Pre-College

Pre-College Policy Overview

Pre-College at Eckerd brings together students who share an interest in seeking academic enrichment and intellectual growth. The office of Executive and Continuing Education and Eckerd College seek to establish an environment that supports the pursuit of these goals.

Eckerd College assumes that the students enrolled in our programs are capable of accepting responsibility for their behavior and safety and expects them to do so. The programs are committed to maintaining standards that are conducive to academic excellence and personal health.

If you have a personal concern, you are encouraged to seek out the Pre-College staff for advice or assistance.  Pre-College participate in a 24-hour on-call system during the program to manage any emergencies that might arise.

These guidelines together with advising from faculty, residential staff and administrators should make acceptable standards of conduct clear to students enrolled in Pre-College. Students, who do not act in accordance with reasonable standards of behavior, thus creating a detrimental effect on themselves or others, will be subject to dismissal from the programs. It is expected that parents, aware of the social and academic policies, will support these policies.

Program faculty, residential counselors and other staff are charged with invoking both Eckerd College and Pre-College policies. Students are expected to follow these policies in order to maintain and enjoy an academic and social environment which is conducive to the academic success, comfort and satisfaction of all.

Completion of the Release and Waiver indicates knowledge of policies and guidelines contained herein and is a condition of program enrollment. Failure to read that document or this web page does not excuse students from complying with program policies.

It is important to keep in mind that policies and procedures may vary from program to program. Please do not hesitate to contact us with questions: 727.864.8312 or email us at precollege@eckerd.edu.

Policy of Nondiscrimination in Programs and Activities
Eckerd College does not discriminate on the basis of sex, race, color, religion, age, disability, status as a veteran, national or ethnic origin, sexual orientation, gender identity or gender expression in the administration of its educational policies, admission policies, scholarship and loan programs, or other school-administered programs.

Financial Policies

Payment Information
Payment deadlines for Pre-College programs:

Marine Science on Florida’s Gulf Coast: 4/21/2023
Theatre for Social Change: 5/01/2023
Creative Writing Workshop: 5/01/2023

Accepted Payment Methods
Credit Cards (MC/Visa/AMEX/Discover) are accepted for application fees, deposits and account balances. Payments can be made online through the link sent to the listed email upon acceptance. Personal checks are also accepted for application fees, deposits and account balances.

All Personal Checks or Money Orders must be made payable to “Eckerd College”. Please be sure to include student name and program name in the memo line.

CHECK payments should be sent to:
Eckerd College
Pre-College Summer Programs
CEC 226
St. Petersburg, FL 33711

*PLEASE NOTE: Third party checks will not be accepted with the exception of checks from banks, trusts and investment companies purposely set-up to fund a student’s education.

**Check Conversion Notification: When you provide a check for payment, you authorize Eckerd College to either use the information from your check to make a one-time electronic funds transfer from your account or to process the payment as a check transaction. When we use information from your check to make an electronic funds transfer, funds may be withdrawn from your account as soon as the same day we receive your payment and you will not receive your check back from your financial institution. For questions, please contact the 727.864.8312.

Returned Checks: Any payment made, even if on a timely basis, that results in the check being returned for insufficient funds, lack of authorizing signature, etc. will result in the reversal of the payment and a $35 returned check charge. The bank automatically deposits all returned checks a second time before returning the checks to Eckerd.

Refund Policies
Application fees, program deposits, and processing fees are non-refundable. Refunds are typically processed 3 weeks after the completion of a program. For questions about refunds, please contact precollege@eckerd.edu.

Please note that any non-refundable deposits and the $25 administrative fee are not included in the refund percentage, as they are non-refundable. Students who withdraw after the 100% refund policy period are still held responsible for paying the remaining balance due if no attempts to make payment have been made prior to the withdrawal date.

Participants who fail to show up for their program or are dismissed from the program by the College will not receive a refund.

Refunds of remaining fees are the same for all programs and will be made as follows:

Pre-College at Eckerd Refund Policy

Processing fee of $25 is non-refundable.

Student Conduct Policies

Alcohol and Other Drug Policy

Pre-College students are not permitted to: bring, sell, purchase or consume alcohol; bring, sell, purchase or smoke/ingest any tobacco or tobacco-related products (including, but not limited to vapes or e-cigarettes); and/or bring, sell, purchase or be in possession of any illegal substance while enrolled in the Pre-College program. Any violation of these rules will result in immediate dismissal from the program.

Firearms and Weapons Policy

Although Florida law recognizes that under specific circumstances an individual may carry firearms in vehicles and into parking lots (reference “Preservation & Protection of the Right to Keep and Bear Arms in Motor Vehicles Act of 2008”, Section 790.251, Florida Statutes), Eckerd College, as a private institution of higher education, is exempt from this law. No person will be permitted to possess a concealed or unconcealed firearm, weapon, or other hazardous material on the premises owned or within the control of Eckerd College. This policy does not apply to law enforcement officers whose employer requires them to carry a weapon at all times as a condition of employment.

The possession, use, manufacture of, and/or sale of fireworks, explosive devices, combustibles, weapons, ammunition, or any other substances or devices that could be used to harm or incapacitate are prohibited on the Eckerd College campus.

Weapons that are prohibited on campus include, but are not limited to:

1. Any item or instrument that is defined as a weapon under any city, state, or federal law;
2. Any item that could be used to inflict a wound, cause injury, damage property, or incapacitate another person or animal;
3. Any item that could be used to harass, threaten, intimidate, assault, or batter;
4. Any instrument that ejects projectiles.

The following are examples of items considered weapons and ammunition and are therefore strictly prohibited:

• Guns (including, but not limited to, rifles, pistols, or any variation), slingshots, crossbows, bows and arrows, any type of taser, nunchucks, swords, spears, switchblades, brass knuckles, billy clubs, knives (other than common pocket knives, diving knives, utility knives, multi-tools, knives with blades 3 inches or less, kitchen utensils, and filet knives), fighting or throwing knives, martial arts equipment, toy weapons that appear to be real, BB guns, pellet guns, dart guns, stun guns, air guns, homemade guns, paintball guns, airsoft guns, spear guns, component parts that can be readily assembled into a weapon, chemical weapons, fireworks, incendiary devices, or explosives of any type.
• “Ammunition” includes, but is not limited to bullets, BB’s, pellets, darts, or any other kind of projectile.

Any violation of these rules will result in immediate dismissal from the program.

Pre-College students are also prohibited from bringing matches, lighters, candles, fireworks, or any other incendiary devices.

Eckerd College reserves the right to define what is considered a weapon on campus.

Other Conduct Policies

Any Pre-College student who engages in the following activities may be dismissed:

• Tampering with fire alarms
• Failure to remain in assigned residence hall room after lights out
• Reckless, disruptive, damaging or otherwise uncontrolled behavior in the classroom, on field trips or in the residence hall
• Damage to College Property
• Leaving campus except on sanctioned field trips
• Risky behavior that endangers the student’s life or the safety of others
• Verbal or physical harassment of students or staff including, but not limited to, bullying, playing pranks or practical jokes, including via electronic means
• Fighting, including hitting or pushing another person, either as an aggressor, or in response to the aggressive or irritating actions of another
• Visiting or having visitors of the same sex in a residence hall room without leaving the door completely open and the lights on
• Visiting or having visitors of the opposite sex in a residence hall
• Interaction which is sexual in nature or a sexually suggestive manner with another person
• Tampering with fire extinguishers or hoses
• Failure to respect and contribute to the safety and welfare of any person on campus

Housing Policies

Residential staff will bring unsafe and/or inappropriate behavior to the attention of the program administration. If a student, in the judgment of the residential staff, fails to meet the established expectations for social and residential conduct, or shows disregard for a member of the residential staff’s directives, disciplinary action will be taken, including expulsion from the program.

Please note that all students enrolled in a Pre-College program are required to stay in Eckerd College’s residence halls.

Room Assignments & Changes

Students are randomly assigned to single-, double- or triple-occupancy rooms. No person may reside in a residence hall room that has not been contracted for its use; individuals who are not enrolled in Pre-College programs may not reside in Pre-College residence halls. Students must sleep in the dorm room they are assigned to. Students with documented disabilities should contact the Pre-College office.

All students are reminded that, for security and emergency purposes, room changes or swaps are prohibited. Students may not change their room assignment without authorization from the Residence Director and Program Director, who will determine whether a request can be accommodated.

Note: changing rooms without the approval of the Residence Director is grounds for disciplinary action, which includes expulsion from the program.

Roommates

Students are randomly assigned to single-, double- or triple-occupancy rooms so that they can build friendships with new people. We cannot guarantee to honor roommate requests. Students with documented disabilities who need to request an accommodation related to their housing should contact the Pre-College office. Please note that some residence halls do not have elevators.

Students enrolled in a Pre-College program are strictly prohibited from having guests.

Student Rooms & Common Areas

Students are responsible for the condition of their rooms and hallways. They will be held liable, individually or jointly, for damaged or missing College property. Certificates of completion are withheld until any damage charges are paid.

Abandoned or Damaged Property

The College is not responsible for personal property of students. This includes items delivered to the College on their behalf and property in individual rooms. It is strongly urged that all students have personal property insurance to protect from loss or damage due to theft, fire, flood, vandalism and any other hazards. Students are urged to lock doors and windows of their room at all times.

Any belongings left behind during any such period are and remain the sole responsibility of the registered occupant. The College reserves the right to remove unidentified/unclaimed items from all areas in the residence halls.

Note: Students who are dismissed from the program are responsible for packing their belongings and returning their keys. If a student is not able to pack their belongings before departing from campus, the belongings will be inventoried, packed and shipped by a third party vendor contracted by the College at the student’s own expense. The College is not responsible for lost or damaged property that may occur in packing and shipping.

Items Not Allowed in the Residence Halls

Specifically prohibited from the residence halls are firearms of any type, knives, ammunition, fireworks, explosives, gas operated stoves, motorcycles, vehicles, hot plates, heating appliances, space heaters, air conditioners, torchiere halogen lamps, candles (including tea lights), open flames or any external heating elements and illegal drugs. Pre-College at Eckerd students are also prohibited from bringing any alcohol or tobacco products (including vapes/e-cigarettes) to the program. Pets are not allowed.

Room Keys

Eckerd College issues one room key and a key fob (to the outside door) to each resident assigned a room in an Eckerd residence hall. Students are expected to be in possession of their room key whenever they leave the room, even if it’s “just for a minute.”

Lock-Outs

If you are locked out of your room, contact your Pre-College floor counselor.

Lost/Stolen Keys

Report lost or stolen keys to your Pre-College counselor. A fee of $100.00 per key will be charged to you for each lost or stolen key. Every effort will be made to change locks within 24 hours of a report that a room key is missing.

Lost/Stolen Meal Bands

Report lost or stolen meal bands to your Pre-College counselor. Additional charges will be incurred for replacement meal cards or wristbands and will be based on the number of remaining meals at the time the new card/wristband is issued.

Key Return

All student keys are due immediately upon check out. This is necessary both for reasons of security and to allow us to make the room available for the next resident. Students receive information about where and how to return keys once on campus. Any key(s) not returned necessitates a lock change and a fee of $100.00 will be charged to the student. No waivers are given for lost keys/lock changes.

Curfew

Students are required to check in with their Pre-College counselor every evening at the designated curfew time and remain on their floor unit for the evening. Adhering to the curfew policy is the student’s responsibility.

Students who are delayed in returning to their dorm floor by curfew must contact a Pre-College counselor by phone. Failure to check-in every night at the designated curfew time and remain on your floor is grounds for disciplinary action and may result in dismissal from the program.

Campus Safety and Security will be informed after an appropriate interval of time. Repeated and/or serious violations of the curfew could result in dismissal from the program.

Activities & Trips for Pre-College

Program sanctioned activities on campus and off-campus trips away from the campus may be offered to program participants. Program staff attends these events, and students are advised on conduct, arrival and departure time, and of their responsibilities. Failure to abide by such instruction may result in disciplinary action.

Smoking is prohibited at program-sanctioned activities including outdoor activities on and off-campus.

Security

Residence hall rooms need to be locked when not occupied. Residence hall entrances remain locked at all times. Students are urged not to bring valuables to campus. Students are strongly encouraged to walk in groups and always let someone know where they are going. A student should not leave the residence hall area alone after dark.  Personal and community safety precautions are reviewed at orientation and the house meeting.

Health Insurance Coverage

You must show proof of health insurance coverage with a U.S. carrier. This information should be provided in the General and Medical Information Form. If you are an international student, please be sure to purchase travel insurance that covers medical during your stay at Eckerd.

Fire Safety

Fire safety regulations must be followed. When a fire alarm sounds, you must evacuate the building immediately. Tampering with fire equipment, including fire extinguishers, smoke alarms and alarm boxes, is a violation of law and carries a fine of up to $1,000.00. Complete fire safety regulations are posted in the residence halls and are reviewed during meetings with residential staff.

Proper Attire for Laboratory-Based Classes

Students completing coursework in laboratories should keep in mind there are established practices for lab attire. Closed toed shoes or sneakers and long pants are required in laboratories. Sandals may NOT be worn in laboratories.

Motor Vehicles

The operation of motor vehicles by Pre-College students is prohibited except when arriving to and departing from campus. Keys will be collected by program staff during check in.

Libraries, Athletics, Food Services and Other Facilities

Students must follow the guidelines provided by each College service facility. Disregard for facilities policies, misuse of facilities, or dangerous or offensive behavior in any College department will be grounds for disciplinary action, including the loss of facilities’ use privileges.

Services for Students with Disabilities

Upon acceptance into the program, students seeking assistance are encouraged to contact the Pre-College office at 727.864.7994 or send a request via email to precollege@eckerd.edu. Please give us at least two-weeks notice.

Emergency Medical Procedure

Students who require emergency medical assistance will be taken to the hospital by an ambulance. Pre-College staff cannot transport students in need of medical attention. A staff member will accompany the student to the hospital and wait with them. Hospitals will require parental/guardian permission for non-family members (program staff) to remain with the student outside of the waiting room area. If you would like the staff member to stay with the student for the duration in the hospital, you will need to inform hospital staff that program staff has your permission to be a guardian during that time. Parents/guardians are responsible for any costs that incur.

Program Dismissal

Students who are dismissed from the program by failing to abide by the rules and guidelines detailed within this guide will not be able to participate in any further programming. Parents/guardians will be contacted, regardless of time, to arrange for immediate travel plans off-campus. Parents are responsible for the cost of such transportation. No refunds are given for students who are dismissed. If a student commits a dismissal offense during the night, depending on the severity of the offense, students may be removed from their dorm and placed in alternative housing under the supervision of a counselor.