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Division of Academic Affairs Acrobat .pdf documents require This web page is maintained by: Gary Baker.
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TABLE OF CONTENTS CHAPTER 1: ABOUT USF ST. PETERSBURG CHAPTER 2: ORGANIZATION AND ADMINISTRATION USF ST. PETERSBURG ORGANIZATION CHAPTER 3: FACULTY GOVERNANCE FACULTY COUNCIL CHAPTER 4: PRIVACY AND ACCESS TO INFORMATION OPEN MEETINGS CHAPTER 5: INSTRUCTIONAL POLICIES CHAPTER 6: COMPUTING SERVICES CHAPTER 7: RESEARCH CHAPTER 8: FACULTY EMPLOYMENT AND RELATED ISSUES CHAPTER 9: UNIVERSITY POLICIES PUBLIC SAFETY CHAPTER 10: UNIVERSITY SERVICES
Faculty Handbook CHAPTER 1: ABOUT USF ST. PETERSBURG MISSION, VISION VALUES AND GOALS Our Mission USF St. Petersburg offers distinctive graduate and undergraduate programs in the arts and sciences, business and education within a close-knit, student-centered learning community that welcomes individuals from the region, state, nation and world. We conduct wide-ranging, collaborative research to meet society's needs and engage in service projects and partnerships to enhance the university and community's social, economic and intellectual life. As an integral and complementary part of a multi-campus university, USF St. Petersburg retains a separate identity and mission while contributing to and benefiting from the associations, cooperation and shared resources of a premier national research university. Our Values We value a collegial, inviting, and safe learning environment that stresses excellent teaching, encourages intellectual growth and rewards academic achievement. We value an education rich in both theory and practical experience that enables our graduates to pursue careers and professions with competence and confidence. We value collaboration throughout the campus community in scholarship, research and service. We value individuals, respect their diversity and varied perspectives and insist on tolerance of divergent views. We value academic freedom and responsibility, creative expression and the unfettered pursuit of truth. We value deliberative dialogue in making decisions and solving problems. We value shared governance and shared responsibility in the operation of the university and the allocation of its resources. We value honesty, integrity and openness while promoting ethical behavior. We value lifelong learning and recognize our responsibility to contribute to civic well being. We value longstanding, continuing partnerships that unite and benefit both the campus and community. We value efficient, trustworthy and able stewardship of our university. Our Vision Guided by its mission and values, USF St. Petersburg commits itself to leadership in education, research and outreach on behalf of the people and communities it serves. USF St. Petersburg will move aggressively and strategically to enhance existing academic programs and anticipate and address future needs by developing new initiatives determined by community-based educational priorities. Our vision includes: Graduate and undergraduate degree programs known for accomplishing defined learning outcomes that strive to meet the highest of academic standards Academic, student and support operations that are caring, personal and service-oriented Enhanced opportunities for community-based research, service and learning Campus and community participation in decision-making and planning First-class, up-to-date learning facilities and technology Increased external support for scholarships, grants and academic initiatives Our Goals Strengthen governance structures and processes, achieve academic autonomy and earn separate institutional and program accreditations that signify the campus meets the highest standards of higher education. Establish a national and international academic reputation by developing distinctive programs; by enhancing established, existing academic programs; and by establishing new initiatives based on educational priorities. Create a campus life that challenges, supports and encourages student involvement in activities and programs that will enrich and enhance students' university experience and empower them for lifelong success. Promote, strengthen and support research as a pathway to learning, discovery, solving problems and contributing to the public good. Create a campus culture that in its composition, attitudes and actions, respects, encourages and embodies diversity. Increase the enrollment of students with the credentials and commitment to excel and provide them with the instructional support and services to allow them to realize their fullest potential. Provide for new and enhanced facilities and technology that support the campus's mission and that advance teaching, learning and discovery. Increase individual, corporate, and foundation support to accomplish strategic goals for the benefit of both students and the community. ACCREDITATION The University of South Florida is accredited by the Commission on Colleges of the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools to award degrees at the baccalaureate, master's, and doctoral levels, including the Doctor of Medicine. USF was initially accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools (SACS) in 1965. Its accreditation status has been reviewed every ten years. The most recent review was completed in 1994. In 2001, the process leading to reaffirmation of accreditation by SACS underwent a significant change in philosophy and format. The new reaffirmation process requires USF to complete an internal review leading to the development of two significant products for review by SACS: a Compliance Certification Report and a Quality Enhancement Plan. As part of the reaffirmation process, USF St. Petersburg will respond to many of the Core Requirements, Comprehensive Standards, and Federal Requirements that comprise the Compliance Certification Report. In addition to reaffirmation and in compliance with F.S. 240.2011, USF St. Petersburg is seeking status as a separately accredited institution by SACS. USF St. Petersburg will submit its application for separate accreditation in the Spring of 2004.
HISTORY OF USF ST. PETERSBURG USF ST. PETERSBURG - THEN In the fall of 1965, the University of South Florida opened a campus along St. Petersburg 's Bayboro Harbor without celebration or ceremony. More than 250 freshmen needed a place to live and study, and the overbooked Tampa campus had no room for them. They attended classes and set up home in buildings of a World War II Merchant Marine base. From that makeshift operation, a campus grew, a step at a time. In 1968, upper-division and graduate programs began on campus, with enrollment topping 600. In that year, the state legislature passed a bill establishing St. Petersburg as an official branch of the University of South Florida the first regional campus in the State University System. The library opened in 1968 with 2,200 volumes, and in 1970 the first degrees were conferred upon 51 students. The St. Petersburg City Council and business leaders lobbied for expansion of the campus. Their visionary efforts garnered today's 46.5 acres for classrooms, laboratories, administration offices, library and support facilities. Bayboro Hall, now Lowell E. Davis Hall, and the old Nelson Poynter Memorial Library, now Bayboro Hall, were dedicated in May 1981. Coquina Hall opened in 1984, and the U.S. Geological Survey brought its Center for Coastal Geology here in 1989. A year later, the Campus Activities Center was dedicated. The Knight Oceanographic Research Center , home of USF's College of Marine Science , was completed in 1994. The new Nelson Poynter Memorial Library opened in 1996, followed by the YWCA-USF Family Village in 1998, USF Children's Research Institute in 1999 and the Florida Center for Teachers in 2000. USF St. Petersburg helped preserve the city's history by moving two homes to campus in the mid 1990's - the Perry Snell House, c.1904, and the John C. Williams House, built in 1890 by one of St. Petersburg's founders. The two buildings house faculty and administration offices. Several initiatives helped develop the campus's identity, including the Academic Frontiers lecture series, the Urban Initiative, the Program for Ethics in Education and Community, and the Science Journalism Center. In 1998, after 30 years of serving juniors, seniors and graduate students, USF St. Petersburg admitted a limited number of freshmen in a special Learning Community program. In 2000, the campus admitted freshmen and sophomores in all programs, a step that provided increased choices for Pinellas citizens, as well as enrollment growth. USF ST. PETERSBURG - NOW Today, USF St. Petersburg is a rapidly growing, urban campus of the University of South Florida, a Carnegie-designated Doctoral/Research University. Over 4,000 students enroll in 24 undergraduate and 10 graduate degree programs through the Colleges of Arts and Sciences , Business, and Education. USF St. Petersburg is the only public university in Pinellas County, in an area of 1 million people. The 38-year-old campus is USF's largest regional branch and was the state university system's prototype for such campuses. USF St. Petersburg is committed to excellence in research and teaching, and values faculty-student research collaboration, interdisciplinary perspectives, university-community partnerships, and a student centered environment supportive of diversity. USF St. Petersburg's beautiful waterfront campus resides within St. Petersburg's downtown area featuring parks, shops, restaurants, art galleries, museums and performing arts and sports venues. Located on Bayboro Harbor in downtown St. Petersburg, this waterfront campus is home to the colleges of arts and sciences , business , education, a 204,839-volume library , a full service computer center and computer store , a fitness center and other student recreational activities. USF St. Petersburg shares its beautiful landscape with other University of South Florida branches and colleges as well as and state and federal agencies. Hosted are: USF's College of Nursing, the Children's Research Institute of USF's College of Medicine's Department of Pediatrics, and the nationally renowned USF College of Marine Science. The Florida Humanities Council, the USGS Center for Coastal and Watershed Studies, the Florida Fish & Wildlife Conservation Commission's Florida Marine Research Institute and the Florida Institute of Oceanography are also located on campus. CHAPTER 2: ORGANIZATION AND ADMINISTRATION USF ST. PETERSBURG CAMPUS BOARD Effective July 1, 2001, and in accordance with the Florida Education Governance Reorganization Implementation Act, Florida legislators called for the creation of a University Board of Trustees for each state university and a Campus Board for the University of South Florida St. Petersburg. In accordance with F.S. 240.527, members are appointed by the University of South Florida Board of Trustees upon recommendation by the University of South Florida President . One member of the USF St. Petersburg Campus Board serves jointly on the University of South Florida Board of Trustees. The USF St. Petersburg Campus Board consists of five members residing in Pinellas County. Campus Board members serve 4-year staggered terms and receive no compensation for their service on the Board. USF St. Petersburg Campus Board members are not employees of the institution and have no personal, familial or financial interest in the institution. USF St. Petersburg Campus Board members are subject to Florida Code of Ethics for Public Officers and Employees, Part III, Chapter 112, Florida Statutes, 2001. F.S. 240.527 outlines the organization and duties of the Campus Board as follows: Review and approve an annual legislative budget to be submitted to the Commissioner of Education. Approve and submit an annual operating plan and budget for review and consultation by the University Board of Trustees. The campus operating budget must reflect the actual funding available to that campus from separate line-item appropriations contained in each annual General Appropriations Act. Enter into central support services contracts with the University Board of Trustees for any services that the campus cannot provide more economically. The University Board of Trustees and the Campus Board will determine in a letter of agreement any allocation or sharing of student fee revenue between the campus located in Tampa and the Campus located in St. Petersburg . The Board of Trustees of the University of South Florida may lawfully delegate other powers and duties to the Campus Board for the efficient operation and improvement of the campus and for the purpose of vesting in the campus the attributes necessary to meet the requirements for separate accreditation by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools. REGIONAL CHANCELLOR AND CEO Effective July 1, 2003, Dr. Karen A. White was appointed to the position of Vice President and Campus Executive Officer after a nationwide search facilitated by the search firm of A.T. Kearney. Dr. White, prior to her USF St. Petersburg appointment, served as the Dean of the College of Fine Arts and Professor of Music at the University of Nebraska at Omaha. Her responsibilities included serving as the senior academic administrator and financial officer of the college, promoting and advancing the academic programs and artistic outreach of the departments, providing leadership for strategic planning of the departments and college within the mission of the university, providing planning and leadership for recruitment and retention of outstanding students and faculty, working with foundation representatives in development activities, serving as conduit for communication among the internal and external constituencies of the college, and serving as liaison with regional arts organizations. Her previous tenure as Executive Assistant to the Chancellor of the University of Maryland System from 1990-1993 provides additional experience working within a university system and federal grant application. On February 6, 2003, r. Karen A. White's title was officeialy changed to Regional Chancellor/CEO. In July 2001, the Florida Legislature (F.S. 240.527) mandated the following duties of the Chief Executive Officer of USF St. Petersburg: Administer campus operations within the annual operating budget as approved by the Campus Board. Recommend to the Campus Board an annual legislative budget request that includes funding for campus operations and fixed capital outlay. Recommend to the Campus Board an annual operating budget. Recommend to the Campus Board appropriate services and terms and conditions to be included in annual central support services contracts. Carry out any additional responsibilities assigned or delegated by the President of the University of South Florida for the efficient operation and improvement of the campus, especially any authority necessary for the purpose of vesting in the campus attributes necessary to meet the requirements of separate accreditation. The position of Vice President and Campus Executive Officer (VP/CEO) serves as Corporate Secretary of the USF St. Petersburg Campus Board. A Message from the USF St. Petersburg Vice President & CEO USF ST. PETERSBURG FACULTY COUNCIL Mission The Faculty Council of the University of South Florida St. Petersburg constitute the principal academic advisory body to the Regional Chancellor/CEO of the University of South Florida St. Petersburg and has the responsibility to make recommendations pertaining to the operations and welfare of the University, particularly those of special interest to the academic division of the University. Responsibilities To accomplish its mission, the Faculty Council of the University of South Florida St. Petersburg, hereafter referred to as the Faculty Council or FC, will act as follows: FC representatives will meet regularly and will make the minutes of each meeting available to the faculty. FC representatives will report regularly to their constituencies regarding the activities of all Faculty Councils and Committees. With the approval of a majority of FC representatives, the FC Chair may schedule a special meeting of the whole and invite the general faculty to attend. The FC Chair will serve as the faculty representative at meetings of the Vice President's Council. The FC will provide advice and recommendations to the Regional Chancellor/CEO prior to administrative decisions regarding the establishment or dissolution of colleges, schools, departments, independent centers, institutes, and partnerships; curriculum; scholastic standards; and academic honors at USFSP. The FC will receive and make recommendations concerning reports from the administration, particularly when these reports are of special interest to the academic division of the University. The FC will receive and make recommendations concerning reports from campus-wide councils and committees to the RegionaChancellor, particularly when these reports are of special interest to the academic division of the University. Membership General Faculty Membership in the general faculty of the University of South Florida St. Petersburg will consist of all full-time faculty members with the rank of Instructor, Lecturer, Assistant Professor, Associate Professor, Professor, Instructor Librarian, Assistant Librarian, Associate Librarian, or Librarian. The general faculty acts through the Faculty Council as its elected representative body. Faculty Council The Faculty Council will consist of eight elected members, one member from each College, one representative (each) from the Arts & Sciences Council, the Business Council, and the Education Council , one representative from the Library , and an ex-officio member from the College of Marine Sciences . A Chair and a Vice-Chair/Secretary will be elected from and by the seven voting representatives at the first FC meeting each Fall. Elections Eligibility for election to the FC. Members of the faculty eligible to be elected to the Faculty Council will be full-time members of the general faculty holding the rank of Assistant Professor, Associate Professor, Professor, Assistant Librarian, Associate Librarian, or Librarian. Faculty members whose responsibilities are primarily administrative are not eligible to serve on the FC. Eligibility to vote in FC elections. Each member of the general faculty is eligible to vote in the election of FC representatives from the College/Unit of which he/she is a member. Academic advisors holding the title of Instructor are eligible to vote in the elections within the Colleges for which they advise. If a faculty member has duties in more than one unit, the faculty member will be counted in the unit in which the major portion of his/her salary is budgeted. If a faculty member is budgeted for an equal portion in more than one unit, the faculty member may choose the unit in which to be included. Time of election An annual election will be held each Spring semester. Nominations for all open seats on the FC will be solicited from the general faculty via email. Faculty wishing to serve on the FC are encouraged to self-nominate. Terms The term of each FC seat will be two years, beginning the first day of the Fall semester following the annual election. Terms of the College representatives will be staggered to ensure continuity from year to year. A representative may serve two consecutive terms, after which a period of one year must elapse before a faculty member may be re-elected to the FC. Vacancies In the event a representative to the FC resigns or is otherwise unable to serve for a period of more than one semester, the seat held by that representative will be declared vacant and an alternate will be elected by the College/Unit to serve the remainder of that representative's term. Absences . A representative who must be absent from a meeting should send an alternate as a replacement. The alternate must be an individual who is eligible for membership in the FC. A representative who has two absences in a semester, without sending an alternate, is presumed to have resigned from the FC. The FC may make exceptions to this policy when special circumstances warrant it. USFSP Faculty Councils and Committees The USFSP councils and committees will be of two types. Two committees will consist entirely of FC representatives. The remaining councils and committees, which will be appointed by and report to the Vice President, will provide written reports to the FC each Spring for their review and comment. The FC will elect a 3-member "Committee on Committees" and a 3-member "Bylaws Committee" from its membership at its first meeting in the Fall. A. The USFSP Undergraduate Council (UUC), the USFSP Graduate Council (UGC), and the USFSP Research Council (URC) will consist of representatives from the general faculty of each College, and the Library. B. The following are campus-wide committees: Academic Conduct and Awards Committee. Library Committee c. Student Admissions Committee Nominations to Campus-wide Councils and Committees The Committee on Committees will solicit nominations from the general faculty, receive nominations from the floor of the FC, and make its own nominations for each faculty position on the Faculty Councils and Committees. All such nominees must be reviewed for eligibility and approved by a majority vote of all FC representatives present and voting prior to submission of the list of nominees to the Regional Chancellor/CEO for appointments. Meetings The FC will meet monthly during the Fall and Spring semesters and as necessary during the Summer term. The Chair of the FC may call a special meeting when the need arises, at the request of the Regional Chancellor/CEO of USFSP, or at the written request of 3 members of the FC. All meetings of the FC and its councils and committees will be open to members of the university community. Notice of such meetings and proposed agendas will be made available in advance of each meeting. Fifty percent of the FC membership will constitute a quorum. For purposes of calculating a quorum, the size of the body will exclude unfilled vacancies. Rules of Order Robert's Rules of Order (latest edition) will govern in all parliamentary practice not otherwise covered by the policies of the FC. Amendments Amendments to this charter may be proposed either through written petition from ten members of the general faculty, or through written petition by three FC members. All amendments to this Constitution must be approved by the affirmative vote of two-thirds of the FC. Such amendments must be ratified by a majority of the general faculty voting and by the Regional Chancellor/CEO of the University of South Florida St. Petersburg . College Councils The Arts & Sciences, Business, and Education College Councils provide an effective means for collective participation by faculty and advise the College Deans in the consideration, formulation, and implementation of recommendations and decisions relating to the allocation of resources, evaluation of faculty, setting of goals and priorities, and other matters of interest to College faculty. The College Councils are also be responsible for approving all new course/program proposals prior to submission to the USFSP Undergraduate or Graduate Council. The Arts & Sciences Council, Business Council, and Education Council are comprised of members of the respective Colleges, with eligibility for membership and size of each Council determined by the Colleges. Faculty Councils and Committees USFSP Undergraduate Council The USFSP Undergraduate Council will advise the Regional Vice Chancellor for Academic Affairs and report to the FC on matters pertaining to undergraduate courses, curricula, programs, and degrees awarded by USFSP, including the University Honors Program and Learning Communities. Membership of the USFSP Undergraduate Council will consist of one faculty representative (each) from the Colleges of Arts & Sciences, Business, and Education; one representative from the Library; one representative from the Advising Office, and one representative from the Regional Vice Chancellor's office. USFSP Graduate Council The USFSP Graduate Council will advise the Regional Vice Chancellorfor Academic Affairs and report to the FC on matters pertaining to graduate courses, curricula, programs, and degrees awarded by USFSP. Membership of the USFSP Graduate Council will consist of one tenure-track faculty representative (each) from the Colleges of Arts & Sciences, Business, and Education; one representative from the Library; and one representative from the Regional Vice Chancellor's office. USFSP Research Council The USFSP Research Council will advise the Regional Vice Chancellor for Academic Affairs and report to the FC on matters pertaining to policies and procedures intended to promote research and creative activity at USFSP. Membership of the USFSP Research Council will consist of one tenure-track faculty representative (each) from the Colleges of Arts & Sciences, Business, and Education; one representative from the Library; and one representative from the Regional Vice Chancellor's office. USFSP Academic Conduct and Awards Committee The USFSP Academic Conduct and Awards Committee will advise the Regional Vice Chancellor for Academic Affairs and report to the FC on matters pertaining to the establishment and maintenance of policies, principles, and regulations affecting academic conduct; form and work with a committee to implement the campus honor system; and recommend students for scholarships, honors, and awards. Membership of the USFSP Academic Conduct and Awards Committee will consist of one faculty representative (each) from the Colleges of Arts & Sciences, Business, and Education; one representative from the Advising Office; one from Student Affairs; and one student. USFSP Library Committee The USFSP Library Committee will advise the Vice President/CEO and report to the FC on issues and policies affecting the campus library. Issues include, but are not limited to, collections, resource allocations, outcomes assessment, and audiovisual services. Membership of the USFSP Library Committee will consist of one faculty representative (each) from the Colleges of Arts & Sciences; Business, and Education; one ex officio representative from the College of Marine Science; one A&P representative; one USPS representative; one graduate student; and one undergraduate student. The Director of the Library shall serve in an ex officio capacity. USFSP Student Admissions Committee The USFSP Student Admissions Committee will advise the Gegional Vice Chancellor for Academic Affairs and report to the FC on matters pertaining to the establishment and maintenance of policies, principles, and regulations affecting student recruitment, admissions, and retention. Membership of the USFSP Student Admissions Committee will consist of one faculty representative (each) from the Colleges of Arts & Sciences, Business, and Education; one representative each from the Advising Office, Student Affairs, and Admissions/Registration; and the campus recruiter. COLLEGE AND DEPARTMENT GOVERNANCE Three colleges offer a variety of programs. Each college has its own mission and college governance council. Copies of each college's constitution can be obtained in the individual college office.
CHAPTER 4: PRIVACY AND ACCESS TO INFORMATION Open Meetings Sec. 286.011, F.S. Florida Open Meetings The Florida "Sunshine Law" provides that all meetings of any board or commission at any state agency at which official acts are to be taken must be open to the public at all times. Although the University of South Florida is a state agency, the impact of the Public Meetings Law on USF meetings is relatively insubstantial. At USF, committees and councils are only advisory, and official USF action is taken by the University president who is a single person rather than a board, commission or other group. Nonetheless, in cases where the president delegates authority to take official acts or make decisions to a group, the Public Meetings Law will apply. The only University meetings that any court has determined to be subject to the Public Meetings Law are those of search and screening committees that have the authority to take official action by rejecting some candidates and advancing others. Search Committees PRIVACY AND PUBLIC RECORDS LAW Under FERPA, the following types of information, designated by law as "directory information," may be released by the University of South Florida, unless the student has indicated otherwise: Student name, local and permanent addresses, telephone listings, major field of study, participation in officially recognized activities and sports, weight and height of members of athletic teams, dates of attendance, full/part-time status, degrees and awards received, the most recent educational agency or institution attended, and other similar information. At the beginning of each semester, students may indicate whether the "directory" information above is to be released or not. Whether or not a student makes such an indication, faculty should never release such information to any other person without the student's knowledge and permission. Students not only have a right to expect privacy in their educational records, but also may request and have access to inspect and review their education records and to challenge the accuracy of those records. Florida Law Sec. 119, F. S. The Florida Public Records Law applies to any material prepared in connection with official agency business that is intended to perpetuate, communicate, or formalize knowledge of some type. The intent of the law is to assure that governmental agencies function in the open. Therefore any exemptions that have been created by the courts or through legislation are very narrowly defined. Exemptions that do apply include certain Division of Sponsored Research materials, student records, and academic evaluations of University faculty. Because of the careful balancing that must be done between access and privacy, and between federal and state laws, all requests for access to records, whether from another state agency, the media, a private citizen, a student, a parent/relative, or any business may be forwarded directly to the Office of the General Counsel, which will assist in determining the legality of the request and in establishing the conditions for the record's release. "Public records" are defined as all documents, papers, letters, maps, books, tapes, photographs, films, sound recordings, data processing software or other material, regardless of physical form or characteristics, or means of transmission, made or received pursuant to law or ordinance or in connection with the transaction of official business by any agency. This includes inter-office memoranda and intra-office memoranda (including electronic mail). The courts have excluded from the definition of "public records" rough drafts, personal notes, and notes taken by a secretary as dictation since those documents are not intended to communicate, perpetuate, or formalize information. Pertinent exemptions to the Florida Public Records Law include: Faculty Academic Evaluations that include information about performance are confidential (except to the employee) under Sec. 240.253, F.S. This includes, but is not limited to, annual evaluations and materials presented for tenure and promotion decisions. The only exception is the results of the SUS Student Assessment of Instruction, which are available in the Library, deans' offices and various other locations for students and the public to review. Student Records - Under Sec. 228.093, F.S., confidential student records and reports are defined as "any and all official records, files, and data directly related to pupils and students which are created, maintained, and used by public educational institutions, including all material that is incorporated into each pupil's or student's cumulative record folder and intended for school use or to be available to parties outside the school or school system for legitimate educational or research purposes." (See Federal Law, above) Research Records --materials and documentation that relate to methods of manufacture or production, or to potential or actual trade secrets, received, generated, ascertained or discovered during the course of research conducted within the University are exempt from the public records law. Disposal of Public Records CHAPTER 5: INSTRUCTIONAL POLICIES TEACHING RESPONSIBILITY Consistent with the exercise of academic responsibility, faculty have the freedom to present and discuss their own academic subjects, frankly and forthrightly, without fear of censorship, and to select instructional materials and determine grades in accordance with University and SUS policies. Objective and skillful exposition of such subject matter, including the acknowledgment of a variety of scholarly opinions, is the duty of every faculty member. Academic freedom is accompanied by the corresponding responsibilities to: Be forthright and honest in the pursuit and communication of scientific and scholarly knowledge; Respect students, staff, and colleagues as individuals and avoid any exploitation of such persons for private advantage; Respect the integrity of the evaluation process with regard to students, staff, and colleagues, so that it reflects their true merit; and Indicate when appropriate that one is not an institutional representative unless specifically authorized as such. In addition to their assigned duties, faculty responsibilities include, but are not limited to, observing and upholding the ethical standards of their discipline; participating, as appropriate, in the shared system of collegial governance, especially at the program level; respecting the confidential nature of the relationship between professor and student; and adhering to one's proper role as teacher, researcher, intellectual mentor, and counselor. OFFICE HOURS Each faculty member is responsible for designating hours during which he or she will be available for office conference with students. These hours will occur on regularly scheduled class days and shall be of adequate number and length to ensure students of reasonable access to the faculty member. Office hours are to be announced during a class period during the first week of classes and shall also be posted on the office door. College offices must be notified of these regularly scheduled office hours. If changes are necessitated because of absence or change in schedule, they shall be announced and posted in advance if possible, and communicated to the office . Additional office hours may be arranged with students at mutually agreed upon times. SYLLABUS Every regularly scheduled classroom course must have a syllabus. The syllabus should be handed out on the first day of class, and no later than the second day of class of the semester. The syllabus must include the course title, course prefix, number and section, instructor's name, office hours and location, phone number, course objectives, attendance policy, grading policy, dates of scheduled exams, course outline including assignments and dates due, and notice of permission/non-permission to sell notes or tapes of class lectures. Faculty are also encouraged to include titles of required textbooks and readings, a policy statement on make up of missed work, e-mail or FAX number, and a reminder that students who anticipate being absent from class due to religious observance should inform the instructor by the second class meeting. Certain colleges and programs may have additional syllabus requirements. The current syllabus for each class should be kept on file in the college. FACULTY-AUTHORED TEXTBOOKS A faculty member who is the author of a textbook, book, software, or collateral materials and who requires the use of that material in his or her course or courses, must inform the Provost if more than $500 is received in one year from the required use of the textbook in his or her class. The faculty member must certify that the required text is the only text that is uniquely suited for use in the author's class. The number of students expected to enroll in the class for the year should be included. The above reporting requirements also apply when the faculty member assigning the materials is a relative of the author, a member of a teaching team of which the author is a member, or if the author is in a position to require the materials in any University course or program. AUDITING A student who wishes to audit a course may do so with approval of the instructor. The student must register for the course and be assessed the same fees as for credit, except that out-of-state fees are not charged. Auditors are not allowed to take exams, nor should they expect assignments to be graded. While auditors are considered "listeners" only, it is at the faculty member's discretion whether and to what extent an auditor may participate in the class discussion and activities. INDEPENDENT/DIRECTED RESEARCH CONTRACTS In order to provide students the flexibility for independent study outside of the normal classroom course structure, each department offers courses of variable credit for Independent Research and Directed Reading. Students may register for these classes only with the consent of the instructor responsible for working with the student and assigning the final grade. Students registering for these courses must complete an Independent Research Contract in consultation with the faculty member. The contract must be signed by the student and faculty member and by the department chair. No letter grade may be assigned to such courses; only S/U grades are recordable. TESTING AND FINAL EXAMINATIONS Tests Examinations in academic subjects are, for most courses, an integral part of the learning process and one part of a procedure for evaluating student performance and determining grades. The University of South Florida requires certain standards for the examination process in order to protect the academic integrity of courses and the best interests of both the student and instructor. In each academic course the student is expected to undergo a meaningful testing and evaluation that will reveal the student's intellectual growth in the subject matter covered or otherwise reflect the achievement of the course objectives. The instructor has the responsibility of maintaining a fair and impartial testing and examination procedure, has the right to define and structure the testing process, and shall not be restricted as to form, style, or content of the examination. It is the policy of the USF St. Petersburg that all students facing an examination (of any type) shall have equal notice of said examination. The University regards the routine use of all or part of the same formal examination for successive academic terms as unsound policy except when used with adequate safeguards such as a random selection of questions from a large pool. Tests and exams, if not returned to the student, should be kept by the faculty member for one year. Final Exams The last six days of the Fall and Spring semesters shall be set aside for final examinations, and any comprehensive final examination must be given during this designated period. If a segment examination is given in lieu of a comprehensive examination, the segment examination must be given in the period designated during final examination week. Take-home final examinations, papers, projects, practica, and competency examinations are exceptions to the above rule and may be scheduled for completion at any time at the discretion of the instructor. The period of two hours shall be allotted for each final examination. If a student has a direct conflict of scheduled examinations or has three or more examinations scheduled within 24 hours, the student may petition the appropriate instructor to reschedule one of the examinations. The final examination schedule shall be published in the same manner and place as the schedule of classes. All final examinations, if not returned to the student, should be kept for one year. ADMINISTRATIVE RESPONSIBILITIES OF THE ( CO- ) MAJOR PROFESSOR(S) OF THE GRADUATE STUDENT SUPERVISORY COMMITTEE: Approves and submits the Graduate Student Supervisory Committee Form to the Program, College, and Graduate Studies. Has the authority to submit a change of committee request removing a committee member without that member's signature. By signing the request, the Major Professor attests that the committee member in question is aware of and consents to the removal. A member may not be added to the Committee without that member's signature. Approve and submits the Admission to Candidacy Form Specifies the style manual to be used for the thesis/dissertation before the student begins writing the manuscript. The style manual should be appropriate to the discipline. Students should not be told to follow other theses/dissertations. Has a working knowledge of and refers students to the Thesis and Dissertation Handbook to obtain information on University Format Requirements. Verifies, by signing the Request for the Ph.D./Ed.D. Final Oral Examination Form, that the student is ready to defend the dissertation. Verifies, by signing the Successful Defense of the Ph.D./Ed.D. Form , that the doctoral student has successfully defended the dissertation. Reads and approves the final copy of the thesis/dissertation for content and format prior to signing the Certificate of Approval . GRADING AND ACADEMIC PROGRESS The University is interested in each student making reasonable progress toward his/her educational goals. To make students aware of their academic progress, grades, probation, and dismissal status are posted to the student's academic record. Posting Grades A student's academic progress and achievement are privileged information and federal and state laws as well as University policy prohibit dissemination. Posting grades using an identifier (e.g., name, initials, social security number, descriptive terms, etc.) that can link the grade to an individual student is prohibited. If it is necessary to post grades such as in a large lecture section, it is permissible to post using the last four digits of the social security number, as long as the listing is not in alphabetical order. Grading System The measure of a student's academic achievement is recorded on the academic record based on the following grading systems:
Grades of C- will satisfy specified minimum requirements of the Gordon Rule courses and the common prerequisites unless otherwise specified in the Catalog. Faculty will have the option to use or not use the plus and minus grades, merely by electing to ignore those options in their assignment of grades. Faculty who choose not to use the plus and minus options should make that choice clear in their syllabi, when syllabi are distributed to students at the outset of each semester.
Grade Point Average The University uses a four-point system of grading used in computing grade point averages (A = 4 quality points, B = 3, C = 2, D = 1, F = 0). The grade-point average (GPA) is computed by dividing the total number of quality points by the total hours attempted at USF. The total quality points are figured by multiplying the number of credits assigned to each course by the quality point value of the grade given. Credit hours for courses with grades of I, IU, M, MU, N, S, U, W, WC, Z, and grades that are preceded by a "T" are subtracted from the total hours attempted before the GPA is calculated. "I" Grade Policy An "I" grade indicates incomplete coursework and may be awarded to graduate and undergraduate students. (Undergraduate rules apply to non-degree-seeking students.) It may be awarded only when a small portion of the student's work is incomplete and only when the student is otherwise earning a passing grade. It is recommended that "I Contracts" be signed by the faculty member and student, specifying what work is to be completed and the time limit for completing the work. Students are not required to re-register for courses in which they are completing requirements to change an "I" grade. Until removed, the "I" is not computed in the GPA for either undergraduate or graduate students. The time limit for removing the "I" is to be set by the instructor of the course, but may not exceed two academic semesters for undergraduates and graduate students, whether or not the student is in residence, and/or has graduated, whichever comes first. "I" grades not removed by the end of the time limit (two academic semesters) will be changed to "IF" or "IU," whichever is appropriate. An "IF" grade will be calculated in the cumulative GPA as an "F." "M" Grade Policy An "M" is automatically assigned as a default grade when the instructor does not submit any grade for the student. Until removed, the "M" is not computed in the GPA. The time limit for removing the "M" may not exceed one academic semester and/or graduation, whichever comes first. "M" grades that are not removed by the end of one academic semester/term will be changed to "MF" or "MU," whichever is appropriate. Whether or not the student is enrolled, any change to "MF" grades will be computed in the cumulative GPA as an "F." S/U Grade System Certain courses have been designated as S/U only courses and are so indicated in the catalog. Other courses have been designated as S/U Option. Courses so designated may not be taken on an S/U basis if they are part of the required major, are required in the distribution requirements of the student's college, are Gordon Rule courses, or are used to satisfy the B.A. foreign language requirement. Colleges and programs may restrict the number of courses which may be taken on an S/U basis in any one or all of the above areas or restrict the total number of S/U courses which can be accepted for all of the above areas. The college or department may specify that certain courses may not be taken on an S/U basis. A faculty member may also refuse to allow the course to be taken on an S/U basis. A letter grade, A, B, or C, shall be equivalent to a letter grade of "S;" letter grades D or F shall be equivalent to a letter grade of "U." "S" and "U" grades are not computed in the student's GPA. Changing Grades A grade incorrectly reported on a student's permanent record may be corrected by the faculty member with the approval of the department chair or other college designee. An "FF" grade may not be changed. No grade may be changed once the student has graduated and the permanent transcript has been posted. If a student files a grade appeal (see Academic/Grade Appeals, below) and it is determined at any step in the grievance process that the grade given was "capricious and arbitrary," the college dean or the Associate Vice President for Academic Affairs has the authority to file an administrative grade change. "Capricious and arbitrary" means the assigned grade 1) was based on something other than performance in the course; 2) was based on more exacting or demanding standards than were applied to other students in that course; 3) was the result of substantial departure from the instructor's previously announced standards; or 4) was based upon an illegal or unconstitutional act. Grade Forgiveness Policy USF St. Petersburg's forgiveness policy applies only to undergraduates, and not graduate students. Grade forgiveness allows an undergraduate to repeat a course and have the repeated grade computed in his/her GPA in place of the original grade, providing the repeat grade is "D" or higher. If a course is repeated and the repeat grade is "F" both grades will be calculated into the GPA. Normally, grade forgiveness may only be applied to a specific course that a student chooses to repeat. No course taken on the S/U grade basis may have the grade forgiveness applied. Under unusual circumstances, a different but similar course may be used if the substitute course has been previously approved by the college dean and is on file in the Office of the Registrar Grade forgiveness may only be applied to three USF courses with no more than one repeat per course. The repeated course must be taken under the standard grading system (A-F) and the latest grade must be D or higher. All grades remain on the transcript. The original course grade will be annotated with "T" to indicate that the course has subsequently been repeated and the original grade is not computed in the GPA. The repeated course will be annotated with "R" to indicate repeat course. Once the bachelor's degree has been awarded from USF, the student may not repeat a course taken prior to graduation and be forgiven the original grade. Academic/Grade Appeals Students may appeal actions regarding their academic status and grades. In actions based on grades received or program requirements or actions, the student should first try to resolve the issue with the instructor or the department chair, depending on the issue . If the problem cannot be solved informally, then the student may formally appeal the action, beginning with the college associate dean . (please refer to appeal procedures outlined in the Undergraduate and Graduate catalogs). Formal appeals must be initiated within 60 days following the assignment of the disputed grade. STUDENT ASSESSMENT OF INSTRUCTION The Board of Trustees requires that every regularly scheduled classroom course be evaluated using a state-wide student assessment questionnaire called the SUS Student Assessment of Instruction (SUSSAI). Exceptions include undergraduate courses with fewer than 10 students and graduate courses with fewer than five students. The results of the SUSSAI, which are tabulated for each course and professor, are public record and are available in the library. Colleges and programs may supplement the state-mandated questions with their own questions; however, the results of the local questions and any written comments by students are not public record. ACCOMMODATING STUDENTS WITH DISABILITIES Students with disabilities who require reasonable accommodation in order to meet the academic requirements of USF or to participate in student activities must request an accommodation in writing from the USF SP Student Disabilities Coordinator. If a student requests a reasonable accommodation because of a disability, the faculty member should make every effort to accommodate the student's needs. However, if the faculty member is unsure whether the student has a disability, he or she should first contact the Student Disabilities Coordinator to confirm that the student indeed has a disability. If the Coordinator is unfamiliar with the student, the faculty member should refer the student to the Coordinator. The Student Disabilities Coordinator will work with the faculty member to ensure a reasonable accommodation. Such accommodation may include, but is not limited to, note taking services, access to special equipment or furniture, sign language interpreter, word processing services, and alternative times and places for test-taking. OBSERVANCE OF RELIGIOUS HOLY DAYS BY STUDENTS All students, faculty, and staff at USF St. Petersburg have a right to expect that the University will reasonably accommodate their religious observances, practices, and beliefs. The University will, at the beginning of each academic term, provide written notice of the class schedule and formal examination periods. The faculty must make every attempt to schedule required classes and examinations in view of customarily observed religious holidays of those religious groups or communities comprising the University's constituency. No student shall be compelled to attend class or sit for an examination at a day or time prohibited by his or her religious belief. Faculty should remind students at the beginning of the semester or on the course syllabus that they must provide notification by the second day of class if they intend to be absent because of religious observance. Students absent for religious reasons will be given reasonable opportunities to make up any work missed or shall not have that work averaged into the student's grade at the discretion of the instructor. ACADEMIC DISHONESTY AND DISRUPTION OF ACADEMIC PROCESS Students attending USF are awarded degrees in recognition of successful completion of coursework in their chosen fields of study. Each individual is expected to earn his/her degree on the basis of personal effort. Consequently, any form of cheating on examinations or plagiarism on assigned papers constitutes unacceptable deceit and dishonesty. Disruption of the classroom or teaching environment is also unacceptable. This cannot be tolerated in the University community and will be punishable, according to the seriousness of the offense, in conformity with this rule. Punishment Guidelines for Academic Dishonesty Punishment for academic dishonesty will depend on the seriousness of the offense and may include giving the student an "F" or "Zero" on the subject paper, lab report, etc.; or an "F" in the course. If the offense is serious enough, it may warrant the student's suspension or expulsion from the University. The University drop and forgiveness policies may not be used for a course in which the student has been accused of academic dishonesty. The internal transcript of a student who is awarded an "F" for academic dishonesty will read "FF." Note: A grade of "F" for academic dishonesty, resulting in a grade of "FF" in the student's record, requires notification of the intent to award the grade to the student and subsequent approval by the Graduate Dean or Undergraduate Dean as appropriate. Notice that a student has been dismissed for reasons of academic dishonesty may be reflected on the student's transcript. Disruption of Academic Process Disruption of academic process is defined as the act or words of a student in a classroom or teaching environment which in the reasonable estimation of a faculty member: (a) directs attention from the academic matters at hand, such as noisy distractions; persistent, disrespectful, or abusive interruptions of lecture, exam or academic discussions, or (b) presents a danger to the health, safety, or well being of the faculty member or students. Punishment Guidelines for Disruption of Academic Process Punishments for disruption of academic process will depend on the seriousness of the disruption and will range from a private verbal reprimand to dismissal from class with a final grade of "W," if the student is passing the course. If the student is not passing, a grade of "F" will be shown on the student record. Procedures for Handling Academic Dishonesty and Disruption of Academic Process USF St. Petersburg considers the traditional relationship between student and faculty member as the primary means of settling disputes that may arise. If the instructor observes the alleged dishonesty occurring during an examination, he/she should, with discretion, notify the student of the fact before the student leaves the examination. In all cases, the instructor must attempt to schedule a meeting with the student to discuss the alleged dishonesty or disruptions. If the student and instructor reach a mutual agreement as to the solution, the instructor shall file a statement with the chairperson of the department, outlining the facts of the incident and the agreed-upon solution signed by both the instructor and student. A copy of this statement shall be given to the student. If no resolution is reached, the matter should be referred to the dean of the college. If no solution is reached, the dean shall appoint a student/faculty committee consisting of an equal number of students and faculty to hear the two sides of the incident and to advise the dean regarding the disposition of the case. (Please refer to the Undergraduate and Graduate Catalogs for details on the hearing process) INSTRUCTIONAL RESOURCES AND SERVICES The University has several support centers to assist faculty in their teaching functions. University Libraries provide a broad array of instructional services to faculty and students. Workshops and instructional sessions cover such topics as the use of the on-line catalog LUIS, searching the Internet, using CD-ROM and on-line data sources, and conducting basic searches. In additional to scheduled sessions, library staff will design workshops for faculty's specific teaching needs. The USF St. Petersburg library has a Media Center s where students and faculty can borrow films, videos, recordings, and design and produce a variety of instructional materials for classroom use. Center for Teaching Enhancement on the Tampa Campus is responsible for assisting faculty, adjuncts, and graduate teaching assistants in improving and facilitating instruction. The Center offers formal and informal programs and workshops throughout the year on a wide variety of instructional issues including classroom pedagogy and management, course development, grading and testing, course and instructor evaluation, research on teaching, and use of computer and video technology in the classroom. The staff of the center is available for individual consultation and classroom visits. UNIVERSITY COMPUTING SERVICES The University of South Florida and USF St. Petersburg provides a broad array of computing and computing support services for faculty, staff, and students. The University is committed to ensuring that technology is current and accessible. USF ST. PETERSBURG OFFICE OF CAMPUS COMPUTING General Information Web Site: http://www.stpt.usf.edu/computing Helpdesk: BAY 228, phone: (727) 873-HELP
The Office of Campus Computing at USF St. Petersburg is responsible for all functions that involve voice, computing and data communication services. The St. Petersburg Regional Data Center (SPRDAC) and Campus Computing Services (CCS) are part of the Office of Campus Computing and support these functions. The Office of Campus Computing is also involved in the planning and implementation of the information technology necessary to support the evolution of USF as a major research institution and the development of academic programs that require technology. Campus Computing Services (CCS) provides services in direct support of instruction and research forstudents and faculty. CCS provides the resources and support necessary for faculty to bring technology into the classroom. Student support services are provided through the CCS Help Desk and open-use computer labs. Walk in assistance for computer questions is available. All USF St. Petersburg students are provided with a NetID and email account. Registered students can obtain automatically generated NetID and email accounts and passwords at https://una.acomp.usf.edu . Desktop computers, printers, and other associated equipment are maintained in open-use computer labs at USF St. Petersburg to enable students, faculty, and staff access to the network and provide processing support. Other services include phone support, on-line help, and tutorials. The open-use computer lab provides significant hours of access, normally six days (72 hours) a week. Classroom Technology Resources (CTR), a division of Campus Computing Services, was established to support the computer technology needs of USF St. Petersburg faculty and students in a classroom setting. CTR provides the computing resources necessary for instructors to enhance the learning experience of all USF St. Petersburg students. Each campus classroom is equipped with adjustable lighting, an Internet connected Dell Optiplex computer with CD/DVD, Microsoft Office and Internet Explorer, a VCR, and a large screen multimedia presentation monitor. The St. Petersburg Regional Data Center (SPRDAC) is a division within the Office of Campus Computing and its support staff consists of Systems and Network Support, Hardware Repair and the SPRDAC Computer Store. SPRDAC operates as a computing utility, and provides the primary computing support for USF St. Petersburg and other agencies. SPRDAC administers the servers that are home to USF St. Petersburg Web services, telephone services, voice mail, applications software, print services, faculty/staff file storage and administrative applications. The SPRDAC site includes:
SPRDAC is also responsible for the management and operation of STPnet, the campus-wide Backbone Network providing access to research facilities on campus and the world. STPnet is based on Ethernet technology, and SPRDAC is responsible for monitoring, cabling and its design. This switched network operates at speeds of over one billion bits per second and provides the infrastructure to transport vast amounts of information, voice, graphics and video needed to achieve institutional goals and position USF St. Petersburg as a major research institution. The SPRDAC Computer Store was formed within the Office of Campus Computing as the authorized Dell reseller for USF St. Petersburg and provides departments, faculty, staff and students with computers at the lowest possible cost. SPRDAC Hardware Repair provides Dell authorized warranty, upgrade, and repair services. University of South Florida ( Tampa ) Computing Services The two major computing service units on the Tampa campus are Information Technologies (IT) and Academic Computing. Information Technologies Information Technologies is responsible for the management of administrative computing, which includes all computing in support of business systems, GEMS (PeopleSoft HR) and OASIS (SCT/Banner) student information (registration, admissions, and SASS (Student Advising Support System (SASS)) and FAST. Academic Computing Academic Computing generally provides email accounts for students and Blackboard support. Having an email account will provide space for web pages, and access to the Internet. Once an account has been established, telephone access is also available to students who own computers with modems. New students are encouraged to generate their own accounts by pointing their browsers to http://una.acomp.usf.edu . The same address can be used to request a password reset on an existing account. Academic Computing also provides hands-on, non-credit computer workshops free for students and faculty at the University of South Florida . All classes are held in the Academic Computing Training Facility located on the sixth floor of the Tampa Campus Library. Details about the workshops are provided at http://training.acomp.usf.edu . Academic Computing offers Help Services accessible via the telephone (813-974-1222), the Web (http://help.acomp.usf.edu) , electronic mail ( help-ac@usf.edu ), and/or in person (LIB 608). CLASSROOM COMPUTING SUPPORT There are several resources on campus where faculty can find support and training for enhancing the use of technology in the classroom. Most of these resources have come together in a consortium called VITAL (Virtual Instruction Team for the Advancement of Learning), which provides a wide array of services to help faculty employ technology to advance teaching and learning. VITAL offers faculty personal assistance to enhance instruction with PowerPoint, to communicate with students through e-mail, to deliver courses through the Web, to interact with students via videoconferencing, to conduct research using the Web, and to develop video based courses. Members of the VITAL consortium include Academic Computing, Center for Teaching Enhancement, Educational Outreach, Florida Center for Instructional Technology , the University Libraries and the Health Sciences Center Information Services. Please Note: This section is designed only as an introduction and summary of the research program at USF. For details, please consult the USF Policies and Procedures, Sponsored Research Project Administration Manual, and various other guidelines available from the Office of Research. More importantly, please consult with the Grant Administrators in the Division of Sponsored Research for assistance in the proposal development and award stages. Research and creative activities at the University of South Florida are integral to its mission of excellence in teaching, research, and public service. Promotion of such activities is the responsibility of the Office of Research and its Divisions, which provide services that enable USF research faculty, staff, and students to be competitive in a dynamic research environment. Specifically, the Office of Research is charged with the following university-wide responsibilities:
OFFICE OF RESEARCH DIVISIONS The Division of Sponsored Research is responsible for the development and pre-award administration of sponsored research activities at all USF campuses. This includes funding searches, electronic research administration, grantsmanship orientation workshops, the coordination and management of external and internal contracts and grants, interdisciplinary research programs, and inter- and intra-institutional proposals. The Division is also vital to USF's research compliance and audit processes to facilitate accountability to sponsoring agencies. [Note: Post-award financial services and accounting are handled by Administrative Services' Purchasing & Financial Services ; the USF Research Foundation also provides some post-award management of private contracts. The Division of Research Compliance is responsible for the development, maintenance, and administration of research-related assurance and compliance programs required by federal and state programs and agencies in order for sponsored and non-sponsored research to be conducted at USF. The purview of this Division includes the centralized oversight and support of research activities involving the use of human and animal subjects (Institutional Review Boards 01, 01b, 01c, and 02; and the Institutional Animal Care and Use Committee); the USF diving program; biosafety/biohazards management (Institutional Biosafety Committee); radiation safety management (Institutional Radiation Safety Committee); controlled substances administration; and tax-free alcohol control. The Division of Patents & Licensing is responsible for the identification, evaluation, development, protection, and utilization of intellectual property rights that result from USF research activities and from the activities of USF researchers in affiliated hospitals and other off-site facilities. The Division is further responsible for the development and coordination of special public-private partnerships and cooperative ventures USF undertakes with business and industry relative to technology development and transfer. The Division of Comparative Biomedicine directs five integrated laboratory facilities for research and teaching to ensure the protection and well being of animal research subjects at facilities in the College of Medicine , College of Public Health , H. Lee Moffitt Cancer Center and Research Institute, James A. Haley Veterans' Hospital, and All Children's Hospital. The Division program and facilities are fully accredited by the Association for Assessment and Accreditation of Laboratory Animal Care International (AAALAC). RESEARCH AND RESEARCH GRANTS All requests to outside agencies for funding of specific projects shall be routed through the Division of Sponsored Research, a division under the Office of Research. All requests from an outside agency to perform a funded project that involves participation by students, staff, faculty, or the use of campus facilities, are to be referred to the Director of Sponsored Research. Funded and unfunded projects that involve human or animal subjects are to be reviewed prior to the beginning date of the project by the appropriate institutional review board. RESEARCH COUNCIL The Research Council, a University-wide faculty council, is composed of representatives of major academic units. The Council advises the Vice President for Research on matters pertaining to faculty and student research, and reviews and awards internal proposals for research and scholarly activities. INTERNAL AWARDS PROGRAMS Presidential Young Faculty Award (PYFA) Program, administered by the Office of Research, the Research Council, and the USF Foundation with assistance from the Division of Sponsored Research, provides two $10,000 awards to support new tenure-earning faculty with additional opportunities for professional development, scholarship or service. Proposals are received, reviewed and awarded each Spring Semester. The respective project should be completed within 15 months of the award. For application and guidelines, contact the Division of Sponsored Research. Research and Creative Scholarship Awards are designed to enhance research and scholarly activities at USF. Basic, applied, and demonstration projects are invited, and projects that show promise for future funding from external sources are encouraged. Budget permitting, there are two award cycles (fall and spring) each year. Projects must be completed within a year after receipt of the award. In the past, individual awards have been limited to $7,500. Faculty International Travel Awards provide support for scholarly presentations in foreign countries. Budget permitting, there are two award cycles (fall and spring) each year. Submissions for retroactive travel will be accepted one time only and must be received within six months after the travel has occurred. In the past, individual awards have been limited to $1,000. The Conference Support Program provides assistance for faculty wishing to conduct conferences that are open to the University community, broaden faculty and student exposure to research and creative scholarship, have potential to result in subsequent publication of proceedings, and have potential for future research and scholarly endeavors. Funding from other sources is strongly encouraged, but not required. Only one cycle per fiscal year is scheduled; however, proposals may be submitted for conferences to be held within the academic year or for conferences requiring longer lead time in future academic years. In addition, varieties of non-competitive internal funding opportunities are administered by the Office of Research:
FEDERAL CONTRACT AND GRANT OVERSIGHT The responsibility for federal contract and grant spending oversight will vary depending upon the type of expenditure and dollar amount threshold. All travel expenditures (except those for individuals who report directly to the University President) must be approved by the traveler's supervisor prior to submitting a travel reimbursement request to the State Comptroller. The following expenditures require signed approval from authorized personnel in the Division of Sponsored Research prior to the issuance of a University Purchase Order:
MISCONDUCT IN RESEARCH The University of South Florida expects that all research conducted by its faculty, students, or other associates will comply with generally accepted ethical and legal standards for research. Research misconduct is defined as: fabrication or falsification of data, plagiarism, or other practices which seriously deviate from commonly accepted practices in proposing, carrying out or reporting research. Research misconduct does not include honest error or honest differences in interpretations or judgments of data. Any person who has reason to believe that an individual has engaged in an act of research misconduct at the University should report that act to the chair/dean, who will conduct a preliminary and informal inquiry to determine whether an investigation is warranted. A full description of how investigations are to be carried out and the hearing process are given in USF Policies and Procedures 0-301 and Guidelines ; issues are addressed in the Responsible Conduct of Research . Fiscal Misconduct in Research It is the policy and intention of the University of South Florida that all research conducted by its faculty, students or other associates will comply with generally accepted ethical and legal standards for accounting and accountability in research. Several categories of misconduct are recognized by Federal Government agencies in reporting/accountability documents including fiscal misconduct. Fiscal misconduct in research is defined as: (1) fabrication or falsification of fiscal or personnel data; (2) intentional disregard for University, State or Federal policies and procedures and/or grant or contracting agency/entity requirements, including requirements related to use of grant funds, personnel or equipment; (3) other deliberate actions that deviate from commonly accepted practices in the course of proposing and administering research projects; or (4) negligent administration of research projects. Any person who has reason to believe that an individual has engaged in an act of fiscal misconduct in research at the University should report that act to the chair/dean, who will promptly provide to the Vice President for Research a verbal summary of the allegations. Full details on how an inquiry is conducted and the procedures to be followed may be found in USF Policy and Procedures 0-306. CONFLICT OF INTEREST Any University employee who is responsible for the design, conduct, or reporting of a sponsored research project that is conducted under the auspices of the University must disclose financial or other interests that are, or may be perceived to be, related to the project. If the University determines that such interests may affect the design, conduct, or reporting of the project, steps will be taken to manage or eliminate the conflict. Such disclosure of financial interests must be made prior to the submission of a proposal for funding or at the time a potential conflict develops during the conduct of a funded project. The Significant Financial Interest Disclosure form must be submitted by the Investigator to the chair or dean. If a potential conflict of interest is acknowledged, the Institutional Substantive Review Committee (ISRC) will prepare and forward a plan for resolution and compliance to the Investigator, with a copy to the Vice President for Research and the chair/dean. The ISRC may rule that the project may not proceed or may impose certain conditions or restrictions. Failure to file a complete Significant Financial Interest Disclosure form for a sponsored research project will be grounds for disciplinary action under the Collective Bargaining Agreement, Article 16.1. In addition, failure to comply with requirements to file a complete and accurate disclosure may result in the termination of current awards and/or the Investigator becoming ineligible to receive future awards. HUMAN SUBJECTS USF is guided by the ethical principles concerning human involve | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||