If an accident occurs while you are attending SCC, report the accident to the instructor in the class where the accident occurred and to the Vice President for Administrative Services. Business Office personnel will notify the next of kin based on information provided by the injured student or listed in the student’s record. Accident report forms are available through the Human Resources Office located on the first floor of Balsam Center. These forms must be completed within five days and submitted to the Vice President for Administrative Services.

     If a medical emergency exists - call emergency dispatch (9-1-1). If using an on-campus telephone system it may be necessary to dial 9 first. Call the college switchboard operator (dial 0) and notify this person of the medical emergency and whether 9-1-1 has been called. Off-campus centers should notify the center director. The college switchboard operator shall contact Security/Public Safety Officer on duty. Administrative Services staff will contact the person(s) given as the emergency contact or family member for the injured/ill party. This information may be contained in the student record or personnel file.

     Students are encouraged to maintain medical insurance coverage. Applications for accident insurance covering accidents at the College or in transportation to and from the College are available in the Business Office. Insurance forms for reporting injury are available in the Business Office to those who have purchased student insurance. Students are also encouraged to report any acute medical conditions to their instructors. Such information will be kept confidential.

BOOKSTORE - JACKSON CAMPUS
     Operated by Nebraska Book Company, the bookstore is located on the third floor of the Balsam Center and carries both new and used textbooks and a variety of school supplies. Textbooks are shelved alphabetically by course number with tags indicating the course for which each text is required. The staff will help you select books and materials for your classes, or you may browse at your leisure. Packages or books must not be brought into the store.

     Buyback Policy: You may sell your books back to the store at any time during the year. However, the best time to sell your books is at the end of the semester during the designated “buyback days.” When the faculty informs us which books they will use during the upcoming semester, we will pay approximately ½ of the purchase price for those books until the predetermined need is met. After the need for the following semester is met, we will begin paying the current price a wholesale company will pay us for the book.
     Buyback days are held the end of each semester except summer.

     In addition to textbooks, the bookstore carries art and drafting materials, reference books, school supplies, greeting cards, graduation caps and gowns, class rings, college insignia sportswear, gift items, sundries, software and cosmetology and medical uniforms. Regular bookstore hours are posted each semester at the bookstore entrance. On each registration day and during the drop-add period, bookstore hours coincide with the Business Office hours and will be posted in the bookstore.

     Contact: 3rd floor, Balsam Center, Jackson Campus, 828.586.4091, ext. 222 or 800.447.4091, ext. 222. » See SCC Bookstore Home

COMMUNITY RESOURCES
     A variety of community resources are available to SCC students. For the most current listing please go to the SCC homepage or contact Student Support Services.

CAREER COUNSELING & PLANNING
     Career Planning Center assists current and prospective students in evaluating their skills, interests, aptitudes and abilities. Appointments may be scheduled for individual assistance in resume preparation, developing interviewing skills, career assessment and reviewing job-seeking strategies. Services available:

     Individualized Career Counseling & Planning
     A counselor is available to talk with students about individual educational/career plans. Please call for an appointment to talk with a trained professional about your career concerns.

     Assessment Inventories
      variety of assessment instruments are available to help you identify interests, values, and personal qualities. The results are discussed confidentially with a counselor.

     Career Center
     Resources are available in the Career Center for resume development, interview preparation, job/college major research, and job postings. Students are encouraged to use these valuable resources.

     Career Workshops and Seminars
     A variety of workshops and seminars are held throughout the year to assist students in the career planning process. Examples: Dress for Success, Interviewing, Successful Resume Writing, The Art of Communication and many more.

Contact: 1st floor Balsam Center, Jackson Campus, 828.586.4091, ext.212 or 800. 447.4091, ext. 212. » See Career Center Home

CHILD CARE
     Southwestern Child Development Commission operates a child care center on the SCC campus in Oaks Hall. Fees are based on a sliding scale and financial assistance may be available for qualified students. Students should contact the Day Care Director at the center to apply for services for their children.

COMPUTER LAB
     An Open Computer Lab, located in the library area of the Pines, is available to all currently enrolled SCC students during regular college operating hours and on most Saturdays. The PCs in the Open Computer Lab are connected to the college’s instructional network. Students have access to software for word processing, spreadsheet, database, presentation graphics, desktop publishing, applications development and programming.

CRIME AWARENESS AND CAMPUS SECURITY
     Southwestern Community College is in compliance with the Crime Awareness and Campus Security Act of 1990 and will provide the safest educational environment possible for all students, faculty, staff and visitors at all SCC campus locations. Crime awareness information is available on-line at www.southwesterncc.edu/security/handbook.htm.

      Known and suspected violations of federal and North Carolina laws and any emergencies should be reported to the College Security Department for action. Acts such as murder, sex offense, robbery, aggravated assault, burglary, motor vehicle theft, liquor law violation, drug abuse violation and weapons possession must be reported immediately. Upon notification of a criminal offense the Security Department will disseminate a Serious Incident Report to all faculty and staff for public announcement.

      Students, faculty and staff must recognize that they should take individual steps to protect themselves from becoming a victim of a crime and work together as a campus community in the prevention of crime and the promotion of security. The complete college plan regarding Crime Awareness and Campus Security may be reviewed at any administrative office.

      As required by the Crime Awareness and Campus Security Act of 1990, the following statistics are provided for your information:

DEVELOPMENTAL EDUCATION STUDIES
      Southwestern Community College offers Developmental Education courses in standard written English, reading, and math. The objective of these courses is to help students increase their foundation skills so they have a better opportunity to succeed in curriculum courses. Students who do not make the minimum scores on one or more sections of the College Placement Test are required to take the appropriate Developmental Education course(s). Students who place high enough on the placement test to be exempt also may take any of these courses if they wish to refresh or sharpen their skills before taking a curriculum course.

Definition of a Disability
      The federal definition of a disability includes a person who (1) has a physical or mental impairment which substantially limits one or more major life activities (2) has a record of such impairment or (3) is regarded as having such impairment. The determination of whether an individual has a disability under ADA is not based upon the name or diagnosis of the impairment, but rather upon the impact of that impairment on the life/learning of the individual.

Disclosure
      The decision of whether or not to disclose a disability in post-secondary education is
at the discretion, and the responsibility, of the student. Disclosure is only required if accommodations are needed.

Services
      If you are a student with a disability, and will be needing accommodations, you are encouraged to call 828.586.4091 ext. 231 or 800.447.4091 ext.231 and make an appointment with a staff member in the Student Support Services Office. For optimal service, please call this number in a timely manner. You may contact the SSS office anytime during the semester; however, reasonable accommodations are designed AFTER disclosure is made.

Your Privacy
      All conversations, documentation and records provided will be maintained in a confidential manner as outlined in the Family Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA) of 1974.
SCC wishes to provide reasonable accommodations/modifications to minimize the extent to which a disability may negatively affect your SCC academic and social opportunities. Please give us a call. We look forward to working with you.

FIRE
      In case of fire, immediately evacuate the area through the nearest exit.

FOOD SERVICES
      A food service, managed by an independent contractor, is located on the first floor of the Balsam Center. Please check the location for times.

GRADES/TRANSCRIPT ONLINE
      Along with free Internet access from home, students also have online access to their grades and academic transcripts. Southwestern Community College does not send report cards through the US mail at the end of each semester. Through the Internet, students can use their computer access username and password to check their grade and transcript information. SCC continues to mail official copies of transcripts on an as-needed basis, per request of the student. The student must communicate the request thru the registrar’s office. For information on activating your computer access account, contact SCC Computer Support at 828.586.4091, ext. 424 or 800. 447.4091, ext. 424

HOUSING
      Since SCC is designed primarily to serve students within commuting distance, there are no dormitory or housing facilities on campus. Students are referred to the Classified sections of local newspapers and the telephone directory yellow pages for rental and apartment listings in the area. Information the College receives on rental vacancies is available upon request in Enrollment Services.

INTRAMURAL SPORTS
      Under an agreement between Southwestern Community College and Western Carolina University, SCC students are invited to participate in Intramural Sports Activities provided that each student meets the requirements and assumes the responsibilities outlined below. More detailed information is available in the Student Services Career Center office located on the 1st floor of the Balsam Center. 828.586.4091, ext. 212 or 800.447.4091,
ext. 212.

LIBRARY
      The Library in the Pines building is an 11,000-square foot facility that includes capacity shelving for 40,000 volumes and seating space for 120 people. The building houses not only the book collection, periodicals, audiovisuals and 24 computer workstations, but also a conference room and other College offices. The Library’s home page at www.southwesterncc.edu/library is an excellent starting point for learning about services and resources available at the Library.  Students attending classes at the Macon Campus have access to the same learning resources as SCC Jackson Campus students.

      The Library provides various types of print and non-print media for students, faculty and staff, and currently has a collection of approximately 30,000 volumes that relates directly to academic offerings. The reference collection contains a variety of specialized resources including many legal references. A varied collection of fiction and books of general interest is also provided. Easy access to materials is provided with an open-shelf concept and through the use of an online catalog and circulation system. The online catalog can be accessed from the Library’s home page. The Library participates in an online system with other community college libraries across North Carolina. Faculty, staff and students may borrow materials from those libraries and receive them in approximately one week. Other interlibrary loan services are also available.

      The Library subscribes to more than 200 magazines and newspapers. Internet access as well as access to Microsoft Office are available on the computers in the Library. NC LIVE, a collection of online electronic information resources including magazine articles, national and local newspapers, professional and business journals, research articles, publications and reference sources, is accessible through the Library’s World Wide Web and Internet links. NC LIVE offers indexing for more than 25,000 journals and reference materials and full-text journal articles for approximately 16,000 periodical titles.

      Included in the collection are bound volumes of magazines and microfilm of
approximately 170 periodical titles.

      Many types of audiovisual materials are available through the Library. The audiovisual media includes audio tapes, slides, transparencies, video tapes, CD-ROMS and DVDs. These materials may be used in the Library conference room or in a classroom.

      Staff members participate in teaching and working closely with faculty in planning student orientation to the Library. Research assistance for the individual student or faculty member is always available.   All library materials must be returned by the end of each semester and accounts cleared before students will be allowed to register, graduate or receive a transcript.

      The Library is open from 8 a.m. until 9 p.m. Monday through Thursday, from 8 a.m. until 5 p.m. on Friday, and from 9 a.m. until 2 p.m. on Saturday. The facility provides services to community residents as well as the staff, faculty and students at SCC.  To request specific titles for checkout and delivery to Macon Campus by courier, Macon students may use the staff e-mail contacts listed on the website, www.southwesterncc.edu/library or call 800.447.4091 ext. 268 or 269.

      Students attending classes at the Macon Campus also have access to the Macon County Public Library, conveniently located across the parking lot from the new campus. The Macon County Public Library is open Monday-Thursday 9 a.m. - 8 p.m., Friday-Saturday 9 a.m. - 5 p.m. For more information on the Macon County Public Library visit their website: www.fontanalib.org/franklin or call 828.524.3600.

» See SCC Library Home

LOST AND FOUND
      All inquiries concerning lost personal items should be directed to the Information Center located in the lobby of the Balsam Center. Likewise, all found items should be taken to the Information Center.

ORIENTATION
      All students enrolling for the first time at Southwestern Community College are
required to participate in an Orientation Program. The program is designed to acquaint new students with the important polices, resources and services available at Southwestern and provide valuable information needed to facilitate academic success.

      Prior to the start of fall and spring semesters, a live orientation session is conducted at the Jackson Campus. It is strongly recommended that students attend this campus orientation. An online version of the program is also offered for new students who enter during fall, spring and summer terms. Students are not permitted to register for the next semester of study until they have completed the Orientation Program.

PARKING
      All vehicles operated on campus should be registered and display a parking decal. A parking decal may be secured during Registration or at the Business Office on the first floor of the Balsam Center. The decal should be displayed on the right rear bumper of your vehicle.

      You are expected to park only in designated parking areas. Parking is not permitted in grassed areas, loading zones or fire lanes. Students and staff should not use designated visitor parking spaces. All cars blocking a drive, obstructing the flow of traffic, creating a safety hazard or parked in a fire lane, loading zone, designated tow-away zone or handicapped zone (without proper handicapped identification) are subject to tow-away at the full expense of the owner or immobilization by a restraining device.

      Students or staff using designated handicapped parking spaces on campus are required to display one of the following on their vehicles: (1) North Carolina Handicapped license plate, (2) Disabled Veteran’s license plate or (3) Vocational Rehabilitation Handicapped window place card. Physically disabled students and staff may be granted special parking privileges by applying at the Security Office.

      Parking offenses carry a fine of $5 and should be paid at the Business Office. Appeals may be made to the Campus Security Officer within ten calendar days of the ticket's date of issuance.

STUDENT AMBASSADORS
      This prestigious student organization was established to serve the SCC Foundation, President’s Office and the Admissions Office in an exciting way as student hosts and representatives of SCC at social, alumni and recruitment events. Members help in student recruitment through activities on and off campus, meet and greet campus and community leaders at college events, make contact with alumni leaders and hone leadership skills. Members go through an application and interview process. A membership drive begins early in spring semester.

STUDENT IDENTIFICATION / LIBRARY CARDS
      ID/library cards are required for all students and cost $1 per year. These cards are the property of the College and must be shown on request of a College representative. Students are required to be in possession of their ID cards at all times and are prohibited from loaning their ID cards to any other person for any reason. It is prohibited to use any other card except College-issued cards. ID Cards are issued in the Business Office, located on the first floor of the Balsam Center. Replacement cards may be obtained for a $5 charge.

STUDENT LIFE
      Student Life is coordinated by the college’s Student Life Committee. The committee, whose members include students, faculty, and staff, is responsible for 1) planning, coordinating and sponsoring campus-wide student activities, educational and cultural events; 2) assisting student clubs and organizations with resources and training; 3) coordinating events and programs of student clubs through the Clubs Council; and 4) allocating the student activity fee funds for programs and services that benefit students and student club activities.

      Student Life events include Welcome Back, Constitution Day, Veteran’s Day, special events, throughout the year and Spring Fling.

      Student Life sponsored programs and services include 1) SCC student participation in WCU Intramural Sports (see previous section for details), 2) support for the campus literary magazine – Milestone, 3) diploma covers for graduates, 4) refreshments for student orientation events and career fairs and 5) student club events and travel.

      The student Clubs and Organization Council coordinates club activities and events and sponsors educational and leadership development workshops for club and
organizational leaders.

      Contact: Office of Student Services, 1st floor Balsam Center, 828.586.4091, ext. 352 or 800.447.4091, ext. 352.

STUDENT LOUNGES
      Refreshment vending machines are located in the Balsam Center as well as Oaks Hall, The Summit and Founders Hall. The first floor of the Bradford Hall contains a student lounge with a television and video games. The second floor of the Oaks Hall also contains a student lounge area. Food and beverages are only permitted in classrooms, shops and laboratories with the instructor’s approval. Food and beverages are permitted in lounge areas.

STUDENT ORGANIZATIONS AND CLUBS
      Students are encouraged to form clubs and organizations focusing on special interests or curriculum programs. Although clubs have membership requirements, no organization at SCC discriminates on the basis of race, color, sex, age, disability, religion, nationality or political preference. Requirements for establishing student clubs and organizations and other regulations are available online on the Student Life page.   » See list of  active clubs.

STUDENT PUBLICATION
      Milestone is the bi-annual art and literature review published by Southwestern
Community College. The purpose of this periodical is to showcase the creative expressions of artists and writers from the college and its service area.

STUDENT SUPPORT SERVICES
      The College is funded for a Title IV, Student Support Services, education grant through the Department of Education. Student Support Services (SSS) provides students with a wonderful opportunity for an extra boost through college. Free services are offered in the following areas: counseling and advising, transfer initiatives, cultural enrichment,
volunteer enrichment, classroom accommodations for students with documented disabilities, financial support through our scholarship workshops/supplemental grant aid program, career exploration, college and community-wide resource referrals and tutoring instruction
provided through our CRLA internationally certified tutoring program. SSS also has an extensive loan program of equipment and reading/assessment materials to help you achieve your academic, as well as personal goals. Also available to students is a large resource area equipped with three open, Internet-connected computers and a wide variety of course ready, job ready, resource ready materials in text, video and software mediums.

      To qualify for services students must have a need for academic support and then meet one of three criteria: be first generation college, meet income guidelines or have a documented disability. Services are provided on a volunteer basis which means students decide if the program is right for them.

      If you would like to find out more about SCC’s Student Support Services Office, visit us on the lower level of Oaks Hall or call 828.586.4091, ext. 231/243 or 800.447.4091 ext. 231/243 and set up an appointment. Students wishing to participate in the Student Support Services program must complete an SSS application and have an intake interview.  
» more about Student Support Services

TELEPHONES
      You will not be called out of class to receive a personal telephone call. In a medical emergency, a message will be taken for you and every effort will be made to reach you. Pay telephones for personal calls are available in the Balsam Center, Oaks Hall, Bradford Hall and Founders Hall. You will not be allowed to use an office telephone except in an emergency. Students are expected to leave cell phones off during class.

TOBACCO USE
      SCC Jackson Campus prohibits the use of tobacco products in any college building. Tobacco use is allowed on College grounds in designated locations (gazebos) with proper receptacles.

      SCC Macon Campus is a tobacco-free campus.

TUTORING AT SCC
      As a currently enrolled student at Southwestern Community College, you have the opportunity to receive up to five hours of free, formalized tutoring per week. Home to an internationally certified CRLA tutoring program, SCC is committed to your success by providing you the means to have structured one-on-one tutoring sessions with highly trained tutors and adjunct faculty.

Academic support groups (tutoring groups) are also available for classes the college has identified as high tutoring demand, high class withdrawal and/or high failure rates.
Applications to obtain a tutor or to serve as a tutor are available in the Student Support Services Office located on the first floor of Oaks Hall. Tutoring sign-up begins the second week of classes each semester and you may apply for a tutor through the twelfth week of that semester. Established tutoring relationships last the duration of the semester.
      Contact: 828.586.447-4091, ext, 231/420 or 800.447.4091, ext, 231/420.

VISITORS
      Visitors must have the instructor’s approval prior to visiting a classroom. Faculty, staff and students should make off-campus arrangements for the care and supervision of their minor children in order to reduce interruption of the educational process and avoid possible injury to a child. Minors (non-students of less than 18 years of age) may not be brought to the campus except for single-day or evening emergencies or for brief convenience visits. Scheduled school closings and consecutive daycare problems are not considered emergencies. Minors must be under the direct supervision of a responsible adult at all times. Under