[Archived] - SF Student Resources Guide (July 2023)

WE’RE HERE TO HELP A GUIDE TO STUDENT RESOURCES

LEARNING COMMONS

sfcollege.edu/learningcommons 

Sometimes you’ve got it, sometimes you don’t. The Learning Commons is a resource for tutoring and academic support coaching. Designed to support the academic achievement of every student, the Learning Commons engages students, faculty and staff to promote learning, resilience, persistence and academic success.

Within the Learning Commons, trained staff provide free tutoring services for math, science, business, reading, writing and languages. Academic success coaches are also available to help students develop customized success plans to meet their academic and personal objectives. The Learning Commons strives to be a student-centered environment that provides equal service to individuals at all levels of education and preparedness.

Learning Commons services are available online through the website. On the Northwest Campus, the Learning Commons is integrated within the library, where students can use general study spaces and study rooms or meet for snacks and coffee in the Coffee 101 Café.

Students at the educational centers can work together or one-on-one with rotating tutors and coaches or by accessing virtual sessions with the Learning Commons. The Andrews, Blount, Davis and Watson centers have writing and math tutors onsite, as well as study spaces with computers and internet access for doing homework. At the Blount Center, the Learning Commons is located inside of Blount Hall on the corner of West University Avenue and Sixth Street.

ACADEMIC ADVISING

sfcollege.edu/advisement

Wondering what classes you should take and what order to take them in? Considering a big change in your educational goals or wanting to better understand your transfer options? Academic advisors are here to help!

If you are seeking an Associate in Arts (A.A.) degree, planning to attend a university, or completing developmental education courses, you can talk with an academic advisor. If you are visiting in person, there are advisors at the Academic Advisement Center on the Northwest Campus and at all SF centers. If you are working toward an Associate in Science (A.S.) or bachelor’s degree at SF, or earning a certificate in one of the Career and Technical Education (CTE) areas, you will be assigned to a CTE academic advisor who specializes in your program area.

Drop-in visits and advising by appointment are available at all SF locations. Most students prefer to make an appointment. Schedule one under the “Advisement” tab of your eSantaFe account.

SF2UNIVERSITIES

sfcollege.edu/transfer/guaranteed

Santa Fe College has direct articulation agreements with six universities, That means any student who earns their Associate in Arts (A.A.) degree at SF is guaranteed admission at those universities.

Currently, SF maintains specific partnerships with:

• University of North Florida in Jacksonville

• Florida Agricultural & Mechanical University in Tallahassee

• University of South Florida in Tampa

• University of West Florida in Pensacola

• New College in Sarasota

• University of the Virgin Islands in St.Thomas, USVI

To learn more about our SF2Universities programs and individual requirements for each institution, please see your academic advisor or visit our website.

STUDENT SUPPORT SERVICES

sfcollege.edu/trio

Are you looking for additional academic or coaching support?

The Student Support Services program aims to assist first generation college students (students whose parents do not have a bachelor’s degree), low-income students and students who have a disability. Eligible students receive a variety of resources including academic support, academic advising, career advising, transfer assistance and grant aid.

Student Support Services is home to Santa Fe College’s “TRIO Hub,” a meeting place for participants with a study room that can be reserved, and a fully staffed study lab. The lab provides one-on-one tutoring support as well as computer and printing stations.

An academic coach is available to assist participants throughout their degree program with helpful tips, tools and advice to help each student reach their personal academic goals. Participants planning to transfer after earning their associate degree have the opportunity to travel with Student Support Services and take one-of-kind tours on different campuses to help select a college or university.

Student Support Services is a TRIO grant program funded by the U.S. Department of Education. Stop by our TRIO Hub to learn more about the benefits of joining our program.

STUDENT LIFE

If you want to succeed, get involved! One of the most rewarding and enriching things students can do while attending college is to get involved with activities outside the classroom. Student Life is committed to creating and supporting opportunities for involvement, leadership and service all across the college and in the community.

Join a club or organization, volunteer, run for Student Government or apply to either the Emerging Leaders or Engaged Leaders programs. Student Activities hosts numerous social, cultural, diversity and wellness events on the Northwest Campus and academic advisors help coordinate events at the centers. These activities add to your college experience by creating a stronger community and a more involved student body. You might even pick up some new skills. All students are invited to attend events, learn something new and have fun!

• Civic Engagement and Service

• International Student Support and Advising

• Lactation Room

• Leadership Programs

• Rec Room

• Reflection Space

• SF ID

• Saints Food Share

• Student Activities

• Student Health Care Center

• Student Government

• Student Organizations

INTERNATIONAL CENTER

sfcollege.edu/international

Want to make new friends and practice a foreign language? Thinking about study abroad? In addition to having students from every county in the state of Florida, SF has a strong and vibrant international population with students representing nearly 100 countries from around the world. All SF students are welcome at the International Center. Located on the Northwest Campus in Building S, the International Center can open doors to a whole new world.

International Student Services (ISS) supports international students from application to graduation and beyond. ISS prepares federal immigration documents for the F-1 process, while International Student Support and Advising (ISSA) provides academic advising for international students who

must consider additional enrollment requirements. ISSA also provides cultural programs to help international students adjust to the United States and provides an opportunity for them to share their culture with the college and greater community. If you need help but are unable to come to the International Center, check in online using the Digital Lobby at sfcollege.edu/iss.

SF is committed to preparing globally competitive students with a high level of intercultural competency. The International Education office helps SF students with study abroad trips and manages the college’s International Studies Certificate. Students earn the certificate, in part, by attending a diverse array of international and cultural events on campus.

DISABILITIES RESOURCE CENTER

sfcollege.edu/drc

If you have a disability, it shouldn’t keep you from participating fully in classes or on campus. The Disabilities Resource Center (DRC) is committed to providing services to students with disabilities so that they have equal opportunities.

The DRC can help with students who need priority seating, alternate testing, sign language interpreters, service animals and more. The DRC’s Spectrum of Success program helps students on the autism spectrum to integrate into the college community and prepare for entering the workforce.

All locations at the college are prepared to provide services and resources to meet students’ unique learning needs. Students registered with the DRC receive access to the Adaptive Technologies Lab on the Northwest Campus, which provides software and devices that help students gather, manipulate, understand and/or use information. Advising specialists at each of the educational centers can provide DRC services and resources, including test proctoring.

FINANCIAL AID

sfcollege.edu/fa

By choosing Santa Fe College, you are already taking a step toward making higher education affordable. SF provides a world-class education at an affordable price.

It’s still important to have options to finance your education. This is where the Financial Aid Office is available to support you. Through the Financial Aid Office, you may be eligible for:

• Federal Grants

• Work Study

• State Grants

• Federal Loans

• Institutional Scholarships

The Financial Aid team is dedicated to ensuring you receive the maximum aid for which you are eligible. Sometimes the financial aid process is difficult to navigate. The Financial Aid team can help you from any SF location. Additionally, there are numerous resources available on the SF Financial Aid website.

The first step to receiving financial aid is completing the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). You can maximize the aid you receive by completing it as early as possible.

THE FAFSA IS AVAILABLE OCT. 1 FOR THE FOLLOWING ACADEMIC YEAR

To complete the FAFSA go to StudentAid.gov.

SANTA FE COLLEGE POLICE DEPARTMENT

Leaving the college late at night and want a safe escort? Have a car battery that needs a jump? Looking for the lost and found? The Santa Fe College Police Department (SFPD) is open 24 hours a day, seven days a week, and is available to help with more than just emergencies.

SFPD was recently rated #2 in the nation for campus safety and security.* SFPD provides 24/7 emergency services, food, clothing or hygiene products for students in need. Campus safety programs include the Safe Santa Fe app, community policing partnerships, Safe Spring Break and other events at the college.

Women at the college who want to take self-defense classes have two options: R.A.D. (Rape Aggression Defense) and S.A.F.E. (Self-defense Awareness and Familiarization Exchange). These classes are offered by the SFPD and the Alachua County Sheriff’s Office (ACSO).

If you witness or are involved in a safety or medical emergency at any SF location, call the SFPD emergency phone line at 352-395-5555 (a good number to save in your phone), or call 911. For non-emergencies, call 352-395-5519.

STUDENT HEALTH CARE CENTER

sfcollege.edu/shcc

Need a physical exam or an immunization? The Student Health Care Center (SHCC) offers free first aid and medical consultation, physicals, low-cost immunizations and lab testing, and referrals to local health care providers for Santa Fe College students.

Staffed by a full-time registered nurse, no appointment is necessary. Stop by the SHCC, located on the Northwest Campus, for caring assistance with any health concern.

Can’t get to Northwest Campus? Talk with your academic advisor at one of our center locations to make arrangements for health care services at your center.

The SHCC has over-the-counter (OTC) products available for purchase, including allergy, cold and cough medicines, anti-inflammatories and contraceptives.

COUNSELING CENTER

sfcollege.edu/counseling

Need to talk to someone about personal concerns? The transition to college and the struggle of balancing school, work and more can be stressful. The Counseling Center provides free short-term, confidential counseling and crisis intervention for SF students. The entire staff is committed to providing comfort and support for all who come in, and maintaining a safe, welcoming and affirming environment.

Counseling Center staff regularly provide needed assistance for students dealing with a wide range of personal, academic and career issues. Counselors also assist students, faculty and staff in identifying other services in the college and in the community that may be helpful.

Feeling stressed? Come visit our therapy dogs! Or take a short break for a meditation session. Students, faculty and staff are welcome. Check the website for scheduled events and hours of availability at the Northwest Campus and the educational centers.

Alachua County Crisis Center: 352-264-6789

National Suicide Prevention Lifeline:

– Main: 800-273-TALK (8255)

– Hearing Impaired Individuals (TTY): Use your preferred relay service or dial 711 then 1-800-273-8255

– Video Relay Service: 800-273-8255

Nacional de Prevención del Suicidio: 888-628-9454

Veterans Crisis Line: 800-273-8255 (Press 1)

SAINTS FOOD SHARE

sfcollege.edu/emergencyaid

Saints Food Share provides free baked goods and nonperishable groceries to SF students and employees experiencing food insecurity. Baked goods are available once a week, and non-perishable groceries are provided by request. Grab-and-go pantries are located in Student Life, Student Affairs, the TRIO Hub, and the SF Police Department on the Northwest Campus. SF Centers also offer free baked goods and non-perishable groceries. Contact Student Life to request food, volunteer, or make a donation.

SAINTS SHARE WEAR

sfcollege.edu/sharewear

Shopping on a budget? Have clothes you want to donate? Saints Share Wear is an on-campus thrift shop located on the Northwest Campus. The shop features a variety of clothing, shoes and accessories, and most items are priced at $1 with a valid Santa Fe College ID. Your next great shopping find is waiting for you at Saints Share Wear!

Saints Share Wear is open for a limited number of hours each week. Check the website for more information.

FITNESS CENTER

sfcollege.edu/fitness

All registered SF students have free access to the Fitness Center, located on the Northwest Campus. The facility includes:

• Three separate workout rooms:

- Cybex Machine Weights with over 30 weight machines

- Free Weights with complete multi-free weight sets

- Cardio with StairMaster®, treadmills, ellipticals and stationary bikes

• Racquetball court

• Surround sound speakers and music

• Secure lockers are available for rental by semester or a full year

• Shower access in locker rooms

• Beginner Training Program

• Fitness Testing Program

ACTIVE SAINTS REWARD PROGRAM

Automatically earn one point per workout! Earn rewards from those points and redeem them for SF water bottles, workout towels, tank tops, gym bags and more!

MY BROTHER’S KEEPER

sfcollege.edu/mbk

There are lots of clubs and organizations you can join through Student Life, but if you are a black male, joining My Brother’s Keeper (MBK) is highly recommended. MBK provides a mix of enrichment and support activities that enhance participants’ personal growth and academic success.

Earn scholarships, learn the value of having and being a mentor, explore leadership opportunities, and enjoy free food, barbershop services and brotherhood.

Pledge: As a member of My Brother’s Keeper, I will maintain high academic standards. I will actively participate in program activities and meetings. I will conduct myself in a respectable and edifying manner on and off campus, while living with discipline and self-control. I pledge to never give up. When times get rough, I will persevere. Nothing is impossible! I will be successful. I pledge to support, encourage and reach out to my brothers as we embark on this journey to make a difference in this world. Am I my brother’s keeper? Yes I am!

VETERANS AND MILITARY SUCCESS SERVICES

sfcollege.edu/veterans

SF has been named a “Best for Vets” and “Military Friendly” school. Veterans and Military Success Services (VMSS) helps veterans and their families pursue their educational goals at SF. VMSS has a thorough understanding of Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) educational benefits and can provide helpful information and referrals. The VMSS office also connects veterans with externally organized support services.

The VA’s VetSuccess on Campus (VSOC) program provides on-campus benefits assistance and counseling to student veterans and their qualified dependents. SF is one of only 94 educational institutions with a VSOC program on campus.

The goal of VSOC is to support veterans in completing their program of study, and to prepare them to enter the workforce.

The Collegiate Veterans Society (CVS), a local chapter of the Student Veterans of America, helps veterans transition from military to college life and enriches the community by sponsoring patriotic events on campus. CVS promotes and encourages scholarly and social activities, as well as recognition of worthwhile achievements among students, faculty and staff at the college.

LGBTQ+ RESOURCE CENTER

sfcollege.edu/LGBTQ+

SF’s LGBTQ+ Student Resource Center, provides an affirming and welcoming space for all LGBTQ+ students. We work to provide community and empowerment for LGBTQ+ students of every race, ethnicity, culture, age, disability, class, faith, and other social characteristic.

We offer support and resources that incorporate principles of social justice to reduce homophobia and transphobia on SF campus and beyond.

Contact lgbtq+center@sfcollege.edu or call 352-395-5636.

CAREER EXPLORATION CENTER

sfcollege.edu/cec

Not sure about what you should study or the best career to fit your interests? The Career Exploration Center has staff and resources that can assist students in their process of identifying career goals and programs of study. Learn the steps that will lead you to your dream career.

The CEC has computerized assessments, like Career Coach, that help identify a person’s interests, values, personality traits and other relevant factors that can be used to suggest careers that are worthy of exploration. You can also search for colleges, scholarships and potential employers. The center is open to SF students, faculty and staff, and anyone else in the community.

STUDENT EMPOWERMENT

The Student Empowerment Center, located on the second floor of Building S and houses the following offices:

CAREER AND JOB PLACEMENT CENTER

sfcollege.edu/careerplacement

Ready to find a job? Career and Job Placement services can help you navigate your job and internship search and offer support through the process.

The college continually fosters partnerships with outside employers and community members, and students benefit from these relationships. Job fairs and tabling events help employers identify qualified candidates for their internships, externships and other career opportunities. These events are open to students and alumni, and they help promote lifelong career development.

Virtual Job Shadow provides in-depth videos on occupations, many of which are not described in our other resources. Check in to Canvas, select Learning Commons, and at the end of the Resources list, select Virtual Job Shadow.

CCAMPIS

sfcollege.edu/childcare

The CCAMPIS Grant, which stands for Child Care Access Means Parents in School, offers student-parents financial assistance with child care while attending classes. CCAMPIS is funded by the U.S. Department of Education and funding for this project continues until September 2024.

Financial Wellness Center

sfcollege.edu/vystar

In collaboration with VyStar Credit Union, SF established a Financial Wellness Center, located in Building S on the Northwest Campus, which offers SF students the opportunity to meet with a financial wellness coach/ consultant to engage in confidential discussions about their finances. This resource is here to help students develop good financial habits, including planning, budgeting, saving, avoiding or managing debt, improving credit scores, negotiating, purchasing, investing and retiring. Appointments can be scheduled by contacting vystar@sfcollege.edu or 352-381-3602.

sfcollege.edu/cte/acb

ACB Excel is a community-funded initiative at Santa Fe College that empowers entire families by providing parents and their school-aged children with access to academic programs and services, simultaneously. Parents get rapid credentialing for high-wage, in-demand jobs, while their children engage in enriching activities that support their well-being.

This two-generational approach, which is free for all participants, improves economic stability and strengthens individual families. As parents and their children work together they:

• Achieve together

• Conquer life’s challenges together

• Believe in themselves and in their ability to impact each other’s success

Helping families achieve, conquer, and believe. That is the transformational power of the ACB Excel initiative.

SF ACHIEVE

sfcollege.edu/achieve

Recent graduates from Alachua and Bradford county public high schools who participated in the SF Achieve program may continue to receive support while enrolled at Santa Fe College. SF Achieve Scholars are paired with a mentor and receive the SF Achieve Scholarship. This scholarship includes a book stipend valued at $2,000 over the course of a student’s enrollment.

Some students will also qualify for a full-tuition scholarship that picks up where financial aid leaves off, helping to pay for up to 60 credit hours at SF. Those credits can get a student the A.A. degree they want if they are planning on transferring to a four-year university or an A.S. degree or certificate that can prepare them to enter the workforce. If a student is in the college’s High School Dual Enrollment program and is completing their A.A. as a dual-enrolled student, the SF Achieve scholarship could cover the credits needed to earn their bachelor’s degree.

SCHOLARSHIPS

sfcollege.edu/scholarships

Santa Fe College believes that college is for everyone and that the cost of tuition should not limit the pursuit of education. In addition to keeping tuition rates low, SF also offers more than one million dollars in scholarships each year. Whether you plan on earning you’re associate degree or bachelor’s, if you’re a new student or coming back to finish your degree, SF can make that dream of a college education even more affordable. In addition to being a top choice for Bright Futures scholars, SF also offers scholarships directly from the college, from the Santa Fe College Foundation and from external third-party scholarship providers.

Santa Fe College’s institutional scholarships can provide money for a wide array of students. There are scholarships for part-time students, students who are serving as a caretaker for another family member, study abroad scholarships, as well as scholarships specifically for students in Fine Arts, Career and Technical Education programs and SF’s Honors Program.

The college encourages all students to complete the SF Scholarships application.

The Santa Fe College Foundation provides many scholarship opportunities thanks to the generosity of donors in our community. Students can search the SF Foundation scholarship database for a complete list of available scholarships; however, they only need to apply for one SF Foundation scholarship. The SF Foundation’s website automatically applies for every SF Foundation scholarship for which the student is eligible.

Students can also visit SF’s scholarships webpage to see third-party scholarship options from business and community groups outside the college.

LIFE HAPPENS EMERGENCY AID GRANT

sfcollege.edu/emergencyaid

The Santa Fe College Life Happens Emergency Aid Grant is available to assist currently enrolled students who have a sudden, unforeseen financial emergency. Funds are provided by the Santa Fe College Foundation to help students overcome temporary financial crises so that they may remain enrolled at Santa Fe College.

LAPTOP LOAN PROGRAM

sfcollege.edu/laptoploan

Students who need a desktop, laptop or webcam can apply to borrow one through SF’s laptop loan program. Visit the website and complete the form.

NORTHWEST CAMPUS

EDUCATIONAL CENTERS

Most SF center locations offer assistance with admissions, academic advising, registration, financial aid, disability accommodations, tutoring and other student services. Other services can be scheduled as needed.

COMMITMENT TO EQUAL ACCESS AND EQUAL OPPORTUNITY

Santa Fe College (SF) is committed to maintaining a work and educational environment that embraces diversity and where no member of the college community is excluded from participation in, denied the benefits of, or subject to discrimination in any college program or activity based on: their race, ethnicity, national origin, color, religion, age, disability, sex, pregnancy status, gender identity, sexual orientation, marital status, genetic information, political opinions or affiliations, or veteran status. This commitment applies to employees, volunteers, students, and, to the extent possible, to third parties, applicants for admission, applicants for employment, and the general public.

Inquiries regarding non-discrimination policies or concerns about discrimination or harassment, including concerns about sexual harassment or sexual violence under Title IX, should be directed to SF’s Equity Officer and Title IX Coordinator, 3000 NW 83rd Street, R-Annex, Room 113, Gainesville, Florida 32606, 352-395-5950, equity.officer@sfcollege.edu.

SACSCOC ACCREDITATION STATEMENT

Santa Fe College is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC) to award associate and baccalaureate degrees. Santa Fe College also may offer credentials such as certificates and diplomas at approved degree levels. Questions about the accreditation of Santa Fe College may be directed in writing to the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges at 1866 Southern Lane, Decatur, GA 30033-4097, by calling 404-679-4500 or by using information available on SACSCOC’s website (www.sacscoc.org).

MC 7-2023