that was given during the informal process.  
  • Other acceptable methods for gathering information include, but are not limited to, visual inspection of offensive materials and follow-up interviews as necessary. 
  • In determining whether the alleged conduct constitutes discrimination, harassment and/or sexual harassment, the totality of the circumstances, the nature of the conduct, frequencies, and the context in which the alleged conduct occurred will be investigated.
  • The EA/EO coordinator will provide a copy of the written complaint to the respondent.  
  • The EA/EO coordinator will file a written report with the appropriate vice president and the president within 30 working days after the formal complaint has been filed. The report shall include:
  1. an outline of the basis of the complaint,
  2. the names of the persons involved,
  3. a description of the facts of the case that were in dispute,
  4. a description of the findings of the investigation, and
  5. the final resolution of the investigation.
  • The EA/EO coordinator will meet individually with the complainant and respondent to discuss the findings and provide a written summary of the overall findings. The College will take appropriate action to ensure nondiscrimination.
  F. Appeal/Final Resolution of Complaint
    1. Right to Appeal - Both the complainant and the respondent have the right to appeal the civil rights compliance officer’s findings. The appealing party may petition the president for review of a decision by the EA/EO coordinator within five working days of the date of the decision. The written petition shall state the facts of the case, a summary of the findings of the civil rights compliance officer and the appealing party’s reason for petitioning the president for review. The president’s action will be limited to review of the basis for the EA/EO coordinator’s disposition and will not necessarily involve a new factual investigation. Notwithstanding the above, the president may, but is not required to, direct that further facts be gathered, direct a group (no more than three) to review the facts and make a recommendation to the president, or direct that additional remedial action be taken.  
      The president will act on the matter by letter, memo, or directive with notification to the complainant, the respondent and other appropriate persons within 15 working days of the receipt of the petition of appeal. The decision of the president shall be final.
    2. Decline to Appeal - In cases where no appeal is filed within five working days of receipt of the summary report and findings of the formal investigation, the determination of the EA/EO coordinator will be final.
    3. Withdrawal of Complaints - Once filed, the College has an obligation to investigate complaints raising claims of discrimination, harassment or sexual harassment. However, in appropriate circumstances, and at the discretion and judgment of the president, the College may agree upon a written and signed request to do so by the complainant, to withdraw a complaint. Both the complainant and the respondent will be notified of the withdrawal.

TITLE IX

Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972 (20 U.S.C. Section 1681) is a federal law that prohibits discrimination on the basis of sex in educational programs and activities at institutions that receive federal financial assistance. Sexual harassment, which includes acts of sexual violence, is a form of sex discrimination prohibited by Title IX. Sex discrimination is a continuum of behaviors ranging from sexual harassment and intimidation to sexual assault.

SFSC is committed to maintaining a learning environment free from discrimination on the basis of sex, which includes sexual harassment and sexual violence. These acts violate an individual’s fundamental rights and personal dignity and will not be tolerated. SFSC seeks to address sex discrimination, sexual harassment, and sexual violence through education, policy enforcement, and by providing mechanisms for students, faculty, staff, and visitors to report concerns or complaints. Prompt corrective measures will be taken to stop sex discrimination, sexual harassment, and sexual violence whenever it occurs. Policies and procedures related to Title IX can be found on the SFSC website at southflorida.edu/title-ix-sexual-harassment.

In accordance with Title IX regulations, SFSC has designated the following individuals to ensure that all sex discrimination complaints, which includes sexual harassment and sexual violence, are responded to both thoroughly and in a timely manner.

These individuals are responsible for overseeing the monitoring and application of College policy with regards to Title IX law developments; implementation of grievance procedures, including notification, investigation and disposition of complaints; provision of educational materials and training for the campus community; and coordinating and/or conducting investigations of grievances and complaints pertaining to Title IX. The Title IX coordinator is primarily responsible for monitoring and overseeing the implementation of Title IX programs and activities. The deputy Title IX coordinators assist the Title IX coordinator in fulfilling these duties:
 

Title IX Coordinator
Christianna Bobo
863-784-7039, Building B, Room 160, First Floor
600 West College Drive, Avon Park, FL 33825
Christianna.Bobo@southflorida.edu
 
Deputy Title IX Coordinator
Dr. Mark Bukowski, Vice President of Student Services
863-784-7107, Building B, Room 167, First Floor
600 West College Drive, Avon Park, FL 33825
Mark.Bukowski@southflorida.edu
 
Deputy Title IX Coordinator
Donald L. Kesterson Jr., Director of Human Resources
863-784-7336, Building I, Room 100, First Floor
600 West College Drive, Avon Park, FL 33825
Donald.Kesterson@southflorida.edu

PROHIBITION OF HAZING

To define actions or situations that recklessly or intentionally endanger the mental or physical health or safety of a student and are considered to be hazing activities. 

The term “hazing” will include any action or situation that recklessly or intentionally endangers the mental or physical health or safety of a student for purposes including, but not limited to, initiation or admission into or affiliation with any organization operating under the sanction of a postsecondary institution; or the perpetuation or furtherance of a tradition or ritual of any organization operating under the sanction of a postsecondary institution. ‘Hazing’ includes but is not limited to pressuring or coercing the student into violating state or federal law; any brutality of a physical nature, such as whipping, beating, branding, exposure to the elements, forced consumption of any food, liquor, drug, or other substance; or other forced physical activity that could adversely affect the physical health or safety of the student, and also includes any activity that would subject the student to extreme mental stress, such as sleep deprivation, forced exclusion from social contact, coerced conduct that could result in extreme embarrassment, or other forced activity that could adversely affect the mental health or dignity of the student. Hazing does not include customary athletic events or other similar contests or competitions or any activity or conduct that furthers a legal and legitimate objective (Section 1006.63(1), Florida Statutes (F.S.)).

This rule shall apply to acts conducted on or off College sites whenever such acts are deemed to constitute hazing by College or non-College sponsored organizations.

Any organization suspected of blatant disregard for the above hazing rules will be investigated by the vice president of student services and if found to be in violation of the procedure, the organization’s charter will be revoked and the organization will cease to operate on or off campus under the sanction of the College. Furthermore, any hazing violation will result in the suspension of the club or organization by the vice president of student services. Suspension will result in the following:

1.  A loss of the rights to induct new members for one term and preclusion from participating in College-sponsored activities as a recognized organization.
2.  Denial of the use of the name of the College when engaged in activities off campus.
3.  Denial of the use of the name of the College when engaged in activities off campus.






Any individual(s) suspected of violating the above hazing rule shall be investigated by the Office of Student Services and, if warranted, charged with the appropriate violation of the Student Code of Conduct. Students charged with a violation of hazing will be referred to the Student Judicial Committee (SJC) as well as law enforcement for appropriate action.