Frequently Asked Questions

How does PCU maintain its level of interest?

PCU students don’t just sit in a classroom. They are active participants experiencing the same type of challenges that affect county staff every day. Each week promises a new challenge as classes are held at the various county facilities.

 

PCU students learn not just the details, but become acquainted on the rationale behind the decision-making.

 

PCU semesters are offered once a year. Classes meet Thursdays from 6:30 p.m. to 9:30 p.m. Tuition for PCU is $35, which includes a class shirt, all course materials, graduation ceremony and diploma. By limiting the class size, each student gains the full benefit of each field trip and exercise.

What are the requirements for enrollment?

PCU students should be residents of Pinellas County and must be at least 18 years old. Enrollees are accepted on a first-come, first-served basis based on submission of a completed application and tuition check. Class size is limited to allow all class members to fully participate in field demonstrations and exercises.

What is covered in the tuition cost?

The tuition cost covers course materials (notebooks, class handouts, etc.), a PCU class shirt, diploma and graduation ceremony.

What is PCU’s graduation criterion?

PCU students need 180 credits to graduate, 200 credits to graduate with Honors and 220 credits to graduate on the Dean’s List. 180 credits can be earned through a perfect attendance record (20 credits per session – 9 classes, excluding graduation).

What happens if I can’t make it to every class?

Active students lead busy lives, and we realize circumstances will sometimes interfere with class attendance. That’s why we’ve built in a credit system to allow students to participate in extracurricular activities to replace credits lost by an absence, or to serve as extra credit.

 

Class Attendance: 20 credits (180 credits for perfect attendance) Sheriff’s Office/EMS Ride Along: 10 credits Attending a Board of County

 

180 Credits = Graduation
200 Credits = Graduate with Honors
220 Credits = Dean’s List

Extra Credit is available too!

PCU students need 180 credits to graduate. Each Thursday session earns a student 20 credits. Extra credit can be earned through these extra curricular activities:

 

• EMS/Sheriff’s Office Ride Along (10 credits each)
• Attending a Board of County Commissioner’s sponsored meeting (10 credits)

What’s the schedule for classes this year?

Each semester offers ten weeks of intensive leadership activities in key county departments.

 

*During Week Five, students may attend either the Thursday Utilities session or the special Saturday Solid Waste tour or both for extra credit.

PCU 2013 Schedule
Week One—Where It Begins 6:30 – 9:30 pm Introduction of class participants Emergency Management Emergency Communications/9-1-1	Apr 4
Week Two—First Response 6:30 – 9:30 pm EMS/Sunstar	Apr 11
Week Three—Public Works Pt. 1 6:30 – 9:30 p.m. Equipment display outside building 5:00 – 6:25 p.m. Survey & Mapping, Engineering, Watershed/Tree Management, Mosquito Control	Apr 18
Week Four—Justice Served 6:30 – 9:00 p.m. Sheriff State Attorney Circuit Court Judge Public Defender	Apr 25
Week Five—The Utility Package* 6:30 – 9:30 p.m. South Cross Bayou Water Reclamation Facility	May 2
Week Five Extra—Solid Waste Overview* 9:00 a.m. - Noon Tour of Solid Waste Facility (SPECIAL SATURDAY TOUR)	May 4
Week Six—Public Works Pt. 2 6:30 – 9:30 p.m. Equipment display outside building 5:00 – 6:25 pm Traffic and Signal Control, Sign Shop, Stormwater & drainage, Streets & Bridges	May 8
Week Seven—It’s a Wonderful Tourist Season 6:30 – 9:30 p.m. Visit St. Petersburg Clearwater Overview Juvenile Welfare Board Economic Development Nomination of Class President	May 16
Week Eight—Leave the Driving to PSTA 6:30 – 9:30 pm Pinellas Suncoast Transit Authority Election of Class President	May 23
Week Nine—Get out of Jail FREE 6:00 – 9:30 p.m. Jail Overview Tour of the Pinellas County Jail Facilities	May 30
Week Ten—A Proud Graduation 6:30 – 9:00 p.m. Graduation Ceremony Class Picture Tour of Pinellas County Connection Television Class reception	June 6