Student Rights and Responsibilities

The purpose of this document is to provide students with a general overview of both their rights and responsibilities as members of the Santa Fe College community. This list of student rights and responsibilities was developed using various documents that mandate College policies, rules, and procedures. This document is not intended to create new or additional rights or responsibilities or to supersede or supplement existing rules and procedures, but merely to serve as a helpful guide for students. In the event a rule or procedure is modified, the terms of that rule or procedure will govern the students’ rights and responsibilities rather than this summary document.

Academic Advisement. Students have the right to academic advisement. Academic advisors provide degree-seeking students with information and guidance as they develop a plan to attain their educational goals - including course selection and sequencing, as well as answers to their transfer questions. Students are assigned an academic advisor based on program of study. The name of each student’s advisor is listed in eSantaFe.

Academic Freedom. Students have the right to be taught by faculty who have the freedom to 1) teach and discuss any aspect of a topic pertinent to the understanding of the subject matter of the course that he/she is teaching and 2) act and speak in his/her capacity as a citizen without institutional censorship or discipline. Santa Fe College has had a long history of responsible academic freedom in which it takes justifiable pride.

Academic Objectives. Students are responsible for satisfying the entire range of academic objectives as they are defined by the instructor in any course. Failure to satisfy any of the course objectives may have an adverse effect on the grade earned in the course or may result in the student receiving no credit in the course. Attendance requirements are included in the academic objectives of each course and shall be presented in writing by the instructor at the beginning of each term.

Academic Responsibilities. Students are responsible for knowing and fulfilling all graduation requirements as well as pre-professional requirements for your major/program of study. To meet that goal, students are responsible for: 1) Completing orientation to receive direction prior to first term of enrollment 2) Meeting with an advisor on a regular basis about graduation requirements and understanding admission requirements for your major 3) Reviewing the degree audit to ensure he/she understands the remaining degree requirements. 4) Seeking advisement when in academic difficulty and 5) Maintaining personal academic records transcripts, degree audits, evaluation of transfer work, and notes from previous advising sessions.

If at any time a student is uncertain or confused about academic requirements or your progress toward a degree, they are encouraged to meet with an academic advisor as soon as possible. View the SF website at www.sfcollege.edu for information on general education requirements, pre-professional courses required by universities and majors, SUS foreign language requirements, university links and the degree audit.

Academic Standards of Progress. Students have the right to be informed about academic standards of progress. To be considered in good standing and continue successfully toward a degree, a student must achieve a minimum term grade point average (GPA) of 2.0 or higher each term. Students not meeting this requirement may be placed on Academic Warning, Academic Probation, Academic Suspension or Academic Dismissal. Students who do not meet the requirements for academic progress are notified of their academic standing via the college’s official notification system.

Accessibility.  Students have the right to access all Santa Fe College’s courses, programs, services, and activities.  That includes the right to request reasonable substitutions and reasonable accommodations for admission and graduation requirements based on documented disabilities. Approved accommodations may not fundamentally alter the nature of a course or a program. Students with disabilities have the right to an equal opportunity to participate in and benefit from courses, programs, services, and activities offered through the College; to an equal opportunity to learn, and to receive reasonable accommodations, academic adjustments, and/or auxiliary aids and services; to appropriate confidentiality of all disability related information and to choose to whom, outside of the College, disability related information will be disclosed, except as disclosures are required/permitted by law; and to information, reasonably available in accessible formats. Students registering with the Disabilities Resource Center are responsible for self-identifying as an individual with a disability when an accommodation is needed; meeting qualifications and maintaining essential institutional standards of courses, services, and activities, with or without accommodations; seeking information, counsel, and assistance as necessary; demonstrating and/or documenting (from a qualified and appropriate professional) how the disability limits their participation in courses, programs, services, or activities;  and following published procedures for obtaining information, services and reasonable accommodations as found on the Disability Resource Center webpage at http://www.sfcollege.edu/student/drc/.

Animals on Campus. Students are prohibited from allowing emotional support animals and pets into any of the SF buildings. Designated spaces where emotional support animals and pets are permitted include the exterior region of the campus and centers, athletic areas south of South Road on the Northwest Campus as well as the open field north of O building on the Northwest Campus. Students with disabilities have the right to bring a service animal to a Santa Fe College property without prior approval from the College or documentation that the service animal is trained to perform its duty. Students with animals on campus (also known as handlers) are solely responsible for the well-being of the animal. Handlers must always maintain control of their animal; Must never leave animals unattended on College property; May not leave animals in vehicles, Must not allow animals to run freely anywhere on campus; Should alleviate any disruption or interference caused by the animal; Must carry adequate waste removal devices or disposal bags to remove any excreta deposited by the animal; Must properly clean up any waste created by the animal and; and Must take responsibility for any property damage or injuries caused by the animal.

Articulation Agreement. Students earning the A.A. degree at Santa Fe College have the right to general admission into one of the state universities, but not necessarily to the university of choice or to a limited access program, according to the state-wide Community College Associate in Arts Articulation Agreement. Upon transferring to a state university, A.A. degree graduates will be awarded at least 60 credit hours towards the baccalaureate degree. The university catalog in effect the year the A.A. degree student first enrolled at the college will remain in effect for the student’s program, provided the student maintains continuous enrollment as defined in that catalog. Once a student has completed the General Education Core and this is so noted on the transcript, regardless of whether or not an A.A. degree is awarded, no other state university or community college to which the student may transfer can require additional courses to the general education core. When transferring among institutions participating in the Statewide Course Numbering System, a receiving institution must accept all courses taken at the transfer institution if the same course with the same course number is offered at the receiving institution. Credits earned through acceleration mechanisms (e.g. College Level Examination Program, Advanced Placement, Early Admission, International Baccalaureate, and Dual Enrollment courses) within the A.A. degree at the community college will be transferable to the state university.

A.A. students who meet stated requirements have the right to participate in SF2FAMU, SF2NCF, SF2UNF, SF2USF, SF2UVI or SF2UWF SF2FAMU provides guaranteed admission into specific programs at Florida A&M University, SF2NCF provides guaranteed admission into specific programs at New College of Florida, SF2UNF provides guaranteed admission into the University of North Florida, SF2USF provides guaranteed admission into specific programs at the University of South Florida, SF2UVI provides guaranteed admission into specific programs at the University of Virgin Islands and SF2UWF provides guaranteed admission into specific programs at the University of West Florida. Visit our website at https://www.sfcollege.edu/transfer/guaranteed/ for more information.

Audit Courses. Students are responsible for indicating whether they intend to receive credit for or audit a college course at the time of registration. A student may not switch from credit to audit or from audit to credit after the drop/add period. No credit is granted when the course is completed, nor can any be given at a future date. Audit students pay the same tuition fees, application fees, laboratory fees and special fees as credit students.

Bus Service. Students who pay the Student Activity & Service Fee have the right to ride buses provided by the Regional Transit System at no additional charge, by swiping/showing a current SF Identification card. Santa Fe College is regularly serviced by the Regional Transit System (RTS) and buses stop on campus in front of S building. Bus route information is available in the Robertson Administration Building and S Building.

Career Assistance. Students have the right to seek guidance in the selection of career goals, programs of study, colleges, and life direction. The Career Exploration Center offers computerized assessments of a person’s interests, values, personality, and other relevant factors to suggest career fields that may be worthy of investigation. Students may visit the Career Exploration Center in R-217 and access Career Coach online at www.sfcollege.edu/careercoach.

Civic Literacy. Students entering a post-secondary institution after 2021 must pass a civic literacy course (AMH 2020 or POS 2041) and the state civic literacy exam to qualify for graduation. For more information visit https://www.sfcollege.edu/registrar/graduation/faq/#CivicLiteracy. 

College Catalog. Students have the right to be governed by the college catalog in effect during the year that they first enrolled at Santa Fe College. The college catalog in effect the year the student first enrolled at the College will remain in effect for the duration of the student’s program, provided the student maintains continuous enrollment as defined in that catalog. College catalogs are available online at www.sfcollege.edu.

Complaints. Students have the right to complain. Santa Fe College seeks to maintain open avenues for students who wish to lodge complaints. To provide these avenues, the College maintains a responsive system designed to address and resolve student complaints.

For complaints that are academic in nature or in reference to a general institutional issue, students are expected to adhere to the procedure listed in SF Rule 7.36P: Student Complaints. Students are expected to follow the chain of command within the complaint process. The students may contact the Counseling Center and/or the College’s Student Ombudsperson for assistance, advocacy, or support at any point within this process.  It is recommended the students address their complaints with the appropriate staff or faculty member. The staff or faculty member is expected to work with the student and any other persons who are involved to resolve the complaint within ten (10) business days. If the complaint is not resolved to the student’s satisfaction, the student may take progressive action as outlined in the Student Complaint Resolution Process. 1st Action: If student is comfortable doing so, student should discuss complaint with the employee alleged to have caused the complaint within ten (10) business days of the incident. The employee is expected to seek to resolve the issue within the (10) business days of the complaint by the student. If the complaint is not with a specific college employee but with an office, area, or any other college-related source that does not fall under a Rule indicated in Note 1, the student shall contact the College Ombudsperson for guidance within the (10) business days of the incident. If no resolution is found in the 1st action, then the student should proceed to the 2nd Action. 2nd Action: Student shall submit a typewritten complaint to the immediate supervisor of the employee alleged to have caused the complaint, or other appropriate supervisor based on the subject of the complaint, within ten (10) business days from 1st Action. The typewritten complaint shall include a brief description of the complaint, action taken, and the requested resolution (up to 1-2 pages suggested). The supervisor shall respond within ten (10) business days in writing to the student. If no resolution is found in the 2nd action, then the student should proceed to 3rd Action. 3rd Action:  Student shall submit a typewritten complaint to the Assistant Vice-President (AVP), Associate Vice-President (AVP), or Director who maintains oversight of the division or unit of the supervisor involved in the 2nd action. The complaint must be submitted within ten (10) business of receipt of the response discussed in the 2nd action. The AVP/Director will engage in fact-finding and make a decision within ten (10) business days. The AVP/Director will provide a written response to the student. If no resolution is found in the 3rd action, then the student should proceed to 4th/Final Action. 4th Action: Student shall submit typewritten complaint to the appropriate Vice President (VP). The VP will engage in fact-finding and issue a decision. The VP’s decision constitutes the final position of the College. If, after exhausting this institutional Student Complaint Resolution Process, the complaint has not been resolved to the student’s satisfaction, the student may file a complaint with the Florida Colleges Division of the Florida Department of Education and/or the Southern Association for Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges. For more information on how to contact the Florida Department of Education regarding a complaint, students may access information at the following website: https://www.fldoe.org/about-us/office-of-the-inspector-general/file-a-complaint.stml. If the nature of the complaint falls within the scope of the following rules, the procedure of that rule must be followed: SF Rule 2.8: Prohibition Against Discrimination and Harassment, SF Rule 4.2: Grading System, SF Rule 7.22: College Petitions Committee and SF Rule 7.23: Student Conduct Code. For Formal Complaints about Discrimination and/or Harassment, students may contact the Equal Access/Equal Opportunity Coordinator at 3000 NW 83rd Street, R-Annex, Room 105, Gainesville, Florida 32606 or 352-395-5420 or equity.officer@sfcollege.edu Students may also contact administrators whose responsibilities directly address such issues, such as: the President or Provost or Vice President, the Director of Human Resources or the Associate Vice Presidents for Academic Affairs or for Student Affairs.

Computer Access. Students are responsible for obtaining access to an Internet-connected computer for successful completion of college programs. Santa Fe College expects and requires that all students acquire access to the computer hardware and software necessary for their programs. The cost of meeting this requirement varies from student to student, but may include purchase or lease of a computer, Internet access fees, software purchases, and cost of maintenance and supplies. Costs of meeting this requirement will be included in financial aid considerations. No student will be denied access to Santa Fe College because of an inability to purchase or lease a computer, and accordingly, the College offers access to computers through its computer labs and the library. The College also offers campus WiFi and a laptop loaner program which can be accessed at www.sfcollege.laptoploan.

Counseling Services. Students have the right to meet with a counselor for personal, academic, career and crisis intervention counseling. Santa Fe College offers a staff of licensed mental health counselors to help students identify a variety of personal challenges that might be affecting their performance. Additionally, if a student is facing challenges in the classroom, counselors can help students resolve these issues and improve their academic and personal success. The Counseling Center also provides crisis stabilization and referral resources for long-term therapy. Students may expect counselors to abide by the ethical codes of their respective professional organizations and the legal statues of the State of Florida governing their profession. In keeping with these standards counselors will respect and maintain student privacy, but a counselor may be required to break confidentiality if there is a clear and immediate probability of physical harm to the client/student or others, if there is a report of child abuse, or if there is a report of elder abuse.

Deadlines and Transcripts. Students are responsible for ensuring that SF receives final, official transcripts from the high schools from which the student graduated and all colleges that the student has attended. Final, official high school transcripts must be on file with the Office of Admissions prior to registering for classes. The deadline for applying to the college, with all supporting documents for any given term, is the day before the first day of class. Priority registration is reserved for those applicants who complete the Admissions process by the Application Priority Dates (April 1 for summer semester, August 1 for fall semester, and December 1 for spring semester). Dates are subject to change without notice. Please refer to the Admissions website at www.sfcollege.edu for updated information regarding admissions deadlines and/or requirements. Financial aid will not be awarded until ALL final, official transcripts are received and processed. Students are encouraged to apply early and complete all registration procedures before the Priority Dates. Failure to submit the required documentation before the first day of classes may result in an inability to attend classes for the desired term. 

Degree Audit. Students are responsible for accessing the degree audit for degree requirements, graduation status, grades, GPA and university admission requirements prior to registration. Degree audits are available online via eSantaFe.

Developmental Education. Students who entered a Florida public high school after 2003 and graduated from a Florida public high school with a standard diploma in 2007 or later and current active-duty military students may be exempt from taking a placement test and/or Developmental Education coursework. Students should speak with an Academic Advisor to learn more about the exemption for developmental education. A student may locate his/her assigned advisor by viewing the Degree Audit in eSantaFe.

Digital Badges. Students who enter Santa Fe College have the right to be awarded a nationally recognized digital badge upon completion of general education core courses that demonstrate career readiness. Digital badges will be displayed on student transcripts.

Disciplinary Disclosure. Students are responsible for disclosing on their applications for admission or readmission all requested criminal and misconduct history. In addition, current students have a continuing responsibility to disclose to the Office of the Registrar any criminal charges that would be considered violent or sexual crimes, or crimes involving a firearm or other deadly weapon that occur after their initial admission to the College. Students must use the Disciplinary Disclosure Form (found in the Public Documents section under the Documents menu tab at eSantaFe) for such disclosures and the form must be submitted as soon as possible after any criminal or disciplinary incident. Failure to do so may result in conduct charges. Santa Fe College may consider the past actions of any person applying for admission or enrollment and may deny admission or enrollment to an applicant because of misconduct if it is determined to be in the best interest of the College. Applicants or students have the right to appeal a decision to the Vice President for Student Affairs.

Discrimination. Students have the right to learn and work in an environment that is free from discrimination. SF is committed to maintaining an educational and work environment free of discrimination with respect to race, creed, color, religion, age, disability, sex, (including pregnancy, gender identity, and sexual orientation), marital status, national origin, political opinions or affiliations, genetic information, and veteran status. Santa Fe College prohibits discrimination in educational programs, services, and activities, and in employment programs, policies, and practices. This commitment applies both on and off campus to employees, volunteers, students, and, to the extent possible, to third parties, applicants for admission, applicants for employment, and the general public. Accordingly, Santa Fe College shall take all complaints seriously and, as promptly as possible, a student who believes that they have been the subject of discrimination should report any offenses to the College’s Title IX Coordinator/Equity Officer, equity.officer@sfcollege.edu or 3000 NW 83rd Street, R-Annex, Room 113, Gainesville, Florida 32606 (352) 395-5950.

Drugs and Alcohol. Students have the right to learn in an environment free from drug and alcohol abuse. Santa Fe College recognizes that substance abuse constitutes a serious threat to the health and well-being of its employees and students and significantly impedes the learning process. The unlawful manufacture, distribution, dispensation, possession, or use of a controlled substance or alcohol is prohibited in the workplace, either on College property or as part of any College activity.

Educational Records. Students have the right to inspect and review educational records within 45 days after the College receives a request for access. Students should submit written requests to the College Registrar or Vice President for Student Affairs. Students have the right to challenge the accuracy of their educational records through informal hearings or formal proceedings which will be conducted in compliance with, but not limited to, the provisions of FERPA and 34 CFR Part 99, and the rules of the State Board of Education. Students also have the right to grant permission to designees to access his/her educational records. Such permission must be granted in writing to the Office of the Registrar, via the Student Authorization for Access to Educational Records form found on the Office of the Registrar’s webpage at https://www.sfcollege.edu/registrar/.

Email. Students have the right to an SF email account (Office 365). Students are required to use their SF Office email account for all college communications. SF email accounts for new students will be created within 90 minutes after the application has been activated. The account will be removed after the student has not been enrolled for more than one year. For the new account to be created, a readmit application must be completed.

Excess Credit Hours Surcharge. Students are responsible for using the degree audit in eSantafe and conferring with academic advisors to plan progression towards a degree in a manner that prevents the accumulation of excess credit hours. Students who exceed the maximum number of credit hours recommended by the state for a baccalaureate degree at a state university are required, by law, to pay additional funds called the Excess Credit Hour Surcharge. The Excess Credit Hour Surcharge was established in 2009 by the Florida Legislature (Section 1009.286, Florida Statutes) to encourage students to complete their degrees as quickly and as efficiently as possible.

Facilities. Students have the right to use certain Santa Fe College facilities in accordance with approved procedures when not in conflict with scheduled College events, functions, or business. Student organizations may use classrooms, meeting rooms, or the campus concourses and grounds for functions approved by the Director of Student Life.

Fee Deferment. Students have the right to receive fee deferments under certain circumstances. Payment of registration and tuition fees may be deferred for any student who has qualified for financial assistance from federal or state sponsored financial aid programs when the College Financial Aid Office has evidence that the financial aid funds have been delayed in being made available to a student through circumstances beyond the control of that student. An eligible veteran or other person who presents a certificate of eligibility to receive educational benefits from the Veterans Administration, or applies for such certification through the College, shall be granted, at his/her request, one 60-day deferment for payment of registration fees. Charges for tuition, fees, books, and supplies may be deferred and held in accounts receivable for students for which the College has received written authorization for payment from a business, industry, governmental unit, non-profit organization, or civic organization provided that the Bursar, as the Board’s designee, has approved such organization for underwriting such an obligation.

Fee Waivers and Exemptions. Some students may have the right to a fee waiver or exemption. Fee waivers and exemptions allow students to pay less tuition and/or fees for classes, depending on their specific circumstances. Fee waivers and exemptions are available for State of Florida employees, State of Florida classroom teachers, senior citizens, purple heart recipients, out-of-state veterans, dependents of deceased teaches or school administrators, dependents of deceased first responders and military members, students who are or who have been in the care of the Department of Children and Families, certified homeless students and out-of-state students who attended a Florida high school for 3 consecutive years prior to graduation, graduated from a Florida high school and applied for admission at a Florida college or university within 24 months of high school graduation In order to receive the benefit of these waivers and/or exemptions, students must meet the requirements for the fee reduction by presenting documentation to the appropriate department. More specific information is available at https://www.sfcollege.edu/admissions/waivers-and-exemptions.

Financial Aid. Students have the right to apply for financial aid. The objective of financial aid at Santa Fe College is to enable students to attend who would not otherwise have the financial resources to enroll and, therefore, to encourage a student population that is culturally, economically, socially, and geographically diversified. Students have the right to be informed of: correct procedures to apply for aid; cost of attendance; aid available; how financial need is determined; criteria for awarding aid; how academic progress is determined; requirements for continuing aid; the type and amount of assistance; how much need has been met; how and when funds will be disbursed; appeal procedures; the contents in the financial aid file; the conditions of accepted loans; and the job description and pay rate for any job held or for which one may apply. Students seeking financial aid are responsible for completing applications correctly and on time; reading and understanding all materials sent from the Financial Aid Office (FA) and other financial aid agencies or provided on the FA Web site; keeping copies of all submitted forms and materials; knowing and complying with the rules governing aid; providing all documentation and information requested by FA; complying with the provisions of any promissory note and all other agreements signed; registering for the number of hours required for aid disbursement; maintaining satisfactory academic progress; notifying FA of all resources not listed on the award letter; using aid only for expenses related to attending Santa Fe College; checking eSantaFe accounts often for updated financial aid info; and keeping email and mailing addresses up to date with Santa Fe College, as well as the state aid and federal aid processors.

Santa Fe College has partnered with BankMobile Disbursements, a technology solution powered by BMTX, INC., an industry-leading service that processes and disburses financial aid balances and refunds to students on behalf of the college. With BankMobile, disbursements are delivered in the manner the student chooses. Students are responsible for selecting their preference through eSantaFe using the Manage Refunds tab under Finances. All Financial Aid awards are disbursed through BankMobile.

Students have the right to appeal financial aid decisions concerning awards, academic progress, and other matters relating to the administration of financial assistance. A completed appeal form with supporting documentation must be submitted to the Office of Financial Aid.

Financial Obligations. Students are responsible for paying all financial obligations and accounts owed to Santa Fe College when due. Delinquent student accounts may lead to the cancellation or prevention of registration. Registration, release of official transcripts, and diplomas may be withheld from any student who has an outstanding financial obligation to the college.

Firearms and Weapons. Students are responsible for knowing and obeying the College firearms and weapons policy on campus. No person, other than a law enforcement officer or other person as authorized by Florida law or the College, shall exhibit or possess any firearm outside of a locked vehicle. Additionally. only law enforcement officers or other person as authorized by Florida law or the College shall exhibit or possess an electric weapon or device, destructive device, explosive, dangerous chemical, or other weapon, including a razor blade or box cutter, on College premises. Students are responsible for reporting any sightings or information about the unlawful possession of a firearm, electric weapon or device, destructive device, explosive, dangerous chemical, or other weapon on College premises to the appropriate College authorities. 

Free Speech. Students are responsible for disseminating information on College premises in a way that is consistent with the educational mission of the College, its orderly operation, cleanliness, aesthetics, and the safety of its students, faculty, and staff. Santa Fe College is committed to the support of free speech within the appropriate context of time, place, and manner. Students are responsible for knowing and obeying free speech laws. All entities involved in the dissemination of information on campus are subject to all city, state, and federal laws and regulations that govern a person in the practice of his or her rights of expression, including those validly limiting the exercise of free speech.

Fresh Start. Students have the right to apply for a Fresh Start. Through Fresh Start, students may be able to exclude their academic record prior to a specified date from their cumulative grade point calculations at Santa Fe College. Each student may only be granted Fresh Start once. The excluded portion of the academic record must be at least five years old. Application decisions will be made by the college’s Fresh Start Review Committee, and appeals will be reviewed by the Vice President for Student Affairs. For more information, visit https://www.sfcollege.edu/registrar/student-academic-record/fresh-start/.

Graduation. Students are responsible for knowing and fulfilling all graduation requirements as well as preprofessional requirements for the selected program of study. In order to meet that goal, students are responsible for completing New Student Orientation to receive direction prior to the first term of enrollment; meeting with an advisor on a regular basis about graduation requirements and understanding admission requirements for advising tracks; reviewing the degree audit to ensure the remaining degree requirements are understood; seeking advisement when in academic difficulty; maintaining personal academic records, including the catalog of the year of admission to Santa Fe, transcripts, degree audits, evaluation of transfer work, and notes from previous advising sessions. Students have the right to petition to waive or substitute graduation requirements. Petitions, signed by an academic advisor, must be presented to the Academic Advisement Center. Students have the right to graduate with honors. Graduation with honors is awarded to students who have earned a degree and have achieved a 3.5 grade point average or above on all college work. Autograduation eliminates the requirement for students to apply for graduation during the semester for which they are eligible to graduate. With Autograduation, students who are eligible for graduation have the right to opt-out of graduating. If a student does not opt out of graduating, then the student is automatically awarded the credential that they have earned.

Harassment. Harassment is a type of discrimination. Although sexual harassment is addressed more specifically in College Rule 2.8, harassment generally is covered under the policy if: 1) it is based upon race, ethnicity, national origin, color, religion, age, disability, sex, pregnancy status, gender identity, sexual orientation, marital status, genetic information, political opinions or affiliations, or veteran status; and 2) such conduct is sufficiently severe, persistent, or pervasive that it interferes with or limits a person’s ability to participate in or benefit from SF’s education or work programs or activities (also called hostile environment harassment). Harassing conduct may take various forms, including verbal, non-verbal, graphic, or written statements (including the use of cell phones or the Internet), or other physical conduct that may be threatening, harmful, or humiliating. Whether the conduct creates a hostile environment may depend on a variety of factors, including: the degree to which the conduct affected one or more person’s education or employment; the type, frequency, and duration of the conduct; the relationship between the parties; the number of people involved; and the context in which the conduct occurred. Harassment does not have to include intent to harm, be directed at a specific target, or involve repeated incidents. College community members are encouraged to not wait to report conduct of concern until harassment becomes sufficiently serious (i.e., severe, pervasive, or persistent) to create a hostile environment. The Equity Officer/Title IX Coordinator and other College officials can take proactive steps to prevent harassment from continuing or escalating and to protect or otherwise assist the person harassed. The Equity Officer/Title IX Coordinator can help identify conduct that might be a warning sign of or constitute hostile environment harassment prohibited by this policy and address any concerns or complaints appropriately. The College’s Title IX Coordinator/Equity Officer can be reached at 3000 NW 83rd Street, R-Annex, Room 113 Gainesville, Florida 32606 352-395-5950 or equity.officer@sfcollege.edu. 

Hazing. Students have the right to learn in an environment that is free from hazing. Hazing, in accordance with Florida Statute 1006.63, includes any act which endangers the mental or physical health or safety of a student, or which destroys or removes public or private property, for purposes including, but not limited to, initiation, admission into, affiliation with, or as a condition for continued membership in a group or organization. Students have the obligation to notify the police or counseling center if they become aware of any hazing activities.

HIV/AIDS, Blood-borne Pathogens and Tuberculosis. Students have the right to confidentiality regarding HIV/AIDS, blood-borne pathogens, and tuberculosis status. The College will ensure confidentiality about all medical information in accordance with state and federal law. Additionally, students have the right to study in an environment free from discrimination with respect to HIV/AIDS, blood-borne pathogens, and tuberculosis status. Santa Fe College does not discriminate against persons who have HIV/AIDS, blood-borne pathogens, or tuberculosis.

Housing. Students are responsible for making their own residence arrangements. The College has neither dormitories nor housing facilities. The College assumes no responsibility for supervising or locating housing for students.

Immigration Requirements. Students are responsible for complying with all non-immigrant alien requirements as stated under the United States Federal Law, Immigration and Nationality Act. Santa Fe College is authorized by United States Federal Law, Immigration and Nationality Act to enroll nonimmigrant alien students.

Information about Santa Fe College. Students have the right to be informed about the institution, its financial aid options, and its institutional policies and programs. Students may find information regarding the cost of attendance, financial aid, graduation and completion rates, student body diversity, academic programs and facilities, faculty and professional staff, GEDs, accreditation, school policies on vaccinations, Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA), special facilities and services provided to handicapped students, policies and sanctions related to copyright infringement, the Student Conduct Code, textbook information, school policies on transfer of credit, statewide articulation agreements, withdrawal and refund policies, the student complaint process, voter registration, excess credit hours surcharge, campus security, drug and alcohol prevention, and equity in athletics on the Consumer Information page of the College website www.sfcollege.edu/consumer/. Santa Fe College is committed to informing all enrolled students and the general public about the College and its operations. 

Intellectual Property. Students have the right to hold intellectual property rights over the materials that they create. Ownership of intellectual property created by a student resides with the student, unless a) the property is developed for the College within the scope of employment with the College, b) the property is generated with College support, including extraordinary allowances or substantial financial, personnel, technology, facilities, or other resources c) the property is the result of a contribution from a student working, as part of coursework or research, on a project sponsored by or on behalf of faculty, staff, or the college,) a written agreement dictates otherwise.

Laptop Loan. Students have the right to apply for a laptop loan. Pending availability, enrolled students may borrow an SF laptop computer for academic purposes during the semester. Students are responsible for returning the computer before the last day of the semester. Student records will be flagged for all overdue items that are not returned. Flags will be removed when the item is returned or when the borrower has paid the replacement cost.

Library. Students have the right to borrow library materials and to reserve study space in the library. Students are responsible for returning all library materials they borrow before the due date (books, CDs, films, eReaders, and laptops). Student records will be flagged for all overdue items that are not returned. Flags will be removed when the item is returned or when the borrower has paid the replacement cost, or the estimated cost of the lost item as determined by the college if the item is not currently available.

Math Sequence Guideline. All A.A. degree seeking students who are either registering for 12 or more credits or who have earned 12 or more credits should register for a math course each term until they have met their general education math requirements of 6 completed credit hours. This does not include HSDE (high school dual enrollment) students, transient students, students registered for one or more EAP courses, and students under warning for SAP or SOAP standards. Students are encouraged to meet with an academic advisor to discuss their academic plan.

Military Service/Training Credit. Students have the right to have military educational experiences evaluated for postsecondary credit. Credit may be granted for areas appropriate for Santa Fe College degrees or certification and approved by the appropriate academic department on campus. Acceptance of military training and the awarding of college credit is based on “The Guide to the Evaluation of Educational Experiences in the Armed Services.” This document can be found at www.acenet.edu.

Office 365. Students have the right to an Office 365 account. Office 365 provides a collection of services that allows students to collaborate and share schoolwork. The service includes Office Online (Word, PowerPoint, Excel, and OneNote) unlimited OneDrive storage as well as Skype for Business. Accounts for new students will be created within 90 minutes after the application has been activated. The account will be removed after the student has not been enrolled for more than one year. For the new account to be created, a readmit application must be completed.

Official College Notifications. Students are responsible for accessing student records, student notifications and official college communications via eSantaFe and college email. Santa Fe College uses eSantaFe Notifications and college email (Office 365) to send official notifications and communications to students. These notifications and communications include, but are not limited to, alerts regarding financial aid, student records, admissions, registration and academic status. Students receive email reminders about notifications via the college email. Students should regularly and frequently check eSantaFe accounts. Failure to do so may cause students to miss critical information. Santa Fe College provides emergency notifications and mass messaging in the event of a campus emergency. Students can choose to receive emergency notifications through email, text or voice call. Emergency notifications are also posted to the SF website.

Ombudsperson. Students have the right to meet with the Ombudsperson. The Ombudsperson offers a safe and confidential environment for students to discuss concerns, problems, or complaints. As an advocate for fairness, the Ombudsperson serves as an independent and unbiased mediator as students resolve academic challenges. In this vein, the Ombudsperson helps students understand College policies, assists students in exploring possible options, and makes referrals to appropriate resources. In accordance with the requirements of Florida Statute 1006.51, the Ombudsperson also assists students with appeals concerning access to courses and credit granted towards a degree. The Ombudsperson, Dr. Bea Awoniyi, is housed in Building R, room 211 and is accountable to the College President via the Vice President for Student Affairs.

Orientation. New students are responsible for completing a series of online module before being permitted to register for classes. Modules cover resources for success, financial aid tips, critical college policies and more.  Students access New Student Orientation within Canvas through the My Status screen of their eSantaFe account.  After registering for classes, new students will be able to use My Status to sign-up for an on-campus New Student Convocation event (also called Santa Fe Live or SF Live), which is held shortly after classes begin in the fall and spring semesters.

Parking and Traffic. Students are responsible for knowing and obeying the established traffic and parking regulations for use of motor vehicles and bicycles on the campuses and property of Santa Fe College. Students are responsible for notifying the police department whenever vehicles are left on campus overnight. Vehicles left on campus for more than three days without making arrangements with the SF Police Department will be considered abandoned and may be towed and impounded at the owner’s expense. Students have the right to appeal parking violation notices. Appeals are made by submitting an online Student Parking Ticket Appeal Form, which is available at the Student Parking Ticket Appeals website and must be received within ten business days following the issuance of the Parking Violation Notice. Bicycle traffic shall be restricted to those roadways open to motor vehicles. All other sidewalks, passageways, concourses, and hallways are closed to bicycle traffic unless clearly marked and designated for such traffic.

Placement Tests. Students are responsible for completing placement testing’s and enrolling in Developmental Education classes, as needed/required. Students who entered a Florida public high school after 2003 and graduated from a Florida public high school with a standard diploma in 2007 or later and students who are active-duty military may have the right to claim exemption from taking a placement test and/or Developmental Education coursework. Students interested in learning more about should speak with an Academic Advisor. A student’s assigned advisor may be located by viewing the Degree Audit in eSantaFe.

Applicants who plan to enter degree programs may be tested for reading, writing, and mathematics proficiency prior to initial registration per FL §1008.30. Students earning scores below established thresholds may be required and/or recommended to enroll in specified developmental education communication and/or computation course(s). Students earning scores above those listed will be placed in appropriate college level course(s). Students who have tested at college level on their SAT or ACT exams may be exempt from placement testing in math, English, or writing if their scores are less than 2 years old.

Privacy/FERPA. Students have the right to privacy with regard to personally identifiable information in their educational records. Certain information contained in student records is exempt from disclosure under the public records law and shall be released only in accordance with applicable laws. According to College Rule 7.20, protected records may include health and medical records, disciplinary records, records of personal counseling, required student and family financial income records, transcript or student permanent academic records, student permanent records, other personally identifiable information except for directory information, and other items as designated by the College. In accordance with the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA) and Florida Statutes (Privacy Rights of Parents and Students), the College has identified as “directory information” a student’s name, local address, telephone number, date of birth, major field of study, participation in officially recognized activities and sports, weight and height of members of athletic teams, dates of attendance, degrees and awards received, and the most recent previous educational agency or institution attended by the student. This information is available to the public. Other information about students can be released only when a written authorization, signed by the student, is presented to the college.

Any student who does not want this directory information released must file a directory information exclusion request with the Office of the Registrar. Parents or guardians desiring access to the records of a student who is their dependent should ask the student to grant permission in writing to the college. Without written permission from the student, the parents or guardians must certify in writing to the Office of the Registrar that the student is economically dependent upon them as defined by Section 152 of the Internal Revenue Code of 1954 and must document this dependency by providing a copy of the previous year’s income tax return. Students 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.

Program of Study Changes. Students have the right to change their program of study. Students submit a program change request via the “Change Degree” section of their eSantaFe account. All program changes must be approved by the appropriate advisor for the new program that is being requested.

Readmittance. Students who have previously attended Santa Fe College have the right to request readmittance online through eSantaFe. There is no fee to readmit.

Refunds. Students who withdraw from the College for one or more courses during the first five instructional days of fall, spring and summer terms, or during the first three instructional days of mini-term, have the right to receive a full refund of fees paid for the course work officially discontinued. The official deadline date for fee refunds will be published in the college registration guide. These refunds are automatically processed without further action by the student. All fee refunds are disbursed through BankMobile to the student on behalf of the college. Students select how they prefer to receive their refunds via their eSantaFe account; select Finances, then Refund Preference. Students have the right to petition to adjust records regarding late withdrawal. The College Petitions Committee shall meet weekly and have responsibility for reviewing and making decisions on student petitions. A petition form may be secured from the Office of the Registrar or online, and must be submitted, with all appropriate documentation, at least five business days prior to the committee’s scheduled weekly meeting.

Registration Procedures. Students are responsible for completing the online SF admissions application and submitting all supporting documents, which include final, official high school transcripts, home school affidavits, or GED copies; any previous placement test scores (ACT/SAT/CPT/PERT) less than two years old or proof of college-level math and/or English passed with a “C” or better; any final, official college transcripts; any official score report for AP, IB, CLEP, AICE, and/or DANTES; and completed residency forms and disciplinary disclosure forms (if applicable). Following submission of all applicable documents, students must complete the on-line New Student Orientation and meet with an academic advisor prior to registration. The purpose of New Student Orientation is to provide new incoming students with a comprehensive view of the Santa Fe experience, including expectations and responsibilities of being a SF student. 

Religious Observances. Students have the right to religious observances. Santa Fe College will reasonably accommodate the religious observance, practice, and belief of individual students in regard to admissions, class attendance, and the schedule of examinations and work assignments, as long as it does not compromise essential elements of a program of study. Any student who believes that he/she has been unreasonably denied an educational benefit due to his/her religious belief or practice may seek redress through other appropriate college procedures.

Repeated Course Attempts. Students are responsible for paying 100% of the cost of their courses (equivalent to out-of-state fees) after the second try. A student enrolled in the same college credit course more than two times shall pay the full cost of instruction. Moreover, students cannot take a class more than three times without an appeal.

ROTC. Students are responsible for returning property borrowed from ROTC. Any student who fails to return issued property as required shall not be issued a transcript for courses.

Safety. Students have the right to expect that the college will promote safety and security in their learning environment. The mission of the SF Police Department is to provide for the safety and security of the students enrolled at the college, the employees of the college, and the general public while on or in any property or facility of the college. To advance this mission, the SF Police Department has the authority to preserve the peace, provide general police services to the College, and enforce the laws of the State of Florida, applicable county and municipal ordinances, and rules and regulations of the College.

Students, and all members of the college community, are responsible for reporting criminal behavior to the police. Students who see behavior that indicates a potential for violence or threatens anyone at or on Santa Fe College, should dial 911 or call the Santa Fe College Police Department IMMEDIATELY at 395-5555. For non-emergency concerns, students may use an on-line submission form at http://www.sfcollege.edu/safesantafe/.

In accordance with the Clery Act, Santa Fe is committed to providing students and prospective students with access to information about crime on, and adjacent to, the campus. An Annual Security Report is available on the college website.

Service Animals. Students with disabilities have the right to bring a service animal to a Santa Fe College property without prior approval from the College or documentation that the service animal is trained to perform its duty. Students with animals on campus (also known as handlers) are solely responsible for the well-being of the animal. Handlers must always maintain control of their animal; Must never leave animals unattended on College property; May not leave animals in vehicles, Must not allow animals to run freely anywhere on campus; Should alleviate any disruption or interference caused by the animal; Must carry adequate waste removal devices or disposal bags to remove any excreta deposited by the animal; Must properly clean up any waste created by the animal and; and Must take responsibility for any property damage or injuries caused by the animal. See more information about service animals at www.sfcollege.edu/animalsoncampus

Sexual Violence Awareness & Prevention. Students have the right to an educational environment free of sexual violence.  To that effect, all new students are required to complete an on-line training on sexual violence awareness and prevention during the course of their first semester at Santa Fe College. New students are notified of the training during New Student Orientation and through eSantaFe, ALL students are responsible for knowing and obeying college rules, state statutes and federal laws regarding sexual violence.

Skateboards, Hoverboards, Scooters, Roller Skates, and In-Line Skates. Students are responsible for knowing and obeying college rules regarding skateboards, scooters, roller skates and in-line skates on campus. Skateboards, hoverboards, scooters, roller skates, and in line skates may not be ridden anywhere on the property of Santa Fe College.

Smoking and Tobacco. Students have the right to expect that the college will promote a clean and healthy learning environment. Students are responsible for knowing and obeying college rules regarding tobacco and smoking. As of August 18, 2017, SF is a completely tobacco free and smoke free setting. The use of all forms of tobacco and tobacco related products including cigarettes, cigars, pipes, smokeless tobacco (chewing tobacco, snus, and any other form of loose-leaf smokeless tobacco), as well as the use of unlit products including e-cigarettes, vape pens, dry herb vaporizers, and hookahs are prohibited. This policy applies to the Northwest Campus and all land, buildings, facilities, and other property in the possession of or owned, used or controlled by Santa Fe College and the Santa Fe College Foundation. SF students, faculty, staff, administrators, volunteers, visitors, and vendors will not be allowed to use tobacco anywhere on SF property, including in their personal vehicles while on SF property. The designated smoking areas that were on the Northwest Campus have been transformed into picnic areas and smoking is prohibited in those areas as well.

Student Conduct Code. Students are responsible for knowing and abiding by the Student Conduct Code. To ensure an environment where these goals can be realized safely, the College promotes civility, integrity, and harmony among its College community through the Student Conduct Code. This Code sets forth the conduct prohibited for students. The Student Conduct Code has been designed to protect the College community, the College’s property, and create an educational environment that is conducive to the College’s academic mission. Misconduct subject to the sanctions outlined in the Code includes: acts of dishonesty; disruption or obstruction or interference with college business; abusive behavior; discrimination, harassment and non-Title IX sexual harassment; attempted or actual theft or vandalism of and/or damage to property; hazing; failure to comply with directions of college officials or law enforcement officers; unauthorized possession, duplication, or use of keys to any college premises; unauthorized entry to or use of college premises; violation of published college policies, rules, or procedures; violation of rules of the State Board of Education, county or municipal ordinances, or any law; use, possession, or distribution of narcotics or other controlled substances, use, possession, or distribution of alcoholic beverages; possession of firearms, explosives, destructive devices, other weapons, or dangerous chemicals on college premises; failure to promptly report the possession of firearms, explosives, destructive devices, other weapons, or dangerous chemicals on college premises to the appropriate SF authorities; participation in a demonstration which disrupts the normal operations of the college or infringes on the rights of other members of the college community; leading or inciting others to disrupt scheduled and/or normal activities; obstruction of the free flow of pedestrian or vehicular traffic on college premises; disorderly, lewd, or indecent conduct; breach of peace or aiding, abetting, or procuring another person to breach the peace; making an unauthorized audio or video recording without prior knowledge or consent except when allowed by law; theft or other abuse College information technology resources; unauthorized or inappropriate use of college telephones or other office communication devices; gambling; abuse of the Student Conduct system; failure to cooperate in the investigation of Code violations; failure to comply with a “no contact” order; retaliation; failure to report any criminal or disciplinary problems arising after being admitted to the College; and other situations which are harmful to the welfare of the Santa Fe community. Students have the right to appeal decisions reached by the Student Conduct Board or sanctions imposed by the Student Conduct Officer. Such appeals shall be in writing and shall be delivered to the Vice President for Student Affairs within ten days from the date on the letter notifying the student of the decision.

Student ID Cards. Students who are currently enrolled in classes, have paid tuition in full, and have provided a valid government-issued photo ID to college authorities have the right to an SF Student Identification Card. The cards are property of the college and should be presented or surrendered to college staff upon request. The purposes for the cards are to ensure proper identification for access to college facilities, resources, events, and activities. Students are responsible for returning SF ID cards to the college upon termination of the holder’s relationship with the college.

Student Organizations. Students have the right to participate in Student Organizations. Student organizations provide opportunities for involvement, leadership, and service on campus and in the community. There are numerous active student organizations for students. Visit https://www.sfcollege.edu/studentlife/get-involved/student-organizations/ to learn more and join.

Transfer Credit. Students have the right to transfer college credits from other institutions upon review and approval. Transcripts submitted to the Office of Admissions will be reviewed by the Office of the Registrar for transfer equivalency results. Received transcripts are evaluated and each student is given a record of all transferred courses, a description of which transferred courses match those at SF and are valid substitutions, and a summary of graduation requirements.

Transfer Policies. Students have the right to transfer credits from accelerated mechanisms to state universities. Credits earned through acceleration mechanisms (e.g., College Level Examination Program, Advanced Placement, Early Admission, International Baccalaureate, and Dual Enrollment courses) within the A.A. degree at the College will be transferable to the state university. Students have the right to automatically transfer courses that are designated by the Statewide Course Numbering System. When transferring among institutions participating in the Statewide Course Numbering System, a receiving institution must accept all courses taken at the transfer institution if the same course with the same course number is offered at the receiving institution. Students have the right to transfer a completed general education core. Once a student has completed the General Education Core and this is so noted on the transcript, regardless of whether or not an A.A. degree is awarded, no other state university or community college to which the student may transfer can require additional courses to the general education core.

Translating Documents. Students are responsible for having all documents that are not originally provided in the English language by the issuing institution translated to the English language. Official high school transcripts must be sent to a foreign credential education evaluation service that is a current member of the National Association of Credential Evaluation Services (NACES). The college will not accept documents that have not been professionally translated.

Tuition Payment Plan. Students have the right to use the Tuition Payment Plan to pay college tuition and fees. The Tuition Payment Plan breaks down the tuition balance into smaller monthly payments. While there is no interest charged with the Tuition Payment Plan, students who use this option are responsible for paying all fees, including setup fees. To use the Tuition Payment, students may click on View and Pay Fees in eSantaFe.

Tutoring. Students have the right to seek tutoring services for academic support. SF provides free on-line and in-person tutoring for all currently enrolled students. On-line tutoring is provided 24/7 through Smart Thinking. Students may use Smart Thinking to schedule a one-on-one virtual tutoring session for various topics or to submit writing for review by a tutor. To access on-line tutoring, log in to eSantaFe, click StudyTools on the navigation bar, and select Online Tutoring. In-person help is also available for various topics at the Northwest Campus and the Centers. Check www.sfcollege.edu/tutoring for the most updated in-person tutoring locations.

Withdrawal. Students have the right to officially withdraw from one course or from the College prior to the late withdrawal deadline. Students are responsible for completing a Santa Fe College withdrawal form to avoid receiving a failing grade for a course that is no longer being attended. Students who wish to withdraw from a course and receive a W may do so via eSantaFe or in the Office of the Registrar up until the official withdrawal date each term/session. The deadline to withdraw from classes is published in every SF class schedule and is located on the registration dates webpage. A student may have only three attempts per course including original grade, repeat grades and withdrawals. As a result of the Higher Education Act of 1965, (as amended), a student who completely withdraws may be required to repay a percentage of Title IV Federal Financial Aid funds received. College refund policy dictates that fees will be refunded in full for course work dropped during the drop/add period or canceled by the college. However, the federal refund/repayment policy supersedes the college refund policy for students receiving financial aid and completely withdrawing from the college. Students have the right to petition to adjust records regarding late withdrawal. The college petitions committee shall meet weekly and have responsibility for reviewing and making decisions on student petitions. A petition form may be secured from the Office of the Registrar or online, and must be submitted, with all appropriate documentation, at least five business days prior to the committee’s scheduled weekly meeting.