Student Rights and Responsibilities - Policy 3.010

Policy:

1. A student, as a citizen, is entitled to freedoms, rights, and benefits and is responsible for compliance with local, state, and federal laws and regulations.
   
   
2. Without liability to lawful discipline, a student shall not intentionally impair or prevent the accomplishment of any lawful mission, process, or function of the college.
   
   
   1. The authority of the college to impose penalties and take disciplinary action will be asserted if the student engages in any of the prohibited behavior described in Paragraph D of this policy.
      
      
   2. Activities of students that violate local, state, and federal laws and regulations may result in penalties by civil authorities and college authorities.
      
      
3. The student has the following responsibilities to comply with College policies and procedures:
   
   
   1. To comply with College policies and procedures provided in the College Catalog, the Library Handbook, and on bulletin boards; provided, however, that provisions of the College Catalog shall not be construed as a contract between the student and the College.
      
      
   2. To coordinate their academic program with the senior college or university of choice.
      
      
   3. To meet the requirements of graduation or program completion as set forth in the College Catalog that is in force. The Catalog in force is one of the following:
      
      
      1. The Catalog under which the student originally enrolled, provided continuous enrollment has been maintained. (Continuous enrollment is defined as two (2) semesters per academic year during which credit was earned.)
         
         
      2. The Catalog under which a student originally enrolled if the Catalog is not more than five (5) years old.
         
         
      3. The current Catalog.
         
         
4. Any student engaging in any of the following types of behavior shall be subject to disciplinary action:
   
   
   1. Academic cheating or plagiarism.
      
      
   2. Furnishing false information to the College with the intent to deceive.
      
      
   3. Forgery, alteration, or misuse of college documents, records, or identification cards.
      
      
   4. Conduct or dress that is in violation of the law, is a public nuisance, or is deemed improper and detrimental to the College.
      
      
   5. The possession, sale, exchange, consumption, or giving away of any beverage of alcoholic content or any stimulant, depressant, narcotic, or hallucinogenic drug or agent having potential for physical or mental abuse, except as prescribed for an individual by a physician or dentist.
      
      
   6. Sexual battery and other forms of sexual misconduct.
      
      
   7. The possession or use of firearms or other lethal weapons on campus except for those students attending the law enforcement program.
      
      
   8. Violation of local, state, and federal laws and regulations.
      
      
   9. Disruptive conduct that includes, but is not limited to, the following:
      
      
      1. disruption of classes or College activities;
      2. destruction of College property;
      3. illegal occupation of College property;
      4. threats to freedom of access of movement;
      5. trespassing;
      6. personal jeopardy to any member or guest of the College; and
      7. failure to comply with direction of College officials acting in the performance of their duties.
         
         
   10. Students or other persons associated with College clubs, organizations, or other students are prohibited from engaging in hazing as defined in s. 240.326 F.S. The President or designee shall establish procedures which provide a program for the enforcement of this policy and s. 240.326 F.S.
       
       
5. Disciplinary Procedures and Student Appeals
   
   
   1. The President or designee shall establish disciplinary procedures and a student appeals process consistent with the civil and legal rights of the students to receive fair and equitable treatment in the area of student discipline. These procedures shall include, but not be limited to, standards of conduct contained in Board policies and in the College Catalog, investigation of alleged violations, a hearing process, a hearing committee, an appeals process, and a schedule of disciplinary actions.
      
      
   2. The President or designee is authorized to suspend a student, pending a formal hearing through the appeals process, in the event of serious violation of College policies, regulations, or local, state, and federal laws where the students continued presence might threaten the welfare of an individual or the College.
      
      
   3. A student has the right of appeal in accordance with the established procedures published in the College Procedures Manual and the College Catalog.

College Admission Requirements - Policy 3.020

Policy:

1. General Provisions
   
   
   1. The College maintains an "Open Door" policy, which guarantees admission for high school graduates with standard diplomas, GED graduates and graduates from an approved home education program pursuant to Florida Statutes.
      
   2. All admissions shall be administered by the Division of Student Success Services in accordance with Florida Statute, Florida Board of Education Rules, and College policy. Admissions to limited access programs shall be coordinated with appropriate Program Managers, Department Chairs, and Deans.
      
      
   3. All applicants to Seminole Community College must complete an Application for Admission. Applicants who claim to be Florida Residents for tuition purposes must complete the Florida Residency Statement, including required documentation, prior to the first day of classes for the term that Florida Residency is sought. Applicants who are dependents as defined by the Internal Revenue Code are not eligible to be classified as Florida Residents for tuition purposes and the residency of their parents will determine their residency.
      
      
   4. Applicants who furnish false, inaccurate or misleading information may be denied admission or may be subject to dismissal from Seminole Community College.
      
      
   5. Seminole Community College does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, creed, ethnicity, national origin, gender, age, sexual orientation, marital or disability status in any of its educational programs or other programs and practices.
      
      
   6. The President shall establish an Admissions and Graduation Committee to review admission policies and procedures. Applicants who are denied admission may appeal to the Admissions and Graduation Committee.
      
      
2. Notification of Applicants
   
   
   1. All applicants for admission shall be officially notified of their acceptance or non-acceptance.
      
      
   2. The student is responsible for understanding the requirements for the degree, diploma, or certificate that they seek and for the rules and regulations published in the SCC Catalog.
      
      
3. Transfer Students
   
   
   1. Students must request official transcripts from all previous colleges and universities be sent directly to the Office of Student Records. Students who have earned less than 12 semester hours must also submit an official high school transcript.
      
      
   2. The evaluation of transfer credit shall be the responsibility of the Office of Enrollment Services.
      
      
4. Eligibility For Placement Into Limited-Access Programs
   
   
   1. Limited-Access Programs are those specialized programs in which specific enrollment eligibility limitation requirements have been imposed because of:
      
      
      1. Physical facility limitations; or
         
         
      2. State licensure rules and regulations established and implemented by outside agencies, boards, and entities; or
         
         
      3. Related criteria established and implemented pursuant to laws, rules, and regulations over which the College has no discretionary authority.
         
         
   2. Students seeking placement in such programs will receive specific eligibility requirements for admission as determined by the department or division coordinator and published in the College catalog and web site. Final selection decision for placement in each Limited-Access Program shall be determined by the Program Manager or Department chairperson. The Program Manager or Department Chairperson shall provide notification of placement to each Limited-Access Program candidate.
      
      
   3. Admission decisions related to Limited-Access Programs are not subject to appeal except for specific cause.
      
      
   4. Students who are not selected for admission to a specific Limited-Access Program shall be encouraged to continue their studies in other programs and courses at the College. Counseling services shall be provided to unsuccessful candidates to assist with the selection of alternative educational programs, courses, goals, and objectives.
      
      
5. Senior Citizens
   
   The Board waives any or all application, matriculation, tuition, and late registration fees for one course per semester for persons sixty years of age or older who are residents of this state and who attend classes in college credit or adult and continuing education. This privilege shall be granted only if such classes are not filled at the close of registration. Courses in which students have earned a "C" or better may not be repeated unless the course has been designated as repeatable. The College may limit or deny this privilege for courses in programs for which the Board has established selective admissions criteria.

Transfer Credit from Non-Regionally Accredited Institutions - Policy 3.021

Policy:

1. It is the Policy of the Board that:
   
   
   1. Credits from non-regionally accredited institutions will be evaluated on an individual basis at the request of the student. Students may be required to provide additional documentation which will assist in this process.
      
      
   2. Credits accepted from non-regionally accredited institutions must represent collegiate course work relevant to the degree or program the student is pursuing at Seminole Community College. In addition, the transfer course content and level of instruction must be equivalent to courses currently offered at Seminole Community College.

Financial Aid Information - Policy 3.030

Policy:

It is the policy of the Board to provide financial assistance to qualified students.

1. Financial aid may consist of scholarships, loans, grants, waivers of fee, and employment awarded singly or in various combinations. All aid awards are based upon individual need or merit and availability of funds.
   
2. Information and forms may be obtained in the Financial Aid Office or by visiting the SCC Website.
   
   
3. The President is authorized to establish procedures to implement this Policy.

Student Records- Policy 3.040

Policy:

1. Confidentiality of Student Records
   
   A student's health and medical records, disciplinary records, required student and family financial income records, transcript or student permanent academic records, and student placement records shall be open to inspection only by the student or the parents or guardian of a student under the age of 18 and such members of the professional staff of the College as have responsibility for working with the student. Except as required for use by the President in the discharge of her official responsibilities, the custodian of records may release information from these records only upon authorization in writing from the student or upon order of a court of competent jurisdiction.
   
   
2. Access to Student Records
   
   According to Public Law 83-380 entitled Family Education Rights and Privacy Act of 1974, access to student records is limited and controlled by the following rules and procedures:
   
   
   1. Classification of records
      
      
      1. General student records contain the academic history file, the admission file, transcripts from other colleges, and the general correspondence file.
         
         
      2. Financial aid records contain all matters relating to applications for, granting, and receipt of any form of financial aid.
         
         
      3. Accounts receivable records contain any information relating to monies owed to the College by the student.
         
         
   2. Persons maintaining student records
      
      
      1. General student records are in the custody of the Registrar.
         
         
      2. Financial aid records are in the custody of the Director of Student Financial Resources.
         
         
      3. Student discipline records are in the custody of the Director of Student Life.
         
         
   3. Officials of the College have access to student records for official purposes only.
      
      
   4. Right of the parents and guardians
      
      The parents of a student who has reached the age of 18 years or is enrolled in a post-secondary program no longer have any rights under the provisions of this policy, unless the student gives written consent to release the information to the student's parents, or the parents provide evidence that the student is a dependent of the parents as defined in the Internal Revenue Code.
      
      
   5. Access, review, and challenge of records
      
      
      1. A student or parents of the student will be accorded access to a student's records within a reasonable time after the submission of a written request to the custodian of that record. Suitable arrangements will be made to permit the record to be reviewed in the presence of the custodian of that record or representative.
         
         
      2. The student or parent has the right to challenge the content of any record believed to be inaccurate, misleading, in violation of the student's rights, or otherwise inappropriate, and to insert into the record any written explanation of any matter in the file.
         
         
      3. The custodian of the record challenged shall conduct a hearing upon the matter at a reasonable time. The student or parent may present any evidence in support of the challenge. The custodian of the record shall make a decision at the conclusion of the hearing. This decision may be appealed by the student or parent through established procedures.
         
         
   6. Waiver of confidentiality
      
      A student or parent may consent to the release of any student information to any person or agency provided the consent is in writing, signed and dated, specifies the information to be released, the reason for release, and the names of persons to whom the information is to be released.
      
      
   7. Copies of material in a student's record will be furnished to the student upon request in person or in writing.
      
      
   8. Directory information
      
      
      1. Directory information may be released unconditionally by the Registrar to the general public without the consent of the student unless the student has specifically asked that this prior consent be obtained.
         
         
      2. Directory information includes the student's name, address, telephone number, E-mail address, date of birth, place of birth, major field of study, participation in officially recognized activities and sports, weight and height of members of athletic teams, dates of attendance, degrees and awards received, enrollment status (full or part-time), most recent previous educational institution attended, and whether or not the student is currently attending Seminole Community College.
         
         
      3. Seminole Community College does not publish a formal student directory. However, when the College publishes the items named above it designates the information as "directory information." Each student is given a reasonable period of time to ask that such information not be released without prior consent. Students will be notified through published and posted notices; such notices shall designate a deadline to be met by those students who wish to withhold consent for release of directory information.
         
         
   9. Further information relating to this act may be obtained from the Registrar.
      
      Inspection areas for information and records listed above are located in the offices of the custodians of each of the various records and information.

Student Activities - Policy 3.050

Policy:

The following policies shall apply to student activities at the College:

1. Student Activities Office
   
   The Office of Student Activities, under the Director of Student Life, has responsibility for the planning, oversight, and implementation of the student activities program of the College. The Office of Student Activities shall be responsible for supervising all student success services, including, but not limited to, the following: Student Activities Leadership Institute program, the weekly entertainment variety series, Student Government Association, student clubs and organizations, community service programs, student leadership mentoring, The Scribe (student newspaper), judicial affairs and the athletics program.
   
   
2. Student Government Association
   
   The Student Government Association is an alliance of students working together to create a campus environment that supports the teaching-learning process and to provide a forum for students to participate in institutional decision making. The Student Government Association charters campus clubs and organizations, provides appropriate leadership activities for students, sponsors co-curricular events, and recommends students for membership on campus committees.
   
   
3. Florida Community College Activities Association
   
   The College is a member of the Florida Community College Activities Association which is the governing body for colleges that participate in intercollegiate sports competition within the State.
   
   
4. Insurance
   
   Students who participate in intercollegiate athletics are required by the College to have an accident insurance policy and to have completed a liability release form. The insurance company name and policy number must be on file in the office of the Athletic Director.
   
   
5. Activities Period
   
   During Terms I and II, time is set aside each week for a period of activities planned for students. Every attempt shall be made to have a well-rounded program of cultural, educational, and recreational activities open to all students and faculty.
   
   
6. Faculty Advisors
   
   Faculty members shall be assigned by the President or designee to serve as advisors of various student activities and organizations. Faculty advisors will monitor student activities in accordance with College policies and procedures.
   
   
7. Admission to Activities
   
   The student identification card, issued to all students, admits students to programs held on or off campus. All employees of the College are admitted free of charge to all College sponsored activities and programs.
   
   
8. Student Activities Budget
   
   Expenditures from student activity and service fees shall be according to a budget prepared jointly by students and college staff and approved by the President. The President shall cause to be adopted procedures for student participation in the development of the budget for expenditures funded from the student activity and service fee. Such procedures shall require the budget to be based upon an estimate of total funds generated from this fee as well as an estimate of funds carried forward from the prior year. All lawful expenditures which benefit the student body in general may be funded from the student activity and service fee fund if such expenditures are included in the approved budget for this fee.

Student Attendance Policy - Policy 3.060

Policy:

1. The college recognizes the correlation between attendance and both student retention and achievement. It is the policy of the Board of Trustees that professors maintain a record of attendance in each class session, activity, and on-line session in a recoverable form for all students enrolled in their courses.
2. A student who is absent from class ten percent (10%) of the scheduled class time is subject to be withdrawn without warning by the professor. A student may be readmitted at the discretion of the professor.
3. A student who has to be absent because of jury duty or court-mandated appearance needs to contact the appropriate professors in advance of the absence in order that a plan for making up work missed can be made.
4. When observance of religious holidays of students' own faith interferes with admission and registration; with attendance in class, class activities, examinations, and official ceremonies; and with class work assignments, students are required to notify professors, counselors, or other appropriate personnel in advance of such absences. Students are held responsible for material covered during their absences, with reasonable time provided to complete make up assignments. Professors will devise a plan for making up work missed. When practical, major class assignments, major examinations, and official ceremonies shall be scheduled on other than major religious holidays. Students who believe they have been unreasonably denied educational benefits due to their religious beliefs or practices may seek redress through the student appeal procedure.
5. Students are expected to attend all class sessions and activities for which they are registered. Any class session or activity missed, regardless of cause, reduces the opportunity of learning and may adversely affect a student's achievement in the course. The professor will keep an accurate record of attendance at all class sessions and activities.
6. Students must be enrolled before they can attend class.
7. Distance Learning Classes: In distance learning courses (online, video, media-based courses, etc.), professors define expected interaction within the course and/or other students and expected use of the class website and/or media. Inconsistent interaction and/or inconsistent use of website or media, regardless of cause, reduces the opportunity of learning. The professor may withdraw from the course any student who is not interactive or responsive in a timely manner, as specified by the professor, in distance learning courses.
   
   • Professors, who have mandatory orientations for distance learning courses, may withdraw students who do not attend the required orientation.
8. Military Leave: The College will make every effort to work with military personnel who are involuntarily called to active duty to promote success in his/her college career. Such students will be handled on an individual basis. This will not result in a grade penalty. This does not include normal reserve duty.

Did you know?

You can complete a UCF bachelor's degree in select programs at SCC's Sanford/Lake Mary campus.