Each Florida College System institution board of trustees shall prior to the beginning of each fiscal year adopt an annual calendar which shall be observed by the institution operated by said board.

1. (1) Each board shall adopt a calendar that supports the following objectives:

   1. (a) Minimal loss of time between student exit from one public institution and entry into another. Students who complete a phase of their education in one public institution and who need to transfer to another public institution to continue their education should be able to do so without prolonged delay.
   2. (b) Opportunity for students to move through the educational system at their respective paces. Calendars should not be based on the assumption that all students will initiate and complete learning activities at the same pace.
   3. (c) Opportunity for effective and efficient utilization of resources.
   4. (d) Opportunity for family activities.
   5. (e) Flexibility in implementation of calendar decisions.

2. (2) The calendar adopted by each Florida College System institution board of trustees shall include at least the following statewide requirements:

   1. (a) Unless an exception is granted by the Chancellor of the Florida College System, as appropriate, three (3) common entry periods shall be established so that the first day of classes will fall on or within each of the three (3) periods listed below:

      1. August 10 and August 31.

      2. January 2 and January 11.

      3. May 1 and May 16.

   2. (b) In addition to the three (3) common entry periods prescribed in this section, each calendar shall include the following:

      1. Pre-established dates for issuing certificates, diplomas, or degrees which will permit students to utilize the entry period which minimizes the loss of time to students in completing the transfer between programs or institutions.

      2. A summer program for teachers and other school personnel; provided, however, that this requirement shall apply only to each postsecondary educational institution offering programs for in-service teachers.

      3. As many additional periods throughout the fiscal year in which a student can begin a program as can be feasibly provided.

3. (3) An official copy of the annual calendar adopted by each Florida College System institution board of trustees for each institution operated by said boards shall be filed with the Department in the manner prescribed by the Commissioner.

Rulemaking Authority 1001.02(1), (2)(n), (6) FS. Law Implemented 1001.02(6) FS. History–New 6-17-74, Repromulgated 12-5-74, Amended 3-27-80, 7-7-83, 2-19-84, Formerly 6A-10.19, Amended 12-18-05, 6-23-16.