Student Services and Campus Life

Print this Page

Advisement

scf.edu/StudentDevelopment

Academic Advisement

Academic advisement is an essential key to the success of each student. Therefore, academic, career and educational services are provided by student services advisors at SCF Bradenton, SCF Venice and SCF Lakewood Ranch.

Student services advisors provide developmental advising, including life, career and education planning, interpretation of assessments, strategies to address academic difficulties, programs to develop student success skills, and preparation for university transfer and work-force preparedness.

The purpose of academic advising at State College of Florida, Manatee-Sarasota (SCF) is to direct students toward exploring and achieving their educational, career and life goals. To accomplish this mission, student services advisors assist students in exploring career interests, values and goals to ensure meaningful course selection and educational program planning. SCF is committed fully to the belief that a fundamental component to successful academic advisement is an ongoing advisor-advisee relationship where students participate actively in the decision-making process and advisors serve as facilitators.

Advisement for the Associate in Arts (A.A.) Degree

The College recommends that students planning to obtain an Associate in Arts (A.A.) degree meet with a student services advisor each term to ensure proper course selection.

Students planning to transfer to another college or university should check with the transfer institution to determine specific admissions/degree requirements as they prepare for a particular major. It is important that students who plan to transfer make plans early to ensure a smooth transition into the university program. Student services advisors are available to meet with students Monday through Friday throughout the Fall and Spring terms. Summer and evening hours may vary.

Advisement for the Associate in Science (A.S.) Degree and Certificates

For students pursuing an Associate in Science (A.S.) degree or certificate at SCF, academic advisement is coordinated by the office of Corporate and Community Development. Program managers guide students through course selection and work in coordination with the Career Resource Center in providing information and services on career exploration.

Advisement for Bachelor’s Degrees

For students pursuing bachelor’s degrees at SCF, academic advisement is coordinated in conjunction with individual program directors. Students should check the SCF bachelor’s program website, scf.edu/Bachelors, for latest information concerning individual programs.

Advising for Student Success

Student success advising is provided by student services advisors who offer students comprehensive academic, career, educational and personal/social advising to facilitate the fulfillment of students’ academic and personal goals. In collaboration with academic affairs, student services advisors specialize in planning and implementing learning support services for student cohorts to enhance both the learning and success of the designated groups.

Advisors provide:

• Career advising. Student services advisors can help students examine career and life goals, assess interests, values and skills, make occupational decisions and select educational programs and majors. Career planning and placement advising is available through classes, workshops and individual appointments.
• Transfer advising. Advisors provide students with resources to assist them in making a successful transition from SCF to other higher education institutions. It is never too early to begin the process of making strategic decisions about transfer options.
• Crisis intervention. Student services advisors are available to assist with referrals to the student assistant program, community resources and professionals.
• Personal/social concerns. Students are provided with the opportunity to explore resources to assist them in developing decision-making strategies and goal-setting skills for personal growth.

Online resources include:

• ULifeLine
  Online support for college and university life and emotional health: ulifeline.com
• United Way 2-1-1 Manasota
  Comprehensive directory and connections to human services in Manatee, Sarasota and DeSoto counties: uw211manasota.net or call 2-1-1.

Transfer Advisement Guidelines Keys to Successful Transfer

Students are advised to:

• Meet with an SCF student services advisor periodically to discuss educational and career goals.
• Utilize the Florida Virtual Campus at FLVC.org, Florida’s online advising system, which includes planning outlines for each major as well as information on admission, financial aid, scholarships and special programs.
• Check foreign language requirement(s) of the intended transfer institution. Some institutions have special requirements regarding course selection, admission and program entrance.
• Submit an application for transfer admission as early as possible. Many colleges and universities suggest applying at least one year in advance. Submit official copies of all transcripts (high school and college) along with the admissions application. Check with the transfer institution on priority admission application deadlines and additional requirements/documentation.
• Visit the campus of the intended transfer institution. Check into housing, food, parking options.
• Pass the exit exam, achieve a minimum score on a national standardized exam or demonstrate successful remediation and achieve a minimum cumulative GPA of 2.5.
• Apply to graduate online at scf.edu/Graduation by the posted deadline. Apply to participate in the graduation ceremony at scf.edu/Graduation.

The University Advising Center provides SCF students, who are interested in pursuing bachelor’s degree programs at other colleges or universities, with detailed program information. One-on-one advising sessions help SCF students gather important transfer information as they prepare for the next step of their education plan. Hours of operation may vary by term and location.

Assessment/Testing Centers

scf.edu/Testing

The Assessment/Testing Center locations at SCF are open test sites. Based on agreements with other institutions, the College will test distance learning students and CLEP online candidates on a space-available basis only. (See Cost and Fee Information .)

Assessment and testing is an important phase of the enrollment process. Assessment/test results are treated as confidential information and are used in the best interests of the student.

Academic Advising Center offices at SCF Bradenton and SCF Venice are staffed with professionals who interpret test scores in individual conference with the students.

Entrance Examinations and Placement of Students

SCF wants each student to be successful in achieving his or her educational goals. The College administers the Postsecondary Education Readiness Test (PERT) for placement purposes. Application to SCF is required before assessment. PERT has three (3) subsections - reading, writing and mathematics. The test has no time limits, however, most students complete all three (3) subsections in approximately 3-3.5 hours. To prepare for the placement test and to schedule a testing appointment, go to scf.edu/Testing. SCF allows students to take PERT two (2) times per term. A term is defined as fall, spring, and summer per the official academic calendar. Note: There is a retake fee for each subsection of the placement test.

Commencing January 2014 and pursuant to Florida Statute 1008.30, and Rule 6A-10.0315, F.A.C., students are required to satisfy one of the following prior to entering State College of Florida as a degree-seeking student.

1. Students who entered ninth grade in a Florida public school in 2003-04 or thereafter must provide a standard Florida high school diploma.
2. All others must provide test scores taken within the last two years for any of the following:

a.      American College Testing - Enhanced ACT

b.      Scholastic Aptitude Test - SAT

c.      Postsecondary Education Readiness Test - PERT

d.      College Entry Level Placement Test - Accuplacer

Placement test scores are not required for:

1. Active duty military or
2. Students applying for transfer or readmission status who have satisfactorily completed college-level English, reading, and/or mathematics courses.

The State Board of Education establishes cut-off scores for placement purposes.

Placement Test Retakes

All placement test scores remain valid for two (2) years. SCF allows students to take PERT two (2) times per term. A term is defined as fall, spring, and summer per the official academic calendar. Note: There is a retake fee for each subsection of the placement test.

I. Eligible to request a test retake

Students are eligible to request a retake of the Florida placement test, PERT, under the following circumstances:

1. Never attempted a developmental education (preparatory) course in the subject area for which they are requesting a retake.
2. Students who have attempted a developmental education (preparatory) course and did not successfully complete the course must receive written permission from the department chair of the subject area for which they are requesting a retake. The department chair will provide the Assessment/Testing Center with a copy of this written permission.

II. Ineligible to request a test retake

Students are ineligible to retake the placement test, PERT, when their request is based upon, but not limited to, the following reasons:

1. Students cannot be currently enrolled in the developmental education (preparatory) course for which they base their retest request.
2. Students who wish to circumvent developmental education (preparatory) courses by retesting.

III. Appeal

Students requesting to appeal this policy may submit their written appeal to the director of the Assessment/Testing Center. The Florida Placement Test (FPT) Retake Appeal Committee will review the appeal and mail their decision  to the student within ten (10) working days after receiving the request. A copy of the letter will be filed in the Assessment/Testing Center. All committee decisions are final.

ACT and SAT

Students who have taken the ACT and/or SAT and have scores that place them into college-level coursework in reading, writing and/or mathematics may use these scores as an alternative to the corresponding sections of PERT. Students may use the ACT and/or SAT scores if the scores are less than two (2) years old and are at the level or above the scores posted on the Assessment/Testing Center website, scf.edu/Testing, in accordance with Florida Statute 240.321 and SCF Rule 6HX14-4.04.

Students who have the required SAT-I or Enhanced ACT scores must submit an official score report or an official transcript with the scores to the Educational Records office or request them from the testing service electronically. Test scores must be received prior to making an orientation appointment. In addition, an unofficial copy of the score report or a transcript that shows the scores may be hand-carried to an orientation/advisement session. SCF also accepts electronic scores from the testing centers.

Career Resource Center

scf.edu/CareerResourceCenter

Help Deciding on a Major

The Career Resource Center (CRC) offers several self-assessment programs to help students decide on the careers most suitable to their values, skills and interests. Web-based career assessment programs help determine potential careers. The CRC labs contain hundreds of research materials to assist students with gathering and comparing information. Students can meet with a career advisor to discuss career options and job shadow opportunities.

Preparing for a Job Search

The CRC can provide information and guidance with resumes and cover letters for students preparing for a job search. Online and print resources such as Optimal Resume can be utilized to prepare these documents and practice for interviews. Students can log on to the CRC Web page to view jobs listed with the College Central Network and access other resources at scf.edu/CareerResourceCenter.

Working on Campus

Working on campus can provide job experience with the added benefit of convenient scheduling to accommodate class schedules. The institutional work program enables students to work part time, up to 20 hours per week, in administrative and departmental offices, libraries and laboratories. All students interested in working on campus must complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). In order to work as a student assistant, successful applicants must have a minimum grade point average of 2.0; be enrolled in a minimum six (6) credit hours; be a degree-seeking student at SCF; and be eligible for federal work study funds. Inquiries may be made at the CRC. Interested students should be aware that the amount of Federal Student Loan dollars a student is eligible to receive is directly affected by the amount of work study already awarded and vice versa. For additional information on how student loans could affect federal work study eligibility, students should contact either the Financial Aid Services office or the CRC. Information and applications for College departments with opportunities for student workers are available at the CRC.

Associate in Science and Baccalaureate Capstone Internships

The CRC facilitates Associate in Science and Baccalaureate capstone internship opportunities for SCF students enrolled in specific associate and bachelor’s degree programs. Students interested in an internship must first confirm their eligibility with their Associate in Science and Baccalaureate program manager then visit the CRC to meet with an advisor for placement assistance. The student’s work experience must meet identified learning outcomes in order to get course credits.

The Associate in Science and Baccalaureate capstone internships are courses where students gain practical work experience in a position related to their major. It can be paid or unpaid, short-term or project-based, usually lasting one term. The internship is an excellent way for students to enhance their marketability and build their resume in terms of work experience, networking contacts and job references.   

Disability Resource Center

scf.edu/DisabilityResourceCenter

email: drc@scf.edu

SCF Bradenton
941-752-5295
941-751-8179 TTY or
Student Services Center (Bldg. 1, Rm. 219)

SCF Venice
941-408-1448
941-480-3420 TTY
Student Services Center (Bldg. 100, Rm. 162)

The Disability Resource Center (DRC) is committed to ensuring equal access to College programs, services and activities for qualified students with disabilities. The DRC assists students with disabilities through the provision of reasonable accommodations, information, resources, services and skill development. The DRC promotes student self-advocacy through collaboration with faculty, staff and SCF campus resources.

SCF is committed to the spirit and the letter of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), the ADA Amendment Act (ADAAA) and the Rehabilitation Act of 1973. SCF has instituted various administrative policies, procedures and practices to provide meaningful access for individuals with disabilities.

The DRC has established a comprehensive plan for responding to all requests for the provision of accommodations (adaptive devices and/or auxiliary staff and services) to meet the individual and unique needs of individuals with disabilities. Examples include note taker services, testing accommodations, assistive technology, American Sign Language interpreting, course substitution and equipment loan (tape recorders, personal amplification systems, calculators, reading pens, etc.). Students must provide sufficient documentation of a disability, meet with the DRC coordinator to develop an individualize accommodation plan, and work collaboratively with faculty and DRC staff.

All disability information is confidential and cannot be shared with other students, organizations, instructors or administrators. Disability information or accommodations are not revealed on grade reports, transcripts or degrees.

For more information contact the DRC office.

Reasonable Substitutions/Modifications for Individuals with Disabilities

Per the provisions outlined in the State College of Florida, Manatee-Sarasota Procedure 4.015.01 a Substitution Committee will convene to carefully review student request for course substitution. The committee meets two times during the Fall and Spring Terms. Committee decisions are sent by mail to the student by the faculty chair.

NOTE: Students are encouraged to meet with the faculty department chair to explore options in regard to program requirements PRIOR to petitioning.

Student Instructions for Submitting a Course Substitution Request

Submit requests to the DRC office with the following information:

• Copy of Disability Documentation - student can request copies of documentation on file from the DRC office. Please note that updated documentation may be necessary.
• Unofficial SCF Transcript - student can print a copy from SCFconnect
• Petition for Course Substitution Form- located on the DRC website: scf.edu/content/PDF/Disability/Course_substitutions_rev_10_8_13.pdf

Educational Records

scf.edu/Records

Educational Records is the main contact area for current and new students and services key areas related to admission applications, residency, registration, transcripts, grades, graduation and name and address changes. The office serves as the College department that administers and complies with all requirements of the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA).

The educational records offices are located at SCF Bradenton on the first floor of the Student Services Center, 941-752-5060 and at SCF Venice in the Student Services Center, building 100, 941-408-1300, ext. 65060.

Health Services

SCF provides emergency medical services at SCF Bradenton and SCF Venice 24 hours a day, seven days a week.

SCF Bradenton maintains a first aid station in the Student Union, room 120. Employees and students may receive first aid when required. Emergency number: extension 65550; if life threatening, 911.

SCF Venice maintains a first-aid station in the Student Union, room 504. Emergency number: extension 61550; if life threatening, 911.

SCF Lakewood Ranch security can be reached at 941-363-7155, building 2, room 102.

Lost and Found

The office of Public Safety and Security is responsible for all lost and found items. At SCF Bradenton, the office is located in the Student Union, room 120. During normal working hours, the office can be reached at extension 65550; evenings or weekends, 941-752-5550. At SCF Venice, the office of Public Safety and Security is located in room 504 of the Student Union (building 500). During normal working hours, the office can be reached at extension 61550; evenings or weekends, 941-408-1550.

Neel Performing Arts Center

Since 1966, the Neel Performing Arts Center has served as a cultural center for Manatee and Sarasota counties, hosting both College and community-sponsored events. Remodeled in 1999, with its lobby and facade redesigned in 2010, the auditorium features a 65’x40’ stage, seating for 837, wheelchair accessible seating and restrooms. The adjacent music and theatre building was renovated in 2008. The 19,500 square-foot addition features larger music classrooms, rehearsal halls and practice rooms and the David S. and Anne V. Howard Studio Theatre, the home for SCF’s Studio 84 Productions.

Public Safety and Security

SCF is committed to ensuring the safety of students, faculty, staff and visitors through effective policies and procedures, educational programs and community involvement.

SCF is a great place to learn and grow. Fortunately, the College has not experienced a significant number of criminal incidents. But like any community, a college campus has the potential to realize its share of crimes and injuries. As required by the 1990 Campus Security and Crime Awareness Act, campus crime statistics are available upon request through the office of Public Safety and Security. The College maintains security services 24 hours a day, 365 days a year. SCF Public Safety and Security officers are deployed on campus in motor vehicles, bikes and on foot to provide quick response as well as a high degree of visibility and accessibility to the College community.

To assure that students receive urgent safety and emergency messages, SCF uses a system that quickly delivers notifications via voice, emails, text messages and TTY/TDD devices. Students are encouraged to keep information updated in their SCFconnect account. Directions for updating phone and text numbers and email addresses are available at scf.edu/EmergencyInfo. Note: SCF keeps student information in strict confidence and emergency numbers are used only for emergency messages.

Because no college security plan can attain maximum effectiveness unless everyone contributes to making it work, all members of the College community are encouraged to become involved and alert College citizens and to report any unsafe or dangerous situation. SCF always is looking for ways to ensure that the College is a safe, secure and healthy environment to study and work. Students are challenged to adopt these as personal objectives while at the College.

The SCF Store

scf.edu/Store

Beginning in Fall 2014, the SCF Store will be powered by Neebo. Neebo is a complete college outfitter, providing books, Manatee gear and school supplies.

Visit the SCF Store located at SCF Bradenton in the Student Center, building 14, and in the Student Center, building 500 at SCF Venice, or find the store online at scfbookstore.com

The SCF Store powered by Neebo® has the lowest prices on textbooks, gear and apparel, backed with our Best Price Promise^SM. If you find a lower price locally or online we’ll beat it by 10 percent.* You can also rent every textbook every semester at savings up to 80 percent.◊

Refunds must be accompanied by a cash register receipt and a current SCF ID. Books must be returned within two weeks after the beginning of the Fall and Spring terms and within the first week for Summer terms. New textbooks must be returned in new condition. The SCF Store management reserves the right to determine the value of returned items based on sale value and condition.

Purchases can be made by cash, personal check, or credit card, and via financial aid. Financial aid purchases require a current SCF ID.

Students should estimate spending at least $100-$150 per course for new books.

*To find out more about our Best Price Promise^SM, visit neebo.com/about/BestPricePromise.

◊Price comparisons are based on Neebo’s initial textbook rental prices for in-stock items compared to the publishers’ list price of the identical textbook when sold as a new version.  Other fees that may apply were disregarded.  The comparison applies to a broad selection of titles that includes the most commonly adopted titles and excludes custom or special order books, bundles, ebooks, perishables and slow-moving goods.  The comparison does not apply to each individual title.

Student Government

scf.edu/StudentLife

The Student Government Association (SGA) serves as the students’ voice at SCF and is comprised of all students in the College who are enrolled in credit courses. Student government has a voice in College policy-making, helps coordinate extracurricular and cocurricular activities, and plans social, cultural and informational programs for the student body. Through open communication with SCF’s administration, the SGA acts as a liaison between fellow students and administrators.

Student Organizations

Student organizations and clubs serve a variety of special interests. Consult the student life office or the student life Web page for information on organizations. A comprehensive listing of all College clubs and organizations can be found in the Student Handbook and Planner.