Class Schedule

"I thought I knew everything about this county, but boy was I wrong! PCU was an exciting journey into everything that I take for granted—beaches, parks and emergency services.” -- Marcia Dahlman, Fall ‘06

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 ($30 until October 1), 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.

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.

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

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).

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/Code enforcement/EMS Ride Along: 10 credits Attending a Board of County Commissioners meeting: 10 credits Volunteering at a county-sponsored event: 5 credits

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

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

2010 Schedule

PCU 2010 Schedule
Week One—Where It Begins 6:30 – 9:30 pm Introduction of class participants Emergency Management Emergency Communications/9-1-1	Apr 15
Week Two—First Response 6:30 – 9:30 pm Animal Services Sunstar	Apr 22
Week Three—Public Works 6:30 – 9:30 pm Engineering/ Survey/Highway Tour	Apr 29
Week Four—Justice Served 6:30 – 9:00 pm Sheriff State Attorney Circuit Court Judge Public Defender	May 6
Week Five—The Utility Package 6:30 – 9:30 pm Cross Bayou Visit Utilities Overview	May 13
Week Six—Bringing it Under Budget 6:30 – 9:30 pm Discussion of issues with County Administrator Budget Presentation Budget Exercise Nomination of Class President	May 20
Week Seven—Internal Services 6:30 – 9:30 pm Fleet Overview Tour of Fleet garage (HS representative on Mobile Medical Unit) Election of Class President	May 27
Week Eight—Get out of Jail FREE 6:00 – 9:30 pm Jail Overview Tour of the Pinellas County Jail Facilities	June 3
Week Nine—Consumer Clout 6:30 – 9:30 pm Justice and Consumer Services	June 10
Week Ten—A Proud Graduation 6:30 – 9:00 pm Graduation Ceremony Class Picture Tour of Pinellas County Connection Television Class reception	June 17