Student Services

Student Services are an interrelated series of programs committed to achieving the purposes and instituting the philosophy of South Plains College.

The education program comprises the totality of the services and experiences provided for the student and the community. Traditionally, the instructional program has been viewed as the educational program, and all other activities as supportive of instruction. South Plains College views each program as an equal partner in the educational endeavor with each complementing the efforts of the other and combining their services in a most effective fashion to the benefit of students and the community.

Student Services consist of a combination of educational services to help students attain their fullest potential and encourage them to reach mature and responsible decisions, whatever the nature of the problem they encounter. Each element should be designed so that it assists each student in achieving his or her educational goal as soon as possible. All elements of Student Services exist to serve the student and all those elements are interrelated.

The Student Services staff exerts its efforts toward seeing that every phase of the college experience represents an opportunity for the growth of the student. The program is based on the premise that all of college life, both in and out of class, represents
a real and significant part of the student’s educational development.

To reach these outcomes, Student Services provide appropriate counseling and psychological services, financial assistance to eligible students, a wide range of student activities, full and part-time career placement opportunities, communication about current campus life and assistance to students who have difficulties adjusting to the college code of conduct.

The Student Services Building on the college’s Levelland Campus is a comprehensive student facility providing specialized assistance to all students of South Plains College. Located adjacent to the Administration Building, the Student Services Building houses the Guidance and Counseling Office, the Career Center, Testing Office, Special Services Office, Financial Aid Office, Admissions and Records, Housing Office and administrative offices for the Student Affairs Division.

The SPC Reese Center offers a variety of students services that are located in the Administrative Offices in SPC Building 8. The Admissions and Records Office, Counseling Center, Placement Center, Career Lab, Special Services Office, Financial Aid Office and Business Office are located in this facility. The Testing and Learning Center provides free academic tutoring and assistance in basic use of computers and is located in SPC Building 8. The Bookstore is located in SPC Building 8, and the Library is located in SPC Building 8.

The counseling program is a basic component of the educational process. Instructional programs are concerned primarily with fostering intellectual growth and development. The counseling program concerns itself primarily with personal and social growth and development, and career decision making. One of the goals of the counseling program is to teach strategies that help students learn to solve problems, make decisions, accept responsibilities and change behavior. The initial thrust of counseling relates to the individual as a developing person in the role of student. Just as classroom experience serves to prepare the student, counseling services help the individual prepare for the future.

A second goal is to aid in increasing the effectiveness of the learning environment. This is accomplished by influencing changes which help to minimize educational barriers, enhance learning opportunities, maximize successful experiences and respond to student needs and changes in student populations.

Students who are enrolling in college for the first time are strongly encouraged to attend the New Student Experience held prior to each semester. Programs to assist new students in making the transition into college are available at SPC’s Levelland, Reese and Plainview locations. New students are also encouraged to enroll in HUDV 1100 Introduction to Learning Frameworks during the first semester of enrollment. HUDV 1100 is offered at all SPC locations. This course is not a degree requirement for graduation. However, the grade earned for HUDV 1100 does count toward your cumulative GPA and may count toward the total semester hours required for graduation.

Through the Learning Frameworks course, students learn how to be more effective in their college studies. The course emphasizes effective reading, note taking, test taking, and time management strategies. While the course is beneficial to all students, the issues of balancing work, family obligations and time commitments with college work are emphasized.

The advising system at South Plains College is a continuous process designed to foster the development of the student’s successful educational plan compatible with the unique life goals of the individual student. By practicing a holistic, proactive approach, South Plains College advising creates a student-centered environment from which students emerge as independent life long learners.

Goals of the advising system at South Plains College are to:

• Guide in the selection of courses and preparation of an individualized success plan, including degree worksheets and TSI information that correlates with life goals.
• Increase awareness of institutional resources and make referrals to appropriate support services.
• Clarify the student’s responsibility in his/her academic success, including academic regulations, institutional procedures, and policies.
• Encourage educational and career exploration and goal setting.
• Create an environment that is caring, supportive and accessible.
• Assist students in exploration, clarification, communication and implementation of realistic choices.
• Offer ongoing training and professional development activities for all involved in advising.
• Provide regular, formal evaluation of advising practices and make adjustments based on evaluation recommendations.

The role of the Advisor is to:

• Facilitate the student’s educational experience.
• Maximize student potential with the development of an individualized success plan.
• Empower students to define realistic educational, life and personal goals.
• Evaluate student progress toward established goals.
• Establish relationships by assessing student needs through open communication.
• Provide appropriate TSI (Texas Success Initiative) placement information.
• Interpret institutional requirements and policies.
• Increase student awareness of educational opportunities.
• Integrate data regarding student needs, goals, success plans and problems.
• Be sensitive to the needs of a diverse student population.
• Have comprehensive knowledge of educational opportunities, including academic transfer and technical programs and academic requirements.
• Continually enhance awareness of advising issues by participating in professional development opportunities.

The role of the Student is to:

• Recognize self-responsibility and take ownership in his/her success plan as it relates to life goals.
• Actively participate in the advising process by scheduling and keeping advising appointments with the assigned advisor.
• Learn and apply the institutional requirements and policies as set forth in official college publications.

Students are automatically assigned to a primary advisor at the time of admission, based on the program of study listed on their application. Students are strongly encouraged to visit regularly with their advisor for registration assistance. If the student has declared a major, he or she is assigned to a faculty advisor in his/her major field. General Studies majors are advised by a member of the counseling staff or an assigned faculty advisor. The advisor works closely with the student in making satisfactory adjustment to the academic and co-curricular activities of the college. The advisor assists in preparing a degree plan, then works with the student each subsequent semester to keep the degree plan current.

Also available in each Counseling Center is a file of current catalogs from colleges and universities. As a part of the advisement program, students are guided in the proper selection of courses transferable to the university of their choice.

The Multicultural Services Office is designed to enhance and coordinate college-wide efforts to promote and support cultural diversity. Awareness of diversity issues is raised through the dissemination of information and promotion of programs addressing multicultural issues. A sense of multicultural community is maintained through collaboration and interaction with departments and individual faculty members within the college. Services offered by the office include new student recruitment, individual counseling with students and faculty, student group advisement and educational alliances with community groups. The Multicultural Services Office is located on the Levelland Campus in th Counseling Center in the Student Services Building.

The South Plains College Office of Enrollment Management coordinates the student recruitment and retention efforts of South Plains College. The overall goal is to attract and retain a diverse student body.

Recruitment

The Office of Enrollment Management directs recruitment activities designed to reach prospective students. These activities include area college days, career fairs, and visits to area schools. The Office of Enrollment Management supports prospective students through the admissions process by scheduling campus tours, and assisting with the application process. The office also sponsors the Campus Ambassadors, a student organization that assists with student recruitment and represents the student body at official College events.

Retention

The Office of Enrollment Management’s retention efforts are funded by the Title V Grant, a five year grant that allows for the improvement of the academic attainment of students. The Retention Specialist coordinates activities to support student success including an intrusive advisement system, early alert and warning measures, and accurate tracking throughout a student’s academic progress. The Office of Enrollment Management strives to retain a diverse student body by analyzing enrollment data and creating innovative and effective retention programs. This program is funded through the Strengthening Institutions-Hispanic-Serving Institutions (Title V) Program of the U.S. Department of Education.

South Plains College provides a comprehensive program of student assessment, career information, career counseling, job search skill information and training, job placement information and assistance, and graduate follow-up activities. The counseling staff assists the student in finding a career field that is suited to the student’s interests and aptitudes. The staff is trained in the administration and interpretation of standardized tests to measure interests and aptitudes and will administer tests as necessary to help the student in making a well-informed career choice. In addition to the individual career services provided to students, SPC also offers HUDV 1200 Career and Self Evaluation, a college credit class. This course is designed to teach students the ongoing process of decision making as it relates to career, life and educational planning.

The counseling staff also helps students develop job seeking skills. Workshops and individualized assistance with resumes, interviewing skills and strategies, job hunting techniques and follow-up procedures are offered to prepare the student for a future occupation. Students may look for employment opportunities online at www.collegecentral.com/southplainscollege.

The placement service assists students in securing employment while enrolled in course work, following graduation or termination of their studies. The Counseling Centers on the Levelland Campus and SPC Reese Center maintain contact with business and industry in the surrounding area through advisory committees. National listings of job opportunities in some fields are maintained in the Career Centers. Computerized listings of part-time and full-time job openings are posted on the Internet, accessible on the SPC web site.

Students with disabilities attending South Plains College will find many programs and services designed to provide access to all aspects of college life. South Plains College is committed to providing equitable opportunities for success and offers assistance to students with disabilities based on their unique needs. Any student who anticipates a need for accommodations must contact the Special Services Office on either the Levelland Campus or SPC Reese Center at the time the decision is made to attend SPC. Adequate notice to make arrangements for necessary accommodations is required. Contact the Special Services Office for more information on procedures and required documentation.

Some students may be eligible for financial assistance from the Texas Department of Assistive and Rehabilitative Services (DARS), the Texas Rehabilitative Services for the Blind, the Texas Rehabilitative Services for the Deaf, and other agencies. For more information contact the Special Services Office of the specific agency.

Designated parking is available for students who are permanently disabled and who have a state-issued plate or windshield card. For details, contact the Special Services Office on either campus.

Attending college can be a great challenge for some individuals. Economic, social, cultural and personal issues can sometimes form barriers that hinder achievement of educational and career goals. The Guidance and Counseling Office and Special Services Office at the Levelland Campus and the First Step Counselor at the SPC Reese Center provide programs and support services to help students overcome obstacles to education. A variety of services are offered to meet the needs of qualified individuals. Available services include personal and career counseling, academic advisement, referrals for financial aid and community resources, seminars and workshops, and financial assistance with childcare, books, or transportation expenses.

Students must be enrolled in a technical program to qualify for these services. Eligible technical students include those who are economically or academically disadvantage. Eligible students include those who are economically or academically disadvantaged, single parents, displaced homemakers, those whose career goals are considered to be non-traditional (e.g., male nursing students or female automotive students) and others facing substantial barriers to education and training. For more information on qualification requirements and application procedures, contact the Access and Career Counselor on the Levelland Campus or the First Step Counselor at the SPC Reese Center.

The STAR Center (Success through Academic Resources) is a federally funded program designed to help students be successful while attending South Plains College. College can be challenging and fun, yet occasionally students may find that they need help meeting the demands of college.

The STAR Center provides academic and self-enhancing assistance to program participants. Some of these services include tutoring, advising, study room, computer lab, self-help workshops, and cultural activities. All services provided are free of charge.

SPC students must meet certain eligibility requirements in order to access services. Students must display an academic need and be a U.S. citizen or permanent resident. In addition, students must meet one of the following criteria:

• Be a first generation college student (neither parent has received a four-year degree).
• Exhibit a documented financial need.
• And or have a documented disability.

Those interested in the program must complete a program application. Applications are available in the STAR Center Office located in the New Student Relations Building. Interested persons may also contact the STAR Center by calling (806) 894-9611, ext. 2750 or 2751 or visit the SPC web site.

SPC Upward Bound is a college preparatory program funded by the U.S. Department of Education. It provides high school students with the skills they need to be successful in college. Participants receive academic, personal, and cultural enrichment to prepare them for higher education. The Upward Bound Program at South Plains College serves 50 student from six high schools in Cochran, Hockley, Lamb and Terry Counties.

Students who are enrolled in the ninth through eleventh grades, are first generation college students and / or meet low income criteria are eligible for the program. All students must have the potential for success in post-secondary educational programs but must also have need for academic support and / or assistance to assure entrance into and success in college. The SPC Upward Bound Program serves students from Brownfield, Levelland, Littlefield, Morton, Whiteface, and Whitharral.

Program applications will be available in the counselor’s office at each school served, or in the Upward Bound Office located in the New Student Relations Building. Interested persons may also contact the Upward Bound program by calling (806) 894-9611, ext. 2653, or visit the SPC web site.

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. The Student Health Office is located in the Student Center. Eligible students needing to see a doctor should go to the Health Services Office before 10:30 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 (1) or more semester hours for the summer session are covered by an accident insurance plan. This plan provide s 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.

South Plains College makes a special effort to encourage a friendly and democratic atmosphere among all students, faculty, staff and administration. Student activities are planned to enhance the academic, social, cultural and spiritual interests of the student body. The college offers a variety of co-curricular experiences which assist the student in developing a rich concept of life’s potential. A varied program of activities open to all members of the student body is implemented through the coordinated programs of a number of organizations, each of which offers opportunities for the student to explore personal interests. Members of the Student Services staff assist in administering these activities.

The Student Center is the focal point for student activities on the Levelland Campus. The center contains the Texan Hall Cafeteria, the Student Government Offices, conference and meeting rooms, game room and recreational facilities, a snack bar and the SPC Bookstore. The offices of the Director of Student Activities, Campus Police and the Student Health Coordinator are located in the Student Center. The Student Activities Office maintains a lost and found service for students, faculty and staff.

The Student Senate at South Plains College acts as the governing agency of the student body for the purpose of advising and recommending the formulation of policy pertaining to student life. It is also the purpose of the Student Senate to assist and advise in the planning and administration of the activity program and in promoting student participation, morale and welfare on the college campus. The Student Senate executive branch consisting of the Student Association President, a cabinet of officers, ten senators and a representative from each recognized club or organization comprise the student government association. Student Government Offices are both elected and appointed.

Participation in the activities of student clubs and organizations is an important part of the student’s complete college experience. Membership in one or more of the various student organizations is strongly recommended to enable students to develop leadership. Information about participating in any organization may be obtained through the Student Activities Office located in the Student Center, or the Associate Dean of Student Services at the SPC Reese Center. A complete listing of student organizations is available in the Student Guide.

Student organizations at South Plains College fall within one of the following classifications:

Scholastic Honorary Organizations: Scholastic honorary organizations offer membership to students on the basis of academic excellence and performance.

Professional Organizations: Pre-professional and academic organizations are available to students wishing to pursue interests which will contribute to the development of career fields.

Service Organizations: Service organizations have as their primary function the pursuit of activities which will contribute positively to the school and to the community.

Religious Organizations: Members of various religious faiths are encouraged to establish organizations to provide for spiritual needs. Some of the religious organizations have student centers adjacent to the campus which are open to all students.

Special Interest Organizations: Such organizations are organized by students who are intent upon developing or broadening an interest in some particular aspect of their lives as human beings or students.

All social events sponsored by a student organization must have the approval of the organization’s faculty sponsor and must be calendered and approved by the Director of Student Activities on the Levelland Campus and the Associate Dean of Student Services at the SPC Reese Center. All social events must be chaperoned by at least three faculty members.

The Plainsman Press is a bi-weekly newspaper published by the journalism program in the Communications Department at South Plains College. This newspaper serves to inform the college community of local events, as well as statewide and national news and issues of interest. The publication also serves to stimulate interest in projects that benefit the college and to editorially examine pertinent issues of the institution and societal trends as a whole. It serves the college community as a public forum for student and faculty opinion through the publication of letters to the editor. The Plainsman Press also serves as a learning lab for those students who are interested in pursuing a career in the broad field of mass communications.

SPC offers radio, television and film students the opportunity to work in the production of television programming that is cable cast on SPC TV Cable Channel 10 throughout the communities of Levelland, Littlefield and Morton. Student produced programming includes live television newscasts, live Texan basketball games, and live concerts.  Students also have the opportunity to work on Texan Radio, the campus station that webcasts at www.southplainscollege.edu. Students who work on SPC TV news programs represent the college in Texas Intercollegiate Press Association competition.

South Plains College offers many opportunities for students to further musical and cultural interests through attendance at concerts and recitals and through participation in the various musical groups directed by the Fine Arts Department and Creative Arts Department. Faculty, student and guest soloists and ensembles perform throughout the year.

The Symphonic Band performs traditional and contemporary wind literature on campus and at area high schools, and during basketball season, doubles as the Sharpshooters Pep Band. Membership is open to all college musicians with experience in wind or percussion instruments.   

The Concert Choir presents a number of concerts throughout the year, performing both on campus and for churches and schools in the area. Membership is open to students who are interested in performing choral music.

The Jazz Band performs a variety of musical styles ranging from big band jazz to fusion. In addition to campus concerts, the Jazz Band performs at area high schools and for various civic events. 

Scholarships are available by audition for participation in any or all performing ensembles. To qualify for a scholarship, one must be a full-time student in good academic standing. Auditions may be arranged by contacting the appropriate director. All ensemble courses may be repeated for two credit hours each semester.

There are also opportunities to participate in a variety of small instrumental and vocal ensembles, such as brass choir, low brass choir, trombone quartet, saxophone quartet, percussion ensemble and jazz singers. These may also be repeated for one hour of credit each semester.

Opportunities abound for students in the commercial music program to experience a variety of musical styles and performance venues. The Thursday Nite Live ensemble performs a 90 minute televised musical variety show be before a live audience each month during the fall and spring semesters. The AlternaTV ensemble performs a rock and hip hop oriented television show each month during the fall and spring semesters. These shows are broadcast live over SPC Cable Channel 10 and rebroadcast on LISD-TV in Lubbock and surrounding communities. Pickin’ on the Plains Bluegrass TV show is filmed twice a month during the fall and spring semesters and is aired at noon on SPC TV Cable Channel 10.

The SPC touring ensemble specializes in current musical styles including rock, R&B, country, urban, Latino and many others. The group travels and performs at area high schools and other prestigious venues such as the Cactus Theater in Lubbock, Texas.

The Real Book Jazz ensemble performs classic and fusion rock jazz styles, and rock and roll enthusiasts may experience classes in classic, original and alternative rock styles. The commercial music program offers students a myriad of eclectic musical styles, including Latino, Celtic, bluegrass, contemporary Christian, classic blues, R&B and western swing. These student ensembles perform regularly in a variety of musical settings throughout West Texas and Eastern New Mexico.

Scholarships are available by audition for participation in commercial music ensembles. These auditions may be arranged by contacting the commercial music program coordinator.

South Plains College strives to provide a safe and secure environment for students, faculty and staff. The Campus Police Department on the Levelland Campus and the SPC Reese Center is responsible for ensuring the safety of the college community and upholding the laws of the State of Texas and the United States. Campus police officers are Texas Certified Peace Officers and have full authority to enforce the law.

The Byron Martin Advanced Technology Center employs security personnel who ensure a safe environment for students. The City of Lubbock Police Department is utilized when needed.

Students and employees are encouraged to report all crimes and unsafe conditions to the Campus Police or security personnel.

The Campus Police Department, located in the Student Center, provides students with a number of special services, including escort services by request, information on crime prevention and reporting, property identification, building security and parking and traffic control.

The Complex at SPC is a multi-use facility that houses the Physical Education Department, intramural sports, student and community fitness classes, as well as special events. This is a facility that offers state-of-the-art fitness equipment, racquetball courts, two indoor basketball courts, and a wide variety of group fitness classes. Full-time students have access to the Complex at no extra charge. Part-time students pay a nominal fee.

South Plains College is a charter member of the Western Junior College Athletic Conference and conducts its program of intercollegiate athletics under the rules and regulations of that conference. The college fields intercollegiate teams in men’s and women’s basketball, cross country and track. To be eligible to participate in intercollegiate athletics, a student must meet all requirements established by the National Junior College Athletic Association of which South Plains College is a member.

South Plains College is also a member of the National Intercollegiate Rodeo Association and competes in men’s and women’s rodeo events as a member of the NIRA Southwestern Region.

Further information concerning intercollegiate sports and the selection of team members may be obtained from the Department of Athletics, (806) 894-9611, ext. 2221.

The aim of the intramural program is to provide an opportunity for every student at South Plains College to participate in his or her favorite recreational sport activity. The program sponsors a competitive sport division in which students may compete in a number of sports activities. Regular periods of supervised recreational free play are scheduled so that students may participate in informal nonscheduled activities. Selected items of equipment are available to students within the competitive and free play areas. In both areas, the spirit of competition tends to enhance school spirit and contributes to individual physical fitness.