Student Support Services

A comprehensive system of services that includes, but is not limited to, the following: assessment of academic needs; determination of non-academic needs; development, implementation, and monitoring of support services plans; attention to personal problems; career; employment guidance; assistance with interpersonal relations; academic counseling; proper referral to campus/community resources; culture awareness activity; and student advocacy.

MathWorld is the Math tutoring and learning assistance center operated by the Mathematics Department, under the Center for Excellence in Mathematics. MathWorld consists of 4 rooms with over 60 computers and is staffed by the Instructional Skills Team consisting of 10 Instructional Skills Specialists (all called Bob).  The IS Team has over 250 years of combined teaching experience.  With ten vastly different personalities, you will find the “Bob” that works best for you.  With a little help from your “Bob,” you can pass any Math course.

During the Fall and Spring semesters, hours of operation are Monday through Thursday, 8am to 8pm, and Friday and Saturday, 8am to 2pm. Hours are slightly reduced during the Summer sessions. Times are subject to change due to staffing and student enrollment. MathWorld is located in NTB 307. Contact: Call Bob at (210) 486-2893.

The Coordinator of Foreign Students is the first point of contact for a prospective international student who seeks information regarding admission procedures for the college. The coordinator serves as a liaison between the college and the United States Citizenship and Immigration Service (USCIS). Additional purposes of the coordinator are to (1) issue the Form I-20, (2) establish and maintain files for each student, (3) provide counseling and guidance for international students, (4) keep students informed regarding the rules and regulations for the United States Citizenship and Immigration Service (USCIS) and St. Philip’s College, (5) serve as a point of contact for all departments on campus on all matters relative to international students, (6) provide services required by this special population of students, such as verification of enrollment to home country, confirm authenticity of documents submitted, granting clearance for registration, etc.

International students must enroll full-time (12 semester hours or more) and pay hospitalization insurance (Alamo Colleges Board policy) every Fall and Spring semester. The deadline to submit all required documents (application, transcripts, verification of financial resources, TOEFL, etc.) are June 1st for Fall, October 1st for Spring, March 1st for Summer. For additional information, contact the International Student Services Office at (210) 486-2876. (See index for additional information regarding international student).

The Department of Counseling Center serves as a starting point for entering students. It’s also a source of assistance to all students in adjusting to college, making career decisions, and dealing with academic issues. The Department provides the following services:

• Comprehensive counseling and guidance designed to assist a student with goal setting and degree planning, as well as provide academic, vocational, personal, and career counseling;
• College Orientation (an introduction to the College Experience) is available for all entering students;
• Counseling and academic advisement for Liberal Arts and undecided majors;
• College transfer services to aid students in making their transfer experience more efficient and rewarding;
• Career services to help student identify, develop, evaluate, and effectively implement career objectives.

For additional information, contact the counseling center at 486-2333

The Transfer Center provides a variety of services and information for students who are interested in transferring to a four-year college or university.  While attending St. Philip’s College, a student may complete a joint admission agreement and follow a degree plan designated by a specific university.  The degree plan permits the student to take only those courses which will apply towards a specific major at a specific university. Once the student completes all of the courses on the degree plan (with a minimum of 60 credit hours), he/she will earn an Associate Degree in Liberal Arts.

The objectives of the Transfer Center are as follows:

1. To assist students who are planning to transfer to another college or university by providing them with information for admission, selectivity of specific colleges, financial aid, on and off-campus housing, college costs, and when and where one can apply.
2. To provide a college catalog library.
3. To provide course equivalency sheets, 2+2/Joint Admission Agreements, Transfer Core Curriculum Sheets and Transfer Planning Guides.
4. To assist students in reaching their long-range educational and vocational goals.
5. To aid students in making their transfer experience a seamless process.

The Transfer Center is located in the Counseling Center Office in SLC Room 103-F. For additional information, contact the center at (210) 486-2649.

Assessment Center (Office of Advising and Assessment)

1. High School Equivalency–General Educational Development Test (GED)
2. Accuplacer placement test

Operational Procedure. Individuals desiring to take a test should see an advisor for selection of appropriate examination(s), after which the candidate may be scheduled for testing or receive further information and assistance from the Office of Advising and Assessment, SLC 205 (second floor), (210) 486-2262.

Credit  by Examinations.  The College will accept test results on the following assessment instruments for the awarding of credit or advanced placement:

1. CLEP;
2. Defense Activity for Non-Traditional Education Support (DANTES) and DANTES Subject Standardized Test (SSTs);
3. College Entrance Examination Board Advanced Placement Program (CEEB-APP); and
4. Institutional/Departmental Exams. No more than 32 hours of non- traditional credit may be awarded. With the exception of Advanced Standing Credit, credits earned by non-traditional methods are not posted on the transcripts until the student has satisfied the three (3) semester hours resident requirement. (CREDIT BY NON-TRADITIONAL METHODS may be referred to for additional information.)

The Office of Advising and Assessment was  established with the mission to improve and expand faculty academic advising for  students across the College and to unite assessment and advisement in support of developmental education and retention programs of the College.  Advising and Assessment staff members coordinate and monitor the College faculty’s academic advising program, administer the institutional assessment program, including  Accuplacer, ASSET,  THEA Test, GED, etc., and act as liaison among the Counseling Office, Admission and Enrollment Services, Records and Registration, and the Developmental Education Program.

The Office of Advising and Assessment seeks to integrate the resources and expertise of academic and vocational faculty and professional student service personnel in the delivery of advisement services to students. Areas covered in the academic advising process include exploration of life and educational/career goals, identification of the appropriate education program for the student, selection of courses and scheduling of classes. To improve the advisement skills of the faculty, the Office of Advising and Assessment conducts orientations for  students, in-service workshops for faculty, and monitors the placement and progress of  developmental students.

A student enrolling in Health Professions is required to submit an application form to the respective department. Placement tests are required. An interested person should contact the Department of Health Professions or Nursing Education department at least six (6) months prior to enrolling to obtain application information. Several Health Science programs have college-level prerequisite course requirements that must be completed prior to admission to the programs.
 

Admission Criteria
The applicant must be 18 years of age. High school diploma or GED. Applicants must have a minimum of a 2.0 GPA or the equivalent of a cumulative “C” average in all college course work/or high school. Submit 200 word double space essay: typed, 12 font - Times New Roman on why you choose St. Philip’s College and what will contribute to your success in completing the program.

 

Individuals who have completed High School requirements in a foreign country must submit an official high school transcript translated in English.  Contact the office of  Advising & Assessment for information regarding foreign transcripts. (210) 486-2262.
           
Requirements for Admission       
Entrance Exam / Pretest: Program requirement and Board of Nursing requirement (Rule 233.65)
 
Pass the required entrance exam with the scores established by the program as acceptable for admission.  Any one of the following exams may be taken:               
Accuplacer, ACT, ASSET and SAT, TASP/THEA scores (valid for (3) years).  
   
In an effort to admit students that are adequately prepared in the skills assessed by the entrance exam/s, the entrance exam required by the program will not be waived.
                                              
Individuals with college degrees, (regardless of the degree or type of degree),  must still qualify for admission by taking an entrance exam and must pass with the qualifying scores established by the program for admission.

Applicants must meet the entrance exam requirement before the application for admission is requested.

 

Eligibility for Licensure Issues
Persons planning to enroll in the Vocational Nursing Program who may have eligibility issues that could result in denial of licensure would not be eligible for admission.  The following are considered potential ineligibilities; criminal conduct and/or conviction; mental illness; chemical dependency including alcohol.

Persons with eligibility issues would not be eligible for admission until the declaratory order process is completed with the Texas Board of Nursing Examiners and proof of eligibility  for licensure is provided.

Eligibility for licensure information go to  www.bne.state.tx.us see BON rules and regulations Texas Administrative code rule 213.30   

Criminal background check:

• Applicant must consent for background check
• Applicant is responsible for the cost
• Persons with adverse report will be counseled by the program director to contact the BON to confirm licensure eligibility.

An applicant with declaratory orders pending will be eligible for admission if the BON determines that the applicant would be eligible for licensure. When the applicant shows proof that eligibility for licensure has been granted by the BON, the applicant will be placed in the order of current applicant roster for  admission.
   
Drug Screen:

• Applicant must consent to drug screen
• Applicant is responsible for the cost
• Applicants with a positive drug screen are not eligible for admission.

Program Information:

1. Immunizations must have documentation of two MMRs, Varicella (Chickenpox), current TD, TB screening or chest  X-Ray. Hepatitis-B series, Hepatitis-A series 
2. Applicants must complete Hepatitis B series (series of three) and  Hepatitis-A series (series of two) before application is submitted.
3. Must have current CPR (BCLS) card Infant, child and adult
4. All required immunizations as well as CPR must remain current while enrolled in the program.
5. Physical examination must be completed and signed by a physician. All questions on the physical exam must be answered.  
6. Reference letters (3) – All references must be verifiable, can include employer, co-worker (no family members)
7. Applicant must provide evidence of health insurance
8. A grade of C (77%) or greater must be earned in all nursing courses
9. All transcripts submitted must be official. College transcripts that indicate name of high school and date of graduation will be accepted.
10. GED certificates must include GED scores
11. High School transcripts from a foreign county must be translated in English before transcript is accepted. (see office of Advising and Assessment for more information)
12. All required documents must be completed.
13. Placement scores:  ACT, ASSET, SAT, TASP/THEA  (valid 3 years)
14. Incomplete applications will not be accepted.
     

Admission Criteria
The applicant must be admitted to St. Philip’s College prior to being accepted into the Associate Degree Nursing (ADN) Mobility Program.Please refer to the current college catalog for the general admission criteria. The LVN to ADN Mobility Program is subject to the Texas Success Initiative (TSI). Call the Office of Advising and Assessment for current information regarding TSI at 210-486-2262.

Minimum Requirements for Application to the St. Philip’s College LVN to ADN Mobility Program

The applicant desiring admission to the ADN Mobility Program must:

1. Hold a current license to practice vocational nursing in the State of Texas or be eligible for reciprocity.
2. Submit an official transcript from an accredited Vocational Nursing program.
3. Complete all of the required prerequisite courses with a grade of “C”or above and a cumulative grade point average of 2.5 or above.
4. Submit three letters of reference in which one must be from a Registered Nurse (RN) who has worked closely with the applicant, and one from a direct supervisor.
5. Applicant must hand carry copies of official transcripts including the official transcript from the applicant’s previous LVN program to the Nursing Education Department prior to applying for admission to the ADN Mobility Nursing Program. Applicants must be present when the transcripts are evaluated.
6. Applicant shall contact the nursing education department and schedule the nursing pre-entrance exam.
7. Request an application packet and submit completed packet by the posted deadline with all official transcripts.
8. Complete the application in accordance with the instructions.
9. A required scheduled interview for applicant seeking admission to the Nursing Mobility Program.
10. Applicants must submit proof of one year full time LVN clinical work with clinical experience within the last three (3) years.
11. Transfer of nursing courses will be considered on a case by case basis per review of the Program Director, Nursing Admissions Council, and Records and Registration Office.
12. The LVN-ADN Mobility Program applicant who has failed two courses in another nursing program will be ineligible for transfer or admission to the St. Philip’s College LVN-ADN Mobility Program.

Application Process
The applicant desiring admission to the LVN to ADN Mobility Program must:

1. Fulfill all requirements as stated above.
2. Submit a completed application packet and pre-entrance nursing exam by the posted deadline.
3. After the deadline, the Nursing Admission Council, composed of at least two faculty members and the Program Director, will review completed applications.

Program Information

1. The applicant for this program must be eligible to take the NCLEX-RN. Any potential student who has been convicted of a felony, implicated in a substance abuse or driving while intoxicated (DWI), must submit a declaratory order to the Texas Board of Nursing, and receive permission prior to being approved to take the NCLEX-RN. This process may take up to eighteen months. Potential students are encouraged to discuss their situation with the Texas Board of Nursing in Austin (512) 305-7400, prior to entering the program.
2. All prerequisites must be completed prior to application to the Nursing program.
3. Applicants admitted into the program must purchase liability insurance at premium rates applicable to current academic year.
4. Applicants must hold a current basic CPR certification while enrolled in the program.
5. Uniforms and necessary accessories must be purchased upon admission to the program.
6. Applicants selected for admission must have current immunizations. Refer to the admission packet for full details on required immunizations.
7. A grade of “C” (77%) or greater must be earned in all nursing courses. The student must earn a grade of “C” or greater in all courses in order to progress in or graduate from the nursing program.
    

GED preparation classes will assist individuals to pass the GED examination which is an equivalence exam to a high school diploma.  Subjects covered are Language Arts Reading, Language Arts Writing, Mathematics, Social Studies, and Science.  Adult Basic Education Classes focus on Reading, Writing, Language Arts, and Mathematics below the high school level.

These classes are available continuously to the community.  For further information, please call (210) 486-2561.

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.

The LRC is located on the third floor of the Sutton Learning Center (SLC).  It is comprised of three major areas: the Library, Media Services, and Computer Services.  The LRC at St. Philip’s College’s Southwest Campus is also under the umbrella of the College’s LRC.

SBC Technology Center

The SBC Technology Center is located in the SPC LRC main campus.  Computers were given to the LRC through a grant from the SBC Foundation of Southwestern Bell Communications, Inc.

Notebook computers are available for SPC students for in-library use.  To check out a notebook computer for in-library use, currently-enrolled SPC students in good standing must have a valid SPC identification card and a second form of current photo identification (i.e., a driver’s license or military identification card).  “In good standing” means no overdue materials through any ACCD library and no current fines.  There is a two-hour loan period.

The Library

The College library has 150,886 cataloged items, including over 63,500 books in its collection.  The main LRC has over 110,000 full text ERIC (Educational Resources) documents which may be accessed free by index available through the LRC ‘s Web Site: http://www.alamo.edu/spc/admin/lrc).

The LRC’s Web Site provides patrons with  quick access to an array of Web search engines plus numerous periodical indexes and full-text databases. Other information found on the Web site includes bibliographics, general information, as well as links to other Web sites. The Library subscribes to over 420 current print periodical and 68 databases. Music CDs, audio books, and videos may be checked out by patrons free of charge.  Videos  also may be viewed  on campus in the LRC’s TV/DVD viewing room. 

The LRC offers nearly 100 Dell computers that are available for student projects, email, Internet browsing and research.  LRC faculty instruct students on the use of the World Wide Web for research.  SPC faculty may contact the Reference Librarian to schedule bibliographic/library instruction. The Alamo Colleges Catalog is Web-based.  Patrons may easily access library holdings from any of the Alamo Colleges’ libraries or from their home or office. Technical Services is the “behind the scenes” department of the library.  It is responsible for ordering new materials, processing them, and entering their bibliographic information into the Alamo Colleges Web-based catalog.  A student or faculty member interested in having the Library purchase a particular item is invited to write up his or her request and leave it in the suggestion box or with a staff member.

The St. Philip’s College Archives is the official repository for historical records created by and about the College.  Documentary evidence is maintained on the ongoing life and work of  the College and surrounding community.  Access is granted on the basis of age, condition, and content of the records.  Researchers are required to request permission to publish and to note copyright permission and credit in print. The LCR’s Black Collection contains works by and about African-Americans.  The LRC’s permanent Diversity Display contains materials on African-Americans, Asian-Americans, Hispanic-Americans, Native-Americans, Women, and other Special Lifestyles.

A children’s area is provided for children while their parents/care givers are in the Library.  A child is invited to read, watch children’s videos, or play quietly with the Library’s toys.  Other “Youth” (under-18/non-student) policies are covered on the LRC’s Web Site:  http://www.alamo.edu/spc/admin/lrc.
      
Other services of the Library include photocopiers, printer(s), pianos, lockers, group and individual study rooms. (A small fee is charged per page for computer prints and photocopies.) The Reference staff periodically gives tours and helps with research needs.

Media Services

Media Services provide the campus with non-print-oriented instructional support.  It supplies and maintains, most of the audio-visual equipment that is used throughout the College. Another function of this department is to produce instructional and promotional materials for College programs and events.  Original materials are created using some of the latest technology in the areas of graphics arts, studio art, photography, educational television and sound services.

A student may utilize media  production services for class  projects by providing technicians  with supplies needed for the projects.  These services  include computer-generated graphics, transparencies, videotape editing and audio recording.  Sound amplification for student organization events can be arranged, as well as darkroom services for student publications.  Arrangements should be made well in advance.  Certain equipment items may also be checked out or used in the Library.

Computer Services

LRC Computer Operations supports the highly complex systems that  the Library utilizes, as well as being on call for hardware or software problems throughout the LRC. (Main Campus and Southwest Campus)

The Southwest Campus LRC serves the College’s facilities at 800 Quintana Road.  Students have access to a collection of over 14,000 items, including over 1,300 videos and over 70 periodicals.  Access to the items is provided through the Alamo Colleges Libraries Catalog.  The Library subscribes to online periodical databases (some full-text) via the LRC’s web page.  Computers are available in the Library for word-processing, bibliographic instruction, Internet research, and e-mail.  The LRC provides audio-visual equipment for library and classroom use.

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.

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 12 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 are from 7:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. Monday-Friday. 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 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, education majors 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.

The Student Life Department is responsible for non-instructional areas of the college that focus on the well being and personal development of the students.  Student Life units includes the Student Health Center, Student Activities, Student Government, and Student Organizations.  This Department also serves as the Campus Liaison for the Bookstore and The Cafeteria.  The Department sees as its primary mission aiding students in the identification and development of leadership skills, a vessel for establishing life-long friendships, and enhancement of acceptable social skills.  The Department is housed in the E.L. Turbon Student Center.

The E. L. Turbon Student Center

The Center is the “home away from home” for students.  Here they can relax, study, visit with friends, eat, or merely engage in competitive games.  Short naps between classes is another favorite Center activity.  The Center has meeting rooms, a snack area, a big screen TV, viewing area, a lounge, and houses The Student Government Association Office.  The Center has pool tables, a wide assortment of video games, and ping-pong tables.  Table top games such as dominoes, chess, yu-go-yu, and the like 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 but a few of the events that one can expect to see on campus.  Most of this entertainment is free to students.  Couple this with noted speakers, self-help and development workshops, and one has all the ingredients for a full and action packed semester.

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 the Center.

Lockers

A limited number of lockers are located in the Center.  These lockers are free and issued on a first come first serve basis.  Lockers can also be found in the Campus Center.

The Tiger, the SPC student newspaper, is printed monthly and in an online version.  It provides students interested in journalism and newspaper production with opportunities to be published.  Articles in The Tiger often publicize campus events and other topics of concern or importance to students, faculty, and staff.  Interested students should send an inquiry to cbrammer@mail.accd.edu.

The College Health Center is staffed with professionally trained and licensed Nurses.  The Center seeks to inform and educate the campus community in the art of “staying well.”  The staff is readily available to respond and administer first aid to on-site emergency injuries and illnesses.  A wide assortment of health related services are available at the Health Center.  They include but are not limited to the following:

• Consultation on health related problems
• Health Information Pamphlets
• Information on community-based health organizations

The Center presents health programs in cooperation with area health specific groups.  Campus wide Blood Donor Drives are coordinated by this office. Students with chronic health problems or disabilities are encouraged to consult with the Nurse at the beginning of each semester.  All students are encouraged to keep their Diphtheria-Tetanus immunizations up to date.

College Health Centers Locations:
 

• 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) 222-0911
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.

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 hang from the inside rear-view mirror 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.

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 Army/ACE Registry Transcript (AARTS) or Sailor/Marine Registry Transcript (SMART) 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 AARTS/SMART transcript, and schedule an appointment with Ms. Conyers (Servicemen’s Opportunity College Counselor) to discuss the SOC program and the College’s degree plans.

The Educational Support Services Department (ESS) at the College provides academic and psychosocial support services that are designed to promote student success.

Career Services

Career Services is located in the Sutton Learning Center (SLC) room 102 and offers free assistance to students and graduates alike.  We can provide assistance in choosing a career and college major, assistance with finding both full and or part time employment, help in developing a resume and assistance in locating an internship or practicum site.  We offer both group and individual sessions on interviewing techniques, dress for success and general labor market information.

Job notices are posted daily and employers are regularly seen on campus recruiting students for both full and part time positions.

We can be reached at 210-486-2397 or please feel free to stop in room SLC 102.

The Communication Skills Studio

The Communication Skills Studio, housed in the Counseling Department (SLC 103J), provides one-to-one tutoring for qualified students with specific disabilities. Referrals to this service must be made by the learning disabilities specialist on campus (located in NTB 106).

The Tutoring and Technology Lab Center (TnT)

The TnT is located in NTB 116 and offers free tutoring by peers, skills specialists, and college faculty in most academic courses that are offered at the college. Smarthinking, a free on-line tutoring service, is also available via each student’s PALS account. The TnT has a total of 50 computer workstations and 20 laptop computers for student use. Located within the Center are four breakout rooms and six carrels for individual study or testing. A flat screen LCD CCTV (My Reader) and an automatic adjustable table suited for students in wheelchairs are also available. The following specialized software and hardware are provided: JAWS, Magic Dragon Dictate Naturally Speaking Preferred, Kurzweil 1000 and 3000, SARA, a high speed scanner, Zoomtext and Fastforward.

Interpreter Services

Interpreter Services is located in NTB106 and is available to hearing impaired students. A TDD is available for student use.

Students who will be requesting interpreter services for the semester must register for classes during EARLY registration to insure interpreter services for all of his/her classes.  To find out the dates of early registration, please contact the registrar’s office at 210-486-2020, or check the web site at http://www.alamo.edu/spc/admin/regis.  If a student chooses to wait until late registration to register for classes, the Interpreter Services department cannot guarantee that interpreter services will be provided for all classes.

In accordance to new district policies and Section 54 of the Educational Code, effective Fall 2005, ALL students will be required to submit the following documents to Interpreter Services, to remain on file, in order to receive an approved tuition waiver for St. Philip’s College:

• Completed Educational Plan Application
  Student will be required to complete an Education Plan Application as provided by Interpreter Services prior to enrollment with St. Philip’s College and to update it when deemed appropriate. The Education Plan Application is property of St. Philip’s College, Interpreter Services to be used as an in-house tool and is not a state or federal issued document.
• Major and Degree plan (received from the student’s academic advisor)
  The Education Plan Application will accompany the student’s degree, certificate or enhanced program plan.
• Certificate of Deafness
  Student is responsible for applying through and obtaining the certificate with the Department of Assistive and Rehabilitation Services, Division of Deaf and Hard of Hearing Services based in Austin, Texas.
• High School transcript
  Student will submit his/her high school and/or college transcripts to both Admissions and Records and Interpreter Services as a requisite to enrollment.
• Letter of recommendation
  Student will be required to obtain a letter of recommendation from his/her high school principal, employer or some other responsible adult who is willing to serve as a reference and letter will remain on file with Interpreter Services.

After meeting with an advisor and submitting all necessary documents, the advisor or counselor in Interpreter Services will approve the Certificate of Deafness, which then can be presented to the business office for tuition waiver

Learning Disabilities and Psychological Services Program

The Learning Disabilities and Psychological Services Program offers specialized help, in the form of accommodations, to a student who has been diagnosed with learning disabilities or psychological disabilities. In addition, the program offers diagnostic testing for a student who is having difficulty keeping up in class, taking notes, understanding reading assignments, working math problems, passing tests, and/or writing essays.

Remediation techniques, compensatory skills training, individual and group counseling, and techniques for helping students discover new coping strategies that maximize academic potential are offered. Services are available in NTB 106.

Equity Center

The Equity Center, located in NTB 106 and NTB 108, offers free counseling,  referrals to community resources, childcare funding and information, textbook loans, bus tickets, support groups,  a clothes closet, and a variety of community events.  A licensed counselor and a social worker are on staff to provide assistance.

Child Care Information

The Equity Center provides childcare information to students. Limited childcare funding is available.  For information, call (210) 486-2518, or stop by NTB 106.

Job Assistance Program

The Job Assistance Center is located in Career Services (SLC 102) and is designed to help special needs students with vocational advisement and transition to work.  Students are taught how to disclose handicapping conditions to future employers, request workplace accommodations and other skills that are necessary for a successful career.

Instructional Technologies Student Computer Labs

General use computer labs are provided by Instructional Technologies (IT) in the Norris Technical Building on the main campus; Southwest Campus in buildings 3020 and 3004; the Northeast Campus; Guadalupe Valley Hospital in Seguin; and the Base Education Office 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 IT student computer labs are connected to the Internet.  The labs are designed to provide academic support to all St. Philip’s College students.  On the Martin Luther King Campus (MLK) the labs generally are open from 8:00 a.m. to 8:45 p.m. Monday through Thursday and from 8:00 a.m. to 4:45 p.m. Friday.  Saturday hours are posted at the beginning of each semester.  The computer lab hours at Southwest Campus (SWC) are from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Monday through Friday.  Lab hours for the Randolph Air Force Base, and Lackland Air Force Base are posted at the beginning of each semester.

Open IT Student Computer Labs

Networked computers with office suite and special-use software and Internet access are available for student use in open labs on the MLK Campus. Students can use the open lab computers to access their PALS email and other information. Open computer labs are available on the MLK Campus in the Norris Technical Building NTB 116 and at Southwest Campus in Building 3004, Room 105 on a first-come, first-served basis during open lab hours. Seminars on word processing, Internet usage, and other topics are offered free of charge to interested students. Seminars are one hour in length and include topics like Power Point Presentations, Internet, spreadsheets, etc.  Check the bulletin board calendars for times and dates or call 486-2232. 

Students are expected to follow all acceptable use guidelines.  These guidelines are available in the student computer labs and can be found on the SPC-IT Web site at  www.alamo.edu/spc/admin/it.

For information, contact:  Instructional Technologies (210) 486-2382 on the MLK Campus and (210) 486-7125 at Southwest Campus.
 

SPC Center for Distance Learning

The Center for Distance Learning provides support for courses offered in a variety of formats including Internet courses, telecourses, and two-way video conferencing.  The center also works closely with the division of Student Affairs to offer online support services to St. Philip’s College students. St. Philip’s College is a leading provider of distance education with a range of quality instructional offerings, a commitment to fulfilling the educational goals inherent in distance education, support for distance learning students, use of appropriate distance learning technologies, and the expertise and innovation of the faculty.  Visit the center’s Web site for more information www.alamo.edu/spc/admin/distance.
 

(Available to St. Philip’s College students)

The Alamo Colleges (St. Philip’s College), University of the Incarnate Word and Our Lady of the Lake University have an agreement to participate in the Army R.O.T.C. Program housed at 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 then enroll.

A Leadership Laboratory is held every Wednesday afternoon for two hours, to further the development of 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 Military Science students. In most cases, ROTC cadets may receive an academic minor in Military Science.

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 cadets. Veterans who have served on active duty for a period of over one year and who have received an honorable discharge, or High School students that have completed three or four years of JROTC may be granted credit for the basic course with concurrence of the Professor of Military Science.

Students who are physically qualified and have met the standards prescribed by the Professor of Military Science in scholastic achievement and demonstrated leadership ability may pursue the Advanced Course. Cadets are normally enrolled in the Advanced Course during their Junior and Senior Year or Graduate students pursuing a Master Degree. They are required to attend a five-week ROTC Leadership Development Assessment Course (LDAC) the summer following their junior year. Upon satisfactory completion of LDAC and the academic work required for a degree, students are commissioned as Second Lieutenants in the United States Regular Army, the Army Reserves, 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 have or take the opportunity to complete the normal Basic Course.  In order to enroll in the Advanced Course, 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 or their first year in graduate school. If students desire to take advantage of this opportunity, they should communicate directly with the Professor of Military Science no later than March 1 of the year preceding the Fall semester. 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 $900.00 a year book allotment, plus a grant to the ROTC cadet of $250.00 to $400.00 a 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.

Formally enrolled Advanced Course Students, not under the scholarship program, will be given a grant at the rate announced annually by the Secretary of the Army (currently this rate is $350.00 to $400.00 per month) not to exceed twenty months. During LDAC, all students are paid at the rate of one half of the base pay per month of a second lieutenant in lieu of subsistence allowance, plus the allowance of 18 cents per mile for travel performed from their homes to and from the course.  Students attending LTC prior to entry into the two-year program are paid at the same rate per month as a private plus travel pay. ROTC graduates who are commissioned in either Regular Army or the Army Reserve are authorized a uniform allowance when they report for active duty.

Uniform and Equipment

All uniforms, textbooks and other equipment will be issued to students enrolled in Army ROTC courses. Students are responsible for the maintenance and up keep of all items issued to them.

Information

The Coordinator for Military Science, Dr. Lang Coleman is the point of contact for students from St. Philip’s who want more information about ROTC. You may contact him at 210-486-2613 or SLC 246a.  You may also contact the Professor of Military Science and the Army ROTC offices which are dual located at University of Incarnated Word in the Chapel Bld, Room 7 and on the bottom floor of Treadaway Hall at St. Mary’s University. The telephone numbers are 832-3210 or 436-3415. ROTC Enrollment Officer number is 210-379-1997. Email:  rotc@universe.uiwtx.edu.