A
PARENT’S
GUIDE
TO SPC
This Guide for Parents is designed to provide you with all the key information we
think parents of full-time students at South Plains College will need during the
year.
In This Guide
From High School Parent to College Parent
Families Contribute to Student Success By……
High School vs. College – TESTS
High School vs. College – GRADES
What can I expect the first semester my son/daughter is in college?
Guide to Student Privacy Rights: Questions & Answers for College Parents
Form: Parents Certification of Dependency Form
Form: Student Privacy Notice
Summer 2007 Official Academic Calendar
Fall 2007 Official Academic Calendar
Cost Chart: Estimated Tuition & Fees
Payment Details
Loan Details
Applying for Financial Aid
Directory: Who to Contact
When Can My Son/Daughter Register for Classes?
Testing & TSI
Texas Success Initiative Exemptions
Testing Dates for Levelland Campus
Testing Dates for Reese Center
Course Placement Information
Students with Disabilities
Student Health Services
Job Placement Services
From High School Parent to College Parent
When your child leaves for college, you probably realize that life is going to change.
There are many unknowns for you and your child at this time. Your child is moving from
adolescence to adulthood, and this is will be a challenging time for both of you.
A parent’s role during the college years begins with serving as a sounding board. When
students face a problem, they frequently turn to their parents first—before talking to
anyone on campus. When they call home, students are trying to decide, “Is this a
problem?” “Should I do something about it?” “How do I talk about it?” “Who might be
able to help?”
Your role is to listen, to understand that your student is concerned, and to encourage her
or him to look at the issue from different perspectives. You can remind your student of
campus resources that will help. In most cases, your job is not to solve the problem for
your child.
That doesn’t mean students no longer need their families. It means they may need
parents, siblings, and other relatives in different ways. While the family role during the
growing-up years was to protect and nurture the child, in the college years the role
changes to mentoring and giving support.
Even as adults, we all want and need the understanding, love, and emotional support of
our core family. But as adults, we also need to have confidence that we can manage our
own lives, make our own choices, face our own challenges, and take personal pride in our
own accomplishments.
When students work through problems on their own, they take critical steps in their
personal and academic growth. They also find the people on campus who can help them,
not only with the current situation but with future problems.
There are times, however, when parents do need to be involved. Family members should
be aware of a student’s financial circumstances and decisions. If you are concerned that
your child is not yet ready to take full financial responsibility, it’s useful to touch base
from time to time. If a student falls into serious financial trouble, his or her debts can
impact your family’s finances.
Physical and mental health are also areas where parents may need to intervene. In many
cases, family members are the first to notice physical or mental health conditions. You
know your student’s personal history and family history, so you may be more alert to
certain symptoms. These are areas where an immediate response can make a difference.
Families contribute to student success by..
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Being aware of the unique challenges and opportunities facing today’s college
students, including academic and non-academic expectations.
Learning about student support services and understanding how students can
access these services.
Encouraging students to set and achieve personal goals and make responsible
decisions related to academics, career planning, social interactions, and
community engagement.
Understanding and supporting the College’s commitment to academic
excellence and integrity, ethical behavior, diversity, and civility.
Empowering students to examine personal values; encouraging students to
learn about and respect the values and beliefs of others.
Challenging students to seek new experiences for personal and professional
growth.
Supporting students as they face conditions of uncertainty and learn to
perform in complex environments and challenging situations.
Allowing students to accept consequences of their actions and responsibility
for personal errors; urging students to examine disappointments and
unexpected experiences in order to assess what caused them, what can be
done, and how to avoid them in the future.
Knowing when to step in and when to empower students to take
responsibility.
Understanding the role parents play as mentors to their students.
Knowing the limitations on accessing student records under federal
regulations outlined in FERPA and HIPAA.
Promoting self-advocacy by encouraging students to identify problems and
work toward solutions independently.
Being alert to signs that a student is under significant stress, is taking
unhealthy risks, or is ill; discussing concerns openly with students and
assisting them in developing a plan to address the problem.
Contacting appropriate campus or community authorities if a student’s
physical or mental health is endangered.
Developing an affinity for the College.
Understanding that parents are part of the College community as prime
supporters of their students.
Participating in campus events; supporting and encouraging all students as
they learn, perform, lead, or serve through campus and community activities.
Assisting other parents in understanding the student experience.
Promoting goodwill on behalf of higher education at the state and federal
level.
College vs. High School: TESTS
Tests in High School
Tests in College
Testing is frequent and covers small
amounts of material.
Testing is usually infrequent and may be
cumulative, covering large amounts of
material. The Student, not the professor,
need to organize the material to prepare for
the test. A particular course may have only
2 or 3 tests in a semester.
Makeup tests are often available
Make up tests are seldom an option.
Teachers frequently arrange test dates to
avoid conflict with school events.
Professors in different courses usually
schedule tests without regards to the
demands of other courses or outside
activities.
Teachers frequently conduct review
sessions, pointing out the most important
concepts.
Professors rarely offer review sessions, and
when they do, they expect your student to
be an active participant, one who comes
prepared with questions.
Guiding Principle: Mastery is usually seen
as the ability to reproduce what you were
taught in the form in which it was
presented to you, or to solve the kinds of
problems you were shown how to solve.
Guiding Principle: Mastery is often seen as
the ability to apply what you’ve learned to
new situations or to solve new kinds of
problems.
Keep in mind that the college demands will be different and often greater than in high
school. These demands include the need for greater organizational skills, assertiveness,
and use of self-advocacy skills. Students must be prepared to handle a complicated course
schedule and make more time for studying and completing assignments. Mastering
learning strategies and study techniques will make college coursework more manageable.
Because adults will not be seeking the students out to offer assistance, students can not
be shy about asking for help.
How good are my student's study and test-taking skills?
High School vs. College: GRADES
Grades in High School
Grades in College
Grades are given for most assigned work.
Grades may not be provided for all
assigned work.
Consistently good homework grades may
raise your overall grade when test grades
are low.
Grades on tests and major papers provide
most of the course grade.
Extra credit projects are often available to
help a student raise their grade.
Extra credit projects cannot, generally
speaking, be used to raise a grade in a
college course.
Initial test grades, especially when they are
low, may not have an adverse effect on
your student’s final grade.
Watch out for the first test. These are
usually “wake up calls” to let the student
know what is expected – but they also may
account for a substantial part of the
student’s course grade. Students may be
shocked when they get their grades.
You may graduate as long as your student
You may graduate only if your average in
has passed all required courses with a grade classes meets the department standard –
of D or higher.
typically a 2.0 or C
Guiding Principle: “Effort counts.”
Courses are usually structured to reward a
“good-faith effort.”
Guiding Principle: “Results count.”
Though “good-faith effort” is important in
regard to the professor’s willingness to
help you achieve good results, it will not
substitute for results in the grading process.
What Can I Expect the First Semester
What is the biggest challenge my son or daughter will face this semester?
The biggest challenge college students have is accepting responsibility for their academic
program, living arrangements, social life, and free time. College classrooms and
laboratories require initiative and independence, sophisticated critical thinking and
writing skills, and independent research. Life in the residence halls is similarly
challenging as students with a diverse range of prior experiences and values work
together to develop rhythms for studying and living together. All of these freedoms and
responsibilities are intertwined with students’ explorations of old and new identities.
What should my son or daughter do if homesick?
First year students face numerous challenges and some struggle a lot at first. We advise
them to give it a little time, get engaged with their academic work, eat the right foods,
engage in regular exercise, get enough sleep, get into their academic work, invest in their
relationship with their roommate, join a co-curricular group, and establish a good
working relationship with their advisor or another faculty or staff member.
What should my son or daughter do if having academic problems?
In the case of academic problems, the student should work closely with his or her
professors and faculty advisor and make use of the academic support services at SPC.
First year students are often reluctant to acknowledge their difficulties. Please encourage
them to bring their academic concerns to their faculty advisors. We will help them assess
their difficulties and develop a plan of action.
Tutoring Services are free at South Plains College.
To request a tutor on the
Levelland Campus, your student should send an e-mail to:
dhines@southplainscollege.edu and include the following:
Their name, class information, instructor’s name and phone/cell number
Student attending the Reese Center should contact: dcaddell@southplainscollege.edu
Guide to Student Privacy Rights
QUESTIONS & ANSWERS FOR COLLEGE PARENTS
1. How can I learn how my son/daughter is doing?
Your son/daughter is considered an adult at the age of 18. You will no longer have access
to your son/daughter’s records, unless your son/daughter chooses to share information
with you. You cannot call the school and get updates on your son/daughter.
The best approach is to ask your son or daughter directly. Communicating with young
adults isn't easy. They're not always as forthcoming as we would like. The college years,
however, are a period of remarkable growth and maturation. The ability and willingness
of students to share information and insights usually grows, especially as they acquire the
confidence that comes with assuming greater responsibility for their own lives.
2. Does South Plains College have any written policy about information from student
records that can be shared with parents?
Yes. Like other colleges and universities across the country, the College is subject to a
federal law called the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (also called "FERPA"
or the "Buckley Amendment"). FERPA sets privacy standards for student educational
records and requires institutions to publish a compliance statement, including a statement
of related institutional policies. South Plains College FERPA policy can be found at:
http://www2.southplainscollege.edu/displayPage/380
Parents of students may obtain access to student records if they meet specific criteria and
submit a completed Certification of Dependency Form to the Dean of Admissions and
Records. (form on next page)
3. Where can I find out more information about FERPA?
The U.S. Department of Education enforces FERPA. The Department maintains a
FERPA Web site (with links to FERPA regulations) at
www.ed.gov/policy/gen/guid/fpco.
SOUTH PLAINS COLLEGE
Admissions and Records Office
1401 South College Avenue • Levelland, TX 79336 • (806) 894-9611 • Fax: (806) 897-3167
PARENTS CERTIFICATION OF DEPENDENCY FORM
(For release of student records)
The Family Education Rights and Privacy Act of 1974 provides privacy protection of a student’s
academic record and limits the release of such records without the student’s consent. The Act
further provides that the College may disclose such records to parents or legal guardians if the
student is a dependent as defined in Section 152 of the Internal Revenue Code of 1954.
To enable the Office of Admissions and Records to release to you the student’s academic record
(college transcript), please complete this form, attach a photocopy of the first page of your
most recent Federal Income Tax Form, and return the packet to:
South Plains College
Admissions and Records Office, Box C
1401 S. College Avenue
Levelland, TX 79336
PARENT’S DECLARATION: I certify that I am
the parent/legal guardian of the listed student in
accordance with the above legislation. I agree to
cancel this request when the student is no longer
my dependent.
STUDENT’S ACKNOWLEDGMENT: I
acknowledge that I am aware of this request to
release my records to my parent/guardian. I
understand that this release is in effect until the
College is notified to cancel it.
_____________________________
Parent/Guardian’s Signature Date
_____________________________
Student’s Signature Date
With few exceptions you are entitled, on your request, to be informed about the information South Plains College collects about you.
Under Sections 552.021 and 552.023 of the Texas Government Code, you are entitled to receive and review the information. Under
Section 559.004 of the Texas Government Code, you are entitled to have South Plains College correct information about you that is
held by us and that is incorrect. Be assured that your SPC records are protected from unauthorized disclosure by federal law.
Your social security number (SSN) or SPC identification number is being requested because it is a unique identification number which
is maintained for the purpose of assurance that the correct student record is being updated, for tracking purposes and for state and
federal report requirements. The disclosure of such information is voluntary. Your disclosure of your social security number or SPC
identification number will be governed by the Public Information Act (Charter 552 of the Texas Government Code).
Please Print Information Below
Student’s Legal Name: _____________________________________________
SSN: _________________________
Date of Birth: __________________
Parent’s Address:
_____________________________________________ ______________________________
Parent/Guardian’s Name Relationship
_____________________________________________ ______________________________
E-mail address Telephone Number
___________________________________________________________________________
Street Address
_____________________________________________ ________ _______________
City State Zip Code
STUDENT PRIVACY NOTICE
As a student you have certain rights provided by the federal Family Educational Rights and
Privacy Act (FERPA). According to FERPA, educational entities have the right to disclose
certain “directory information.” This “directory information includes name; date of birth;
current and permanent address; telephone listing; major and minor; current class schedule;
number of hours enrolled in current semester; classification; participation in officially
recognized activities and sports; weight and height of members of athletic teams; dates of
attendance; degrees and awards received; most recent Educational Agency or Institution
attended. This information can be provided to anyone who inquires and usually includes but
is not limited to other institutions, prospective employers, or family members.
FERPA also allows, with your consent, for the Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board
(the State of Texas educational governing entity) to disclose student information, including
the number of credit hours taken at other institutions, to a variety of parties including other
educational institutions. This information is typically used to gather demographic statistics
aimed at improving educational programs.
YOU as a student have the right to request this information not be released.
Please indicate your request that South Plains College not release your directory
information by checking the following:
______I do not want my “directory information” as described in the above paragraph to be
released to any parties.
_____________________________________
(Signature)
__________________________________
(Social Security Number)
IMPORTANT NOTE:
If you request that your directory information be private, no information will be released to
a third party. This means that your information will be blocked from ALL requestors,
including:
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Third party scholarship sponsors
National & state student honors programs
Employers certifying attendance and degrees
Published honor rolls
Recruiting lists for other colleges/universities
State tuition rebates, Texas Grant awards, and other state scholarships
Summer 2007 Official Academic Calendar
Date
Event
May 23
1st Summer Session On-Campus Registration Levelland & Reese
Plainview Summer I Open Registration
May 28
Holiday - Memorial Day
May 29
1st Summer Session Begins
Late Registration
May 30
Late Registration Ends
June 21
Last Day to Drop 1st Summer Session Classes
June 27
2nd Summer Session On-line Registration Closes
2nd Summer Session Payment Due by 3:00 pm
June 28
1st Summer Session Final Exams
June 29
1st Summer Session Grades Due by 9:00 am
July 2
2nd Summer Session Open Registration
July 3
2nd Summer Session Classes Begin
Late Registration Ends
July 4
Holiday - Independence Day
July 26
Last Day to Drop 2nd Summer Session Classes
August 3
2nd Summer Session Final Exams
August 6
2nd Summer Session Grades Due by 9:00 am
Fall 2007 Official Academic Calender
Date
Event
August 16
Fall 2007 Tuition and Fee Payments Due by 3:00 p.m.
August 20
Faculty Report - In Service Activities Begin
August 21
Residence Halls Open
August 22
August 23
August 27
On-Campus Registration - Levelland Campus
On-Campus Registration - Plainview Center
On-Campus Registration - Reese Center
1st Class Day
Late Registration Begins
August 28
Late Registration Ends
September 3
Labor Day Holiday
September 12
12th Class Day
September 27
2nd Tuition & Fee Installment Due
October 12
Fall Break - Holiday
November 1
3rd Tuition & Fee Installment Due
December Graduation Application Deadline
November 13
Online Registration Begins for Spring 2008
November 20
Residence Halls Close for Thanksgiving
November 21-23
Holiday - Thanksgiving Break
November 25
Residence Halls Open at Noon
November 26
Classes Resume
November 27
Last Day to Drop Class
December 10-13
Finals
December 13
Residence Halls Close
December 14
Grades Due From Faculty at 9:00 am
Cost Chart
ESTIMATED TUITION AND FEES
The following tuition and fee table is provided to assist students in estimating the cost of enrolling at South
Plains College. The table provides cost totals for in-district resident students, out-of-district resident
students, and non-resident students. In-district students are those whose legal residence is within the
boundaries of the South Plains Junior College District (Hockley County and the Whiteface Independent
School District portion of Cochran County). Students whose legal residence is outside the college district
are required to pay out-of-district tuition. Students who are not legal residents of the State of Texas are
required to pay non-resident tuition. The cost figures presented in this table include tuition and applicable
fees, including instructional support fee, student accident insurance and student health services fee. The
table does not include lab fees charged for specific classes, books and supplies, or room and meals.
LEVELLAND CAMPUS
SPC REESE CENTER, BMATC AND
TUITION & FEES
PLAINVIEW TUITION & FEES
Semester
Hours
In-District
Resident
Out-of-District
Resident
Non-Resident
In-District
Resident
Out-of-District
Resident
Non-Resident
3
$205
$271
$511
$246
$312
$552
4
$258
$346
$538
$311
$399
$591
5
$311
$421
$565
$376
$486
$630
6
$379
$511
$607
$441
$573
$669
7
$432
$586
$698
$506
$660
$772
8
$485
$661
$789
$571
$747
$875
9
$538
$736
$880
$636
$834
$978
10
$591
$811
$971
$701
$921
$1,081
11
$644
$886
$1,062
$766
$1,008
$1,184
12
$697
$961
$1,153
$831
$1,095
$1,287
13
$750
$1,036
$1,244
$896
$1,182
$1,390
14
$803
$1,111
$1,335
$961
$1,269
$1,493
15
$856
$1,186
$1,426
$1,026
$1,356
$1,596
16
$909
$1,261
$1,517
$1,091
$1,443
$1,699
17
$962
$1,336
$1,608
$1,156
$1,530
$1,802
18
$1,015
$1,411
$1,699
$1,221
$1,617
$1,905
Payment Details
***IMPORTANT NOTICE: YOUR STUDENT WILL NOT RECEIVE A
STATEMENT IN THE MAIL FOR HIS/HER CLASSES.
TO CHECK YOUR STUDENT’S ACCOUNT BALANCE
Your student may obtain their balance on our website, www.southplainscollege.edu, by going to
Current Students, CampusConnect, Student Information, Review/Pay Account, click the Semester
that they are enrolled or registered in. If they do not have a zero balance or if they are NOT on
installment contract and have not paid at least half of their balance by the Semester Deadline,
their schedule will be cancelled WITHOUT EXCEPTION. It is important for your student to
check their balance if they make ANY CHANGES to their schedule. Deadlines are listed on the
Business Office homepage according to semester.
WEB PAYMENT
If your student plans to pay in full on the web, they must do so by 3:00 pm on the deadline for the
semester they are enrolled in.
Partial payments are not accepted on the web. We accept Visa, MasterCard, and echeck on the
web.
INSTALLMENT CONTRACTS
Installment contracts must be signed by the student (family members may not sign the contract).
Students are required to COME IN PERSON to the Levelland or Reese business office if they
wish to enter into an installment contract. We must have original signatures on installment
contracts.
You may not enter into an installment contract by phone or fax.
If your student is on installment contract and adds a class, they must come to the business office,
sign a new contract, and pay additional funds to keep their schedule.
Contracts are offered in the Fall and Spring only.
PAYMENTS BY MAIL
If your student chooses to mail their payment, the check must be RECEIVED in the business
office on or before the deadline date for the specific semester they are registered or enrolled in.
Please write the student’s social security number, driver’s license number, and phone number on
the check. The mailing address is South Plains College Business Office, 1401 S. College Avenue,
Levelland, TX 79336.
FINANCIAL AID
If your student has financial aid and their balance is not paid in full or they have not entered into
an installment contract and paid at least half of their balance, their schedule will be cancelled
WITHOUT EXCEPTION.
QUESTIONS
If you have questions, please call the business office at (806) 894-9611 extensions 4676, 4618,
2400, or 2408.
Loan Details
General Information:
Your student must have a complete file with the Financial Aid Office in order to receive a
loan. Some of the banks that distribute student loans charge 3% to process these funds. It
is the students' responsibility to find out if the bank you use charges a 3% fee. This
charge will come out of the amount that you borrow. The example below depicts a 3%
charge.
Example: $2625.00 - Your Loan Award $2546.25 - Actual amount you will receive.
You will not receive all of your loan funds at one time. SPC is required to distribute the
loan funds in multiple disbursements. This is usually two disbursements per semester.
30 Day Hold Loans:
If your student has less than 1 year in their program of study and are a new borrower,
then they are required by government regulation to wait 30 calendar days before they are
eligible to receive any loan funds. Even if the Financial Aid Office has awarded them a
loan, the Business Office requires payment for their classes by the deadline date for the
particular semester they are enrolled in. Your student must go on installment contract if
they are not able to pay their balance in full. Your student’s loan award letter from the
Financial Aid Office will have an enclosure if you are a 30 day hold. Any
questions concerning this status should be directed to the Financial Aid office.
Previous or Existing FFELP Loans (Includes Stafford, Unsub, & PLUS)
If your student is a previous Stafford borrower or the parent has a PLUS loan for the
current semester your student’s loan will be scheduled to credit your account the week
before the first day of the semester that you enroll in. This applies only if your student
has received an award letter from the Financial Aid Office for the semester they are
enrolled in. Your student will not receive all of their loan funds at one time. SPC is
required to distribute the loan funds in multiple disbursements. If your student attends
school at least 6 hours the entire academic year their loan will be divided into four
disbursements. The example below shows a full loan with no fees applied. If your bank
charges 3% to process your loan these amounts will change.
Example:$2625.00 - Loan award for the 2006-2007 academic year.
First disbursement: $656.00 Post the week before first class day of Fall
Second disbursement: $656.00 Post after 50% of semester has passed.
Third disbursement: $656.00 Post the week before first day of Spring
Fourth disbursement: $657.00 Post after 50% of semester has passed.
Since the loan funds are distributed in disbursements it is imperative to make sure that
your first loan disbursement will cover the charges on your account for the classes you
enrolled in by the deadline date.
Example: $1240.00 Your account balance for classes
$ 656.00 Your first loan disbursement.
$ 584.00 Amount you need to pay before deadline date
If your student does not have a zero balance or if your student is NOT on installment
contract and have not paid at least half of their balance by the semester deadline, their
schedule will be cancelled. If your student chooses to go on contract using their first loan
disbursement they are still required to sign a contract in person. Please call the Business
Office if you are not sure about your loan disbursement or the balance on your account
for the classes you enrolled in.
Fall Payment Deadline
PRE-REGISTERED STUDENTS:
If you are pre-registered the payment deadline is August 17, 2006.
If we do not receive the correct payment, your schedule will be cancelled
without exception. We urge students to pay before the deadline date. If you wait until the
deadline date to pay, please be prepared to experience busy phone lines, busy web lines
and lines at the counter when paying in person.
STUDENTS ATTENDING REGISTRATION:
Payment for Fall 2006 Levelland Registration is August 23, 2006.
Payment for Fall 2006 Reese Registration is August 24, 2006.
Payment is due on the day that you register.
LATE REGISTRATION:
Payment is due on the day that you register.
Applying for Financial Aid
Step 1. New students must apply for admissions to SPC
New students must be accepted into SPC before we can award your financial aid. Be
sure to apply for admission to SPC as soon as possible.
Step 2. Get A PIN Now!!! (if you do not already have one)
Your PIN is your electronic signature for FAFSA on the web. If you are a dependent
student, your parent(s) should request their PIN number(s) now also so they can
electronically sign your FAFSA. Apply for PIN numbers at: http://www.pin.ed.gov.
Step 3. Fill out the FAFSA (Free Application for Federal Student Aid)
Submit the online FAFSA or obtain a FAFSA application from any of SPC’s Financial
Aid Offices. You may file online at www.fafsa.ed.gov. Levelland Campus hours are
from 8 a.m. until 4 p.m. Monday through Friday. Reese Center’s hours are from 8 a.m.
until 8 p.m. Monday through Thursday and 8 a.m. until 4 p.m. Friday. Plainview Campus
hours are from 8 a.m. until 8:30 p.m. Monday through Thursday and 8 a.m. until 4 p.m.
Friday.
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Submit the FAFSA as soon as possible starting January 1
List SPC’s school code – 003611
If interested in student loans, you will need to answer yes to question 27 of the FAFSA
If interested in work study, you will need to answer yes to question 28 of the FAFSA
Step 4. Submit additional documents if necessary
You must provide the Financial Aid Office with additional documents if you are a:
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Non-citizen – Provide proof of eligibility (I-94, I-551, or I-151 forms)
Military veteran applying for general financial aid – Submit your eligibility letter regarding veterans
education benefits to the VA Benefits Coordinator
Student under 24 claiming independent status – Submit a Dependency Override Form documenting
mitigating circumstances. Must prove neglect, abuse, or abandonment.
See our Forms page for an additional forms that are requested
Step 5. Verify your information, if requested
If your application is selected for verification, you may need to submit:
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A signed copy of your (and if married, your spouse’s)income tax return and
If dependent, a signed copy of your parents’ income tax return and
A Verification Worksheet for a Dependent or Independent Student (available on the web or from
the Financial Aid Office) and
Documentation that verifies benefits or untaxed income
Step 6. Await notification
The Financial Aid Office will send a letter notifying you when your Financial Aid
Application has been processed. If you are eligible for aid, you will receive an Award
Letter at that time. If you were awarded student loans, you will have to go to Loans by
Web to activate your loan.
Your notification will arrive at the address listed in your financial aid file. Make sure the
address is accurate. You can also see your Financial Aid Award Status on Campus
Connect.
To find out more about how to apply for Financial Aid, visit our website at:
http://www2.southplainscollege.edu/about
Directory
Who to Contact
For more
information about
South Plains
College and course
offerings, call:
Levelland
(806) 894-9611
South Plains College
Levelland Campus
1401 South College Avenue
Levelland, Texas 79336
info@southplainscollege.edu
General
Information
Office of College Relations, ext. 2211
info@southplainscollege.edu
Admissions
Materials
Admissions and Records Office, ext. 2187, 2375
ereyna@southplainscollege.edu
Reese Center
(806) 885-3048
South Plains College
SPC Reese Center
819 Gilbert Drive
Lubbock, Texas 79416
info@southplainscollege.edu
Admissions and Records Office, ext. 4660, 2902
3201 Ave. Q
Lubbock, Texas 79411
(806) 747-0576, ext. 4909
Continuing Education Office, ext. 4681
Byron Martin
Advanced
Technology Center
Catalogs
New Student Relations, ext. 2113
dblackshear@southplainscollege.edu
Class Schedules
Admissions and Records Office, Levelland, ext.
2570, 2375
aochoa@southplainscollege.edu
Continuing
Education
and Workforce
Development
Continuing Education Office, ext. 2341
jwalker@southplainscollege.edu
Continuing Education Office, ext. 4681
Counseling
Services
Counseling Center, ext. 2366, 2368
coliver@southplainscollege.edu
Counseling Center, ext. 4606
jlong@southplainscollege.ed
Distance Education Instructional Technology, ext. 2243
sjones@southplainscollege.edu
Financial Aid and
Loans
Financial Aid Office, ext. 3800
finaid@southplainscollege.edu
Intercollegiate
Athletics
Athletics Office, ext. 2221
Admissions and Records Office, ext. 4660, 2902
Instructional Technology, ext. 2243
sjones@southplainscollege.edu
Financial Aid Office, ext. 4614, 4661
ghensley@southplainscollege.edu
Directory (continued)
Who to
Contact
Levelland
Reese Center
New Student
Orientation
Counseling Center, ext. 2366, 2368
coliver@southplainscollege.edu
Counseling Center, ext. 4606
jlong@southplainscollege.edu
Registrar
Admissions and Records Office, ext. 2371
jduffell@southplainscollege.edu
Scholarships
Scholarship Office, ext. 2219
sjohn@southplainscollege.edu
Special Services
Special Services Office, ext. 2530
mevans@southplainscollege.edu
Student
Activities
Student Activities Office, ext. 2377, 2378
sweather@southplainscollege.edu
Special Services Office, ext. 4654
mpierce@southplainscollege.edu
Student Housing Housing Office, ext. 2379
(Room & Meals) scaddell@southplainscollege.edu
Testing and
THEA Test
Counseling Center, ext. 2367
jwood@southplainscollege.edu
Testing Center, ext. 4631
dcaddell@southplainscollege.edu
Textbooks
Bookstore, ext. 2399
Bookstore, ext. 4610
Transcript of
Academic Work
Admissions and Records Office, ext. 2573
cboles@southplainscollege.edu
Tuition and
Fees
Business Office, ext. 2400, 2408
fcoats@southplainscollege.edu
Business Office, ext. 4618
Veteran's
Affairs Office
Student Affairs Office, ext. 2361
ldarr@southplainscollege.edu
Financial Aid Office, ext. 4614, 4661
When Can My Student Register for Classes?
Before your student can register for classes, the following must occur:
1. Your student must have a completed Application for Admission on file. This
includes official transcripts from high school and transcripts from all colleges or
universities attended (Dual credit).
2. If your student is not exempt from Placement Testing based on appropriate scores
from TAKS, ACT or SAT, they must complete either the Accuplacer or THEA
test prior to registration. (see information below) or visit website:
http://www2.southplainscollege.edu/current-spc-students/testing-tsiinformation
3. Make an appointment to meet with their Academic Advisor to select the
appropriate classes for their degree prior to registration deadline.
Choosing which campus to take classes
Levelland Campus is located at 1401 S. College Avenue in Levelland, Texas. This is
the main campus for South Plains College. Classes are primarily offered from 8:00
a.m. through 4:00 p.m. There are some evening classes.
Reese Center located at 819 Gilbert Drive in Lubbock, Texas is an extension center
of South Plains College. Classes offered during morning hours are primarily for
Technical Majors. Transfer courses are primarily offered in the afternoon and
evening.
Tuition rates are slightly high at the Reese Campus due to the fact that Lubbock
County does not support this campus through any tax revenue.
Testing and TSI
What is TSI?
TSI is the Texas Success Initiative, a policy adopted by the state for all public colleges and
Universities to ensure that students have the skills in Reading, Writing, and Math to be successful
with college level work.
Do I have to test?
At South Plains College all students must test unless they are exempt or are enrolling in a TSIwaived certificate. Check our list of exemptions on the next page to see if you meet the
requirements. Exemptions must be processed and on file in the admissions office for the testing
requirement to be waived.
What test do I have to take for TSI placement?
The testing center provides THEA, Quick-THEA, and Accuplacer. Read carefully the
descriptions of the tests and choose the option that best suits your needs.
What other tests are offered?
The testing centers offer a variety of tests, and can provide proctoring for distance education
tests. Exams for class credit by exam, certification tests, program admission tests, and more can
be taken.
I have tested, what do the scores mean and what do I do now?
Your scores will be used to place you in college-level courses, or in courses that will help you
strengthen your academic skills so that you can be successful.
Texas Success Initiative Exemptions
Students who meet qualifying standards on certain tests:
TAKS (exit-level) - 2200 in math and/or 2200 in English/Language Arts (ELA) with a writing
subscore of at least 3
TAAS (exit-level) - a TLI math score of 86, a TLI reading score of 89, and a writing score of
1770
SAT - a combined score of 1070 with a 500 on the math and/or critical reading sections (Prior to
March 2005, critical reading was known as verbal) Scores are good for 5 years from the date of
testing.
ACT - a composite score of 23 with a 19 on the math and/or English sections. Scores are good
for 5 years from the date of testing.
TAKS and TAAS scores are valid for three years from the date of testing. SAT and ACT scores
are valid for five years from the date of testing. Students may now be exempt in one area.
Students who have graduated with an associate or baccalaureate degree from an accredited
institution of higher education
Students who transfer to a Texas public institution of higher education from a private or
independent institution of higher education or an accredited out-of-state institution of higher
education and who have satisfactorily completed college-level coursework (as determined by the
receiving institution)
A student who is serving on active duty as a member of the armed forces of the United States, the
Texas National Guard, or as a member of a reserve component of the armed forces of the United
States and has been serving for at least three years preceding enrollment.
A student who on or after August 1, 1990, was honorably discharged, retired, or released from
active duty as a member of the armed forces of the United States or the Texas National Guard or
service as a member of a reserve component of the armed forces of the United States
Students while not seeking a degree or Level-Two certificate (granted at the discretion of the
institution)
A student who is enrolled in a certificate program of one year or less (Level-One certificates, 42
or fewer semester credit hours or the equivalent) at a public junior college, a public technical
institute, or a public state college.
Students while enrolled in a dual or concurrent credit course based upon tenth grade TAKS scores
Students who have attended any Texas public institution of higher education and have been
determined to have met readiness standards by that institution
2007 Testing Dates for Accuplacer Test – Levelland Campus
(Alternative Placement Test for THEA)
$30.00 -SPC Pre-registration is required for all tests. Testing Center is located on the
Levelland Campus in the Student Services Building – Special Services/Testing Office
Retest for 1 or 2 sections - $20.00 -SPC
www.google.com Search ‘Accuplacer Practice’ www.testprepreview.com
Thursday
Apr. 5
1:00 pm
Friday
Mar 4
8:30 am
Friday
Apr 20
9:30 am
Thursday
Apr 26
1:00 pm
Friday
May 4
9:30 am
Friday
May 18
8:30 am & 1:30 pm
Monday
May 21
9:30 am
Wednesday
May 23
8:30 am & 1:30 pm
Tuesday
May 29
8:30 am & 1:30 pm
Wednesday
May 30
8:30 am & 1:30 pm
Thursday
May 31
8:30 am & 1:30 pm
Friday
June 8
9:30 am
Thursday
June 14
1:00 pm
Friday
June 15
9:30 am
Friday
June 22
8:30 am & 1:00 pm
Friday
June 29
9:30 am
Monday
July 2
9:30 am
Pre-Registration is required for all tests!
FOR ADDITIONAL INFORMATION CONTACT:
806-894-9611 Ext. 2530 OR 2367 (LEVELLAND) OR
Ext. 4631 OR 4689 (REESE)
2 week waiting period to retake test
Visit our website for additional testing dates and times:
http://www2.southplainscollege.edu/current-spc-students/testing-tsi-information
2007 Testing Dates for THEA/ACT/CLEP Test – Levelland Campus
THEA
$29.00
www.thea.nesinc.com
*THEA testing dates for Levelland and Reese Center
*Saturday.........June 16, 2007
8:00 am
*Saturday
8:00 am
July 28, 2007
*Saturday……. October 20, 2007 8:00 am
THEA Quick Test
$29.00- NES (due day of the test)
$5.00-SPC (due with pre-registration)
www.thea.nesinc.com
Monday........ May 14, 2007
8:00 am
Monday..... August 6, 2007
8:30 am
Monday….. November 9, 2007
8:30 am
ACT
$26.00
www.act.org/aap/testprep/index.html
Saturday Apr. 14, 2007
8:00 am
Saturday....June 9, 2007
8:00 am
Saturday….Sept. 15, 2007
8:00 am
Saturday….Oct. 27, 2007
8:00 am
Saturday….Dec. 8, 2007
8:00 am
CLEP
$60.00 check or money order-CLEP
$15.00–SPC
www.collegeboard.com/clep
Tuesday…..June 5, 2007
8:30 or 1:30 pm
Tuesday
June 19, 2007
2:30 or 5 pm
Tuesday
July 10, 2007
8:30 or 1:30 pm
Tuesday
July 31, 2007
2:30 or 5 pm
Tuesday
Aug. 14, 2007
8:30 or 1:30 pm
2007 Testing Dates for Accuplacer - Reese Center
ACCUPLACER is a computer-based placement test. Pre-registration is required for each test.
To pre-register for a test date, please come in person to Building 8, Room 823. Students
must bring a current picture ID and a Social Security ID (i.e. Social Security card) in order to
pre-register for a test. Payment for the exam is required at the time of pre-registration. The fee
for taking all three sections of the test is $30.00. The fee for retesting on one or two sections is
$20.00.
Wednesday
April 4, 2007
1:00 pm
Thursday
April 12, 2007
9:00 am
Monday
April 16, 2007
5:00 pm
Wednesday
April 18, 2007
1:00 pm
Monday
April 23, 2007
1:00 pm
Saturday
April 28, 2007
9:00 am
Thursday
May 3, 2007
9:00 am
Monday
May 7, 2007
5:00 pm
Thursday
May 17, 2007
5:00 pm
Monday
May 21, 2007
9:00 am
Tuesday
May 22, 2007
1:00 pm
Wednesday
May 23, 2007
9:00 am
Wednesday
May 23, 2007
1:00 pm
Tuesday
May 29, 2007
9:00 am
Wednesday
May 30, 2007
9:00 am
Wednesday
June 6, 2007
1:00 pm
Friday
June 8, 2007
9:00am
Monday
June 11, 2007
5:00pm
Wednesday
June 13, 2007
1:00pm
Monday
June 18, 2007
1:00pm
Tuesday
June 19, 2007
9:00am
Wednesday
June 20, 2007
1:00pm
Thursday
June 21, 2007
1:00pm
Friday
June 22, 2007
9:00am
Monday
July 2, 2007
9:00am and 1:00pm
Visit our website for additional testing dates and times:
http://www2.southplainscollege.edu/current-spc-students/testing-tsi-information
Course Placement Information
Please note: Students who have not taken the THEA, TASP, QUICK TASP, Accuplacer or one of the other approved alternative
tests, may register for developmental classes only. This includes New Student Experience. Student who have no TEST SCORES but
have taken THEA, TASP or other assessment tests, cannot register for restricted classes. (See restricted classes listed under
READING, MATH and WRITING.
THEA/TASP/QUICK TASP
Score Range 100 - 300
100 – 129
READING COURSE PLACEMENT
ACCUPLACER
COURSE
0 -22
130 – 189
23 – 56
Refer for further placement testing or
intervention from Special Services.
READ 0310
190 - 229
57 - 77
READ 0320
No Restrictions – except:
to register for ENGL-1301, students must
pass Reading & Writing Sections of
placement test.
RESTRICTIONS: GOVT 2301 & 2302, HIST 1301, 1302, & HIST 2301, PSYC 2301, All College Level English
Courses, BIOL 1406, 1407, 2401, 2402 & 2420, and MUSC-1427.
Internet Sections of: ANTH-2351, COSC-1401, PSYC-2306, 2314, SOCI-1301, 1306, 2301, and 2306
230 and above
78 and above
Sequence of developmental courses:
READ-0310 – Pass with C or better – proceed to READ-0320
READ-0320 – Pass with B or better, proceed to reading restricted courses
A score of 230 or higher on the retake of THEA or a comparable score on another TSI approved test will
make the student eligible to move on to reading restricted courses.
THEA/TASP/QUICK TASP
Score Range 100 - 300
MATH COURSE PLACEMENT
ACCUPLACER
COURSE
0-41
MATH 0310
100-179
42-61
MATH 0315
180-229
62-74
MATH 0320
230 and above
75 and above (as of 11/3/06)
Only currently enrolled students who tested
between 8/28/06 and 11/2/06 will fall under
old passing score of 63
RESTRICTIONS: All college level math courses, and MUSC-1325
College Level Math
Sequence of developmental courses:
MATH-0310 – Pass with a C or better, proceed to MATH-0315
MATH-0315 – Pass with a C or better, proceed to MATH-0320
MATH-0320 – Pass with a C or better to proceed to MATH-1314
THEA/TASP/QUICK TASP
Score Range 100 - 300
Essay Range 0 – 8
100 - 150
Essay 0 – 4
151 - 219
Essay 5
WRITING COURSE PLACEMENT
ACCUPLACER
COURSE
0-54
Essay 0 – 4
Engl 0301
55 - 79
Essay 5
Engl 0302
220 and above Essay 5 - 8
80 and above Essay 5 or
Essay 6 regardless of multiple choice score
RESTRICTIONS: All college level English courses.
Sequence of developmental courses:
ENGL-0301 – Pass with a C or better, proceed to ENGL-0302
ENGL-0302 – Pass with a B or better, proceed to College Level
Engl 1301
(with passing reading score)
Students with Disabilities
Students with learning disabilities need to know that the level of responsibility regarding
the provision of services changes after high school.
High school students with disabilities fall under Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act and
the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). However, Colleges and universities do not
offer “special education”. Under Section 504 and the ADA, colleges and universities are
prohibited from discriminating against a person because of disability. Institutions must
provide reasonable modifications, accommodations, or auxiliary aids which will enable
qualified students to have access to, participate in, and benefit from the full range of the
educational programs and activities which are offered to al students on campus.
Examples which may assist students with learning disabilities include, but are not limited
to, the use of readers, notetakers, extra time to complete exams, and/or alternate test
formats.
Decisions regarding the exact accommodations to be provided are made on an
individualized basis, and the college or university has the flexibility to select the specific
aid or service it provides, as long as it is effective. Colleges and universities are not
required by law to provide aides, services, or devices for personal use of study.
Unlike elementary and secondary schools, colleges and universities are not required to
design special academic programs for students with disabilities.
Colleges and universities will not provide any accommodations until a student takes the
following steps.
Step 1: The enrolled student who needs accommodative services must “self-identify”.
That means he or she must go to the Office of Special Services and request services.
Step 2: He or she must provide documentation of his or her disability.
For more information, please contact:
Levelland Campus:
Mari Evans, Coordinator of Special Services at (806) 894-9611, ext. 2529 or email at:
mevans@southplainscollege.edu
Reese Center:
Melody Pierce at (806) 894-9611, ext. 4675 or email at:
mpierce@southplainscollege.edu
Student Health Services – Levelland Campus
South Plains College offers all full-time students taking at least six (6) semester hours on
the Levelland Campus a medical treatment center with the services of a licensed
physician and a registered nurse. Qualified students needing to see a doctor should go to
the Health Services Office before 9:00 a.m. to complete records and make an
appointment. The office is open from 7:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. Monday through Friday.
Physician's hours are limited to one or two hours per day. Times are posted at the clinic.
All students enrolled in six (6) or more semester hours for the fall or spring semester or
one or more semester hours for the summer session are covered by an accident insurance
plan. This plan provides 24-hour coverage on and off campus for medical expenses up to
$2,000 resulting from accidental injury. There is a $25 deductible and this policy is a
secondary policy for any primary coverage that may exist. This is an accident policy, not
a health insurance plan.
Part Time Employment
Many of our students undertake part time employment while in college. In most cases,
this is highly beneficial and students benefit not just from the additional income they
receive but also from the experience and independence part time jobs often give.
However, there is now a lot of evidence that when full time students have part time
employment in term time of more than about ten hours per week their college work is
likely to suffer. As well as attending classes, students are required to do a considerable
amount of private study.
Studying formula:
Example:
2 to 3 hours for every hour a student is enrolled in
Enrolled 12 hours = 12 hours a student is in class
X 2 hours of study time per hour enrolled = 24 hours of studying
12 hours in class
+24 hours of studying
=36 hours for college per week
Job Placement
The following Job Placement services are available at SPC:
www.collegecentral.com
Online Job Database
Skill building (interviewing, résumé, and cover letter writing skills)
One-on-one attention
Career counseling
Assessment of skill, personality, values and educational goals.
Graduate Job Placement (Alumni)
Information on employers
Links for Students/Alumni
Employer Guidelines and Policies
Job Fair
Contact Information
LEVELLAND: Susan Rushing, Student Services Building
srushing@southplainscollege.edu or 806.894.9611 X2359
REESE: Ben Alexander, Building 8
bealexander@southplainscollege.edu or 806.885.3048 X4608
Notes:
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Comments or Questions about this Guide should be directed to:
Claudine Oliver
Director of Guidance and Counseling
South Plains College
1401 S. College Avenue, Box Z
Levelland, Texas 79336
(806) 894-9611, ext. 2364
coliver@southplainscollege.edu
or
Reese Contact Information
Lee Cox
Dean of Students
Reese Center
(806) 894-9611, ext. 4666
lcox@southplainscollege.edu