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Student Services

ORIENTATION

All new students are encouraged to participate in an orientation session designed to assist in adjusting to college life. First time students must participate in orientation in order to register in the summer for the fall term. (See college calendar for orientation dates).

SERVICES FOR STUDENTS WITH DISABILITIES

Gulf Coast Community College encourages the enrollment of students with disabilities and recognizes their special needs; thus the Disability Support Services program at GCCC is comprehensive in the services offered and the range of disabilities served. Its focus is academic support through human support services and technology to help students reach their potential. The college endeavors to provide equal access to a quality education by providing reasonable accommodations to qualified individuals. To promote academic success, we offer a wide range of assistance and support services. Services include but are not limited to assistance in course registration, information about and referrals to campus and community services, academic and personal counseling, learning specialists, testing accommodations, readers, note takers, interpreters, listening systems, and adaptive equipment. Students who have a disability requiring special assistance should contact the Office of Disability Support Services.

Gulf Coast Community College has developed and implemented policies and procedures for providing reasonable course substitutions for eligible students with disabilities. Students who may be eligible for substitutions are those who have documented visual impairments, hearing impairments, or specific learning disabilities. Documentation must be provided to substantiate that the disability can be reasonably expected to prevent the student from meeting requirements for admission to the institution, admission to a program of study, entry to upper-division, or graduation. For additional information and assistance, contact the Office of Disability Support Services located in the Student Union East, Room 59.

STUDENT SUPPORT SERVICES - TRIO

The Student Support Services-TRIO program provides support for students with academic need in the areas of English, Spanish, reading, and mathematics. This support includes one-to-one and group tutoring as well as specialized workshops and test preparation. Professional learning managers provide program services to all eligible participants. Additional support is provided by the program counselor through individual and group counseling activities that focus on study skills development, career exploration, student success strategies, and activities that foster a sense of belonging. A learning laboratory with computer access and audio/visual equipment is also available for student use. Eligibility for participation in the Student Support Services program is based on federal guidelines. The program serves first generation and low-income students, as well as students with physical and learning disabilities. Once certified for the program, students remain eligible for program services throughout their tenure at Gulf Coast Community College. The offices for Student Support Services are located in the Student Union West Building, rooms 88, 89, 90b, and 90c.

RETURNING STUDENT PROGRAM

The Returning Student Program is funded to serve displaced homemakers over the age of 35 who were once dependent on the income of another and no longer have such income. This can be due to divorce, death, separation, or spousal disability. Academic support, personal and career development, and book and tuition scholarships are available for eligible clients per funding availability. The program is located in the Student Union East, Room 49 and 50. For more information, please call 872-3835 or 769-1551, ext. 6012. The Returning Student Program is sponsored by Gulf Coast Community College and the State of Florida and is administered by the Agency for Workforce Innovation.

VETERANS

Applicants who plan to attend college under veterans benefits should consult the veterans affairs (VA) certifying official to obtain all necessary VA application forms before enrolling.

To be eligible, students must be degree seeking and their enrollment must be reported to the VA certifying official each term.

Gulf Coast Community College will adjust its VA certification procedures to the changing dynamics of the Veterans Administration without prior notification to students. Students on probation for two consecutive terms of enrollment who receive VA educational benefits will have their benefits terminated. VA benefits will be reinstated when the student is no longer on academic probation.

Credit for previous education and training will be evaluated and granted, if appropriate, with the training time shortened and tuition reduced proportionally with the VA and the veteran or eligible person so notified. Since the first VA checks are delayed, it is advisable for the veteran to be prepared to meet all expenses for approximately two months. For further information call the Veterans' Office at Gulf Coast Community College at 747-3210.

VETERANS' FEE DEFERMENT POLICY

In accordance with Florida Statutes 1009.27, only one deferment per calendar year will be granted, except where the veteran's certifying officer concurs that extenuating circumstance were present, then additional deferments may be granted.

Any person eligible to receive veteran educational benefits who wishes to pursue an approved program of education at Gulf Coast Community College will be granted upon request a sixty (60) day deferment during the fall and spring semesters and a thirty (30) day deferment for summer semesters for full payment of fees from the first day of classes, provided the period of deferment shall not extend beyond 10 days before the end of the term.

No eligible person who has received a deferment and who has failed to pay the deferred fees shall be allowed to re-enroll until such indebtedness has been satisfied.

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