Academic Support and Opportunities

Academic Resource Center

scf.edu/ARC

The Academic Resource Center (ARC) is a multipurpose learning facility located in Building 5 at SCF Bradenton and in Building 400 at SCF Venice. Mathematics, reading and writing labs are housed in the ARC. A writing center also is located in the ARC. The large, well-staffed open lab of the ARC offers drop-in assistance in many subject areas including anatomy and physiology, biology, chemistry, physics, mathematics, reading, writing and more. Group study areas, academic success workshops, study skills assessments and workshops, computer assisted study, and tutorials on videotape, DVD and CD are available. Also available are multiple learning tools including reference materials, mathematics, manipulatives, microscopes, anatomical models and software, and computers with Internet access.

Library Services

scf.edu/Library
askalibrarian.org/scfms

The SCF Library provides access to print, electronic and media resources. Librarians are available in person and online to help students effectively use these resources.

The Library operates facilities at SCF Bradenton (building 8) and SCF Venice (building 300). The Library will deliver materials to the information desk or the Learning Commons for students at SCF Lakewood Ranch, upon request. Wireless Access is available. Macs, ipads, laptops, scientific calculators, cameras, study rooms and limited course textbooks are first come, first served. All print and electronic collections, including reference sources, journal articles, ebooks, streaming videos, e-audiobooks and the Student Choice DVD Collection are indexed online at scf.edu/Library.

Inter Library Loan services as well as photocopiers and computer printers are available. Your SCF ID card is your library card and printer card. You must have a SCF ID card to print. The GoPrint charging stations are located on the first floor and accept bills only, no change at this time. Wireless printing is now available using an online account or your SCF OneCard. Limited library access and resources are available for Corporate and Community Development students and community patrons.

To log into the virtual library, scf.edu/Library, use your G00# as the UserID and the last four digits of the G00# as the Library PIN.

Food and drink are permitted in both library locations.

Bradenton: The Library Café has coffee and snacks that may be brought into the Library (building 8).

Venice: The foyer of the Library (building 300) serves as the Campus Art Gallery and also houses several classrooms.

Please call (941) 752-5305 at SCF Bradenton, (941) 408-1435 at SCF Venice or use CHAT at askalibrarian.org/scfms for questions.

Developmental Education Program (formerly referred to as College Preparatory)

Special Requirements for Certain Students

In accordance with Florida Senate Bill 1720, beginning January 2014, students will be classified as exempt or non-exempt to determine if they will be required to take placement tests or developmental education classes. The following criteria will be used to determine classification status:

Exempt

1.  Students who entered the 9th grade at a Florida public high school during the 2003-2004 school year or any year afterward AND
2.  Students who graduated with a Florida standard high school diploma. OR
3.  Students who are currently active duty service members. Reservists are not classified as active duty service members.

Students who indicate YES to BOTH #1 AND #2 OR indicate YES to #3 are exempt from taking the common placement test and/or developmental educational courses.

The more information that students have about their academic strengths and weaknesses, the better prepared they are to be successful in college classes. Therefore, students who are exempt from taking the common placement test are encouraged to take the test to identify any academic deficiencies that they may have. If students elect to take the placement test and find that the results indicate that they are college-ready, they may elect to enroll in

*Note: Exempt students will be able to enroll in MAT 1033, MGF 1106, or MGF 1107 depending on the meta-major that they have selected. Possession of a Florida standard high school diploma indicates successful completion of the required prerequisites for these courses.

Non-Exempt

All students who are NOT classified as exempt will be classified as non-exempt. All non-exempt students are required to take the common placement test. If the test results indicate that they are college-ready, they may elect to enroll in

*Note: Non-exempt students will be able to enroll in MAT 1033 only. These students must successfully complete MAT 1033 in order to enroll in

Institutional and transfer policy procedures governing these courses will be as follows:

1. Credit will not be awarded for transfer of any developmental courses after Summer A, 1984.
2. Only institutional credit will be permitted for developmental courses beginning with the Summer B, 1984 term. These courses cannot be used to graduate with either an A.A. degree, an A.S. degree or a Certificate.
3. The grades of “A.,” “B.,” “C.,” “D.,” “F.” and “WF.” will be used in developmental courses.
4. Students may repeat any previous credit course, which is now developmental, to improve their grade point averages under the “Forgiveness Policy,” that is, to forgive previously earned poor grades, but credit will not be awarded. (Catalog policy states that only an “F” or “D” may be repeated.)

Alternative Certification Program

State College of Florida, Manatee-Sarasota’s Alternative Certification Program provides a quality teacher training option for bachelor’s degree holders. At the completion of these modules, the student will have successfully demonstrated the Florida Educator Accomplished Practices and will have provided documentation of mastery in a comprehensive professional portfolio. This limited access program requires potential candidates to possess a bachelor’s degree from a regionally accredited college or university, to acquire the statement of eligibility for certification from the Florida Department of Education (FLDOE), to submit a written statement of loyalty to Florida and the U.S., to submit to fingerprinting for a background check, to be of good moral character and to possess the disposition suitable for becoming a teacher.

The FLDOE has identified this program as part of the state legislated Educator Preparation Institute. It was designed to assist persons with bachelor’s degrees (other than in education) in completing the requirements for K-12 teacher certification. It is competency-based and provides a quality certification option in addition to current state-approved degree programs and district-delivered alternative certification programs. Courses will be delivered in modular format and will carry institutional load hour credit.

As with any other program offered by SCF, all students seeking admission to the ACP program must submit ALL transcripts from previously attended regionally accredited, post-secondary institutions regardless of degree level. All official transcripts are to be sent directly to the SCF Educational Records office. Hand delivered or faxed transcripts will NOT be accepted. Failure to do so could delay the evaluation of transcripts, registration and/or financial aid.

Nontraditional Learning Methods

scf.edu/OnlineLearning

Online Learning

Online Learning technologies are used in a variety of courses at SCF. They provide an opportunity for students who have limited ability to take advantage of SCF’s traditional on-campus courses at Bradenton, Lakewood Ranch, and Venice. Online courses allow you to take credit courses from home via online learning, whether at work or at home. You choose the most convenient time and place to learn.

While online courses are flexible, all SCF support services are available to online students, including microcomputer labs, tutorial centers and the SCF Library. Courses offered through the online learning program are comparable in quality to traditional courses offered in SCF classrooms, follow the same learning objectives, and require at least as much time to complete as traditional courses. Online courses may also require some on-campus work, orientation, review sessions and exams, with details specific to each course listed in the notes on the course schedule. Taken together, SCF online learning classes allows for independent, self-paced learning.

Online Courses

Online courses are delivered via the Internet. These courses use a variety of tools, including discussion boards for asynchronous discussions, email, electronic drop boxes for submitting papers and other assignments, as well as other components to deliver course content. Online courses typically follow a schedule throughout the semester with structured lessons and assignments, and specific due dates. Some online courses may require meetings for orientation and testing purposes. Please check the specific class schedule for more information about required meetings, and for alternatives for those who cannot attend face-to-face sessions.

Blended Courses

Blended courses include regularly scheduled face-to-face sessions as well as online sessions. The online sessions use the same tools as the online courses. The main difference between the online and blended courses is the increased number of required classroom sessions in blended courses that will vary from course to course. See the specific course schedule for more information about the class meeting sessions.

Testing Requirement for Students Taking Online/Blended Courses

Instructors may require students taking online and/or blended courses to take tests in a proctored environment. Instructors and students need to make arrangements for such testing as part of the course because, in general, proctored testing services are not available on campus for students in online/blended courses. For SCF students taking online courses who are unable to attend on-site testing, arrangements need to be made in advance at an approved testing facility. Most independent testing facilities charge for proctoring services. Please refer to the assessment/testing center for detailed information.

Directed Study

Directed Study provides opportunities for students to earn college credits in a regular course by working with an SCF instructor on an independent basis. Students enrolling for courses under Directed Study are expected to accomplish the goals and performance standards specified in the course syllabus. Courses are scheduled on a flexible basis with the understanding that final exams will be taken and all work completed at a date mutually agreed upon by the instructor and the student.

Because of the readily available courses offered in the traditional and distance learning formats, Directed Study classes are offered to students in specific circumstances only. Among these circumstances are the following:

1. Student needs a specific course to graduate at the conclusion of the current term and the course is not offered;
2. Student has had a class cancelled and the College needs to offer an alternative; or
3. Schedule conflicts occur that prevents a student from attending both lecture and the laboratory of a specified course.

Applications for Directed Study are available in the respective academic department office and the Faculty Office Building at SCF Venice. The faculty member and the department chair must approve the application prior to the student enrolling under a Directed Study. The fees applicable are the same as for courses taken in regular class sessions.

Work Experience Courses

Work experience courses are an integral part of the educational process within the Associate in Science (A.S.) degree programs. The intent is to assist students in exploring careers, developing skills for future advancement and obtaining job placement within their chosen major. Work experience courses provide on-the-job experiential learning in the public or private sector and augment theoretical content with practical learning in the workplace. The student, instructor and worksite supervisor work collaboratively to determine specific learning objectives for each student. The student is then evaluated based on documentation of satisfactory completion of the learning objectives and work assignments. Four, eight or 12 hours of work experience are required, depending upon the credit hour requirements.

Work experience courses document supervised work experience within a student’s major and are designed to provide him or her with an opportunity to combine classroom instruction with work experience and on-the-job training related to career goals. The courses provide broad exposure to the selected career-related industry.

There are two types of cooperative work experience courses.

1. The Career Decision work experience is designed to provide broad exposure to the dynamic labor market and to allow the student to discover and experience actual job requirements of his or her career interest.
2. The Internship course is a capstone work experience that allows the student to apply all of the classroom theory, knowledge and skills obtained from the degree program to actual work situations.

A.S. degree students interested in a work experience course should contact the program manager.

Associate in Arts (A.A.) degree students should contact the faculty member responsible for internships within the A.A. content area.

Credit for Experiential Learning (CEL) Program

The SCF Credit for Experiential Learning (CEL) program gives individuals an opportunity, upon completion of an appropriate assessment, to convert knowledge gained from prior learning experiences into college credits toward an A.S. degree program or certificate.

The CEL program is tailor-made for people who already have worked and gained knowledge in the field and want to “ac-CEL-erate” the time it takes to obtain their degree. This knowledge may have been gained through employment experiences, volunteer work, intensive self-directed studies, military experiences or advanced technical training and industry certification obtained from either Manatee Technical Institute or Sarasota County Technical Institute.

Prior learning is evaluated by the appropriate faculty member who assesses students in approved courses to validate their specialized knowledge. Methods of assessment include written, oral and performance tests, portfolios that describe and document learning and how it was acquired, interviews with faculty members and evaluation of certificates and/or licenses.

For further information, contact the office of Corporate and Community Development at 941-363-7205.

Special Scheduling

Summer Scheduling

Summer credit courses traditionally are offered in two six-week sessions (Short Term A and Short Term B) or over one 12-week session. The summer sessions afford an opportunity for students to complete requirements ahead of schedule, to offset lost time or deficiencies or to pursue research or special courses. The second summer session, beginning in mid-June of each year, makes it possible for recent high school graduates to begin college-level work immediately.

Short-Term Classes

SCF offers classes in a condensed, accelerated format for those students who find it convenient to attend classes during times other than those in the traditional 16-week term. Students should check the SCF schedule of classes or with student services advisors to determine which accelerated courses will best meet their academic needs.

Evening Scheduling

The College offers students the opportunity to attend a wide range of classes within a convenient evening schedule. Classes in the evening program traditionally run one or two nights per week. Academic advising is available on selected evenings until 6 p.m. to assist students with the advisement process and to help them develop an area of study.

Weekend Scheduling

Weekend courses allow students to attend classes on Friday evenings and Saturdays. Students can combine weekend classes with day, evening or distance learning courses to accelerate their program of study.

Off-Campus Credit Courses

As an additional way to meet the educational requirements of the community, credit courses are offered off-campus at locations justified by adequate enrollment. All of the courses listed in the Catalog will be considered, and appropriate new courses will be developed as required. Off-campus locations may include industrial plants, public service institutions, schools, medical centers, professional sites and business offices.

Middle and High School Programs and Opportunities

Career Pathways

The SCF Career Pathways Associate in Science (A.S.) degree program is a four-year program of education and training that begins in high school with acceptance into the program at the completion of the 10th grade. Prescribed course work in the 11th and 12th grades leads to a high school diploma and admission into one of the Career Pathways A.S. degree programs at SCF. At this stage, an SCF Career Pathways student will undertake advanced technical work in addition to completing general education requirements.

Throughout the SCF Career Pathways program, students will have many unique and diverse opportunities to investigate and pursue real-life work experiences and career opportunities. Career Pathways students will have the opportunity to shadow professionals in the career area they are studying. Successful completion of an SCF Career Pathways curriculum leads to the awarding of an A.S. degree. The student then is prepared for entry into an important career in the local community.

College Enrichment

scf.edu/FutureStudents

The College Enrichment Program is designed to provide an opportunity for qualified high school students to enroll in degree credit courses. Credits earned will apply toward an associate degree but may only be applied toward high school credit with high school approval. Students are responsible for all college-related costs, which include tuition, fees and books.

College Reach-Out Program (CROP)

scf.edu/CROP

The College Reach-Out Program (CROP) is a statewide program designed to increase the number of low-income students successfully completing a postsecondary education. The primary objective of CROP is to strengthen the educational motivation and preparation of low-income middle and high school students who otherwise would be unlikely to seek a postsecondary education without special support and recruitment efforts. The program recruits students and provides them with academic enrichment activities as well as career and personal counseling. CROP is funded through a grant from the Florida Department of Education. SCF provides a cash and in-kind match.

During the academic year, CROP programs are directed by site coordinators who serve as mentors at schools in Manatee and Sarasota counties. Programs include motivational speakers, study-skill strategies, choosing a college, financial aid information, college tours, career information, cultural activities, college requirements, field trips, career development activities and FCAT/SAT/ACT/PERT preparation. CROP offers selected students an opportunity to reside on a university campus during the summer.

CROP students who choose to attend SCF are eligible for CROP and Summer Bridge Program scholarships.

Dual Enrollment

scf.edu/FutureStudents

Dual Enrollment allows qualified high school students to enroll in selected courses that count toward high school credit and the associate degree. All courses taken through the dual enrollment program must appear on the high school transcript. Students interested in the dual enrollment program at SCF should contact their high school guidance counselor for information and to obtain the necessary application and early college approval form. All documentation and testing must be submitted by the posted deadline in the academic calendar each term.

Early Admissions

scf.edu/FutureStudents

Early Admissions is a form of dual enrollment wherein eligible high school students enroll at SCF on a full-time basis. Students must have completed six terms of high school credit, including studies undertaken in the ninth grade, and enroll in courses that count toward high school credit and the associate degree. Students interested in the early admissions program at SCF should contact their high school guidance counselor to obtain the necessary application and approval form. All documentation and testing requirements must be completed and submitted by the posted deadline in the academic calendar each term.

Summer Bridge Program

The Summer Bridge Program serves selected low-income high school seniors from Manatee and Sarasota counties.

The goal of the program is to transition these students to college success by having them begin their college experience during the summer following their senior year. Students get a jump-start by completing two courses before the Fall term begins.

Each student receives a Summer Bridge Program scholarship valued at more than $900. Upon completion of the program, students will have earned three to six college credits and, if necessary, completed a developmental reading class. In addition, students are supported and guided by staff throughout their pursuit of a degree from SCF.

Technical Articulation Opportunities

SCF offers diverse opportunities for students to pursue course work toward Certificate and Associate in Science degree programs in conjunction with local technical institutes and area high schools. More information may be obtained about these programs by contacting the office of Corporate and Community Development at 941-363-7205.

Linkage Programs

The Linkage System is a cooperative agreement among four community/state colleges in the Tampa Bay Area - Hillsborough Community College (HCC), State College of Florida, Manatee-Sarasota (SCF), Polk State College (PSC) and St. Petersburg College (SPC).

The Linkage System offers students in the SCF district the opportunity to enter certain highly specialized career/technical programs which are offered only at other Linkage Colleges through a quota-based arrangement. Some courses appropriate to the respective programs may be taken at SCF, but students selected for admission to a Linkage Program will be required to conform to all program requirements and to institutional policies and procedures of the Linkage Colleges.

Students who wish to enter a Linkage Program must meet all program requirements, institutional policies and procedures of both SCF and the Linkage College. Linkage Colleges admit students once a year and only on the recommendation of the director.

The following institutions are the designated colleges to provide limited access Linkage Programs in the respective disciplines.

NOTE:  These programs are reviewed annually, so students should check to insure that the linkage programs have not changed.  To obtain information on Linkage Program availability; limited access as well as other nonlimited access programs, please contact the office of Corporate and Community Development at 941-363-7205.