STUDENT AFFAIRS INFORMATION

Orientation

New Student Orientation

In order that new students may be fully informed and aware of all phases of school life, a program of orientation is provided each semester. Orientation is held prior to the first day of each semester. This program informs new students about school and department rules, regulations, and policies. It also provides students with information about employment opportunities available upon program completion. Students are introduced to school personnel and informed about student activities, opportunities, regulations, requirements and available services. Program specific orientation is provided immediately afterward to introduce students to the requirements of their program of study. New Student Orientation for online students is available on the Southeastern Technical College website.

Career Planning

Interests and abilities testing and career counseling are available to help an applicant decide which program to enter. Testing may provide valuable information for use by counselors during career exploration sessions with potential students.

Students may also wish to research employment information to learn the most current job and educational opportunities to advance career and educational planning.

Guidance and Counseling

Counseling services and referrals to community agencies are available from a well-qualified staff of professionals. They will assist with developing career plans and personal goals; provide help with problems encountered in academic pursuits; and provide support in dealing with work-related, personal, or financial problems.

Support Services for Students with Disabilities

Southeastern Technical College recognizes the importance of encouraging and helping students with disabilities reach their full potential. Services for students with disabilities are available to assist these students in realizing and maximizing their academic and personal goals. In accordance with the Americans with Disabilities Act and Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, the College ensures that admission, services, activities, facilities, and academic programs are accessible to and usable by qualified students with disabilities.

Reasonable accommodations are available to students who identify themselves as having a disability and as being otherwise qualified for admission to the College. Each student is responsible for providing documentation of his/her disability and requesting appropriate accommodations. Students with disabilities are asked to contact the Special Needs Coordinator prior to their first semester of enrollment to request assistance and to ensure that appropriate accommodations are made in a timely manner. Accommodations requested less than thirty days in advance of the start date of any semester are not guaranteed to be available by the first day of class for that semester.

For more information, visit the STC website.

Special Populations

Southeastern Technical College provides equal access to all program activities and provides assurance of nondiscrimination for all special-population students in admissions, programs/training and all activities.

Special populations include:

Individuals with disabilities (See Support Services for Students with Disabilities)
Individuals preparing for nontraditional fields
Displaced homemakers
Individuals with limited English proficiency
Single Parents

Services include programs that will enhance or improve the academic, technical and employability skills of special population students. Southeastern Technical College is committed to developing and implementing procedures that will encourage and support each student in their pursuit of a rewarding career with emphasis on high skill, high wage or high demand occupation. For more information visit STC website.

Career Services

The Career Services Office offers assistance to graduates and students who are seeking work related to their field of study. Every semester, workshops in interviewing, resume preparation, and mock interviews are available to prepare students for entrance into the labor market. Career centers, which contain job search related materials, are located at both campuses to provide assistance to those job seekers. The Career Centers are located in Building 1 at the Swainsboro campus and room 166 of the Main Building at the Vidalia campus.

Area employers regularly contact the college seeking qualified job applicants for full-time and part-time positions. Information on current job openings can be obtained at the Career Services Office or on the Career Services websites.

Federal Work Study positions are available on campus. These are part-time positions for a maximum of 20 hours per week. Applicants must:

Be currently receiving the Pell Grant;
Be enrolled in at least six (6) credit hours; and
Maintain a 2.0 GPA

Applications for these Work Study positions may be obtained from the Career Services Office.

After graduation, students are surveyed as to their opinion of the program attended. Employers of each graduate are also surveyed as to whether the training provided was appropriate. The comments and suggestions received from graduates and their employers are carefully studied and considered when planning curriculum.

For more information on Career Services or follow-up procedures, contact the Career Services Office at:

Vidalia Campus (912) 538-3100
Swainsboro Campus (478) 289-2200

Student Records

Notification of Students

Annually, Southeastern Technical College shall inform their students about the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act of 1974 (“FERPA”). FERPA was designed to protect the privacy of educational records and to establish the right of students to inspect and review their non-privileged educational records. FERPA also provides guidelines for the correction of inaccurate or misleading data through informal and formal hearings. Students have the right to file complaints with the Family Policy Compliance Office, U.S. Department of Education, concerning alleged failures by the institution to comply with the Act. Southeastern Technical College shall also provide a mechanism whereby students may file informal complaints within the College.

This policy applies to students who are or who have formerly been enrolled at Southeastern Technical College.

Education Records include any records (in handwriting, print, tapes, film, computer, or other medium) maintained by Southeastern Technical College or Technical College System of Georgia that are directly related to a student except:

1) A personal record kept by a faculty or staff member if it is kept in the sole possession of the maker of the record, is not accessible or revealed to any other person except a temporary substitute for the maker of the record, and is not used for purposes other than a memory or reference tool. Records that contain information taken directly from a student or that are used to make decisions about the student are not covered by this exception.
2) Records created and maintained by Southeastern Technical College law enforcement unit for law enforcement purposes
3) An employment record of an individual whose employment is not contingent on the fact that he or she is a student.
4) Records made or maintained by a physician, psychiatrist, psychologist, or other recognized professional or paraprofessional if the records are used only for treatment of a student and made available only to those persons providing the treatment.
5) Alumni records that contain information about a student after he or she is no longer in attendance at the College and which do not relate to the person as a student.

Student Access to Records

Students have the right to review their official academic record, disciplinary record, and financial aid record with the following exceptions:

1) Any and all documents to which access has been waived by the student.
2) Any and all records which are excluded from the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act’s definition of educational records.
3) Any and all financial data and income tax forms submitted in confidence by the student's parents in connection with an application for, or receipt of, financial aid.
4) Any and all records connected with an application to attend a Southeastern Technical College if the applicant never enrolled.
5) Those records that contain information on more than one (1) student. The requesting student has the right to view only those portions of the record that pertain to his or her own educational records.

All requests shall be directed to the registrar’s office at Southeastern Technical College. Requests to review student records will be granted as soon as practicable, but in no event later than 45 days after the date of request. No documents or files may be altered or removed once a request has been filed. A student may receive a copy of any and all records to which he or she has lawful access upon payment of any copying charge established by TCSG or Southeastern Technical College except when a hold has been placed on his or her record pending the payment of debts owed Southeastern Technical College, or when he or she requests a copy of a transcript, the original of which is held elsewhere.

Hearings to Challenge Accuracy of Records

If, upon inspection and review of his or her record, the student believes that the record is inaccurate, misleading or otherwise in violation of his or her privacy rights, he or she has the right to ask that the record be changed or insert a statement in the file. Such request shall be submitted in writing to the registrar’s office at the student’s technical college.

The registrar’s office shall process the student’s request and notify the student of the College’s decision in writing. Should the request for a change be denied, the student will be notified of the College's decision and advised of the right to a hearing to challenge the information believed to be inaccurate, misleading or in violation of the student's privacy rights. The student has 30 days to appeal the decision to the Vice President for Student Affairs and ask for a hearing.

On behalf of the Vice President for Student Affairs of Southeastern Technical College, a hearing officer shall conduct a hearing at which the student shall be afforded a full and fair opportunity to present evidence relevant to the issues raised in the original request to amend the student's education records. The student may be assisted by one (1) or more individuals, including an attorney. The hearing officer will consider only challenges to the accuracy of the records. Hence, whether or not a grade has been incorrectly recorded on a student's transcript may be considered but not whether the student should have been awarded a grade different from the one (1) given.

The hearing officer shall prepare a written decision based solely on the evidence presented at the hearing. The decision will include a summary of the evidence presented and the reasons for the decision. The decision of the hearing officer shall be final, save for any review that may be granted by the President of Southeastern Technical College.

If Southeastern Technical College decides that the challenged information is not inaccurate, misleading or in violation of the student's right of privacy, it will notify the student of the right to place in the education record a statement commenting on the challenged information and a statement setting forth reasons for disagreeing with the decision. Such a statement shall become a part of the information contained in the education record and will be disclosed with it.

A student may make a specific waiver of access to evaluations solicited and/or received under condition of confidentiality.

Release of Information

Southeastern Technical College will disclose information from a student's education records only with the written consent of the student, except that the records may be disclosed without consent when the disclosure is:

To TCSG and Southeastern Technical College officials who have a legitimate educational interest in the records.

A TCSG or Southeastern Technical College official is:

A person employed by TCSG or Southeastern Technical College in an administrative, supervisory, academic, research, or support staff position, including health or medical staff or outside personnel performing work usually performed by technical college personnel.
A person serving on TCSG or Southeastern Technical College's board.
A person employed by or under contract to TCSG or Southeastern Technical College to perform a special task, such as an attorney or auditor.
A person who is employed by TCSG or Southeastern Technical College's law enforcement unit.
A student serving on an official committee, such as a disciplinary or grievance committee, or who is assisting another TCSG or Southeastern Technical College official in performing his or her tasks.
A contractor, consultant, volunteer or other party to whom TCSG or Southeastern Technical College has outsourced institutional services as provided in 34 CFR § 99.31(a)(1)(i)(B).

A TCSG or Southeastern Technical College official has a legitimate educational interest if the official is:

Performing a task that is specified in his or her position description or contract agreement.
Performing a task related to a student's education.
Performing a task related to the discipline of a student.
Providing a service or benefit relating to the student or student's family, such as health care, counseling, job placement, or financial aid.
Maintaining the safety and security of the campus.

The determination as to whether or not a legitimate educational interest exists will be made by the custodian of the records on a case by case basis. When the custodian has any question regarding the request, the custodian should withhold disclosure unless the custodian obtains consent from the student, or the concurrence of a supervisor or other appropriate official that the record may be released.

2) Subject to the requirements of 34 C.F.R. § 99.34, to officials of another school, school system or post-secondary institution, upon request, in which a student seeks or intends to enroll or where the student is already enrolled as long as the disclosure is for purposes related to the student’s enrollment or transfer.

3) Subject to the conditions set forth in 34 C.F.R. §99.35, authorized representatives of the Comptroller General of the United States, the Secretary of the U.S. Department of Education, the Attorney General of the United States, or state and local educational authorities.

4) Southeastern Technical College or TCSG officials or lending institutions, in connection with financial aid for which the student has applied or which the student has received, if the information is necessary for such purposes as to:

determine eligibility for the aid;
determine the amount of the aid;
determine the conditions for the aid; or
enforce the terms and conditions of the aid.

5) State and local officials or authorities to which such information is specifically required to be reported or disclosed pursuant to the state statute adopted prior to November 19, 1974, if the allowed reporting or disclosure concerns the juvenile justice system and the system's ability to effectively serve the student whose records are released; or information that is allowed to be reported pursuant to a state statute adopted after 1974, which concerns the juvenile justice system and the system's ability to effectively serve, prior to adjudication, the student whose records are released. Nothing in this paragraph shall prevent the state from further limiting the number or type of state or local officials who will continue to have access thereunder.

6) Organizations conducting studies for, or on behalf of, educational agencies or institutions for the purpose of developing, validating or administering predictive tests, administering student aid programs and improving instruction, if such studies are conducted in such a manner as will not permit the personal identification of students and their parents by persons other than representatives of such organizations, information will be destroyed within a certain time period when no longer needed for the purpose for which it is conducted and enter into a written agreement with the organization. The written agreement will specify the purpose, scope and duration of the study, the information to be disclosed, use personally identifiable information from education records only to meet the purposes of the study, and requires the organization to prevent personal identification to anyone other than representatives of the organization with legitimate interests. There is no requirement that TCSG initiate or agree with the study.

7) Accrediting organizations in order to carry out their accrediting functions.

8) Parents of a dependent student, as defined in Section 152 of the Internal Revenue Code of1986. The parent must provide a copy of their most recent federal income tax return establishing the student's dependency. Full rights under the act shall be given to either parent, unless the institution has been provided with evidence that there is a court order, state statute or legally binding document relating to such matters as divorce, separation or custody that specifically revokes those rights.

9) In connection with a health or safety emergency, appropriate persons if the knowledge of such information is necessary to protect the health or safety of the student or others.

10) To comply with a judicial order or lawfully issued subpoena, provided the technical college makes a reasonable effort to notify the student of the order or subpoena in advance of compliance. Notification may be prohibited if the technical college receives a federal grand jury subpoena, any other subpoena which states that the student should not be notified, or an ex parte order from the U.S. Attorney General concerning investigations or prosecutions under 18 U.S.C. § 2332b(g)(5)(B) or an act of domestic or international terrorism as defined in 18 U.S.C. § 2331. When no prior notification is given to the student, TCSG’s Director of Legal Services shall be consulted prior to release of the record.

11) To an alleged victim of any crime of violence as that term is defined in Section 16 of Title 18, United States Code, or a non-forcible sex offense, the final results of any disciplinary proceeding conducted by an institution of postsecondary education against the alleged perpetrator of that crime or offense with respect to that crime or offense. TCSG’s Director of Legal Services shall be consulted prior to release of the record.

12) To Veterans Administration Officials pursuant to 38 U.S.C. § 3690 (c).

13) Information Southeastern Technical College has designated as "directory information," unless a hold has been placed upon release of the information by the student. Even if a student elects to prohibit the release of directory information, Southeastern Technical College may still implement policies requiring the student to wear or present a student ID badge.

The following data is considered "public directory information" and may be given to an inquirer, either in person, by mail or by telephone, and may be otherwise made public:

Full name of student
City of residence
County of residence
Major and field(s) of study
Enrollment Status (full time, part-time, etc.)
Degrees and awards and date received
Dates of attendance
Participation in official sports and activities
Height and weight of athletic team members

The following data is considered “non-public directory information” and is not available to the public, but is available to any college official. If the student has indicated to restrict their data, then college officials can only access the information when it is needed for educational purposes.

Address
Email address
Telephone number

The policy that such information will be made generally available will be communicated to presently enrolled students through the publication of these guidelines, so that an individual student currently enrolled may request that such directory information not be disclosed by filing notification at the registrar’s office of Southeaster Technical College. Former students who do not want directory information disclosed should make such a request in writing to Southeastern Technical College’s registrar.

14) To the court those records that are necessary for legal proceedings when TCSG or a student initiates legal action relevant to the student records.

15) Southeastern Technical College may also disclose to any parent or legal guardian of a student under the age of 21 information about a violation of any federal state or local law, or any rule or policy of the College governing the use or possession of alcohol or a controlled substance if the College determines that the student has committed a disciplinary violation with respect to such use or possession.

16) To the student or the parent of a student who is not an eligible student.

17) In connection with a disciplinary proceeding if the student is an alleged perpetrator of a crime of violence or non-forcible sex offense and the student has violated TCSG or Southeastern Technical College’s rules or policies. TCSG and Southeastern Technical College will not disclose the names of any other students, including victims or witnesses, without their prior written consent. 34 C.F.R. § 99.31(a)(14)

18) Concerns sex offenders and other individuals required to register under the Violent Crime Control and Law Enforcement Act of 1994 and TCSG or Southeastern Technical College was provided the information under 42 U.S.C. § 14071.

19) TCSG or Southeastern Technical College that has received education records may release the records or information after the removal of all personally identifiable information in the reasonable opinion of TCSG or Southeastern Technical College. A code may be attached to the de-identified information that may allow the recipient to match information provided from the same source if the method for generating and assigning the code is unreleased, the code is used for no other purpose, and the code cannot be used to ascertain personally identifiable information.

Recordkeeping Requirements

Southeastern Technical College shall maintain a record of requests for and/or disclosures of information from a student's education records. The record will indicate the name of the party making the request and what records, if any, were received, the legitimate interest in the records, any additional party to whom it may be re-disclosed, and the legitimate interest the additional party had in requesting or obtaining the information. The record may be reviewed by the student. This recordkeeping is not required if the request was from, or the disclosure was to:

1) the student;
2) a school official determined to have a legitimate educational interest;
3) a party with written consent from the student;
4) a party seeking directory information or
5) a Federal grand jury or law enforcement agency pursuant to a subpoena that by its terms requires nondisclosure.

FAMILY EDUCATIONAL RIGHTS AND PRIVACY ACT (“FERPA”) AND APPLICANT RECORDS

A. Notification of Student Rights Under FERPA

The Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (“FERPA”) affords eligible students (18 years or older) certain rights with respect to their education records maintained by TCSG or the technical college. These rights include:

The right to inspect and review the student’s education records within forty-five days after the day that TCSG or the technical college receives the request for access. Requests for access to records should be submitted to the registrar listing the records the student wishes to inspect. The registrar will make arrangements for the student to review the requested records.

The right to request the amendment of the student’s education records that the student believes is inaccurate, misleading, or otherwise in violation of the student’s privacy rights under FERPA. Such requests should be made in writing clearly identifying the part of the record the student wants changed and why the record should be changed. This written request should be given to the Registrar.

If the college decides not to grant the request, the student has a right to a hearing. Details regarding the hearing will be provided with notification of the student’s right to a hearing.

The right to provide written consent before the college discloses personally identifiable information contained in the student’s education records, except to the extent that FERPA authorizes disclosure without consent. A full list of the disclosures that the college may make without consent is located in Section “C” or available at the office of the registrar.

The technical college may also disclose education records without a student’s prior written consent under the FERPA exception for disclosure to school officials with legitimate educational interests. A school official is a person employed by the college in an administrative, supervisory, academic or research, or support staff position, including health or medical staff or outside personnel performing work usually performed by college personnel; a person serving on TCSG or the college’s board; a person employed by or under contract to TCSG or the college to perform a special task, such as an attorney or auditor; a person who is employed by a TCSG or the college law enforcement unit; a student serving on an official committee, such as a disciplinary or grievance committee, or who is assisting another TCSG or college official in performing his or her tasks; or a contractor, consultant, volunteer or other party to whom TCSG or the college has outsourced institutional services as provided in 34 CFR § 99.31 (a)(1)(i)(B). For additional information, see TCSG Procedure for Student Records.

The right to file a complaint with the United States Department of Education concerning alleged failures by the college to comply with the requirements of FERPA. The name and address of the Office that administers FERPA is:

Family Policy Compliance Office
U.S. Department of Education
400 Maryland Avenue, SW
Washington, DC 20202-4605

B. Annual Notice of Directory Information Contents

“Directory Information” is information not generally considered harmful or an invasion of privacy if disclosed. If a student does not want Southeastern Technical College to disclose directory information from his or her education records without prior written consent, the student must notify the College in writing by the first day of the semester at the registrar’s office. A student need only file this notification once during his or her enrollment. However, if there is a break in enrollment or transfer to another technical college, a new notification must be filed.

Information Southeastern Technical College has designated as "directory information," unless a hold has been placed upon release of the information by the student. Even if a student elects to prohibit the release of directory information, Southeastern Technical College may still implement policies requiring the student to wear or present a student ID badge.

The following data is considered "public directory information" and may be given to an inquirer, either in person, by mail or by telephone, and may be otherwise made public:

Full name of student
City of residence
County of residence
Major and field(s) of study
Enrollment Status (full time, part-time, etc.)
Degrees and awards and date received
Dates of attendance
Participation in official sports and activities
Height and weight of athletic team members

Address
Email address
Telephone number

Additionally, certain state and federal laws require the release of certain student information without prior notification to the student.

C. Disclosures of Personally Identifiable Information Without Consent

FERPA permits the disclosure of personally identifiable information from students’ education records, without consent of the student, if the disclosure meets certain conditions found in §99.31 of the FERPA regulations. Except for disclosures to school officials, disclosures related to some judicial orders or lawfully issued subpoenas, disclosures of directory information, and disclosures to the student, § 99.32 of the FERPA regulations requires the institution to record the disclosure. Eligible students have a right to inspect and review the record of disclosures. For additional information on these categories, see TCSG Procedure for Student Records. A postsecondary institution may disclose personally identifiable information without obtaining prior written consent of the student:

1) To TCSG and technical college officials who have a legitimate educational interest in the records.
2) To officials of another school, in which a student seeks or intends to enroll or where the student is already enrolled as long as the disclosure is for purposes related to the student’s enrollment or transfer.
3) Authorized representatives of the Comptroller General of the United States, the Secretary of the U.S. Department of Education, the Attorney General of the United States, or state and local educational authorities.
4) College or TCSG officials or lending institutions, in connection with financial aid for which the student has applied or which the student has received.
5) State and local officials or authorities concerning the juvenile justice system and the system's ability to effectively serve, prior to adjudication, the student whose records are released.
6) Organizations conducting studies for, or on behalf of, educational agencies or institutions for the purpose of developing, validating or administering predictive tests, administering student aid programs and improving instruction, if such studies are conducted in such a manner as will not permit the personal identification of students and their parents by persons other than representatives of such organizations.
7) Accrediting organizations in order to carry out their accrediting functions.
8) Parents of a dependent student - the parent must provide a copy of their most recent federal income tax return establishing the student's dependency.
9) In connection with a health or safety emergency, appropriate persons if the knowledge of such information is necessary to protect the health or safety of the student or others.
10) To comply with a judicial order or lawfully issued subpoena, provided the college makes a reasonable effort to notify the student of the order or subpoena in advance of compliance. However, notification may be prohibited by the terms of the subpoena in certain circumstances.
11) To an alleged victim of any crime of violence or a non-forcible sex offense, the final results of any disciplinary proceeding conducted by an institution of postsecondary education against the alleged perpetrator of that crime or offense with respect to that crime or offense.
12) To Veterans Administration Officials pursuant to 38 U.S.C. § 3690 (c).
13) Information the college has designated as "directory information," unless a hold has been placed upon release of the information by the student.
14) To the court those records that are necessary for legal proceedings when TCSG or a student initiates legal action relevant to the student records.
15) The college may also disclose to any parent or legal guardian of a student under the age of 21 information about a violation of any federal state or local law, or any rule or policy of the technical college governing the use or possession of alcohol or a controlled substance if the institution determines that the student has committed a disciplinary violation with respect to such use or possession.
16) To the student or the parent of a student who is not an eligible student.
17) In connection with a disciplinary proceeding if the student is an alleged perpetrator of a crime of violence or non-forcible sex offense and the student has violated the technical college’s rules or policies. The technical college will not disclose the names of any other students, including victims or witnesses, without their prior written consent.
18) Concerns sex offenders and other individuals required to register under the Violent Crime Control and Law Enforcement Act of 1994 and the technical college was provided the information under 42 U.S.C. § 14071.
19) The technical college that has received education records may release the records or information after the removal of all personally identifiable information in the reasonable opinion of the technical college. A code may be attached to the de-identified information that may allow the recipient to match information provided from the same source if the method for generating and assigning the code is unreleased, the code is used for no other purpose, and the code cannot be used to ascertain personally identifiable information.

Gramm-Leach-Bliley Act

The Financial Modernization Act of 1999, also known as the Gramm-Leach-Bliley Act or GLB Act, includes provisions to protect consumers' personal information held by financial institutions, including postsecondary institutions. The GLB Act requires that schools have in place an information security program to ensure the security and confidentiality of customer information, protect against anticipated threats to the security or integrity of such information, and guard against the unauthorized access to use of such information. There are three (3) principal parts to the privacy requirements: the Financial Privacy Rule, Safeguards Rule and pretexting provisions. Southeastern Technical College complies with the aforementioned Congressional Act.

Solomon Amendment

The Solomon Amendment requires the college to release student recruitment information to military recruiters. Student recruitment information is defined as name, address, age, major, dates of attendance, and award of credit. If a student or minor does not wish to have student recruitment information released to third parties, an objection form must be filed with the Registrar's Office.

Recordkeeping Requirements

Southeastern Technical College shall maintain a record of requests for and/or disclosures of information from a student's education records. These records are maintained in accordance with the TCSG Student Record Retention Schedule. The record will indicate the name of the party making the request and what records, if any, were received, the legitimate interest in the records, any additional party to whom it may be redisclosed, and the legitimate interest the additional party had in requesting or obtaining the information. The record may be reviewed by the student. This recordkeeping is not required if the request was from, or the disclosure was to:

the student;
a school official determined to have a legitimate educational interest;
a party with written consent from the student;
a party seeking directory information; or
a Federal grand jury or law enforcement agency pursuant to a subpoena that by its terms requires nondisclosure.

Table 1 Types, Locations and Custodians of Education Records

Type of Record	Location	Record Custodian
Academic (e.g., transcript, transfer work, class schedule, degree requirements, probation, etc.)	Student Affairs, Registrar's Office	College Registrar
Financial Aid	Student Affairs, Financial Aid	Director of Financial Aid
Placement	Student Affairs, Career Services	Director of Career Services
Bills, Checks, Fees	Business Office	Director of Accounting
Attendance, Tests	Instructional Offices	Instructor

Copies of Student Records

Southeastern Technical College has retained Credentials, Inc. to accept transcript orders online. We no longer accept transcript requests via fax, email or in person.

Unofficial transcripts may be accessed through BannerWeb.

Copies of other information in the student's education record will be provided on the basis of actual cost to Southeastern Tech. Copies supplied to the student will be certified as accurate to the best of the responsible official's knowledge but will not be considered an "official" document of the institution.

Enrollment Verification Process

Students needing written proof of their enrollment may request an enrollment verification certificate from the National Student Clearinghouse. This is available through the BannerWeb system on the college website. If verification is not available, then student should contact the Registrar's office.

College Publications

Catalog and Student Handbook

The Catalog and Student Handbook may be referred to for accurate and detailed information pertaining to all school matters relating to students. Southeastern Tech's catalog is found on its website www.southeasterntech.edu.

Southeastern Tech Today

Southeastern Tech Today is the official internal newsletter for Southeastern Tech. This daily publication is compiled and edited by the receptionist and transmitted electronically to faculty and staff for dissemination. Key items are broadcast on the electronic monitors located throughout the College.

Annual Report

Southeastern Tech publishes an annual report that highlights the previous year's accomplishments, including enrollment numbers, the job placement rate, and other pertinent information.

Student ID Cards

ID cards are presented to students during New Student Orientation. Replacement ID's may be obtained by contacting the Student Affairs Department. ID's are required to purchase books from the Bookstore.

Library

The library at Southeastern Technical College supports the curriculum of the College by developing and promoting information literacy skills for students, faculty and staff wherever they are located. To accomplish this purpose, the library develops, maintains, and makes accessible a well-balanced collection of information resources in a variety of formats and delivery options in order to meet institutional objectives.

Circulation Guidelines

All currently enrolled students in good standing and currently employed faculty and staff of Southeastern Technical College may check out circulating materials. Books in the general collection circulate for three (3) weeks, and may be renewed two (2) times, provided there are no holds on a title.

Library Resources

Southeastern Technical College students have access to print books, periodicals, and videos in each of the library facilities. The library also makes available full text electronic books and thousands of periodicals online through Georgia Library Learning Online (GALILEO). Equipment at each of the library facilities includes computers, photocopiers, scanners, and laminators.

Library Services

Upon request by the instructor, a librarian is available for bibliographic instruction sessions. A librarian is also available for point of contact reference services both in person and online. The library provides free interlibrary loan services to the Southeastern Technical College community.

Student Success Center

The Student Success Center is designed to help students identify interests, examine various majors, and consider basic values and priorities which contribute to success in planning educational goals. The goal is to use all available resources to assist students in making positive adjustments in their academic and personal lives.

The Student Success Center is designed to support students in their efforts to achieve maximum success in school, in the workforce, and in life. The Center offers career and personal counseling.

STC staff is available to personally help you:

evaluate your interests
complete career assessment tools
develop successful academic goals
deal with social and personal problems
be aware of community agencies and resources
resume development assistance
cover letter and thank you letter assistance
online job search assistance

STC Staff is available daily and is an integral part of assisting the student with obtaining his/her educational and career goals.

Retention

The Office of Retention Services provides students with the necessary programs and services which will assist them in the completion of their educational objectives.

Tutoring Services

Free tutoring services are available Monday-Thursday. Please contact the College for more information: Vidalia Campus (912) 538-3100; Swainsboro Campus (478) 229-2200.

Bookstore

Southeastern Technical College has two (2) bookstore locations to serve our students better. The bookstore on the Vidalia campus is located in Room 327 and the bookstore on the Swainsboro campus is in Building 2. Regular and rush bookstore hours are scheduled to accommodate both day and evening students. Textbooks, supplies, and program materials are available for sale in the Bookstore along with a wide variety of apparel, bags, and gift items. Financial aid period is available for the first two (2) weeks of each semester for using HOPE, Pell, and third party grants and scholarships. The Bookstore accepts cash, check, Visa, MasterCard & Discover. The Bookstore schedules textbook buybacks each semester for each campus during finals week. Please see our website or contact the Bookstore directly at bookstore@southeasterntech.edu for more information.

Student Center

Student Centers are located in the Administration Building of the Main Campus, the Gillis Building of the Main Campus, and Building 2 of the Swainsboro Campus. These areas provide a suitable area for studying, meetings, and dining. The student center serves as an informal lounge and contains tables and chairs, informational bulletin boards, newsworthy school information, and restrooms.

Meals

Vending machines are located in the Student Centers of the Administration Building and the Gillis Building of the Main Campus. Buildings 1, 2, 6, and 8 on the Swainsboro Campus provide vending machines. Snacks are also available in the bookstores on both campuses. Students may bring food onto the campus for consumption at the tables provided in the courtyard or in the student centers. Please keep the area clean by properly disposing and recycling used cups, cans, and wrappers. Problems with vending machines should be reported to the receptionist.

Traffic and Parking Regulations

Southeastern Technical College has full authority to enforce traffic regulations. These regulations are designed to make traffic and parking on campus as safe and convenient as possible. The regulations apply to students, College employees, and visitors.

Campus Parking Procedures

Motor vehicles privately owned and operated on the College campus by students, staff and faculty must be registered with the College. The Division for Student Affairs will issue a parking decal as evidence of campus registration. All students must register their vehicles with the College. Failure to comply will result in a citation.

Users of the college parking lots will be issued one (1) decal at no expense; however, there will be a $5 charge for lost decals. Inform the Office for Student Affairs when a vehicle is sold and it will be removed from your account.

Faculty and staff will be issued a parking decal. The parking permit is to be displayed on the rear view mirror with the permit number facing out.

Students will be issued a parking decal. The parking permit is to be displayed on the rear view mirror with the permit number facing out.

Parking Regulations

All persons parking on Southeastern Technical College property are expected to follow parking regulations. Failure to do so may result in fines, towing, or revocation of parking privileges.

Park in designated parking areas.
Parked vehicles may not impede the flow of traffic and must be located entirely within the boundaries of a lined parking space.
Restrictions on handicapped parking, time limited spaces, loading zones, no parking zones, and fire lanes will be observed at all times.
Motor vehicles may not be driven or parked on sidewalks or grassed areas.
STC reserves the right to reserve or restrict parking for special events. Such reservation or restriction may be accomplished by the direction of Maintenance/Security personnel or by the posting of barricades or other signage. Vehicles parked in violation of such direction or postings are subject to fine and towing.
Parking permits are non-transferable. The decals or permits must be affixed only to the vehicles for which they are registered.
Regardless of how many vehicles are registered in any one (1) name, only one (1) at a time is allowed to park on campus.
Upon change of vehicle ownership, termination of association with STC, revocation of parking privileges, or receipt of a decal, which supersedes a prior decal, parking decals must be removed from the vehicle.
The person in whose name the vehicle is registered at Southeastern Tech shall be responsible for all violations at Southeastern Tech.
Removal of, or tampering with, any STC parking or traffic signs will result in issuance of a fine and/or criminal prosecution.
Operators of vehicles emitting excessive noise or being operated in a reckless manner are subject to fine.
Vehicles may not be stored on campus without the written permission of the Security Department. Any vehicle remaining stationary for more than three (3) days will be considered a stored vehicle and will be subject to towing at the owner's expense.

Parking Lots

Southeastern Technical College has two (2) designated parking lots on the Main Campus in Vidalia totaling 632 parking spaces. We have ample parking available for all our students. Our neighboring businesses have asked that we prevent STC students from parking in their parking lots. This is because they need these spaces for their customers. STC students should park in STC parking lots only.

Handicapped Parking

The campus has limited space reserved for handicapped drivers. These spaces are to be utilized by persons with an approved handicapped license plate or permit. A temporary permit may be issued and requires a doctor's letter describing the severity and expected end date.

Enforcement

The Security Department is responsible for enforcement of the parking regulations. Citations for violations of regulations, signs, and markings may be issued at the scene of the violation or by mail. Parking regulations are in effect 24 hours a day. Violators can be prosecuted and are subject to penalties and fines as imposed by Southeastern Tech, county and state law. Students may also lose the privilege of bringing a vehicle onto the campus. Failure to obey parking regulations may lead to an automobile being towed at the owner's expense.

Violations and Fines

Students, staff, and faculty shall be liable for the following fines and violations:

Failure to display STC parking permit/Not registered for decal;
Parking permit not properly displayed;
Parking unregistered vehicles;
Unauthorized use of, or altering, permits;
Parking outside permitted areas;
Parking/driving on grass, walking areas, shrubs or lawns;
Parking or blocking, fire lanes, parking spaces, or loading zones;
Parking in illegal, restricted, or reserved zones;
Parking adjacent to yellow curb or an area with a no parking sign;
Failure to stop at a stop sign;
Failure to obey traffic signs, special parking space markings, directional arrows;
Speeding/Exceeding the posted speed limit;
Parking in a Disabled Area—without a GA disabled decal or tag—could result in a fine up to $100 and/or towing and/or loss of parking privileges. Proper decal or tag must be displayed; and
Any other violations of county and state laws.

Parking Violations Fines

Violations such as No Campus Parking Decal, Parking in a Restricted Space other than Handicapped, Blocking a Driveway, Speeding, etc., will result in a fine of $10 for each violation.

If an individual receives three (3) or more citations, the fines will be doubled for the remainder of the student's enrollment beginning with the third citation.

First offense fine for parking in handicapped parking space is $25; second is $50; and third offense is $100, respectively.

Parking tickets should be brought to the Student Affairs receptionist in the Administrative Building immediately. Tickets should be cleared during the semester received to preclude delays in registration, processing of transcript requests, graduation requests, and etc.

Failure to pay fines or appeals within the time limit will result in placing a hold on student records. Students whose records are frozen may not register at any time in the future until the financial obligation is fulfilled. Fines may be mailed or paid in person. Fines should be paid in cash, cashier's check, or money order. All fines are due by the end of the semester in which the fine was issued.

Fines are subject to be increased or raised without notice.

Hours of Permitted Parking

The hours of operations of Southeastern Technical College are Monday through Thursday, 8 a.m. to 10 p.m. No students will be permitted on Campus or in the College buildings after 10 p.m. except when special official college functions take place.

No vehicle will be permitted to park in the roadways, driveways, or grass areas; roadways are intended for traffic movement. Vehicles abandoned on College property will be towed at the owner's expense. Parking is prohibited on the College grounds between the hours of 10:30 p.m. and 6:00 a.m., except for authorized vehicles.

Personal Property

The College will not assume responsibility for the loss, theft or damage of a student's, staff member's, and visitor's personal property brought on campus. If loss, theft or damage does occur, notify Security immediately.

Towing and Impoundment

STC reserves the right to have any vehicle towed and impounded which is not authorized to park on college property, constitutes a hazard, blocks loading zones, or impedes vehicular or pedestrian traffic. The costs of towing and impoundment will be the responsibility of the owner of the vehicle. STC disclaims any responsibility for damage or losses that may result from towing or impoundment.

General Information

A parking permit does not guarantee you a place to park. It only gives you the right to park on STC property in designated areas, as space is available. Plan your time so that you have a few extra minutes to locate a parking space.
Park at your own risk. STC assumes no responsibility for your vehicle or its contents while it is on campus property.
Lock your vehicle and keep valuable items out of sight. If you need to store something, place it in your trunk.
In case of unavoidable circumstances that might result in a citation (such as illegal parking due to a flat tire or engine trouble) please contact the Security Office.
If you are involved in a motor vehicle accident on STC property, contact Security or Maintenance. The Vidalia Police Department will file an accident report that will be made available to your insurance company upon request.

Housing

Southeastern Tech does not provide dormitories or off-campus housing facilities. Students desiring housing may obtain information through local newspaper advertisements and real estate agencies.

Recycling

The faculty, staff, and student body of Southeastern Technical College support environmental awareness through a school recycling program. Items designated for collection are aluminum cans, plastic, white paper, colored paper, newspaper, computer paper, and cardboard. Containers are provided throughout the campus for collection of the items.

Student Activities and Organizations

Southeastern Tech recognizes the importance of organized student activities as an integral component of the total educational experience. STC is committed to the holistic development of students by providing meaningful opportunities for involvement through a variety of learning experiences which complement formal classroom education.

Students are encouraged throughout their course of study at Southeastern Tech to participate in student activities and student organizations. Through involvement in the various clubs and activities, students are provided opportunities to share interests while interacting with their peers, faculty, and staff. Student activities are designed to complement the academic experience through an array of educational, social and recreational programs. It enhances student development by providing first-hand experience in leadership, decision-making, interpersonal, organizational, planning and technology skills.

Student activities are an important component in a more satisfying and successful educational experience. Student activities programming is intended to provide opportunities for personal growth and development, academic growth and enrichment, and student involvement in the campus community. These activities range from serious to playful and include lunch and learns, student activity days, cookouts, speakers and involvement in student organizations.

REMEMBER...Get involved and have fun!

Student Organizations

Through participation in student organizations, students acquire invaluable practical knowledge in the areas of leadership, social, recreational, team building and community outreach that allow for personal and group growth experiences.

Students are encouraged to participate in local, regional, and national organizations related to their programs of study.

The following organizations maintain campus chapters or area chapters for student membership at STC:

Associate of Science in Nursing Club
Having Equity, Resources and Opportunities Equals Success (HEROES) Club
Helping Hands Club
National Technical Honor Society
Phi Beta Lambda
Phi Theta Kappa
Radiologic Technology Club
SkillsUSA
Student Government Association
Wildlife Club

Students interested in organizing clubs not listed should contact the Vice President of Student Affairs.

Associate of Science in Nursing Club

The goal of the Associate of Science in Nursing (ASN) Club is to promote a positive image of nursing practice; aid in the development of the whole person, his/her professional role, his/her responsibility for health care of people in all walks of life; and assume responsibility for contributing to nursing education in order to provide for the highest quality of health care. The club helps with community activities within the surrounding service areas.

Having Equity, Resources and Opportunities Equals Success (HEROES) Club

The purpose of HEROES is to provide students with the moral support needed to reach their educational goals. Students are provided opportunities to develop both personally and professionally through participation in education, civic and social activities. Membership is open to any STC student, but the main focus is students in a non-traditional program (example: males in nursing or cosmetology; females in truck driving or electronics), a single parent, displaced homemaker or single pregnant women.

Helping Hands Club

The purpose of the club is to enhance the learning experience by promoting professional extracurricular activities and opportunities for Cosmetology students that include participation in campus student activities and field trips to conferences, workshops, and hair shows. Helping Hands encourages its members to become the “helping hand” by making a difference in the lives of members of the community on and off campus from raising money and awareness to support breast cancer research and education to sponsoring Beauty Days for the elderly and disabled.

National Technical Honor Society (NTHS)

NTHS is the acknowledged leader in the recognition of outstanding student achievement in career & technical education. The mission of the National Technical Honor Society is to honor student achievement and leadership, encourage higher scholastic achievement, cultivate a desire for personal excellence, and enhance career opportunities for top students.

A chapter of NTHS was established at STC to reward student achievement and encourage scholastic excellence. To qualify for membership the student must be regularly admitted to a diploma or degree program, have completed at least 35 cumulative hours, have an overall GPA of at least 3.50, and exhibit professional work ethics.

Phi Beta Lambda (PBL)

Membership is open to all students interested in pursuing a business or business-related career. PBL membership accounts for approximately 13,000 members with 600 chapters in the United States, Puerto Rico and the Virgin Islands. PBL members initiate business ventures, organize community service projects, attend state and national leadership conferences and participate in fundraisers. Members gain a competitive edge in the business world by interacting with local companies and their executives.

PBL uses teamwork to accomplish common personal and social goals. The purpose of PBL is to provide opportunities for students to develop vocational competencies for business and

office occupations. PBL promotes a sense of civic and personal responsibility.

Phi Theta Kappa

The mission of Phi Theta Kappa is to recognize academic excellence among two-year college students, and the purpose of Beta Phi Psi Chapter of Phi Theta Kappa at Southeastern Technical College shall be the promotion of scholarship, the development of leadership and service and the cultivation of fellowship among the two-year qualified students of this college.

Candidates for membership in the Beta Phi Psi Chapter of Phi Theta Kappa at Southeastern Technical College must have completed 12 semester hours of associate degree course work with a Grade Point Average of 3.5 on a 4.0 scale, and adhere to the school conduct code and possess recognized qualities of citizenship.

Radiologic Technology Club

The goal of the Radiologic Technology Club is to promote the practice of Radiologic Technology as a career, develop leadership skills for future leaders within the profession, and to enhance the quality of services provided by the radiologic technologist. This is achieved by encouraging students to participate and be involved in activities on campus and within the community, state, and profession. This club also helps provide funding for educational conferences and seminars, and organizes educational activities on technological advances in imaging. Membership is open to all students who have been officially accepted to the Radiologic Technology Degree program.

SkillsUSA

SkillsUSA is a partnership of students, teachers, and industry working together to ensure America has a skilled work force. SkillsUSA helps each student excel. SkillsUSA mission is to help its members become world-class workers, leaders, and responsible American citizens.

Students are provided quality education experiences in leadership, teamwork, citizenship, and character development. SkillsUSA programs include local, state, and national competitions in which more than 5,400 students compete in 91 occupational and leadership skill areas.

Student Government Association

The Student Government, with representation from throughout the student body, provides a channel through which students may exhibit leadership, voice concerns, and enhance communication among students, faculty, and staff. The Student Government also promotes programs and activities of interest to students.

Wildlife Club

The Wildlife Club was formed to promote wildlife practices and ethics. The mission of the Club is to enhance the members' wildlife knowledge and ethical backgrounds. The club will promote the desirable character traits of responsibility, loyalty, honesty, trustworthiness, dependability, reliability, initiative, and self-discipline. All of which will be needed when making the transition from school to a career in wildlife management. The club members will work with local communities and schools on wildlife related projects.

President's List

Students who earn a grade point average (GPA) of 3.75 while enrolled in 12 or more semester credit hours will receive recognition by having their name published on the President's List for that academic semester. Students must have an admissions status of Regular to be eligible for the President's List. Students receiving an Incomplete or In Progress (I or IP) in any class are not eligible for the President's List. Students whose grades are changed due to appeal after the beginning of the following semester will not be placed on the President's List.

GOAL Program

The GOAL (Georgia Occupational Award of Leadership) program honors excellence in academics and leadership among the students of the Technical College System of Georgia. It also emphasizes the importance of technical education in today's global workforce. A GOAL winner is selected from each of the technical colleges throughout the system. Those winners advance to regional and state competitions to determine a state GOAL winner. The state winner is announced in Atlanta each year and has the responsibility of carrying out all duties pertaining to the state GOAL winner.

To qualify for GOAL, the student must be nominated by his/her instructor. They must have at least 12 semester hours of academic work completed and maintain a 3.0 GPA before nomination. The student must also be in "good standing" with the college and remain in the same program group throughout the GOAL selection process.

Voter Registration

In accordance with the Higher Education Act of 1998, Southeastern Technical College makes a good-faith effort to distribute voter registration forms and to make such forms available to its students. Students who need voter registration forms for general elections, and special elections for federal office, including elections for governor and other state chief executives, may secure these forms from the Office for Student Affairs. Disabled students who wish to register may contact Southeastern Technical College's Special Needs Coordinator.