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

X Compliance                         __Partial Compliance             __Non-Compliance

Narrative

St. Petersburg College is in compliance with this requirement because it provides a broad range of support services, programs and activities that are designed to promote student learning and enhance student development.

Consistency of student support programs with the mission of the College

St. Petersburg College includes student support services in its goals supporting the College mission.

Excerpt from College Catalog regarding student support goals

In support of our mission, the specific goals of the College are to: …

• Enhance student learning and assist with career planning, goal-setting and financial aid to maximize students' opportunities to succeed.

As described in the Student Handbook and in cooperation with the other departments of the College, the primary goals of Student Support Services staff are to ensure that students pursue their educational goals in a supportive and success-orientated environment and that each student is aided in accomplishing his or her goals.

Student Support programs offered

St. Petersburg College offers administrative support, student development support, academic support, and a broad range of student activities.  A comprehensive list of student support services is listed below:

Administrative support.  Administrative offices that support students at SPC include:

Service	Locations
	Centralized	Allstate	Clearwater	Downtown	Gibbs	Health	Midtown	Seminole	Tarpon Sp.
Student Orientation (including the Interactive Student Orientation online)	x		x	x		x		x	x
Registration and Admissions	x		x		x	x		x	x
Student Records	x
Financial Aid			x		x			x	x
Services for Veterans			x		x			x	x
Bookstore		x	x		x	x		x	x
Parking/Vehicle Control	x
Student health insurance	x

Note:  Allstate and Midtown are serviced by St. Petersburg/Gibbs; EpiCenter is serviced by Clearwater.  All campuses are within 30 minutes or less of another campus, so accessibility to all services is assured.

Student development.  Initial and ongoing student development and support services include:

Academic support.  Academic programs and services designed to serve students as well as the broader St. Petersburg community include:

Note: The Office of Special Programs, located at St. Petersburg/Gibbs, offers five programs that are available Collegewide.

Student Activities.  St. Petersburg College has an extensive student activities program designed to develop students holistically including:

Organizational charts

The Vice President of Educational and Student Services, who reports to the President, is the chief student development officer of St. Petersburg College.  Each campus and major center has an Associate Provost who is responsible for student development services and reports to the site Provost.  The Associate Provosts are members of the Educational and Student Services Council, which is chaired by the Vice President of Educational and Student Services.  Each campus is staffed with personnel who provide direct services to students.  Professional Faculty and Staff members provide services to students who attend on campus or distance learning classes.

Typical campus organizational structure

All personnel in the Admission and Registration, Counseling and Academic Advising, Career Development, Services for Students with Disabilities, Testing, Student Activities, and International Centers report to the Associate Provost of each site who reports to the Provost.  Provosts are responsible for all activities on their campuses/sites, but coordination for Collegewide policies and procedures is under the day-to-day operational management of the Vice President of Educational and Student Services, who accomplishes this task through the Educational and Student Services Council.

The Campus Assistant Directors for Scholarship and Student Financial Assistance report to the Collegewide Director for Scholarship and Student Financial Assistance who reports to the Assistant Vice President of Financial and Business Services.

Organizational chart for Financial Aid

The Athletic Director reports to the Vice President of Educational and Student Services.  St. Petersburg College feels by providing direct relationship with the Provost and Vice President of Educational and Student Services issues and concerns are taken forward to the President’s Cabinet.

Administrative Services

Student Orientation.  All students are encouraged to participate in a student orientation, either one scheduled at their primary campus, the online Interactive Student Orientation (ISO), or both.

Interactive Student Orientation Web page

During the ISO and campus/site orientations, students are asked to complete the Entering Student Survey, which collects data on a set of demographic, opinion, and affective questions identical to the Graduating Student Survey, allowing a measure of comparison.  The ISO covers information on placement testing, degrees offered (including those offered by the University Partnership Center), graduation/transfer requirements, general education requirements, the Catalog, academic calendar, terms, course schedules, eCampus, library, bookstore, student email, registration, financial aid, costs for additional attempts at a class, student rights and responsibilities, academic advising, career development centers, student activities, study expectations, and special programs such as the Honors College, OSSD, and additional academic support services.

Registration and admissions.  SPC provides multiple methods for applying to the College, including picking up forms at any of the campuses or downloading the form from the student portal on the SPC Web site.  Applications also are included in other College publications such as the Supplement to the Student and Faculty Handbook, published Fall and Spring.  Instructions for applying are clearly stated online and in the Student Handbook, also available from any campus.  Students must take a placement test to determine whether they need developmental classes.  They then plan their schedule of classes with an Academic Advisor and register online or in person at any campus.  On the 2006-2007 Enrolled Student Survey, overall student satisfaction with both the admissions and the registration process improved substantially over the last three years (from a mean of 4.95 on a 7-point scale to 5.50 for admissions, 4.62 to 5.60 for registration online, 4.87 to 5.40 for registration in-person) due to software upgrades that simplify the process.  (The College has established criteria to evaluate whether the College’s academic and student services are meeting students' needs. Each academic and student service should achieve an average rating (mean) of 5.0 or greater on the “Level of Satisfaction” scale.)

Student Records.  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 College Catalog, and the SPC Web site and training is provided to all registration and admissions personnel as well as all newly-hired Faculty.  For further information regarding Student Records, see Section 3.9.2 and 3.4.11.

Financial Aid and Services for Veterans.  At St. Petersburg College the centralized functions of financial aid and veterans affairs are under the supervision of the Director of Scholarships and Student Financial Assistance.  The Director of Scholarships and Student Financial Assistance reports to the Vice President of Information Systems and Business Services.  The Director coordinates and supervises staff at all the main campuses.  The centralization of the student financial assistance program ensures adequate assessment and monitoring of each student’s total award package.

St. Petersburg College Financial Aid Web site

Ratings for Financial Aid Services on the Enrolled Student Survey have been improving dramatically as a result of a concerted effort to respond to student feedback.

Excerpt from 2006-2007 Enrolled Student Survey

In addition, the Financial Aid Office has an internal survey to measure student satisfaction in greater detail.  Questions include satisfaction with the Web site, staff, email responsiveness, and phone responsiveness.  As a result of analyzing the data, two of the four financial aid offices have revamped their waiting areas to provide a more relaxing environment, rearranging chairs and adding a television, and more privacy for students approaching the customer service desk.

Bookstores.  SPC has a contract with Follett Bookstore, which provides textbooks, general books, medical books, e-books, computer software, institution-specific apparel, and gifts.  Follett’s provides convenient student access via bookstores on six different campuses and sites as well as an online option.  Each semester, the campus stores have extended hours the first week of class and at other times to support dynamically-dated classes.

Bookstore availability

Parking/Vehicle Control.  The campus parking lots are provided 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.  Students are not required to register their vehicles to park on campus, but may register their vehicle to enable security to locate vehicle owners in time of need or when vehicles need to be moved due to construction.  Parking has received low scores on the Enrolled Student Survey at some campuses/sites.  As a result, the Administrative Oversight Group developed plans to improve parking at Clearwater, St. Petersburg/Gibbs, and Health Education Center.  The satisfaction scores on the Enrolled Student Survey have been increasing over the last 5 years.

Excerpt from 2006-2007 Enrolled Student Survey

Student Health Insurance.  Optional student health insurance may be obtained from a college-approved insurance company at group rates.

Student Development

Counseling and Advising.  At St. Petersburg College, academic advising is an intentional, educational partnership designed to engage students and the learning community.  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 2005, the Counseling and Advising staff at St. Petersburg College created an academic advising model that established goals specifically connected with student learning.

Theoretical basis for SPC’s Academic Advising model

Copyright © 2005 by the National Academic Advising Association (NACADA)

Academic advising model

 

ST. PETERSBURG COLLEGE STUDENT DEVELOPMENT

ACADEMIC ADVISING MODEL

 

GOAL #1:      Strengthen student success by promoting

                   Responsible Engagement for Active Learning (REAL).

 

GOAL #2:      Enhance collaboration between academic advising and the learning community (i.e. SPC program directors and Faculty, post secondary counselors and the community at large).

 

GOAL #3:      Promote the professional growth and development of advising practitioners

 

College policy requires incoming students to meet with a counselor or academic advisor prior to registering for classes.  The range of assistance includes help in choosing a college or major, evaluating high school academic experience, academic advising and degree audits, reviewing college transcripts, academic portfolio development and career guidance.  The Florida Academic Counseling and Tracking for Students (FACTS) Web site also serves as a central Web resource to students as well as counselors in planning and managing students’ higher education experience.  The FACTS service is an important resource throughout the academic advising process.

Academic advising is conducted after placement testing has occurred to assist students in suitable course placement and to assist them in building a first-term class schedule that enhances the probabilities of their success and subsequent enrollment at the College.  This initial counseling also sets the stage for discussions concerning longer-term academic planning for the student based on their career interests.  Students planning to transfer to a university are advised based on the specific requirements of their intended major, as listed in the State of Florida Common Prerequisite Counseling Manual which ensures consistency of requirements and advising across schools within the Florida higher education system.  Academic planning worksheets provide the recommended sequence of courses for specific majors in an attempt to minimize excess hours earned to complete an Associate in Arts degree.  Students seeking Associate in Science credentials also receive early and follow up advising pertaining to their specific program of interest.  New initiatives to improve student satisfaction with academic advising included the development of an “Advising on the Quad” program positioning advisors on various sites on campus during non-peak time to assist students with advising and long term career counseling in order to reduce the wait time during registration periods.  Advising staff have regularly scheduled staff meetings/training to improve consistency of academic information, a heightened customer service focus on campus, campus tours and classroom presentations, and departmental workshops to provide advising information and Student Success Skills Training.  Additionally, the new “MySPC” portal was developed and implemented to improve the online registration process.  Lastly, a student development academic advising model initiative is underway to enhance student learning via partnering with Faculty, staff, and the community at large.  This model promotes improved communication and a collaborative style connecting with students to develop individualized success plans outlining strategies for academic and personal success.

For distance learners, technical assistance, counseling and advising, career and academic planning, transfer assistance, registration, fee payment, financial aid, testing and new student orientation are provided to students via online, email and telephone contact.  SPC’s Cyber Advisors specialize in assisting both current and prospective eCampus students with course selection, academic program planning, pre- and co-requisites, and other issues.

As a result of the focused improvement efforts of SPC’s Directors of Student Success and their staff, student satisfaction with academic advising has risen substantially on the annual Enrolled Student Survey over the last four years from a rating of 4.80 to a rating of 5.63.

Excerpt from 2006-2007 Enrolled Student Survey on Student Advising

Career Development.  St. Petersburg College offers a wide variety of career development services through a system of physical Career Development Centers (located throughout Pinellas County) and an Online Career Development Services website.  A CDC is located on each of the four main campuses and at the new Downtown Center.  The Career Development Centers assist with selection 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.  The Career Development Centers also sponsor workshops on a regular basis in the areas of networking, interviewing, and resumes.  Additionally, electronic career assessments help students identify interests, values, personalities, abilities, and life style to assist with career choices.  Average attendance over the last 4 years is 8,092 students per year Collegewide.

Career Development Services Web site

Complementing the five physical locations, SPC has an extensive set of services online for campus as well as distance students. SPC also cooperates on our Campus with the Pinellas County Worknet Pinellas Program which also assists with job placement.  Employers within Pinellas County post open positions through the Worknet Pinellas Program and students can apply directly for these positions through the online system.

In addition, the State of Florida has 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.

According to the Enrolled Student Survey, over 60% of students at SPC use the services of the Career Development Centers.

Level of usage of Career Development Services from the Enrolled Student Survey

Ratings for Career Development Services on the Enrolled Student Survey have been improving.  On a scale of 1-7, all career development services currently are meeting the College goal of achieving an average rating of 5 or higher and have been improving over the last five years.

Ratings for Career Development Services on the Enrolled Student Survey

Testing Centers.  A Testing Center is located on each full-service campus.  Testing services are also available to students enrolled via distance learning.  A variety of testing services are geared to meeting the needs of the broad range of students who enter the college for the first time.  After application to the College, first-time-in-college degree seeking students are advised to contact a Testing Center to take the required College Placement Test.  However, students with SAT or ACT scores that are less than two years old may use their test scores for placement purposes.  Incoming transfer students to the College’s degree programs are required to complete the placement test or provide proof of completed coursework in English, reading and mathematics.

Testing Centers provide a variety of testing services for St. Petersburg College students.  College placement testing, College Level Examination Program (CLEP), and computer literacy testing are a few of the services provided.  Centers also coordinate academic testing provisions in support of Dual Enrollment, Early Admissions, and Credit Banking for High School Students.

In 2005, the target pass criteria (cut score) was increased from 60% to 70% for the Florida College Prep Exit Skills Test in reading, writing, and mathematics.  Results are as follows:

Florida College Prep Exit Test Scores for SPC Students

In 2002, computer based testing was implemented assessing the Level of English Proficiency (LOEP) for non-native students whose first language is not English.  Initial evaluation revealed a concern regarding the omission of a listening component within the assessment.  Additionally, a 30% variance was discovered to exist between the electronically scored essays (ESL WritePlacer) versus essays scored by the English as a Second Language (ESL) Faculty.  To address these issues, a listening component was added to the LOEP assessment in 2002 and electronic scoring of the essays via WritePlacer was eliminated in 2004.

Learning Support Centers/Information Commons.  Learning Support Centers are also located at each campus.  Each center provides students with a variety of instructional assistance to aid in learning skills development.  Tutoring is also available.  The learning resource centers, known by different names at various campuses: Learning Support Centers, Information Commons, Learning Commons/Collaborative Commons or New Initiative Program, supplement and enrich the existing programs at the College. These centers aid students with academically deficient backgrounds through tutoring including online tutoring, and supplementary materials in reading, writing and mathematics; supplement and enrich other existing courses through the use of additional materials; provide alternative learning strategies through audio-visual, tutorial, individualized, self-paced, one-on-one tutorial and computer-assisted work; provide learning opportunities for disabled students; provide lifelong learning opportunities for all adults in the community and provide testing facilities for students.

Face-to-face academic support.  All LSCs have an open general area for computer use and tutoring as well as separate study rooms. Some LSCs have separate math classrooms, reading classrooms, and ESL classroom used for tutoring when classes are not in session. The LSCs also provide textbooks, calculators, and interactive math CDs for the tutors and the students to utilize while in the LSC. 

Computerized learning resources.  Numerous online tutorials are provided on each campus.  SPC students also use the computers in the LSC to access the online tutorials from SmartThinking, Academic.com, Interactive Math, and the Adventuras Spanish software. SmartThinking is a hybrid tutoring service that provides online private tutoring sessions as well as study materials and practice assessments.

The following is a summary of the Learning Support Centers on each campus:

On the annual Enrolled Student Survey, student satisfaction with academic support services such as the Learning Support Centers has exceeded the Collegewide goal of 5.0 (on a 7-point Likert scale).  Student satisfaction with academic program/educational support has risen over the last four years from a rating of 5.46 to a rating of 5.69.

Learning Support Center results from the 2006-2007 Enrolled Student Survey

62% of students answering the Enrolled Student Survey use the academic program/educational support services.  One student commented on the survey, “I feel that SPC provides all the resources needed to succeed.  All anyone has to do is use them.”

Each campus Learning Support Center continuously works towards improving student satisfaction.  On the Clearwater campus, for example, academic tutoring by student tutors was expanded from all levels of math, English, and reading, to include Spanish, physics, chemistry, accounting, French, computer programming, computer operating systems, and Microsoft Office.   The St. Petersburg/Gibbs campus uses information on daily and weekly numbers of students using the Learning Support Center and students’ reasons for coming.  As a result, the Learning Support Center has organized the LSC to optimize a variety of student uses and has acquired tutorial software for math, reading, English, foreign language, biology and other subjects to supplement and enhance student learning experiences.  Student satisfaction on its internal survey has been over 90% rating satisfactory and above:

Learning Support Center internal survey results

In a 2005 focus group, Program Directors confirmed the adequacy and relevancy of learning support services, citing numerous services that they considered best practices, including the orientations SPC offers for online classes, final exam reviews, particularly math tutoring preparation for finals, the New Initiative Program for health education tutoring, and the College of Education Student Commons.

International Centers. The International Centers at the Clearwater, St. Petersburg/Gibbs and Tarpon Springs Campuses offer Collegewide information, guidance and support to international students during the transition period from their countries to the United States.  International Student Officers at each center facilitate the admissions process to the College by assisting students with their compliance with the Bureau of Citizenship & Immigration Services (BCIS) 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 Officers ensuring that the students stay in status.  All international students receive information about the English as a Second Language program as well as certificate and degree programs offered by the College.  The International Centers also assist the College and community in understanding the international population and the economic and cultural benefits derived from a diversified population.  The International Center staff maintains The Student and Exchange Visitors Information System (SEVIS) reporting system for students on F-1 visas to the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) Office of the Department of Homeland Security.

Wellness Centers.  SPC’s Wellness Centers, located at five campuses, are workout facilities equipped with Nautilus machines, free weights, StairMasters, exercycles, and treadmills.  They are free and open to students when not in use by physical education classes.

Wellness Centers locations and hours

Food Services.  Cafés with extensive food service are offered at most campuses and sites.  These cafés create a welcoming environment for students to share ideas as well as lunch.  Vending machines are available at all campuses.

Food Services locations

Hard Drive Café, Clearwater Campus

Student Employment.  Student assistants apply for employment through the Financial Aid Office.  This financial assistance for students who are enrolled at least half-time (6-8 hours) can provide up to 15 to 20 hours of work per week and is not need-based.  We also have Work Study students.

Special Programs and Services

In addition to the broad range of traditional student support services, the College provides numerous specialized services.

Office of Services for Students with Disabilities (OSSD).  Within the Student Development area is the Office of Services for Students with Disabilities.  The mission of OSSD, with offices at five sites, is to ensure accessibility through the provision of comprehensive quality support service, in-service training and innovation in adaptive technologies for students who have qualifying documented disabilities that affect academic performance. Reasonable accommodations are provided for students with a qualifying documented disability, both in the classroom and during college-sponsored campus activities and programs.

In 2005-2006, 669 students with disabilities received services from the Office of Services for Students with Disabilities (OSSD).  Services include, on a case-by-case basis:

• Professional tutoring in selected general education and health education courses.  292 students received tutoring services.

• Adaptive classroom furniture

• Adaptive electronic equipment and software.  The increased use of Assistive Technology has been a primary factor in student success. SPC offers six options of adaptive software programs for students as well as 11 scanning systems located throughout the college.  Training in use is available from the OSSD offices as are individual modifications.

• Assistive listening devices

• Certified/qualified sign language interpreters and C-Printers.  The College provided 7,533 hours of interpreting and/or C-printing for the deaf and hard of hearing.

• Notetakers 

• Early Registration

• Closed captioning of videos

Increased Faculty awareness has been key to student success.  The Disability Services program was further enhanced when the College was awarded a Demonstration Grant from the Department of Education to ensure students with disabilities receive a quality higher education through Faculty development.  Eleven Faculty members were selected as Champions for disabilities.  These Champions received specialized training in the legal aspects of serving students with disabilities; an understanding of hidden disabilities; and in effective strategies and techniques to communicate with their colleagues.  A disability awareness project Web site was created with a link to information and workshops developed by disability professionals.  These Champions have been encouraging their colleagues to bring their concerns to them and to take advantage of the information available on the Web site.  The Faculty Champions continue to serve as a link between Faculty and OSSD.

Specialized OSSD New Student Orientations are also offered for first semester students prior to the start of each fall session.  Incoming students will receive individual information about any such meeting.

English as a Second Language (ESL) program.  The English as a Second Language (ESL) program offers a series of English courses to meet the needs of non-native English speakers.  The ESL 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 the Associate in Arts, Associate in Science or the Associate in Applied Science degree or College Credit Certificate programs to progress toward a higher degree or enter the workforce.  Entering students are tested with a placement test for ESL and placed in the appropriate level of study indicated by their scores.

Women-on-the-Way (WOW).  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 25 years.  Although the Center is open to all men and women needing its services, typically 75% of the 250 current WOW students are single mothers.  Services available include a clearinghouse for campus and community resources concerning career planning, financial assistance, scholarships, housing, child-care information, individual and group support and WOW mentoring program.  Fifty-five percent of WOW students complete Associate in Science degrees, 45% complete Associate in Arts degrees, and many go on to complete Bachelors and graduate degrees at senior universities.  Because of the success of the Women-on-the-Way program, SPC recently began a similar program for men.

Brother-to-Brother (B2B).  In 1998, St. Petersburg College formed the Brother-to-Brother program with a three-fold purpose: to recruit male African American students, to identify issues that cause them be at risk for dropping out, and to use retention strategies to help them stay in college to graduate.  B2B provides a variety of academic and student support, along with personal enrichment activities that will advance intellectual and personal growth of African American males.  The average retention rate for the program has been 87% for the first five years, and 100% this last year (51 of 51).  Over the last six years, 44 students have graduated.

Student Support Services (SSS).  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.

During the 2004-2005 academic year, special on-campus recruitment and support programs promoting access and retention of under-represented and under-prepared student populations included the implementation of the e-progress report to assess student academic performance at the midterm point of the semester to allow for early interventions.  Three thousand eighty-two (3,082) e-progress reports were launched in order to improve speed, accuracy, and relevance from the delay previously experienced with the paper report methodology.  The 64% rate of return of these e-progress reports exceeded the 50% goal.  Moreover, 68% of the returned reports were reviewed with participants.

College Reach-Out Program (CROP).  CROP was established in 1983 and funded through the Florida Department of Education.  This program targets financially and academically eligible students in grades 6-12. CROP is designed to motivate students to pursue a post-secondary education, develop basic learning skills, strengthen parent and student understanding of the benefits of post secondary education, and foster personal and career development through supplemental instruction.  During the academic school year services include after-school tutoring in all subject areas, mentoring, free SAT workshops, student workshops (i.e. college admissions process, financial aid/scholarships, resume writing, public speaking, leadership development), college tours, and cultural activities/events.  The summer component consists of a one week Consortium Summer Residential Program at the University of South Florida or surrounding universities and a local six-week Summer Enrichment Program which provides supplemental instruction and enrichment engagement in politics and government, foreign language, and community service.

Summer of Success (SOS).  Located on the Clearwater and St. Petersburg/Gibbs campus, SOS is a scholarship program designed to encourage recent high school graduates to pursue a college degree.  Participating students get an introduction to the college experience and a better understanding of the effort and strategies necessary to make a successful transition from high school to college.  Students in the program take three courses that are six-weeks long, along with seminars on math and reading/writing readiness.  By the end of this program, students will have earned three college credits - for free.  SOS also includes:

•    Assistance with scholarships and financial aid.

•    Early registration for SPC classes.

•    Career-oriented speakers.

Center of Excellence (COE).  The Center of Excellence (COE) uses group achievement strategies to increase the pool of African-American and other historically underrepresented students who are prepared, motivated and qualified to enter higher education.  The Center of Excellence includes three components: National Achievers Society — identifies and acknowledges high-achieving African-American as well as other underrepresented students.  A student eligible for membership in this society can be in middle or high school and must make at least two A's and no C's unless the C is earned in an advanced or honors course; Black History and Culture Brain Bowl — educates African-American youth about the role and contributions of African-American and other minorities in the United States through participation in local, regional and state academic competition; and Academic Enrichment Centers — provide after-school tutoring sites around the community to supplement student learning experiences.  Services offered through COE include:

·         Trips to area colleges/universities and cultural activities.

·         SAT/ACT practice sessions.

·         Workshops and seminars on test taking and study skill strategies, time management, conflict resolution and personal development.

Title III.  Title III is a federally funded program designed to improve retention of “at risk” students and supports improvements in educational quality, student retention, and student success.  St. Petersburg College supports three strategic initiatives for Title III:

• To enhance our educational programs and improve learning outcomes using a variety of learner-centered approaches.

• To provide excellent service to students to enhance learning experiences and increase student achievement.

• To provide Faculty and staff with ongoing development to improve productivity and performance.

Title III accountability goals are that 20% more students will successfully complete their preparatory courses; 15% more developmental students will pass exit exams; and 10% more students will move successfully through the first semester of collegiate-level coursework.  To accomplish these goals, the Title III has planned and implemented a wide array of initiatives:

• Sponsored more than 40 professional development seminars to help Faculty, administration, and students improve organizational learning to improve learning outcomes.
• Implemented Who's Next?, a computer system that helps college support services gather data on services provided to students, allowing for "real-time" reporting to help with students learning outcomes.
• Implemented the Personal Empowerment through Type (P.E.T) Learning Styles Assessment, a Web-based teaching and learning style assessment and profile management tool designed to assist students and Faculty with teaching and learning.
• Offering SMARTHINKING, a 24/7 online learning assistance tutoring program that provides live, online tutoring in many disciplines including math, writing, and science.
• Participating in the Foundations of Excellence: Policy Center on the First Year of College Project.
• Implemented Early Alert, a program which enables Faculty and counselors to monitor the progress of At Risk students.

In 2005, Title III developed and implemented a Smart Start program to help prepare students for entrance examinations so that they can begin with college level courses instead of remedial, noncredit courses.  Although the pilot program only included 18 students, the results demonstrated significant improvement in test scores as follows:

Fifty percent of students who participated in this program tested out of one level of remediation.

In 2006, Seminole Campus hosted a celebration to mark the successful conclusion of the first SPC LinC (Learning in Community) developed by SPC Faculty.  Learning in Community is a 12-credit Title III program supporting first-time-in-college students testing into preparatory reading, writing, and mathematics.  In this intense semester-long program, LinC students are committed to many extra hours in the classroom, mandatory weekly and advising sessions, as well as documented study time to master concepts required for college level work.

In addition, SPC recently embarked on a First Year Experience project, under the guidance of The National Resource Center for the First Year Experience and Students in Transition in Brevard, North Carolina.  The Title III program has addressed the First Year Experience with a number of initiatives.

•    Bringing nationally-recognized scholar John Gardner to St. Petersburg College to give workshops on the First year Experience.

•    Creating SLS 1106, a study skills course for struggling first year students

•    Facilitated the creation of an electronic progress report program.

•    Offer in-class technology training for accessing ANGEL (SPC's learning management system).

•    Offer practical lifelong learning seminars.

•    Promoted the exploration and application of individual learning styles through the use of PET (Personal Empowerment through Type).

•    Supported development of a Collegewide committee charged with institutionalizing services for first-year students.

New Initiative Program.  The NIP is a federally funded program designed to provide academic assistance to Associate in Science or certificate seeking health or pre-health students.  NIP is provided as a service of SPC at the Health Education Center. 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.

Connections.  Connections is a federally funded Health Education Center support service designed to provide students the necessary skills and tools to address the academic, social, and personal challenges that may hinder student success.  The program provides services such as case management, textbook and laptop lending, referrals for tutoring and counseling/advising, services for students with disabilities, and success skills resources.

Honors College.  The Honor’s 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.  The number of students enrolled in Honors courses over the past year has increased substantially compared to the same term the previous year.

Student Activities

Student Activities provides students with opportunities for development in both academic and non-academic settings.  Programming is organized into leadership, development, academic enhancement, cultural enrichment and campus life.  Campus life is designed to enhance the enjoyment of the college experience through entertainment, recreation and intramural sports activities. 

Student Government Association.  Leadership development opportunities are available on campus through participation in the Student Government Association (SGA).  Faculty members, administrators, and local community representatives provide co-curricular and cultural learning experiences.

Examples of SGA involvement and events at the various campuses

Phi Theta Kappa.  Phi Theta Kappa is the International Honor Society for the two-year college.  To be eligible, students are required to have: completed at least 12 semester hours at St. Petersburg College, a minimum GPA of 3.25 and maintain a 3.0 GPA, and participate in chapter fundraising activity.  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, including:

Eta Nu awards for 2005

International Awards

First Runner-Up for Most Distinguished Chapter Award

Beta Alpha Continued Excellence Award

Scholarship Hallmark Award

Leadership Hallmark Award

Service Hallmark Award

Fellowship Hallmark Award

Distinguished Chapter President Award – Keri Lewis

Distinguished Officer Award – Anastasia King

Bierkoe Distinguished Member Award – John Elston

Continued Excellence Award for Advisors – Steve Meier

Florida Region Awards

Distinguished Chapter Award (#3 Florida ranking)

Five-Star Chapter

Scholarship Hallmark

Fellowship Hallmark Award

Leadership Hallmark Award

Individual Award of Excellence – Keri Lewis

Continued Excellence Award for Advisors – Steve Meier

Art – Simon Shewmaker

Poetry honorable mention - Christina Thorne

 In 2005, one major project of the Eta Nu chapter was organizing and hosting the 2005 Florida Region Honors Institute.

Florida Region Honors Institute presentations

“Pop Culture:  Where’s the Science”

“The Influence of Television on Politics and Our Beliefs”

“Music: How It Reflects Us and How It Affects Us”

“Florida: Our Journey through History and Literature”

Other student activities

Additional programming includes athletic events and opportunities to participate in special or career interest organizations.

Intercollegiate Athletics.  Intercollegiate athletes are provided excellent opportunities to participate in an intercollegiate athletic experience of the highest quality with the result that their athletics experience becomes an integral and valued component of their total educational experience at the College.

The College provides planned, organized competition for both men and women students.

·         Men’s varsity teams are: basketball and baseball.

·         Women’s varsity teams are: basketball, softball and volley-ball.

·         Student Cheerleaders are also a major part of the Intercollegiate Athletics at St. Petersburg College.

Currently there are 92 scholar athletes participating in these sports.  Athletic participation includes students who have athletic scholarships that include tuition, room and board to the student who has a chance to make our teams by walking on. All of SPC athletic teams have competed in state or national championships.

St. Petersburg College Athletics Web page

Intramural and Recreational Activities.  The College provides organized competition for men and women in co-recreational tournaments.  The Coordinator of Intramurals together with the Student Activities Coordinators schedules events in touch football, basketball, bowling, table tennis, tennis, volleyball, running/jogging and outdoor soccer.  A student lounge is also provided for students at some campuses.  Exercise equipment and aerobics rooms are accessible to students after classes Monday through Friday.

Student Publications.  Five newsletters, the Campus Crier (St. Petersburg/Gibbs Campus), Grapevine (Clearwater Campus), View from the Hill (Tarpon Springs Campus), Vital Signs (Health Education Center) and Bayside Briefs (SPC Downtown Center) are available for students’ information.  Seminole campus publishes an online newsletter with a print-friendly version available to students.

Sample edition of The Nexus, Seminole’s online newsletter

Student Clubs.  Scholastic, special interest, service, social and religious clubs and organizations are active on the Clearwater, Seminole, St. Petersburg/Gibbs and Tarpon Springs Campuses, and Health Education Center.

Clubs dealing with special interests include the Astronomy Club; Alpha Omega, a science club; American Sign Language; Badeya; Bowling Club; Co-Motion Dance Theatre Club; Computer Club; Deaf Club; Ethics Club; Florida Future Educators; High Achievers; International Club; Math and Sciences Club; Phi Rho Pi, a speech and forensics club; Positive Directions; Psychology; Scuba Club; Students Without Boundaries; Theatre Performance Company; and Writers’ Collective.

Each campus and site has the latitude to develop student clubs that appeal to their special interests.  Glancing at the lists of clubs at different campuses or sites provides a flavor of the types of students at that location.
 

Example of Student Clubs:  Health Education Center

Student American Dental Hygienist Association

Health Information Management

Human Services Organization

Nurses for Christ

Physical Therapist Assistant

Student Radiographers

Veterinary Technology Society

Example of Student Clubs:  Tarpon Springs

Tarpon Thespians Troupe (T3) - This club is for students who wish to experience all aspects of a production. Membership includes any interest, whether it is to act, direct, stage manage, do sound and lighting, or build props.  This club has something for everyone!

Art Club - Join fellow students on campus with a creative flair.  The Art Club focuses on creativity, has group events & fund-raisers, as well as sponsors two Student Charrettes each year.

International Friendship Society - This club serves as a venue for all students to learn of the cultural diversities of students on Tarpon Springs campus.  The members will visit each culture through pictures, art, history, religion and FOOD.

Snapshot Photography Club - This club is for any photographer--from the novice to expert.  Club members will take photos of campus life.  Students, staff, Faculty, buildings, lounges, events--anything the student views as a "snapshot" of campus life.  Students are encouraged to use their own equipment or camera.

Alethea Christian Club- Join this club if you are looking for Christian fellowship and prayer on campus.  Alethea meets once per month and sponsors mini-workshops or discussion groups about various topics that are relevant to today’s student.

Coffee House - The Coffee House is an evening of student, Faculty and staff performance.  This is not an ordinary club structure in that anyone, including guests, can attend and participate.  Poetry, essay readings, storytelling, stand-up comedy, music and improv highlight the evening.  Refreshments are always served.

Chess Club - This is a gathering of the minds.  If you want to be challenged, or learn more about the game, then this Club is for you.  Check Mate!

Fitness Club - This club will assist their fellow students by bringing about wellness education and health awareness on campus.  They will provide a heath fair each semester, and invite guest speakers to educate on various topics such as:  Blood Pressure, Stress, Cancer, Cholesterol, Diabetes, Heart Health, Proper Nutrition, Dangers of Fad Diets & more!

M.A.D.D. - Mothers Against Drunk Driving- A club for students who declare their sobriety.  This club's mission is to help educate, and bring forth campuswide awareness about the destruction that alcohol does to the body, mind & spirit. Anyone can join...you don't have to be a "Mom" to be a member!

Recycling Club - This team is in charge of campus recycling.  Part of its mission is to educate to fellow students the importance of recycling, as well as setting up and maintaining recycling bins near vending machines and in campus lounges.

ROTC.  Reserve Officer Training Corps (ROTC) is available through dual enrollment at the University of South Florida.

Other unique student activities include:

Additional student opportunities

Volunteer Connection.  The Volunteer Connection, at the Clearwater Campus, was started in 1994 by students who were interested in constructing an organized alliance with other volunteer agencies around the state of Florida.  It is a student implemented and managed office that believes students have a vital role to play in meeting Florida's social challenges.  The Volunteer Connection has incorporated academic participation into its framework through the development of Service Learning, a method and philosophy of experiential learning through which participants in community service meet community needs while developing their abilities in critical thinking and group problem solving, their commitments and values, and the skills needed for effective citizenship.

 

CoMotion.  CoMotion is a student organization and all students who are members of CoMotion must enroll in the credit-earning Dance Repertory II course at the college.  CoMotion, which originated in 1985, gives two on-campus and five to six off-campus dance concerts per year.  The members of CoMotion must audition for membership at the beginning of each semester.

 

Student Ambassador Program.  A Student Ambassador Program provides an opportunity for students to support the College’s recruitment and retention efforts.  Student Ambassadors serve as role models to encourage high school students, or recent graduates not enrolled in a college, to take advantage of College programs and services.  The Student Ambassador Program is open to highly motivated and outgoing students who possess a strong desire to excel and who will encourage others to utilize their talents and skills in a positive manner.

Evaluation of Student Affairs Services

The College ensures the quality and effectiveness of services that support both its mission and student development program through Collegewide Unit Plans.  During the year, Unit Plans are evaluated and updated and submitted to the Provost of the campus Report of outcomes are developed and inferences are drawn concerning completion, continuance, or modification of objectives for the upcoming year.  Surveys of Entering Students, Enrolled Students, Graduating Students, Alumni, as well as campus critiques and departmental surveys are instruments used to identify performance gaps.  Additionally, analyses of institutional effectiveness indicators identify opportunities for continuous improvement of several categories impacted by student developmental services.  For example, questions on the Enrolled Student Survey address all student support services.

Excerpt from 2006-2007 Enrolled Student Survey

Institutional and individual department survey results are examined by the Administrative, Educational Support, and Student Support Oversight Groups at the start of each year’s Strategic Planning cycle.  For example, in addition to the Enrolled Student Survey, the Student Support Oversight Group uses an OSSD Satisfaction Survey to provide more specific data on areas to improve:  Previous survey results showed an overall satisfaction rate was a 4.02. This rating was the average student satisfaction score from five campuses.  For 2004-2005, an objective was determined to improve students’ Satisfaction Rating” on services from 4.02 to 4.2.  Student Satisfaction Surveys were mailed to students with Early Registration letters and located in the OSSD offices on campuses for students to complete when they come to the office for service.  Overall satisfaction increased to 4.29.

OSSD Survey

For 2005-2006, OSSD’s objectives were to maintain an overall satisfaction rate on its survey at a minimum score of 4.29 and to improve each area of evaluation by .2 points.  To do this, the department developed an action plan to improve lowest scores at the institution and campus levels and measure those results in the August 2006 survey.

In its efforts towards continuous improvement, St. Petersburg College recently procured and implemented a software program, Who’s Next, for tracking counseling, tutoring, career advising, and other student academic support services.  Who’s next allows SPC to monitor student academic support at the student level, campus, and institution-wide and includes the capability to monitor waiting times, peak periods, and requests for various services.

Sample report from Who’s Next; Visits to Clearwater Campus Advising

For example, when students enter the LSC, they log in at a computer kiosk on Who’s Next, which gathers information on the number of visits to the LSC, the services being used, and the length of a visit. When students are exiting the LSC, a staff member logs them out.

Sample Learning Support Center Services Report from Who’s Next

Use of external consultants’ findings.  A another part of continuous improvement efforts, SPC has engaged two consultant firms to review all student services, looking to integrate Enrollment Management to enhance the synergy that SPC believes can be achieved to improve retention.  These contracts currently are underway and recommendations will be reviewed for incorporation into the upcoming 2007-2008 Strategic Planning cycle.

Ongoing evaluation and improvement.  In addition to formal evaluation processes, all issues arising in Student Development Services are reviewed quarterly by the Educational and Student Services Council, chaired by the Vice President of Educational and Student Services, and the Provost Council, chaired by the Senior Vice President of Educational and Student Services, allowing for immediate resolution of student support issues.