Resources and Services

Academic Advising

Academic advising is available to all students to help them establish and attain their educational goals, including planning the most appropriate course selection at a pace that will allow them to progress successfully. New first-time, full-time, degree-seeking students are required to meet with an academic advisor prior to registration.

Students will be advised to take courses that help meet their specific educational goals.

Students who enter SFCC with credits from another institution should have all official transcripts sent to the Registrar’s Office, declare a major, and meet with an advisor. For information, visit https://www.sfcc.edu/academic-advising/ or contact Academic Advising at 505-428-1270 or advisor@sfcc.edu.

Adult Education

Adult Education’s mission is to serve the diverse Santa Fe community and its workforce by providing free, high-quality basic skills instruction to adults, 16 years of age or older and not enrolled in the K-12 school system, so they can achieve their educational and career goals and strengthen their family and community involvement. Adult Education offers instruction and tutoring in Academic and Career Education, high school equivalency (GED/HiSET) preparation, English as a second language, career pathways, and transition to postsecondary education and training. Literacy Volunteers of Santa Fe is the literacy tutoring component of Adult Education. New students participate in an orientation for intake and initial skills assessment. Each student pays a one-time registration fee of $25 each semester for ACE, ESL and I-BEST classes.

• Academic and Career Education: In the ACE program, instruction is offered below the postsecondary level in reading, writing and mathematics to help students complete their secondary level of education for college and career and to prepare for acquiring a high school equivalency credential through testing with either the GED or the HiSET exams. Social studies and science classes are also offered at more challenging levels, stressing critical reasoning and communication skills. Instruction is offered in English and in Spanish, on campus, in the community and online.
• English as a Second Language: The ESL program offers six levels of instruction in English as a Second Language, serving an international group of students. Classes include levels from beginning to advanced to prepare students for participation in community life and success in career and academic goals. Classes are offered at the college in the mornings and the evenings. ESL also offers classes in the evenings at other locations in the community. In addition, the program offers a variety of opportunities outside the classroom, on campus and in the community, for students to engage in authentic English practice.
• Literacy Volunteers of Santa Fe (LVSF) Adults with literacy skills below the sixth grade level are matched with Basic Literacy tutors who help them one-on-one with basic reading, writing and/or math. Those seeking to improve their English skills are tutored by ESL tutors in small groups for speaking, reading and writing in English. ESL Workplace tutors teach small groups of employees at hotels, restaurants and other workplaces. Adults who want to become United States citizens are tutored in U.S. history and government in order to master the information they need to pass their citizenship tests. The program serves approximately 1,500 students each year due to high demand for adult education and literacy services.
• Integrated Education and Training: Adult Education students are able to participate in a nationally-acclaimed Integrated Basic Education and Skills Training (I-BEST) career pathway model, earning stackable and portable industry-recognized college credentials at the same time they continue to develop English and academic skills for high school equivalency and independent college readiness. Career training and academic instruction are fully integrated and contextualized through a team-teaching model. Students not quite ready to enter the college-credit certificate level of their pathway can start at the more basic I-BEST Bridge level for one or more semesters.

For more information visit https://www.sfcc.edu/offices/ae/ or contact Adult Education at 505-428-1356 or ae@sfcc.edu. 

Career Services

Career Services provides guidance in career exploration, re-careering, job search and education and training through classroom presentations, seminars, job fairs and individual appointments. Services include career interest assessments, access to a vast career information database, résumés and cover letters, job postings, job search coaching, interview practice, self-marketing workshops, job referrals, matching education and training with career goals, internship opportunities and connecting to other colleges and non-traditional education and training options.

All services are free to students and community members. For more information, visit www.sfcc.edu/career-services, or contact Career Services at the Welcome and Advising Center, Room 204-G, 505-428-1406 or career.services@sfcc.edu.

College for Working Adults

College for Working Adults is a unique program for busy adults who understand how challenging it is to balance family, work and personal time yet still wish to earn an associate degree in Business Administration or Accounting. In just over two and one half years, while working full time and balancing one’s life, a student can obtain a degree through this program. College for Working Adults schedules degree programs into eight blocks of two to three courses each. The courses are offered on Saturdays and at night in full- and half-semester time frames that include classroom, online and blended (online and classroom) learning formats. To learn more about College for Working Adults, visit https://search.sfcc.edu/s?s=college+for+working+adults or call 505-428-1745.

Continuing Education

SFCC offers many personal enrichment and professional development classes to meet the interests of the area’s varied population. Continuing Education classes are described in the division’s schedule, published three times per year. The classes are held on the SFCC campus, as well as at locations throughout the city and county. Some of the popular topics include fitness, home and garden, languages and crafts. For information, visit https://www.sfcc.edu/offices/continuing-education/ or contact Continuing Education at 505-428-1676.

Teamwork in Action

Using experience-based training and development, Teamwork in Action helps organizations achieve results. Training takes place in classrooms, at conference centers or on SFCC’s state-of-the-art Challenge Course. Located on more than 20 acres, the Challenge Course is the largest ropes course in the Southwest. For information, visit www.sfcc.edu/teamwork_in_action or call 505-428-1676.

Counseling

Counseling Services provides support to assist students in meeting their social, emotional and educational goals. Licensed Professional Counselors are uniquely qualified to address the multitude of issues facing college students. In addition, timely and appropriate referral sources to outside agencies and providers are available as a vital resource for students. The counselors provide support services for students in the following areas:

• Assistance and support for personal and academic issues
• Help in resolving conflicts with family, friends or co-workers
• Addressing feelings of depression or anxiety
• Learning stress management and problem solving skills
• Discussing concerns related to identity, gender, sexuality, and relationships
• Referrals to community resources and mental-health providers
• Reviewing education interests and goals.

Counseling offers ways to deal with personal issues and stressors impacting college success. It is a confidential, respectful process where you can feel safe discussing your concerns. Counselors can offer one-on-one assistance and support on a range of personal, social and academic issues. To be eligible for counseling you must be enrolled in an SFCC credit course. For information, visit  www.sfcc.edu/offices/counseling-services or contact Counseling Services at 505-428-1682 or counselingservices@sfcc.edu.

Customized and Contract Training

SFCC offers customized and contract training to meet the unique needs of local employers in business, industry, nonprofit and public-sector agencies and organizations. Customized courses and programs can be offered for either credit or noncredit on many topics, such as skills development, OSHA training, strategic planning, technical writing and workplace Spanish. Courses can be delivered at the client’s location or at the college. The college has state-of-the-art computer labs and conference facilities and hires faculty who are experts in their fields. Customized training offers a cost-effective way to increase productivity and effectiveness. Professional staff are available to meet and discuss training needs. For information, contact Contract Training at 505-428-1676 or workforce@sfcc.edu.

First-Year Experience Program

The First-Year Experience Program supports and engages first-year students through a variety of services that help students connect to SFCC and be successful. Services include New Student Orientation, First-Year Student Success classes, expanded advising services and learning community courses.

All new full-time, degree-seeking students with 15 or fewer credits are required to meet with an advisor each semester until the student has earned 16 cumulative credits. These requirements are designed to keep students on track, enhance student success and improve degree completion.

New Student Orientation and Advising

All first-time students are required to participate in New Student Orientation prior to the start of their first semester at SFCC. This interactive event gives students an opportunity to learn more about financial aid, campus resources, advising services and expectations. In addition, students interact with other new students, current students, faculty and staff to make connections on campus prior to the first day of classes, so they start their semester prepared to be successful at SFCC.

High School Equivalency Testing

The high school equivalency test is offered by appointment at the Testing Center. Registration for the test must be completed online at www.gedcomputer.com or through the Pearson VUE call center at 877-EXAM-GED (877-392-6433).

The minimum required age to take the high school equivalency in New Mexico is 16 years old. Test-takers under the age of 18 must submit a completed Underage Verification Form signed by a parent or guardian and by the Superintendent of the test-taker’s local school district. Underage Verification Forms are available at the SFCC Testing Center and at https://www.sfcc.edu/offices/testing-center/ (click the GED Testing link).

All test-takers who pass the high school equivalency test in New Mexico must create an account at www.diplomasender.com to order a final transcript and New Mexico high school diploma. The first copy is free. Additional copies are available for a fee. For more information about taking the high school equivalency test at SFCC, visit https://www.sfcc.edu/offices/testing-center/ or contact the Testing Center at 505-428-1625.

Adult Education offers free high school equivalency preparation classes to those who want to prepare for the official test. For more information, contact Adult Education at 505-428-1356 or ae@sfcc.edu. 

Kids Campus

Kids Campus is accredited by the National Association for the Education of Young Children and maintains a Five-Star license with the New Mexico Children, Youth and Families Department. It is part of the Early Childhood Center of Excellence, which is dedicated to enhancing all aspects of early childhood in our community. Kids Campus serves the children of SFCC students, staff, faculty and the community. Kids Campus is open year-round and offers full-time enrollment on a space-available basis to children ages eight weeks through five years old. It is conveniently located on SFCC’s main campus at 6401 Richards Ave. For information, visit kidscampus.sfcc.edu or call 505-428-1354.

Library

The SFCC Library is a beautiful and welcoming environment for studying, reading, using computers and relaxing. The Library provides high-quality academic resources that faculty members need to teach and students need to learn. The physical collection consists of 60,000 items including books, periodicals, DVDs, CDs, screenplays, and audio books. All items are listed in the Library’s online catalog.

The Library also provides access to a wealth of resources electronically. Databases include electronic reference sources, full text academic electronic books, full text scholarly journal articles in a wide range of academic disciplines, newspapers, dictionaries and popular magazines. There are also databases for test preparation, high-resolution art images and streaming educational films.

The Library’s catalog and electronic resources are available with an internet connection 24/7 at www.sfcc.edu/library. You will need your SFCC login for off-campus access.

The Library also provides a number of services. Professional librarians are available for research assistance and class instruction and are eager to help. The Library, through its course reserves section, provides textbooks and other materials for some classes. These materials can be used in the Library.

Through the interlibrary loan service, the Library is able to borrow materials from many other libraries. You must be a current students, faculty or staff member. Additionally, there are agreements with other academic libraries in New Mexico for reciprocal borrowing privileges. Ask about the passport system.

The Library houses the archives of the college, and a rare books room that has a special collection focusing on the Southwest. For information, visit www.sfcc.edu/library or call 505-428-1352.

Student Development

The Office of Student Development engages SFCC students by providing an environment of belonging where individuality, diversity and creativity are valued through student leadership programs. These include Student Activities, Student Ambassadors, Student Clubs, Freedom Ambassadors, National Society of Leadership and Success, ENLACE and the Student Government Association. For information, visit https://www.sfcc.edu/offices/student-development/ or contact Student Development at West Wing, Lower Level Room LL312, 505-428-1665 or osd@sfcc.edu.

Student Activities

Throughout the academic year various events and activities are offered to students to expand their knowledge, support personal growth and improve the connection to other students and the college. Contact the Student Involvement Coordinator at 505-428-1582 or go to the Student Activities tab on my.sfcc.edu for more information.

Student Ambassadors (STAM)

The students serving in this organization are ambassadors for student involvement and engagement at SFCC. They work to promote the programs and activities of the college to their fellow SFCC students with the intent of developing well-informed and engaged students. Students who need assistance identifying and navigating campus resources may request to speak with a Student Ambassador in the Office of Student Development. Students must apply in a competitive process to be a part of this leadership team and earn a scholarship for their service. For information, contact the Student Development Director at 505-428-1681.

Student Clubs

Getting involved on campus is one of the quickest ways for students to become part of the college community and create their own unique SFCC experience. Student clubs and organizations are primarily active in the fall and spring semesters. These student-run organizations are a great way to meet new people, have fun and develop leadership and management skills. Studies show that students who are involved at their college receive better grades, are more satisfied with their overall college experience, are more likely to stay in school, and are more marketable when job searching and/or applying to other schools. Student clubs must be registered in the Office of Student Development in order to use college facilities, be listed in college publications, use the college name in publicity and receive funding (see SFCC Policy 3-18 Registered Student Organizations).

Inquire at the Office of Student Development or participate in the Student Involvement Fair held at the beginning of each semester to find out if any of the current clubs are of interest or to learn how to start a club.

For information, visit https://www.sfcc.edu/student-clubs-organizations/ or contact the Student Involvement Coordinator at 505-428-1582.

Student Government Association

The Student Government Association is the official governance group that represents the SFCC student body. SGA members work to make a difference on campus by representing the student perspective to the administration and various governance councils. They also provide a forum for students to engage in conversations regarding campus issues. SGA encourages and advocates for student involvement on campus by sponsoring student events, programs and leadership opportunities. Students enrolled in at least one credit-bearing course are automatically members of the SGA and are encouraged to attend SGA meetings. Students earn voting rights at the third meeting they attend. For information, visit https://www.sfcc.edu/office-student-development-student-government-association/ or contact Student Government at sga@sfcc.edu.

ENLACE

ENLACE (Engaging Latino Communities for Education) is a statewide educational initiative designed to strengthen the educational pipeline and increase opportunities for Latinos to enter and complete college. ENLACE is funded by the State of New Mexico through the Higher Education Department. For information, visit https://www.sfcc.edu/enlace-program-information/ or contact ENLACE at 505-428-1179.

National Society of Leadership and Success

The SFCC Chapter of the National Society of Leadership and Success provides leadership training, scholarships, team development and community engagement. For information, visit https://www.sfcc.edu/offices/student-development/ or call 505-428-1179.

Online Teaching and Learning

Online Teaching and Learning provides faculty, staff and administration with support and training for SFCC’s learning management system, higher education quality standards and industry best practices for online teaching and learning. Focused on fostering excellence in teaching, improvement in online learning, faculty collaboration and mentorships, Online Teaching and Learning serves our student community with high quality courses and  highly qualified educators who promot excellence in education in the effective use of technology. Online Teaching and Learning’s goals are to build community and strengthen online teaching and learning.

Learning Online

Through the bridge of technology, students with time and/or geographic constraints are empowered to take online classes.

Faculty and students interact through a course management system designed to deliver an interactive, web-based classroom over the internet. Online courses generally follow a schedule with specific due dates for course work, but the choice of when and where the students do their work is their decision. SFCC students have access to computer labs on campus. Students enrolled in an online course will need internet access and a computer that meets recommended requirements, which can be found at https://community.canvaslms.com/docs/DOC-10721. To enroll in an online class, follow the usual registration procedures. Online courses are identified in the printed schedule by the “ONLINE” designation, located in the “Days” area of the listings. There is a $25 per credit hour (maximum of $75) fee attached to each online class; regular tuition and fees also apply. Online learning students must abide by all college policies (see SFCC Policies and Procedures.

Courses may be delivered through three formats.

• 100% web-based (designation D) through Canvas, SFCC’s Learning Management System, for online courses with no face-to-face classroom instruction and no campus visits required.  
• Web-blended (designation B) through Canvas with set on-campus meetings required.
• Face-to-face courses will now include access to instructor information, the Course Syllabus, and Grades. The choice to include additional content is made by each individual instructor.

For information, visit https://www.sfcc.edu/offices/online-teaching-learning/ or contact Online Teaching and Learning at 505-428-1166 or otl@sfcc.edu.

Placement Testing

Course placement testing is required at SFCC for placement into English, reading and mathematics courses and into courses that have English, reading and mathematics prerequisites. Placement is used to ensure that students enroll in courses appropriate for their current skill levels and consistent with their educational and career goals.

Most students will take the ACCUPLACER, a computer-based placement assessment, to determine their course placement. However, ACT or SAT scores that are less than three years old or previously completed college-level coursework may sometimes be used for placement or to satisfy prerequisites. Mathematics courses that are more than three years old may never be used for placement or to satisfy prerequisites.

Students are STRONGLY ENCOURAGED to refresh their English and math skills before taking the placement test to ensure that they perform as well as possible on the test and are placed into the appropriate courses. Sample questions for the ACCUPLACER along with additional free study materials are available at https://www.sfcc.edu/offices/testing-center/ or at www.accuplacer.org. For information, visit https://www.sfcc.edu/offices/testing-center/ or contact the Testing Center at 505-428-1625.

Placement testing is free at the Testing Center, and no appointment is necessary. A photo ID (such as an SFCC ID card or drivers license) and your SFCC A number are required for testing. The tests are untimed, but the complete exam (English and math) takes about two hours. The Testing Center will provide testing accommodations for students who have documented disabilities. Accommodations must be arranged in advance through Student Accessibility Services at 505-428-1711. 

Santa Fe Community Television

Through an agreement with the City of Santa Fe, SFCC operates a channel on the Comcast Cable System designated for community use: Santa Fe Community Television (SFCTV-16). Channel 16 features programming focused on public and educational issues. The college offers a number of credit and noncredit courses in video production and related areas in conjunction with SFCTV. Students and community volunteers are encouraged to assist with and produce programming. For information, visit https://www.sfcc.edu/offices/santa-fe-community-televison-sfctv16/ or contact SFCTV-16 at 505-428-1509 or 505-428-1132.

Santa Fe Higher Education Center

The Santa Fe Higher Education Center, located at 1950 Siringo Road, is a partnership among SFCC, New Mexico Highlands University, Northern New Mexico College, and Bellevue University.  The Higher Education Center provides access to a variety of bachelor’s and master’s degree programs in the heart of Santa Fe. Students who complete a certificate or an associate degree from SFCC are able to transfer to any of the HEC parters to achieve their higher education goals. Classes are offered in a traditional classroom setting, via instructional TV or online. The LEED-certified (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design), energy-efficient facility is conveniently located across from Santa Fe High School. The HEC also houses the Santa Fe Small Business Development Center. For information, visit https://www.sfcc.edu/higher-education-center or contact the Higher Education Center at 505-428-1725.

Santa Fe Small Business Development Center

The Santa Fe Small Business Development Center is a member of the New Mexico Small Business Development Center Network. This statewide network of business experts includes 20 centers, affiliate programs, the International Business Accelerator, and the Procurement and Technical Assistance Program. Partnership with the U.S. Small Business Administration, the New Mexico State Legislature, 17 host colleges and the private sector equips SBDCs to ensure that New Mexico entrepreneurs have the resources and support they need to make sound business decisions.

The SBDC offers training, advising, research and technical support to business owners and aspiring entrepreneurs. Training involves courses, workshops and seminars; advising provides free one-on-one, confidential business advice and access to partner organizations; and research includes a library of reference materials and access to industry reports and resources at no charge. SBDC offers self-paced learning programs in a wide range of business-related topics. All services are open to the public. The SBDC is located in the Santa Fe Higher Education Center at 1950 Siringo Road. For information, visit www.nmsbdc.org/santafe or call 505-428-1343.

Service Learning

Service-learning is a component of credit classes that includes community service in the learning objectives of the class and encourages reflective thinking on personal and civic responsibility. The community service experience of the class is part of the pedagogy and increases the learning experience by demonstrating how community issues and programs relate to what is being taught in the class.

Student Accessibility Services

SFCC follows the guidelines outlined in the Americans with Disabilities Act and provides for reasonable accommodations to qualified individuals with documented disabilities. Students with disabilities are encouraged to contact Student Accessibility Services to make an appointment to discuss educational goals and to create a plan for success. Accessibility Services will respond to each student’s accommodation request based on a dialogue with the student and review of the disability documentation.

After students have completed the advising and planning process and are registered with Accessibility Services, they are responsible for allowing sufficient lead time for requested accommodations. Refer to the following chart when making a request. Staff makes every effort to provide requested services as quickly as possible.

For information, visit https://www.sfcc.edu/offices/student-accessibility-services/ or contact Student Accessibility Services at West Wing, Lower Level Room LL311 or 505-428-1711.

Testing Center

The Testing Center serves the assessment needs of SFCC students and the larger community with a variety of paper-and-pencil and computer-based exams and other assessments. The center offers the college’s placement test and make-up exams for students who are unable to test with their class. It also offers high school equivalency exams (GED and HiSET), test proctoring for students taking courses at other institutions, certification and licensure exams, and services for students seeking to earn credit for college-level learning gained outside the traditional college classroom. Visit https://www.sfcc.edu/offices/testing-center/ or contact the Testing Center at East Wing, Room 611 or 505-428-1625.

TRiO/Student Support Services

TRiO/Student Support Services, is a federally funded grant program designed to work with 160 SFCC students. The program serves income eligible, first-generation students and students with disabilities. Eligible students who are committed to their college education and willing to participate will be offered enhanced services designed to help them meet their educational goals. Services include academic support (tutoring, writing assistance, test taking, study skills), academic and transfer advising, assistance applying for scholarships, workshops related to student success, and cultural/historical trips. The TRiO Program also provides private study space and a computer lab. For more information, contact the TRiO/SSS Office in the West Wing, Lower Level, Room 313 or call 505-428-1364.

Tutoring Center

Tutoring is a very important resource for students who wish to be successful in their courses. Free tutoring is available by appointment or on a drop-in basis for most English, math and science courses when classes are in session. Peer and paraprofessional tutors work with students individually and in small groups. Students are allowed a maximum of two hours a week of appointment tutoring per course but may drop in for tutoring any time (based on availability of tutors). For information, visit https://www.sfcc.edu/offices/tutoring-center/ or contact the Tutoring Center at West Wing, Lower Level Room LL326 or 505-428-1260.

Veterans Benefits

SFCC has an award-winning Veterans Resource Center, ready to make using your earned VA education benefits a smooth process. Qualified students who are eligible to receive veterans educational benefits, need to contact the School Certifying Offical as early in the enrollment process as possible. Students must declare a major in a degree or certificate program that has been approved by the New Mexico State Veterans approval agency; eligible students will be certified only for classes that are required in the degree program. Students receiving VA educational benefits may also qualify for other forms of financial aid. Veterans Resource Center staff are ready to help you apply for new benefits or reactivate previously used benefits. To set up a one-on- one appointment with the School Certifying Official, call 505-428-1305 or visit West Wing, Lower Level Room LL302C. To learn more about your benefits visit www.gibill.va.gov or https://www.sfcc.edu/offices/veterans-resource-center/ or contact the Veterans Resource Center at 505-428-1305.

Welcome and Advising Center

The Welcome and Advising Center offers a friendly and helpful environment to complete the admission process, registration and first-year advising services. WAC staff members strive to accommodate the diverse needs of students, community, faculty and staff as they pursue their educational and career goals. For more information, visit https://www.sfcc.edu/offices/welcome-and-advising-center/ or contact the the Welcome and Advising Center at 505-428-1270 or wac@sfcc.edu.