Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Do you need accommodations?

• Special seating
• Equipment such as assistive listening devices, audio recorder, etc.
• Materials in alternative format such as large print, Braille, or electronic file
• Services such as interpreter for the deaf

These accommodations and more are available to qualified disabled individuals.* Interested disabled persons need to complete a Classroom Accommodation packet at least 10 working days prior to the class they wish to attend. For more information or to request a Classroom Accommodation packet, contact the Disability Resource Center: call 941-752-5295 (voice) or 941-751-8179 (TTY). * Must meet program eligibility standards and provide documentation of disability from relevant professional (audiologist, medical doctor, counselor, etc.)

What is the Refund and Cancellation Policy?

For multi-session classes:
Cancellation request must be received in writing to workforce@scf.edu at least five (5) business days prior to the first class. If received less than five (5) business days prior to the start of class, any expenses incurred by the College for materials will be deducted from the refund. For cancellations after the start of class, no refunds will be provided.

All other classes:
Full refund if written cancellation request is received at least three (3) business days prior to the start of class. If written cancellation is received less than three(3) business days prior to the class start date, no refund will be provided. At the discretion of the College and the availability of the next scheduled class, an individual may be transferred to the next class.

Effective 5/15/2024

What are the Student Fees?

State colleges enroll students in courses at nominal rates. Most of the courses in this catalog are totally supported by collected student fees and receive no additional state funds. Course fees are reflected in the course listings. A $10 fee will be charged for each replacement certificate. A $20 service charge will be assessed on checks with insufficient funds. Check with the Traffic Safety Institute on their fee policies as fees differ between programs.

What skills do I need to enroll in a course?

For personal enrichment courses, just bring your enthusiasm! For computer classes, it varies. We have introductory courses (Absolute Beginner) which require little to no computer experience. Other courses (Excel, PowerPoint, Word & more) require you to have a working knowledge of the Windows operating system and basic skills like cut, copy, paste, and file/folder management. Microsoft Office classes are offered in different levels and have Table of Contents and prerequisites listed in the class information. If you have any questions regarding which courses are appropriate for your skill level, please call 941-363-7203 for more detailed information.

What do I need to bring to class?

Ordinarily, all of your course materials will be supplied to you once class begins. Materials may include handouts, course manuals, pencils, or folders. Depending on the class, you may or may not be allowed to keep the course manual. In some cases, you must purchase a book from the SCF bookstore at Bradenton or Venice.

What does it cost to enroll in a class?

Class fees vary based upon the type of course, level of instruction, and materials used. As the self-supporting part of the institution, tuition and fees are collected and enrollment levels are set to cover the costs of the program. Class fee payment is required at the time of enrollment.

Who is the instructor of the class?

Our instructors are individuals who are practitioners in their field. They may be our faculty or staff. They may be local business and community leaders. They may be individuals with years of experience in the content area. Because many of our instructors are contracted on a class-by-class basis, contacting the instructor should be done through our Lifelong Learning and Workforce Development office.

Waitlists / What if I don't see the class I want?

• If you don't see the class you want, it may be scheduled for a later date and not available for registration yet. In that case, we are able to add you to a wait list to be contacted when registration opens.
  • Some classes run consistently (Ex. Excel, Children & Divorce)
  • Some are periodic (Ex. Private Investigator, English for College and Communication)
  • Others are annual (Ex. Enrolled Agent).
• If we don't offer the class you want, please let us know. We are always open to new ideas!