Core Requirement 2.10

Student Support Services

The institution provides student support programs, services, and activities consistent with its mission that are intended to promote student learning and enhance the development of its students.

Judgment of Compliance: Compliance

Narrative/Justification for Judgment of Compliance:


Executive Summary

St. Petersburg College (SPC) is in compliance with this requirement because it provides student support programs, services, and activities, consistent with its mission, that are intended to promote student learning, engagement and the personal/professional development of its students.

Student support programs, services and activities are an integral part of SPC and are available at the College’s physical locations and online. In concert with the College’s mission, student services consist of diverse, engaging and student-centered programs, services and activities geared towards meeting the individual needs of our students. The College systematically monitors and evaluates these programs, services, and activities to ensure student outcomes are achieved; to identify areas for planned change, and to solicit information from students regarding unmet needs.

SPC is committed to the idea and practice of “open access” and will continue to provide support services to enhance students’ success, defined as, “Students finish what they start!” (SPC Student Focus Value Statement)

 

An Overview of St. Petersburg College

St. Petersburg College is a multi-campus institution, which serves the needs of a diverse student population. SPC provides opportunities for students to complete degree requirements for associates-level and baccalaureate-level degrees; complete certification requirements for career-entry; enroll in courses to enhance job skills; and/or opportunities for students to take courses for lifelong learning and personal enrichment. Through the College’s University Partnership Center, located on the Seminole Campus, students have access to more than 110 bachelor’s and graduate degree programs and certificates. SPC’s many locations ensure students’ easy access to its academic programs and student support services.

SPC programs, services, and activities (The SPC Experience) are designed to meet the needs of our diverse student population. Table 1 reflects the make-up of our student population for the Fall 2012-2013 Semester.

 

Table 1: Description of Student Population

 

At SPC we define distance students as those who take all of their classes online. They may or may not be geographically distant, but the fact that they choose to take all of their classes online is an indication that they would prefer to receive student support services online as well.

SPC serves students at ten locations and through its Electronic Campus and Open Campus (Dual Enrollment). Students take advantage of the flexibility of multiple sites and schedules and usually take classes at more than one location. Table 2 summarizes student population by location for the Fall semester of the 2012-2013 academic year. Please note that this is not an unduplicated headcount.

Table 2: Student Population by Location

Note: Downtown/Midtown sites are combined in College data reporting due to the close proximity of the two buildings and the shared resources and services. The Veterinary Technology Center was previously a part of Health Education Center and continues to be reported with and share services with its former main site. (See CS 3.11.3 for more clarification about physical locations)

 

Student Support Services Goals

St. Petersburg College includes student support services in goals supporting the College mission. Student support services are intentional, educational partnerships between students, faculty, staff and community leaders, designed to engage students and the learning community. Grounded in teaching and learning, this partnership:

  • Provides accessible and comprehensive advising and student support to all students;
  • Fosters a collaborative learning environment that promotes career development and personal responsibility;
  • Leads to academic success and life-long learning.

 

Documenting Students’ Needs

SPC identifies students’ needs through surveys, focus groups and personal interactions with students. Additionally, SPC student leaders provide monthly updates to the Senior Vice President of Student Services regarding campus goals, issues and concerns through the Student Council of Presidents (SCOP). All student government organizations are represented through SCOP. While it is extremely valuable to solicit input from students, we recognize the value and importance of looking at hard data to determine if we are meeting our students’ needs.

 

  • Surveys – Entering Student, Enrolled Student, Graduating Student, and the Point of Service departmental surveys are administered annually. The Entering Student Survey measures student experiences at the beginning of their enrollment process. The Enrolled Student Survey measures student satisfaction with support services and resources as well the importance of these initiatives. The Graduating Student Survey measures student satisfaction with their overall education at SPC, their preparedness for job entry or continuing education, and their transfer goals to another institution and employment plans. Point of Service surveys measure students’ satisfaction with services provided immediately following receipt of services. Departmental Point of Service surveys are conducted each term, Fall, Spring, and Summer. Results of all surveys are shared with those responsible for the respective program or service areas. Information garnered is used for program and process improvements with the primary goals of enhancing student success, access to support resources and enhancement of the SPC Student Experience.
  • Focus groups – Topic specific focus groups are held regularly throughout the College. Results from focus groups provide information and guidance for service improvements.
  • Student Council of Presidents (SCOP) – The Senior Vice President of Student Services meets monthly with Student Government presidents from each campus to discuss student concerns, requests and issues. This organization is responsible for orchestrating student activities College-wide including budgets on their respective campus. Prior to identifying campus budgets, student government presidents are charged with soliciting student input. Budgets are used to fund campus activities, leadership retreats, and other identified student needs.
  • Institutional data – Data collected College-wide is used to strengthen student support. For example, in 2010 a gap analysis was conducted for academic programs and student support activities, programs and services offered by the College. This included reviewing desired outcomes and success metrics for each of the College’s organizational units and academic programs, comparing desired outcomes with actual institutional and student success data. The analysis resulted in the following findings:
    • More than 1 in 4 students (27%) were unsuccessful in the courses they take;
    • In 10 of the College’s most highly enrolled courses, the success rate was 68%;
    • In the four most enrolled math courses, the success rate was 58%; and
    • In other comparative studies, our “first time/full-time” students achieved graduation rates that were about half (29%) of the rates of comparable colleges (58%).

 

These results lead to the creation of the President’s ‘5 by 180’ Plan whereby five projects would be initiated in 180 days: 1) Individualized Student Learning Plans 2) Enhancements to New Student Orientation 3) Expanded Developmental and Career Advising 4) Implementation of an Early Alert System and 5) Expanded and Revised Out-of-Class Learning Support.

The projects encompassed exemplary practices which contribute to student success and completion outcomes, achieved through the collective effort of all SPC employees – faculty, career staff, provosts, deans, administrative staff – in the creation of a comprehensive student engagement plan which “focused on both the academic and non-academic support systems that have the potential to provide more timely and individualized support for SPC students” (A Message from the President on Student Success ‘5 by 180’ Plan, May 15, 2012, Volume VII). As an Achieving the Dream Institution, SPC has incorporated these practices into its efforts to help all students, especially those of color and low-income, stay in school and earn a degree.

 

Expected Outcomes for Student Support Programs, Services and Activities

SPC has three identified expected outcomes for student support services:

1. Students will participate in services, programs and activities provided as determined by student usage/participation data;

2. Students will be satisfied with services, programs and activities provided as determined by data extracted from student survey instruments; and,

3. Services, programs and activities provided will enhance student success as determined by the College's identified success metrics which include: Students’ Course Completion Rates (e.g., Developmental and Gateway courses), Course completions with grade of “C” or better, Fall-to Spring Retention Rates; Fall-to-Fall Progression, and SPC Graduation Rates.

 

Documenting Success in Meeting the Needs of SPC Students

The College has established criteria to evaluate whether the College’s academic and student services are meeting students' needs. On the Enrolled and Graduating Students Surveys, each academic and student service must achieve an average rating (mean) of 5.0 or greater on the “Level of Satisfaction” scale to demonstrate compliance. Additionally, the College has designed a student database querying, Business Intelligence system called Pulse (see CS 3.3.1.1) that makes it possible for faculty, administrators, and student support staff to access real time data on success rates, retention, use of services, and other relevant information.

Student support programs offered by the College are classified as administrative support, student development support, academic support, and a broad range of student activities.

 

Administrative Support Services

Services in this area include Student Orientations, Business Office/Services, Student Registration Centers, Student Records, Financial Assistance Services, Veterans Services Centers, Bookstore, Parking/Vehicle Control, and Student Health Insurance.

 

Table 3: Administrative Support Services by Sites

Service

Locations



Centralized

Allstate

Clearwater

Downtown

EpiCenter

St. Petersburg/ Gibbs

Health

Midtown

Seminole

Tarpon

Online

Student Orientations

x

x

x

x

x

x

x


x

x

x

Business Office/ Services

x

x

x

x


x

x


x

x

x

Admissions and Registration

x

x

x

x


x

x

x

x

x

x

Student Records

x










x

Financial Aid


x

x

x


x


x

x

x

x

Veterans Services Centers



x

x

x

x



x

x


Bookstore



x

x


x

x


x

x

x

Parking/Vehicle Control

x











Student health insurance

x










x

Note: Due to their close proximity to one another, some sites share some services: Allstate and Midtown are serviced by St. Petersburg/Gibbs and SPC Downtown; EpiCenter is serviced by Clearwater; and the Veterinary Technology Center is served by Health Education Center. All sites are within 30 minutes or less of another site, so accessibility to all services is assured for those students who prefer face-to-face interaction. Most services are also available online.

Descriptions of Administrative Support Services

Student Orientations

  • New Student Orientations – Delivery Modality: On Campus and Online
    Information covered includes orientation of best practices for student success: how to navigate the SPC website, how to register for classes, how to tap into learning support resources provided by the College, how to get involved in Student Activities, and how to implement student success strategies.
    • SPC offers both face-to-face and online orientations. However, changes have been made regarding who can complete this admissions requirement online (5 by 180 project #2). As of Fall 2012, first time in college (FTIC) students who were degree or certificate seeking and scored into two or more developmental courses, as determined by the Post-Secondary Readiness Test (PERT), the College’s placement test, were required to take a face-to-face orientation. Hence, these students did not have the option of satisfying this requirement via the online modality. The expected outcomes of this process/procedural change are enhanced student retention and success, defined as students finishing what they start.
  • Program-Specific Orientations – Delivery Modality: On Campus
    • Specialized Disability Resources New Student Orientations are offered for first semester students prior to the start of each fall session.
    • Specialized student orientations are sponsored by Allied Health programs prior to program entry at the Health Education Center.
    • Specialized student orientations are sponsored by Southeastern Public Safety Institute (SEPSI) located at the Allstate Center and are required for students entering their certificate or degree programs.

How are we doing? Due to our increased efforts through the 5 by 180 initiative, the number of students attending face-to-face New Student Orientation grew from 38 in 2011 to 1,173 in 2012. Attending an orientation made a difference. The persistence rate (they were still with us at the end of Spring semester) for those who completed orientation was 64.3% compared to 57.3% for those who did not attend orientation. SPC plans to expand this requirement of face-to-face orientation to FTIC degree or certificate seeking students who score into one or more developmental courses. The 2012 satisfaction rating from the Enrolled Student Survey was 5.3.

 

Business Office/Services

Delivery Modality: On Campus and Online

The Business Office provides several services to students including information on graduation processes and tuition payments. Each of these services can be accessed through campus offices or using the online tools provided on each page.

The 2012 satisfaction rating from the Enrolled Student Survey for the Business Office was 5.3; and it was among the top five services with the highest year-to-year increase in mean satisfaction scores (+0.1).

 

Student Registration Centers

Delivery Modality: On Campus and Online

Registration Centers assist students with Getting Started at SPC. Student Support Advisors are available to answer students’ questions about admissions, advising, academic planning, registration, testing, financial aid, and residency classification. Students can also use computer labs located in the Centers to apply to SPC, register or withdraw from classes, check their grades, use student e-mail, and pay fees.

Students reported in a point of service survey that the Registration Centers were serving them well in the spring of 2012. 79.4% of respondents agreed that they were provided necessary information; 82.3% agreed that staff had been thorough in asking questions about their needs; 84.8% agreed that the registration staff was genuinely concerned about their needs. However, the reality of our low graduation and retention rates for first time in college (FTIC) students told a different story, and we realized a change was necessary for our students to succeed.

We made a philosophical switch that took effect Fall 2012. The Registration Centers changed from their one-stop, fast-paced, stick-to-the-point and move-on approach to a new holistic approach. The centers now engage in developmental advising (5 by 180 Plan project #3). They focus on FTIC students, making sure that the students’ life circumstances, transportation issues, and even emotional issues are taken into account while collaborating on an action plan.

How are we doing? While the dramatic increase in success rates for FTIC students in Spring 2013 are not wholly a result of the changes we made in the Registration Centers, those changes certainly contributed. For all FTIC students, the Spring 2013 success rates are 6.5% higher than Spring 2012; for Black/African American FTIC students the success rate is10.6% higher; for Hispanic/Latino FTIC students, it is15.2% higher. The 2012 satisfaction rating from the Enrolled Student Survey for Online registration was 5.89; the rating for On Campus registration was 5.22. The rating for the Registration Centers was 5.62.

 

Student Records

Delivery Modality: Records can be requested or submitted On Campus or Online

SPC has established a rule to protect the rights of students and their parents or guardians with respect to student records created, maintained, and used by the College. The Student Records rule is published in the Student Handbook, the online College Catalog, and the SPC website. Training is provided to all registration and admissions personnel as well as all newly-hired Faculty.

How are we doing? The 2012 satisfaction rating from the Enrolled Student Survey for personal safety and security was 6.2; the rating for official mailings received from the College was 5.6; and the rating for the application/admission process was 5.51.

 

Financial Assistance Services

Delivery Modality: On Campus and Online

Financial Assistance Services provides students guidance on grants, scholarships, student employment and loans to help pay their college expenses. As part of our holistic approach, St Petersburg College has joined with the nonprofit organization American Student Assistance® (ASA) in a movement to address the college affordability issue by revolutionizing how students and alumni finance and repay their higher education. Through a game-changing free educational membership program called SALTSM, we’re equipping students and alumni with money skills for life so they reduce their student loan debt, improve student loan repayment outcomes, and increase their overall financial empowerment after college. SPC began implementing the SALT program in 2012/2013 and already has 5,020 students who have activated SALT accounts. Our goal in the upcoming year is to continue to educate students, alumni, faculty and staff about the SALT program and have the majority of our students who receive student loans (approximately 15,000 students) involved in this valuable financial empowerment program.

How are we doing? Students reported positively in a point-of-service survey conducted Spring of 2012. Most (76.7%) had been to a campus for service, and 92.9% of those reported that the staff member provided the appropriate recommendations and/or other sources of information. Of those responding (30) to the survey, 73.3% rated the service received as excellent or above average; 93.3% had used the financial aid website and 60.7% of those students found the information to be quite a bit or very useful.

The 2012 satisfaction rating from the Enrolled Student Survey for Scholarships and Student Financial Assistance was 5.34.

SPC began implementing the SALT program in 2012/2013 and already has 5,020 students who have activated SALT accounts.

 

Veterans Services

Delivery Modality: On Campus and Online

Veterans’ Services assists veterans with their transition to College. They also provide assistance in obtaining education benefits through the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA). Veterans Services Centers provide specialized services to:

  • Veterans
  • Eligible dependents
  • Active duty servicepersons
  • Members of the Selected Reserve.

How are we doing? In 2013, St. Petersburg College moved into the top 20 list for veteran-friendly colleges in the nation, according to the most recent ranking by the Military Times and Edge Magazine publications. The college was ranked 15th “most veteran friendly” among four-year colleges nationally based on a survey that looked at factors such as enrollment, academic support, veterans staff, and the college’s per-credit-hour rate. In 2011, SPC placed 47th, the first time the college had received a ranking in the survey. SPC’s student veteran population has continued to climb over the past four years from less than 600 to now more than 1,700.

 

Bookstore

Delivery Modality: On Campus and Online

Barnes & Noble College provides bookstore services to SPC students, including free shipping for all student orders. Barnes & Noble offers new and used books, textbook rentals, and an expanding selection of eTextbooks. Campus bookstores have an ample selection of supplies, course materials and logoed merchandise. Students can pay with cash, check, credit card, and debit card. Students can use their schedule to order their books in person at a campus bookstore or online. The SPC book line of credit or SPC textbook credit may be used to purchase books or merchandise. Each semester, the campus stores have extended hours the first week of classes and other times to support classes with alternative schedules.

How are we doing? When the end of the previous bookstore vendor’s contract was near, the College created a committee of students, faculty, staff, and administrators to identify the best vendor. Barnes and Noble was selected and opened on campuses and online in Fall of 2012. The 2012 satisfaction rating from the Enrolled Student Survey was 5.27, an increase over the 2011 rating of 5.23 and the 2010 rating of 5.15.

 

Parking/Vehicle Control

Delivery Modality: On Campus

With the exception of the Downtown Center, campus parking is provided free for students, persons conducting official business with the College, and Faculty and Staff who work at the College. During the working day, some spaces are reserved for use by Faculty, Staff and visitors. Parking lots at the Seminole and Gibbs campuses were expanded in 2010 and 2012.

How are we doing? The 2012 satisfaction rating from the Enrolled Student Survey was 5.24, an increase from 5.04 in 2011.

 

Student Health Insurance

Delivery Modality: May be purchased Online

Optional health insurance at group rates is available to all students through a College-approved insurance company.

 

Student Development Support Services

Initial and ongoing student development and support services include: Counseling and Advising, Career Development Services, Testing Services, Learning Support Centers or Information Commons, International Centers, Wellness Centers, Food Services, Student Employment, Experiential Learning Program (ELP) which grants college credit for prior learning and, Cooperative Education which promotes internships and job development, and the Student Assistance Program.

 

Table 4: Student Development Support Services by Sites

Service

Locations



Centralized

Allstate

Clearwater

Downtown

EpiCenter

St. Petersburg/ Gibbs

Health

Midtown

Seminole

Tarpon

Online
Counseling & Advising – Cyber Advisors are Centralized
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
Career Development Services



x

x
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
Testing Services



x



x



x
x
x
International Centers



x



x




x


Wellness Centers
x
x
x
x


x



x
x


Food Services



x
x
x
x



x
x


Student Employment


x
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
Experiential Learning Program
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
Cooperative Education
x


x
x
x
x
x


x
x
x
Student Assistance Program
x










x

Note: Due to their close proximity to one another, some sites share some services: Allstate and Midtown are serviced by St. Petersburg/Gibbs and SPC Downtown; EpiCenter is serviced by Clearwater; and the Veterinary Technology Center is served by Health Education Center. All sites are within 30 minutes or less of another site, so accessibility to all services is assured for those students who prefer face-to-face interaction. Most services are also available online.

Descriptions of Student Development Support Services

Counseling and Advising

Delivery Modality: By telephone, On Campus, and Online

At St. Petersburg College, academic advising is an intentional, educational partnership with the student. Grounded in teaching and learning, this partnership provides accessible, comprehensive advising to all students, fosters a collaborative and active learning environment that promotes career development and personal responsibility and leads to academic success and life-long learning.

In fall 2012, SPC began using an integrated career and academic advising model. The intent of the model is to engage the student in developmental advising sessions to help them determine their career goals and educational goals. In the first session, which is at least 45 minutes in length, students are given a Career Certainty survey. If they have identified a career and a suitable major course of study, they earn a green light and are able to continue with an academic planning session. If they need a little help matching a major course of study to a desired career, they are referred to a career specialist and continue with academic planning focused on general education requirements. If they have no direction in their career or major course of study, they may continue with academic planning for one semester only and focus on general education requirements. These students receive an urgent referral to career counseling.

The academic planning session considers all aspects of the student’s ability to successfully complete courses: Do they work? How many hours? Do they have family obligations? After a number of weeks, students take part in a second developmental advising session that acts as a barometer of how the student is doing.

Several Specific 5 by 180 Plan components are also assimilated into the integrated career and academic advising model: the Early Alert system (#4), My Learning Plan (#1), and the Life Plan.

Early Alert: Developed in partnership with faculty, the Early Alert system alerts campus-based advising staff of students who are not performing at an optimal level for academic success. The alert is initiated by faculty who, prior to submitting alerts must demonstrate “good faith” efforts to reach out to students who are struggling. Alerts are sent to campus advising staff who will attempt to reach students to discuss success strategies that when implemented should enhance their probability of successful course completion. This tool was implemented Fall 2012 for FTIC students who tested into two or more developmental courses, financial aid students who did not successfully complete their Standards of Academic Progress (SAP), students on probation, students returning from suspension, athletes, and African-American male students.

My Learning Plan: Commencing Fall 2012-2013, the College required Individualized Student Learning Plans for all First Time in College (FTIC) degree or certificate seeking students who scored into two or more developmental course. Beginning Spring 2012-2013, this requirement was expanded to include FTIC degree or certificate seeking students who score into at least one developmental course. The completion of an Individualized Learning Plan is a requirement for other student populations (e.g., Students receiving financial assistance who do not meet Standards of Academic Progress; students on probation; students returning from suspension; student athletes; and students involved in the African-American males’ success initiative).

Life Plan (p. 6): The Life Plan focuses on student completion and mitigation of student failure patterns. The Life Plan defines when students need intervention or restrictions to help them stay on a successful trajectory to graduation. The Life Plan has three categories: Accelerated, Intervention, and Restricted. A student’s academic success history determines under which plan he/she will be categorized. Accelerated students would have no restrictions on enrollment. Students with an Intervention status will be limited to enrolling in a maximum of 12 credit hours during fall and spring terms and limited to enrolling in a maximum of 7 credit hours during summer terms. Students under this status would be assigned an advisor and learning specialist who, through case management, will help them create their personalized success plan. Students on restricted status would be allowed to enroll only in the number of credit hours successfully completed the prior term. Students under this status are also assigned an advisor and learning specialist who will help them create their personalized success plan.

How are we doing? In a point of service survey conducted in the spring of 2012, 72% of responding students rated the quality of academic advising services as excellent or above average. 75.4% reported that their questions had been answered in a clear, understandable manner, and 77% thought they had a clear understanding of what they were to do next. The 2012 satisfaction rating from the Enrolled Student Survey was 5.1. Our CCSSE results for 2012 showed a slight increase over 2011. In 2011, 22.3% of responded “often” or “very often” to the statement, “Talked about career plans with an instructor or advisor.” In 2012, 24.4% students made the same response. In the spring of 2013, 8,420 students had completed learning plans.

 

Career Development

Delivery Modality: On Campus and Online

In November 2011, a student focus group considered the question of why students don’t use the career centers more often and determined what services come to mind when they hear the term “career services.” Students felt that the main reason the career centers were underutilized is because students did not know the service existed. The career services students identified as being the most important were resume assistance, career exploration, and information and statistics on job growth. CCSSE results for 2012 indicated that only 24.4% of our students talked about career plans with an instructor or advisor.

In response to the student concerns and in an effort to increase student success rates by helping them identify a clear path to finish what they start, SPC began including career services in its holistic approach to student advising in fall 2012 (5 by 180 Plan project #3). Additionally, SPC made two online career advising tools available to students through their MySPC accounts:

  • Focus 2 is an online career guidance program that helps students assess their interests, skills, values and personality style, and then identify matching occupations and appropriate college majors.
  • Optimal Resume is an online employment guidance program designed to help students prepare the materials necessary for a successful job search, including writing a resume and cover letters, creating an online portfolio, preparing for the interview and locating employment opportunities.

Career development service centers are located at our four main campuses (SP/Gibbs, Clearwater, Seminole, Tarpon Springs) and at the Downtown and Midtown Centers. The career service centers include career exploration, validation and research. Additional services include assistance with identification of career direction, preparing for the job search process, resume and cover letter writing, training for interviews, linking to various job networks, locating job opportunities and assistance with on-the-job issues. Career Development services include regularly scheduled workshops in the areas of networking, interviewing, and resumes.

The State of Florida provides an online student advising and career planning system, Facts.org that allows students to research the educational requirements and potential job markets for various careers and prepare a career portfolio that can be reviewed by potential employers.

How are we doing? As of April 10, 2013, 1,756 students had created Optimal Resume accounts. 6,521 students had used the Focus 2 Career Assessment. In a point of service survey conducted in spring 2012, the majority of students (66%) indicated their question was answered in a clear, understandable manner. All students (100%) agreed or strongly agreed that they had a clear understanding of what they were to do next. Students rated items related to career services (counseling, assessment, and development) 5.26 on a 7 point scale in the 2012 Enrolled Student Survey.

 

Testing Centers

Delivery Modality: On Campus and Online

Testing Centers are located on each of the four full service academic campuses, and all sites are within 30 minutes of one another allowing for easy access to all on campus students. The centers provide a variety of testing services for St. Petersburg College students. They administer the College placement test, computer literacy proficiency test, and the Levels of English Proficiency (LOEP) test as well as proctor tests for students with disabilities who require a quiet testing area or testing accommodations such as scribes or readers.

Online students are presented with alternatives to SPC testing sites and information is shared during the class registration process and on the eCampus Online Proctored Testing page. (see FR 4.8.3) The first paragraph of that page reads:

Proctored exams for placement testing, midterms, finals and state exits are available to students both outside and within Pinellas County. Testing at our four designated Pinellas County proctor sites is free of charge for SPC students. Charges for testing at other proctor sites vary according to the provider's fee schedule.

How are we doing? The 2012 satisfaction rating from the Enrolled Student Survey for placement testing was 5.42.

 

Center for International Programs

Delivery Modality: On Campus

The Center for International Programs has its main office on the St. Petersburg/Gibbs campus with satellite offices located at the Clearwater and Tarpon Springs Campuses, three campuses that span the length of the county from tip to tip and the middle. They provide College-wide service, information, guidance and support to international students during the transition period from their countries to the United States. International Student Advisors at each center facilitate the admissions process to the College by assisting students with their compliance with the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) rules and regulations and health insurance requirements.

First-time students receive orientation to the College and life in the United States. All international students are encouraged to join the International Club on their home campus. Currently enrolled international students receive follow-up orientation and guidance from the International Student Advisors ensuring that the students remain in compliance. In addition, the Center for International Programs hosts international events and programming for all SPC sites and in the community; provides student study abroad experiences; encourages language acquisition; hosts International Education Week; and serves as the administrator for SPC’s international institutional partnerships as well as membership in organizations such as Community Colleges for International Development (CCID), College Consortium for International Studies (CCIS), and NAFSA: Association of International Educators. These organizations provide opportunities for students, faculty and staff to build global relationships that strengthen educational programs and promote academic and economic development.

 

Wellness Centers

Delivery Modality: On Campus

SPC’s Wellness Centers, located at four campuses and or Centers, are workout facilities equipped with a variety of exercise machines and free weights. They are free and open to students when not in use by physical education classes.

 

Food Services

Deliver Modality: On Campus

Food Services are available on six campus locations, providing campus students and staff a place to hang out, grab a bite to eat, or work online.

 

Student Employment

Delivery Modality: On Campus and Online

Students may apply for employment through the Financial Assistant Services (FAS) Office’s student employment website. There are two types of student employment opportunities: Federal Work Study Program – based on need, and the Student Assistant Program (non-need based). For eligibility, students must:

  • Be a degree-seeking student (A.A., A.S., bachelor's degree, or financial aid eligible certificate program)
  • Be enrolled in at least six credit hours throughout the term of employment. Audit classes do not count
  • Must not owe a repayment or be in default under any state or federal grant or loan program
  • Maintain Satisfactory Academic Progress
  • Pass SPC background check

 

Experiential Learning Program

Delivery Modality: Online

The Experiential Learning Program was designed to help students earn college credits based on the knowledge acquired through life experiences. Students are asked to demonstrate knowledge as it relates to a specific college-level course. There is no application fee for SPC students and a minimal fee for credit evaluations. Working in conjunction with an advisor, students can identify courses that they would like to earn credit for. All applications are evaluated by a designated SPC instructor.

 

Cooperative Education

Delivery Modality: On Campus and Online

The Internship Office helps students get real world experience from some of the area's best employers while learning valuable on-the-job skills and expanding their professional network.

 

Student Assistance Program

Delivery Modality: Online

Students feeling overwhelmed by the pressures of life have free access to a toll-free helpline. The toll-free helpline is answered by an experienced mental health care professional. After you describe your concerns, you will be given the names and phone numbers of local counselors or other professionals who can best meet your needs. SPC's partnership with BayCare’s Student Assistance Program provides SPC students with three free visits per academic year.

 

Academic Support

Academic programs and services serve students as well as the broader SPC community. Programs and services provided are SPC Libraries, Learning Support Centers, and specialized support areas such as Disability Resources, English for Academic Purposes, Men Achieving eXcellence (MAX), Women on the Way (WOW), Student Support Services (SSS), New Initiative Program (NIP), SPC Connections Program, and Honors College.

 

Table 5: Academic Support Services by Site

Service


Locations



Allstate

Clearwater

Downtown

EpiCenter

St. Petersburg/ Gibbs

Health

Midtown

Seminole

Tarpon Sp.

Online

SPC Libraries

x

x



x

x


x

x

x

Learning Support Centers

x

x

x


x

x

x

x

x

x

Disability Resources


x

x


x

x

x

x

x


English for Academic Purposes (EAP)


x



x




x


Men Achieving eXcellence (MAX)

x

x

x


x

x

x

x

x


Women-on-the-Way (WOW)


x





x

x



Student Support Services (SSS)


x



x



x



New Initiative Program (NIP)


x



x

x




x

Connections






x





Honors College Program


x



x



x

x


Note: Due to their close proximity to one another, some sites share some services: Allstate and Midtown are serviced by St. Petersburg/Gibbs and SPC Downtown; EpiCenter is serviced by Clearwater; and the Veterinary Technology Center is served by Health Education Center. All sites are within 30 minutes or less of another site, so accessibility to all services is assured for those students who prefer face-to-face interaction. Most services are also available online.

Descriptions of Academic Support Services

SPC Libraries

Delivery Modality: On Campus and Online

Using their student ID as their library card, students can check out materials or use any of the services the libraries provide. Students can search online or visit one of the libraries to find:

  • Print and electronic books, academic journals, magazines, and newspapers
  • Streaming videos, audiobooks, images, citation tools, and music
  • Online research databases as well as current and back issues of periodicals
  • Group and individual study areas
  • Computer labs and laptops for check out (in-library use)
  • Black and white or color printing and image scanners
  • Information regarding research methodologies, citation methods, evaluating resources and information literacy
  • 24/7 access to information and technical support through Florida Virtual Campus (FLVC).
    • LINCCWeb, a shared catalog of the information resources from the state’s public colleges and universities.
    • Next-generation research and discovery tool used by students and faculty to identify and access information including full-text electronic resources, databases, and eBooks.
    • The Florida College System’s robust shared statewide collection of core electronic resources.
    • Library Management System that streamlines delivery of library services including sharing collections through interlibrary loans.

Joint-use libraries on the St. Petersburg/Gibbs and Seminole campuses showcase two unique partnerships between SPC and the cities of St. Petersburg and Seminole. Each library provides users with the benefits of a public library and a college library in one.

Librarians partner with faculty to provide just in time instruction in how and why to use library resources. Additionally, librarians offer open workshops as well as private one-on-one sessions for students who need a little more help with locating, evaluating, and integrating resources.

The libraries have been responsive to students needs by becoming a dynamic place for learning rather than a repository of books. In 2011-2012 the St. Petersburg/Gibbs and Clearwater campuses greatly reduced the sizes of their physical collections to create Writing Studios within the libraries. Students are able to come to the library for writing help and at the same time get help on finding, evaluating, and synthesizing information to support their writing. All of the libraries have focused on creating open areas for study and collaboration and synergy between tutors in the learning support centers and librarians.

Many students are helped through virtual librarians. Librarians partner with faculty to embed the librarian within online courses. Students may ask the librarian questions and receive help within their courses in the Course Management System.

Ask-A-Librarian is a very active online service. SPC librarians offer chat sessions as well as answer questions through email and text message. Our students like the ability to chat with librarians. It is a gateway to all library services, and librarians partner with faculty to design assignments that direct students to use Ask-A-Librarian services.

Library programming is aimed at enhancing the student experience through cultural events that widen the students’ horizons. In partnership with Student Life and Leadership, the libraries have been able to bring authors and poets to the campuses.

How are we doing? We were #1 in the state in use of Chat Reference in March 2013. Students gave the library a 6.09 satisfaction rating on the 2012 Enrolled Student Survey. In the 2013 annual user satisfaction survey of library services, 88.7% of the respondents indicated that use of the library in terms of its services, staff, and collections contributed to their overall academic success.

 

Learning Support Centers

Delivery Modality: On Campus and Online

Learning Support Centers are located at each campus. Each learning center offers computer access and tutoring services in major subject areas. In 2011 the learning support centers and the libraries were brought under the umbrella of Learning Resources (5 by 180 Plan Project #5), and a new synergy was created between tutors, computer labs, and libraries. The President’s 5 X 180 plan brought a new sense of purpose to the tutoring centers and resulted in a culture shift. Learning Centers are no longer thought of as a place for remediation but have become a place to enhance success. Faculty members now tutor during some of their office hours. In the fall and spring semesters 2012-2013, full-time faculty spent 2,357 hours in the learning centers.

Online tutoring is available through SmartThinking. All students are given access to SmartThinking through their ANGEL course management system account login. Course Help is also available through ANGEL. Students are able to join the Course Help Community Group to access videos, handouts, and other professor-created tools designed to clarify concepts covered in class. Our new Massive Open Online Course (MOOC) offers modules to help ready students for college-level math and also serves as tutorials to reinforce concepts covered in class. The Math MOOC is open to everyone and is linked from the SPC Home page.

How are we doing? The use of the learning centers has skyrocketed. There was a 246% increase in student visits in 2012-2013 over previous years. We saw an improvement in our SENSE data for the writing, math, or other skill lab use. In 2011, 26% of students reported making at least one visit. In 2012, 29.2 students reported they had visited at least once. Students gave out-of-class computer access a 6.13 satisfaction rating on the 2012 Enrolled Student Survey. They gave a 5.66 satisfaction rating for the Learning Support Centers.

 

Disability Resources

Delivery Modality: On Campus

Under Section 504 of the Vocational Rehabilitation Act of 1973 and the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990, SPC seeks to ensure that admission, academic programs, support services, student activities and campus facilities are accessible to and usable by students who document a qualifying disability with the College. The Disability Resources office works with students, faculty, and staff to provide accommodations that ensure equal access for all students, and provides or facilitates:

  • Academic adjustments such as early registration
  • College Placement Test and exam accommodations
  • Academic modifications such as course substitutions
  • Certified/qualified sign language interpreters, C-Printers, and note-takers
  • Professional tutoring in selected general education and health education courses.
  • Assistive listening devices and closed captioning of videos
  • Adaptive classroom furniture, and electronic equipment and software
  • Information Commons in ANGEL online learning management system

 

English for Academic Purposes (EAP)

Delivery Modality: On Campus and Online

The English for Academic Purposes (EAP) program offers a series of English as a second language courses to meet the needs of non-native English speakers. The program is designed for those students who are interested in learning to read, write, speak, listen, and understand the English language in order to work toward a degree or certificate.

Entering students are tested with a placement test for EAP and placed in the appropriate level of study indicated by their scores: Basic I, Basic II, Intermediate, or Advanced. Note: A credit course in pronunciation is also available.

 

Men Achieving eXcellence (MAX)

Delivery Modality: On Campus

Men Achieving Excellence (MAX) is an initiative developed specifically to create a full service support model to recruit, support, retain, and improve success rates of male students. By expanding upon a previous initiative called Brother to Brother, the focus is to use a dedicated position on each campus to build campus support centers that will include mentoring, career services, high school/college connections, dedicated resources available to members, and advising.

 

Women on the Way (WOW)

Delivery Modality: On Campus

The Women-on-the-Way Challenge Center has been meeting the educational and emotional needs of women entering or re-entering college after a period of absence from an educational setting by serving as a support center for over 31 years. Many women entering or returning to college face scheduling and resource challenges. In addition to meeting some basic needs for members, WOW offers opportunities for leadership, friendship and community service. The mission of WOW is to provide services that enhance and empower adult learners’ ability to achieve academic, professional and personal success. Services available include a clearing house for campus and community resources concerning career planning, financial assistance, scholarships, housing, child care information, and individual and group support. WOW engages, encourages, and empowers students to successfully graduate and achieve self-sufficiency through education.

 

Student Support Services (SSS)

Delivery Modality: On Campus

Student support services centers are located on the St. Petersburg/Gibbs, Seminole, and Clearwater campuses. The Student Support Services program is a federally funded program designed to give eligible students additional support during their college experience through academic advising, mentoring, study skills development, tutoring, cultural awareness and exposure, textbook lending, academic and career advisement, and assistance in accessing community and campus resources. To be eligible, SPC students must be U.S. citizens (or permanent residents), be degree seeking and meet at least one of the following criteria: be a first-generation college student (neither parent having earned a bachelor's degree), and/or be low-income based on the U.S. Department of Education guidelines.

 

New Initiative Program (NIP)

Delivery Modality: On Campus

The New Initiative Program (NIP) is a federally funded program designed to provide academic assistance to Associate in Science or certificate seeking health or pre-health students. NIP programs are located at the Health Education Center, Clearwater, and St. Petersburg/Gibbs campuses. Students may self-refer or be referred to the program by College staff. Students may receive assistance in such areas as math, science, health courses, test taking strategies, time management, and general study skills based upon need and available resources. NIP learning coordinators are available by appointment for individual or small group tutoring sessions. Review sessions in specific content areas are offered on a regular basis. The Learning Support Center at the Health Education Center is sponsored by NIP and provides a hands-on learning environment for all students.

 

SPC Connections Program

Delivery Modality: On Campus

Connections is a federally funded program located at the Health Education Center for Advanced Technical Diploma, Certificate, and AS degree-seeking students. Services offered are designed to provide students the requisite skills and tools to address academic, social, and personal challenges that might hinder their academic success. This program provides case management, textbook and laptop lending, referrals for tutoring and counseling/advising, services for students with disabilities, and success skills resources free of charge.

 

Honors College

Delivery Modality: On Campus

The Honors College is designed to attract highly motivated and talented students who are challenged by an intellectually stimulating academic program of study and have demonstrated the ability to achieve academic excellence. Each term the Honor’s College offers courses that are populated by exceptional students taught by Faculty members dedicated to actively involving students in enriched learning experiences.

Since the Honors College program began in 2003, more than 450 students from 25 countries have participated. Fifty percent of all Honors College students have a 3.75 or higher grade point average, and 10 percent have maintained a 4.0.

To be admitted into the Honors College, students must have a minimum 3.5 GPA and be in the top 10 percent of their high school graduating class, or achieve high placement scores on high school standardized testing (SAT or ACT). Current SPC students must have a cumulative GPA average of 3.5 or higher, submit an essay or writing sample, and present two letters of recommendation from SPC faculty or administrators.

 

Student Life and Leadership

St. Petersburg College has an extensive student life and leadership program designed to provide a wide variety of opportunities for students to develop holistically in both academic and non-academic settings. Programs and services provided are the Student Government Association, Phi Theta Kappa Honor Society, Student Clubs, Intercollegiate Athletics, Recreational Activities, Student Publications, ROTC, Student Volunteers, and SPC 24/7 Radio Station.

 

Table 6: Student Life and Leadership by Sites

Service

Locations



Centralized

Allstate

Clearwater

Downtown

EpiCenter

St. Petersburg/ Gibbs

Health

Midtown

Seminole

Tarpon Sp.

Online

Student Life and Leadership (Student Activities listed below)


x

x

x

x

x

x

x

x

x


Student Government Association


x

x

x


x

x

x

x

x


Phi Theta Kappa Honor Society



x



x

x


x

x


Student Clubs



x

x


x

x

x

x

x


Intercollegiate Athletics



x



x






Intramural and Recreational Activities



x

x



x


x

x


Student Publications



x

x


x

x


x

x

X

ROTC (dual enrollment with USF)

x











Student Volunteers

x

x

x

x

x

x

x

x

x

x


SPC 24/7 Radio Station

x





x






Note: Due to their close proximity to one another, some sites share some services: Allstate and Midtown are serviced by St. Petersburg/Gibbs and SPC Downtown; EpiCenter is serviced by Clearwater; and the Veterinary Technology Center is served by Health Education Center. All sites are within 30 minutes or less of another site, so accessibility to all services is assured for those students who prefer face-to-face interaction. Most services are also available online.

Descriptions of Student Life and Leadership Opportunities

Student Government Association

Delivery Modality: On Campus

Leadership development opportunities are available to all students through participation in the Student Government Association (SGA). SPC is committed to providing students the types of opportunities they need to develop holistically. Additionally, SPC is committed to providing students opportunities to think critically. Beginning with the 2010-2011 academic year, the responsibility of determining how student activity funds would be spent shifted from the Student Life and Leadership Coordinators (staff positions) to the SGA. Students were given the responsibility of managing their own student activities budget. The SGA leadership designed their budget proposal process and supervised the allocation of funds. Student organizations have the responsibility of designing their proposals for funding their activities and projects. This huge responsibility is steadily increasing as the anticipated 2013-14 budget amounts to $1.5 million.

 

Phi Theta Kappa Honor Society

Delivery Modality: On Campus

Phi Theta Kappa is the International Honor Society for two-year colleges. To be eligible, students are required to have completed at least 12 semester hours at St. Petersburg College, achieved a minimum GPA of 3.25, and maintain a 3.0 GPA. Members must also participate in chapter fundraising activities. While all campus chapters of PTK are very active, the Eta Nu chapter at St. Petersburg/Gibbs campus has won numerous international and regional awards.

 

Student Clubs and Organizations

Delivery Modality: On Campus

There are numerous club and organization opportunities for students. Students are encouraged to form clubs according to their interests. To form a club, students gather five or more fellow students who share their interest and meet with a Student Life and Leadership Coordinator to complete a “Statement of Purpose” form. The Coordinator assists them in identifying an advisor. The advisor can be a full time faculty member or a non-faculty career employee.

Final approval of all organizations rests with the College administration. Once chartered, the organization becomes a recognized group on campus and is subject to all policies, privileges and regulations of the College.

The list of active clubs changes from year to year, but generally includes academic clubs, musical ensembles and groups, dance and theatre troupes, religious groups, and special interest groups (such as the Engineering Club, Colleges Against Cancer, Ice Hockey Club, Model UN, and Latinos United).

 

Intercollegiate Athletics

Delivery Modality: On Campus

Intercollegiate athletics are an integral and valued component of The SPC Experience. The College provides planned and organized competitions for both men and women students. SPC belongs to the National Junior College Athletic Association (NJCAA) and the Florida College System Activities Association (FCSAA). Over the years, each team has competed and won at a very high level, including state championships in baseball in 2005 and men’s basketball in 2002.

  • Men’s varsity teams are: basketball and baseball
  • Women’s varsity teams are: basketball, tennis, softball and volley-ball
  • Student Cheerleaders are also a major part of the Intercollegiate Athletics at St. Petersburg College.

 

Intramural and Recreational Activities

Delivery Modality: On Campus

SPC sponsors many intramural and recreational activities through student life and leadership including basketball, table tennis, bowling, flag football, volleyball, and soccer. The activities are promoted through the SGA and provide friendly, organized competition.

 

Student Publications

Delivery Modality: On Campus and Online

  • The Sandbox
    The official online student newspaper of St. Petersburg College, The Sandbox provides student-sourced, student-edited, and student-driven, news, sports, entertainment, arts, and feature articles on local and national figures and events.
  • Meta: Interdisciplinary Journal
    META is an interdisciplinary publication that accepts electronic submissions from SPC students, faculty, staff and alumni for creative writing, poetry, photography, research, cultural criticism and visual art.
  • Ember Skies
    Ember Skies is an online interdisciplinary arts showcase dedicated to celebrating the talents of SPC students. SPC students engage in a variety of artistic pursuits in school-sponsored events and on their own time. Browse the galleries of photography, fine art, music, dance, theater and writing and support the arts at St. Petersburg College.

 

Reserve Officers' Training Corps (ROTC)

Delivery Modality: On Campus

ROTCis a college-based officer commissioning program. It is designed as a college elective that focuses on leadership development, problem solving, strategic planning and professional ethics. Students can enroll in ROTC through a partnership with the University of South Florida. Those students must complete a four year program in order to earn their commission.

 

Student Volunteers

Delivery Modality: On Campus

Students are able to volunteer through the SPC Volunteer Office. Students are encouraged to make a difference in the lives of others by volunteering at St. Petersburg College. Many volunteer opportunities are available to students including tutoring in the Learning Support Centers, working in the libraries, assisting in department offices, helping at graduation and sporting events, and mentoring fellow students.

All SPC Volunteers agree to follow the Volunteer Code of Conduct and undergo a background check.

 

24/7 Student Radio Station (MYRA)

Delivery Modality: On Campus and Online

MYRA (Make Your Radio Active) is SPC’s student-operated Internet radio station. The MYRA studio is located on the St. Petersburg/Gibbs campus and gives music program students as well as other students the opportunity to experience the music broadcast industry. Students are responsible for all programming.

 

Supporting Documentation

In order to preserve the integrity of the supporting documentation in case of updates occurring between the submission of this document and the review, the narrative above links to pdf versions, whereas live links are included below.