General Information

History of the College

What started in 1966 as a few portable classrooms huddled in a former citrus grove is now Seminole State College of Florida, one of the nation’s fastest-growing colleges, with six sites in Seminole County and more than 32,000 students.

On July 1, 1965, the Florida State Legislature signed a charter creating Seminole Junior College as a full-service education provider. 

Among the tasks facing Dr. Earl S. Weldon, who was appointed Seminole State’s first president in October 1965, was finding a suitable location for the school. After reviewing many possible sites, he and R.T. Milwee, superintendent of Seminole County Public Schools, chose a lot near U.S. 17-92 and Interstate 4.

When the College opened in 1966, 700 students filled the portables, eager to further their education. Construction of permanent buildings began in 1968, and the Sanford/Lake Mary Campus took shape during Dr. Weldon’s tenure. One after another, the library, faculty offices, student center and other buildings went up, transforming former citrus groves into a metropolitan college campus.

On July 1, 1975, Seminole Junior College became Seminole Community College. By the end of the College’s first decade, enrollment had increased to 14,161.

After 30 years of service, Dr. Weldon retired in 1995. In February 1996, Dr. E. Ann McGee, a community college graduate and administrator at Broward Community College, became the College’s second president. Her clear vision for the College's future has made McGee’s tenure a time of phenomenal growth.

Under her leadership, the College has opened three more campuses and completed an $85 million renovation of its Sanford/Lake Mary Campus that includes the Partnership Center, which opened in 2010. The four-story, 106,000-square-foot Center provides classroom space for University of Central Florida classes and a new library for the region.

The Oviedo Campus opened in January 2001 to serve the educational and workforce development needs of eastern Seminole County. In August 2007,  the College celebrated the opening of the Center for Economic Development at Heathrow. The Campus partners Central Florida’s economic development leaders with the College to train the region’s work force in business/technology-related programs, attract and retain leading technology companies in Central Florida, and sustain the driving force behind the region’s economic engine.

The Altamonte Springs Campus, which opened in January 2008, houses the College’s healthcare programs, a diverse offering of A.A. degree courses and adult education. In 2010, the College's District Board of Trustees tripled the size of the Campus with the acquisition of more than 25 adjacent acres.

In 2009, SCC became Seminole State College of Florida to reflect the expanding mission of the College as it begins to offer bachelor's degrees to meet the community's needs for a highly trained work force.

In 2010, Seminole State began offering its first baccalaureate degree, a Bachelor of Applied Science in Interior Design, and received approval to offer four additional four-year degrees.

With its strong focus on academics, Seminole State continues to attract top students. In April 2011, Seminole State continued its unmatched streak of six consecutive Jack Kent Cooke scholars since 2006. The Jack Kent Cooke program is the largest private scholarship in the country for community college students.

In August 2011, the newly renovated third floor of building L on the College’s Sanford/Lake Mary Campus became eligible for a Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) certification by the U.S. Green Building Council.

Also in 2011, Seminole State received the two largest donations in its history, gifts that will benefit students for years to come. Bob Schmidt, a retired teacher, donated the bulk of his estate, valued at more than $2 million, for endowed student scholarships. In addition, the Wayne Densch Charitable Trust made a $2 million donation for naming rights to the Partnership Center on the Sanford/Lake Mary Campus. Eighty-five percent of the gift will be used for non-endowed scholarships for first-generation students.

Seminole State began offering four more baccalaureate degrees in January 2012: Bachelor of Science (B.S.) degrees in Architectural Engineering Technology, Business and Information Management, Construction, and Information Systems Technology.

For nearly 50 years, Seminole State has thrived by adapting to and meeting the needs of an ever-changing community. By offering high-quality educational programs and services, the College continues to provide students and area residents a multitude of resources. Now, and in the years to come, opportunities for personal growth abound at Seminole State.

Vision Statement

Advance our region’s educational and economic vitality by promoting academic excellence, encouraging student success, and changing lives.

The College’s Strategic Goals and Associated Strategic Actions

STRATEGIC GOAL 1: For Our Students...

Advance student-centered teaching and learning with innovative programs and services designed to increase student success and degree completion, better preparing students to participate in the global marketplace.

• Improve student success as measured by College Preparatory Success, Program Completion Rates, Job Placement Rates, and Success in Higher Education.
• Invest in and improve our use of instructional technology to enhance student learning, by promoting innovation and facilitating student engagement.
• Continuously improve our methods for assessing and using results from student learning outcomes.

STRATEGIC GOAL 2: For Our Partners...

Advance educational, business, and community partnerships that foster academic excellence, student achievement, and economic vitality.

• Partner with K-12 and higher education institutions to increase the proportion of our regional population earning diplomas, certificates, and college degrees.
• Partner with other educational institutions to increase the percentage of entering students who are college ready.
• Strengthen Seminole State’s academic programs to ensure alignment with community and workforce needs.

STRATEGIC GOAL 3: For Our Employees...

Advance our employees’ opportunities for growth and development.

• Ensure that the diversity of Seminole State employees mirrors the evolving demographics of our community and region.
• Encourage Seminole State employees to demonstrate our Core Values in all interactions.
• Create and implement development programs that enhance the skills, credentials, and growth of Seminole State employees.

STRATEGIC GOAL 4: For Our College...

Advance the effectiveness of Seminole State operating systems and college processes to increase efficiency and institutional productivity.

• Continually evaluate, upgrade, and streamline Seminole State’s operating support systems to increase efficiency and institutional productivity.
• Ensure that Seminole State’s organizational structure, governance, policies, and procedures promote and support a dynamic, diverse, multi-campus environment.
• Strengthen our processes and capabilities to successfully complete all ongoing accreditation reviews.

STRATEGIC GOAL 5: For Our Region...

Advance our region as a leader in higher education, workforce development, and community enrichment.

• Enhance Seminole State College’s position and perception as a first-choice educational destination throughout our region.
• Align programs and resources toward current and evolving educational and workforce opportunities in high-demand areas targeted at regional, state, and national levels.
• Promote the positive quality of life in our region through educational attainment, opportunities for lifelong education, economic development, cultural offerings, and community service.

Mission Statement

The mission of Seminole State College of Florida is to serve the community by providing a learning-centered, high-quality educational institution that anticipates and meets the needs of the community by providing a comprehensive range of programs and services.

Seminole State College promises:

• Exemplary and highly motivated faculty, administrators and staff who foster a caring and professional relationship with students and the community.
• An excellent academic curriculum that provides the first two years of university studies and selected bachelor's degree programs.
• State-of-the-art career and technical programs that lead directly to employment or career advancement.
• Cutting-edge continuing education programs that offer opportunities for advancement or re-certification.
• Personalized adult education programs that help students learn and strengthen basic academic skills and earn a high school diploma.
• Innovative student development services that support the learning and teaching processes and promote student success.
• Dynamic business, industry and educational partnerships that enhance the region's economic development and vitality.
• Leisure and personal development programs that contribute to the enrichment of the community.
• A distinctive cultural center that provides diverse professional and academic courses, programs and events.
  
  

Core Values

Seminole State College's core values define the principles of its diverse college community and guide faculty and staff members in promoting an environment where individuals grow, learn and succeed.

Respect

• We embrace diversity and inclusion in the college community we serve.
• We treat each other with fairness and dignity.
• We appreciate the unique attributes of all individuals and recognize their importance in our world.
• We strive to create an environment of mutual respect.

Integrity

• We adhere to the highest ethical standards in our conduct.
• We ensure that our policies, procedures, practices and actions are free from bias.

Excellence

• We strive for excellence in all we do.
• We believe that each of us can provide leadership to deliver outstanding educational experiences, exceptional student services and a unique, distinctive academic environment.

Knowledge

• We believe that everyone should have access to learning opportunities.
• We are committed to supporting our college community in the pursuit of knowledge.

Academic Freedom

• We are committed to intellectual inquiry, academic rigor, thoughtful exploration and the civil exchange of ideas.
• We protect and foster independence of thought and speech, maintaining an atmosphere in which everyone can explore the full spectrum of ideas, opinions and beliefs.

College Resources

Catalog Purpose

The official catalog of Seminole State College is the published text or printed version. It may be accessed by the College community and prospective students via hard-copy version or the online PDF file. Any approved changes to the official catalog are provided in an online PDF file titled "Approved Catalog Changes" at www.seminolestate.edu/catalog.

Statement of Rules and Regulations

General Statement

All students are expected to be aware of the rules, regulations and other information provided in this catalog; the Library Handbook; the Student Rights and Responsibilities or Code of Conduct section of the Student Handbook; and on bulletin boards. The Director of Records and Registration/Registrar is responsible for interpreting the College Catalog regarding admission, registration and graduation. When indicated, the director will seek Board approval and/or consult with the College's Admissions and Graduation Committee. All students are responsible for coordinating their program at Seminole State College with that of the senior college or university of their choice. The College reserves the right to change regulations, policies, schedules and courses without notice.

Equal Access/Equal Opportunity

The Seminole State District Board of Trustees affirms its equal opportunity policy in accordance with the provisions of the Florida Educational Equity Act and all other relevant state and federal laws, rules and regulations. Discrimination on the basis of race, color, creed, national origin, age, sex, veterans status, disability, sexual orientation or marital status against a student or an employee is prohibited. The College accepts the commitment to provide equal access and equal opportunity for all services made available by the College and to conduct all programs and activities without discrimination.

Red Flags Rules (Identity Theft Prevention)

The Red Flags Rules identity theft prevention program is designed to detect, prevent and mitigate identity theft in connection with a covered account and to provide for continued administration of the program in compliance with the Fair and Accurate Credit Transactions (FACT) Act of 2003.

Year-round Operations

Seminole State College's academic year is 12 months and has the following features:

1. The College calendar is coordinated with state university calendars. 
2. Three terms, with sessions within each term, make it possible for students to complete programs early or take developmental work if necessary. 
3. Extracurricular activities are offered throughout the year.

Sexual Predators or Offenders

Federal and state law requires a person designated as a "sexual predator or offender" to register with the Florida Department of Law Enforcement (FDLE).

FDLE is required to notify the local law enforcement agency where the registrant resides, attends or is employed by an institution of higher learning. The local law enforcement agency is then required to notify the appropriate educational institution.

The College denies admission/enrollment to students who are officially designated as sexual predators/sexual offenders. If an academic term has already begun at the time the College received notification of offender status, the student's admission will be denied and an administrative withdrawal and refund for fees paid for the term in progress will be processed. The student may also receive credit for required textbooks purchased for classes from which the student has withdrawn. All requests for textbook refunds must be received before the end of the term of withdrawal. For further information, including appeals, refer to College Procedure 1.3000.

Information regarding sexual predators or offenders may be obtained from the local law enforcement agency with jurisdiction for the particular campus or by calling the FDLE hotline at 888.FL.PREDATOR (888.357.7332) or by visiting http://www.fdle.state.fl.us/Content/home.aspx.

For questions or additional information regarding this notice, contact the director of security at 407.708.2492, room J-010 (building J) on the Sanford/Lake Mary Campus.

State of Florida Requirements

State Board of Education Rule 6A-10.030 - Gordon Rule for College Credit Students

Prior to receipt of an Associate in Arts degree from a public state or community college or prior to entry into the upper division of a public university or college, a student shall complete successfully (grade of "C" or higher) the following: six (6) semester hours of English coursework and six (6) semester hours of designated general education humanities, social science and history courses that require the student to demonstrate college-level writing skills through multiple writing assignments and six (6) semester hours of mathematics coursework at the level of college algebra or higher.

Successful completion of the General Education requirements for the Associate in Arts degree satisfies this requirement (State Board of Education Rule 6A-10.030, Gordon Rule) which requires a student to complete multiple writing assignments in designated coursework and complete six (6) semester hours of college-level mathematics courses.

For Associate in Science degrees, ENC 1101, ENC 1102 and mathematics general education courses must be completed with a "C" or higher. Students must test out of preparatory English and reading or successfully complete preparatory English and reading courses prior to enrolling in ENC 1101. If mathematics courses at the level of college algebra or higher are not required for the program, students must test out of preparatory mathematics or successfully complete preparatory mathematics courses in order to be awarded an Associate in Science degree.

State of Florida Articulation Agreement

Seminole State College Associate in Arts degree graduates are guaranteed the following rights under the Statewide Articulation Agreement (State Board of Education Rule 6A-10.024):

1. Admission to one of the state universities, except to limited-access programs that have additional admission requirements.
2. Acceptance of at least 60 credit hours by the state universities.
3. Adherence to university requirements and policies based on the catalog in effect at the time the student first entered a state or community college, provided the student maintains continuous enrollment.
4. Transfer of equivalent courses under the Statewide Course Numbering system.
5. Acceptance by the state universities of credit earned in accelerated programs (e.g., CLEP, AP, Dual Enrollment, Early Admission and International Baccalaureate).
6. No additional general education core requirements.
7. Advanced knowledge of selection criteria for limited-access programs.
8. Equal opportunity with native university students to enter limited-access programs.

Should any of the above guaranteed rights be denied, students should contact Dr. Marcia A. Roman at 407.708.2067 or romanm@seminolestate.edu.

Articulation Program

Several types of articulation agreements between local school districts and the College, as well as between the College and bachelor degree-granting institutions, benefit Seminole State students.

Seminole State also articulates college credit for students who have industry-recognized certifications in designated areas that are related to programs of study offered by the College. These agreements are consistent with the Florida statewide Gold Standard Articulation Agreements for industry certifications.

Florida State University System (SUS)

Associate in Arts (A.A.): Florida Statute 1007.23 and State Board of Education Rule 6A-10.024 assure certain rights to A.A. graduates. An A.A. degree from any institution in the Florida College System, including Seminole State, guarantees admission to an institution in Florida's State University System (SUS). However, it does not guarantee acceptance to a particular university or a selected, special or limited-access program. A.A. degree recipients compete for admission into these programs.

Associate in Arts (A.S.): A statewide agreement allows transfer into an SUS institution for specified A.S. graduates. In addition, A.S. degree programs articulate into the University of Central Florida's Bachelor of Applied Science Program, which is offered at UCF's regional campus on the Seminole State Sanford/Lake Mary Campus. Designated A.S. programs also articulate into specific B.S. programs offered by the Seminole State.

DirectConnect to UCF

DirectConnect to UCF, which was introduced in 2006, is a guaranteed way to gain admission to the University of Central Florida for  students who complete an A.A. or A.S. degree at Seminole State. This is consistent with Seminole State and UCF policy. Limited- and restricted-access programs may require an additional admission process.

Independent Colleges and Universities

Articulation agreements between the Florida Board of Education and the Independent Colleges and Universities of Florida (ICUF) also benefit A.A. graduates. For more information on ICUF schools, visit www.icuf.org. Seminole State also has articulation agreements with private institutions that are not members of ICUF.

Other Agreements

Statewide articulation agreements also exist to award credit for completion of specified postsecondary adult vocational programs, as well as for specified industry certifications. Seminole State has articulation agreements with individual institutions located in Florida and other states. Agreements are also in place with technical centers in the Central Florida region. For more information, visit www.seminolestate.edu/articulation.

Excess Hours Advisory Statement

An excess hour surcharge is effective for students who enter Seminole State or any Florida College System institution or state university for the first time as follows:

• For the 2011-12 academic year, an excess hour surcharge equal to 100 percent of the tuition rate for each credit hour in excess of 115 percent.
• For the 2012-13 academic year and thereafter, an excess hour surcharge equal to 100 percent of the tuition rate for each credit hour in excess of 110 percent.

All students whose educational plan may include earning a bachelor’s degree should make every effort to enroll in and successfully complete those courses that are required for their intended major on their first attempt. Students intending to transfer to a state university should identify a major or “transfer program” early and identify admission requirements for that program, including the approved common prerequisites. Course withdrawals and/or repeats, as well as enrollment in courses not essential to the intended major, may contribute to a potential excess hour surcharge.