Student Support Services and Resources cont.

English as a Second Language

English as a Second Language classes focus on learning how to speak, read, understand, and write the English Language. These classes are available continuously to the community. For further information, please call (210) 486-2747. Each course has a curriculum that is specifically designed to meet the academic needs of the individual learner.

Library

The St. Philip’s College Library has two locations. The main location is in the Center for Learning Resources (CLR), a wing of the Multipurpose Building at St. Philip’s College, located at 1801 Martin Luther King Dr. The second location is in Building 1, at Southwest Campus, located at 800 Quintana Rd. Both libraries feature quiet, comfortable study areas, including group and individual study rooms. They offer computers with Internet and software programs for student projects, email, and research. Photocopiers and printers are also provided, as well as rooms for library instruction and media viewing. A small fee is charged per page for computer printouts and photocopies. The Reference and Instruction staff periodically give tours and are available during operating hours for help with research needs.

The Library’s collections include books, music CDs, and DVDs, all of which may be checked out, as well as numerous print periodicals and reference materials for in-library use.

The library’s web site provides patrons with quick online access to books, articles and other media through the Alamo Colleges (AC) online Library Catalog and electronic databases. As these tools are Web-based, patrons can easily access library holdings and resources from any Alamo Colleges Library or from their home or office through the library’s web site.

Other resources found on the Web site includes general library information, library guides, and library-service request forms. SPC faculty may contact any Librarian or complete a request form to schedule bibliographic/library instruction.

Distance Learning

Distance Learning is a form of education, where students work interactively with faculty and other students via the use of a combination of communication tools which include a learning management system with access to class notes, tests and quizzes, discussion forums, email, conferencing tools, and other instructor-selected resources. Students with scheduling or distance problems can benefit, as can employees, because distance learning can be more flexible in terms of time and can be delivered virtually anywhere. Distance Learning Courses are the same as on campus courses in terms of academic quality, credit hours, transferability, and cost.

Popular distance learning delivery methods used at St. Philip’s College include:

Online Courses
Internet or Online Courses are a convenient and flexible alternative for obtaining college credit.  Instead of attending classes on campus, students may take a college course from home, office or other convenient location using a computer with Internet access.  Students can access assignments, notes, class presentations and exams through the Internet at times that fit their schedules.  Online courses are the same as on-campus classes in credit hours, transferability and cost and are taught by distance learning certified faculty members

Hybrid or Blended Courses:  “Hybrid” or “Blended” are names commonly used to describe courses in which some traditional face-to-face time has been replaced by online learning activities. In a hybrid course, a portion of the class learning activities are online, which reduces the amount of time spent in a traditional, face-to-face classroom. 

Difference between a hybrid and online?  Students who take hybrid courses continue to meet in the classroom for the number of scheduled hours for that course. An online or distance course is conducted entirely online. 

Web-Enhanced Courses:  Web enhanced courses meet on campus, however instructors may use the Canvas platform for assignments, notes, class presentations or exams.

Canvas Overviews: Overview sessions are available at the start of each semester and cover how to navigate the Canvas platform and its tools, as well as how to be a successful online student. The overview sessions cover how to access the course content, how to use the communication tools such as mail and discussion tools, how to take a test, and how to check your grades. The overview does not replace your class orientation. Check the Center for Distance Learning web site for the schedule of Canvas Overviews.

Online Course Requirements & Skills:  Online courses provide an alternative course delivery mode for students. The successful distance learning student must be highly motivated, self-disciplined, goal-oriented, focused and self-directed.  Students considering enrollment in an online course should be able to meet the following minimal technical requirements and skills.

• Have access to the Internet
• Possess basic Internet navigation skills
• Have an email account and basic email skills
• Have a working knowledge of the Windows or Mac computer environment

For further information regarding the above items, students may contact the instructor listed for each course. Additionally, students may also visit the St. Philip’s College Center for Distance Learning site at http://www.alamo.edu/spc/distance-learning/ or call (210) 486-2239.

SmarterMeasure:  It is also highly recommended that you take the SmarterMeasure online assessment to determine if you are a good candidate for online classes. The assessment results will also provide resources to help you better prepare to take online classes. You can find the SmarterMeasure assessment tool at http://stphilips.smartermeasure.com/. Login with Username: spcstudent  Password: spcuser

Brainfuse - 24/7 Online Tutoring

St. Philip’s College provides Brainfuse online tutoring service. Brainfuse is simple to use and is always available. Students connect to live educators from any computer that has Internet access, with no special software installation or equipment required. Students work one-on-one, in real-time with a tutor, communicating using a virtual whiteboard technology.

Access Brainfuse through ACES or through your Canvas courses.

Archives

St. Philip’s College Archives is located on the third floor of the Center for Learning Resources on the Martin Luther King campus. The St. Philip’s College Archives holds a wide array of materials relating to the rich history of the Historically Black and Hispanic Serving College and the surrounding community. Students will find photographs, oral history interviews as well as correspondence and other personal documents from prominent people in local and American history - Bishop James Steptoe Johnston, Ms. Artemisia Bowden and Dr. Clarence Norris, Sr., to name a few. Unlike library materials, St. Philip’s archival materials provide a first-hand look at the historically significant episodes of the College’s history that encapsulate the struggle for economic survival, the vision to provide equal educational opportunities for all, the fight for civil rights and the determination to serve the academic and skill development needs of the community.  Students have access to authentic historical documents to support their coursework as well as to enhance their learning opportunities by experiencing and judging history for themselves.  An archivist is available by appointment to answer questions and provide access to the materials.

Room and Board

St. Philip’s College assumes no responsibility for boarding or lodging for a student. St. Philip’s College has no dormitories, so each student is responsible for securing his or her own room and board. The college cafeteria is a contracted vendor who serves three (3) meals per day, Monday through Thursday and two (2) meals on Friday.

Child Development Center

St. Philip’s College Child Development Center is located on the northwest corner of the campus for optimal convenience and  can accommodate up to 57 children.  The Center is licensed by the Texas Department of Family and Protective Services. The Center became nationally accredited by the National Association for the Education of Young Children in January 2005. The Center is a Four-Star Designed Vendor for Child Care Delivery Services and a Training Laboratory for SPC Students. The center provides full-time, quality early care and education for children 18 months to 5 years of age. An emergent curriculum is  offered along with emphasis on short- and long-term projects.  Students, staff, faculty, and community members are eligible to use the facility. Hours of operation for child care are Monday - Friday 7:30am-4:30pm during the Fall and Spring semesters only. The front office is open during the summer Monday - Thursday 7:00am - 6:00pm, closed Fridays. The facility will be closed on  all Alamo Colleges holidays.  Childcare fees are in accordance with Alamo Colleges’ policy and include breakfast, lunch, and an afternoon snack in accordance with USDA guidelines. Enrollment will be provided on a first-come basis. For additional information, please contact the Center at 210-486-2500.

Service-Learning at St. Philip’s College

Service-learning is a teaching method that links community service with learning objectives in academic and vocational/technical courses at St. Philip’s College. This model of learning combines classroom instruction and real-world application, benefiting both the student and the community equally.  For example, students completing education classes can develop their skills by spending time serving in an elementary school classroom, or biology students can better understand their subject matter while improving their environment. Reflection activities and critical thought are then used to connect the service experience with the coursework. Student participating in this educational experience will be more prepared to face the complexities of the workplace. Service-learning brings together learning and social responsibility to craft a more well-rounded student. The program impacts student academic motivation, needs in the community, leadership development and civic responsibility.

Reasons to enroll in service-learning classes:

• Apply theory learned in the classroom
• Gain real-world experience
• Help your community
• Increase your chances of getting scholarships
• Added experience to your application to four-year institutions and to your resume

For more information about service-learning at St. Philip’s College, please contact 210-486-2246.

Student Life

The Department of Student Life is responsible for non-instructional areas of the college. We focus on providing personal development, including educational, health, cultural, social and recreational programs for all students.  Inherent in the development of each student is the opportunity to learn leadership skills and to participate in co-curricular campus activities and programs. The Department of Student Life provides students with a wide range of opportunities to participate in the St. Philip’s College experience and become engaged members of our campus community.

Student Life units include the Student Health Center, Student Center, Student Activities, Student Government, Student Organizations, and Extramural Sports. The Department focuses on aiding students in the identification and development of leadership skills, creating networking and mentorship opportunities, and creating a safe and positive environment on campus. The Department includes two student centers: the E.L Turbon Student Center, currently located in Norris Technical Building, Room 307,  at the MLK Campus, and Building 1, room D-143 at St. Philip’s College-Southwest. The Department also has two Health Centers: SLC 127 at the MLK Campus and C-100 at St. Philip’s College-Southwest.

E.L Turbon Student Center

The E.L. Turbon Student Center houses the Department of Student Life and is currently under renovation. During the renovation, Student Life services are housed on the 3^rd floor of the Norris Technical Building.  The Center is the “home away from home” for students. Here they can relax, study, visit with friends, eat, or engage in competitive games. The Center has meeting rooms, an eating area, a big screen TV, viewing area, a lounge, and houses the Student Government Association (SGA) and Collegiate 100 offices. The Center has ping pong and pool tables, and students bring in a wide assortment of video games. Table top games such as dominoes, chess, and board games are also available.

Entertainment in the Center during a semester offers something for everyone. Live music, caricatures, dance exhibitions, mechanical bull rides, poetry slams, and magicians are a few of the events that one can expect to see on campus. This entertainment is free to students. Noted speakers provide workshops on self-help, leadership, and development topics. Join us each Wednesday for Spirit Day.

Students are encouraged to get involved in student organizations. There are numerous student clubs on campus. There are Social Clubs, Special Interest Clubs, and clubs organized by Educational Departments. Information on student clubs and organizations can be found in Room 304 of the Student Center in the Norris Technical Building. The Student Life Office also services a Student Center at the Southwest Campus, located in Building 1 Room D143 which also includes recreational equipment, lounge areas, and a big screen TV for student use.

Student Activities

Student Life provides engaging activities that enhance the college experience at St. Philip’s College. Student Life activities build a sense of community and pride within the college, and create connections between the college and its students.

A few ways Student Life connects students are through:

• student organizations,
• campus events/activities
• Student Success Newsletter 
• recreation and,
• Social development

For more information visit our web site at http://www.alamo.edu/spc/student-life/

Athletics

St. Philip’s College supports activities ranging from men and women’s basketball to women’s volleyball, soccer, golf, cheerleading, and everything in between.  Come out, support and participate in all of the activities! Student Life supports activities beneficial to the health and wellness of SPC students.

• Extramural Sports (i.e., Men’s/Women’s Basketball)
• Cheerleading
• Intramural Sports (i.e.,  Flag Football, Soccer, Basketball, Volleyball)
• Tournaments (Dodgeball)
• Golf (serve on the student team for the SPC Golf Tournament in March each year)

Student Academic Grievance Policy

Faculty is responsible for classroom management, teaching strategies, testing, and evaluation of student performance. At academic institutions conflicts may develop within the educational process that requires academic intervention using the Academic Grievance process. When student complaints cannot be resolved through informal interaction with a faculty member or chair/coordinator, students are directed to use the Academic Grievance procedure (F.4.6) by completing the below Student Academic Grievance form, available from any division chair. Students are encouraged to use the Academic Grievance process only when there is clear and convincing evidence that a faculty member has treated the student unfairly, arbitrarily, or capriciously. The Academic Grievance procedure allows for unresolved complaints to continue moving from student, to instructor, to division chair, to dean until consensus is reached or final decision affirming or denying the grievance is made by the appropriate dean.

Student Non-Academic Grievance Procedure

See Alamo Colleges Board Policy F.4.7.1

Disability Services (Special Populations)

Disability Services is committed to ensuring that all programs, services and facilities are accessible to and provide equal opportunities for education to all students.

The Disability Services coordinates accommodations for SPC students with permanent disabilities as defined by the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) of 1990 and Section 504 of the 1973 Rehabilitation Act. These laws prohibit the discrimination in the recruitment, admission or treatment of students.

Guidelines to Establish Accommodations:

• Students self-disclose and request accommodations through the Disability Services office.
• Students are encouraged to provide current documentation to include a diagnosis of the functional limitation of the individual. Disability Services will schedule and intake interview to discuss reasonable accommodations.
• Disability Services will schedule and intake interview to discuss reasonable accommodations.
• Confidential Letters of Accommodation are provided to the student or may be emailed to the instructor for online courses.
• A Renewal of Services Form is required each semester the student seeks accommodations.

Accommodations to students may include but are not limited to:

• Extended Test Time
• Alternative Test Site
• Reader/Scribe for Course Exams or TSI placement test
• Adaptive Technology
• In Class accommodations
• One-on-One tutoring for some course subjects

Disability Services does not provide personal tutoring, personal attendants, parking permits, personal counseling, etc.

Disability Services is located in the Sutton Learning Center (SLC), 1^st floor, Suite102.  Please call us at 210- 486-2295 or 210-486-2199 for additional information.

Interpreter Services

Specific information regarding interpreter services for Deaf and Hard of Hearing individuals may be made at 210-486-1110 or at 210-853-5042 (Video Phone). The office is located at San Antonio College, Nail Technical Center, Room 109 G.

College Health Services

The Student Health Center, staffed with professionally trained and licensed nurses, educates and informs the college community of the art of “staying well”. Student Health Center staff is readily available to respond and administer first aid to on-site emergency injuries and illnesses.

Visit the Student Health Center to get:

• Consultations on health-related problems
• Basic First Aid treatment
• Basic over the counter medications
• General health monitoring
• Health Information Pamphlets
• Information on the Affordable Health Care Act
• Information on community-based health organizations

For more information visit our web site at http://www.alamo.edu/spc/student-health-center/

College Health Centers Locations:
 

Phi Theta Kappa

Phi Theta Kappa, founded in 1918, is recognized as the official honor society for two-year colleges by the American Association of Community Colleges.

Among the Society’s distinguished alumni are the late Ambassador Jeane Kirkpatrick, astronaut Fred Haise, and journalist Jim Lehrer.

Why do I want ot be a member?

Membership in Phi Theta Kappa is a permanent recognition of your hard work and academic achievement. That is why membership in Phi Theta Kappa is a special honor. Your membership will be recognized by colleges, universities, and potential employers.

For more information visit our web site at http://www.alamo.edu/main.aspx?id=3365

Public Safety and Police Services

• The Department of Public Safety (DPS) has an emergency phone located outside the DPS office for immediate assistance.
• Courtesy Patrol Assistance is available for locked keys and dead batteries during the hours of 7 a.m. to 3 p.m. and 5 p.m. to 10 p.m.
• Escort service is also available for anyone needing assistance to his or her vehicle.

EMERGENCY TELEPHONE NUMBER (210) 485-0911
NON-EMERGENCY NUMBER (210) 485-0099

Police protection is afforded 24 hours a day, 365 days a year. The primary objective of the patrol officer is to provide a safe environment for the employees, students, and the community. Protection of life and property.

Police duties include but are not limited to the following:

• Patrol functions (vehicle, foot, and bike);
• Identify suspicious activities and persons;
• Conduct field interviews;
• Conduct field investigations;
• Respond to call(s) for service;
• Provide escorts;
• Non-emergency requests;
• Traffic enforcement;
• Traffic accident investigations;
• Respond to alarms;
• Conduct investigations;
• Community relations;
• Crime prevention activity;
• Disturbance calls;
• Record the above (written reports).

Calls are assigned to the patrol officer on a priority basis. Criminal calls have priority over service calls or non-emergency requests. The DPS also has bike patrols assigned to all campuses between the hours of 6:00 a.m. and 10:00 p.m. The bike officers patrol the interior of all campuses as well as the parking lots.

Campus Parking Regulations

Every student attending classes who operates a motor vehicle and parks on the College campus must purchase and properly display a “Student Parking Registration”  (see Tuition Section). To be valid, the Parking Registration must be placed on the passenger front window with the registration number facing the front of the vehicle.  A  registration placed in any other manner will be classified as “No Registration.”  Parking registrations are valid for one (1) academic year (September 1 through August 31.) The purchase of a Parking Registration DOES NOT guarantee the student a parking space on the College campus, but only authorizes the student to park in authorized “student”  parking lots if space is available and the Parking Registration is properly displayed. It is imperative that the student who operates a motor vehicle secures a copy of the Traffic and Parking Rules and Regulations at the time he or she purchases the Parking Registration. This will minimize misunderstandings and penalties involving the issuance of Parking Citations.

The Alamo Colleges Department of Public Safety Officers are commissioned Peace Officers vested with the power and authority to issue traffic citations and summons, to arrest and file charges, if necessary in the City or Justice of the Peace Courts. A student found in violation of the Traffic and Parking Rules and Regulations will be issued a Traffic/Parking Citation. Each Campus citation is $12.00 if paid within ten (10) days of the issue date on the citation. Fines shall be paid at the Bursar’s Office or mailed in. If not paid within ten (10) days of the issue date on the citation, the fine increases to $18.00. The Alamo Colleges Department of Public Safety Office may be contacted at (210) 485-0099. For citation information call (210) 486-2999. There is a 24-hour dispatcher on duty for emergency service who may be contacted at (210) 222-0911.  If you are issued a Justice of the Peace citation, you must appear in the court stated on the citation.  Failure to appear may result in criminal charges.

Military Education Program

Servicemen’s Opportunity College (SOC)

In recognition of the unique educational problems confronting many Army active-duty military in attaining their educational goals, the College has sought official registration as a Servicemen’s Opportunity College. A pledge of continuous effort is made to fulfill the educational commitment to the military by maintaining the standards specified by the criteria of a SOC, using promising new approaches to meet the educational needs of the military.

Guidelines for Evaluation of Military Educational Experiences and SOC Enrollment

The following procedures should be employed by a military person desiring to have his or her educational records evaluated for college credit to participate in the SOC Program.

Step 1: Submit an official Joint Seervices Transcripts (JST) for the evaluation of educational experience during  military service.  Credit will only be granted if military educational experiences are relevant to the declared subject major.
Step 2: Retain a copy of the Joint Services Transcripts (JST) transcript, and schedule an appointment with Ms. Tracy Shelton (Records and Registration) to discuss the SOC program and the College’s degree plans.

Information and Communication Technology

General Use Computer Labs

General use computer labs are provided by Information and Communication Technology (SPC-IT) in the Norris Technical Building on the Martin Luther King (MLK) Campus, on the Southwest Campus in Buildings 1 and 3, at Randolph Air Force Base, and at Lackland Air Force Base. These labs contain networked personal computers, printers, and a large assortment of academic and productivity software.  The SPC-IT general use computer labs are connected to the Internet.  General use computer labs are scheduled by faculty members to support the academic needs of their students.

Open IT Student Computer Labs

Networked computers with Microsoft Office Suite, special-use software and Internet access are available for student use in open labs on the MLK Campus and SW Campus. Students can use the open lab computers to access their ACES account. Open computer labs are available at the MLK Campus in the TnT Center, Norris Technical Building 116 (NTB) and at Southwest Campus in Building 3, Room 105 on a first-come, first-served basis during open lab hours.   Lab hours will be posted at the beginning of each semester.

Students are expected to follow all the Alamo Colleges’ Acceptable Computer Use Procedures.  These procedures are available in the student computer labs and can be found on the SPC-IT Website.

For information, contact:  Information and Communication Technology, 

St. Mary’s University Military Science (MS) Army ROTC

(Available to St. Philip’s College students)

The Alamo Colleges (St. Philip’s College), have an agreement to participate in the Army Reserve Officers Training Corps (ROTC) Program with the St. Mary’s University Department of Military Science. A student from St. Philip’s College who wishes to take Army ROTC may enroll for the course just as they would any other class. Ensure that the prerequisites are met prior to enrolling.  Students may opt to attend class at either the University of the Incarnate Word or at St Mary’s University.

A mandatory Leadership Laboratory is held every Wednesday afternoon from 2-4 PM, to further develop leadership skills through a varied program consisting of field trips, practical exercises, and visits to military installations. This laboratory is required each semester for all ROTC students. In most cases, ROTC cadets may receive an academic minor in Military Science.

The Coordinator for Military Science, Michael Dillard, is the point of contact for students from St. Philip’s who want more information about ROTC. You may contact him at 210-486-2389 or SLC 219X. You may also contact the Army ROTC program at St Mary’s University in Treadaway Hall for more information.  The telephone number is (210) 436-3415 or email at rotc@stmarytx.edu.

  *   Four-Year Program

The Basic Course, usually pursued concurrently with the freshman and sophomore years, is voluntary for students who are physically qualified for military training. There is no obligation incurred by non-scholarship Basic Course cadets. Active Duty, Reserve or National Guard veterans who have completed basic training, or High School students who have completed three or four years of High School JROTC may be granted credit for the Basic Course with approval from the Professor of Military Science.

Students who are physically qualified and have met the standards in academic achievement and demonstrated leadership ability may pursue the Advanced Course. Cadets are normally enrolled in the Advanced Course during their Junior and Senior Year. Students are required to attend the five-week ROTC Leadership Development Assessment Course (LDAC) the summer following their junior year at Fort Knox, Kentucky. Upon satisfactory completion of LDAC and the academic work required for a degree, students are commissioned as Second Lieutenants in the United States Army, Army Reserve, or the Army National Guard.

  *   Two-Year Program

In addition to the standard four-year course outlined above, the Army ROTC offers a two-year program for those who did not complete or receive credit for the ROTC Basic Course. In order to enroll in the Advanced Course under the two-year program, a student must successfully complete four weeks of leadership training, provided at the Leadership Training Course (LTC) during the summer months prior to beginning their junior year of college. If students desire to take advantage of this opportunity, they should communicate directly with the Professor of Military Science no later than March 1st of the year preceding the Fall semester of their junior year. Those students seeking a Master’s Degree are eligible to participate in our two-year program.

  *   Scholarship and Remuneration

The Department of the Army offers four, three, and two-year competitive scholarship assistance to qualifying ROTC students. This assistance consists of payment up to $20,000 a year to cover tuition and fees, and a $1200.00 per year book allotment, plus a monthly stipend of $250.00 to $450.00 per month during the period of enrollment (not to exceed 40 months). The student need not be enrolled in the ROTC program prior to competing for a scholarship. Students interested in competing for scholarship assistance under this program should contact the Army ROTC Enrollment Officer at St Mary’s University (rotc@stmarytx.edu).

  *   Uniform and Equipment

All uniforms, textbooks and other equipment will be issued to students enrolled in Army ROTC courses at no cost. Students are responsible for the maintenance and upkeep of all items issued to them.

Veterans Affairs

The mission of the Office of Veterans Affairs is to assist St. Philip’s College students to efficiently and accurately process VA certification requests and Hazelwood Act exemption requests for eligible veterans and/or their dependents.

The SPC Office of Veterans Affairs is a signatory to the Presidential Executive Order — Establishing Principles of Excellence for Educational Institutions Serving Service Members, Veterans, Spouses, and Other Family Members.

The Office of Veteran Affairs offers assistance to students receiving educational assistance under one of the public laws for veterans and/or their dependents. Students utilizing Veteran Affairs benefits and/or the Hazelwood exemption should contact the Veteran Affairs Office to obtain information regarding enrollment and specific requirements.

New student veterans and/or dependents are required to declare a major and provide official transcripts from every institution attended, including appropriate military transcripts (AARTs for Army, SMART for Marine Corps and Navy and CCAF for Air Force).

Students using VA benefits and/or the Hazelwood exemption must notify the Office of Veterans Affairs of any adds, drops, course, or program changes.

Approved work site for VA Work Study Program