Student Services - Florida Gateway College (2024)

General Information

The Student Services area is administered by the Vice President for Enrollment Management and Student Affairs. This area provides the following support services to students: career services, academic advising, services for students with disabilities, student success initiatives, including Learning Lab and TRIO, intramural sports, orientation, graduation, student conduct, residence life, behavioral intervention team, testing,and student activities. The overall goal of Student Services is to support the academic mission while attending to the total development of the student.

Equal Access/Equal Opportunity Statement

Florida Gateway College does not discriminate in education or employment related decisions on the basis of race, color, ethnicity, national origin, gender, religion, disability, age, marital status, genetic information, sexual orientation, pregnancy, or any other legally protected status in accordance with the law. The equity officer is Sharon Best, executive director of human resources, located in Building 001, Room 116, 149 SE College Place, Lake City, FL 32025, and may be reached at (386) 754-4313.

Academic Advising

Academic advisors provide students with confidential academic, social, and developmental advising to ensure they receive the individual attention they need to succeed. Students are required to contact an academic advisor prior to registering for their first semester. It is strongly recommended that all students entering a program, changing majors, or inquiring about transfer of credits, contact an academic advisor for assistance. Academic advisors additionally serve as liaisons and referral agents by helping students gain needed assistance from other FGC divisions or from the community.

Students should maintain regular contact with their academic advisors throughout their academic careers at FGC. Students are encouraged to consult with an academic advisor if they believe their rights as students are being, or have been, violated. Students are also encouraged to discuss aspects of their education with faculty members, and program administrators.

Career Services Center

The Career Services Center offers a variety of resources and services to our students, alumni and prospective students to assist them in exploring careers to identify their choice career, and developing their career path and personal career plan. Available resources including multiple personality assessments, career libraries and outlook tools.

The services provided are career counseling and coaching. These services help guide students through the research steps of the career decision making process, help students understand and ensure their career and academic pursuit alignment, and assist them through career development. Career coaching assist students with tasks such as writing their resumes and preparing for interviews. Students also learn job entry skills, which include employability, job search and transitioning through career coaching.

Students can utilize these resources and services online by visiting the Career Services Center on campus. Students visiting the center should call (386-754-7298) or email (Career.Services@fgc.edu) to schedule an appointment.Students may apply for jobs online and on campus, andprint their resume in the Career Services Center.

The Career Services Center offers opportunities to students to enhance their career readiness preparation by sponsoring college-wide career development workshops and events. Workshop topic variety range from resume and cover letter writing, interview preparation to defining professionalism and networking. Some career development events the center may host are job fairs, dress for success fashion reveals and career management conferences.

The Career Services Center works to strategically connect the College’s students and alumni with community employers. Career Services works with employers, local chambers of commerce and one-stop centers to inform employers of the large market of potential employees attending Florida Gateway College. Employers are invited to showcase their company and advertise jobs to our students. The center is committed to facilitating professional relationships between our students, alumni and department directors, and our community employers to optimize possibilities of local career opportunities.

BayCare Life Management - Student Assistance Program

BayCare Life Management provides a comprehensive student assistance program for Florida Gateway College students. The program provides twenty-four hour telephone access for personal counseling issues. Counseling topics may include stress, anxiety, adjustment to college, depression, substance abuse, unhealthy relationships, time management, etc.

There is no cost to the student for assessment, referral, and up to three counseling sessions per student per year. Students may call BayCare toll free at 1-800-878-5470 to access these free services. These calls and subsequent counseling sessions are confidential.

AccessibilityServices

The Office of Accessibility Sevices provides reasonable accommodations for qualified students with documented disabilities enrolled at FGC, regardless of location or instructional delivery format. The Office of Accessibility Services and its designated representatives are available to advise students regarding eligibility for classroom and testing accommodations and other disability related services. The process for obtaining a reasonable accommodation(s) is an interactive one that begins with the student’s disclosure of disability and a request for a reasonable accommodation(s). The student has the responsibility to provide FGC with proper documentation of disability from a qualified physician or clinician who diagnoses disabilities and sets forth the recommended accommodation(s). Student requests for accommodation(s) will be considered on an individual basis. Each student with a disability should contact the Office of Accessibility Services prior to the commencement of classes to discuss his or her needs.

Florida State Board of Education Rule 6A-10.041 authorizes reasonable course substitutions for any person who has a hearing impairment, visual impairment or a specific learning disorder. Substitutions will only be utilized in cases where the person’s failure to meet the requirement is related to the disability and where the failure to meet the requirement does not constitute a fundamental alteration in the nature of the program.

To obtain more information from the Office of Accessibility Services, please call (386) 754-4393, email disability.services@fgc.edu, or visit our website at fgc.edu/students/student-resources/disability-services/

Florida Gateway College will adhere to all applicable federal, state, and local laws, regulations, and guidelines with respect to providing reasonable accommodations as required to afford equal educational opportunity. Students may obtain further assistance and information by calling accessibilityservicesat (386) 754-4393. The Office of Accessibility Services is located in Building 017, Room 021, 149 SE College Place, Lake City, FL 32025.

Student Success Center

Located in building 059 on main campus, the Student Success Center (SSC) is a stand-alone, multi-purpose, learning/success center housing the student success office (Tutors) and TRIO Student Support Services. The center is available to all FGC and St. Leo University studentsfrom 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. Monday through Thursday during all semesters and on Fridays from 9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. and 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Saturdays for spring and fall semesters. The lab provides over 60 windows PC computers and two Mac PC Computers that are internet accessible and preloaded with software programs commonly required for students. Students may check their emails, surf the web, or work on assignments using the latest version of Microsoft Office, Canvas, FireFox, or Chrome. Assistance is available for all these applications. Test proctoring is also available as permitted. For more information, you may call 386-754-4382 or 386-754-4437.

The Student Success Center provides peer tutors for all levels of math, writing, reading, chemistry, physics, Spanish, and statistics. Tutors receive training under College Reading and Learning Association (CRLA) guidelines and strive to achieve levels I and IIcertification. The SSC also offers peer mentors for college successand course assistance for students taking SLS 1501. Tutor and mentor schedules are posted around campus at the beginning of each semester. Visit theSSC for the latest updated schedule or call for an email of an attached current schedule.

Boot Camp/Summer Academy for PERT preparedness, GradesFirst early alert and retention program, along with TRIO offices are also a part of the Student Success Center. If you wish to contact the SSC or TRIO program you may call 386-754-4479 or 386-754-4413.

An online tutoring program is also available through Canvas for all FGC students.Online tutoring is available 24/7 through Tutor.com. Live tutors are available for a wide variety of subjects. Essay and other writing assignments may also be submitted for online tutor review. Students may also drop off papers @ college.success@fgc.edu.

For more information on the Student Success Center at FGC, please visit the Student Success Center (Building 59) or contact us at 386-754-4479 or 386-754-4382.

TRIO Student Support Services

TRIO Student Support Services (SSS) at Florida Gateway College is a federally funded grant program through the U.S. Department of Education in which itsmission is to assist first-generation students in college, low-income, or disabled students in succeeding and excelling at FGC.

Our goal in TRIO SSS is to support current FGC students by helping them to maximize their potential and make the most of their college experience. TRIO SSS provides a welcoming, positive environment that encourages students to complete their degrees and meet their higher education and career goals. Our students are offered opportunities for academic and personal growth that extends beyond traditional academic programs. We will help our students thrive academically, professionally, and personally by offering individualized support. The ultimate goal of the FGC TRIO SSS program is to increase the retention and graduation rates of our students by providing excellent support services to them.

TRIO SSS provides:

• Personal success coaches
• Scholarship aid for qualified SSS students
• Academic resources
• Tutoring appointments
• Exposure to cultural events
• Financial literacy training
• Advice and assistance with course selection
• Book Nook program
• Financial aid assistance
• Transfer assistance to 4 year programs
• University campus tours

For more information on TRIO SSS at FGC, please visit the Student Success Center (Building 59) or contact us at 386-754-4458 or 386-754-4445.

General Rights of Students

1. Nondiscrimination - Florida Gateway College does not discriminate in education or employment related decisions on the basis of race, color, ethnicity, national origin, gender, religion, disability, age, marital status, genetic information, sexual orientation, pregnancy, or any other legally protected status in accordance with the law.
2. Freedom of Speech and Assembly - Students shall have the right to freedom of speech and assembly without prior restraints of censorship, subject to clearly stated, reasonable and nondiscriminatory rules and regulations regarding time, place and manner. For more specific guidance, see the Student Code of Conduct in the Student Handbook, or contact the student activities office at (386) 754-4317.
3. Freedom of Press - In their publications, students are entitled to the constitutional right of freedom of the press, including constitutional limitations on prior restraint and censorship.
4. Protection Against Unreasonable Searches and Seizures - Students are entitled to the constitutional right to be secure in their persons, dwellings, papers, and effects against unreasonable searches and seizures. College safety officers or administrative officers may conduct searches and seizures only as authorized by law.
5. Student Representation in College Governance - Students should be represented on campus committees that have the following duties:
   1. To propose policies that affect student activities and conduct.
   2. To make decisions on student activity budget matters.
6. Disruption-free Learning Environment - Discussion and expression of all views relevant to the subject matter are recognized as necessary to the educational process, but students have the right to a classroom free from disruptions which interfere with learning. The instructor sets the standard of acceptable behavior in the classroom. In the interest of preserving the rights of others, a student may be dismissed from a class for unacceptable behavior.
7. Records
   1. General - The Office of Enrollment Services will maintain and safeguard student academic records. All official student and former student records are private and confidential. Separate records may be maintained in various college offices by appropriate college staff and/or administrators. (See FGC Procedure 6Hx12:9-34.)
   2. Notification of Rights under FERPA - The Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA) affords students certain rights with respect to their education records. These rights include the right to inspect and review education records and the right to request the amendment of education records that are believed to be inaccurate or misleading. Once a student is enrolled as a postsecondary student, parents have no inherent rights to inspect a student’s education records. However, records may be released to parents if:
      1. the student gives written consent,
      2. a subpoena is issued and/or
      3. the parent(s) submits evidence to the Office of Enrollment Services that the student is claimed as a dependent on their most current Federal Income Tax form. Detailed information about FERPA, including who may have access to information contained in your records, is available in the Student Records - FERPAsection of this catalog, at the Office of Enrollment Services in Building 015, or on the College Web site at www.fgc.edu/students/registration-and-records/ferpa/. You have the right to file a complaint with the U.S. Department of Education concerning alleged failures by the College to comply with the requirements of FERPA. The name and address of the Office that administers FERPA is:

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

8. Students With Disabilities - Florida Gateway College will comply with all Federal and State laws related to the civil rights of the disabled, including the American with Disabilities Act, the ADA Amendments, the Rehabilitation Act and the Rehabilitation Act Amendments. For qualified persons with appropriate documentation of their disabilities, this may include the reasonable substitution of requirements for admission to the College, admission to a program of study or graduation from Florida Gateway College. For additional information, stop by the Office of Accessibility Servicesin Building 14, Room 102, call us at (386) 754-4393, or email us at disability.services@fgc.edu.
9. Student Privacy Information - The Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA) provides certain privacy rights to students related to educational records. This information can be found in the Student Records - FERPAsection of this catalog, at the Office of Enrollment Services in Building 015 or on the College Web site: www.fgc.edu/students/registration-and-records/ferpa/.

Orientation

Orientation connects students to educational and social programming, involvement opportunities and college resources. At orientation, we strive to welcome, prepare, and support the transition of new students and families into the Florida Gateway College community. Orientation programs are required for all First-Time in College (FTIC) students, and students must attend an orientation within their first semester at FGC. A hold will be placed on those students that have not competed orientation to prevent future registrations. The orientation hold will be lifted once the student successfully completes orientation. Students are oriented to their programs via an online orientation or on campus. To learn more about orientation, visit fgc.edu/discover/admissions/orientation/, or call (386) 754-4319.

Online Self-Service for Students

Students with a Personal Identification Number (PIN) may access online self-service for students from the MyFGC link on the College’s Web page. Among other things, students may:

1. Register for classes, including add/drop, during established registration periods
2. Pay for classes
3. View or print schedule of classes
4. View or print unofficial transcripts
5. View and print final grades
6. View account summary
7. Perform degree evaluations to see classes or other requirements for a major
8. Update address
9. View assigned student e-mail address
10. Check financial aid status
11. View and accept/decline financial aid awards

Student Activities

Florida Gateway College invites you to come to relax and refresh your mind in the Charles W. Hall Student Center, otherwise known as “The Hall.” Located in building 7, “The Hall” has many fun and relaxing activities to fit almost any students’ interest. We offer students the use of our recreation room, computer and console gaming equipment, outdoor gaming equipment, lounge areas, and fitness center. All equipment is free for students to use with their current FGC student ID, and we even offer equipment check out for the weekend.

Check out equipment for FREE with a current FGC ID!!!!!!

Items available for checkout:

For students who may need them, we have vending machines, a microwave, and a phone charging station that are also located in the Hall. In addition to these services, you can also find the Student Food Closet, which is available to any student who is food insecure.

The Hall is also home to the Student Activities (SA) Office, which hosts many social and cultural events that can enhance your overall college experience. These events usually offer a variety of entertainment, giveaways, and free food. Throughout the week, SA also hosts drop by activities to promote student engagement outside of the classroom. All of these events and activities can be found on the Florida Gateway app, the SA calendar, which is updated each month, or text SAO to 797979 for event updates.

Located in building 13 is the fitness center. The fitness center houses free weights, cardio equipment, strength trainers, a heavy bag and a speed bag. All current students may use the fitness center at no charge while classes are in session. The fitness center is closed between semesters. Students are required to present their college ID for admittance.

If you have any questions, contact us at 386-754-4316 or student.activities@fgc.edu.

Florida Gateway College App

The Florida Gateway College app can be found in your mobile device’s app store by searching Florida Gateway. All currently enrolled students can use their My FGC credentials to log in to the app. The app features critical academic dates, campus event dates, and athletic event dates. Students may also search for and join clubs via the app, sign up for field trips, view the campus map, and access quick links to campus resources such as FAQs, exam schedules, and departmental forms.

If you have any questions, contact us at 386-754-4316 or student.activities@fgc.edu.

Student Government Association

Student Government at Florida Gateway College operates through elected representatives and club representatives. The Student Government Association serves as a liaison between the student body and the College administration. Students are urged to become involved in the executive or legislative branches of Student Government as time and opportunity permits.

The Student Government Association meets regularly. Students interested in becoming part of this organization should contact the Director of Student Life at (386) 754-4317 for additional information.

Student Representation in College Governance

Students are represented on campus committees that have the duty to propose policies that affect curriculum, programs, student activities, and conduct. Student representatives are recommended for these committees by the Student Government Association and appointed by the Vice President forEnrollment Management and Student Affairs.

Identification Cards

A student identification (ID) card must be obtained from the Student Activities Office by students taking classes on campus. Any students registered for on campus classes must stop by the office for a card. The student’s picture, name, and student ID number appear on the card, which serves as campus identification and entitles the student to library privileges, admission to all student activities-funded events, and voting privileges in student elections.

An ID card is valid for two years from the date of issue unless enrolled in specialty programs that end before the two years.

To obtain a student ID, students will need to bring a copy of their schedule and a government issued ID. Students enrolled in specialized programs should self-identify to ensure they receive the proper ID type.

Student Organizations

Enhance your college experience by joining a student organization on campus. By joining an organization, students will gain valuable leadership skills, experience working as a team, and build lifelong friendships.

Don’t see a club that interests you? Starting a new club is easy. The first step is to find five people who would be interested in creating a new club with you. You will then need to stop by the Student LifeOffice in building 7 to obtain a new club charter packet or download a copy from https://www.fgc.edu/discover/campus-life/student-organizations/

Notification of Social Security Number Collection and Usage

Office of Enrollment Services

NOTIFICATION OF SOCIAL SECURITY NUMBER COLLECTION AND USE: In compliance with and pursuant to Florida Statute 119.071 (5), 1008.386, 1002.22(2), and SBE Rule 6A - 1.0955 (3)(e), Florida Gateway College (FGC) issues this notification regarding the purpose of the collection and use of your Social Security number. FGCcollects your Social Security number for use in performance of the College’s duties and responsibilities for legitimate business purposes that include identification and verification; data collection; reconciliation; tracking; benefit processing; tax and scholarship reporting; financial aid processing; accreditation of programs; reporting to a receiving agency or governmental entity where the disclosure is necessary for it to perform its duties and responsibilities; and as a unique identifier in certain cases and for search purposes. In a seamless K-20 educational system, it is beneficial for postsecondary institutions to have access to the same information for purposes of tracking and assisting students in the transition from one educational level to the next. Federal legislation relating to the Hope Tax Credit requires that all postsecondary institutions report the Social Security number of all post-secondary students to the Internal Revenue Service (IRS). This IRSrequirement makes it necessary for colleges to collect the Social Security number of every student. A student may refuse to disclose his/her Social Security number to the college, but refusing to comply with the federal requirement may result in fines established by the IRS. By providing your SSN, you consent to its use in the manner described. To protect your identity and as required by federal law, FGCwill secure your Social Security number from disclosure to unauthorized parties. Each student at FGCwill be issued a unique student identification number which will be used for all educational purposes.

Human Resources Department

Your SSN is used for legitimate business purposes in compliance with:

• Completing and processing the Federal I-9 (Department of Homeland Security)
• Completing and processing Federal W4, W2, 1099 (Internal Revenue Service)
• Completing and processing Federal Social Security taxes (FICA)
• Processing and distributing Federal W2 (Internal Revenue Service)
• Completing and processing quarterly Unemployment Reports (FL Dept. of Revenue)
• Completing and processing Florida Retirement Contributions reports (FL Dept. of Revenue)
• Completing and processing Workers Compensation claims (FCCRMC and Department of Labor)
• Completing and processing 403(b) and 457(b) Contribution reports and FICA Alternative enrollment
• Completing and processing group health, life, and dental coverage enrollment and census reports
• Completing and processing various supplemental insurance deduction reports
• Verify identification for Employment verification

Providing your Social Security number is a condition of employment at FGC.

Student Conduct

College students are expected to conduct themselves appropriately both on and off campus. Students are subject to federal, state, and local ordinances as well as regulations prescribed by Florida Gateway College. A breach or violation of any of these laws or regulations will result in disciplinary action.

Every student, by the act of registering at Florida GatewayCollege, is obligated to follow the rules and regulations established by the College. Specific regulations are outlined in the Student Handbook, which is available through the Vice President for Enrollment Management and Student Affairs, or on the College Web site.

The College reserves the right to discipline any student whose conduct is considered unbecoming or detrimental to the College or the community.

The Director of Student Life is responsible for the administration of student discipline as described in the Student Code of Conduct. First level appeals are heard by a campus appeals board chaired by the Vice President for Enrollment Management & Student Affairs. The President is the final authority on appeals at the institutional level.

Residence Life

Living on campus provides unique opportunities to live, learn, and grow at FGC. Studies have shown that students living on campus perform well academically and develop a greater sense of belonging that helps foster overall success during and beyond college. As part of the Department of Student Life, Residence Life hosts numerous programs designed to get you out, get you moving, and socializing with other members of the campus community. The Coordinator for Campus Life, a full-time professional staff member, and two Resident Assistants (student staff members) live in the community with the residents and respond to issues 24/7. If you want to know more about living on campus please call (386) 754-4319.

First Year Experience (FYE)

Few of us know how to do something perfectly the first time we do it, but we typically have help along the way. The same is true for your first year in College. Learning to be successful in college and a career does not have to happen on your own. With FYE you will build skills that will help you enhance your self-discipline, help you formulate achievable goals, and help you become an active part of the FGC community. Our goal with FYE is to help First-Time In College (FTIC) students utilize critical thinking, problem solving, and leadership skills that will aid them in being successful in their academic and professional careers. FYE spans over the first year of a FTIC student’s career at FGC with the benefits of skill shops, mentorship, and networking. For more information please call (386) 754-4319.