Student Rights and Responsibilities
Pasco-Hernando State College, an open-door institution, recognizes the rights of its students guaranteed by the Constitution of the United States and the Constitution of the State of Florida. The College further recognizes and identifies students' rights to equal access to all programs, information, freedom of speech, inquiry and assembly, the peaceful pursuit of an education and the reasonable use of services and facilities of the College.
As a dynamic, learning-centered educational institution, Pasco-Hernando State College is committed to serving the educational needs and interests of our community. As a teaching and learning community, relationships among students, faculty and staff are marked by mutual respect and appreciation for each other's roles and responsibilities.
Pasco-Hernando State College strives to maintain an educational environment that supports the academic, professional and/or personal development of all members of the community and identifies responsibilities assigned to students as members of the learning community.
Pasco-Hernando State College has established a "Statement of Student Rights" and a "Statement of Student Responsibilities" to educate students about the manner in which they are to pursue their own educational objectives as well as support the objectives of others. These statements identify the rights to which students are entitled through membership in the Pasco-Hernando State College learning community along with the responsible behaviors in which students should be engaged as members of the learning community.
Statement of Student Rights
As members of PHSC's learning community, students are entitled to certain rights and provisions, including a quality education and quality services. In addition, students have the right to know:
- The College's accreditation
- The College's admissions requirements, including limited-access programs
- The degrees and certificates offered
- The types of career and personal development resources available
- Course offerings and requirements
- Policy on class attendance and participation
- Grading policies and procedures
- The cost of attendance
- Financial aid availability
- How financial aid eligibility is determined
- How financial aid awards are calculated
- When financial aid is awarded
- Standards of academic progress requirements and their implications for course work and financial aid
- The College's refund policy
- The College's policies and procedures
- Academic and other support services availability
- Student activities availability
- Campus crime statistics
- Graduation rates
- Transfer rates
- Job placement rates
- Emergency procedures
- College operational hours
- The accommodations provided under the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Services Act of 1973
- Complaint and grievance procedures
Statement of Student Responsibilities
Listed below are the responsibilities that PHSC students accept through membership in the College's learning community. Each student should approach academic endeavors, relationships and personal responsibilities with a strong commitment to personal integrity and mutual respect. As members of the PHSC teaching and learning community, students have a responsibility to:
- Read the College Catalog and Student Handbook
- Become knowledgeable about college policies and procedures
- Provide accurate information on college forms, update that information when necessary and be the sole author of their applications
- Meet financial obligations to the College
- Attend regularly scheduled classes
- Complete assignments and exams based upon course syllabus information
- Participate in class
- Fulfill their academic responsibilities in an honest and forthright manner
- Secure their myPHSC (Canvas) account against unauthorized access by creating a strong password using the self service password reset system
- Protect their myPHSC (Canvas) account from being compromised by not sharing and/or giving out passwords
- Utilize appropriate support services when needed
- Abide by College policies and procedures
- Abide by the established computer use procedures
- Be aware of academic, financial aid and graduation requirements
- Seek help from faculty when needed
- Seek answers to questions
- Abide by the equipment usage policy
- Meet published deadlines
- Notify College officials if a condition exists which is in violation of students' rights, College policies, rules, standards or procedures
- Join/seek out groups and individuals who will help students achieve their goals
- Abide by state and federal laws
- Conduct themselves in a responsible manner in and out of the classroom
- Protect, support and contribute to a safe environment within the learning community
- Show regard for the property of the College, its community members and visitors