Student Life

Programs and Services

The mission of the Division of Student Affairs is to provide comprehensive and accessible services to meet the educational needs and support the personal growth of students. Every department in Student Affairs strives to help students make responsible decisions by providing a learning environment that will help them better understand their abilities and needs and learn about the vast array of educational and occupational opportunities available to them.

Academic Advising

See Academic Advising .

Admissions and Records Office

The Admissions and Records office, located on the second floor of the Student Union, provides important services that assist students with their transition to college. These services include, but are not limited to, processing applications for admission, evaluating high school and college transcripts.

Black Male Achievers

African-American men face unique challenges as they pursue academic, career and social success. TCC’s Black Male Achievers program is designed to help students stay in college and graduate. The program provides academic and student services, along with enrichment activities, to advance the intellectual and personal growth of participants. For information about the program, contact the Black Male Achievers Coordinator at bma@tcc.fl.edu.

Campus Recreation

Students may exercise the body as well as the mind by taking part in recreational, fitness and wellness opportunities on campus.

• Intramural Sports
  TCC offers an extensive intramural sports program. Students may participate in individual and team sports, including indoor and outdoor soccer, flag football, basketball, softball, volleyball, dodge ball and table tennis.
• The Lifetime Sports Complex & Fitness Center
  The Lifetime Sports Complex houses an 812-seat arena, which is home to TCC’s men’s and women’s basketball programs, and a recreational gymnasium. Classes in dance, physical fitness and indoor sports are held here, as are intramural sports. A state-of-the-art fitness facility and aerobics room accommodate students, faculty and staff. Abs and spin classes are also available. The intramural sports office is also located in the Lifetime Sports Complex. Hours and rules are posted in the facility. For information, call (850) 201-8093.

Career Center

The mission of the Career Center is to enhance student success by providing comprehensive career, transfer and employment services. The staff is committed to fostering individual growth and development by assisting students with their career and employment needs. Partnerships and collaborative efforts are developed with alumni, faculty, businesses, organizations, colleges and universities to help students explore career, internship, job shadowing, employment and transfer opportunities. The Career Center envisions career development as a lifelong process and empowers students to develop and implement a plan to achieve their short- and long-term career goals.

The Career Center offers a diverse array of services related to career planning, preparation and professional success. The Career Center helps students:

• Complete career and interest assessments
• Decide on a major or career path and develop a plan for success
• Obtain an internship or job shadowing experience in their future career field
• Transition to employment by offering services in
  • Resume development and critiquing
  • Cover letters
  • Dress for success
  • Mock interviews
  • Professional networking

The Career Center houses many career-related resources, including student and on-line job databases, job search assistance, and information on events such as Resumania, CareerFEST and job fairs.

The Career Center is located on the second floor of the Student Union.

For information on the Career Center or to schedule an appointment, contact (850) 201-9970 or visit www.tcc.fl.edu/careercenter.

For information on the TCC Internship Program, contact (850) 201-9971
Students visit www.tcc.fl.edu/internships.
Employers visit www.tcc.fl.edu/internshiphost

For information on resume assistance, job and internship opportunities or career fairs, visit www.tccfuturelink.com.

Counseling Center at TCC

It is common for students to periodically experience difficulty juggling the demands of coursework with the challenges that arise in their personal lives. Free mental health assessments, referrals and short-term counseling services are offered for students through the Department of Student Services and is located in the Technology and Professional Programs Building (TPP) room 141. For information on hours and how to make an appointment, visit the Counseling Center website or call (850) 201-7726.

Counseling services are available at TCC Monday - Friday, 8 a.m. - 5 p.m. Counselors are available to see students experiencing  a crisis that requires immediate attention on a walk-in basis, Monday - Friday noon - 1 p.m. 

For after-hours emergencies,  call 911 or go to the Tallahassee Memorial Hospital Emergency Room located at 1300 Miccosukee Road; Apalachee Center located at 2634 Capital Circle NE; or Capital Regional Medical Center Behavioral Health Center located at 2626 Capital Medical Blvd.

For free confidential telephone counseling, crisis intervention, and community referrals, call 211 or (850) 617-6333. 

Educational Talent Search

Educational Talent Search identifies low-income youth with potential for education at the postsecondary level and encourages them to complete secondary school and undertake a program of postsecondary education. It also publicizes the availability of student financial assistance to persons who pursue a program of postsecondary education. In addition, ETS encourages persons who have not completed programs of education at the secondary or postsecondary level, but who have the ability to complete such programs, to re-enter.

The services provided include academic advice and assistance in secondary and college course selection, assistance in completing college admission and financial aid applications, assistance in preparing for college entrance examinations, personal and career counseling, tutorial services, exposure to college campuses and cultural events, exposure to academic sites or activities not usually available to disadvantaged youth, workshops and counseling for families of students served, mentoring programs, and activities designed to assist students who have limited English proficiency. For information about the program, contact the program director at (850) 558-3643; ets@tcc.fl.edu.

Enrollment Call Center

The Enrollment Call Center provides information to students about the admission and records, advising and financial aid process at the college. The Student Central web portal, www.askstudentcentral.tcc.fl.edu, is a resource to learn more about Admissions/Records, Advising, Financial Aid, or the registration process, review frequently asked questions or submit a question online.  

Food Services

TCC offers various dining options for its students, faculty, staff and visitors in the Student Union. There are also numerous restaurants located near TCC’s main campus.

Graduation

See Graduation  in Academic Information.

Health Services

The College provides emergency assistance to students who are injured or become ill.

Students who are injured may obtain assistance by contacting Campus Police, located in the Centre Building at (850) 201-6100.

Health insurance is not available through the College.

The College maintains a blood bank account with the Southeastern Community Blood Center. Students, faculty and staff are given the opportunity to participate as donors several times each year. Additional information may be obtained from the Department of Student Services office in the Student Union.

The College reserves the right to take action, as it deems necessary, to protect students and employees based on the awareness of impending dangers of specific diseases or illnesses.

Housing

TCC does not provide on-campus housing; however, affordable student housing options are located within a five-minute walk of campus. For information, contact the Department of Student Services at (850) 201-8420, attend the College’s off-campus housing fair, or visit www.tcc.fl.edu/admissions/visit/parent-faq/.

Intercollegiate Athletics

TCC is a member of the National Junior College Athletic Association and offers baseball, softball, men’s and women’s cross country/track, and men’s and women’s basketball. TCC’s athletic program emphasizes values such as teamwork, discipline, leadership and cooperation, which carry over into life after college. For information on TCC Athletics, visit www.TCCEagles.com.

International Services

The International Services office, on the second floor of the Student Union, is a one-stop center for all international students. It provides a wide range of support services to F-1 visa students and other foreign nationals from admission to graduation. The office also plays an important role in the globalization of the campus. Services include, but are not limited to, the following:

• Recruits international students 
• Processes applications for admission of international students
• Prepares all immigration documents for students’ entry into the U.S. with an F-1
• Conducts a special international student orientation at the beginning of each semester
• Provides assistance to all international students to help them adapt to a new academic environment and culture
• Provides immigration advising to all students with any visa type
• Assists with academic advisement to all international students
• Monitors student compliance with the Department of Homeland Security immigration rules with regards to maintaining legal and valid status in the United States.  
• Maintains the SEVIS program, including SEVIS transfer-in and out to other schools
• Assists students with programs such as Curricular Practical Training (CPT), Optional Practical Training (OPT), work authorization, travel and re-entry, change of status and reinstatement
• Establishes and supports international partnerships and facilitates global education grants with institutions abroad
• Monitors student compliance with the required international health insurance plan
• Promotes the International Student Scholarship program, including the Housing Scholarship
• Sponsors the celebration of International Education Week and other cultural programs on campus
• Supports the International Student Organization (ISO) program and activities

For information on International Services, call (850) 201-8258 or visit the International Services website.

Library

See Library below.

New Student Orientation

New Student Orientation is conducted by the Advising and Retention office. During orientation, new students learn about campus resources, meet with an academic advisor and select classes, and learn how to use TCC Passport to register for classes and pay fees.

Orientation has two components: an online orientation and an on-campus orientation. Both are required for all new students.* The online orientation should be completed before arriving for the on-campus orientation. Visit the Orientation page or call (850) 201-8440 for information.

Steps for Orientation

Step 1: Register for the on-campus orientation.
Step 2: Complete TCC’s online orientation.
Step 3: Attend the scheduled on campus orientation and advising workshop.

* Note: Students enrolled in the programs listed below are required to complete a separate orientation, an online workshop designed for them. Students enrolled in these programs are not required to attend New Student Orientation. Email TCConline@tcc.fl.edu to learn more.

• Criminal Justice Technology, A.S. (2138)  
• Early Childhood Development, Education and Management, A.S. (2123)  
• Paralegal/Legal Studies, A.S. (2112)  

Ombuds

The College Ombuds provides confidential, impartial, independent and informal assistance to students in addressing academic and nonacademic issues at the College that current processes and procedures have not resolved. The Ombuds is located in Student Union Room 154; (850) 201-6140; ombuds@tcc.fl.edu.

The Ombuds may:

• Answer questions
• Help analyze the student’s situation
• Help develop options for addressing the student’s situation/concern
• Identify and explain current College policies and procedures
• Listen to the student’s concerns and complaints
• Refer the student to appropriate resource and/or arrange meetings

The Ombuds cannot:

• Advocate for specific outcomes
• Force any College office to change a decision
• Make binding or administrative decisions
• Make decisions for the student
• Make, change or set aside policy, procedures, rules or regulations
• Provide legal advice or represent students in a legal matter
• Replace or circumvent existing channels

Online Student Services

Students have access to many online services, all of which enhance the college experience. TCC’s goal is to make services accessible and convenient to both current and prospective students.

Many online services are available without a student ID number and personal password, including the following:

• Admission application
• Class search
• College catalog
• List of extracurricular activities
• Answers to frequently asked questions
• Student handbook and planner
• Textbook purchase
• Career resources
• Request an official transcript

The following services do require an eAccount username and password:

• Advising information (registration holds, advising detail checklist, links to university transfer manuals)
• Application for graduation
• Ask a Librarian
• Canvas
• Change of address and other personal information
• Degree audit
• EagleNet
• Email access
• Enrollment verification
• Fee payment
• Financial aid application and status check
• FTP access
• Grades/records
• Online tutoring (Learning Commons)
• Orientation to Online Learning Workshop
• Plato
• Registration
• Software programs accessible in the Learning Commons
• Turnitin.com

Scholarships

TCC is committed to helping students achieve their educational and professional goals. The scholarship program is an integral part of this commitment and is intended to provide qualified students with financial resources to support and promote their success.

Funding for the program is provided by the Division of Student Affairs and the TCC Foundation. For information, contact the scholarship coordinator at (850) 201-8411 or visit the Scholarships webpage.

Student Accessibility Services

TCC is committed to making all programs, services and facilities accessible to and usable by students with disabilities. The Student Accessibility Services (SAS) office supports students as they strive to obtain maximum benefit from the educational experience and effectively transition to the college environment.

• Registering with the Office
  To register for accommodations and learn about services available at TCC, students should make an appointment with an advising specialist in the SAS office. Documentation should be provided by a medical doctor, psychologist or other licensed specialist recognized to treat the specific disability.
• Available Services
  Academic advisors are available to students with disabilities. These advisors act as advocates, mediate with instructors and assist students in working with local agencies. Although TCC is responsible for notifying students, faculty and staff of services available, students with disabilities are responsible for requesting services.

To ensure timely accommodations, students are encouraged to request services before the beginning of each semester. Accommodations including note taking, reading, writing, interpreting, extended-time testing, an adaptive computer lab and individualized registration are available through the SAS office to eligible students.

The Adaptive Technology Computer Center and the Accommodated Testing Center, located in room 219 of the Fine and Performing Arts Center, are available for students with disabilities who require specialized or adaptive equipment. Braille printers, magnification equipment, computer software, calculators, Franklin Spellers, and Dragon Naturally Speaking, JAWS and other voice-synthesized computer aids are available. The lab and testing room are essentially barrier-free.

The District Board of Trustees has established policies and procedures on reasonable substitutions to meet admission, graduation or coursework requirements for eligible students. Students seeking a substitution must first meet with a representative to obtain the course substitution application. The staff member will provide information on the substitution process and guide the student through the procedures for substitution approval. The proper statement of substitution will be placed on the student’s transcript at graduation. Any denial of a course substitution may be appealed by the student. Any substitution previously granted to a student by another state of Florida postsecondary institution will be recognized by TCC.

Services are listed in various TCC publications, including the catalog, faculty handbook, student handbook and numerous college brochures. Services are also highlighted as part of TCC’s new student orientation program and are included in TCC staff orientation sessions.

Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) Coordinator

In compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act, the College has designated an ADA coordinator, who oversees and coordinates the College’s efforts to comply with and carry out its responsibilities pertaining to ADA. The coordinator also serves as the contact person for all ADA policies, procedures and concerns. The ADA coordinator can be contacted at (850) 201-8430 or dos@tcc.fl.edu.

ADA Grievance Procedure

TCC has adopted an internal grievance procedure that allows for the prompt and equitable resolution of complaints that allege actions prohibited by the United States Department of Justice regulations implementing Title II of the Americans with Disabilities Act. The purpose of the grievance procedure is to provide a means to mediate a fair and equitable solution to a complaint alleging discrimination based on disability or a violation of the rules and regulations prohibiting discrimination as outlined in the ADA.

Persons who think they have been discriminated against based on disability or that there has been a violation of ADA guidelines may contact the ADA coordinator at (850) 201-8430 or dos@tcc.fl.edu.

For information, stop by the Student Services office, located on the first floor of the Student Union room 154, or use the following contact information: voice: (850) 201-8420; persons with hearing or speech impairments and TTY users: connect through the Florida Relay Service by dialing 7-1-1 and then provide the phone number: (850) 201-8420. Email: dos@tcc.fl.edu.

Student Conduct

The Student Conduct office reviews incidents of alleged student conduct code violations and implements the campus disciplinary process, which is used as a restorative teaching tool rather than one of punishment. The office also provides mediation for both students and faculty. Please refer to the Student Handbook for details on the Student Conduct Code.

Student ID/Access Card

The TCC Student ID card provides access to the TCC library, Academic Computing Center Labs, Testing Center, Career Services Center, Learning Commons, Lifetime Sports Complex, and other campus facilities and labs. Cards and validation stickers are issued at the Cashier’s office, located in room 273 of the Student Union, and can be obtained Monday-Friday, 8 a.m.-4:30 p.m.

A current paid fee slip and photo ID in required to receive a Student ID card with a validation sticker. To update the validation sticker, students must present a current paid fee slip and their Student ID card to the Cashier’s office. To obtain a replacement card, students must pay a $10 fee at the Cashier’s office.

Student Leadership, Involvement, and Civic Engagement

The Student Leadership, Involvement, and Civic Engagement (SLICE) office is building a community of learners and inspiring the growth of the whole student by facilitating extracurricular and co-curricular activities that support student engagement, leadership, involvement, teamwork, retention and life-long learning opportunities. This office also gives students the opportunity to become engaged at TCC and in the community through community service. Many classes offer the opportunity to participate in service learning as a direct way of learning through relevant and meaningful service to the community. Additionally, as students pursue their academic interests and majors, they can connect with community-based organizations whose services and outreach programs align with those interests. Service opportunities are available throughout Leon, Gadsden and Wakulla counties. Students may record their community services hours through Connect TCC to have the hours placed on their co-curricular transcript.

For a comprehensive list of activities, service projects and organizations, visit Connect TCC or call (850) 201-8420.

Student Services

The Department of Student Services provides opportunities for students to get connected with the campus community. All students can make important contributions to the enhancement of activity programs that benefit both the College and individual students. Co-curricular activities are an important part of the total educational experience at the College. Students have the opportunity to plan and implement those activities, which complement the curricular programs of the institution. Activities currently include intramural sports, fitness gym, aerobics classes, concerts, lectures, drama, clubs, visual arts, socials, Brain Bowl, band, forensics, Model United Nations, student government and volunteerism.

Student Services also sponsors the Eagle’s Nest Food Pantry, a resource available to TCC students in emergency situations. For information, contact (850) 201-8420.

Take Stock in Children (TSIC) 

Take Stock in Children (TSIC) was established in 1995 as a nonprofit organization in Florida that provides a unique opportunity for low-income youth/students, many from minority families, to escape the cycle of poverty through education.

The Take Stock In Children program at Tallahassee Community College offers full tuition scholarships to TCC eligible students from Leon, Gadsden and Wakulla counties.

The program provides caring mentors and hope for a better life. TSIC’s comprehensive services start in middle school, continue through high school and include transition to college.

Testing Center

The Testing Center, located in rooms 208, 211 and 219 of the Fine and Performing Arts Center, provides the following testing services: Postsecondary Education Readiness Test (PERT), online course exams, Criminal Justice Basics Abilities Test (CJBAT), HESII Nurse Admissions Exam, exemption tests, accommodated testing and online education proctoring services. A photo ID is required.

Students who are taking an online class and who live in TCC’s service district (Gadsden, Leon, Wakulla counties) are required to take tests at the Testing Center. This service is offered free of charge. The TCC Gadsden Center and the TCC Wakulla Center are also online learning testing sites. Students who do not reside in TCC’s service district and who require the services of a proctor at a location other than TCC’s main campus should arrange the service through the Testing Center at (850) 201-8282. There may be fees associated with the use of external proctors.

Transportation

StarMetro operates bus service to TCC’s main campus. For information on routes and fares, visit www.talgov.com/starmetro/starmetro-routes.aspx.

Student Learning Resources

The College offers an extensive variety of learning opportunities and facilities both on and off campus. For information about student resources, open the Student Handbook and go to the chapter titled My Resources.

Open-access Computers and Technology Assistance

TCC prides itself on its commitment to provide students with access to the latest technologies. Open-access computers, located in AC210, in the Learning Commons and in the library, are available to TCC students with a currently validated TCC ID Card. Students are welcome to use the hardware and software in the open-access computer areas to complete course assignments using Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Access and multimedia applications. Macintosh platforms can be found in AC210 and the Learning Commons. In addition, students have access to the internet and other equipment such as disk drives and scanners.

The media room, located in the Learning Commons, is equipped with a computer projector for students to practice PowerPoint presentations, as well as ample space for work on group projects.

Adaptive Computer Lab

The Adaptive Technology Computer Lab and Accommodated Testing Center are located in room 219 of the Fine and Performing Arts Center. They are available for students with disabilities who require specialized or adaptive equipment and testing accommodations.

eAccounts

Students have access to many electronic services in support of their academic experience. eAccounts are automatically assigned to all currently enrolled TCC students. eAccounts provide access to the following:

• TCC email system*
• Campus LAN at the library
• Academic Computing Labs
• Computer Access Labs
• Adaptive Technology Computer Lab (or other academic labs)
• Smarthinking online tutor
• Web-based courses

Instructions for accessing the eAccount can be found at Student Central.

Note: The TCC student email system is the official method of communication among TCC faculty, staff and students. Students are expected to use TCC email as their primary account and are encouraged to check their email frequently.

Learning Commons

The William D. Law, Jr. Learning Commons is a comprehensive, integrated learning center that provides learning assistance and resources to all TCC students. The Learning Commons offers students and faculty a broad range of services, including diagnostic assessment, learning materials and electronic resources, individual conferences, one-on-one and small group tutoring, whole class support, workshops and seminars, success strategies, technology and multimedia support, and assistance in the development and assessment of individual learning plans. Learning specialists and faculty collaborate to assist students in identifying and using resources to maximize learning and support student success.

The first floor of the Learning Commons provides support for students in all levels of mathematics, business-related courses, health sciences, physical sciences and natural sciences. An addition to the first floor is our Anatomy & physiology Lab with models. The second floor provides support for students in all aspects of communication, including reading, writing and language skills and support for nonnative speakers of English. Communication specialists and library staff collaborate to provide support for research and information literacy.

Throughout the Learning Commons, students have open access to computers, computer applications and technology support. For information, call (850) 201-8193.

When classes are in session, Learning Commons hours of operation are Monday through Thursday, 7:30 a.m.-7:30 p.m. and  Friday, 7:30 a.m.-5 p.m. Students should consult schedules posted on the Learning Commons website for hours during semester breaks, Summer semester, vacation periods and holidays.

Library

The TCC library, which shares a building with the William D. Law, Jr. Learning Commons, provides state-of-the art resources and services that support the academic mission of the College and the personal enrichment of TCC students, faculty and staff. Its collections include the following:

• Books in print, electronic and audio formats, many of which are downloadable to computers and mobile devices
• Local, regional and national newspapers, magazines, trade publications, and scholarly journals
• More than 100 research databases that offer the searchable full text of more than 9,000 journals, magazines and newspapers
• Course reserve items such as textbooks, DVDs and supplemental readings for in-library use
• Special collections such as the Florida History, Children’s, Career and Leisure Reading book collections and the John G. Riley Museum of African-American History and Culture archive

The library also offers these services to support students’ academic needs:

• Staff of friendly professional librarians and skilled support personnel available all hours of operation to assist with assignments; locating, evaluating and citing information; and technology questions
• Extensive hours of operation: Hours are posted around the library and on the library’s website, or students may call (850) 201-8376 .
• Individual study carrels and group study rooms
• Computers, laptops and iPads  for accessing TCC’s electronic resources
• Large collection of films on DVD and equipment for viewing and listening
• Expert research assistance on walk-in basis and by appointment for one-on-one consultations or classroom instruction sessions
• Embedded research assistance in Canvas courses via customized guides and tutorials
• Online chat/text/email reference service (“Ask a Librarian”) staffed by professional librarians that puts additional research assistance at students’ fingertips throughout the day and during most of the hours the TCC library is closed
• Interlibrary loan service that allows students to borrow books and journal articles from other libraries anywhere in the world
• Color and black/white photocopying, printing, scanning and fax service.

The Ghazvini Library and Learning Commons is located at the Ghazvini Center for Healthcare Education. It offers materials and services to support TCC’s healthcare programs, including:

• Books, journals and DVDs on health and medicine
• Reserve materials for the healthcare programs
• Computers, laptops and iPads for accessing TCC’s electronic resources
• Group study rooms
• A dedicated health sciences librarian and staff to assist with research needs

Hours of operation vary from those of the main library. Contact the Ghazvini Library at 850-558-4537 or go to www.facebook.com/GhazviniLLC for details.

Students should bring their TCC ID when visiting either library. A valid ID card is required to

• Borrow materials
• Access online databases
• Use reserve and multimedia collections
• Use group study rooms
• Use printing and fax services

The library’s website serves as the portal to its rich array of resources and links students to the holdings of the 27 other Florida College System libraries and the 11 State University System libraries. The website also offers database tutorials, and citation and research guides.

Study Abroad

TCC’s travel and study abroad programs allow students to experience customs, languages and cultures of the world first hand. Related course offerings, length of trips and itineraries vary by program and semester. TCC has also fostered partnerships with other higher education institutions such as Florida State University and Valdosta State University to provide TCC students with additional opportunities to study abroad. Information on study abroad programs is available at on the Travel & Study Abroad webpage.

Veterans Success Center

The TCC Richard W. and Karen B. Moore Veterans Success Center helps veterans, reservists and dependents of veterans obtain, process and use their veterans educational benefits. The Veterans Success Center also provides professional guidance and support services to help veterans transition to academic and civilian life. Additionally, the Veterans Success Center provides referrals to other agencies for assistance such as healthcare benefits, counseling and employment services. Visit the Veterans Success Center on the second floor of the Computer Technology (CT) building, room 206, or at www.tcc.fl.edu/veterans, or call (850) 201-8406.

Student Rights and Responsibilities

The District Board of Trustees, faculty, staff and students are committed to creating a campus of learning, safety, shared responsibility and harmony. It is expected that all members of the educational community will share respect for the law and adhere to the highest ethical and moral standards of conduct.

In the event that these high standards are not self-enforced, the College will take action to protect its interests. Student conduct on campus and at off-campus sponsored activities and facilities is expected to be supportive of these interests.

The disciplinary function at TCC is an integral part of the educational mission of the College. Discipline is seen as a tool for guiding and teaching, rather than as punishment. Since behavior that is not in keeping with acceptable standards is often symptomatic of attitudes, misconceptions and emotional crises, the treatment of these symptoms through education and rehabilitative activities is an essential element of the disciplinary process. Severe disciplinary action against a student, such as suspension or expulsion, is considered and invoked only when necessary. Even in the case of irrevocable expulsion for misconduct, the process will not be considered punitive in the criminal sense, but will rather reflect the determination that the student is unqualified to continue as a member of the College community.

Each student, by registration, assumes the responsibility to become familiar with and abide by College regulations and acceptable standards of conduct. Students who fail to observe College regulations or to maintain acceptable standards of conduct on campus or at College-sponsored functions or facilities are subject to disciplinary action. TCC reserves the right to discipline a student for activities that take place off campus when those activities adversely affect the College community. Disciplinary action by the College may proceed while criminal proceedings are pending and will not be subject to challenge on the grounds that criminal charges involving the same incident have been dismissed or reduced. (See the Student Handbook for details on the TCC Student Conduct Code and student rights and responsibilities.)

Student Right of Privacy

The College maintains various student records to assist students in achieving their educational goals. These records are regarded as confidential, and information contained in them can be released only by written permission of the student.

Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act

The Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA) gives students the following rights with respect to their education records:

• The right to inspect and review the student’s education records within 45 days of the day the college receives a request for access. Students should submit to the college registrar written requests that identify the record(s) they wish to inspect. The college official will make arrangements for access and notify the students of the time and place where the records will be inspected. If the records are not maintained by the college official to whom the request was submitted, that official shall advise the student of the correct official to whom the request should be addressed.
• The right to request the amendment of the student’s education records that the student believes are inaccurate, misleading, or otherwise in violation of the student’s privacy rights under FERPA. A student who wishes to ask the college to amend a record should write the college official responsible for the record, clearly identify the part of the record the student wants changed, and specify why it should be changed. If the college decides not to amend the record as requested, the college will notify the student in writing of the decision and the student’s right to a hearing regarding the request for amendment. Additional information regarding the hearing procedures will be provided to the student when notified of the right to a hearing.
• The right to provide written consent before the college discloses personally identifiable information from the student’s education records, except to the extent that FERPA authorizes disclosure without consent. The college discloses education records without a student’s prior written consent under the FERPA exception for disclosure to college officials with legitimate educational interests. A college official is a person employed by the college in an administrative, supervisory, academic, research, or support staff position (including law enforcement unit personnel and health staff); a person serving on the board of trustees; or a student serving on an official committee, such as a disciplinary or grievance committee. A college official also may include a volunteer or contractor outside of the College who performs an institutional service or function for which the school would otherwise use its own employees and who is under the direct control of the college with respect to the use and maintenance of personally identifiable information from education records, such as an attorney, auditor, or collection agent or a student volunteering to assist another college official in performing his or her tasks. A college official has a legitimate educational interest if the official needs to review an education record in order to fulfill his or her professional responsibilities for the College.
• The right to file a complaint with the U.S. Department of Education concerning alleged failures by a college to comply with the requirements of FERPA. The name and address of the office that administers FERPA is as follows:
  
  Family Policy Compliance Office
  U.S. Department of Education
  400 Maryland Avenue, SW
  Washington, DC 20202-5920

Directory Information

The following information may be released to anyone unless a student specifies in writing to the Admissions and Records office that the information is not to be released:

• Student’s name
• Place of birth
• Major field of study
• Participation in officially recognized activities and sports
• Dates of attendance
• Degrees, academic honors and awards
• Enrollment status (i.e., full-time, part-time)
• Photographs*
• Most recent educational agency or institution attended

*Although TCC has designated photographs as directory information, these will appear only in TCC-generated information, such as College publications and the College’s website.

Students may choose to withhold all, or some, of the designated directory information by completing the Request to Prevent Disclosure of Directory Information form in the Admissions and Records office. Any future release of such information would require written permission of the student.

Students should be aware that FERPA permits the disclosure of personally identifiable information from students’ education records, without consent of the student, if the disclosure meets certain conditions found in §99.31 of the FERPA regulations.

University Partners Data Sharing and Use

TCC may share student records with its university partners as a part of its TCC2FSU and TCC2FAMU programs, including for the purposes of reverse transfer. Both parties agree that they will use and maintain student records received from the other party only in furtherance of the program and in accordance with the requirements of the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act of 1974, as amended (20USCA 1232g) and Sections 1002.22 and 1006.52, F.S. Further, both parties agree that they will not disclose such information to any third party except in accordance with aforementioned laws. Students may choose to withhold their information by completing the Request to Prevent Disclosure of Directory Information form in the Admissions and Records office.

Social Security Number Collection and Use

In compliance with s. 119.071(5), F.S., TCC issues this notification to students, employees and applicants regarding the collection and use of the Social Security number.

TCC collects and uses the Social Security number in performance of the College’s duties and responsibilities for the following purposes: admissions/testing, record identification and verification, classification of accounts, credit worthiness, billing and payments, data collection, reconciliation, tracking for outcome data and transition from one education level to the next, benefit processing, tax and scholarship reporting, financial aid processing, accreditation of programs, as a condition of employment and employment processing, and reporting to authorized agencies of the state and federal government. To protect identity, TCC secures all Social Security numbers from unauthorized access and assigns students and employees a unique identification number. The College will never release Social Security numbers to unauthorized parties. The unique identification number is used for all associated employment and educational purposes at TCC.

Federal legislation relating to the Hope Tax Credit requires that all postsecondary institutions report students’ Social Security numbers to the Internal Revenue Service. A student may refuse to disclose his or her Social Security number to the College; however, students should be aware that according to IRS publication 301.6724-1, the IRS imposes a $100 penalty for missing Social Security numbers (or TINs) and incorrect name and Social Security number combinations for information returns due on or after January 1, 2011.  

In addition to federal reporting requirements, the public school system in Florida uses Social Security numbers as student identifiers (s. 1008.386, F.S.) for purposes of tracking and assisting students in the smooth transition from one education level to the next. Social Security numbers are protected by FERPA and are never released to unauthorized parties.

Financial Aid Department

The Financial Aid office will use the student’s Social Security number to secure funds awarded and to report funds received by the student from the state and federal government. In addition, if a student is awarded and chooses to accept a student loan, the Social Security number will be used to obtain the loan funds from the lender the student specifies.

The United States Department of Education Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) requires all applicants to report their Social Security number to be used for all federal financial aid programs as a student identifier for processing and reporting. In addition to its use by USDOE as a student identifier, the Social Security number is required in order for the Department of Homeland Security to investigate citizenship status, for the Federal Work Study program, and on all loan applications for use by the lender/servicer/guarantor.

Sections 483 and 484 of the Higher Education Act of 1965, as amended, give TCC the authority to ask students and their parents these questions and to collect Social Security numbers.

Human Resources Department

Providing one’s Social Security number is a condition of employment at TCC. The Social Security number is used for legitimate business purposes in compliance with the following:

• Completing and processing the federal I-9 form (Department of Homeland Security)
• Completing and processing the federal W4, W2 and 1099 forms (Internal Revenue Service)
• Completing and processing federal Social Security taxes (Federal Insurance Contributions Act tax)
• Completing and processing quarterly unemployment reports (Florida Department of Revenue)
• Completing and processing Florida Retirement Contributions (Florida Department of Revenue)
• Workers’ Compensation Claims (Florida Community College Risk Management Consortium and Department of Labor)
• Completing and processing various payroll garnishments
• Completing and processing 403b and 457b contributions
• Completing and processing group health, life and dental coverage enrollments
• Completing and processing various supplemental insurance deduction reports
• Completing and processing various payroll documents, including contracts for service

Intellectual Property Rights

Tallahassee Community College adheres to all applicable intellectual property laws, including but not limited to federal copyright law, Title 17 of the U.S. Code as amended at http://www.copyright.gov/title17. The College expects that all College employees, students and guests using the facilities or resources of the College will adhere to these laws. Unauthorized photocopying or distribution of materials protected by copyright law may lead to civil and criminal penalties.

The College monitors computer use to protect against unauthorized activity such as the distribution of protected materials (such as music, videos, software) using peer-to-peer file sharing networks. The College’s Computer Security and Access policy clearly states that “using College computers or computing systems in any manner which violates Federal, state, or local laws, or College policies…[may result in] discharge, dismissal, expulsion, and/or legal action.”  Civil penalties for copyright infringement include fines up to $30,000 per work infringed but can be as high as $150,000 in the case of willful infringement. Under current copyright law, criminal cases of copyright violation carry a penalty of up to five years in prison and a $250,000 fine.