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Drug-Free Policy
Because the likelihood of success is so dramatically reduced for students using illegal drugs, Polk State College is determined to have drug-free campuses. Illegal use of drugs or alcohol is not tolerated on any Polk State College campus or at any College-sponsored event off campus as indicated by District Board of Trustees Rules 4.01 and 2.25. Certain limited admission programs have additional procedures regarding the use of drugs and alcohol. Various opportunities exist at Polk State College to educate students about the realities of drug and alcohol abuse. A major unit in the HLP 1081 Wellness Concepts course covers substance abuse. In addition, special seminars, workshops, and discussion opportunities are scheduled.
Polk State College requires all applicants for admission to commit to obeying the law and to refrain from illegal drug and alcohol activity on campuses and at all College events.
Students who illegally use drugs or alcohol or who sell or manufacture legal or illegal drugs on any of the College’s campuses or centers or at a College-sponsored event off campus are subject to disciplinary actions, which could include suspension or expulsion.
The College refers all individuals who engage in illegal drug or controlled substance/alcohol activity on the College’s campuses or centers or at College events to law enforcement for prosecution.
Students who are convicted of any drug offense are required to report the offense to the campus Dean of Student Services within five days of the student’s first day of classes. Furthermore, students currently attending Polk State College who become subject to legal action as a result of drug-related offenses are required to contact the campus Dean of Student Services. The College reserves the right to investigate reports of drug use or conviction. Students who are found to have neglected this requirement are subject to disciplinary action up to and including expulsion.
Readmission is granted to students who are suspended or expelled due to drug-related offenses only when they provide proof that they are drug free after drug rehabilitation. The Polk State College Petitions Committee, consisting of students and staff, reviews the proof and makes a recommendation regarding readmission.
Excess Hours
Florida Statute Section 1009.286 establishes an “excess hour” surcharge for students seeking baccalaureate degrees at state universities. It is critical that students, including those entering Florida College System institutions, are aware of the potential for additional course fees. From the 2012-13 academic year and thereafter, “excess hours” are defined as hours that go beyond 110% of the hours required for a baccalaureate degree program. For example, if the length of the program is 120 credit hours, the student may be subject to an excess hour surcharge for any credits attempted beyond 132 credit hours (110% x 120).
All students whose educational plan may include earning a bachelor’s degree should make every effort to enroll in and successfully complete the courses required for their intended major on their first attempt. Florida College System students intending to transfer to state universities should identify a transfer major and transfer institution early. The College expects students to make this selection by the 12th earned hour.
Students should also be advised of admission requirements for the degrees and programs they select, including the approved common prerequisites. Course withdrawals and/or repeats, as well as enrollment in courses nonessential to the intended major, may contribute to a potential excess hours surcharge.
The Polk State College online student portal PASSPORT provides degree audit and program completion tools for the student, such as the education plan. Advisors are available for program, educational plan, and career advising between registration periods. Students are encouraged to avail themselves of these tools and opportunities to plan program progression well and to prevent accumulation of excess hours that do not contribute to the student’s program completion.
Continuous Enrollment
Degree-program students are considered to be continuously enrolled, provided a break in enrollment does not exceed a year. For example, if a student last attended in a fall term with a lapse in attendance, he or she would be required to reapply for admission if he or she missed the spring, summer, and next fall terms. Students failing to maintain continuous enrollment must apply for readmission under the catalog in effect at the time of their next enrollment. This must be done before registration can take place. Students who readmit must submit all transcripts to the College according to the Admission procedures, even if previously submitted.
Children on Campus
Polk State College has no facilities or services to accommodate children while adults are attending class or conducting business on campus. In fairness to others and in recognition of these limited facilities and lack of services, students should not bring children to class or into other service areas.
Smoking on Campus
Polk State College is a smoke-free facility. Smoking is permitted in designated outdoor areas only.
Student Health Insurance
Polk State College does not provide health insurance or other services related to a student’s health care needs.
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