Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

NOTE: We are using Babel Fish to translate this page. It is possible all translations could not be accurate.


This alphabetical list of topics should help point you in the right direction and ease your transition to PCC. There are three other web sites that are helpful for new - - actually all - - students: 
            ▪ the Student Information web page;
            ▪ the Calendar page, which contains important deadlines and campus activities; and  

            ▪ the PCC web site's Search page: www.polk.edu/search  (Need to find this page again? Search for Help.)

A|B|C|D|E|F|G|H|I|J|K|L|M|N|O|P|Q|R|S|T|U|V|W|X|Y|Z

NOTE: For further information/help, see an Advisor in Student Services. They will be glad to help you. If you still can't find the answer or have a comment on this page, please send an e-mail  to the Office of College Information (PR office).
 
0100,  0200 & 0300 Room Numbers All room numbers beginning with a 0 (zero) indicate classrooms and offices on the Winter Haven campus. The second digit indicates the floor:
  • 0100 numbers are on the 1st  floor.
  • 0200 numbers are on the 2nd  floor.
  • 0300 numbers are on the 3rd  floor.

A three letter designation before the number indicates the building.
See W.A.D., WHC, WFA, WLR, WSC, etc. (below).

1000 and 2000
Room Numbers
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 AA Degree

The AA or Associate in Arts degree is designed for students who plan to earn their  bachelor degrees after attending PCC and allows you to meet the general education requirements at state universities in Florida.  (See the Catalog or an Academic Advisor for more information.)

AAS, AS Degrees

The AAS or Associate in Applied Science and the AS or Associate in Science degrees (usually in health and computers) provides skill training for immediate employment. (See the Catalog or an Academic Advisor for more information.)

Accelerated Term In addition to the traditional 16 week term in the fall and spring, PCC offers classes in an accelerated term known as FASTRACK. See FASTRACK for details and dates.
Activities and Events A calendar of Cultural and Student Events is maintained as part of the College Calendar web site. The Student Activities office and the Student Activities Board also provides information on their web site. For Club Information see listing below.
Address PCC's mailing address is: 999 Avenue H NE  Winter Haven, FL 33881-4299

NOTE: Mail for both campuses should be sent to the above address.

Admissions

The Admission's office is located in Student Services:

  • Lakeland campus- LTB building 1st floor 
  • Winter Haven campus- WAD building 1st floor 
    For more information.
Admissions Application You can apply using our Online Application. If you need supplemental forms to request transcripts from other schools, GED transcript, and a Home School Affidavit, you can find them at Admission Checklist) [PDF]. 
(Academic) Advisor

 

 

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Located in Student Services.

  • Lakeland campus- LTB building 1st floor

  • Winter Haven campus- WAD building 1st floor 
    For more information.

Application Apply online using the Online Application. Additional information on how to apply to PCC is available on our web site.    
Athletics

PCC has an outstanding athletic program including:  Men's Baseball, Men's Basketball, Women's Softball, Women's Soccer and Women's Volleyball. For sports schedule.

Book Store
  • Lakeland-campus- LAC-1114; Phone 665-8431.
  • Winter Haven campus- Student Center (Room 123); Phone 299-3325.
    They accept major credit cards and checks with picture ID. Save your receipt in case you purchased the wrong book.
    For more information.
Bright Futures Florida Medallion NEW! Florida Bright Futures Medallion Scholars can attend PCC 100% tuition free if they are taking college credit courses leading toward an associate degree. For more info or call PCC's Financial Aid office at 297-1004.
Bus Service

 

 

 

 

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Both campuses are serviced by buses: 

  • Lakeland: The Citrus Connection's "Green Line" stops just south of the main parking lot near the LAC building. (863-688-RIDE)

  • Winter Haven: The Winter Haven Area Transit is affiliated with The Citrus Connection and stops at the north and south end of the campus (863-688-RIDE).

Fares are 75¢ one-way (35¢ for elderly and handicapped). College students can receive a U-Pass that allows them unlimited rides for $20 a month. To get a U-Pass, students need to bring their class schedule to the Citrus Connection offices. Call 863-688-RIDE for more information.

Cafeteria Food service and vending are available in the Student Center on both campuses. It is located in LAC-1130 on the Lakeland campus and in the WST building on the Winter Haven campus.
Calendar See College Calendar web site.
Canceled Class If PCC cancels your class, go to Drop/Add in Student Services offices (LAC and WAD) immediately. You will not have to wait for Drop/Add - Late Registration held in the afternoon and evening.
Campus Events A calendar of Cultural and Student Events is maintained as part of the College Calendar web site. The Student Activities office and the Student Activities Board also provides information on their web site. For Club Information see listing below.

Campus Maps 

 PCC Campus Maps  This web site (www.polk.edu/maps) also includes written directions on how to get to PCC's campuses and centers.)
Catalog The PCC Catalog is published annually. It provides information about our academic programs, courses descriptions, regulations, etc. The "hard copy" of the Catalog is usually printed and distributed during the summer. A PDF version is also available. 
Career/Employment PCC's Career Center. Also check our links to local and state employment services. Also see PCC's Human Resources web site.
Classes Begin/ Classes End

See College Calendar  (www.polk.edu/calendar ) 
Class Listings or Class Schedule

 

 Schedule booklets are available in Student Services on both campuses, at area libraries, high schools and chambers of commerce. Class listings (in PDF format) are also available online or via online registration known as PASSPORT.  Don't forget fee payment deadlines. 
CLAST Test All students expecting to graduate with an A.A. degree, or who expect to transfer as a junior to any state university must meet the College Level Academic Skills Test requirements. The test measures selected communication and mathematics skills. Students should take the CLAST no later than the Term in which they are enrolled for their 55th semester hour. Visit your Academic Advisor in Student Services to see if you qualify for CLAST exemptions. Click here for more information.
CLEP Test CLEP (College-Level Examination Program) is a 90-minute multiple-choice test students can take to earn college credit for what they already know.  Click here for further information or go to the TLCC. 
Closing

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 The administration of PCC may find it necessary to close the College in the event of adverse weather conditions or for other unexpected emergencies. The best place to determine whether PCC will be open or closed is to check PCC's web site or call our main number: 863-297-1000. .

Clubs

 PCC offers a variety of clubs, including: (See Clubs at PCC page for contact persons.) 

There is a Student Activities Office on:

College Code # PCC's FICE code is 001514.  (FICE stands for Federal Interagency Committee on Education.) Students need this number when applying for Financial Aid and when sending their ACT and SAT scores to PCC.
College Placement Test See CPT Test below.
College Terms (Jargon)  See our glossary of PCC terms/jargon. 
Computer Lab See TLCC listing below.
Continuing Education See Corporate College for complete details.
Counselor See Academic Advisor listing above.
CPT Test The CPT (College Placement Test ) is required for all incoming students planning to enroll in courses at PCC. For more information see the CPT web site, which includes  detailed Student Study Guides.
Disabilities, Students with

 

 

 

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 PCC adheres to the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act. All services, degree programs, and classes are open to eligible disabled students and reasonable accommodations are provided based on individual needs. Students with documented disabilities may be eligible for extended testing time, special computer equipment, tutoring, recorded texts, note taker services, interpreters, course substitutions or any other necessary reasonable accommodation to insure equal access. NOTE: The College does not provide personal attendant care, transportation or housing assistance. 

For additional information see Sylvester Little (297-1010, ext. 5227) on the Winter Haven campus or Michelle Sams, (297-1010, ext. 6110) on the Lakeland campus. There's also information in the PCC Catalog. 
Distance Education (Online Classes, TV Courses, etc.) See the Distance Education web site.
Driving Directions to PCC See the "Written Directions" section of the PCC Campus Maps web site.  
Drop/Add Class Registration information including dates and deadlines Also see College Calendar.  
Elevators  Every multi-story building is equipped with an elevator:
  • LAC- northeast corner.
  • LLC- northeast corner.
  • W.A.D.- center of building.
  • WLR- north side.
  • WSC- south side

E-Mail Addresses

See PCC e-mail addresses and phone numbers web site.
Emergency Calls
Use 911		 If you need to report an emergency dial 911 from PCC phones. Remember to stay on the PCC phone line and provide complete information on your location to the Emergency 911 operator.  After you hang-up with  911, call Security at 5059. They'll need to know about the incident and can direct emergency vehicles to the correct location on campus.
Emergency Closing The administration of PCC may find it necessary to close the College in the event of adverse weather conditions or for other unexpected emergencies. The best place to determine whether PCC will be open or closed is to check PCC's web site or call our main number: 863-297-1000.
Employment  Links to various local and state employment services. Also see PCC's Career Center. Also see PCC's Human Resources web site.
Enrollment An Application for Admission and information on how to apply to PCC is available on our web site.   
Events on Campus A calendar of Cultural and Student Events is maintained as part of the College Calendar web site. The Student Activities office and the Student Activities Board provides information on their web site. For Club Information see listing above.
Faculty Offices

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 Professors should announce office hours and office location at their first class. Office hours should be posted on every professor's door.
A list of faculty, offices, phone numbers and e-mail addresses is also available
Federal Code PCC's FICE code is 001514.  (FICE stands for Federal Interagency Committee on Education.) Students need this number when applying for Financial Aid and when sending their ACT and SAT scores to PCC.
Fees (Tuition) For a complete list of Registration and Non-Course Related Fees are listed on the Fees webpage.  
Fee Payment Your registration is not final until you pay your fees. Please consult the Fee Payment Deadline in effect for PASSPORT, Central Registration, Late Registration, Drop/Add, etc. 
FERPA (Family Educational Right to Privacy Act) FERPA spells out the students federally protected rights to privacy. PCC’s FERPA policy is available from the Registrar. Information is provided by the U.S. Department of Education.
Final Exams During Terms 1 & 2, final exams are held on a schedule different than class meeting times. See the College Calendar for info. This schedule is listed in the schedule booklet. 
Financial Aid For details go to the Financial Aid offices in W.A.D.- 227 & LAC-1117. Hours: 8 am - 7pm Mon. - Thurs.; 8 a.m. - 5 p.m. Fri. For complete financial aid details.

Also see the PCC Foundation.
Food & Beverages Food and beverages are not permitted in classrooms, theaters, learning labs, libraries, auditoriums or other carpeted areas.
Florida Residency In order for to be considered a Florida resident, you must live in the state for one year. See Florida Law Regarding Residency for Tuition Purposes.
Foundation, PCC


 To the Top		 The PCC Foundation, Inc. is the fund raising arm of the college. This tax-exempt corporation helps PCC students achieve their academic goals by annually awarding hundreds of scholarships and financially supporting the college's mission.
 
Getting Started If you plan to come to PCC, go to this checklist.  But don't forget to come back here to learn more about us and help ease your transition to PCC.  
Glossary of jargon you may confront while at PCC. See our glossary of PCC terms/jargon. 
Graduation See Graduation Information.
Grades online Information on how to look up your grades online via PASSPORT 
Handbooks, Student Student Handbooks and Planners are distributed free at the Bookstores on both campuses. They contain important information and deadlines and are a great place to record important class dates and deadlines.
Handicapped, Students who are See Disabilities, Students with (above).

ID Card

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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 The Student ID is needed to check out Library books, and attend athletic events, etc. Photo ID cards are issued to students as part of the registration process or the beginning of the term.

Photos are taken during the beginning of Term 1, 2 & 3 on the
     Winter Haven campus- in Student Services (WAD): look for fliers announcing dates and times
     Lakeland campus- in Student Services (LTB): look for fliers announcing dates and times.

For further information contact the Student Activities office in the Student Center, Winter Haven campus (297-1010, ext. 5459) or Melvin Thompson, Student Services Lakeland campus (297-1010, ext. 6112).

Returning students need new ID cards!
Important Dates See the College Calendar web site.
Internet See Online (below), for "Internet Classes," "Internet Grades," and "Internet Registration."
Jargon See our glossary of PCC terms/jargon. 
LAC The Lakeland Academic Center building on the Lakeland campus.  Classrooms and office numbers that begin 1000 (with orange room numbers) are in this building. 
Late Registration Registration information including dates and deadlines. Don't forget fee payment deadlines. 
LLC The Lakeland Learning Center building on the Lakeland campus.  Classrooms and office numbers that begin 2000 (with green room numbers) are in this building. 

Library

 

 
  • Lakeland- located on the first floor of the LLC building.
  • Winter Haven- located on the third floor of the WLR building.

See the PCC Library web site.

Loans

 See the Financial Aid web site.
Logo

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ç Please don't copy this logo for use in a publication. Follow this link for high resolution logos.
Lost & Found

Located in Student Services:

  • Lakeland campus- LTB building 1st floor.
  • Winter Haven campus- WAD building 1st floor- in the Admissions and Registrar Office. 
LTB The Lakeland Technology Building is located on the Lakeland campus. 
Mailing Address PCC's mailing address is: 999 Avenue H NE  Winter Haven, FL 33881-4299

NOTE: Mail for both campuses should be sent to the above address.
Map of PCC  PCC Campus Maps  (This web site also includes written directions on how to get to PCC's Lakeland and Winter Haven campuses.)
Bright Futures Florida Medallion Scholars NEW! Florida Bright Futures Medallion Scholars can attend PCC 100% tuition free if they are taking college credit courses leading toward an associate degree. For more info or call PCC's Financial Aid office at 297-1004.
New Student Orientation Orientation is held prior to the beginning of the term. For details and dates or see the listing in the College Calendar web site.
News about PCC See the News website or the College Spotlight on the left side of the homepage.
Office Hours, Faculty See Faculty Offices (above).
Online Classes See the Distance Education web site.
Online Grades Information on how to look up your grades online via PASSPORT 
Online Registration  See PASSPORT (below) 
Orientation, New Student

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 Orientation is held prior to the beginning of the term. For details and dates, see our Orientation page. 

 Parking Rules

All faculty and staff must display a hanging tag on their vehicle, which allows them to park in the appropriate campus parking lots. These tags are available through the Facilities Department. Parking decals for students are available at no charge through Student Services.

Cars must be parked front first.

PCC provides handicapped parking spaces for those with proper vehicle identification. Look for the blue handicapped signs located in each parking lot.

Areas identified by yellow lines and/or signs are restricted to faculty and staff from 7 a.m. to 10 p.m. each weekday on both campuses with the following exceptions:

  • Lakeland:
    • After 3 p.m. the Visitors' area is designated as staff parking. All other restricted areas remain the same for the evenings.
  • Winter Haven:   
    • The President’s parking space is reserved at all times.

PASSPORT

 

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 You can register at home by clicking  your mouse using our Internet system known as PASSPORT (Personal Access to Student Services Polk Online Registration Tool). The system also allows you to check availability of classes, receive grades and check on financial aid. If you don’t have a computer, you can connect to PASSPORT using a PC in the Teaching, Learning, Computing Center on either campus.
Pay Phones See Telephones- Pay (below).
PDF (Adobe PDF) Some pages on PCC's website are PDFs. The Portable Document Format enables files to retain the "look and feel" of the original document with its special formatting, graphics and color. To view PDF files, download the Adobe Acrobat Reader. If you have problems, consult PCC's Acrobat Reader Information website, which has step-by-step instructions on downloading and using the Adobe Reader. 
Phone Numbers See Telephone Numbers (below).
Registration Registration information including dates and deadlines  Don't forget fee payment deadlines. 
Registration Online (via the Internet) See PASSPORT (above). 
Resident In order for to be considered a Florida resident, you must live in the state for one year. See Florida Law Regarding Residency for Tuition Purposes.
Room Numbers For information about PCC's room numbering system, see room numbers (above).
Room Number Starts with "L"

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 Classroom numbers that start with an L are held on the Lakeland campus.
For Lakeland Campus Map.
Room Number Starts with "W" Classroom numbers that start with a W are held on the Winter Haven campus.
For Winter Haven Campus Map. For more details about the letter designation, see W.A.D., WHC, WFA, WLR, WSC, etc. (below).
Schedule See Class Schedule (above).

Scholarships

 See Financial Aid and the PCC Foundation.
Security & Safety PCC continually strives to provide students, faculty, staff and visitors a safe and secure environment. Security Officers are on duty 24 hours-a-day and continually patrol both campuses. A Security Officer can be reached by calling ext. 5059 from any PCC phone on campus (863-297-1059 from off campus) or by using one of the emergency phones located throughout both campuses. For more info, see the PCC Safety website.
Smoking Policy PCC is a smoke-free facility. Smoking is permitted in designated outdoor areas only.
These areas are identified by signs and ash trays.
Student Activities A calendar of Cultural and Student Events is maintained as part of the College Calendar web site. The Student Activities office and the Student Activities Board also provide information on their web site. For Club Information see listing above.
Student Handbooks Student Handbooks and Planners- See Handbook listing above. 
Student Orientation

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 Orientation is for new students held prior to the beginning of the term. For details and dates or see the listing in the College Calendar web site.
Student Services There is a Student Services office on both campuses. It's the site where you'll find various offices that provides academic counseling, career counseling and financial aid counseling. Student Services is also where you apply to the college, where you register in person for classes and where your transcripts are kept.
Tests See CLEP Test.
See CPT
See Final Exam. 
TLCC (Teaching/ Learning/ Computing Center)

The lab is filled with support for students, including computers, AV equipment and tutors.

  • Lakeland campus- LLC 1st floor.
  • Winter Haven campus- WLR 2nd floor.

See the TLCC web site.

Telephones (Pay)
  • Lakeland campus- Pay phones are located by the Bookstore (LAC) and Elevators in both buildings (LAC and LLC).
  • Winter Haven campus- Pay phones are on NE of WLR and in the Student Center (WST). 

See PCC Campus Maps web site.

Telephone Numbers  See PCC phone numbers and e-mail addresses.
Tuition See Fees (above).
TV courses (Telecourses)
To the Top 		See the Distance Education web site.
W.A.D. The W.A.D. designation indicates the Administration building on the Winter Haven campus. For more information on the room numbering, see room numbers (above).
Web Registration See PASSPORT (above). 
Web Classes See the Distance Education web site.
WFA The WFA designation indicates the Fine Arts building on the Winter Haven campus. For more information on the room numbering, see room numbers (above).
WHC The WHC designation indicates the Health Center building on the Winter Haven campus. For more information on the room numbering, see room numbers (above).
WLR The WLR designation indicates the Learning Resources building on the Winter Haven campus. For more information on the room numbering, see room numbers (above).
WMS The WMS designation indicates the Multi-Services building on the Winter Haven campus. For more information on the room numbering, see room numbers (above).
WRH

The WRH designation indicates the Rehabilitative Health building on the Winter Haven campus. For more information on the room numbering, see room numbers (above).

WSC The WSC designation indicates the Science and Math building on the Winter Haven campus. For more information on the room numbering, see room numbers (above).
WST The WST designation indicates the Student Center on the Winter Haven campus. For more information on the room numbering, see room numbers (above).
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 Send an e-mail if you have any questions or comments. 

 Updated:  08/05/08