Student Rights and Responsibilities

Expectations of Student Conduct
Procedures for General and Academic Appeals
Procedures for Handling Alleged Academic Dishonesty
Due Process
Student Records and Privacy
Rights for Students in the Associate in Arts Degree Program
Equal Access/Equal Opportunity
Discrimination, Harassment or Retaliation
Other Policies

Expectations of Student Conduct

Florida State College at Jacksonville is dedicated to maintaining an environment that fosters student success. The College endeavors to protect the rights of students and also expects all students to act responsibly.

Attendance at the College is a privilege, and in order to maintain the College ideals of scholarship, character, and personality, the right is reserved by the College to establish rules and regulations to foster these ideals and protect the interest of the College. Each student is subject to federal and state laws, respective county and municipal ordinances, and all rules and regulations of the College.

Violations of published laws, ordinances, or rules and regulations may subject the violator to appropriate disciplinary action by College authorities.

Disciplinary action, unless otherwise provided by law, may include fines, the withholding of diplomas or transcripts pending compliance with rules or payments of fines and the imposition of probation, suspension, or dismissal. Students shall be afforded due process as defined in Florida State College at Jacksonville District Board of Trustees Rule 6Hx7-2.18 prior to the administration of disciplinary action for violation of this rule.

Any act or behavior on the part of the student that tends to impair, interfere with, or otherwise disturb or obstruct the orderly conduct, processes, functions, and/or interests of the College is expressly prohibited. Such acts or behavior may include, but are not limited to, the following:

1. Consumption of alcoholic beverages on campus or at a College function.
2. Illegal use or possession of illegal drugs or narcotics.
3. Cheating in any form.
4. The use of indecent or abusive language.
5. Gambling.
6. Bullying or harassment.
7. Hazing as defined in Chapter 1006.63 Florida Statutes.
8. Vandalism or destruction of property.
9. Falsification of records.
10. Unauthorized use of the College name.
11. Lewd or indecent conduct or attire.
12. Violence against any member or guest of the College community.
13. Theft or willful destruction of College property or of the property of members of the College.
14. Interference with the freedom of movement of any member or guest of the College.
15. Obstruction of the normal processes and activities of the College community.
16. Deliberate interference with the rights of others.
17. Violation of federal or state law, or county or city ordinance.
18. Repeated offenses of a less serious nature.
19. Sexual harassment or assault.
20. Accessing, altering or deleting College computer files/systems.
21. Stalking (to repeatedly follow another person so as to put that person in fear for his/her safety).
22. Violation of the Computing Facilities Use Agreement.
23. Any other offense reasonably deemed to be contrary to the best interest of the College.

Student Discipline Procedures

I. Responsibility for Discipline

The campus Dean of Student Success will be responsible for student discipline. All alleged student violations of Board Rules or College regulations will be referred to the appropriate campus Dean of Student Success. Any administrator, faculty member, career employee, student, guest of the College or other College staff person may allege violations against any currently enrolled student.

II. Temporary Order of Suspension

In the case of a violation which clearly disrupts the orderly processes of campus operations or endangers the life of others, the campus Dean of Student Success may issue a temporary order of suspension or removal from the campus in order to protect the best interest of the College. In all cases of temporary suspension or removal from the campus, the student(s) involved shall be requested to remain off College property pending the scheduling of a hearing regarding the charges brought against the student(s) to sign the Temporary Order of Suspension.

The Campus Dean of Student Success or his/her designee shall immediately notify the College President and the appropriate Campus President of his/her action of temporary suspension and the Board Rule that allegedly has been violated. The student(s) involved will be notified in writing of a hearing and the nature of the charges. The Notice of Hearing Letter format shall be used to notify the student of the specific charges and the time and place for the hearing.

A written report of the incident and all other pertinent documentation shall be kept on file in the office of the campus Dean of Student Success.

III. Initial Investigation of Discipline Problems

When the campus Dean of Student Success receives information that a student has allegedly violated a Board Rule or other College regulation, the Dean or his/her designee shall investigate the alleged violation(s). After completing the investigation, the Dean may:

1. Dismiss the allegation(s) as unfounded, either before or after conferring with the student(s) and/or other parties concerned.
2. Advise the student(s) of his/her rights to an administrative hearing by the campus Dean of Student Success or a campus discipline committee hearing; that formal charges are being filed based upon alleged violations of the specific District Board of Trustees Rules and that the witnesses and documentary evidence supporting the allegations will be prepared for use in the disciplinary hearing. Advise the student(s) of their right to have witnesses appear on their behalf.

Any student(s) charged with an offense for which suspension, dismissal or restitution may be warranted shall be provided, by the campus Dean of Student Success to whom the student(s) is/are directly responsible, written notice of the charges and an opportunity to present the student’s version of the controversy before said Dean. Additionally, when the charge involves a sex offense:

1. College will honor requests by students who are alleged victims of sexual offense to changes in their academic situation, if those changes are reasonably available;
2. The accused and accuser are entitled to and shall have the same opportunities to have others present with them during disciplinary hearings;
3. Both the accuser and the accused shall be informed of the results of any institutional disciplinary proceeding that is brought alleging a sex offense.
4. The College will assist the student in notifying appropriate law authorities. Please see APM 03-0201 for more information on reporting sexual offenses.

Florida State College at Jacksonville will, upon written request, disclose to the alleged victim of a crime of violence, or a non-forcible sex offense, the results of any disciplinary hearing conducted by the College against the student who is the alleged perpetrator of the crime or offense. If the alleged victim is deceased as a result of the crime or offense, Florida State College at Jacksonville will provide the results of the disciplinary hearing to the victim’s next of kin, if so requested.

The President shall have authority, after notice to the student of the charge(s) and after a hearing thereon, to expel, suspend or otherwise discipline any student who is found to have violated any rule or regulation of the District Board of Trustees or any law or ordinance, the violation of which has an adverse effect on the College. If the campus Dean of Student Success reasonably believes, after a hearing that the charge(s) are accurate, the Dean shall recommend suspension or appropriate sanction of the student to the President together with reasons therefore and appropriate supporting documentation.

The President shall, after a review of the recommendation, notify the student(s) of his/her decision on the matter. Such notification shall be made by certified mail, return receipt requested and shall be effective immediately unless otherwise specified by the President.

IV. Administrative Hearing

A student may refuse an administrative hearing and elect a hearing before a campus discipline committee.

If the student accepts an administrative hearing, he/she shall sign a statement prepared by the campus Dean of Student Success that he/she understands the nature of the charge(s), his/her rights to a hearing, or the rights to waive the same, and accept whatever penalty may be imposed.

Minutes shall be kept of the administrative hearing.

Written notification of the results shall be furnished, in cases when suspension, dismissal or restitution is recommended, to the student, Campus President, instructor(s), and Registrar, as appropriate.

V. Discipline Committee Hearing

If it is decided that a campus discipline committee hearing will be held, the campus Dean of Student Success will notify the student(s) to appear before the student discipline committee in connection with the alleged charge(s) by sending him/her a letter by certified mail, return receipt requested.

• The letter shall direct the student(s) to appear at a specific time and place not more than ten (10) class days after the date of the letter.
• The letter shall also describe briefly the alleged violation(s).

2. The campus Dean of Student Success will appoint a committee of not fewer than three persons to serve on the disciplinary committee.

• The committee shall be made up of at least one faculty member, one student and one administrator.
• The campus Dean of Student Success shall appoint one individual to serve as chairperson for the hearing. 

The campus Dean of Student Success will coordinate with the committee chairperson the date, time and place for the hearing as well as to summon witnesses and require the production of documentary evidence.

The proceedings will be tape recorded and copies shall be maintained by the campus Dean of Student Success for a period as prescribed by Florida Statutes.

The hearing shall be informal and the chairperson shall provide reasonable opportunities for witnesses to be heard.

The campus Dean of Student Success shall monitor the proceedings and make every effort to ensure that the student is treated fairly.

If, after the hearing, the committee finds that the alleged charges are true, the committee will recommend an appropriate penalty to the campus Dean of Student Success, who shall decide the penalty to be imposed.

VI. Failure to Comply

Failure of a student to comply, either by telephone or in person, with notification to appear before either an administrative hearing or discipline committee hearing, will result in the charges being deemed to be true.

The campus Dean of Student Success may request the discipline committee to commence hearing proceedings and make recommendations, or the campus Dean of Student Success shall recommend an appropriate penalty.

The Student Success Dean may postpone a hearing upon the request of a student so long as all interested parties are notified and agree with the new hearing date, time and place.

The campus Dean of Student Success may postpone a hearing for violation of Board Rule due to pending criminal or civil charges.

VII. Penalties

The campus Dean of Student Success may, at the end of an administrative or committee hearing, and based upon the findings, impose the following sanctions upon students:

1. Warning
   
   1. A notice in writing that continuation or repetition of violation of Board Rule or College rule within a period of time stated in the warning may be cause for more severe disciplinary action.
   2. Pursuant to receiving a warning a student may be required to participate in the college’s student assistance program.
2. Disciplinary Probation
   1. This may lead to exclusion from attending or participating in extracurricular institutional activities as set forth on a written notice for a stated period of time.
   2. Violation of probation may lead to suspension, or other penalties reasonable to the nature of the violation.
   3. Conditions of probation may include mandatory participation in the college’s student assistance program.
3. Restitution
   1. Student shall reimburse the College for damage to or misappropriation of College property. This sanction typically will be combined with another sanction.
4. Suspension
   1. Recommend to the College President of restrictions from campus, classes and other such privileges and activities, as set forth in the notice, for a definite period of time not to exceed two years.
   2. The conditions for readmission, if any, shall be stated in the notification to the student.
   3. Conditions of readmission may include mandatory participation in the college’s student assistance program.
5. Dismissal
   1. Recommend to the College President of dismissal for an indefinite period.
   2. The conditions of readmission, if any, shall be stated in the notification to the student.
   3. Conditions of readmission may include mandatory participation in the college’s student assistance program.

The Student Discipline Procedures are part of APM 11-0601. The purpose of this APM is to outline the discipline procedures relating to alleged violations of rules as outlined in Board of Trustees Rule 6Hx7-11.1, Students’ Rights and Responsibilities.

Procedures for General and Academic Appeals

Purpose

The purpose of this section is to outline all procedures relating to the student appeals and complaints process. Included in this procedure are sections on:

1. Definitions and explanations,
2. Campus non-academic appeals,
3. Campus academic appeals,
4. District non-academic appeals, and
5. Complaints.

Procedure

Definitions and Explanations

The following is a list of the definitions and explanations of the terms used in student appeals.

Student Appeals

A student appeal is defined as a formal request by an enrolled or former student for reconsideration of a College rule or regulation, including the assignment of a final grade. The student initiates all formal appeals in the office of the campus dean of student success or the appropriate center administrator’s office. The student success dean or the center administrator is responsible for the general management of appeals processes, with the exception of financial aid appeals. The procedure for financial aid appeals is addressed on the following webpage: http://www.fscj.edu/admissions-aid/financial-aid/satisfactory-academic-progress-appeals-revision

Appeals Deadline

The deadline for all appeal forms and documentation is the longest session (e.g., A16, A14, etc.) withdrawal deadline of the following term. Appeals will not be accepted after the deadline. Incomplete appeals will not be accepted.

1. Campus Non-Academic
   • Limited and Selective Access Program Admissions
   • Other
2. Campus Academic Appeal
   • Grade
   • Audit Grade - Request Change from an audit to a grade
   • Audit Grade - Request Change from a grade to an audit
   • Withdrawal Past Deadline
   • NA (Non-Attendance Issue)
3. District Non-Academic Appeal
   • College Admissions
   • Graduation
   • Residency

Student Appeals Committee

Where applicable, a student appeals committee is defined as including at least one of each of the following from the campus/center appointed by the Campus President: an administrator, a full-time faculty member, and a student representative. The administrator and faculty should be from an academic area different from the student’s appeal request. Each Campus President will identify up to five faculty members annually who agree to serve on a Student Appeals Committee for that year. The list is subject to approval from the President of the Faculty Senate and will constitute the group from which the required faculty member(s) may be chosen for an appeal.

Campus Non-Academic Appeals

Limited and Selective Access Program Admissions Appeal

Informal Appeal

The student may appeal a limited selective access program decision informally by meeting with the Associate Dean or Instructional Program Manager who has integrative management responsibility for that program. If the student is not satisfied with the decision of the Associate Dean’s or Instructional Program Manager’s decision, the student may enter a formal appeal.

Formal Appeal

Step 1. Campus Dean of Student Success

1. The student submits the completed appeal form and supporting documentation to the campus Dean of Student Success Office or the authorized center administrator’s office by the deadline.
2. All documentation must be presented before the appeal request is accepted.
3. The campus or center representative for the Dean of Student Success may solicit feedback from the faculty member(s) and/or Academic Department before forwarding the appeal to the appropriate supervising dean of the limited or selective access program.

Step 2. Supervising Dean of the limited or selective access program

1. The supervising Dean of the limited or selective access program will meet with the student who has filed the program appeal within 10 college business days of receipt of the appeal form and supporting documentation.
2. The supervising dean of the program reviews the information submitted by the student and the notes of the meeting and renders a decision.
3. If approved the student will be admitted to the degree program at the next available program start date and the supervising dean will communicate the decision to the student in writing and the completed/signed appeal form will be transmitted to the student success dean for imaging.
4. If disapproved, written notification is provided to the student of the decision. The student has fifteen (15) college business days from the date of the notification of denial from the supervising dean to submit additional relevant evidential documentation and request an appointment by written appeal with the Campus President for final review. If no request is made, the disapproved appeal and supporting documentation is forwarded to campus student success office and imaged to the student’s academic record.

Step 3. Campus President

1. The Campus President will meet with the student who has filed the limited or selective access program appeal within approximately 10 college business days of receipt of the formal request.
2. The Campus President reviews the information submitted by the student as well as his or her notes from their meeting.
3. The Campus President provides written notification to the student of his/her decision.
4. If approved, the student will be admitted to the degree program at the next available program start date. In all cases, the decision of the Campus President is final.
5. The campus president forwards the appeal form and documentation to the campus student success office for imaging and the program leader for the impacted program.

Other Campus Non-Academic Appeals

Step 1. Student’s Submission of the Request

The student submits the completed appeal form and supporting documentation to the campus Dean of Student Success Office or authorized center administrator’s office by the deadline. Documentation must be presented before the appeal request is accepted.

Step 2. Campus Administrator Review

1. The campus Dean of Student Success or center administrator reviews the information submitted by the student and indicates approval or disapproval.
2. If approved, the campus Dean of Student Success/center administrator provides the student written notification of the decision and forwards relevant information to the Registrar’s Office for processing and imaging.
3. If disapproved, the Dean of Student Success/center administrator provides the student written notification of the decision.
4. The student has fifteen (15) college business days from the date of the notification to submit additional relevant evidential documentation and request in writing a meeting with the campus president.
5. If no request is made, the disapproved appeal and supporting documentation is forwarded to the Registrar’s Office and imaged to the student’s academic record.

Step 3. Campus President’s Review

1. The Campus President reviews the recommendation of the dean of student success.
2.  The meeting between the campus president and the student will occur within 10 College business days of receipt of the student’s written request for a meeting.
3. The Campus President will send a written decision to the student within 10 College business days of the meeting with the student. The decision of the Campus President is final and may not be appealed further. The decision and signed appeal form is forwarded back to student success for imaging into the student’s academic record.

Campus Academic Appeal

Informal Procedure

1. A student’s request for a grade change should be directed initially to the course instructor. If the instructor of record approves the grade change, the request is sent to the appropriate academic administrator for final approval. Once approved by the instructor and the academic administrator, the grade change form is forwarded to the office of student records to record in the student system.
2. If the course instructor is no longer employed by the College or is unable to be reached after the Dean’s attempts to contact the instructor without success, the student may submit the grade change request to the appropriate academic administrator. If the academic administer approves the grade change, the request is sent to the campus president for approval. Once approved by the academic administrator and the campus president, the grade change form is forwarded to the office of student records to record in the student system.
3. If the student’s informal request is not approved, the student can initiate a grade appeal request through the appropriate authorized campus/center administrator.

Formal Procedure

Step 1. Student’s Submission of the Request

A course grade appeal must be submitted to the campus Dean of Student Success or the authorized center administrator by the deadline. The student has the responsibility of demonstrating that the grade being challenged was administered in a manner inconsistent with criteria set forth on the instructor’s course syllabus and that the evaluation process used uniquely discredits the student’s grade.

Step 2. Campus Administrator Review

1. The dean of student success or authorized center administrator forwards the grade change appeal to the appropriate academic administrator, who has the initial responsibility for reviewing and forwarding the student appeal to the instructor of record for response (approval/denial).
2. If the instructor of record is no longer employed by the College or is unable to be reached after the Dean’s attempts to contact the instructor without success, the appropriate academic administrator makes a decision. If the academic administrator approves appeal, the approval is sent to the campus president for final review.
3. If approved by the instructor of record and the appropriate academic administrator (or by the academic administrator and the campus president), a grade change is submitted to the office of student records for processing. The appropriate academic administrator notifies the student of the decision in writing.
4. If disapproved, the appropriate academic administrator provides the student written notification of the decision. The student has fifteen (15) college business days from the date of the notification to submit additional relevant evidential documentation and request that the Student Appeals Committee review the disapproval. If no request is made, the disapproved appeal and supporting documentation is forwarded to the Registrar’s Office and imaged to the student’s academic record.

Step 3. Student Appeals Committee Review

1. If the student is granted a hearing, the dean of student success or the appropriate center administrator will convene the Student Appeals Committee. The instructor of record must be invited to present to the committee. If the instructor of record is not available, the instructor may elect to send a representative. The instructor of record may also decline to participate. If the instructor of record cannot be reached, the committee review may proceed in the absence of the instructor of record.
2. The campus Student Appeals Committee hears the case and forwards its recommendation to the Campus President. The committee will meet within one month of receiving the request from the student, except in the event of unforeseen circumstances.

Step 4. Campus President’s Review

1. The Campus President shall review the recommendation of the Student Appeals Committee. The Campus President may accept, repeal, or amend the decision according to his/her best judgment. If the Campus President anticipates that he/she may decide to repeal or amend the decision of the Student Appeals Committee, he/she will meet with the Committee and discuss his/her concerns with the Committee’s recommendation. In all cases, the actions of the Campus President shall occur within ten (10) working days of receipt of the decision of the Student Appeals Committee. The Campus President will send a written decision to the student. The decision of the Campus President cannot be appealed and is final. A copy of the final decision is transmitted to the campus student success office to be imaged to the student’s academic record. In the event the Campus President’s decision is to change the original grade of the faculty member, the president will notify the faculty member and provide justification for the change.

District Non-Academic Appeals

The student making the appeal concerning Admissions, Residency, and Graduation should request a District Non-Academic Appeals Form from the Campus Dean of Student Success or appropriate Center administrator. The form should be completed in full and returned to the Campus Dean of Students Success or appropriate Center administrator with supporting documentation by the deadline.

Step 1. Campus Dean of Student Success or Center Administrator Review

The campus Dean of Student Success or appropriate center administrator reviews the information submitted by the student and indicates support or non-support within 10 working days and forwards appeal to the Vice President of Student Services.

Step 2. Vice President of Student Services

The Vice President of Student Services reviews the appeal form and documentation within ten (10) college business days of receipt. The vice president will review the appeal with other administrators as appropriate.

If the appeal is a residency appeal, a residency appeal review committee will be called in accordance with state law. The residency appeal committee shall consist of the vice president for student services, the associate vice president of enrollment and/or registrar, the director of admissions, and a campus enrollment leader.

The vice president will send a written decision to the student. The decision of the vice president is final and may not be appealed further. The decision is imaged into the student’s academic record.

Complaints

1. Students who have general complaints regarding their college experience may express those complaints verbally or in writing to any college administrator. Complaints alleging issues of discrimination or harassment should follow specific procedures of APM 11-0603.
2. It is expected that most general complaints will be resolved informally through normal operational discourse. Students who are unable to resolve complaints informally may make a formal complaint in writing to the appropriate campus president or division head.
3. In making a formal complaint, the student should express that the complaint is formal and summarize any informal actions that the student has taken to attempt to resolve the complaint.
4. The campus president, division head, or designee will ensure that all formal complaints receive an initial response within ten (10) College business days.
5. If the complaint involves a faculty member or class issue, the campus president, division head or designee managing the complaint will notify the faculty member and involve the faculty member appropriately in the resolution of the complaint.
6. The campus president, division head, or designee will forward the formal complaint to the appropriate college or campus resource for appropriate action.
7. The campus president, division head, or designee will provide final notification to the student.
8. It will be the College’s general practice to resolve formal complaints within twenty (20) College business days; however, certain complaints may take longer to resolve.
9. Once action has been taken on the formal complaint, the campus president, division head, or designee will submit a copy of the complaint and a narrative summary of the resolution or the communication to the student to the Registrar’s Office. The Registrar maintains a file of complaints for periodic review as deemed appropriate for quality improvement efforts.

Procedures for Handling Alleged Academic Dishonesty

Academic dishonesty, in any form, is expressly prohibited by the rules of the District Board of Trustees of Florida State College at Jacksonville.

As used herein, academic dishonesty incorporates one or more of the following.

• Cheating, which is defined as the giving or taking of any information or material with the intent of wrongfully aiding one’s self or another in academic work considered in the determination of course grade.
• Plagiarism, which is defined as the act of stealing or passing off as one’s own work the words, ideas or conclusions of another as if the work submitted were the product of one’s own thinking rather than an idea or product derived from another source.
• Any other form of inappropriate behavior which may include but is not limited to: falsifying records or data; lying; unauthorized copying, tampering, abusing or otherwise unethically using computer or other stored information, unauthorized assistance from electronic/cellular devices in taking quizzes or tests, intentionally sharing or working together in an academic exercise when such actions are not approved by the course instructor, and any other act of misconduct which may reasonably be deemed to be a part of this heading.

Any student alleged to have committed any act of academic dishonesty as defined herein shall be entitled to due process as defined in District Board of Trustees’ Rule 6Hx7-2.18 prior to the administration of disciplinary action including suspension and dismissal.

Classroom Assessment

A faculty member who has a concern regarding a student’s conduct in the area of academic dishonesty may elect to meet with the student directly.

Once the student is notified, it is advised that the student resolve the matter with the faculty member. However, at any time the student may request a hearing with the campus dean of student success.

Meeting(s) referenced above shall meet the College’s requirements for due process.

Following the discussion with the student, the faculty member may take one or more of the following action(s).

1. Verbally warn the student that continuation or repetition of misconduct of this nature may be cause for further disciplinary action.
2. Require the student to retake the test or rewrite the assignment.
3. Require the student to withdraw from the course.
4. Fail the student for the assignment.
5. Fail the student for the course.
6. Refer the student(s) to the campus dean of student success for possible suspension or dismissal.

For cases in which the student is referred to the campus dean of student success for action, the dean will appropriately involve the faculty member and inform the faculty member of the disposition of the matter.

Each faculty member shall communicate the College’s policy on academic dishonesty to each class section with which that faculty member is involved.

This subject is to be considered an integral part of the faculty member’s course syllabus.

It is the responsibility of the assistant deans and associate vice president of instruction to routinely inform the faculty of this requirement.

Standardized Assessment

Any student alleged to have committed any act of dishonesty on standardized tests administered through the College is subject to disciplinary action. These assessments include all standardized tests administered through the College assessment offices in both college credit and non-credit programs.

Any test examiner or proctor who has a concern in this area shall report this to the campus assessment and certification center manager without providing the student with the test score. Any evidence, description or witness shall be presented for further investigation. The assessment manager will present the situation to a campus dean of student success for his/her review. The campus dean of student success will notify the student via the student notice form to review the situation.

The campus dean of student success may take one or more of the following actions.

1. Verbally warn the student that continuation or repetition of misconduct of this nature may be cause for disciplinary action.
2. Require the student to retake the test.
3. Record failure for that portion of the test and/or not give credit for the course (e.g., credit by exam).
4. Withhold the awarding of the degree/certificate or diploma until the requirement has been satisfied.
5. Schedule an academic disciplinary hearing for possible suspension or dismissal.

For cases that involve a disciplinary hearing, the dean will involve the assessment and certification manager, test examiner/proctor and any witness. The recommendation of the hearing will follow due process as defined in District Board of Trustees Rule 6Hx7-2.18.

The Assessment Office will inform students of Florida State College at Jacksonville’s Academic Dishonesty policy at each test administration.

Due Process

Board Rule 6Hx7–2.18

1. Every employee and student at Florida State College at Jacksonville shall be entitled to substantive and procedural due process.
   1. As used herein, substantive due process requires that all rules or regulations of the College shall:
      1. be for a proper purpose;
      2. bear a reasonable relation to that purpose;
      3. not be arbitrary or capricious.
   2. As used herein, procedural due process means that an employee or student whose vested rights are affected by action of the College shall be entitled to a reasonable notice of the concerns and an opportunity to present his or her position on the matter.
   3. As used herein, reasonable notice means that the notice is timely (to give the individual time to respond) and adequate (specifying the charge the individual faces).
2. Every employee and student of Florida State College at Jacksonville shall be entitled to procedural due process prior to suspension or dismissal for cause (as used herein, non continuation of new position orientation employees shall not be considered termination for cause) except that in an emergency, to protect the interests and welfare of the College, the President, the head of the appropriate Major Administrative Unit, or an appropriate designated college officer may, without a hearing, temporarily order the removal from College property of an individual charged with an offense or a violation of a college rule or procedure for which suspension may be warranted.

Such temporary removal shall be communicated directly by the head of the appropriate Major Administrative Unit or his/her designee on site whenever the individual charged with a suspendible offense is deemed by the administrator to present a clear and present danger to the welfare of the College. The person ordered removed shall be requested to remain off College property until a hearing on the matter is provided. (If the person refuses to leave college property when requested to do so, the appropriate College official on site shall contact appropriate law enforcement authorities for assistance and file a charge of trespass against the person so refusing to leave). A notice of the hearing shall be communicated in writing to the person so removed and a written report on the incident shall be filed with the Office of the General Counsel. Persons removed pursuant to this section shall not forfeit any right, privilege or entitlement during the period of removal except their presence on College property, and under no circumstances shall the temporary removal exceed five (5) college days, except as authorized and directed by the College president who may suspend employees until the end of the next regular or special meeting of the District Board of Trustees. All further action by the College in the matter shall comply with the appropriate due process section(s) of the Administrative Procedures Manual established in furtherance of this rule.

Student Records and Privacy

Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA)

Pursuant to Public Law 93-380, Family Education Rights and Privacy Act of 1974, students and their parents are advised of certain practices and procedures at Florida State College at Jacksonville that relate to student records.

Once a student is enrolled in a postsecondary program, parents no longer have any rights to student information under this Act unless the student gives written consent to release the information to the student’s parents, or the parents provide evidence that the student is a dependent of the parents as defined in section 152 of the Internal Revenue Code of 1954.

Under this Act, a student or parent (if eligible) will be accorded access to the student’s record within a reasonable time after the submission of a written request to the custodian of that record. Suitable arrangements will be made by the College to permit the record to be reviewed in the presence of a representative of the custodian of the record. Either the student or parent (if eligible) has the right to challenge the content of any record he or she believes to be inaccurate, misleading, in violation of the student’s rights or otherwise inappropriate, and to insert into the record any written explanation of any matter therein. The custodian of the record challenged shall conduct a hearing upon the matter, at a reasonable time and place, at which time the student or parent (if eligible) may present any evidence he or she may have in support of the challenge. If a record is challenged, the custodian of the record shall make a decision at the conclusion of the hearing. This decision may be appealed by the student or parent (if eligible) through established procedures to the Student Appeals Review Committee.

Students have the right to file a complaint with the U.S. Department of Education concerning alleged failures by the College to comply with the requirements of FERPA. They may address their complaint to: Family Policy Compliance Office, U.S. Department of Education, 400 Maryland Avenue, SW, Washington, DC 20202-4605.

Students or parents (if eligible) must consent to the release of any student information other than directory information to any person or agency. This consent must be in writing, signed, dated and must specify the information to be released, the reason for release and the names of individuals to whom the information is to be released. Disclosure without consent will be exercised by Florida State College at Jacksonville to school officials with legitimate educational interests. A school official is defined as a person employed by the college as an: administrative, supervisory, academic, support staff position (including safety and security staff), person employed by an educational entity with which the college has an educational agreement or contract who has a legitimate educational interest, person or company with whom the college contracted (such as auditor, collection agent, credential and enrollment verification services), or assisting another official in performing his or her tasks. A school official has a legitimate educational interest if he or she needs to review an educational record in order to fulfill his or her professional responsibility.

In addition, the college may disclose identifiable information from student educational records without student consent to officials presenting a judicial order or lawfully issued subpoena, and to military branches in accordance with federal guidelines.

The following information about an individual student is classified as “directory information” and may be released upon request to any person. The individual student or parent (if eligible) has a right to submit a request in writing to the custodian of the student’s record that all or any part of the directory information not be releasable. Access to, or release of directory information will be withheld until further written instruction is received for a student or parent (if eligible).

• name
• major field of study
• dates of attendance
• degrees, certificates or diplomas received
• honors received

Individual students or parents (if eligible) have the right to submit a request in writing to the custodian of student records that all or part of the directory information NOT be released. Send request in writing to: College Registrar, Florida State College at Jacksonville, P.O. Box 40515, Jacksonville, FL 32203-0515

Access to or release of directory information will be withheld until further written instruction is received for a student or parent (if eligible).

Collection and Use of Social Security Numbers

In compliance with Florida State Statute 119.071(5), students should be aware that Florida State College at Jacksonville collects and uses social security numbers (SSNs) if specifically required by law to do so or if necessary for the performance of the College’s duties and responsibilities. The College takes appropriate measures to secure SSNs from unauthorized access and does not release SSNs to other parties except as required to fulfill the College’s duties and responsibilities.

Florida State College at Jacksonville collects and uses SSNs for the following purposes:

Rights for Students in the Associate in Arts Degree Program

Florida State College at Jacksonville associate in arts graduates are guaranteed the following rights under the Statewide Articulation Agreement (State Board of Education Rule 6A-10.024):

1. admission to one of the eleven state universities, except to limited access programs which have additional admission requirements,
2. acceptance of at least 60 credit hours by the state universities toward the baccalaureate degree,
3. adherence to university requirements and policies based on the catalog in effect at the time the student first entered a community college, provided the student maintains continuous enrollment,
4. transfer of equivalent courses under the Statewide Course Numbering System,
5. acceptance by the state universities of credit earned in accelerated programs (e.g., CLEP, AP, CCCE, Dual Enrollment, Early Admission and International Baccalaureate),
6. no additional General Education Requirements,
7. advance knowledge of selection criteria for limited access programs and
8. equal opportunity with native university students to enter limited access programs.

Should any guarantee be denied, students have the right of appeal. Each state university and community college shall make available established appeal procedures through the respective articulation officers.

Equal Access/Equal Opportunity

Florida State College at Jacksonville is an equal access/equal opportunity/affirmative action college in education and employment. The commitment of the College’s District Board of Trustees and the College administration to equal opportunity extends to all facets of governance, operational procedures, instructional programs, student activities and services.

Florida State College at Jacksonville provides equal access to education, employment, programs, services and activities and does not discriminate on the basis of race, creed, ethnicity, color, national origin, religion, gender, age, marital status or genetic information. The College Equity Officer has been designated to handle inquiries regarding the non-discrimination policies and may be contacted at equityofficer@fscj.edu or (904) 632-3221.

Inquiries or complaints regarding access to College programs, activities, facilities and/or employment practices for people with disabilities may be addressed to the Director of Services for Students With Disabilities, Florida State College at Jacksonville, 501 W. State St., Jacksonville, FL 32202. Or call (904) 632-5007 (voice) or (904) 632-5008 (TDD or voice).

The College also has a hotline and website hosted by EthicsPoint, a third party host, that can be used to submit reports of suspected ethical violations such as fraud, misconduct or misrepresentation as well as complaints of discrimination, harassment or retaliation. You can make a report through the website or by phone, toll-free within the United States, Guam, Puerto Rico and Canada at (800) 578-6801.

Discrimination, Harassment or Retaliation

Discrimination, harassment and retaliation are contrary to the best interest of the College and thereby prohibited by the rules of the District Board of Trustees of Florida State College at Jacksonville.

As used herein, discrimination incorporates the following:

Discrimination is defined in Board Rules as “treating any member of the College community differently than others are treated based upon race, color, religion, age, disability, gender, national origin, marital status, genetic information and/or veteran status.” (Rule 6Hx7-2.26)

As used herein, harassment incorporates the following:

Harassment is defined in Board Rules as “a course of conduct directed at a specific person that causes substantial emotional distress in such a person and serves no legitimate purpose. More broadly, harassment is repeated unwelcomed verbal or physical conduct based on race, color, gender, national origin, religion, age, genetic information, disability, or retaliation. Harassment may include offensive or demeaning language or treatment of an individual, where such language or treatment is based on prejudicial stereotypes of the group to which an individual may belong. It includes, but is not limited to, objectionable epithets, threatened or actual physical harm or abuse, or other intimidating or insulting conduct directed against the individual.” (Rule 6Hx7-2.26) Harassment is any written, visual, or verbal communication, physical act, gesture, or omission with the actual or implied intent of:

• Physical, emotional, or mental harm
• Damaging, extorting, or taking personal property
• Substantially interfering with the educational experience
• Creating an intimidating or threatening educational or work environment
• Subjecting others to multiple instances of disrespectful or inflammatory communication
• Subjecting others to unwanted or illegal pornographic or vulgar material

Cyber-harassment is defined as harassment perpetrated through technologies such as, but not limited to, email, instant messages, text messages, photo messages, discussion boards, digital images, digital video, digital audio, internet sites, blogs or social networking sites.

Retaliation is defined in Board Rules as” a discriminatory or adverse action made against a person who files a complaint or charge, participates in an investigation or charge, or opposes an employment practice made illegal by any of the statutes.” (Rule 6Hx7-2.26)

The College is committed to ensuring that all persons are not subject to discrimination. The complaint of any student, employee or applicant who believes they have experienced discrimination, harassment, including workplace or classroom harassment, discrimination in hiring or admission practices, ADA complaints and other acts of discrimination or harassment or retaliation can file a complaint through the College’s Equity Office.  The College’s Equity Officer can be contacted at (904) 632-3221 or by email at equityofficer@fscj.edu.

The College also has a hotline and website hosted by EthicsPoint, a third party host, that can be used to submit reports of suspected ethical violations such as fraud, misconduct or misrepresentation as well as complaints of discrimination, harassment or retaliation. You can make a report through the website or by phone, toll-free within the United States, Guam, Puerto Rico and Canada at (877) 578-6801.

Any student alleged to have committed any act of harassment, cyber-harassment or retaliation as defined herein shall be entitled to due process as defined in District Board of Trustees’ Rule 6Hx7-2.18 prior to the administration of disciplinary action including suspension and dismissal.

Disciplinary procedures for violation of Board Rule 6Hx7-2.26 shall be the same as those published for other violations of the student code of conduct as delineated in Administrative Procedures Manual 11-0601.

Procedures for Addressing Alleged Discrimination, Unfair or Inequitable Treatment or Sexual Harassment

Grievances relating to alleged discrimination, unfair or inequitable treatment or sexual harassment shall be handled as follows:

Students having a complaint against College employees shall first direct their complaint to the employee, unless the complaint is of such a nature that the student is uncomfortable discussing the matter with the College employee. All student complaints should be communicated within three months following the alleged incident. To initiate the formal grievance process, in the case of alleged sexual harassment, the student shall discuss the complaint with the Campus Dean of Student Success or the Director of Equal Access/Equal Opportunity (Equity Coordinator). (If appropriate, the dean or director may designate another individual to discuss the matter with the student.)

If the complaint cannot be resolved informally, then the student shall present a formal grievance in writing to the Campus Dean of Student Success or the Director of Equal Access/Equal Opportunity (Equity Coordinator). This shall be done within 15 class days after the alleged incident is reported to the dean or equity officer.

The Campus Dean of Student Success or the Director of Equal Access/Equal Opportunity (Equity Coordinator) shall conduct a preliminary investigation and resolve the concern, if possible. If the charge is deemed to merit further review, the Campus Dean of Student Success or the Director of Equal Access/Equal Opportunity (Equity Coordinator) will discuss the charge with the campus President and, if appropriate, the General Counsel. Depending on the nature of the charge, the campus President will consult with the General Counsel. The matter will be resolved through procedures outlined in APM 02-1701 (Due Process for Career Employees) or APM 02-1702 (Due Process for Instructional, Professional and Administrative Personnel), whichever is appropriate.

The recommendation resulting from the review process shall be submitted to the College president, who will render a final decision in a timely manner.

Complaint Procedures

Individuals who believe they have been sexually assaulted and wish further information or assistance may contact the campus student success dean. Any person wishing to file a complaint may contact a campus security office.

Campus Security Offices

• Downtown Campus: (904) 633-8390
• Kent Campus: (904) 381-3688
• North Campus: (904) 766-6608/6609
• Open Campus/Deerwood: (904) 997-2650
• South Campus: (904) 646-2357

All reported cases will be referred to the College Equity Officer at the Administrative Offices, (904) 632-3221.

This office will discuss the matter with the student and make referrals as appropriate. The person reporting the incident may request to be kept anonymous. A report will be completed and forwarded to the director of equal access/equal opportunity. Situations requiring immediate administrative support will be referred to the campus dean of student success.

Campus Deans of Student Success

• Downtown Campus: Room 1097, (904) 632-8250
• Kent Campus: Room B-100, (904) 381-3443
• North Campus: Room E-132, (904) 766-6783
• Open Campus/Deerwood: Room D-2400, (904)997-2660
• South Campus: Room U-131, (904) 646-2009 

Other Policies

Health and Safety Policies

Smoking

Florida State College at Jacksonville is committed to providing students, employees, faculty and visitors a safe, clean, green and healthy environment. The benefits of a tobacco-free campus include reduced exposure to the health hazards of smoking, improved health of students, employees and visitors and decreased maintenance costs. Further, the United States Surgeon General has stated that there is no safe level of exposure to secondhand smoke. Breathing secondhand smoke for even a short time can be harmful and set processes in motion such as cancer, heart disease and/or respiratory conditions.

Effective March 1, 2013, the College expanded current policies to become a completely tobacco and smoke free environment by prohibiting the use of all tobacco products on all of its campuses, satellite locations, administrative offices and offsite facilities, including parking lots.  The purpose of this administrative procedure is to define and delineate the actions to be taken and the responsibilities of College employees, students, vendors and contractors, guests and visitors and members of the public in meeting the spirit, intent and letter of the Board’s policy. In furtherance of this policy, the College actively promotes smoking cessation assistance and prevention services to students, faculty and employees who wish to stop using tobacco products. Assistance to students, faculty and employees to overcome addiction to tobacco products and information regarding cessation programs is available through the various College sponsored programs and community partners.

Enforcement of this policy will depend on the cooperation of all faculty, staff, and students not only to comply with this policy but also to encourage others to comply with this policy in order to promote a healthy environment in which to work and learn.  It is the responsibility of the College community, including visitors, to observe this policy.  All administrators, deans, directors, department chairs, and supervisors will communicate this policy to everyone within their areas of responsibility.  This procedure will be reviewed regularly and updated as necessary to ensure policy compliance.

Health Services

As a community-based institution, Florida State College at Jacksonville relies on health services provided within the community for students. Various health agencies are brought to each campus periodically to make their services available to students. Arrangements and coordination are handled by the student affairs and/or Student Life and Leadership Development offices.

AIDS Information

It is the policy of the College to maintain an appropriate balance between the rights of individuals with Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome (AIDS) to obtain an education with the rights of students and employees to an environment in which they are protected from contracting the disease. In order to assist Florida State College at Jacksonville in responding to the medical, legal and ethical concerns raised by AIDS and/or AIDS-related issues, the College president has established procedures which address the education, safety and legal rights of students and employees.

The College will be flexible in its response to incidents of the disease, evaluating each occurrence brought to its attention in light of its general policy and the latest information available. A College environment committee shall meet on an as needed basis to:

• determine whether students or employees with a communicable disease may pose an imminent risk to the College community and
• determine what action is in the best interest of students or employees and the College.

All information obtained and reviewed by this committee will be treated as confidential.

Florida State College at Jacksonville has designated counselors on each campus and the assistant dean of student affairs on the North Campus, to serve as AIDS counselors, available to the student body and employees on a request basis. These individuals can answer questions and serve as resource people regarding the disease. The student success office on each campus can arrange an appointment. For information call (904) 766-6607.

Emergencies and First Aid

The campus security officer should be contacted in situations requiring the rendering of first aid. In the case of emergencies involving students who have no physician on record, whose physician cannot be contacted or whose families do not reside in this area, students will be transported to the emergency room of a nearby hospital by private means of transportation of their choice or by the city rescue squad. Expenses incurred are the responsibility of students.

Accident Reporting

Any accident should be reported immediately to a security officer. Any driver of a vehicle involved in an accident resulting in injury or death to another, or property damage in any amount, must immediately notify a security officer who will contact the police for investigation and an accident report.

Occupational Education Safety

Students enrolling in associate in science programs are required to supply their own personal protection safety equipment, hand tools and tool belt or box by the third week of class. Personal protective safety equipment should comply with applicable industrial standards and hand tools should be of an industrial grade.

At the beginning of each term, faculty will provide students with shop safety rules and a list of required personal protection safety equipment and hand tool requirements and their approximate costs. Obtaining required equipment and observing prescribed safety rules are mandatory for continued enrollment in industrial education programs.

Computing Policies

Software Piracy

Software piracy is a felony. People or companies convicted of illegally copying and using a computer software program or combination of programs are subject to a prison term of up to five years and fines up to $250,000. This is in addition to civil suits for damages and other relief that the offender may face. Anyone copying computer software that the College has purchased is violating the copyright law and is subject to the penalties described above.

Computing Facilities Policies and User Agreement

Florida State College at Jacksonville computing facilities are defined as any computer, network, peripheral, operating system, software, or any combination thereof owned, licensed by or under the control of Florida State College at Jacksonville (or “the College”).Employee and/or student (“the user”) of Florida State College at Jacksonville computing facilities acknowledges and agrees to the following terms:

Florida State College at Jacksonville computing facilities are intended to support the academic mission and administrative functions of the College. The user assumes full responsibility for using these computing facilities in an effective, efficient, ethical, lawful and courteous manner.

Authorized Florida State College at Jacksonville IT systems personnel may, while performing routine operations or investigating system problems or complaints, have access to data and software stored in Florida State College at Jacksonville computing facilities, including electronic mail.

Florida State College at Jacksonville is not responsible for loss of data, time delay, system performance, software performance or any other damages arising from the use of Florida State College at Jacksonville computing facilities.

Some systems at Florida State College at Jacksonville are operated under license agreements. Pursuant to these license agreements, the user agrees that the system may be used for instructional and research related purposes only.

The user shall take all necessary steps to protect the integrity of Florida State College at Jacksonville computing facilities. Specifically, a user shall not share with others the access codes, account numbers, passwords or other authorization assigned to him or her. The user will be responsible for all access and/or authorizations assigned to him or her and all activities occurring under these accesses/authorizations.

The user shall respect the copyrights of all software and data available through Florida State College at Jacksonville computing facilities. The user shall take reasonable steps to protect the integrity and privacy of the software and data available.

The user will use Florida State College at Jacksonville computing facilities in a manner consistent with all Florida State College at Jacksonville rules, policies and procedures, including those governing codes of conduct, academic integrity and the College environment.

The user shall adhere to the policies established by the administrators of external networks such as those accessible through the Internet. The user shall also respect the policies established by the administrators of computing facilities at Florida State College at Jacksonville.

The user understands the operation and maintenance of the College’s technology environment requires the use of management systems and tools. These systems and tools collect information about devices and software used in the College’s computing network. Some examples of this information may include but, are not limited to, College userids, device models, unique device identifiers, and operating systems. College staff shall make every effort to ensure that the data collected is used in a responsible manner, and in accordance with state and federal laws, for the purpose of operating and maintaining the College’s computer and telecommunication network.

The user shall respect the privacy of electronic mail and other user files transmitted and stored in Florida State College at Jacksonville computing facilities or at any other location accessible through a network.

The user acknowledges that a userid or program may be terminated, or its priority may be altered if it is consuming excessive system resources, degrading system response or threatening system integrity.

The user shall use only those facilities which are in the public domain, or any other location accessible through College computing facilities, for which he/she has obtained explicit authorization, from Florida State College at Jacksonville.  

The user shall not use the Florida State College at Jacksonville computing facilities to conduct private business or for personal financial gain that is not related to designated College programs or functions.

The user shall not use Florida State College at Jacksonville computing facilities for any unauthorized or illegal purpose, including, but not limited to, the following prohibited acts: creating or deliberately introducing  a  computer virus; destroying or altering data owned by others; destroying or altering computing facilities; interfering with legitimate access to computing facilities or harassing users of such facilities at Florida State  College at Jacksonville or elsewhere; disrupting Florida State College at Jacksonville computing facilities; or attempting to discover or alter passwords or to bypass security systems in Florida State College at Jacksonville computing facilities or in any other computing facility.

I, understand that the violation of this agreement may result in temporary or permanent loss of my access to Florida State College at Jacksonville computing facilities and subject myself to disciplinary actions; concerning my employment or status as a student; if appropriate. I understand that my use of Florida State College at Jacksonville computing facilities is not private and data and/or transactions may be reviewed by system administrators as part of its operations. Further, Florida State College at Jacksonville implies no privacy or secrecy for those using its computing facilities.

Further, I agree that my acceptance of the terms and conditions of this agreement with regard to the use of Florida State College at Jacksonville computing facilities will be incorporated into my student admission application or employment application.

In order for you to access Florida State College at Jacksonville computing facilities, you must agree to the terms and conditions of this agreement.

Campus Policies

Children on Campus

Florida State College at Jacksonville is committed to maintaining an environment conducive to learning. Parents and guardians are expected to assist the College in maintaining an appropriate and productive environment. While visiting a campus, children should be accompanied by adults at all times. Children are allowed to accompany parents on campus to schedule necessary appointments. However, for the most effective use of time, children under the age of 16 are otherwise not permitted during instruction-related appointments, in instructional areas, and areas providing instruction-related services (e.g., classrooms, assessment areas, libraries, tutoring centers, orientations and workshops). Every attempt should be made to arrange for appropriate child care off campus or at the child development centers on campus prior to your visit.

Distribution of Leaflets and Posters

Students who want to distribute or post printed material such as posters, leaflets or flyers on campus must secure approval from the Student Life and Leadership Development office in advance.

The Student Life and Leadership Development office will provide to students lists of certain rules governing the distribution of printed materials. The purpose of these rules is to keep the campus attractive and free of litter.

Student Travel

Trip approval and travel requests may be obtained through the Student Life and Leadership Development offices on each campus.

Trips that interfere with students’ classroom responsibilities are discouraged.

A faculty advisor will accompany the group or organization on all approved trips.

Regulation Changes

The College reserves the right to change rules, regulations, policies and procedures at any time.

Parking and Traffic Regulations

Students may obtain valid parking decals that should be affixed to the motor vehicle which the individual operates, drives or parks on facilities of the college. Decals are available at each campus security office and in the Administrative Offices.

Students may park only in areas designated for student parking; parking in faculty, staff or visitor spaces is prohibited. Citations may be issued when a parking violation has occurred, which can include towing of the vehicle.

Pagers and Cell Phones

Students must set pagers, cell phones and other such devices to silent modes, or turn them off, while class is in session.

Florida State College at Jacksonville Essential Card Terms and Conditions

Effective As of 08/11/10

Read and acknowledge this Agreement before using your Essential Bucks account. It contains the terms and conditions of the Essential Bucks account linked to Your Florida State College at Jacksonville Essential Card. By adding value, and/or using the Essential Bucks account, You agree to be bound by the terms and conditions contained in this agreement, which will govern Your use of the Essential Bucks account. The term of this agreement begins when these terms are acknowledged and ends when the participant becomes inactive from Florida State College at Jacksonville (students) or terminates employment (employees).

1. Definitions

1. You and Your each mean the Cardholder.
2. We, Us and Our each mean Florida State College at Jacksonville.
3. Business Office: The College’s campus/center office where students have the ability to make cash deposits to your Essential Bucks Card Account.
4. Cardholder means an individual in whose name and for whose benefit a Florida State College at Jacksonville Essential Card is to be issued or has been issued by Florida State College at Jacksonville.
5. College means Florida State College at Jacksonville.
6. Connections: The College’s online student portal.
7. Service Provider means a third party contracted by Florida State College at Jacksonville that provides certain support services for Your Florida State College at Jacksonville Essential Card and Essential Bucks account.
8. Essential Card and Florida State College at Jacksonville Essential Card means the official Florida State College at Jacksonville ID Card issued by Florida State College at Jacksonville to Cardholders.
9. Essential Bucks account means an account with prepaid value that can be accessed using Your Florida State College at Jacksonville Essential Card.
10. ID Card website means the website containing information about the Florida State College at Jacksonville Essential Card Program.
11. Essential Bucks account center means the area of Connections where Cardholders may login and manage their individual Florida State College at Jacksonville Essential Card and Essential Bucks account.
12. Service means a card payment service whereby a Cardholder can access value associated with Essential Bucks account linked to his/her Florida State College at Jacksonville Essential Card.
13. Accepting Location means an campus point-of-sale location that is authorized to accept Essential Bucks for the purchase of goods and services.
14. Essential Bucks Account means the account that enables You to access and manage Your Essential Bucks account via the Connections portal.

2. Florida State College at Jacksonville Essential Card Description

Your Essential Card is a multiple function card that can be used for the following applications:

1. Official Florida State College at Jacksonville Identification
2. Access device for Essential Bucks account to be used for on campus pay for printing and copying.
3. Access to the Florida State College at Jacksonville library system.

3. Eligibility

1. You are an active student or employee of Florida State College at Jacksonville.
2. You have the following data on record with Florida State College at Jacksonville: First Name, Last Name, Date of Birth.
3. You are at least sixteen 16 years of age. If you are under 18 your parent or legal guardian is responsible for reviewing and acknowledging these terms and conditions on your behalf.
4. You agree that You have read and understood this Agreement and that You will be bound by and will comply with all of its terms and conditions. If You do not agree with all of these statements, Your card privileges can be revoked and You cannot use the Essential Bucks Account feature of Your Essential Card.

4. Contact Information

You can get support regarding the Essential Card and Essential Bucks account by visiting the College website.

5. Florida State College at Jacksonville Essential Card Account

Your Essential Card can be used to access value in Your Essential Bucks account. There is no credit card, credit account or deposit account associated with the Essential Card. Essential Bucks account funds are aggregated in a bank account maintained by the College. Cardholder, Essential Card and Account information are kept on computer systems maintained by the College and Service Providers contracted by the College. You agree and give the College permission to share your personal information with such Service Providers to enable them to perform data processing required to provide Card related services.

Florida State College at Jacksonville is not acting as a trustee, fiduciary or escrow with respect to value in Essential Card accounts, but is acting only as an agent and custodian. No interest, dividends or other earnings or return will be paid on any value loaded in Accounts. Value associated with individual Cardholder Accounts is not insured by the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation (FDIC).

6. Password and Security

You should not reveal Your Connections login information or password to anyone else. You must safeguard and protect the confidentiality of Your password to keep Your Essential Bucks account secure. You will be responsible and liable for all instructions received in Connections. Florida State College at Jacksonville is not responsible for losses incurred by the Cardholders as the result of his/her misuse of passwords.

7. Unauthorized Use

If You use, or attempt to use Your Essential Card or the Service for purposes other than permitted uses, including but not limited to tampering, hacking, modifying or otherwise corrupting the security or functionality of the Service, Your Essential Bucks account will be terminated and You may be subject to damages and other penalties, including criminal prosecution where available.

8. Electronic Statements and Communications

To the fullest extent permitted by applicable federal and Florida law, this Agreement and any other agreements, notices or other communications regarding Your Essential Bucks account and/or Your use of the Service (“Communications”), may be provided to You electronically and You agree to receive all Communications from Florida State College at Jacksonville in electronic form. Electronic Communications may be posted in Connections and/or delivered to Your College assigned e-mail address. You may print a copy of any Communications and retain it for Your records. All Communications in either electronic or paper format will be considered to be in “writing,” and to have been received no later than five (5) business days after posting or dissemination, whether or not You have received or retrieved the Communication. Florida State College at Jacksonville reserves the right but assumes no obligation to provide Communications in paper format. Your consent to receive Communications electronically is valid until You revoke Your consent by notifying Florida State College at Jacksonville in writing. If You revoke Your consent to receive Communications electronically, Florida State College at Jacksonville will terminate Your right to use the Essential Bucks account.

9. Correct E-mail and Mailing Address

You agree and warrant that You have access to the Internet and to a current functional Florida State College at Jacksonville e-mail address. Florida State College at Jacksonville will not be liable for any costs You incur for maintaining Internet access.

10. Using the Florida State College at Jacksonville Essential Card Account

You may use the Essential Card for the following purposes:

1. Pay for print and copy services at accepting locations on campuses
2. Obtain balances online.
3. Access telephone customer support.
4. Add value to Essential Bucks account using a campus Payment Station, VISA/MasterCard/Discover Credit Card, debit card online or by cash at any College Business Office.

10.1 Florida State College at Jacksonville Essential Bucks Account Spending and Value Add Limits

11. Adding Value to Essential Bucks Accounts

You may add value to Your Essential Bucks Account via a campus Payment Station, the Quick Add Value option in Connections or via a cash payment at the Business Office.

We reserve the right to accept or reject any request to add additional value to Essential Bucks Accounts, in Our sole discretion. If any transfer of value to a Essential Bucks account becomes subject to any stop payment order or chargeback after value has been credited to the Essential Bucks account, We will be entitled to recover the full amount of the stopped or charged-back payment plus any applicable fees by deducting an equivalent amount from the Essential Bucks account.

11.1 Value Availability

Credit card, debit card and cash payments will be made available to the Cardholder immediately as the payment is received.

12. Making Purchases with Florida State College at Jacksonville Essential Card

You must have sufficient value available in Your Essential Bucks account to pay for each transaction. Each time You use Your Essential Bucks account, the amount of the transaction will be debited from the Account. You may not spend more value than You have on any given Account. Should your purchase amount exceed the remaining balance in your Essential Bucks account, you will not be allowed to complete the transaction.

13. Overdrafts and Negative Accounts

The College will suspend Your Essential Bucks account until payment on negative account balance is made in whole. All financial obligations for tuition, fees and other costs and charges of a student to all departments or enterprises of the College must be satisfied in full before the student will be permitted to receive transcripts or a diploma, or before the student is allowed to register for additional classes.

If any funds to which You are not legally entitled are credited to Your Account by mistake or otherwise, You agree that such amounts are debts owed by You to the College and authorize the College to deduct such amounts from Your Account to the extent permitted by law. You authorize the College to take this action without notice or demand to You.

14. Lost or Stolen Florida State College at Jacksonville Essential Cards

Lost, damaged or stolen cards can be replaced at Essential Card issuance stations with replacement fee receipt from a Business Office. There is a card replacement fee of $10.

15. Disputes/Returns

If You fail to receive the pay for print or copy service for which you paid, You must dispute the issue before leaving the pay for print/copy location. Administrative staff at each of the print/copy locations will reprint or copy Your print material that either jammed, failed to print, or was not readable if Your account was charged for the cost. If you fail to notify staff at the print location of a problem, you are not entitled to a credit or refund.

16. Error Resolution

If You think Your current balance is wrong, please request the transactional history on your account from the campus business office. We must hear from you no later than 60 days after we made available the transaction history upon which the problem or error appeared. Upon review of Your transactional history, if You contend that a transaction was not made by You, then you must file a written dispute with the Campus Dean of Student Success. Because an invalid print or copy transaction requires theft of your Essential Card and Your Connections ID and password, both your Connections access and Essential Card will immediately be suspended until disputed charge is resolved. If an error has occurred, your Essential Bucks account will be credited for the amount of the original error. We will make best efforts to complete our investigation within 30 business days after the dispute has been received.

If we decide that there was no error, we will send you a written explanation within three business days after we complete our investigation.

You cannot dispute a transaction based on failure of a print job to print satisfactorily. As stated above, unsatisfactory print or copy issues must be addressed at the time of printing and at the print location.

17. Account Refunds

Eligible refunds are processed upon request and will be completed within two weeks of a written request. Refund requests must be submitted in writing to the campus business office. Refunds are sent direct deposit to the bank account listed by you as your official College refund account. To receive a refund of your Essential Bucks account balance You must:

• Complete BRSR Form 29, Request for Refund of Essential Bucks Balance.
• You must have graduated OR be withdrawn for more than 2 terms.
• Refund requests from faculty and staff are accepted at any time but limited to a total of four refunds per year.
• You must have at least $5 remaining in Your Essential Bucks account.
• You cannot owe a debt to the College. Debts owed to the College will be satisfied first before a refund is processed to You. No refunds will be made for amounts less than $5.

18. Card Replacement Fee

The College will charge You the fee set forth below. The fee will be processed by the Business Office.

• Card Replacement $10/Card

Fees are subject to change as approved by the District Board of Trustees of Florida State College at Jacksonville.

19. Cancellation or Suspension of Use

Florida State College at Jacksonville, in its sole and absolute discretion, may limit, suspend or cancel Your use of the Essential Card and/or Essential Bucks account. Florida State College at Jacksonville may refuse to issue an Essential Card or may revoke the Essential Card privileges with or without cause or notice. The Essential Card at all times remains the property of Florida State College at Jacksonville and may be revoked, suspended, deactivated or repossessed by Florida State College at Jacksonville at any time. You agree not to use or attempt to use an expired, revoked or otherwise invalid Essential Card. You agree to surrender the Essential Card to us upon request.

20. Liability for Failure to Make Transfers

If we do not complete a transfer to or from Your Essential Bucks account within a reasonable period of time or in the correct amount according to our agreement with you, we will be liable, to the extent permitted by State of Florida law, for your losses or damages. However, there are some exceptions. We will not be liable, for instances including, but not limited to, the following:

1. If, through no fault of ours, You do not have enough money in Your account to make the transfer.
2. If circumstances beyond our control (such as fire or flood) prevent the transfer, despite reasonable precautions that we have taken.
3. If, through no fault of ours, there is a delay in transferring data between computer systems.
4. If the terminal or system was not working properly and you knew about the breakdown when you started the transfer.

21. Disclosure of Account Information to Third Parties

We will disclose information to third parties about Your Essential Bucks account or the transactions You make only:

1. where it is necessary for completing transactions
2. in order to comply with government agency or court orders
3. to carefully selected Service Providers who perform data processing, records management, collections, and other services for us, in order that they may perform those services.
4. in order to prevent or investigate possible illegal activity
5. in order to issue payment authorizations for transaction on the Essential Bucks account, or
6. where otherwise provided by law.

22. Changes in Terms and Conditions

The College reserves the right to change the terms of this Agreement at the sole discretion of the College. Any such change will generally be effective immediately without notice to You unless We are required by applicable law to provide You with advance written notice of the proposed change. In such instances, those changes will be effective after the College has provided You with the required advance written notice following the effective date stated in such notice. If, however, the change is made for security purposes, the College will implement the change without any notice to You. If You do not accept any change to this Agreement, You have a right to terminate this Agreement in a manner provided for herein.