Adult Education
The Adult Education Department at SFSC provides alternative pathways for students who need to earn a State of Florida High School Diploma, improve basic skills to be productive workers, family members, and citizens, or prepare for college. Classes are offered during the day and evening at the various locations throughout Highlands and Hardee County. For more specific information regarding locations and class times, call 863-784-7441.
You must be 16 years or older and not currently enrolled in a secondary school.
Adult Basic Education (ABE)
ABE classes assist learners in mathematics, language arts, and reading. The purpose is to provide the foundation of knowledge and skills you will need to transition to adult postsecondary programs. Visit our webpage for more information at southflorida.edu/current-students/adult-literacy.
Adult English for Speakers of Other Languages (ESOL)
ESOL classes assist non-native English speakers to improve reading, writing, speaking, listening, and pronunciation and comprehension skills in English. Within the 6 ESL levels, ranging from Beginning to Advanced, content covers basic literacy skills and addresses a broad spectrum of workforce competencies as well as English language skills. Visit southflorida.edu/future-students/esol for more information.
General Educational Development (GED®)
These classes are offered for students preparing to take the GED® examination which consists of 4 content-area assessments: Reasoning through Language Arts, Mathematical Reasoning, Science, and Social Studies. This program strives to motivate students to simultaneously earn credentials in a Career Certificate (C.C.) approved program or an industry certification. Visit our website at southflorida.edu/future-students/ged for more information.
Fees for Adult Education Courses
Adult Education students enrolled in ABE, ESOL, or GED® program will be charged a flat or block tuition of $28.50. This fee may be waived.
Career Development Center
Several different types of student employment and experiential learning opportunities are provided at SFSC to assist you with career decision-making and transition from college to career.
Student Work-Based Learning Opportunities
Student work-based learning experience can provide you many benefits, including:
- an opportunity to learn first-hand about careers or industries and to make connections that may lead you to future employment prospects;
- verifiable work experience for inclusion on your resume;
- a venue in which to develop and practice a range of transferable basic skills;
- a way to explore your career options to help you make sound career choices; and
- extra income to help reduce your college expenses.
Cooperative Education (Co-op)
Co-op is designed to make your educational program more relevant and meaningful by integrating your classroom curriculum with academically related periods of practical experience related to your major field of study and career objectives. This program is called Cooperative Education (Co-op) because it involves a cooperative alliance between SFSC, local employers, and you. Classroom learning is supported and reinforced by a series of working experiences in business, industry, health, or public sector agencies. You may earn college credit and grades while working in a position related to your academic and career goals. Co-op strengthens understanding, clarifies interests, supports personal growth, and enhances your professional preparation.
A Co-op placement can be arranged while you are concurrently attending college. Most Co-op positions are unpaid; however, you may be able to apply regularly scheduled hours at a related job to meet Co-op requirements in some situations. You may earn a maximum of 7 credit hours toward an associate degree,
over several college terms, through Co-op participation. Some Career Certificate programs include Co-op or internship as a mandatory component of the program.
To participate in liberal arts Co-op (Co-op provided through the Division of Arts and Sciences*), you must:
- be a current SFSC student in good standing who is registered for SFSC classes during the term of the Co-op experience;
- have successfully earned at least 12 college credit hours at SFSC unless approved by the director of the Career Development Center;
- hold an overall GPA of 2.5 or higher;
- meet all requirements of the selected employer work site (this may include orientation, background screening, interview, or other items); and
- register for the Co-op course with approval of the director of the Career Development Center.
*NOTE: The Division of Applied Sciences and Technologies has different policies, procedures, and guidelines for Co-op experiences associated with its various Career Certificate programs. If you are interested, contact the director of the Career Development Center at 863-784-7410.
Internship
An internship is similar to Co-op with one important difference: you do not earn college credit for participation in an internship. An internship is a method through which you can gain valuable, hands-on experience in a workplace in the career field you are pursuing. This may help you confirm your career choices or explore other career options, network with potential employers, and gain valuable knowledge and skills to enhance your future employability opportunities. Most internships are unpaid experiences. An internship can be arranged in almost any occupational field or career. If you are interested, contact the director of the Career Development Center at 863-784-7410.
Work Study Employment
Work Study provides part-time employment to help students earn funds to assist with educational costs. The Work Study program allows students to work in on-campus departments, assisting with clerical work, and other duties as assigned. Students earn the current minimum wage per hour for a maximum of 10 to 20 hours per week.
To be eligible for most types of Work Study you must:
- be a current SFSC student in good standing and currently be enrolled at SFSC for at least the equivalent of halftime student status (a minimum 6 credit hours during fall and spring terms, and six hours during the combined summer A and B terms);
- have a current FAFSA® on file in the Financial Aid Office;
- document an unmet financial need (via FAFSA®, etc.) as determined by Financial Aid Office; and
- hold an overall GPA of 2.0 or higher.
For more information about Work Study, contact the Financial Aid Office at 863-784-7134. To apply, contact the Career Development Center at 863-784-7410.
Community Employment Opportunities
The Career Development Center at SFSC partners with CareerSource Heartland to provide students and alumni with free access to the Employ Florida Marketplace (EFM) statewide database on which a variety of part-time and full-time employment opportunities are posted. In addition, SFSC provides free subscriptions to College Central Network for students and alumni. Using College Central you can search for internships, work study opportunities, and jobs available locally, statewide, and nationally. Stop by the Career Development Center to search the EFM database and to register for access to College Central. The Career Development Center can also assist you with resume and cover letter preparation, interview practice, and job-hunting strategies workshops.
Distance Learning
SFSC offers you the opportunity to receive instruction at a distance to fit your education around your work schedule and home life. Currently, four instructional delivery modes are in use. Each involves at least some learning that takes place outside the traditional classroom setting.
Instructional methods currently available are:
- Online (Asynchronous) - 80% or more of the instruction of these courses is online. These courses use web-based instruction, communication, and collaboration. Courses may require proctored examinations and may include opportunities for face-to-face orientations, but there may also be no class attendance requirements. Check the Schedule of Classes for specific course attendance requirements for each online course.
- Online (Synchronous) - 100% of the instruction of these courses is online using a video conferencing platform. These courses have a set date/time for class sessions and may require virtual participation and proctored examinations. Check the Schedule of Classes for specific course attendance requirements for each online course.
- Hybrid Blend - 30-79% of the instruction of these courses is online. These courses may include required classroom attendance and alternate distance learning delivery methods. Hybrid Blend courses have considerable instruction distributed over the internet and/or via other distance learning delivery methods, which may replace some face-to-face class sessions.
- Hybrid-Flexible - a hybrid-flexible course section makes all course content available for both classroom (face-to-face) and distance learning (online) experiences. Students in a hybrid-flexible course section may choose to participate using face-to-face methods, online methods, or a combination of both methods based on preference. Courses may require proctored examinations. Check the Schedule of Classes for specific course attendance requirements.
- On-Campus - 30% or less of the instruction has formal course designations, many courses involve some instruction and resources via course websites. Some courses have their syllabi and course notes posted online, but the course is otherwise a traditional face-to-face course. Enhanced with a variety of technology resources these courses have no classroom meeting time reduction, but have substantial internet/electronic components.
SFSC provides you with an account in our Learning Management System (LMS). This LMS, D2L Brightspace®, includes access to your SFSC email, news bulletins, and course resources. Your default username is your SFSC email address and default password is your eight-digit date of birth (MMDDYYYY). Should you need additional assistance with your username and password technology questions, contact our Office of Student Services at 863-784-7405.
Student Services
Advising and Counseling Center
After you have completed the application process, appropriate testing, and new student orientation, the next step in registering is academic advising/counseling. You should arrange to meet with a counselor/advisor either by calling or visiting DeSoto, Hardee, or Highlands campuses or Lake Placid Center. Advising/counseling services are available at the DeSoto, Hardee, and Highlands campuses and Lake Placid Center, Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Days and hours of operation may vary during the summer term. Appointments are available.
You are encouraged to discuss your academic goals and intended program of study with the Advising and Counseling Center staff, SFSC center or campus director, or instructional supervisor/manager. Advisors/counselors can help you register, identify your values and interests, plan your education, assist in deciding a career, and assist you in resolving problems that might interfere with academic and personal success. All advising/counseling or instructor sessions and your records are confidential. If you are a first-time enrolling student, you are required to see an advisor/ counselor prior to registration.
Students with Disabilities
In keeping with the College’s open-door philosophy and in accordance with the Americans with Disabilities Act and the amendments to the Americans with Disabilities Act 2008 and section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, SFSC provides reasonable accommodations to educational and training opportunities for qualified individuals with documented disabilities. It is the responsibility of the student or prospective student to self-identify with the disabilities specialist and provide appropriate documentation. Individuals who choose not to self-identify may be ineligible for services and/or accommodations. Services include but are not limited to: admission and registration assistance, orientation, note taking, tutoring, testing accommodations, readers, audio books, course substitutions, and assistive technology. For more information, contact the disabilities specialist through the SFSC website at southflorida.edu; by email at Disabilities.Specialist@southflorida.edu; 863-784-7131; or in person at Building B, The Advising and Counseling Center, Room 153, Highlands Campus.
Learning Resources Center (LRC)
The Learning Resources Center (LRC) is located on the Highlands Campus and includes the College Library and the Tutoring and Learning Center (TLC), as well as Adult Education and Curriculum Support. The purpose of the departments within the LRC is to support and supplement the learning activities by providing the materials, equipment, technology, and staff required to satisfy the informational and study needs of members of the College faculty, staff, students, and residents of the communities served by the College.
The Library - The Department of Library Services provides materials and services to SFSC students, faculty, staff, and community members. The Highlands Campus Library is located on the second floor of the LRC in Building Y. Libraries are also maintained on the DeSoto and Hardee campuses and at the Lake Placid Center. All College libraries collect and circulate books and audio/visual items, and offer an extensive collection of full-text electronic e-books. Journals, magazines, and newspapers are available for reading on-site.
Computers in each library provide access to the SFSC library catalog and databases, other library catalogs, research guides, and internet access, as well as word processing, spreadsheets, and other desktop applications. Wireless internet access is available in all of the SFSC libraries. The library subscribes to useful online databases to support SFSC coursework. Library online products may be accessed from any place at any time by going to the Current Students tab in Panther Central and choosing Library. The library has loaner laptops for students to check out term-by-term. The student needs to be enrolled in at least one college credit course for the term they want the laptop.
Reference assistance is available in person, virtually, and by phone from staff at the Highlands Campus Library Reference Desk. Through Ask a Librarian, a statewide service provided by the State Library, students can receive reference assistance via online chat, texting, and email. They can also electronically schedule appointments with the librarians at any SFSC campus location. Telephones in the libraries at the DeSoto and Hardee campuses and Lake Placid Center also provide a direct line to the Highlands Campus reference desk. In addition, librarians provide library skills instruction to classes at all SFSC campuses/center, at instructors’ requests. Contact the SFSC librarians at 863-784-7306 with any questions on using library materials and services.
Interlibrary loan arrangements enable the SFSC Library to locate and request materials from other state and national libraries. Reciprocal borrowing privileges with the Heartland Library Cooperative are also available.
While overdue fines are no longer being charged, borrowers are responsible for returning their materials on time. The library is not obligated to notify borrowers of overdue items; however, reminder emails are sent out. Borrowers can track their library account through their Library Card found on Primo, the Library Catalog, and Discovery Service. The loss or damage of materials should be reported to the Service Desk at the Highlands Campus as soon as possible. Replacement costs include the price of purchase and a processing fee.
Fee-based printing and copying are available at the Highlands Campus Library. The library uses a wēpa printing kiosk that accepts payment via personal credit/debit cards or an online wēpa account. For more information, go to the Library Printing Guide. A scanner is available for copies that can be printed to the kiosk or can be saved to USB or a smartphone.
In the fall and spring, the Highlands Campus Library is open 7:30 a.m. to 9 p.m., Monday through Thursday; 7:30 a.m. to 5 p.m., Friday. Hours are subject to change and special hours, such as commencement, will be posted on the SFSC library website, in Panther Central, and D2L Brightspace®. Summer hours vary and will also be posted. Libraries at the DeSoto, Hardee, and Lake Placid sites are open when the campus or center is in operation.
Students are encouraged to visit our libraries for reading, studying, and research throughout the day. Games, puzzles, and other activities are available at the Highlands Campus, as well as group study rooms and a quiet study area. We strive to create pleasant, welcoming environments and support student success.
The Tutoring and Learning Center (TLC) - Our staff and facilities promote academic success by providing free services to all currently enrolled students at SFSC, students who are participating in approved programs, and alumni of the College no matter what the particular assignment, campus, or skill level.
The TLC is located on the first floor of the Learning Resource Center (LRC) in Building Y on the Highlands Campus. TLC consists of the Mathematics Lab (Y103), the Writing Lab (Y105), and the Science Labs (Y103 and BSEC 212). Anatomy and Physiology and Biology tutoring are available in both Y103 and HSEC 212. The phone numbers for the labs are as follows: Math Lab 863-784-7369, Writing Lab 863-784-7423, and Science Lab 863-784-5624. The Math and Writing Labs are open Monday-Friday during the fall, spring, and summer (first flex session) terms including the week of final exams in the fall and spring terms. Check the Math and Writing Lab schedules/hours of operation for the particular term. Science tutoring hours will vary every term (fall, spring, and summer) and will be posted. Appointments are recommended but not necessary to ensure sufficient time of students with tutors. There is no limit to the number of visits to the labs.
SFSC students in any class and from any campus can access the LibCal Appointment Scheduler to schedule Math, Writing, Anatomy and Physiology, and Biology tutoring. Tutoring is available in-person and via Zoom.
The TLC is a welcoming environment conducive to the College learning process where you can:
- participate in one-on-one or group tutoring sessions in a personalized setting;
- obtain assistance and feedback from knowledgeable mathematics and composition faculty members, specialists, and work study student tutors;
- get a helping hand with any learning need or assignment;
- locate supplemental learning resources;
- organize study discussions and tutoring groups;
- conduct internet research;
- access email and D2L Brightspace®;
- work on, prepare, and complete coursework/study;
- print (from printers upstairs in the library); and
- consult a librarian upstairs for research questions.
In addition, SFSC offers an online tutoring service in D2L Brightspace® called Brainfuse.com. To access these resources, simply click on the Tutoring tab in any course in D2L Brightspace®. From the drop-down menu, you may select SFSC Tutoring.com.
In the event of questions, contact the Office of Educational Technology via email at BrightspaceSupport@southflorida.edu or call 863-784-7016.
Community Outreach Program
Farmworker Career Development Program (FCDP)
This program helps migrant and seasonal farmworkers, and their dependents, in DeSoto, Hardee, and Highlands counties overcome educational and employment acquisition barriers. The FCDP provides educational and supportive services to chronically unemployed and underemployed farmworkers to obtain the career-related education needed to prepare them to enter or advance in the workforce; prepare their children and/or dependents for success in school; and have the economic stability to exercise their rights as citizens in their communities. The Farmworker Career Development Program is administered by the U.S. Department of Labor’s (DOL) Employment and Training Administration and the Florida Department of Education. Eligible participants must meet DOL criteria for being “low income,” prove a history of farmwork, have legal status in the United States, and be authorized by competent authority to work in the United States. For more information, contact the Farmworker Career Development Program Office at 863-784- 7166 or visit them in Room T09 of Building T on the Highlands Campus.
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