2023-2024 Academic Calendar

Suncoast Technical College is a year-round school.

• Adult Students may attend anytime during the year that the program is offered.
  
• High School Students attend ONLY during the 10-month, academic calendar year.

Bell Schedule for High School & Adult Students: 

Student Arrival
7:30 a.m. to 7:40 a.m.

Morning Warning Bell
7:40 a.m.

Morning Session
7:45 a.m. to 10:45 a.m.

Lunch
10:45 a.m. to 11:15 a.m.

Afternoon Warning Bell
11:10 a.m.

Afternoon Session
11:15 a.m. to 2:15 p.m.

*Breaks are determined by instructors and schedules may vary by program.

Use of photographic devices, film camera, digital camera, cell phone camera, video camera, etc. that infringes upon the rights of others is strictly prohibited. Misuse of any such devise in a school classroom, school restroom, or elsewhere in any way that violates the personal privacy of the individual, may result in school discipline. Students should assume that recording of any kind is forbidden unless part of an instructor led activity with specific instructions.

Every student is responsible for keeping the college informed of changes to name, address, phone numbers and e-mail address as soon as they occur. Changes may be submitted to the Student Services Office. Health students also need to provide documentation of any changes to the Health Science Office. Mail returned to the college as non-deliverable because of an incorrect address will result in a hold being placed on the student’s record until the address has been verified with appropriate documentation.

*Name changes will not be accepted unless a copy of the legal basis for the change is submitted (i.e., marriage license, court order, new social security card, or similar document).

Students are asked to keep phones out of sight and on vibrate or off during all classroom instruction times and when in the Media Center. Programs at STC will have cell phone rules that vary and it is the student’s responsibility to follow the department and/or program’s rules concerning the possession/use of them. STC is not responsible for lost or stolen items. Investigations of thefts will be implemented at the discretion of administration.

If an electronic device is used during a test or quiz, the student will receive a failing grade and a referral to administration for further discipline.

Suncoast Technical College is a tobacco and drug-free campus in accordance with state and county laws. Tobacco use (including the use of e-cigarettes, vaping devices, and chewing tobacco) is prohibited in any building or at any STC location. This includes parking lots and cars at any time. While medical marijuana is officially legal in Florida, students with a prescription are not permitted to use it on campus. STC is obligated to follow federal policy, which bans recreational and medical marijuana use. STC prohibits the possession, use, distribution, or sale of controlled substances.

Furthermore, under certain circumstances, alcohol, tobacco, medical marijuana, prescription drugs, and over-the-counter medications can adversely affect workplace and school settings as relates to health, safety, and productivity. Therefore, it is a violation of STC policy for any student to be at school, or to engage in schoolwork, while under the influence of, or while possessing in his or her body, drugs in any detectable amount, that could put any staff, student, or property at risk. The instructor and/or Program Manager will determine if a student is in violation and will decide on next steps, including but not limited to, sending the student home for the day, and/or dismissal from program.

*Some programs conduct random and/or unannounced drug testing. There is zero tolerance for illegal drug use.

Gifts, flowers, balloons, food, etc. will not be delivered to students during the school day. Please do not make arrangements to have such items delivered to the school.

Sarasota County School Board Rule 8.105 indicates that for each course taken, twenty (20) percent of the grade shall be based on the development of employability skills including:

• Reporting to school each and every day;
• Arriving to school and class on time;
• Reporting any absence or tardiness in a timely manner;
• Being prepared with supplies for class;
• Familiarity with the expected progress for your program;
• Maintaining an assignment notebook or other system;
• Completing homework and assignments on time;
• Dressing in appropriate program uniforms as required (refer to Dress Code Policy);
• Wearing ID Badge at all times while on campus;
• Cooperating with Instructors and classmates;
• Focusing on appropriate tasks while in class;
• Working efficiently individually or in groups as directed by the Instructor;
• Using appropriate language;
• Abiding by the Sarasota County Schools Code of Student Conduct;
• Following Classroom Rules.

Equity Procedures for Employees/Applicants/Students

Sarasota County Schools offers multiple career and technical programs wherein students may earn industry certification. The district prohibits discrimination in the terms and conditions of employment, and in access to educational programs and activities, and prohibits harassment of any individual or group on the basis of race, color, national origin, religion, sex, age, disability, marital status, sexual orientation or genetic information (and other protected classes included in the district’s nondiscrimination policies). Lack of English language skills will not be a barrier to admission and participation. The district may assess each student’s ability to benefit from specific programs through placement tests and counseling, and, if necessary, will provide services or referrals to better prepare students for successful participation. Any person who believes he or she has experienced any such prohibited discrimination may file a complaint with the district Equity Coordinator by calling (941) 927-9000, or writing to 1960 Landings Blvd., Sarasota, FL 34231.

Secondary students are NOT permitted to leave campus during school hours during lunch or breaks. Adult students may never take a secondary student off campus (whether the student is 18 years of age or not).    

Snacks, drinks, ala carte items, and full meals are available during lunch time only. The high school cafeteria (building 2, atrium) is open to all students and staff.

STC has student operated restaurants. Bistro 502 is located at the STC Sarasota (Main) Campus. Suncoast Bistro is located at the STC North Port Branch.

To learn more about our Bistro's or to make a reservations, CLICK HERE.

Students are responsible for showing consistent progress, satisfactory attendance, and employability skills. If a student is not progressing, the instructor will recommend appropriate measures to assist. STC reserves the right to withdraw adult students not maintaining satisfactory progress in their program, refusal to cooperate with instructor(s), and/or refusal to comply with rules and regulations of STC and the program. Grading scale may vary by program.

• A  (90%-100%) = Excellent
• B  (80%-89%) = Above Average
• C  (70%-79%) = Average
• D  (60%-69%) = Below Average
• F  (59%-0%) = Fail
• P  Pass
• W  Withdrawn

Students or applicants who feel that they have been treated unfairly may appeal any policy, procedure, or treatment by following the steps below.

Step 1: Discuss the issue with the teacher or counselor involved.

Step 2: If not resolved, discuss the issue with the Program Manager.

Step 3: If the issue is still not resolved to the student’s satisfaction, the student can file a written appeal to the appropriate Assistant Director.

Step 4: If after the Assistant Director’s review of all circumstances, the issue is still not resolved to the student’s satisfaction, the student may appeal the decision in writing to the Executive Director of Adult Career and Technical Education, and may request a hearing before a grievance committee appointed by the School District.

Step 5: If the grievance cannot be resolved at the local level, the STC accrediting agency may be contacted at: 

THE COUNCIL ON OCCUPATIONAL EDUCATION
7840 Roswell Road, Building 300
Suite 325
Atlanta, GA 30350
770-396-3898 or 770-396-3898
www.council.org 

The Florida Dept. of Education (FLDOE) may also be contacted if grievances cannot be settled at the local level.

THE FL DEPARTMENT OF EDUCATION
Division of Career and Adult Education
325 West Gaines Street
Suite 714c
Tallahassee, FL 32399
850-245-9062 Office
CareerandAdultEd@fldoe.org

STC recognizes school building security measures are important for safety and welfare of all. As such, the district requires all students to wear school district issued identification badges. Badges are issued at the time of registration to all students. Most function as a key card into the student’s designated classroom and other common building areas. Badges should be visible at all times. Lost or damaged badges will be replaced, in Student Services, for a $5.00 fee. Failure to comply will result in disciplinary action. Student badges remain school property and shall not be altered or defaced.

Lost and Found is located in Student Services. It is the responsibility of students to periodically check the lost and found if they are missing an item. Items of value will be held by the school staff and can be retrieved by describing the item. At the end of each marking period any items left in the lost and found will be discarded.

Occasionally the school district, newspapers, and television stations interview, photograph, and film our schools, instructors, and students to visually communicate our school’s programs and events. They may be used in newspapers, on television stations, and in School Board publications and productions. No likeness of any student may be used (including social media) without a completed Media Release form on file with the instructor.

Selecting and ordering textbooks is done completely online at the Suncoast Technical College Online Bookstore.

Created in partnership with Akademos Inc. and powered by TextbookX, the Online Bookstore simplifies the textbook process for students and faculty members.

The Online Bookstore offers:

• Quick ordering process – complete your purchase in 5 minutes!
• New, used, eBook, & rental textbook formats
• An average savings of 60% off list price on Marketplace items!
• Ability to pay for course materials with book vouchers
• Free shipping on retail orders over $49
• Year-round access to post and sell any textbook on the website's Marketplace–

You name the price!

Visit the website and order online at Suncoast.TextbookX.com

All courses, required materials, and pricing options are displayed in a personalized, easy-to-use page when you log in with your student account. *Students are encouraged to order uniforms at least 3 weeks prior to the start of their classes to ensure they arrive on time.

Textbooks, materials, and supplies that are distributed to the student by STC at the beginning of a course, must be returned at the end of the course or at the time a student withdraws from the school. Adult students must purchase books and materials as required by programs. A student must pay for any of these items that have not been returned to the instructor. Instructors will keep records regarding the distribution and condition of textbooks, materials, and supplies. Failure to follow the textbooks, materials, and supplies policy, may result in financial obligations. Attendance verification and transcripts will be held–pending any financial obligations to STC.

Presenting the work of another person as one’s own is not only unethical but also illegal. Students caught plagiarizing will face disciplinary action including but not limited to loss of credit on the given assignment. Students allowing others to copy their work will be subject to the same consequences. Refer to the district handbook for specific procedures. Policies may vary by program.

Non-school printed materials may not be distributed/posted in the schools or on school grounds.

ADULT GENERAL EDUCATION

Refunds will be granted up to 3 days from the start of class.

CAREER CERTIFICATE COURSES

If a class is canceled, eligible program fees are refunded within 30 days of the planned start date. A full refund (excluding pre-admission costs, registration fee, and any non-refundable fees), will be granted up to five days into the class term.

NOTE: No refunds will be granted after the fifth day of a class term.

Subsequent courses that are paid in advance prior to withdrawal will be refunded in full. Refunds will be made within 30 days of the determination of withdrawal. All refunds for cash/check payments are made by check payable to the student and will be mailed to the student’s address of record. All refunds for credit card payments within 90 days of payment will be refunded to the credit card used for payment.

Refunds for adult students who have received financial aid or agency support through the STC Financial Aid Office or the Student Accounts Office will be made in the following order:

1) Federal Grants;
2) State Grants;
3) Agency Grants and Payments;
4) Institutional Grants and Scholarships;
5) Student

PART-TIME CLASS REFUNDS

(Continuing Education & Fee Supported Classes)

1) Refunds of 100% of fees paid will be made automatically for classes that are canceled.

2) A request for a refund will be accepted up to 48 hours prior to the start of the class, excluding weekends. The refund will be 100% excluding the registration fee.

3) A request for a refund less than 48 hours prior to the start of class will not be accepted because financial commitments to instructors will have already been made.

All accounts with payments made via check, received by STC on accounts receivable and other payments that are returned due to insufficient funds and other reasons will be charged a returned check fee of $30. After 2 insufficient funds fees, the account holder is no longer able to pay on their account with a check.

They will have to use another form of payment such as money order, cashier’s check, debit card, or credit card.

Emergencies
School Resource Officers and School Security Staff provide continuous security and law enforcement to STC. School Resource Officers and School Security Staff provide patrol and may be reached by telephone and two-way radio to provide information and respond to emergencies. School Resource Officers and School Security Staff can instantly communicate with the county fire department, emergency medical service, and local police when needed.

Report a crime/suspicious activity to a Staff Member or School Resource Officer/School Security Staff member. Incidents occurring at extension sites should be reported to the supervisor on duty or by calling 911

Do not leave personal objects (wallet, purse, or books) unguarded. Do not leave property visible in your car. Lock your doors and trunk when parking and report stolen articles quickly and in as much detail as possible.

STC is not responsible for lost or stolen items. However, investigation of thefts will be implemented at the direction of Administration.

Fire
In the event of a fire in or adjacent to a building, all students shall immediately proceed to the nearest exit in a quiet and orderly manner. Students should take valuables with them. Move quickly and proceed to a location at least 100 feet from any building. Any student tampering with a fire detection device will be suspended and subject to prosecution by the proper authorities.

Drills
Critical Incident Plans are designed to establish procedures when there is a serious threat or imminent danger to the safety of students and personnel. Random drills are conducted during day and evening class times throughout the year. All occupants of the school must participate in these drills. There will be regular drills of the various plans. Students are expected to treat the drill as though it was a real event and act accordingly. The drills are to ensure that everyone is kept as safe as possible in the event of an actual emergency. Students shall remain together for the duration of the event/drill as a class.

*SHOULD AN ACTUAL EMERGENCY OCCUR, students will follow the direction of their instructors.

Searches
An authorized school official and/or the School Resource Officer may search a student or the student’s belongings based upon information received from a reliable informant. Specific areas that may be searched include, but are not limited to automobiles, lockers, personal belongings, and clothing. Police K-9 animals may also conduct searches.

Security Cameras
For security reasons, surveillance cameras are located in various places around campus. Tampering with these cameras is a serious breach of school security. Furthermore, evidence that is gained through the use of these cameras can and will be used to determine if school policies have been broken and will be used to determine consequences.

STC follows the Sarasota County School Board policies regarding Student Rights and Responsibilities. Refer to the district handbook for specific procedures.

(https://www.sarasotacountyschools.net/domain/1193)

Technology Orientation

Technology is an integral part of a student’s educational experience and must be used in a way that is consistent with the goals of STC. Technology includes, but is not limited to, computers, personal digital assistants, other electronic devices, software, e-mail, the Internet, other network resources, cell phones and cameras. Student use of technology is a privilege and students are responsible for using technology appropriately. This includes the use of school district equipment away from school grounds.

The following are inappropriate and/or illegal uses of technology:

• Photographing or using photographs of individuals without their knowledge or consent.
• Accessing or distributing offensive, inflammatory pornographic or obscene images, language or materials, including screen savers, backdrops, and/or pictures on school district-owned technology or on any other electronic device brought to school.
• Transmission of any material in violation of federal, state, local law, or School Board policy, regulation, or Code of Student Conduct. This includes, but is not limited to copyrighted material; threatening, obscene, or pornographic material; vandalizing data, test questions and/or answers; student work products; trade secrets; and computer viruses, “worms” or “trojans”.
• Utilizing technology for commercial activities unless explicitly permitted by the STC/School Board.
• Downloading and/or printing music, games, videos or inappropriate files during school hours.
• Modifying the school district’s original pre-set software or hardware, including, but not limited to: loading software applications not authorized by the school district; changing the computer name; changing or removing operating system and extensions; altering security/filtering software; altering the pre-loaded operating system or application; or taking apart the computer for access to internal parts, accessing or altering password.
• Using e-mail, instant messaging, web pages, or other technology operations to threaten, disrupt, or interfere with the safety and welfare of the school community.
• Gaining or attempting to gain unauthorized access to the district’s network, computer servers, or data files.
• Gaining or attempting to gain unauthorized access to non-district networks, computer servers, or data files utilizing district equipment.
• Using profanity, obscenity, other language which may be offensive to another user or reposting and copying personal communications without the author’s prior consent, when using computer network access.
• Attempting to log on to the STC’s/District’s network using another person’s identity.
• Bypassing or attempting to bypass the STC’s/District’s filtering software.
• Using computers, networks, and online telecommunication systems unrelated to students’ educational systems. This includes the prohibition of plagiarism, reproduction of instructor tests, textbooks, teaching materials, non-authored text, cheating and theft of ideas.
• Accessing or distributing offensive, obscene, inflammatory, or pornographic material.
• Using network access to destroy information that belongs to others.
• Copying personal communication to others without the original author’s permission.
• Copying software or other copyright-protected materials in violation of copyright laws.
• Using the network for any illegal activity or private business purposes or accessing inappropriate Internet sites.
• “Hacking” into the school’s computer systems or unauthorized modification of computer settings. These acts will be considered vandalism and disruption of a school function and 
  will be treated as such.
• Using technology to threaten, harass or bully other students or school staff.

Violations will result in serious disciplinary actions, which may include an arrest if any criminal law is broken.

STC maintains educational records in compliance with the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act, FERPA (20 U.S.C. 1232g; 34 CFR Part 99). STC will not release your transcript to a third party without your written authorization. However, STC may release directory information as permitted by FERPA. Please visit the Student Services Office if you would like to opt-out of being included in Directory Information.

Former and current STC adult technical students may request transcripts. All transcript requests must be in writing and have your signature.  A photo ID is also required. If you have an outstanding obligation at STC, the transcript will not be released until your outstanding obligation is resolved.

Records Request Forms may be obtained in the Student Services Office. 

For more detailed information, please visit: https://www.sarasotacountyschools.net/domain/1723 or contact 941-924-1365 x62208.

BUSES

Students may use the Sarasota County Area Transit (SCAT) bus for free. High school students have access to district-provided school busing. 

PERSONAL VEHICLES & PARKING

Students driving personal vehicles to school must register their vehicle with Student Services and purchase a parking hangtag at the beginning of each school year (or at the start of their program) for $10. The hangtag must be visibly hung from the rearview mirror. Students must park in designated parking areas only and are expected to follow all laws and speed limits. There is a speed limit of 5 miles per hour on campus. 

Suncoast Technical College is not responsible for lost or stolen items.

The following requirements shall be observed for those students driving a motor vehicle to school:

• All motorists shall have an operator’s license.
• Students under 18 years of age must have written parental consent to drive to school.
• All vehicles shall have a STC hangtag that is readily visible.
• All motorists shall observe posted speed limits.
• Passing a moving vehicle anywhere on campus is prohibited.
• Students shall park in designated parking areas only.
• All NO PARKING signs MUST be observed.
• Driving or parking on grass or sidewalk is prohibited.
• Parking against the curb or in the fire lanes is prohibited.
• Handicapped spaces are reserved for persons with appropriate identification.
• Parking permits are non-transferable.

Abuse of parking requirements and/or careless displays of driving may result in driving privileges being revoked on campus. No refunds will be issued due to loss of driving privileges. Any vehicle entering the school area is subject to search by school authorities and law enforcement personnel working with them. School officials may conduct the search based on “reasonable suspicion.” A search may be conducted without a warrant for any reasonable purpose. Search of the vehicle includes all com­partments and components thereof. Once search begins, the person in control of the vehicle will not be permitted to remove it from the premises during the reasonable duration of the search.

*STC administration holds the right to suspend or revoke a student's parking privileges. In addition, vehicles parked on STC campus overnight will be removed at owner’s expense.

ADULT TECHNICAL PROGRAMS are supported by the Workforce Education Fund of Florida. Tuition-based fees are authorized, established, and required by the Florida State Legislature. Lab and other local fees are authorized by state statute and approved by the School Board of Sarasota County.

Program costs can include tuition-related and lab fees based upon program length; process and registration fees; textbooks, supplies, or uniform costs; locker rentals; Internet fees and parking permits. Fees may vary and are subject to change by the Department of Education and the School Board. Legislature sets fees each fiscal year that are implemented on July 1. If a student’s enrollment continues from one school year to the next, fees will change accordingly.

A statement of financial obligation for the desired program will be given to each applicant in Student Services during the admissions process. The fee payment schedule varies by program and date of enrollment. Students are responsible for paying fees, unless fees will be paid by an agency or financial aid awards.

Payment of adult student fees is due prior to the first day of class. A student who does not complete payment by the fifth day of the course, and who has not made arrangements with Administration and who is not sponsored by an agency or deferred by the Financial Aid Office, will be administratively withdrawn from the program. In order to re-enroll, clearance by the Bookkeeping Office is required. Payment may be cash, check, or credit card, and may be made in person, or mail. A handling fee of $30 is charged for returned checks.

PAYMENT LOCATIONS ARE:

• Main Campus 941-924-1365
• North Port Branch 941-257-2252

Students who remain enrolled beyond the normal program length will be charged accordingly.

Non-residents of Florida are required to pay an out-of-state fee to cover the full cost of instruction, as determined by the Legislature of the State of Florida.

Students approved for grants and scholarships are expected to apply these funds toward the payment of program fees. Students are responsible for any balance after approved financial aid has been credited to their account. 

ADULT GENERAL EDUCATION PROGRAMS (ABE/GED^®/AAAE/ESOL/AHS)
Tuition-based fees for Adult General Education students are authorized, established and required by the Florida State Legislature.

Semester 1: August 10 to December 22
Semester 2: January 11 to May 27

Payment of fees is due prior to first day of class.

Unpaid fines and fees may delay completion clearance.

Students who wish to end their enrollment in any or all classes must officially “drop” or withdraw. Students can withdraw by notifying their Program Manager. High School students must notify their STC Counselor and districted School Counselor.