What Polk State students should know for the Fall 2023 Semester
With the Fall 2023 Semester underway on Monday, it’s important for Polk State students to know how to purchase books, apply for financial aid, and get the help they need to succeed in their classes.
Below is a list of some of the important services provided to students:
Wi-Fi
One of the first things that Polk State students want to know is how to connect to the College’s Wi-Fi. The College offers free Wi-Fi at each of its seven locations.
Students can access Wi-Fi by connecting to POLKSTATE-CONNECT. No password is needed.
Financial aid
Polk State’s Financial Aid Program exists to assist students in financing their education and to attract students with varying abilities and skills. Emergency financial aid grants awarded through the Higher Education Emergency Relief Fund (HEERF) will be available through the Fall 2023 Semester. More information about financial aid can be found here.
Financial Aid offices are open on Polk State’s Winter Haven and Lakeland campuses from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. from Monday through Thursday and from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Friday. Those seeking further help can call 863.297.1004 or email financialaid@polk.edu.
Canvas
Canvas is Polk State’s learning management system, which includes access to class assignments, syllabi, and other materials related to each specific course. When visiting Canvas at www.polk.edu/sso, users will choose between three clickable buttons – students, staff, and non-credit students. After selecting the button that applies, students will use their Polk State email credentials to log on.
A tutorial video about accessing Canvas can be found here. More information about Canvas can be found here.
Bookstores
Polk State has bookstores on both the Winter Haven and Lakeland campuses, which are open Monday through Friday. For the first week of classes, Aug. 14 through 18, store hours will be from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. From Aug. 21 through the remainder of the Fall 2023 Semester, the bookstores will be open from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Contact the Lakeland Campus bookstore at 863.665.8431 or sm8125@bncollege.com. Contact the Winter Haven Campus bookstore at 863.299.3325 or sm8126@bncollege.com. More information, including how to download the bookstore app, placing online orders, and curbside pickup can be found here. Course textbooks are not available for checkout at the libraries.
Tutoring and library services
Tutoring And library services are available on campus and online for all Polk State students. The TLCCs located on Polk State’s Winter Haven and Lakeland campuses provide free tutoring for students by both peers and professional tutors. Tutoring includes assistance with writing, math, science, languages, accounting, and more. Contact the TLCC at O365-Tutoring@polk.edu. More information about tutoring can be found here.
Polk State’s libraries, also found on the Winter Haven and Lakeland campuses, provide professional reference and research assistance as well as print and online academic resources and interlibrary loan services. Information, including hours, about the resources offered at the TLCC and libraries can be found here.
Food service
Campus cafes will return to Polk State’s Winter Haven and Lakeland campuses on Aug. 14. The cafes, operated by Canteen, offer affordable and convenient food options. They are open from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m., Monday through Thursday.
The cafes do not accept cash, but debit, credit, and BankMobile cards are accepted. Students can also make purchases through the Canteen Connect and Pay app. More information, including how to download and use the app is available here.
Public safety
Polk State offers 24-hour security on its Winter Haven and Lakeland campuses. To contact security, call 863.297.1059. Security offices are located at WMS 134 on the Winter Haven Campus and at LME 102 on the Lakeland Campus.
More information, including how to receive emergency alerts, lost-and-found, how to report a crime, and more can be found here.
Technical support
For Polk State students, MyPolk email and PASSPORT will be vital tools. Those experiencing trouble accessing should call the Polk State Help Desk at 863.298.6839. Help desk hours are from 7 a.m. to 9 p.m. Monday through Thursday, 7 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Friday, and from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. on Saturday.
More information on PASSPORT, email, and more can be found here.
Transportation
Through a partnership between Polk State and Citrus Connection, all students can ride the bus for free simply by showing their Polk State ID. Citrus Connection will make stops at the Lakeland and Winter Haven campuses as well as Airside Center-West and Polk State JD Alexander Center.
Click here for more on Citrus Connection routes and services.
Get involved
Polk State’s Student Government Associations (SGAs) and Student Activities and Leadership Office (SALO) provide ways for students to get involved, engaged, and make a difference. SGAs for the Winter Haven, Lakeland, and Lake Wales campuses will host a series of welcome week events. More information can be found here.
SALO houses more than 30 campus clubs and helps students get involved and find camaraderie through community service, intramural sports, educational and multicultural workshops, and more. Email SALO@polk.edu to get involved or to learn more.
Stay connected
To stay up to date on the latest happenings at Polk State, students are encouraged to follow the College on social media. Polk State College is on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram.
For the latest student news, visit www.polk.edu or to keep up to date on the latest on Polk State’s athletics teams, visit www.polkeagles.com.