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 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 Career & Technical Education (CTE). Program managers guide students through course selection and work in coordination with the Career Resource Center in providing information and services on career exploration. In addition, CTE staff are available at all three campuses, by appointment to provide student advisement for AS degrees and Certificates. You can reach them by calling 941-363-7216 or email CTE Recruiter/Advisor.
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 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 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 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 assistance programs, 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.org
- 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 Keys to Successful Transfer
Students are advised to:
- Meet with an SCF Student Services advisor periodically to discuss educational and career goals.
- Utilize FloridaShines at floridashines.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 and 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 providing placement tests, SCF make-up exams, accommodated tests and the nursing entrance exam (TEAS). Based on agreements with other institutions, the College will test distance learning students and CLEP online candidates on a space-available basis. (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 and are staffed with professionals who interpret test scores in individual conference meetings with the students.
Career Resource Center (CRC)
SCF.edu/CRC
Help Deciding on a Major
The 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 and research materials help students identify potential careers. Students can meet with a career advisor to discuss options and job search techniques.
Preparing for a Job Search
The CRC can provide information and guidance with résumés and cover letters for students preparing for a job search. Online and print resources such as Optimal Résumé can be utilized to prepare these documents and practice for interviews. Students can log on to the CRC page to view on and off-campus job postings and access other resources at SCF.edu/CRC.
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 FAFSA. In order to work as a student employee, successful applicants must have a minimum GPA of 2.0, be enrolled in a minimum of 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 the Financial Aid Services office or the CRC. Information and applications for College departments with opportunities for student employees are available online at SCF.edu/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 and then visit the CRC to meet with an advisor for placement assistance and to process required paperwork. 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 and usually lasts one term. The internship is an excellent way for students to enhance their marketability and build their résumé in terms of work experience, networking contacts and job references.
Disability Resource Center (DRC)
SCF.edu/DisabilityResourceCenter
email: DRC@scf.edu
SCF Bradenton
941-752-5295
Student Services Center (Bldg. 1, Rm. 219)
SCF Venice
941-408-1448
Student Services Center (Bldg. 100, Rm. 162)
The 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 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 individual accommodation plan, and work collaboratively with faculty and DRC staff.
For more information, contact the DRC office.
Reasonable Substitutions/Modifications for Individuals with Disabilities
Per the provisions outlined in SCF Procedure 4.015.01, a Substitution Committee will convene to carefully review student requests 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 before petitioning.
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. Note that updated documentation may be necessary.
- Unofficial SCF Transcript - student can print a copy from MySCF
- 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 registration, transcripts, grades, graduation and name or address changes. The office serves as the College department that administers and complies with all requirements of the FERPA.
The Educational Records office are at SCF Bradenton on the second floor of the Student Services Center, Building 1, 941-752-5060; Students can email records@scf.edu for specific needs.
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, Building 14, 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, Building 500, 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 in the Student Union, Building 14, 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 in the Student Union, Building 500, Room 504. During normal working hours, the office can be reached at extension 61550; evenings or weekends, 941-408-1550.
At SCF Lakewood Ranch, the office of Public Safety and Security is in Building 2, Room 105. During normal working hours, the office can be reached at extension 67155 or 941-363-7155.
Neel Performing Arts Center
Since 1966, SCF’s 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-feet by 40-feet 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 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 MySCF 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
SCF Bradenton
941-752-5080
Student Union (Bldg. 14)
Mon., 8 a.m. - 6 p.m.
Tue.-Fri., 8 a.m. - 4:30 p.m.
SCF Venice
941-408-1380
Student Union (Bldg. 500)
Mon., 8 a.m. - 6 p.m.
Tue.-Fri., 8 a.m. - 4:30 p.m.
Hours are extended at the beginning of each term and shortened for Summer terms. See website for current hours of operation.
The SCF Store is a complete college outfitter that provides new and used textbooks, digital books and textbook rental options, as well as supplemental and optional books requested by the SCF faculty. The SCF Store also carries merchandise including clothing, gifts, school supplies, laptops and backpacks.
Purchases can be made by cash, personal check, or credit card, and via financial aid. Financial aid purchases require a current SCF ID.
The SCF Store also has a year-round buyback program for students who did not opt to rent. Approved used textbooks are bought from students for up to half the purchase price. Books with water damage or ripped pages will not be bought back.
Refunds deadline is two weeks after the beginning of Fall and Spring terms and one week after the start of Summer term. A register receipt is required for all returns and books must be in original condition at time of purchase. Shrink-wrapped books and access codes must be intact and unopened in order to receive full credit. The SCF Store management reserves the right to determine the value of returned items based on sale value and condition.
The SCF Store also offers a Price Match Program in-store at both locations. They will match competitors’ prices, whether Amazon or Barnes and Noble, with an additional 10 percent off. See store for details.
Student Government Association (SGA)
SCF.edu/StudentLife
The SGA serves as the students’ voice at SCF and is comprised of all students in the College who are enrolled in credit courses. SGA participates 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 students and administrators.
Student Organizations
Student organizations and clubs serve a variety of special interests. Consult the Student Life office or web page for information on organizations. A comprehensive listing of all College clubs and organizations can be found in the Student Handbook and Planner.
Title IX and the SCF Safe Harbor Initiative
SCF strives to provide a community where safety, equality, respect and healthy relationships are valued. As such, it is our policy to foster a campus environment that is free from intimidation and one in which students can be educated to their fullest potential. Therefore, SCF will not tolerate sexual assault, dating violence, domestic violence, stalking, or any form of sexual harassment from students, faculty, staff, volunteers, visitors, or any persons while present on any College campus or sponsored event. SCF also encourages reporting of any incident related to these offenses.
SCF Safe Harbor Initiative
We want SCF to be a safe place to learn so we are working hard to foster a culture of safety, equality and respect on our campuses. Through the Safe Harbor initiative, SCF is providing training and resources to students on sexual harassment, sexual assault, dating violence, domestic violence and stalking. This training is offered on Canvas to all new students as well as in a live format for any clubs or groups that would like to learn more about these important issues. For more information, contact the Title IX Student Life Advisor at 941-752-5603.
What is Title IX?
Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972 prohibits discrimination based on sex in any educational program or activity that receives federal financial support. Under Title IX, discrimination based on sex includes sexual harassment, sexual violence and sexual assault. Title IX also prohibits retaliation against individuals who complain about or participate in an investigation regarding an alleged Title IX violation. Title IX works in conjunction with the Violence Against Women Act (VAWA) and the Jeanne Clery Disclosure of Campus Security Policy and Campus Crime Statistics Act (Clery Act) to assure that those who are impacted by sexual violence have access to support and services.
Making a Report Under Title IX
We encourage all victims of sexual harassment, gender-based harassment, sexual assault, stalking, or domestic violence to make a report.
In an emergency, call 911
To report suspected abuse or neglect of anyone younger than 18, call 1-800-96ABUSE (1-800-962-2873)
For non-emergency, contact the SCF Public Safety Department:
- 941-752-5550, Bradenton Campus, Building 14, Room 120 (24/7)
- 941-408-1550, Venice Campus, Building 500, Room 504 (24/7)
- 941-363-7155, Lakewood Ranch Campus, Building 2, Room 105 (M-F 7 a.m. -10 p.m.)
Title IX Coordinator: Dean of Students, 941-752-5267, Bradenton Campus, Building 1, Room 127
Deputy Title IX Coordinator: Director of Advising, 941-752-5429, Bradenton and Lakewood Ranch campuses, Building 1, Room 105 (Bradenton Campus)
Deputy Title IX Coordinator: Coordinator, Student Support Services, 941-408-1416, Venice Campus, Building 100, Room 162
Deputy Title IX Coordinator: Academic Administrator, 941-752-5583 Collegiate School, Bradenton Campus, Building 19, Room 175
Deputy Title IX Coordinator: Assistant Director of HR, 941-752-5506, Bradenton Campus, Building 7, Room 125
Title IX Confidential Reporting Resources - If you are 18 years of age or older, you have the right to speak to someone before or instead of making a Title IX report. In selecting these resources, no Title IX investigation will take place, unless you decide to report to the Title IX Coordinator SCF Public Safety and Security.
- Counseling Services/Comprehensive MedPsych Systems: 941-363-0878, ext. 2170
- Campus Ministries, Bradenton: 941-752-5607
- Campus Ministries, Venice: 941-408-1523
Resources where students can report anonymously:
- www.SCF.edu/SafeSCF
- 855-735-3001
Regardless of which reporting method you chose, confidentiality is always a priority!
What types of incidents are included under Title IX?
Stalking
Stalking is repeated, unwanted attention; physical, verbal, or electronic contact; or any other course of conduct directed at an individual that is sufficiently serious to cause physical, emotional, or psychological fear or distress or to create a hostile, intimidating or abusive environment for a reasonable person in similar circumstances and with similar identities. Stalking may involve individuals who are known to each other, who have a current or previous relationship, or who are strangers. Stalking includes the concept of cyber-stalking, a particular form of stalking in which electronic media such as the internet, social networks, blogs, cell phones, texts, or other similar devices or forms of contact are used to pursue, harass, or make unwelcome contact with another person in an unsolicited fashion.
Sexual Harassment
Sexual harassment includes any unwelcome sexual advance, request for sexual favors, or other unwelcome verbal or physical conduct of a sexual nature that creates a hostile environment that interferes with a student’s ability to participate in or benefit from an educational program.
Sexual harassment also includes gender-based harassment, and harassment based on sexual orientation or gender identity, which may include acts of verbal, nonverbal, or physical aggression, intimidation or hostility based on sex/gender or sex/gender-stereotyping, even if the acts do not involve conduct of a sexual nature. Also includes exhibiting what is perceived as a stereotypical characteristic for one’s sex or failing to conform to stereotypical notions of masculinity and femininity, regardless of the actual or perceived sex, gender or sexual orientation of the individuals involved.
Sexual Assault
Sexual assault involves having or attempting to have sexual contact with another individual without consent. Sexual contact is the intentional touching or penetration of another person’s clothed or unclothed body, including but not limited to the mouth, neck, buttocks, anus, genitalia, or breast, by another with any part of the body or any object in a sexual manner. Sexual contact also includes causing another person to touch his or her own or another’s body in a sexual manner. Sexual sssault includes, without limitation, sexual battery as defined in Florida Statute.
Domestic Violence (Dating Violence or Intimate Partner Violence)
Domestic violence, dating violence and intimate partner violence are terms used to identify a pattern of abusive behaviors used to exert power and control over a current or former partner. These include physical, sexual, emotional, economic or psychological actions or threats of actions that a reasonable person in similar circumstances and with similar identities would find intimidating, frightening, terrorizing, or threatening. Such behaviors may include threats of violence to an individual or an individual’s family member.
Where to find support:
- Counseling Services/Comprehensive MedPsych Systems 941-363-0878, ext. 2170
- Safe Place Rape & Crisis Center (SPARCC) 941-365-1976
- Hope Family Services 941-747-8499
- Centerstone Rape Crisis Services 941-708-6059
- Sarasota Sheriff’s Office 941-861-5800
- Sarasota Police Department 941-366-8000
- Manatee Sheriff’s Office 941-747-3011, ext. 8401
- Bradenton Police Department 941-932-9300
- Palmetto Police Department 941-723-4585, ext. 6126
- Charlotte County Sheriff’s Office 941-639-2101
- Venice Police Department 941-486-2444
- North Port Police Department 941-429-7300
What happens after a report is made at SCF?
SCF will conduct an initial assessment to evaluate the report, the safety of the individual and the campus, the reporting party’s preferences for resolution and the need for any interim measures.
Interim measures to assure everyone’s safety may be put in place during the assessment, including but not limited to, no contact orders, changes in class schedule, adjustments to work schedule, and access to campus activities and buildings.
When the initial assessment determines that further investigation is warranted, SCF will undertake procedures that may include interviewing the parties involved as well as any witnesses. The parties are allowed to bring an advisor to any of the proceedings.
When the procedures are complete, all parties will be notified in writing of the outcome of the disciplinary resolution process and be provided information on the appeals process.
For details, see Harassment and Discrimination and Related Misconduct (Including Sexual and Gender-Based Harassment, Sexual Assault, Sexual Exploitation, Interpersonal Violence, Stalking, Complicity and Retaliation) SCF procedure 2.44.01
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