SFSC Vision
South Florida State College will become… a globally aware academic destination driving regional transformation through innovative collaboration.
SFSC Mission
SFSC is an open-access, higher education institution dedicated to providing a learning-centered environment through quality programs, training, and services. Working in partnership with organizations and communities, the College provides leadership and a comprehensive range of opportunities for the educational, cultural, and economic development of the service district.
The College assists the people of its service district (DeSoto, Hardee, and Highlands counties) regardless of economic, social, or educational background to achieve success in:
- completing an associate degree in preparation for pursuing a baccalaureate or other professional degree or credential;
- completing a baccalaureate degree, associate degree, or certificate related to career and technical preparation to enter the workforce or to improve career circumstances;
- completing college preparatory programs of study including those leading to the high school diploma;
- obtaining basic skills in literacy, numeracy, and citizenship to prosper as a contributing member of society;
- gaining personal, cultural, and global awareness, appreciation, and understanding needed in a complex contemporary society;
- pursuing advanced academic preparation and credentials available through partnerships with colleges and universities; and
- participating in the social, cultural, environmental, and economic development of the communities served by the College.
We believe in the worth of each of our students and, through all of our educational programs and services, we seek to develop human potential and to create brighter futures.
SFSC Institutional Core Values
The attributes that guide our behavior as we pursue our vision are:
Integrity - We encourage the free exchange of ideas in an environment that embraces honesty, fairness, personal responsibility, and ethical leadership.
Service - We actively seek opportunities to enhance achievement and success in our local and world communities.
Community - We embrace cultural diversity, inclusiveness, collaboration, mutual respect, responsive and productive partnerships, and the sharing of resources.
Learning - We are committed to providing opportunities for students and staff to succeed in a highly competitive environment so that they can become effective lifelong learners.
Excellence - We seek to provide high-quality, innovative, and flexible teaching and learning opportunities in a learning-centered environment.
Accountability - We value personal and institutional ownership through integrated planning and assessment of all programs.
Responsibility - We honor our commitments in all initiatives and leadership endeavors as well as promote environmental stewardship.
History
Furthering the established policy of placing high-quality postsecondary education within commuting distance of 99% of Florida’s population, the 1965 Legislature authorized the establishment of a state-supported junior college in Highlands County to serve the needs of the citizens of DeSoto, Hardee, and Highlands counties.
SFSC began operation in August 1966 in temporarily donated facilities provided to the community by public-spirited citizens of Avon Park. These facilities or buildings were renovated, air conditioned, and partly furnished by voluntary contributions of many interested individuals and organizations of Hardee and Highlands counties, and by the municipalities of Avon Park, Bowling Green, Lake Placid, and Sebring.
The College established contact with the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools during its first year of operation, and was fully accredited during the third year of operation. Since its inception, SFSC was designated as the Area Technical College to serve Hardee and Highlands counties and, later, DeSoto County.
Since 1965, the College has grown considerably in student enrollment and physical facilities. In October 1968, construction of the nine-building permanent campus began in Highlands County. The College moved into the new facility in early January 1970. The Highlands Campus now consists of 228 acres with more than 30 buildings, including the Alan Jay Wildstein Center for the Performing Arts and a 1,500- seat gymnasium. The College also offers classes at SFSC’s DeSoto County, Hardee County, and Lake Placid. The overall growth of the College reflects the community’s support of and participation in SFSC’s programs.
In 2002, the College received donations of land in DeSoto and Hardee counties to construct new campuses. The new, full-service campuses were completed in 2003, and each of the 30,000-square-foot facilities provide all student services, a library, general classrooms, computer labs, two large technical program areas, and a student lounge area. The DeSoto Campus is located north of Arcadia at the corner of Gibson and Turner roads near the DeSoto County High School and the Turner Agri-Civic Center. The Hardee Campus is located on Highway 17 north of Wauchula between Bostick and Sauls roads.
SFSC evolved from a small college into a mid-sized institution that annually serves approximately 19,000 residents of DeSoto, Hardee, and Highlands counties. The College has matured into a responsible and responsive institution of higher learning that provides the community with quality academic programs, specialized technical training, continuing workforce education and adult education, community services, cultural experiences, collegiate athletics, informational services, and programs which enrich the quality of community life. SFSC is pleased with the prestige its faculty and graduates have received. This reputation has been earned through effective and concerned teaching. The continued success of the College depends upon superior teaching and the faculty members are selected with this quality in mind. SFSC believes its student-centered approach to learning will help its graduates meet the challenges of our fast-paced and rapidly changing society.
In fall term 2012, SFSC began to offer baccalaureate degrees. These open-access programs are available to students who have successfully completed an associate degree. The degrees will help students build upon their technical or college transfer education.
Locations
The College district encompasses DeSoto, Hardee, and Highlands counties, a rural area of 2,400 square miles and a population of approximately 165,000.
The Highlands Campus is located at 600 West College Drive near Avon Park in Highlands County and sits on a 228-acre isthmus between two lakes in the heart of Florida. Highlands County has a year-round population of approximately 100,000 residents.
The DeSoto Campus, which opened in 2003, is located at 2251 N.E. Turner Avenue near Arcadia, FL in DeSoto County and sits on a little more than 40 acres just a few blocks from Highway 17 and U.S. Highway 70 and is adjacent to the county’s high school. DeSoto County has a year-round population of approximately 35,000 residents.
The Hardee Campus, which opened in 2003, is located at 2968 US 17 North near Bowling Green, FL in Hardee County and sits on 47 acres along the major corridor in Hardee County. Hardee County has a year-round population of approximately 30,000 residents.
The Lake Placid Center is located on four acres of land at 500 Interlake Boulevard in downtown Lake Placid in Highlands County. Located 25 miles south of the Highlands Campus, the Lake Placid Center lies within a parklike setting.
The SFSC Foundation, Inc. owns and operates The Hotel Jacaranda. This building is located within the historic district of Avon Park and is approximately two miles from the Highlands Campus. It has been in continuous operation as a hotel since it opened for business in 1926. In 1987, the College foundation acquired the hotel and set aside 60 of the rooms for use as a private residence facility for full-time SFSC students. Accommodations are available for approximately 35 male students and 35 female students on separate floors of the residence facility. Housing is assigned on a first-come, first-served basis. The hotel itself, still open to the public, is used as a training facility for the College’s Culinary Arts program, while its meeting and dining rooms provide an ideal venue for receptions, weddings, banquets, and other local gatherings. Information is also available through the College’s website at hoteljac.com or 863-453-2211.
The Crews Center, named for benefactors C. Elton and Norma D Crews, is located on South U.S. Highway 27 in Avon Park. The 17,000-square-foot facility is the location of commercial truck driving, construction trade, and electrical apprenticeship programs.
Recognition of Academic Excellence
SFSC will recognize you for academic excellence during your course of study. You will be eligible each term for the following distinctions:
President’s List - If you earn 6 or more credits for the term and earn a GPA of 3.8 to 4.0, SFSC’s president will send you a recognition letter.
Vice President’s List - If you earn 6 or more credits for the term and earn a GPA of 3.5 to 3.79, SFSC’s vice president for academic affairs and student services will send you a recognition letter.
Graduation with Distinction - If you graduate with an excellent GPA in the associate and/or baccalaureate degree programs, you will receive recognition on your diploma according to the following GPA:
3.9 to 4.0 summa cum laude
3.7 to 3.89 magna cum laude
3.5 to 3.69 cum laude
If you attended no other postsecondary institution other than SFSC, your GPA is based on the GPA earned at SFSC. If you attended at least one other postsecondary institution and earned 45 or more credits at SFSC toward the associate degree or 90 or more credits at SFSC toward the baccalaureate degree, your GPA is based on the higher of either the GPA earned at SFSC or the cumulative GPA from all institutions attempted. If you attended at least one other postsecondary institution and earned less than 45 (90) credits at SFSC, your GPA is based on the cumulative GPA from all institutions attended.
If you have fulfilled the requirements for a College Credit Certificate, Career Certificate, or Adult High School diploma and achieved a 3.5 GPA or higher, you will graduate with distinction. Likewise, if you have earned a State of Florida High School Diploma with a score of 165 or higher on each of the General Educational Development (GED®) tests, you will graduate with distinction.
To be recognized with distinction at the Commencement ceremony, the determining GPA will be based upon your previous term cumulative GPA.
Honors Program - If you fulfill the requirements of the Honors Program, you will receive your Associate in Arts degree with an Honors endorsement on your transcript and diploma, and special recognition at the Commencement ceremony.
Outstanding Student Awards are given annually. If you show leadership in scholastic achievements, student activities, and athletics, you may be eligible.
Phi Theta Kappa is the international honor society that recognizes and encourages scholarship among associate and baccalaureate degree-seeking students. SFSC’s chapter, Tau Epsilon, was founded in 1968. The organization provides an opportunity to develop leadership and service, promotes an intellectual climate for scholars, and fosters a continued interest in academic excellence. Eligible students must be currently enrolled in a college credit degree program and must have earned 12 or more college credit hours with a cumulative GPA of 3.25 or higher.
Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA)
SFSC seeks to ensure that programs, services, and facilities are accessible to and usable by persons with disabilities. If you are a qualified student with a disability, the College will make every effort to provide reasonable accommodations.
If you are a person with a documented disability, this College Catalog is available to you in hard copy. Telephone or written requests should include your name, address, and telephone or TDD number. Your requests should be made to the ADA student coordinator, SFSC, 600 West College Drive, Avon Park, FL 33825, 863-784-7176 at least two weeks prior to the time you need the publication.
The following College staff members have been assigned to assist in ensuring that you have access to the College’s programs, services, and facilities. If you require assistance or have general questions/concerns, contact:
Charla Ellerker, Counselor
Disabilities Specialist
863-784-7176, Building B, Room 152, First Floor
600 West College Drive, Avon Park, FL 33825
Charla.Ellerker@southflorida.edu
Dr. Mark Bukowski, Vice President of Student Services
ADA Student Coordinator
863-784-7107, Building B167, First Floor
600 West College Drive, Avon Park, FL 33825
Mark.Bukowski@southflorida.edu
College Year
The College year is divided into fall and spring terms of approximately 16 weeks each and a summer term of 12 weeks with flex sessions in all three terms. The College Calendar is coordinated closely with the calendars of other public colleges, the state universities, and county school systems.
Tobacco-Free College
SFSC is committed to providing a safe and healthy environment for its employees, students, and visitors. The use, distribution, or sale of tobacco, or any object or device intended to simulate that use, is prohibited in all indoor and exterior areas (including roadways, trails, and pathways) of each campus, center, and other property under the control of the College. College employees, students, visitors, contractors, and all others are expected to comply with SFSC’s Tobacco-Free College policy and the Florida Clean Indoor Air Act at all times.
Drug-Free Campus and Drug-Free Workplace Program
SFSC is a drug-free college and workplace. Illegal use of drugs or alcohol will not be tolerated on any SFSC campus or center, or at any SFSC-sponsored event off campus. You will find information regarding the Drug-Free Campus and Drug-Free Workplace Program in the Student Handbook.
Equal Access/Equal Opportunity (EA/EO)
SFSC pledges to provide equal access to education and employment opportunity to all regardless of race, color, religion, gender, national origin, ethnicity, age, disability, marital status, political affiliation, sexual orientation, pregnancy, or genetic information in admission to, or employment in, any of its educational programs or activities. The College adheres to federal and state laws that control equal access/equal opportunity. This pledge covers all aspects of the educational and employment relationship with our students and employees. If you have concerns regarding this pledge, address them to the EA/EO student coordinator at 863-784-7107. Nothing contained within this College Catalog is intended to discriminate on the basis of the previously mentioned factors.
The following staff members have been assigned to assist in ensuring that you have access to the College’s programs, services, and facilities. Contact these individuals, if you require assistance:
Dr. Mark Bukowski, Vice President of Student Services
EA/EO Student Coordinator
863-784-7107, Building B167, First Floor
600 West College Drive, Avon Park, FL 33825
Mark.Bukowski@southflorida.edu
Donald L. Kesterson Jr., Director, Human Resources
EA/EO Employee Coordinator
863-784-7132, Building I100, First Floor
600 West College Drive, Avon Park, FL 33825
Donald.Kesterson@southflorida.edu
Title IX
Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972 is a federal law that prohibits discrimination on the basis of sex in educational programs and activities at institutions that receive federal financial assistance. Sexual harassment, which includes acts of sexual violence, is a form of sex discrimination prohibited by Title IX. Sex discrimination is a continuum of behaviors ranging from sexual harassment and intimidation to sexual assault.
SFSC is committed to maintaining a learning environment free from discrimination on the basis of sex, which includes sexual harassment and sexual violence. These acts violate an individual’s fundamental rights and personal dignity and will not be tolerated. SFSC seeks to address sex discrimination, sexual harassment, and sexual violence through education, policy enforcement, and by providing mechanisms for students, faculty, staff, and visitors to report concerns or complaints. Prompt corrective measures will be taken to stop sex discrimination, sexual harassment, and sexual violence whenever it occurs. Policies and procedures can be found in the Student Handbook.
In accordance with Title IX regulations, SFSC has designated the following individuals to ensure that all sex discrimination complaints, which includes sexual harassment and sexual violence, are responded to both thoroughly and in a timely manner.
These individuals are responsible for overseeing the monitoring and application of College policy with regards to Title IX law developments; implementation of grievance procedures, including notification, investigation, and disposition of complaints; provision of educational materials and training for the campus community; and coordinating and/or conducting investigations of grievances, and complaints pertaining to Title IX. The Title IX coordinator is primarily responsible for monitoring and overseeing the implementation of Title IX programs and activities. The deputy Title IX coordinators assist the Title IX coordinator in fulfilling these duties:
Christianna Bobo, Title IX Coordinator
863-784-7039, Building B160, First Floor
600 West College Drive, Avon Park, FL 33825
Christi.Bobo@southflorida.edu
Dr. Mark Bukowski, Vice President of Student Services
Deputy Title IX Coordinator
863-784-7107, Building B167, First Floor
600 West College Drive, Avon Park, FL 33825
Mark.Bukowski@southflorida.edu
Donald L. Kesterson Jr., Director, Human Resources
Deputy Title IX Coordinator
863-784-7132, Building I100, First Floor
600 West College Drive, Avon Park, FL 33825
Donald.Kesterson@southflorida.edu
Law Enforcement/Security
Campus security personnel are not law enforcement officers. Law enforcement authority for the Highlands Campus is the responsibility of the Highlands County Sheriff’s Office. For enhanced security, a Highlands County Sheriff’s Office College Resource Deputy Officer has been assigned to the Highlands Campus (service hours vary). Law enforcement at other campuses is the responsibility of local police. Security personnel are responsible for the safety of personnel and the safety of buildings and their contents. The College works directly with local law enforcement agencies to report criminal activities and incidents.
Reporting of Emergency and Criminal Activity
SFSC has developed a set of guidelines for reporting emergencies and criminal activities. It is important to note that each emergency situation or criminal activity has different circumstances requiring different actions. Each action should address the safety and security of victims and other participants. You will find reporting guidelines in the Student Handbook. Procedures for reporting information are posted throughout the College classrooms. For emergencies and security concerns, contact Campus Security at 863-453-0806 on the Highlands Campus, 863-993-1757 on the DeSoto Campus, 863-773-3081 on the Hardee Campus, and 863-465-3003 at the Lake Placid Center.
Safety Awareness Programs
Your security and safety is the responsibility of all. Report unsafe conditions or criminal activities; it is important to the safety of everyone at SFSC. You are required to go through student orientation programs that include safety information. Current and continuing students are provided with information regarding personal safety.
Sexual Misconduct
SFSC is committed to providing an environment, which is free from all forms of sexual misconduct including sexual harassment, public indecency, voyeurism, battery, or assault. If you are a victim, contact the College’s Title IX coordinator at 863-784-7039, and you will receive assistance and support. If you are accused of such a charge, you may be subject to dismissal from the College. Consult the SFSC Student Handbook for the entire policy and the procedures to follow in the event of an act of sexual misconduct.
|
