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 |
Apr |
Week Two—First Response |
Apr |
Week Three—Public Works Pt. 1 5:00 – 6:25 p.m. |
Apr |
Week Four—Justice Served |
Apr |
Week Five—The Utility Package* |
May |
Week Five Extra—Solid Waste Overview* |
May |
Week Six—Public Works Pt. 2 5:00 – 6:25 pm |
May |
Week Seven—It’s a Wonderful Tourist Season Nomination of Class President |
May |
Week Eight—Leave the Driving to PSTA |
May |
Week Nine—Get out of Jail FREE |
May |
Week Ten—A Proud Graduation |
June |
All about your property,
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Testimonials
"I thought having lived in Pinellas County all of my life that I was an informed citizen. I am involved in many organizations as a member and a volunteer. I did not know how little I knew until attending PCU. I know I am a much better citizen now. Thank you for making this such a wonderful experience. -- Lanashier Hutchins ‘09 "
Testimonials
"If you have any desire at all to understand something about the county, to understand, gee, why do they do that? Where’s my money going? Does anybody care? It was definitely an eye-opening experience for that.” --
LaRita Jacobs ’09
Testimonials
"Little did I know when I signed up for Pinellas Citizen University, that I would embark on such an incredible journey through the Pinellas County government system. It has inspired me to get more involved in community activities. It will affect the way I vote for elected officials, not by face, unknown name, or party affiliation any longer, but by their stand on issues important to the best interest of us all as citizens, and how they will listen to us. I will do my due diligence to study the candidates and issues on the ballot. I will be a better citizen because of my experience with PCU. -- Christine Freedman ‘09
Testimonials
“We were just amazed at all the behind the scenes work and dedication that went into showing us how they operate and what goes on in each of the different departments. We were just totally enthralled with coming to the next class.” --
Bev Swanson”
‘09


