Student Services

Academic Advising Services

Each of SJR State’s campuses has an office housing its academic advising staff. Academic advisors are available on each campus to help students identify personal, career and educational goals, navigate the college’s myriad policies and procedures, understand degree requirements, test scores, transfer requirements for specific programs and serve as a resource and point of contact for students regarding many areas of the college.

Academic advisors are available to provide current and incoming students with services that academically contribute to their personal and career growth and development. The staff also facilitates academic success plans through one-on-one initial meetings and continues that personal relationship building process with a rich schedule of advisor appointments and walk-in availability throughout the semester.

Students may schedule an appointment with their advisor or drop-in to have a quick question answered. We recommend scheduling an appointment for students who need to review graduation requirements, participate in career counseling, discuss academic program planning and/or change programs, discuss transitioning to a baccalaureate program, complete Financial Aid Satisfactory Academic Progress (SAP) appeals, or who have in-depth questions regarding a policy or process at SJR State.

Students are encouraged to meet with their advisor throughout their academic career at SJR state. Advising opportunities from admission to graduation include the following milestones:

• Mandatory initial academic advising prior to first term enrollment.
• New freshmen are encouraged to meet with their assigned advisor during their first term of enrollment.
• Students pursuing the A.A. degree or A.S. degrees or certain college credit certificates will receive a hold after completing 20-credit hours. Students must meet with their advisor to remove the hold in order to register for future courses.
• Students are encouraged to meet with an advisor the term prior to graduation. In addition to completing all degree requirements, students are responsible for the graduation application, paying all associated fees and meeting the graduation application deadline.

Academic advising staff is dedicated to providing students with quality academic support services that involve timely and accurate academic advising, career counseling, services for students with disabilities and appropriate referrals as needed.

Students with Disabilities

Students with disabilities are welcome at SJR State and are encouraged to contact the Academic Advising Office on their campus. The purpose of the disability coordinator within the Academic Advising office is to ensure access to accommodations for those students determined eligible. Students must report to campus disability coordinators at the beginning of each semester. Special assistance is available with academic orientation, registration, academic planning, special supplies, and equipment. In addition, specialized services are available to students whose disability prevents them from participating fully in classroom activities. The College provides services relating to student academic success. Transportation and personal services are the responsibility of the student.

Relay service for the hearing and vision impaired:
(TDD) 1-800-955-8771 or (VOICE) 1-800-955-8770

Determining Eligibility

In order to receive services, a student must register with the Academic Advising Office and meet with the disability coordinator. The coordinator will request a reasonable level of documentation to establish the disability, understand the impact of the disability on the student’s ability to meet admission or graduation requirements, develop appropriate accommodations and forward those accommodations to appropriate faculty members at the beginning of each semester. If a disabled student is denied an accommodation, the student should first meet with the Dean of Advising. If appropriate, the Dean of Advising may recommend a written petition be presented to the College’s Disability Accommodations Appeals Committee. The matter will then be heard before the College’s Disability Accommodations Appeals Committee.

Substitute Admission and Program Requirements

In accordance with Sections 1007.264 and 1007.265, FS, if appropriate documentation substantiates that a disability can be reasonably expected to prevent the individual from meeting requirements for admission to the institution, admission to a program of study or graduation, a substitution may be granted. Pertinent educational records may be reviewed prior to granting a substitution. The College is not required to lower or waive essential requirements. The Advising Office is responsible for developing procedures to ensure dissemination of this policy and for initiating its application.

Substitution Requests

1. An eligible student requesting approval for substitution of one or more course requirements must petition, in writing, and provide documentation for such substitution. The student must meet with his or her campus disabilities coordinator, who will then forward the substitution request to the Dean of Advising. The dean will then review the documentation.

The substitution packet should minimally include all of the following:

1. Identification of the specific course requirements for which the substitution is requested;
2. Documentation of the disability that is sufficient to describe how the condition impacts the student at the current time and in the current circumstances;
3. Documentation that failure to meet the requirement(s) for which the substitution is requested is related to the disability;
4. A reason for the course substitution from the disabilities coordinator; and
5. A copy of all transcripts/compliance.

B. The completed package should be submitted to the Dean of Advising, who will then review and approve the request and forward the request to the appropriate vice president.

C. The appropriate vice president will review the request and communicate his/her decision, in writing, to the student and disability coordinator. The letter shall include the rationale for the decision, and in cases where a substitution is approved, specification of the substitution, to the student and appropriate college personnel within five (5) business days of the decision.

D. The College will accept substitutions granted by other Florida public colleges and schools. Substitutions granted by other postsecondary institutions will be evaluated on an individual basis. Documentation should be requested by the transferring student and sent from the granting institution.

Student Support Ombuds

The Student Support Ombuds (SSO) staff are also located within the Academic Advising suites on each campus. SSO Staff are dedicated to promoting holistic student wellness through wrap-around support services. We provide early intervention, ongoing follow-up, and coordinated care for students navigating complex challenges. The SSO connects students with essential resources, referrals, and educational tools to foster success. Additionally, the office oversees campus food pantries and toiletry baskets to help meet students’ basic needs with dignity and compassion. 

Career Services

Career counseling services are available to all SJR State students via the SJRstate.edu/careerservices webpage. This site provides resources on career planning, job search strategies, the labor market, employment opportunities and work experiences, such as job shadow opportunities and internships. Workshops, such as resume writing, interviewing and career fairs are scheduled throughout the year. Students can request personal advising with the College’s career services coordinator at (904) 276-6779. Additionally, Student Outreach and Success Coordinators work with students in specific workforce progams supported by the Carl D. Perkins Career and Technical Education Act.

Career Pathways

Career Pathways provides students who are completing career and technical education programs in high school with the opportunity to continue their studies in college in the same career cluster. In partnership with the Dual Enrollment department and in accordance with local and statewide articulation agreements, students have access to acceleration options, reducing the time and cost of their A.S. degree or certificate. Programs of study, from grade nine through postsecondary, are designed by the Florida Department of Education and guided by the workforce and economic development needs of business and industry.

Local and statewide articulation agreements afford additional opportunities for returning adults to transition into workforce development degree and certificate programs by providing academic credit for earned industry certification and licensure.

College Testing

The Testing Center
Testing for college placement, limited access programs, and other assessments are scheduled and administered through the Testing Center. These exams require an appointment made through the Testing Center in advance. Additionally, the Testing Center supports proctoring for distance learning exams from other institutions and many other third-party exams. Exams require a non-refundable administrative fee. Missed appointments may be rescheduled, when possible, within the fiscal year. Please see Financial Information in the Catalog/Student Handbook for testing and examination fees. Please see Financial Information  in the Catalog/Student Handbook for testing and examination fees.

The fee and process may vary by exam. For more information, visit https://www.sjrstate.edu/testingcenter, email the Testing Center at TestingCenter@SJRstate.edu or call one of the following Testing Centers: Palatka Campus (386) 312-4228, Orange Park Campus (904) 276-6793 or St. Augustine Campus (904) 808-7417.

NCCT - National Center for Competency Testing: Applied Health Certificates

The security of our candidates and our test material providers require the following:

All exams conducted by SJR State require a current government issued photo ID or College photo ID for admission. The following items are expressly prohibited during testing sessions unless otherwise stated in examination instructions:

• Firearms and weapons
• Bags, purses, backpacks (subject to inspection)
• Electronics (e.g. phones, iPods, tablets, laptops, earbuds, headphones, watches, gaming devices, etc.)
• Calculators
• Food and drink
• Outerwear: subject to inspections (e.g. coats, jackets, hoodies, scarves)
• Headwear: subject to inspection (e.g. hats, bandannas, headbands)
• Other items as identified at time of sign-in by the test administrator

All candidates will be cleared for foreign metallic objects by a handwand procedure before entering the testing environment.

Health Services

The College does not maintain an infirmary or hospital. All injuries must be reported to the Office of Student Affairs on the Palatka campus or Security at the Orange Park and St. Augustine campuses. If the injury or illness appears to be serious, the College will immediately attempt to notify the family. Emergency treatment by a private physician is at the student’s or parent’s expense. Personal insurance is the student’s responsibility.

Pregnancy Accommodations for Students

Title IX of the Education Amendment Act of 1972 prohibits discrimination on the basis of sex, including pregnancy and related conditions, in educational programs and/or activities.

St. Johns River State College does not discriminate against any student on the basis of pregnancy or related conditions. Absences due to medical conditions relating to pregnancy will be excused for as long as deemed medically necessary by a student’s doctor, and students will be given the opportunity to make up missed work. Prompt and appropriate communication by the student is necessary to ensure appropriate accommodations are provided.

Students needing assistance can seek accommodations from the Academic Advising Office on any campus (Orange Park - 904-276-6855, Palatka - 386-312-4035, St. Augustine - 904-808-7402) or from the Title IX Coordinator Charles Romer at 386-312-4074.

Risks Associated with Drugs and Alcohol

The use of illicit drugs and the abuse of alcohol pose serious risks to one’s health. Information regarding the possible side effects associated with the use and abuse of alcohol and certain drugs is available at any of the College counseling centers.

Almost all of these effects include the symptoms of dilated pupils, elevated body temperature, increased heart rate, increased blood pressure, impairment of judgment and mental functions, and loss of control and coordination. If ingested by a pregnant woman or nursing mother, all of these drugs pose serious risks to the fetuses and nursing infants, up to and including death.

Lost and Found

The College maintains a lost and found property service located at the Security office at all three campuses.

Vending Machine Reimbursement

When individuals experience a vending machine malfunction resulting in the need for a reimbursement, please utilize the phone number on the face of the machine to contact and report the malfunction as well as to initiate a refund.

When the individuals do experience any vending machine malfunctions, please also report the status of the machine to either the Bookstore Manager or the Director of Purchasing and Auxiliary Services.

Bookstore

A bookstore is located on each of the three campuses of St. Johns River State College. Students may purchase and/or rent textbooks and other materials for college classes. The bookstore will refund textbooks provided they meet the requirements listed below.

All refunds must be accompanied by a receipt. Refunds will be made by way of choice made by Student under the “Student Refund Options” section of this Catalog/Student Handbook or by credit to financial aid book card. NO CASH REFUNDS. Bookstore management reserves the right to determine the value of returned items based on salability and condition.

Fall/Spring Term Refunds

• A 30 day refund period will be designated from the beginning of each term. The end date of the refund period will be noted on all signage at each bookstore.
• Textbooks for the fall and spring term may be returned for a full refund (original resalable condition) during the first two weeks of class.
• New textbooks beyond the first two weeks of this 30 day period will be refunded at the used price (75% of new).
• No refunds are allowed after this 30 day refund period.

Summer Term Refunds

• A 10 day refund period will be designated from the beginning of each term. The end date of the refund period will be noted on all signage at each bookstore.
• Textbooks for the summer term may be returned for a full refund (original resalable condition) during the first week of class.
• New textbooks beyond the first week of this 10 day period will be refunded at the used price (75% of new).
• No refunds are allowed after this 10 day refund period.

To acquire a 100% refund for books purchased with shrink-wrap, the books must be returned as sold without the shrink-wrap opened. At any time, a used book may be returned for a new book when the customer is willing to pay the difference in price. Also, defective books may be exchanged for a non-defective book.

Digital Content Refunds
Digital content purchases are not refundable after 14 days, or if 10% or greater of the content is accessed, or if any portion of the content is printed.

Textbook Rentals
The SJR State Bookstore offers a textbook rental option for several courses. By renting, students can save up to 60% on the cost of textbooks.

Textbook Rental Agreement Terms and Conditions

• You must be at least 18 years of age.
• You will enter into a Textbook Rental Agreement (“Agreement”) with the St. Johns River State College Bookstore at your own free will. You must currently be a student at St. Johns River State College and currently enrolled in the course(s) that require(s) the rented material(s).
• Rental Return Due Date - You will rent the course material(s) for the duration of a single semester. You must return the exact material(s) that you rented to the SJR State Bookstore by the rental return deadline noted on your Agreement. The SJR State Bookstore is not responsible for reminding you of the rental return deadline.
• Failure to Return - If you fail to return the rented material(s) by the rental return due date, you will be charged a late fee of $5 per book per business day until the rented material(s) is/are returned. The late fee per book will not exceed the list price of the book, less the rental charge, plus a $10 transaction fee. After 10 business days of non-return status, a charge is placed on your student account for the list price of the book, less the rental charge plus a $10 transaction fee. Your student account will also be placed on hold until you pay all fees due. Once an account is charged due to non-return status, the book is no longer returnable or eligible for sale to the Bookstore during book buy-back.
• Condition Upon Return- The rented material(s) is/are the property of the SJR State Bookstore. You are responsible for the condition of the rented material(s) and bear full responsibility for the condition of the rented material(s) in salable condition. The SJR State Bookstore has the right to deem the rented material(s) non-returnable pursuant to the following guidelines: (1) any writing, (2) excessive highlighting, (3) damage above normal wear and tear, (4) removal of the rental sticker and (5) any type of water (or other liquid) damage. You must pay the current list price, less the rental charge, plus a $10 transaction fee for every rented material that is lost, stolen, or deemed non-returnable for any reason covered in the Agreement.
• Refund - The rented material(s) may be returned to the Bookstore for a full refund through the date noted on the Agreement, as long as the materials are in the same condition as issued. After that time, no refunds will be issued for the rental material(s). Students withdrawing from one or more courses after the drop/ add date may return rented books at any time up until the last day of class, but no refunds will be issued.
• Tax - Normal tax rates apply.

Online Bookstore
Go to Bookstore.SJRstate.edu for information on textbooks and course materials, merchandise, store contacts, locations, and hours.

Organizing a New Club or Organization

Students are encouraged to organize and/or join associations or clubs that promote a free society, pursue scholarly interests, and/or promote the interests of St. Johns River State College. All student associations or clubs must include an anti-hazing policy in its bylaws and must be democratically operated. The procedures for establishing a new association or club are available from the Office of Student Affairs and the campus Student Engagement Office. Memberships in any organizations or clubs shall be open to all students without respect to race, creed, sex, disability, or national origin.

The following steps are to be taken when forming a new organization:

1. Contact the campus Student Activity Coordinator to facilitate the process of starting a club.
2. Secure a faculty member who is willing to serve as a sponsor.
3. Obtain temporary approval from the Office of Student Affairs to develop a constitution or body of governing rules.
4. Present the constitution or body of governing rules to the Student Government Association (SGA) and seek the recommendations for approval from the group.

The SGA makes recommendations to the Office of Student Affairs, who in turn presents written recommendations to the President of the College. The President has final authority in the authorization to operate as an approved student club or organization on campus. Approval may be withdrawn by the Office of Student Affairs or the President.

Students are urged to participate in student activities that encourage the development of leadership, personal growth, and school spirit. Some of these organizations are a portion of class activities; others have been chartered by the SGA, but may be inactive during some years.

Student Government Association (Palatka, Orange Park, and St. Augustine)

All registered students of SJR State are represented by the Student Government Association (SGA) and are governed by its constitution. SGA sponsors a variety of campus events. Students have access to the policy-making bodies of the College primarily through the Student Government Association, whose meetings are open to all students and faculty of SJR State. Students can also bring issues to the attention of the SGA members; after discussion, the chairperson or sponsor of SGA can take the concern or issue to the Office of Student Affairs or directly to the President, either of whom may then take the issue in recommended policy form to the Board of Trustees for approval.

PHI THETA KAPPA (Palatka, Orange Park, St. Augustine)

Membership for this community college scholastic honorary society for students is by invitation. The Palatka Campus chapter is named Chi Tau; the Orange Park chapter is Alpha Epsilon Lambda; and the St. Augustine chapter is Alpha Xi Eta. Several scholarships are available to members for senior universities. Students must have an acceptable GPA.

Clubs and Organizations

Students are encouraged to participate in extracurricular activities which include academic, service, religious, and special interest clubs and organizations. These organizations are largely student-initiated and controlled. A complete listing of clubs and organizations can be found online at SJRstate.edu/studentlife.

Clubs and Organizations at SJR State:

PALATKA
Bass Fishing Club
Business Club
Fellowship of Christian
Athletes
Film Club
Gaming Society
La Vida De Arte
Musical Theater Club
Phi Theta Kappa
Psychology Club
Rotoract Club
Student Government Association
Student Nurses Association

ORANGE PARK
Business Club
Dual Enrollment Club
Gamers’ Guild
Phi Theta Kappa
Student Government Association
Student Nurses Association
Students Focused on Christ

ST. AUGUSTINE
Art Club
Business Club
Christian Connect Club
Debate and Research Club
Earth Club
Health Information Technology
Medical Education Club
Phi Theta Kappa
Ping Pong Club
Psychology Club
Radiology Club
Respiratory Care Club
Rotaract Club
Sailing Club
Student Government Association
Student Nurses Association
The Better Club

Official Calendar of Events

All extracurricular campus activities must have the approval of the Office of Student Affairs. Organizations wishing to place an activity on the calendar must request approval no later than 10 days prior to the event. Once the activity has been posted on the official calendar, only the advisor of the sponsoring group and/or the Office of Student Affairs may authorize removal or change. In the event of a conflict on dates and facilities use, all persons involved will be contacted in an attempt to effect a change of dates.

Cultural Events

Florida School of the Arts
Located on the Palatka Campus, the Florida School of the Arts presents a wide variety of cultural activities in the arts including dramas, dance and musical presentations, and art exhibits.

Thrasher-Horne Center
Located on the Orange Park Campus, the Thrasher-Horne Center hosts traveling art exhibits, theatrical shows and community events and serves as a meeting site for business conferences and events.

Athletics

St. Johns River State College is a charter member of the Florida College System Activities Association, the governing body for intercollegiate competition within the state. The College provides intercollegiate baseball for men and intercollegiate softball and volleyball for women.

The College is a member of the National Junior College Athletic Association and participates in Region VIII of this organization.

Student Identification

While on College property, students should possess an SJR State student identification card. Students can secure this card from the library on each campus during operating hours when classes are in session.

Learning Resources

Library

The B.C. Pearce Learning Resources Center, the Orange Park Campus Library, and the St. Augustine Campus Library (collectively referred to as the Library) are dedicated to delivering high-quality services, instruction, and resources that align with the mission of St. Johns River State College. The Library strives to support the informational, educational, cultural, and lifelong learning needs of the College community. There is a library located on each campus with staff who are ready to help.

SJR State students are automatically granted library privileges when they register for classes; there is no application required. Students need to present a government issued photo ID to check out material. The Library has physical collections at each campus and an online collection (Audiobooks, eBooks, eJournals, and Streaming Films) that are available 24/7. Other library services include online chat service, tutorials, inter-campus loan, reserves, anatomical models and equipment.

More information about the Library’s resources and services can be found at LearningResources.sjrstate.edu. Students need their MySJRstate username and password to access the online collection. 

Students have access to the following:

Students who lose or fail to return borrowed library material will be asked to replace or pay the replacement cost before being able to borrow more library items.

Each campus library has places to study or relax between classes. The Library also has computers, printers, scanners, and wi-fi for students. Students need their MySJRstate username and password to login to a computer or wi-fi. Students must comply with the College’s Acceptable Use of Technology Resources policy (Procedure 3.11 of the SJR State Operating and Procedures Manual). The Library is open when classes are in session.

Fall and Spring

Summer

Each library is ADA compliant and strives to acquire resources that are accessible to all users. Assistive technology is provided by the Counseling Department.

Librarians are available to help whenever the Library is open. Librarians can help students find information and cite those resources correctly. 

For more information about the Library visit https://learningresources.sjrstate.edu/home or contact a Librarian via text: (386) 202-9692 or email: Library@sjrstate.libanswers.com.

Tutoring Services

Currently enrolled SJR State students may receive in-person tutoring in math, writing, science, and other subjects in the L-building on each campus at no cost. In-person tutoring is available when classes are in session. Online tutoring services for all subjects are available free online, many 24/7. Visit https://learningresources.sjrstate.edu/Tutoring to view tutoring subjects, hours, online tutoring information, and other academic support resources.

Department of Learning Resources Code of Patron Behavior

Each St. Johns River State College Library and Tutoring Center strives to provide a safe, respectful environment for collaborative and individual study, research, and learning. To ensure this environment exists for the benefit of all, users who enter the Library or Tutoring Center must abide by the standards provided here and defined in referenced policies.

Authorized Users

The Library is open to all members of the College community and eligible community patrons. Minors (under 18 years of age) who are not currently registered students must be constantly accompanied by an adult and abide by the standards provided in Procedure 3.36 of the SJR State Operating and Procedures Manual. Security will be notified if a minor is left in the Library unattended. Tutoring Centers are open only to currently registered SJR State students.

Standards of Conduct

All users must adhere to the Student Code of Conduct. All users are responsible for the safety of their personal belongings. Neither the Library nor Tutoring assumes any responsibility for the loss of unattended personal property. Staff may alert Security to unattended personal property left in the Library or Tutoring space.