Southern Technical College
Student Consumer Information
The Student Consumer Information regulations of the United States Department of Education require colleges to provide students with access to information they are entitled to as a consumer. At Southern Tech, we are proud of our regulatory disclosure data and aim to provide you with complete and easy access to this information. This information may also be found under other links on our website, with our campus staff, and can be provided in paper form on request.
Retention rates are calculated annually and posted publicly via the IPEDS Data Room. The retention rate measures the percentage of students who had persisted in or completed their educational program a year later. The percentage of students who began their studies in Fall of 2009 and returned in Fall of 2010 was 73% for full-time first-time students.
The Completion/Graduation rate is also posted publicly via the College Navigator site. The overall graduation rate is also known as the "Student Right to Know" or IPEDS graduation rate. It tracks the progress of students who began their studies as full-time, first-time degree- or certificate-seeking students to see if they complete a degree or other award such as a certificate within 150% of "normal time" for completing the program in which they are enrolled. For students who began in 2006-07, 67% of the graduates completed the program within the normal time of the program. 74% of the graduates completed within 150% of the normal time.
The Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA) (20 U.S.C. § 1232g; 34 CFR Part 99) is a Federal law that protects the privacy of student education records. The law applies to all schools that receive funds under an applicable program of the U.S. Department of Education.
FERPA gives parents certain rights with respect to their children's education records. These rights transfer to the student when he or she reaches the age of 18 or attends a school beyond the high school level. Students to whom the rights have transferred are "eligible students."
As noted above, the rights under FERPA transfer from the parents to the student, once the student turns 18 years old or enters a postsecondary institution at any age. However, although the rights under FERPA have now transferred to the student, a school may disclose information from an "eligible student's" education records to the parents of the student, without the student's consent, if the student is a dependent for tax purposes. Neither the age of the student nor the parent's status as a custodial parent is relevant. If a student is claimed as a dependent by either parent for tax purposes, then either parent may have access under this provision.
Parents and Eligible Students Rights include:
1.The right to inspect and review the student's education records within 45 days of the day STC receives a request for access.
A parent or eligible student should submit to the campus President, a written request that identifies the record(s) the parent or eligible student wishes to inspect. The STC official will make arrangements for access and notify the parent or eligible student of the time and place where the records may be inspected. If the records are not maintained by the STC official to whom the request was submitted, that official shall advise the parent or eligible student of the correct official to whom the request should be addressed. Except when parents or eligible students are unable to access records, STC charges a fee for copies.
2.The right to request the amendment of the student's education records that the student believes is inaccurate, misleading, or otherwise in violation of the student's privacy rights under FERPA.
A parent or eligible student who wishes to ask STC to amend a record should write the STC official responsible for the record, clearly identify the part of the record the parent or eligible student wants changed, and specify why it should be changed.
If STC decides not to amend the record as requested, STC will notify the parent or eligible student in writing of the decision and the parent or eligible student's right to a hearing, conducted within the procedures established in STC's catalog, regarding the request for amendment. Additional information regarding the hearing procedures will be provided to the parent or eligible student when notified of the right to a hearing.
After the hearing, if the school still decides not to amend the record, the parent or eligible student has the right to place a statement with the record setting forth his or her view about the contested information.
3.Generally, schools must have written permission from the parent or eligible student in order to release any information from a student's education record. However, FERPA allows schools to disclose those records, without consent, to the following parties or under the following conditions (34 CFR § 99.31):
School officials with legitimate educational interest;
Other schools to which a student is transferring;
Specified officials for audit or evaluation purposes;
Appropriate parties in connection with financial aid to a student;
Organizations conducting certain studies for or on behalf of the school;
Accrediting organizations;
To comply with a judicial order or lawfully issued subpoena;
Appropriate officials in cases of health and safety emergencies; and
State and local authorities, within a juvenile justice system, pursuant to specific State law.
A school official is a person employed by STC in an administrative, supervisory, academic or research, or support staff position (including law enforcement unit personnel and health staff); a person or company with whom STC has contracted as its agent to provide a service instead of using STC employees or officials (such as an attorney, auditor, or collection agent); a person serving on the Board of Directors; or a student serving on an official committee, such as a disciplinary or grievance committee, or assisting another school official in performing his or her tasks; and in order to comply with a lawfully issued subpoena or court order.
Upon request of another school, Southern Technical College also discloses education records without consent to officials of another school in which a student seeks or intends to enroll.
STC may disclose, without consent, "directory" information, such as, but not limited to a parent or eligible student's name, address, telephone number, date and place of birth, honors and awards, and dates of attendance. Parents and eligible students may request that the school not disclose directory information about them by contacting the Campus President of the STC location that the student is currently attending or has previously attended.
Written consent must state the purpose of disclosure, specify records to be disclosed, identify those to whom the disclosure may be made, and must be signed and dated. The STC President will provide direction for these requests.
4.The right to file a complaint with the U.S. Department of Education concerning alleged failures by STC to comply with the requirements of FERPA. The name and address of the Office that administers FERPA is:
Family Policy Compliance Office
U.S. Department of Education
400 Maryland Avenue, SW
Washington, DC 20202-5901
The STC Student Handbook contains Campus Security Information and Clery Act statistics. You can also access this information publicly via the College Navigator web site. All new students are given a copy of the STC Student Handbook. An additional copy can be provided upon request at your campus.
STC’s people are its most valuable resource and their health and safety are matters of serious concern. The abuse of drugs and alcohol is potentially a grave danger to the college and its educational mission, and to the well being of the community as a whole. Because of our concern for the health and safety of our students and employees, our desire for an efficient and effective workforce, and our intent to comply with applicable federal, state, and local laws regarding substance abuse, the college has formulated the following policy.
STC is committed to a drug-free environment in accordance with current statutory provisions. Unlawful manufacture, possession, distribution, dispensation, sale, or use of controlled substances (illegal drugs) on the campus is prohibited and will not be tolerated. Alcoholic beverages cannot be brought into or consumed on the premises. Under no circumstances are alcoholic beverages to be served to any students on campus or at campus-related functions. The college strictly enforces these policies. Violators are subject to dismissal and/or arrest.
Policy on Drugs and Alcohol
STC is a dry campus. The possession, sale, use, or distribution of alcoholic beverages is prohibited. No alcohol may be served at any STC function at which students may be present. The possession, sale, use, or distribution of illegal drugs or narcotics is a violation of federal law. Illegal sale or distribution of prescription drugs, controlled substances, or other legal drugs is not permitted.
Procedures for Student Events
Any individual who brings drugs or alcohol into an STC sponsored student event will immediately be asked to leave by the appropriate Security and/or campus administrator. In addition, the individual will be subject to college disciplinary proceedings, which may jeopardize his/her status as an STC student.
Students must be aware that the possession, use, and distribution of illegal drugs and unlawful use of alcohol can lead to suspension and/or expulsion from STC as well as possible arrest. Any person under the influence of alcohol or drugs will be barred from entry into an event and may be banned from all events for the remainder of the semester.
Non-STC students who attempt to bring drugs or alcohol into an STC sponsored student event will be asked to leave immediately and will be barred from attending all subsequent STC events. Any individuals already barred from the campus shall be subject to arrest for trespassing.
Student Sanctions
STC must uphold the law and, at the same time, render assistance to students when needed. If a student is found to have violated the STC Alcohol and Drug Policy, a formal written complaint should be submitted to the Dean, who will follow the judicial procedures in this publication.
Students who violate the STC Alcohol and Drug Policy will be subject to disciplinary sanctions. Several factors will be considered when developing and applying sanctions for alcohol or drug violations. These include the seriousness of the violation, the intent of the offender, the effect of the conduct on the college community, and whether the student has violated STC standards in the past. Possible sanctions include one or more of the following: written reprimand, mandatory drug and alcohol education, appropriate community service, referral and compliance with substance abuse treatment, parental notification, restitution to victims, or any other action the college deems appropriate.
The most severe sanctions, suspension from the college, or expulsion, will be imposed for the most serious violations—offenses that are violent, dangerous, or repeated. If the Dean sees justification for suspension or expulsion from the college, the Judicial Council Procedures in this publication will be followed. If any student or non-student is found selling or distributing illegal drugs or narcotics, he or she will be reported immediately to the legal authorities and will be placed on indefinite suspension or dismissed from STC. In the event of suspension, or expulsion, tuition and all other fees are non-refundable.
Federal Penalties and Sanctions for Illegal Trafficking and Possession of a Controlled Substance
21 U.S.C. 844(a)
First conviction: up to one year imprisonment and fined at least $1,000 but not more than $100,000 or both.
- After one prior drug conviction: at least 15 days in prison, not to exceed two years and fined at least $2,500 but not more than $250,000 or both.
- After two or more prior drug convictions: at least ninety days in prison, not to exceed three years and fined at least $5,000 but not more than $250,000, or both.
- Special sentencing provision for possession of crack cocaine: mandatory at least five years in prison, not to exceed twenty years and fined up to $250,000, or both, if:
- first conviction and the amount of crack possessed exceeds five grams;
- second crack conviction and the amount of crack possessed exceeds three grams;
- third or subsequent crack conviction and the amount of crack possessed exceeds one gram
21 U.S.C. 853(a)(2) and 881( a)(7): Forfeiture of personal and real property used to possess or to facilitate possession of a controlled substance if the offense is punishable by more than one year imprisonment.
21 U.S.C. 881(a)(4): Forfeiture of vehicles, boats, aircraft, or any other conveyance used to transport or conceal a controlled substance.
21 U.S.C. 884a: Civil fine of up to $10,000 (pending adoption of final regulations).
21 U.S.C. 883a: Denial of Federal Benefits, such as student loans, grants, contracts, and professional commercial licenses, up to one year for first offense, up to five years for second and subsequent offenses.
18 U.S.C. 922(g): Ineligible to receive or purchase a firearm.
MISCELLANEOUS
Revocation of certain Federal licenses and benefits, e.g., pilot licenses, public housing tenancy, etc., are vested within the authorities of individual Federal agencies.
Note: These are only Federal penalties and sanctions. Additional state penalties and sanctions may apply.
Health Risks and Effects Associated with the Use of Illicit Drugs and Alcohol
Alcohol consumption causes a number of marked changes in behavior. Even low doses significantly impair the judgment and coordination required to drive a car safely, increasing the likelihood that the driver will be involved in an accident. Low to moderate doses of alcohol also increase the incidence of a variety of aggressive acts, including domestic violence and rape. Moderate to high doses of alcohol cause marked impairments in higher mental functions, severely altering a person’s ability to learn and remember information. Very high doses cause respiratory depression and death. If combined with other depressants of the central nervous system, much lower doses of alcohol will produce the effects just described.
Repeated use of alcohol can lead to dependence. Sudden cessation of alcohol intake is likely to produce withdrawal systems, including severe anxiety, tremors, hallucinations, and convulsions. Alcohol withdrawal can be life threatening. Long-term consumption of large quantities of alcohol, particularly when combined with poor nutrition, can also lead to permanent damage to vital organs such as the brain and the liver.
Mothers who drink alcohol during pregnancy may give birth to infants with fetal alcohol syndrome. These infants have irreversible physical abnormalities and mental retardation. In addition, research indicates that children of alcoholic parents are at greater risk of becoming alcoholics.
Resources for Assistance
All students are encouraged to seek early help if they feel they have a problem with alcohol and/or other drugs, and to learn how to assist others with substance abuse problems. With early assistance it is less likely that serious consequences will result from an alcohol or other drug problem. There are many resources on campus and in the community for assistance.
College resources such as your faculty and the Campus Dean are confidential and free of charge. In addition, non-college resources in the community are also available and information on these can be obtained in these offices.
Community/Self-Help Resources
Depression, suicide, and information and referrals for emotional and substance abuse programs
(24 hours per day, 7 days per week)
800-273-TALK (800-273-8255)
Self-Help Groups
Alcoholics Anonymous
www.aa.org
407-260-5408
Offers specific information on AA meetings in the STC area.
Narcotics Anonymous Regional Helpline
www.na.org
407-425-5157
Al-anon (Meetings in both English and Spanish available)
www.al-alon.alateen.org
407-896-4929
For friends, relatives, and domestic partners who are coping with a loved one’s alcohol or drug use.
Emergency Resources
Florida Police/Ambulance
911
Program Specific data is also available about each of our programs both on this site and in printed form available upon request at the campus.
SOC Code: 49-9021.00 -- A.S. Applied Electronics Technology
Placement Rate: 70%
On Time Graduation: 74%
Median Debt: $17,268.62
Normal Cost: $31,000.00
SOC Code: 47-2111.00 -- A.S. Electrical Trades Technology
Placement Rate: N/a *
On Time Graduation: N/a
Median Debt: N/a
Normal Cost: $31,000.00
SOC Code: 31-9092.00 -- A.S. Medical Assisting
Placement Rate: 72.88%
On Time Graduation: 75%
Median Debt: $17,398.00
Normal Cost: $31,000.00
SOC Code: 29-2071.00 -- A.S. Medical Billing and Coding
Placement Rate: N/a
On Time Graduation: N/a
Median Debt: N/a
Normal Cost: $31,000.00
SOC Code: 49-9021.00 -- HVAC Diploma
Placement Rate: 75.86%
On Time Graduation: 97%
Median Debt: $9,310.00
Normal Cost: $15,500.00
SOC Code: 31-9092.00 -- Medical Assisting Diploma
Placement Rate: 65.38%
On Time Graduation: 97%
Median Debt: $9,310.00
Normal Cost: $15,500.00
SOC Code: 29-2071.00 -- Medical Billing and Coding Diploma
Placement Rate: N/a
On Time Graduation: N/a
Median Debt: N/a
Normal Cost: $15,500.00
* Some programs did not yet have any graduates in the last reporting year.