GRADUATION REQUIREMENTS
   Students completing college transfer programs receive the Associate in Arts Degree, and are certified as completing general education requirements. NOTE: Some technical courses cannot be used as electives in the A.A. degree programs, nor do College Prep courses apply toward graduation. See an Advisor for information regarding degree requirements and applicable courses. A.A. degree candidates also are required to achieve passing scores on all sections of the CLAST, or meet the CLAST alternatives.
   Students completing occupational/technical degree programs receive either the Associate in Science (A.S.) or Associate in Applied Science (A.A.S.) degree depending upon the program option selected. Students in health-related programs may be required to earn a grade of "C" or higher in all discipline-specific courses. College Prep courses do not apply toward either A.S. or A.A. S. degree requirements
   All students planning to graduate must meet with an Advisor and apply for graduation in Student Services no later than the deadline published in the term schedule booklet.  
Polk Community College graduation requirements:

• completion of all admissions requirements including the submission of all necessary transcripts and other documents
• completion of the required semester credit hours (minimum 60) in a prescribed program of study
• PCC and overall GPAs of 2.0 or higher
completion of a minimum of 15 academic credit  
hours "in residence" during the sophomore year
• discharge all financial obligations.

All graduates are invited to participate in the formal graduation ceremony held at the end of Terms I and II (Fall and Spring). Summer graduates are invited to participate in the fall ceremony.

PETITIONS
   Students who feel College regulations are not interpreted or applied fairly may petition the Admissions and Petitions Committee. The Committee reviews each individual written request and makes a recommendation to the President for final disposition. Information about the petitioning process is available from Academic Advisors.

CONDUCT, DISCIPLINE AND DUE PROCESS
   Students at Polk Community College are expected to act in a responsible manner supporting and enhancing the educational process. PCC has a tradition of excellent conduct by its students, and the degree of responsibility they exhibit is a reflection of the educational atmosphere of the college.
   Although the vast majority of students are never affected, when acts of unacceptable conduct occur they are dealt with in a manner supporting our educational purpose.
   The Board of Trustees defines unacceptable conduct, including sexual misconduct, sets forth the penalties and disciplinary procedures which apply when violations occur, and describes the due process requirements used. A brochure summarizing the Board Rule is available in Student Services.
   The Dean of Student Services is responsible for the administration of Discipline and Due Process. Any person may refer a student, a student group, or student organization suspected of unacceptable conduct to the Dean of Student Services for investigation and action. Cases of cheating are referred to the appropriate instructor. The focus of disciplinary proceedings is the guilt or innocence of those accused of unacceptable conduct.

SEXUAL MISCONDUCT
   PCC is particularly sensitive to sexual misconduct as an important part of the "Student Conduct, Discipline, and Due Process Rule." Sexual misconduct includes, but is not limited to the following:

• Sexual Harassment. Unwelcome sexual advances,
  request for sexual favors, and other verbal or 
  physical conduct of a sexual nature from any person when such conduct has the purpose or effect of unreasonably interfering with an individuals work performance, study habits and/or educational experiences, or creating an intimidating, hostile, or
  offensive work or study environment
• Sexual Assault. Any act, or attempted act, as         defined in Florida Law (Section 794.011, Florida Statutes)
• Public Indecency. Exposing one's body in such a manner  that another party reasonably could be
  offended, or sexual conduct where another party 
  reasonably could be offended.    

   Victims of sexual misconduct are encouraged and assisted in referring or filing charges. An advocate is provided in all cases to assist victims. The College notifies appropriate law enforcement officials in any assault case alleged to have occurred on college owned or controlled property, immediately adjacent property, or during a college-sponsored activity involving students, employees, or volunteers of the college. PCC proceeds with the discipline process in addition to notifying law enforcement officials.

DRUG-FREE POLICY
   Because the likelihood of success is so dramatically reduced for students on drugs, we are determined to have drug-free campuses. Illegal use of drugs or alcohol is not tolerated on either PCC campus or at any PCC-sponsored event off campus. (DBOT Rules 4.01 and 2.25)
   Certain limited access programs have additional procedures regarding the use of drugs and alcohol. Various opportunities exist at PCC to educate students about the realities of drug and alcohol abuse. A major unit in the Wellness Concepts course (HLP1081) deals with substance abuse. In addition, special seminars, workshops, and discussion opportunities are scheduled.
   PCC requires all applicants for admission to commit to obeying the law and refrain from illegal drug and alcohol activity on our campuses and at all college events.
   Students who illegally use drugs or alcohol on either PCC campus or at a PCC-sponsored event off campus are suspended. Those students can apply for readmission consideration only after becoming drug-free and after completing at least one semester of suspension.
   Students selling or manufacturing illegal drugs on either PCC campus or at a PCC-sponsored event off campus are expelled. Students can apply for readmission consideration only after completing at least one full year of expulsion.
   The College is responsible for referring for prosecution anyone engaging in illegal drug or controlled substance/alcohol activity on our campuses or at our events.
   Students convicted of any drug offense must report it to Student Services within five days. Students may contact the same office for an explanation of appeal rights for each step of the disciplinary process.
   Readmission is granted to suspended or expelled students only when they provide proof they are drug-free after drug rehabilitation or some other method. The Admissions and Petitions Committee, consisting of students and staff, reviews the proof and recommends to the President who authorizes readmission when appropriate.

INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY ACCESS/USE POLICY
   All individuals who employ information technology resources provided by Polk Community College (this includes but is not limited to telephones, computers, the PCC local area and wide area networks and the Internet) must use these resources for academic purposes only. Use of Polk
Community College computing and network resources is a privilege and not a right. Inappropriate use can result in suspension or revocation of privileges.
   Inappropriate use can include but is not limited to the following:

1. The intentional sending or retrieval of obscene, 
    slanderous and/or harassing messages/materials.
2. The unauthorized access (or attempted access) of 
    any networked computer system.
3. Violation of copyright including unauthorized copying 
    or modifying files.
4. Use of networked resources for academic plagiarism.
5. Any use for commercial purposes.
6. Posting or downloading non-academic and/or inappropriate material to Usenet.
7. Participation in network activities that place a strain on computer resources.
8. Using IRC (internet-relay chat) resources for non-academic purposes.
9. Playing games for non-academic purposes.
10. Any other behavior deemed inappropriate in the PCC
    Student Code of Discipline.
11. Unauthorized installation of software on PCC hardware.

   Violation of these terms will result in notification of the appropriate administrative authorities as outlined in the PCC Student Conduct, Discipline and Due Process policy. This could include the Polk Community College administration, state and federal agencies.

CHILDREN ON CAMPUS
   PCC has no facilities or services to accommodate young children while adults are attending class or conducting business on campus. In fairness to others, and in recognition of limited facilities and services, we request your cooperation in not bringing young children to class or other service areas.