Student Support Services and Resources

Math World (Math Tutoring)

MathWorld is the Math tutoring and learning assistance center operated by the Mathematics Department. MathWorld consists of approximately 10,000 sq. ft. divided into two large rooms (Cipher Hemisphere and Cyber Hemisphere) and an additional two smaller quiet study rooms.
The Cyber area has over 70 computers. MathWorld is staffed by an Instructional skills Team consisting of 12 Academic Program Specialists (all called Bob).

The IS Team has over 250 years of combined teaching experience. With twelve 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 7pm, Friday, 8am to 1pm and Saturday, 9am to 1pm. Hours are slightly reduced during the Summer sessions. Times are subject to change due to staffing and student enrollment.
MathWorld is located in SCI 101. Contact: Call Bob at (210) 486-2893.

International Student Services 

The Coordinator of International Student Services is the first point of contact for prospective international students who seek information regarding admission to the college. The coordinator serves as a liaison between the college and the United States Citizenship and Immigration Service (USCIS).
Additional functions 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 for 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 for medical insurance (Alamo Colleges Board policy) every Fall and Spring semester. The deadline to submit all required documents (application, transcripts, verification of financial resources, TOEFL, IELTS, etc.) are June 1st for Fall, and October 1st for Spring. For additional information, contact the International Student Services Office at (210) 486-2876. (See index for additional information regarding international student).

Student Recruitment 

At St. Philip’s College affordable, convenient, and flexible classes allow you to succeed.

Your educational goals begin at St. Philip’s College! The Student Recruitment & International Student Services department invites you to explore the possibilities at St. Philip’s College.

Whether you are a recent high school graduate, transfer student, or someone who is seeking technical training, St. Philip’s College has a degree or certificate that is just right for you. Experience first-hand why St. Philip’s College is “A Point of Pride in the Community!”

Our friendly recruitment staff is eager to assist you. Let us answer your questions and help you enroll.

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

Academic Advising 

St. Philip’s College subscribes to a progressive advising model, which is a system of shared responsibility between students, faculty, and academic advisors. The goal of academic advising is to assist students in developing educational and career plans, provide opportunities for refining academic and life skills,  provide accurate information about academic progression and degree requirements, assist in understanding academic policies and procedures, access campus resources to promote academic success, and enhance retention and success through developing personal interactions with faculty and staff. 

Academic advising helps students become ready to succeed in the workplace, be prepared for lifelong learning, become productive members of society and have a strong desire to continue to strive for higher education. Academic advisors are committed to providing quality of service, support, and encouragement to the college student body, while building a foundation of trust within the student-advisor relationship.
For more information, speak to an Academic Advisor in person in the Welcome Center. Students may also visit our Southwest Campus located in Building 1, Student Support Center, to receive advising.

Counseling Resource Center

The mission of the Counseling Resource Center is to support academic success by providing students with counseling services and resources to address personal, social, educational, and psychological concerns. The services are designed to assist in the student’s adjustment to college life, promote student retention and persistence through graduation, and contribute to their efforts in resolving issues that are vital to healthy emotional development. The Counseling Resource Center strives to collaborate with the college community to promote the personal, social, and mental well-being of students. This is accomplished through outreach services, classroom visits, topic-specific workshops, and consultation with faculty, staff, and administration. Counselors are also available to provide academic advising and scholastic intervention as needed.

Services and Programming

The Counseling Resource Center is staffed by licensed counselors who provide services to students at St. Philip’s College main campus and St. Philip’s College Southwest Campus. Services are provided on an appointment basis; however, walk-in counseling is available for students experiencing mental health crisis. Services provided to students include:
 

A.   Initial consultation (first appointment)  
B.   Short-term individual (Personal) counseling
C.   Scholastic intervention

D.   Anonymous online mood/alcohol screenings

       * www.alamo.edu/spc/counseling/services/

E.   Topic-specific programming for groups
            *   Discussion panels, faculty/staff training, etc.
F.   Classroom workshops
            *   Financial Aid Appeals Information sessions

            *   Sexual assault awareness
            *   Stress-in-college
            *   Healthy relationships, etc.
G.   Short-term group counseling
H.   SOBI - Behavioral incident team interventions
I.   Community resource referrals
J.   Skills coaching for individual students
            *   Test-preparation and study skills
            *   Relationship building
            *   Communication skills, etc.
K.   Administration, staff and faculty consultation
L.   Crisis intervention to assist students in acute personal crisis
 

The Counseling Resource Center is located in the Welcome Center, Suite 106. Please call (210) 486-2117 for additional information.

Career and Transfer Center

The Career and Transfer Center offers resources, guidance, and assistance with career and transfer planning to current students and graduates.  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 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.

The Career and Transfer Center staff also provides a variety of services and information for students who are interested in transferring to a four-year 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.  We can provide students with course equivalency sheets, 2+2/ Joint Admission Agreements, Transfer core Curriculum Sheets, and Transfer Planning Guides. 

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 overall goal of the Career and Transfer Center is to assist students in reaching their long-range educational and vocational goals and aid students in making their transfer experience a seamless process.

The Career and Transfer Center is located in the Sutton Learning Center Suite 102. For additional information, contact the center at (210) 486-2649.

Student Development

Look to build an appreciation for lifelong learning. Find your way to success through practical decision-making, personal and career growth and academic achievement. Our programs will supply you with the tools to help you accomplish all of this and more!

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

Testing Center

The Testing Center provides a broad range of testing services to meet the needs of its diverse student population: college placement, GED testing, correspondence exams, and proctoring services. The center also provides accommodation testing for students with documented disabilities. Please contact the Disability Support Services Office for more information regarding documentation requirements, at 210-486-2170. 

The Testing Center offers the following exams:

1.      TSI Assessment (effective 8/26/2013)

2.      The High School Equivalency-General Education Development Test (GED)

3.      ACCUPLACER Exam (LVN students or students seeking placement beyond MATH 1314)

4.      Distance Learning Exam

5.      Correspondence Exam

6.      TSI Assessment placement exam (effective 8/26/2013)

Operational Procedure for Placement Exam:  Individuals desiring to take a placement exam should complete a college application, submit transcript(s), and complete the AlamoENROLL modules.  After which the candidate may schedule the exam via the website,  http://www.alamo.edu/spc/testing-center/. Please note that each candidate must present at least one valid photo identification to take any exam in the Testing Center. 

Effective 08/26/2013, all students will be required to take the state mandated test, TSI Assessment, and complete a Pre Assessment Activity prior to testing.  Please note after this date no previous state approved instrument will be accepted (e.g., Accuplacer, Asset, THEA, and Compass). 

Testing Center staff monitor compliance with TSI standards, interpret placement scores/transcripts, and act as liaison among the Counseling Office, Admission and Enrollment Services, Records and Registration, and the Developmental Education Program. Testing facilities are located at MLK, second floor of the Welcome Center, and SWC, building 1 office B172.

GED Preparatory Program

In this challenging economy, many people interested in taking and passing the General Education Development (GED) examination would like to continue with their education by enrolling in college classes. The SPC GED College Prep classes are designed specifically for those students who would like to pass the test and become better prepared for college entrance as well.

Classes are offered in reading, mathematics, and writing.  Each class requires a minimum of six classroom hours each week for eight weeks. During class, students will work hard to make academic progress while also receiving instruction and guidance in study skills. Instructors do not act as tutors but rather lecture and guide students through the material; regular homework, quizzes, and tests are part of this experience. Class attendance and participation are essential.

Before enrolling, interested students must take a free practice GED assessment examination. All examinations are given by appointment only, and staff members will provide individualized guidance to all prospective students who take the assessment exam. Students who do not meet the minimum entry requirements for this program will be referred to centers and agencies providing a more appropriate level of GED instruction.

For more information on this program, please call the Community Service Training Center at (210) 486-2107, or visit our website.

GED Testing Program

Candidates must bring proof of readiness to test or must take the GED Official Practice test at the Testing Center at the time of registration. To receive further information regarding GED registration times and testing, call 486-2525. Effective September 2013, the GED-Computer Based Testing (GED-CBT) will become available.

Admission to Heath Sciences

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 to Vocational Nursing Program

Admission Requirements / Application Process

The requirements for admission into the St. Philip’s College Vocational Nursing Program are in accordance with the Alamo Colleges admission policies, admission policies of the Vocational Nursing program and policies specified by the Texas Board of Nursing (BON).

1. Complete and submit your admission application to Alamo Colleges: http://www.alamo.edu/AlamoENROLL/ . Click on the appropriate type of student you will be. You will then receive a series of e-mails with directions on how to log-in to your Alamo Colleges Education Services (ACES) account to view the “Start Here” Tab for next steps and required GO FAARR and TEST PREP modules if requested. 
   The St. Philip’s College school code is 003608.
   An active application is required to move forward with the application process for the nursing program.
   The apply Texas application is for admission to the college, not for admission to the nursing program. You will have to complete a separate application for the nursing program.
    
2. After you complete the GO FAARR and TEST PREP modules, you will be eligible to take a college placement exam.
3. All applicants must be pretested (Board of Nursing Rule 214.8-c4). No exceptions to pretest requirements will be granted to applicants with previous college credit or college degrees.
4. After you complete the college placement test, bring your printed test scores to the nursing education department advisor. If your placement test scores meet, or exceed, the requirements in appendix A on pages 8-9, you may then pick up an application for the Vocational Nursing Program. The application must be picked up in person from the Nursing Education Department. Bring your photo ID and printed test scores in order to pick up an application.
5. Complete the application packet. Completed application packet must be delivered in person to the St. Philip’s College Nursing Education Department. Mailed in applications will not be accepted. Proof of identification (photo ID and social security card) will be required when turning in application packet. The application will be reviewed for accuracy and completeness. Applicants requesting admission consideration into the New Braunfels extension campus must submit the application directly to the New Braunfels campus.
6. Applicants who do not meet admission requirements based on low test scores will be required to meet with an academic advisor to discuss taking developmental courses such as English, Reading, and/or Math; or to discuss remediation and retesting prior to applying for admission into the nursing program. Applicants with prior college coursework and/or degrees will need to speak with the academic advisor to review transcripts and to discuss options regarding applications to the nursing program.
7. Applicants must have a High School diploma or GED (must show official transcript) and be 18 years of age or older upon completion of the program. Individuals who have completed High School requirements in a foreign country must submit an official High School Transcript translated in English. For information regarding foreign transcript evaluation, contact the International Student Services Office at (210) 486-2876.
8. Applicants must have a minimum of a 2.0 GPA, or the equivalent of a cumulative “C” average, in all college course work and/or high school.
9. The following assessment tests will be accepted: ACT, SAT, TSI Assessment,Accuplacer, THEA, orCompass. Scores must be current (within 5 years). All scores must be from one test. Combination scores will not be accepted.
10. *Note: St. Philip’s College only administers the TSI assessment. The Accuplacer test is only administered to those applicants who are already TSI compliant.
11. Submit complete vocational nursing program application with required documents. See application process below. 
     
12. A student enrolled in the Vocational Nursing Program MUST be able to meet the following standards:
    a. Use the senses of vision, hearing, speech and touch. Use of the senses enhances the nurse’s abilities to
        accurately observe the patient.
    b. Perform psychomotor movements that require coordination of gross and fine muscle movements and
        equilibrium. Good coordination is necessary for patient safety.
    c. Communicate orally and in writing as well as demonstrate behavior that indicates sensitivity to others.
        Nurses are required to function in highly compassionate areas where integrity, interpersonal skills and
        concern for others are all desirable personal qualities.
    d. Demonstrate stable emotional health and intellectual activities required to exercise sound judgment. The
        applicant must be flexible and able to adapt to change and stress.
    e. Demonstrate adequate decision-making and critical thinking skills.
    f. Demonstrate physical health necessary to perform strenuous activities related to patient care which
        includes moving and lifting (must be able to lift or move MORE than 50 pounds), standing, stooping,

    bending, and walking for prolonged periods of time.   
g. Provide nursing care to patients with all types of health problems, including communicable diseases such
    as tuberculosis and HIV/AIDS.

13. The following items must be submitted, along with the completed application, to the Vocational Nursing Program:

1. Entrance Test Scores
2. Transcripts:
   Submit 2 copies of official transcripts, including high school and college (if applicable). One copy of official transcript should be submitted to the Admissions Office (Records & Registration) and one official copy submitted with nursing program application. If college transcript indicates name of High School attended and graduation date, we do not have to have an official High School transcript. You MUST be a High School graduate or have GED Certificate with GED scores.
3. Physical Examination Form (with business card of clinic performing the exam)
   A Physical examination by a licensed Physician, Physician’s Assistant or Nurse Practitioner must be submitted. The form is in the application packet.
4. Immunization Record: Must include documentation of all required immunizations:

·   Tetanus (within 10 years),

·   MMR (measles, mumps, rubella) - 2 doses

·   Varicella (chickenpox) - 2 doses or documented evidence of disease

·   Hepatitis B - series of 3 vaccines

·   Hepatitis A - series of 2 vaccines

·   Meningococcal (meningitis) - required for students under age 22

·   Tuberculosis Skin Test (PPD) with negative result (within 1 year)
If history of positive PPD, Chest X-ray report confirming no active case of tuberculosis (within 2 years) will be required along with TB health questionnaire from healthcare provider

·   Serum titers confirming immunity are accepted for Hepatitis A, Hepatitis B, MMR and Varicella

·   Seasonal vaccines are required by some clinical sites. You are encouraged to get immunized for Influenza during the flu season; however, you may have the option of not participating. Understand that if the facility allows, you may don an appropriate, and approved, mask during clinical rotations should you choose not to get immunized with the seasonal flu vaccine.

5. CPR Card: Proof of current CPR certification in Basic Life Support for adult, child and infant.
   American Heart Association (Health Care Provider Course) or
   American Red Cross (Professional Rescuer Course)
   Internet CPR courses are NOT accepted.
6. Health Insurance: Must show proof of health insurance for illness and injury and remain insured throughout the duration of enrollment in the Vocational Nursing Program. Health insurance may be purchased through Alamo Colleges.
7. Reference Forms: Three (3) references from current or past employers, supervisors, counselors, teachers (references from family and friends will not be accepted). Reference forms are included in the application packet.
8. Essay: 200 word essay on why you want to become a nurse, why you chose St. Philip’s College and what will contribute to your success in completing the nursing program. The essay must be typed, 12 font - Times New Roman.
9. Photo ID (current driver license or passport)
10. Social Security Card
11. Proof of Drug Screen (instructions for drug screen process will be given when application is picked up). Applicants with a positive drug screen will not be admitted to the Vocational Nursing Program.

14. Criminal Background Check: All applicants must pass a criminal background check completed by the Texas Board of Nursing before acceptance into the Vocational Nursing Program. Individuals who do not have a clear criminal background check must complete the Declaratory Order process with the Board of Nursing. The Declaratory Order Process permits the Board of Nursing to make decisions regarding an applicant’s eligibility for licensure prior to entering or completing a nursing program. The process typically takes a minimum of 2 months, but could take 6 months or longer.
    Texas Board of Nursing Contact Information:
    www.bon.texas.gov
    (512) 305-7400
15. Individuals notified of acceptance into the Vocational Nursing Program must respond by the deadline date identified in the notification letter. Applicants who decline admission may re-apply at a later date and must meet all current program requirements at that time.
16. Applications and documents submitted by applicants not accepted for admission or submitted by applicants that decline admission will be destroyed after thirty (30) days unless applicant notifies the Nursing Education Department that he/she wishes to pick up the application and documents.
17. The admissions committee reviews all applications and conditional acceptance letters from the Program Director are mailed approximately 2 weeks after the application deadlines.

Recommendations

Although not required, applicants are strongly encouraged to complete the following courses prior to admission, especially if the applicant plans to enroll in an RN program after completion of the VN program.

• BIOL 2401 Anatomy & Physiology I
• BIOL 2402 Anatomy & Physiology II
• BIOL 1322 Nutrition
• PSYC 2314 Developmental Psychology across the Lifespan
• HITT 1305 Medical Terminology

Admission of Nursing Students to the LVN to ADN Mobility Nursing Program

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.