Vision:

We will be recognized as Student Development professionals who provide valuable resources in support of students’ pursuit of academic success and personal growth.

Mission:

Student Development will offer opportunities that enhance student growth by providing:

• A friendly and welcoming environment
• Advocacy for students
• Assessment and accessibility services that aid learning
• Recognition and respect of student diversity
• Promotion of lifelong learning
• Guidance to assume responsibility for their academic and career success
• Information to enable students to make decisions and accept their outcomes
• Opportunities to become responsible citizens in a global society
• Activities that promote a sense of campus community
• Social and educational activities that assist students in gaining leadership life skills

If you are new to SCC and preparing to register, see the How to Apply page, select the type of student you are and follow the steps for registering.

Advisement – A Dual Responsibility

Advising is a joint responsibility of counselors and students. It is the student's responsibility to set goals, choose courses, and make decisions regarding educational choices. The advisor's task is to guide the student toward accepting responsibility for mature academic decision making.

Student's Responsibilities	Academic Advisor's Responsibilities
Be knowledgeable about general education requirements, program requirements, and college policies and procedures. This information is available in the college catalog and the student handbook.	Provide accurate information about educational options, requirements, policies, and procedures.
Transfer students need to choose a major field of study and their transfer institution as soon as possible. They should become familiar with the requirements needed for their major at the institution to which they plan to transfer.	Help students develop an educational plan consistent with the student's interests and abilities.
Schedule an appointment to meet with a counselor early during registration periods and be prepared for the meeting. Students should have an idea of courses they plan to take along with their availability and be able to discuss their interests and goals with the advisor.	Help students meet special educational needs through referrals to other resources of the college.
Career counseling is available by appointment.  Promptly keep these appointments. If this is impossible due to an unexpected emergency, call to reschedule.	Help students learn to accept responsibility for their own actions and decisions.
Consult with an academic counselor when experiencing academic difficulty.	Help students to clarify their values and goals.
Accept responsibility for decisions that need to be made.
Follow through with appropriate action after meeting with an academic counselor.
Fulfill all educational requirements.
Complete all necessary paperwork.

Assessment and Placement

An assessment series in basic academic skills such as writing, reading comprehension and mathematics is administered to entering students. Results are used in placing the students in appropriate courses. Any student taking an English or math course or any first-time freshman taking 6 or more credit hours must take the assessment tests before enrolling. Students who took the ACT should bring their score report with them to the Assessment Center. ACT subtest scores will be used to determine whether or not you need to take all or part of the Academic Skills Assessment.

Smart Start Registration for First Time Freshmen

Smart Start Registration Preparation sessions are required for first time freshmen.  Online sessions are available at:  http://bit.ly/sccstart.

Career-Technical Programs

Students should contact the Student Development Department at 636-922-8246 or 636-922-8241 or visit ADM 1204 if they are interested in pursuing any of the career-technical programs toward earning an Associate of Science or Associate of Applied Science degree. Allied Health programs require special applications and/or admission requirements.  Students should meet with a career-technical counselor to apply for these programs once admitted to SCC.

Transfer and Schedule Guides

Students who wish to graduate from SCC and transfer with junior standing should carefully plan a program of study to meet the requirements needed for the major at the transfer institution. Contact the Student Development Department concerning academic advising and the transfer process.

Suggested curriculum guides are available for college programs. These guides indicate how you may complete your course of studies within a particular time frame. There are also transfer guides available for many majors at area colleges and universities. See our transfer pages for more information.

Career Counseling

Selecting a major and choosing a career are difficult decisions likely to affect you for many years. For assistance in the selection process, contact the Career Services Center for personal interviews and help sessions. The Student Development Department maintains a job information service and also provides courses in career planning. Various types of assessment instruments are available to help students understand themselves better and to help set realistic goals.

Personal Counseling

SCC has contracted with Bridgeway Behavioral Health to provide mental health counseling for SCC credit students. Confidential appointments can be scheduled by calling 636-288-6533. You may meet with the counselor on campus in ADM 1204 or at the St. Charles location of Bridgeway Behavioral Health. The counselor will provide short-term counseling services and will make referrals to community providers if necessary.