Academic Information

Academic Programs of Study Instructional Organization

The role of Florence-Darlington Technical College is to offer one and two-year programs to a community of diverse needs. An associate degree, a diploma, or a certificate denoting satisfactory completion of work is awarded, depending upon the course of study chosen.

1. Division of Health Sciences
   The Division of Health Sciences offers comprehensive training in nursing and allied health, which leads to certification and/or professional licensure in nursing and allied health programs.
2. Division of Technical and General Education
   The Division of Technical and General Education provides curricula through which students can master the technical, business, computer, and human services skills required by area employers as well as general education courses required to support college-wide degree, diploma, certificate, and transfer programs.
3. FDTC’s Online College
   FDTC’s Online College provides students an opportunity to take courses without the typical time constraints associated with on-campus courses. The course learning outcomes are the same as any other course in a traditional instructional format. Students enrolling in an online course must have access to a computer and internet service.

Academic Advising

Students are assigned advisors when they enter FDTC. Students should see their advisor each semester to plan a schedule of classes for the next semester or register through Self-Service. Each student is responsible for completion of all requirements in their program. Students are encouraged to consult with their advisor or the Advising Center located in the 300 building whenever questions about academics arise.

Advising Center

The Advising Center is located on FDTC’s main campus in the 300 Building (Room 300). The Advising Center serves students on a walk-in basis or by appointment. Academic, career, and faculty advisors assist students with academic plans and provide information on college resources. Students are advised for courses appropriate to their program of study as determined by placement test results. New students with previous coursework from other colleges are expected to bring a copy of their college transcript(s) to the advisement appointment. They must also submit official transcripts and score reports to FDTC’s Office of Admissions. Students may view individualized academic program information by logging into their MyFDTC Self-Service account.

Advisors in the Advising Center will assist students in developing their academic plan, evaluating their academic progress and connecting with appropriate campus resources and services. This guidance will prepare students to assume primary responsibility for their own educational planning including course selection and registration. Student responsibilities include, but are not limited to:

1. Using the college’s online services and MyFDTC Email account.
2. Checking their MyFDTC Email account frequently for important updates.
3. Enrolling only in courses for which prerequisites have been met.
4. Planning ahead for multiple semesters - some courses are not offered every semester.
5. Knowing and completing all coursework and program requirements needed for graduation approval.
6. Knowing and complying with all applicable financial aid and/or scholarship requirements.
7. Remaining informed and up-to-date on the admission and program requirements of their desired transfer institution.

Student Course Loads

Students who wish to enroll in nineteen (19) credit hours or more must have the approval of their appropriate Dean.

Students who wish to enroll in a lower level course that is not required by their declared curriculum or is below the level that they have achieved must have approval of their academic advisor and their appropriate Dean.

Auditing of Courses

A student who desires to attend classes regularly but does not wish to take examinations or receive credit may register as an auditor. A record of classes attended will be maintained. No credit is awarded for such courses and cannot be granted at a later date. A student enrolled in a course for credit cannot change to audit after the drop/add period.

Students are expected to pay normal tuition per credit hour to enroll in audited courses.
Federal regulations will not allow students to receive financial aid for the courses being audited.

Course Substitution

Florence-Darlington Technical College lists courses required to meet certificate, diploma and associate degree programs. Substitutions to these course requirements are approved if extenuating circumstances exist as noted under “reason for the substitution request” Academic Advisors must complete this form and submit it to the Registrar’s Office, 5000 Building. Incomplete forms will not be processed. Course substitutions are not approved if coursework listed for the associate degree major, diploma or certificate is available and offered on a regular or rotating basis. A typical reason for submitting a course substitution would be if you have catalog rights for an earlier catalog and a course is no longer offered and a course substitution is required to complete the certificate, diploma or degree, and/or a course with the same equivalencies was transferred in and meet the requirements.

Prerequisites

Many courses require prerequisite courses and/or test scores. FDTC’s computer system will automatically block registration when a prerequisite course and/or placement test score is required for enrollment in the course and if FDTC records do not show that you have met the prerequisite(s).

Prerequisite Course Regulation

Students who fail any course that is a prerequisite to another course will not be allowed to take that class until the prerequisite course has been repeated and passed or otherwise satisfactorily made up. Special approval may be granted jointly by the appropriate academic Dean and the student’s advisor.

Graduation

Requirements

All candidates for graduation must meet the following requirements:

1. Complete all required courses specified in the curriculum.
2. Fulfill all financial obligations to the College.
3. Achieve a cumulative final GPA of 2.0 for all courses presented as meeting a program’s course requirements.
4. Earn at least 25% of the total credit hours of his/her curriculum at FDTC. Exceptions can be made only by the Vice President for Academic Affairs.

Candidates for graduation must file an application for graduation with the Registrar’s Office at the beginning of the semester in which curriculum requirements will be completed. A $30 fee is required when the application is filed. If more than one degree, diploma, or certificate is earned by a student in any one semester, a separate application must be filed for each.

Exercises

Commencement exercises are held at the end of each Spring Semester. Fall graduates and potential Summer graduates (with 12 credit hours or less remaining for degree completion) may participate in the May exercises.

Invitations, Caps and Gowns

Graduation invitations can be ordered through the College Bookstore. Although the cost of a cap and gown is included in the graduation fee, students must report to the bookstore to be fitted during the month of February.

College Rings

Information for ordering College rings may be obtained through the bookstore at any time. Twice a year (generally October and February) a ring vendor representative is on campus to show rings and take orders. A deposit is required to order a ring, and a payment plan may be offered. Rings will be delivered to the students’ home, C.O.D., within 10-12 weeks after the order is placed.

English Fluency Requirements for Faculty

It is the policy of FDTC to employ means to ensure that faculty members possess adequate proficiency in writing and speaking the English language. Provisions are made for grievance procedures for students regarding the English fluency of an instructor.

Academic Probation

Any student who fails to achieve a cumulative GPA of 2.0 shall be placed on academic probation. Once on academic probation, a student shall remain on academic probation until the student has a cumulative GPA of 2.0.

During this probationary period, the student’s advisor counsels the student to repeat those courses in which the student earned less than a “C” in order to improve the student’s grade point average and to enroll in COL 103 , provided that the student has not previously completed COL 103  successfully. Academic advising, individualized career counseling and referrals to appropriate educational services will also be provided to help the student succeed.

Repeating a Course: A student may repeat any course. The complete academic record including all grades is reflected on the transcript, but only the highest grade earned in a course taken more than once is calculated in the GPA.

The Veteran’s Administration, federal student assistance and SC Need Based Grant will not pay educational benefits for repeating a course for which the student previously received credit with an exception to programs that require a minimum grade to successfully complete the program being sought.

In addition to the term and cumulative GPA requirements, certain academic programs may have additional academic standards that must be met. Program probation is determined by the particular program. Support programs such as Financial Aid, SNAP, and Veterans’ benefits require the student to meet specific academic standards to continue receiving benefits.

Academic Suspension

If a cumulative GPA of 2.0 is not achieved for two consecutive semesters (excluding Summer Term), after having been placed on academic probation, the student shall then be academically suspended from the College for a period of one full semester (excluding Summer Term). Upon readmission to the College, the student shall remain on academic probation until that student achieves a cumulative GPA of 2.0. Upon readmission to the College, the cumulative GPA of 2.0 must be achieved within two semesters (excluding Summer Term).

If a student is not removed from academic probation after readmission and two semesters (excluding Summer Term), the student shall be academically suspended from the College for a period of two full semesters (excluding Summer Term).

Students placed on Academic Suspension are automatically placed on Federal Financial Aid suspension.

Appeal of Academic Suspension

An academic suspension of one semester may not be appealed.
A student who disagrees with the second academic suspension may request a hearing by submitting an appeal in writing to the Registrar within two weeks of grades being posted.

The Student Appeals Committee will hear the appeal. A student who disagrees with the decision of the Appeals Committee may appeal to the Vice President for Academic Affairs by submitting an appeal in writing to the Registrar within two weeks of notification of the committee’s findings.

Agency Requirements

Students in health majors must meet the published clinical agency requirements when participating in assigned labs. Requirements include immunizations, background checks, and drug testing. To be in compliance with Article, 23, Section 44-7-2920 of the S.C. Code of Law, all students enrolled in AHS 141 , DAT 154 , DHG 154 , MED 114 , MLT 102 , NUR 134 , PNR 110 , RAD 101 , RES 101 , and SUR 101  must complete the requirements listed above prior to being assigned to any direct care entity. Results of the background check/drug screening could affect the student’s ability to complete required clinical rotations and/or become credentialed. For example, a felony conviction could make a student ineligible to take the licensing exam(s) required by the profession or prevent the student from participating in the clinical training component.

Grade Policy

Assignment of Grades, Grade Changes, Grades for Repeated Courses

See College Procedure for Change of Grade and Repeating Courses.

Grade Reports

Grade are not mailed to students. You may view your grades online at www.fdtc.edu - myFDTC Self-Service Account.

Grade Appeals

To request a change of grade in any course you must contact the instructor who originally assigned the grade. You must request any grade change within two semesters of the semester in which the grade was assigned.

Grades “F” and “WF”

Last Date of Attendance must be submitted when recording an “F” or “WF” grade.

Grade Point System

Students are required to maintain a certain level of quality points while completing the required number of credit hours for an associate degree, diploma, or certificate. The standard is based on the quality point system. The grade received in a course indicates the number of quality points per semester hour. Grade points are computed by multiplying the number of semester hour credits per course by the grade earned. The grade point average (GPA) is computed by dividing the total number of grade points by the total number of semester hours taken. A cumulative grade point average of 2.0 or higher is required for graduation. In the calculation of the grade point average, a repeated course will be counted only once in computing net semester hours taken. The highest grade earned on a repeated course will determine the number of quality points earned. Quality points earned per semester hour are as follows:

• A = 4 quality points
• B = 3 quality points
• C = 2 quality points
• D = 1 quality point
• I = 0 quality points until course is completed
• F = 0 quality points

(Grades of E, W, WF, TR, AU, and any grade with an asterisk behind it, do not earn quality points.)

Sample Computation of GPA

(Divide quality points total by total semester hours.) 29 / 13 = 2.231 GPA

NOTE: A lifetime GPA will be calculated upon request for the purpose of Life Scholarship eligibility.

Standard Grading System

The following is the official FDTC grading system.

For more information, see College Procedure for Attendance and Withdrawal from Course(s) and Change of Grade and Repeating Courses.

Incomplete “I” Grade Policy

An Incomplete “I” is assigned for academic work which, for unforeseeable, emergency and justifiable reasons beyond student’s control, has not been finished at the end of the term. Having a non-passing grade does not constitute justifiable reason or an unforeseeable emergency. Incomplete grades are contingent upon instructor approval. However, it is the primary responsibility of the student to request an incomplete grade from his/her instructor. An instructor, who agrees to award an incomplete grade, must file an incomplete grade form.

Incomplete grades may be given only in the following circumstances:

1. The student’s work completed to date is passing;
2. Attendance has been satisfactory through at least 60% of the term; Incomplete grade will be assigned after the 60% date, but before the end of the term;
3. An illness or other extenuating circumstance legitimately prevents completion of required work by the due date; (Instructors at their discretion may require Doctor’s note, etc.);
4. Required work may reasonably be completed in an agreed-upon time frame;
5. The incomplete is not given as a substitute for a failing grade;
6. The incomplete is not based solely on a student’s failure to complete work or as a means of raising his or her grade by doing additional work after the grade report time;
7. The student initiates the request for an incomplete grade before the end of the academic term;
8. The instructor and student complete the “Application for Incomplete Grade” form before the end of the academic term.

Appropriate grades must be assigned in other circumstances. A failing grade and last date of attendance should be recorded for students who cease attending class without authorization. Students who are unable to complete a course and who do not meet these circumstances should consider dropping the course.

The following provisions for incomplete grades apply:

1. The “Application for Incomplete Grade” form may be obtained on the web at www.fdtc.edu/registrar or in the Registrar’s Office.
2. The form must indicate exactly what is required in order to finish the course and what percentage of the grade will be based on the remaining work.
3. It should also indicate which letter grade the instructor will assign to the student in the event that the student fails to complete the remaining work within the prescribed time.
4. A copy of this form is given to the Department Chair, the Registrar, and the student.
5. The incomplete may be made up no later than one semester after the end of the term in which it was assigned, at which time, the instructor’s alternate grade shall be entered on the record. For example: (Fall incomplete must be completed at the end of Spring), (Spring incomplete at the end of Fall).
6. A student may petition for an extension of one semester of time due to unusual circumstances.
7. Such a petition will be reviewed by the instructor whose decision shall be reviewed and approved by the Department Chair and the Divisional Academic Dean and subsequently forwarded to the Registrar’s Office.

Attendance Policy

It is the responsibility of the student to attend all scheduled classes in each of the courses that he/she is enrolled. A student is considered in attendance until he/she withdraws or is absent more than 10% of the total hours that a course usually meets in a semester. When a student is absent more than 10% of the class time, the student may be administratively withdrawn from class and is subject to a failing grade. Exceptions to this policy can be made only by the appropriate Divisional Academic Dean.

See College Procedure for Attendance and Withdrawal from Course(s).

Attendance Policy for Internet Students

To provide you the benefits of a focused, disciplined learning experience, online courses are structured within the framework of a 15-week semester, 12-week semester, 10-week semester, 8-week semester. Although some courses may require that you come to campus or arrange a proctor for supervised tests and/or labs, there will be no regularly scheduled campus class attendance requirements. While there is more flexibility than on-campus instruction, online courses do require regular participation; for example, observing assignment due dates, regularly logging in, and responding to your teacher’s and classmates’ correspondence, including discussion board postings, quizzes, and drop box assignments.
Unless instructed otherwise by your teacher, you are required to login to the course every 48 hours. If you fail to maintain regular participation, you will be withdrawn from the course with a “WF.” In order to withdraw from the course with a “W,” you must contact your teacher prior to the withdrawal deadline, which is published in the college calendar. The withdrawal policy in the FDTC Catalog will be observed. Contact your instructor concerning his/her specific participation requirements.

Attendance Policy for Veterans

This attendance policy is required for institutions offering courses for veterans or other eligible persons enrolled in non- college degree (NCD) programs approved under Title 38, United States Code, 3676.
This policy is established to set minimum standards of attendance for student(s) enrolled in non-college degree programs receiving veteran education benefits. Wherever the word “veteran” is used, it is intended to include all persons receiving veteran education benefits.

*Veterans enrolled in non-degree programs will be interrupted for unsatisfactory attendance when accumulated absences, tardies, and class cuts exceed ten percent (10%) of class contact hours. The interruption will be reported to the Veterans Administration within 30 days of the last date of attendance (use VA Form 22-1999b). A veteran may be re-enrolled for benefits at the beginning of the term following interruption because of unsatisfactory attendance only when the cause of unsatisfactory attendance has been removed.

Students interrupted a second time for unsatisfactory attendance will not be allowed to re-enroll for benefits in the absence of mitigating circumstances.

Mitigating Circumstances: Mitigating circumstances are those which directly hinder pursuit of a course and which are judged to be beyond the student’s control. The following are some general categories of mitigating circumstances. This list is not all-inclusive.

Serious illness of the veteran.
Serious illness or death in the veteran’s immediate family.
Emergency financial obligations or change of place of employment or work schedule which preclude pursuit of the course.
Active duty military service, including active duty for training.

For institutions that have a published “Leave of Absence” Policy: Student(s) receiving VA education benefits will have their benefits discontinued while on an “official leave of absence.”

NOTE: If the institution’s existing policy is more restrictive, that policy will be used.

Intellectual Property Rights

Intellectual Property Rights Policy (Policy 40-08)

Except as specifically and expressly exempted herein or in the Procedures developed under this Policy, it is the policy of Florence-Darlington Technical College that copyrights, patents, and all other forms of intellectual property developed by any employee or student using College resources, while engaged in activity for which he/she is compensated or receiving academic credit, or which is developed under contract is exclusive property of the College. No transfer of ownership rights in copyrights, patents, or other forms of intellectual property shall occur unless the College expressly and specifically transfers the ownership rights, in whole or in part, to the employee or other party or parties. No sharing of proceeds shall be expected by the creator unless specifically agreed to by the College and in accordance with the South Carolina Ethics, Government Accountability, and Campaign Reform Act of 1991 and subsequent amendments, and in accordance with SBTCE Policy and Procedure. Where there are conflicts or inconsistencies between this policy and the Ethics Act of 1991, the provisions of the Ethics Act will take precedence.

Intellectual Property Rights Procedure (Procedure 54-07)

Florence-Darlington Technical College encourages creativity among its faculty, staff, and students. The College contributes to this activity by making available its facilities, equipment, personnel, and information resources, and by providing a procedure whereby the creator may participate in potential proceeds of his/her creation. The intent of this procedure is to:

• encourage and recognize the creative efforts of its faculty, staff, and students, reflecting the spirit of the traditional rights of scholars with respect to the products of their intellectual endeavors.
• protect the interests of the College and the State Board for Technical and Comprehensive Education with respect to the sharing of intellectual property among the colleges and the SBTCE.
• protect the interests of the College and the State Board for Technical and Comprehensive Education with respect to the use of College resources in manners consistent with the College and SBTCE missions and the public good.
• provide for the sharing of proceeds from the commercial exploitation of intellectual property among the College, the State Board for Technical and Comprehensive Education, and the creator(s), in a manner consistent with SBTCE procedure; and in accordance with the South Carolina Ethics, Government Accountability, and Campaign Reform Act of 1991 and subsequent amendments.

Definition: Intellectual Property - any potentially copyrightable or patentable creation (pursuant to Title 17 or Title 35 of the U.S. Code of Laws), including but not limited to written, audio, or visual creations, inventions, or processes, whether tangible or electronic.

Agreement: Faculty, staff, and students who use College resources, engage in activity for which they are compensated or receive academic credit, or create work under contract, accept that the intellectual property which may result from such endeavors is owned by the College.

In limited circumstances and by prior written agreement only, Florence-Darlington Technical College may provide the creator a portion of the net proceeds from the commercial exploitation of specifically designated intellectual property. Any agreement entered into must adhere to the following terms:
Such agreement will waive the institution’s copyright to no more than class lectures, notes, or course syllabi, or to scholarly works which are not created within the scope of employment or class activities, or to scholarly works which are not created using agency resources.

Under no circumstances will such agreement provide for a portion of the net proceeds from the commercial exploitation of intellectual property to be awarded to an employee(s) or student(s) who created the work on the institution’s behalf if the material was created within the scope of his or her employment or class activities, or if the material was created by using any agency resources.

Such agreement is fully compliant with the provisions of the State Ethics Act, Policy 8-0-102: Personal Benefit from Projects or Written Materials, and Policy 8-0-105: Ethics Requirements for Employees. Such agreement will not violate the provisions of the Federal Copyright Act, or any other federal law or regulation.

Intellectual property developed by a non-employee third-party consultant pursuant to the terms of a written and signed contract will generally be considered to be owned by the College, unless otherwise provided in the consulting contract. Nothing in this procedure precludes a college from entering into such a consulting contract where the parties have agreed that the non-employee consultant will own the materials upon creation.

Although the College will endeavor to observe the spirit of the traditional rights of scholars with respect to the products of their intellectual endeavors, the above decisions are at the discretion of the College.
Florence-Darlington Technical College, as a state agency, has 11th Amendment immunity from Title 17 lawsuits; however, 11th Amendment immunity does not extend to lawsuits against state employees in their individual capacities.

Computer Specifications

Recommended Configuration

8 GB RAM (16 GB preferred) for Windows 10.
8 GB RAM (16 GB preferred) for Apple Computer and System 10.12.5 or higher operating system.

Additional Hardware Requirements

Microphone
Webcam

Software Requirements

Microsoft Office 365 (available for free to all students)
Web Browsers:
     PC - Edge, Firefox, Chrome
     MAC - Safari, Firefox, Chrome
Adobe Acrobat Reader 10.0 or higher
Virus software is recommended for all computers that connect to FDTC’s Wi-Fi service on campus. Windows users can download Microsoft Security Essentials for Windows.
Some courses may require other software. Check course syllabi for more information.

Student Support Services

Library Services

The Florence Darlington Technical College (FDTC) Libraries support the College’s mission by providing access to quality resources, innovative services, and spaces that promote learning, creativity, and research. The Wellman Library is on the Main Campus and the Segars Library is on the Health Sciences Campus. Students at Hartsville, Lake City, and Mullins sites have 24/7 access to on-line library resources through the FDTC website.

Library collections are 98% electronic and include electronic books, magazines, and journals, selected textbooks, streaming videos, databases, technology, and anatomical models. Online subject guides, tutorials, and citation tools are available to support academic success across all disciplines.

Library services include course reserves, information literacy instruction, research assistance and guides, printing, copying, and scanning, technology lending (laptops, calculators, hotspots), and study areas.

FDTC Libraries are members of PASCAL (Partnership Among South Carolina Academic Libraries), which allows borrowing privileges from 56 participating academic institutions across the state.

Professional library staff are available to assist students and faculty with research, assignments, and access to materials.

For more information, visit www.fdtc.edu/academics/library, email fdtclibraries@fdtc.edu, or call 843-661-8032/8034.

Computer Lab

Students may gain access to computers in the Open Computer Lab located in 7130.
Students must have appropriate identification, valid FDTC ID card, to utilize services.

Hours
Monday-Thursday 8:00 a.m. - 8:00 p.m.
Friday 8:00 a.m. - 11:30 a.m.
Sunday 1:00 p.m. - 8:45 p.m.

Child Care

FDTC’s Child Development Center is located in the 900 Building at the rear of the campus. The Center offers the Head Start Program for children ages 3-4, Monday through Thursday 7:30 a.m. - 5:00 p.m. Students must be enrolled in a minimum of 6 credit hours to take advantage of this program.

Eligibility for the Head Start program is based on age and income guidelines. For more information on the Head Start Program, contact the Family Advocate at (843) 676-8520.

All children must have the following documentation submitted before being approved to receive childcare services on campus: birth certificate, social security card, SC immunization certificate, proof of family income, proof of insurance, and birthdates/social security numbers of all household members.

Child Care Access Means Parents in School (CCAMPIS)

CCAMPIS is a grant program designated to support parents who demonstrate a need for child care services for children ages infant to eight years old while participating in post-secondary education. Florence-Darlington Technical College provides services to students from the Florence, Hartsville, and Mullins sites, and to FDTC students at The Continuum in Lake City. For more information, call (843) 413-2706 or visit the CCAMPIS Coordinator in Room 106 of the 100 Building.

Pathways to a Brighter Future

The Pathways to a Brighter Future Program provides tutoring and academic and career counseling for first-time freshmen enrolled in STEM and Healthcare programs. Pathways was designed to provide a “fast track” to graduation, allowing participating students to earn a degree or certification 150% faster than the average FDTC graduate. For more information, call (843) 661-8038 or visit the Pathways Center in Room 101 of the 100 Building.

Career Services

Career Services assists FDTC Students & Alumni with locating general employment and program-specific employment opportunities by:

• Assessing strengths & exploring occupation goals using Type Focus, (a personality type report geared to help narrow down career options that would be the best fit for you). This service is free to students by visiting https://v6.typefocus.com/ and entering the Access Code: AD598875.
• Matching students with local employers using College Central Network. To view job openings, create and upload your résumé, access event announcements, career advice videos, documents, and articles, visit www.collegecentral.com/fdtc.
• Conducting workshops geared toward successful job placement
• Offering résumé and cover letter assistance
• Conducting mock interviews
• Organizing FDTC’s Semi-annual Job Fairs (October and March)

Although employment cannot be guaranteed, efforts are made to assist students and alumni in obtaining employment and helping to make their search for employment a success. It is the responsibility of the prospective graduate to see that credentials are filed with the Career Services Office, if the prospective graduate desires employment assistance.

Contact Career Services at CareerServices@fdtc.edu for in-person or virtual assistance.

Student Life

The Office of Student Life believes that the provision of a viable and effective Student Activities program serves to complement academic instruction which ultimately facilitates the development of the total student. The Office of Student Life provides leadership opportunities, establishes supplemental learning experiences, and encourages group interaction among students. The Office of Student Life provides facilities for activities, clubs and organizations, and the Student Government Association (SGA). The Lamplighter Bookstore, Student Lounge & TV Room, Stinger Food Bank, and pool tables are all located on the first floor of the 5000 Building. All FDTC Students are invited to become involved in the activities at FDTC and to avail themselves of the services and opportunities at the College.

Student Life staff develops, implements, and manages all aspects of student activities to include Student Government Association (SGA) activities, Student Orientation, Clubs and Organizations, and the Student Ambassadors Program. Student Life provides a balanced student activities program to meet the needs of its students. With all students living off campus and with the complexities involved at a technical college, a successful student activities program can only be accomplished through the cooperative efforts of students, faculty, and administration. Student Life staff is charged with promoting the College’s mission in response to the needs of a culturally diverse student population. For more information on Student Life, visit https://www.fdtc.edu/campus-life/ or email StudentLife@fdtc.edu.

Services for Students with Disabilities

Florence-Darlington Technical College will make every effort to meet the needs of students with disabilities by providing reasonable accommodations for an equal access education.

After admission to FDTC, students requesting assistance must self-identify and provide current (within the last three years) Individual Education Plan, 504 Plan, or current medical documentation. Medical documentation should include a diagnosis, prognosis, restrictions or limitations that the disability might dictate, as well as specified reasonable accommodations.

A qualified individual with a disability is an individual who has a physical, mental, or sensory impairment that substantially limits one or more major life activities, has a record of such impairment, or is perceived to have such impairment.

It is recommended that students notify ADA Student Disability Services of special accommodation needs at least 30 working days prior to the first day of class. This notification will help ensure quality, availability, and provision of the services needed in a timely manner. For more information, contact the ADA Student Disability Services Office at (843) 661-8124. Additional information concerning students with disabilities as well as other information pertaining to ADA can be found on the National ADA site, www.ada.com.

Florence-Darlington Technical College is an equal opportunity institution and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, national or ethnic origin, disability, sex or age in its enrollment policies, academic programs, student activities or employment practices. In compliance with Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act 1973, the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990 (ADA), and the ADA Amendments Act of 2008 (ADAAA). Florence- Darlington Technical College offers equal access and opportunity in its enrollment policies and will make reasonable accommodations for individuals with disabilities to its academic programs, student services, employment practices and facilities. Florence-Darlington Technical College ensures that no otherwise qualified person will be denied these provisions on the basis of a disability.

Student Employment Services

The Career Services Office at Florence-Darlington Technical College assists students in securing employment upon graduation from their certificate, diploma or degree program, as well as assists employers in their search for new and qualified employees. If you are a graduate of FDTC and would like to request employment assistance, please contact the Career Services Office at (843) 661-8075.

Procedure
The Career Services Office assists graduates and currently enrolled students in the following order of priority:

First priority is given to those most recently completing a degree, diploma, or certificate program to the satisfaction of the institution.

Second priority is given to graduates of the institution who are unemployed or are seeking a change in employment.

Students presently enrolled and interested in part-time or full-time jobs are assisted in obtaining employment as long as they remain enrolled and are making satisfactory progress towards a certificate, diploma or degree. General employment opportunities are posted on the college website. For program specific employment, the student and/or graduate would view available positions on the Florence-Darlington Technical College webpage at https://www.fdtc.edu/student-life/student-resources/student-employment. Contact the Career Services Office at (843) 661-8075.

Student Support Services (SSS) Program

The SSS Program provides individualized counseling for personal, career, and academic information, and exposure to cultural events and academic programs. Academic activities are designed to acquaint students with career options, inform them about financial aid and financial literacy, and to assist them with the timely completion of the FAFSA. Academic tutoring is provided and may consist of reading, writing, study skills, mathematics, science, and other subjects. The transfer component of the SSS program offers advice and assistance in postsecondary course selection, and with applying for admissions and obtaining financial assistance for enrollment in four-year programs. Students are assigned a counselor once enrolled in the program.

WellSpring Psychology Group

WellSpring Psychology Group provides professional counseling services for our students, with a licensed professional counselor. Please contact Liz Roseman at (843) 536-1182 and specify that you are from FDTC.

• FDTC students receive 2 free visits if they do not have health insurance to cover mental health services.
• Appointments must be scheduled in advance, as Wellspring staff will only be available for scheduled appointments.
• Appointments can be scheduled any day of the week (limited evening appointments available).
• Appointments are scheduled with a clinician whose experience would best meet the needs of the student.
• FDTC staff can call with referrals, however, the student must be the one to schedule the appointment (when Wellspring receives the referral, they will follow up with the patient).
• An appointment must be scheduled to meet with a clinician; Wellspring staff will not be on campus during the week unless an appointment is scheduled.

Suicide & Crisis Lifeline: Call or text 988 or chat online at 988lifeline.org
South Carolina Mobile Crisis Team: If you or someone you know is experiencing a mental health crisis, contact Department of Mental Health’s Mobile Crisis Team, statewide, toll-free, 24/7.
     Mobile Crisis Access Phone Line: (833) 364-2274
     Crisis Text: Text Hope4SC to 741741
     Email: mobilecrisis@scdmh.org