History

Since our founding in 1964, Polk Community College has served the higher education needs of Polk County. During our 36 years we have undergone tremendous growth and change.
Our first academic year started with 1,107 students and 33 faculty members at temporary quarters on the Bartow Air Base. Today, under the leadership of J. Larry Durrence, PhD, president, over 100 full-time faculty serve the higher education needs of over 8,000 credit and 10,000 non-credit students on modern campuses in Lakeland and Winter Haven.
On both PCC campuses students have access to high quality academic programs supported by modern equipment and facilities:

• libraries with more than 84,000 volumes accessed through an on-line catalog and with access to numerous electronic resources on a CD-ROM network
• Teaching/Learning/Computing Centers (TLCCs) equipped with the latest software, personal computers, plotters, and scanners
• fully equipped computer classrooms
• fully equipped multimedia classrooms.

PCC continues to integrate technology into the classroom and to set goals to remain at the leading edge. Presently, all computers in the TLCCs and computer classrooms are networked and provide access to various software and CD-ROM reference material. Our two campuses are linked via fiber optic cable. Major emphasis is placed on distance learning using our wireless cable system. Auditoriums are equipped to show videos, films, and slides, and for teleconferences.
Polk Community College is very aware of the need to stay current with technological advances occurring both in education and business, but we are equally aware of our primary mission to educate the people of our community.
Since opening in 1964, we have awarded over 20,000 degrees. Approximately 70 percent of the graduates receive Associate in Arts (A.A.) degrees. Community College Week determined that PCC ranked 36th in the nation among all community colleges granting associate degrees in liberal and general studies. Our A.A. courses are parallel and equal to courses offered in the Florida State University System. A.A. degree credits are transferred easily to all universities in the Florida State University System.
PCC offers numerous Associate in Science (A.S.) degrees which can lead directly to employment. Our programs have a major impact on our community with over 90 percent of city and county law enforcement officers in Polk County trained at PCC, as well as over 60 percent of Polk County nurses.

Vision

Polk Community College will be a world class college and Florida's leader in workforce development.

Mission

Polk Community College is a quality-driven educational institution providing degree, career and lifelong learning programs within an environment of excellence and commitment to student success.

Purpose

Polk Community College fosters and supports creative, innovative and positive learning experiences within an atmosphere of academic excellence and continuous improvement. Our goal is to provide personalized services to assure that every student acquires the knowledge, skills, abilities and attitudes necessary for success in advanced education, careers in a global economy and participation in a diverse and changing society.
As an active partner within our community, we are an open access community college whose programs and services reflect the diversity of our students and the dynamic needs of our community. Our students earn the Associate in Arts degree for transfer, the Associate in Science degree or certificate for career entry, or enhance their job skills through continuing education. Through a variety of learning experiences, students acquire problem solving, critical thinking, communicating and computing skills which are fundamental to all degree and certificate programs.
We will fulfill our responsibilities to our students and to the broader community by creating an environment that encourages and supports all faculty, staff and students in the pursuit of excellence.

Focus

To focus our daily planning, operations, and decision making at Polk Community College, we provide:

• a university parallel program leading to an A.A. degree
• college-level technical/occupational programs leading to A.S. degrees and certificates
• non-degree continuing education services - both credit and non-credit - responsive to the changing needs of our community
• a general education base for all degree programs
• college preparatory programs enabling students to strengthen reading, writing, and math skills in preparation for college-level work
• academic support services such as libraries and learning labs to complement classroom instruction
• student support services including academic advising and career planning
• extra-curricular, cultural, social, athletic, and intellectual enrichment programs for students and the community
• a work environment supporting and developing our human resources to the maximum benefit of both the individual and PCC
• a physical environment enhancing the programs and services of the College

an efficient, effective institution responsibly managing the resources provided by student, taxpayers, and supporters of Polk Community College.

Student Ombudsman

Polk Community College has a Student Ombudsman, who facilitates understanding, communication, and conflict resolution among students, faculty and staff. The office serves as a prompt, impartial and confidential means of facilitating dialogue and resolving differences between parties on campus apart from the formal grievance procedures. The mission of the Ombudsman is to ensure that all students receive fair and equitable treatment at PCC.
How does the Ombudsman help students? By:

• Listening to complaints
• Clarifying college policy
• Answering questions concerning appropriate channels
• Assisting with problems that have not been resolved by other offices
• Informally investigating complaints if usual avenues of appeal or grievances have been exhausted
• Making referrals to individuals with more expertise in a specific concern
• Helping define available options
• Recommending changes/improvements to college policy, rules, or procedures that are outdated, unclear or ineffective
• Opening avenues of communication
• Offering a safe place to discuss concerns
  Sonja Jackson serves as the Student Ombudsman. Her phone number is 863-297-1010, ext. 5230.