Whether your child is already a PBCC student or just considering what to do next, we recognize that you play a key role in his or her success.  We understand new students face challenges adjusting to the college environment and their parents often face challenges staying connected and being supportive while also encouraging independence and learning to “let go.” 

You will be amazed at all PBCC offers to help students succeed inside and outside of the classroom.  We have Career Centers to help students identify their career interests, develop a resume and launch their job search; Academic Advisors to guide students toward their career goals; Disability Support Services to provide assistance to ensure that students with documented disabilities have full access to all programs and services; and Student Learning Centers that offer free one-on-one tutoring as well as many other services.

Why is a community college such a great choice?  Here are a few reasons why PBCC could be the best choice for you and your student:

• PBCC students perform just as well or better than those who began their higher education at universities.
  
  
• PBCC students will not be lost in the crowd.  With an average class of 23 students, professors know their name and their primary focus is to help students learn.
  
  
• PBCC’s tuition is about 40 percent lower than that of state universities.
  
  
• Florida Bright Future Medallion Scholars may receive an award of 100% of their tuition and fees for college credit courses leading toward an associate degree.
  
  
• PBCC classrooms and labs are equipped with the latest technology and many professors are podcasting their lectures.
  
  
• PBCC offers more than 110 degree and certificate programs to help students transfer to a four-year university or prepare for immediate employment.
  
  
• Palm Beach County employers rate PBCC number one in employment training.
  
  
• PBCC trains 80% of the health care workers in Palm Beach County.
  
  
• Nearly half of university juniors and seniors have attended a community college.
  
  

PBCC is committed to Student Success.  Please call us at (561) 967-PBCC with any questions you have about PBCC and we encourage you to arrange for a campus tour of any of our four locations – Belle Glade, Boca Raton, Lake Worth and Palm Beach Gardens.

Expect More – Think Opportunity!

Important Steps to Get Started:

1. Gather information and take a tour of PBCC.
   
   
2. Consider academic and employment goals before making the commitment.  (Do you work or have other time restrictions?  Know your expectations.)
   
   
3. Apply for admission to PBCC – either online or in person.
   
   
4. Apply for Financial Aid as early as possible.  (Both part-time and full-time students can qualify for financial aid.)
   
   
5. Schedule and complete any required admission or placement testing.
   
   
6. Understand how you will pay for classes and what the total cost will be.
   
   
7. Sign up and attend mandatory Orientation/Educational Planning session.
   
   
8. Register for classes.
   
   
9. Get final transcripts to the admissions office.

Career Centers
Career planning and employment services are available at all locations of the College.  The Career Center staff can help with career self-assessment, occupation information and exploration, employer identification and job search skill development.  They also offer workshops on College and Career Options.

Trio/Student Support Services
Student Support Services is a Department of Education federally funded program that provides support services to low-income, first-generation college students and students with disabilities.  Services include: advising, tutoring, financial aid assistance, cultural events, college tours, workshops, career development, and transfer assistance.

Campus Safety
Palm Beach Community College has launched an instant mass notification system that will send emergency messages to students, faculty and staff.

Through PBCC Alert, students can opt to receive time-critical, safety/security text messages via their mobile phone, Blackberry, wireless PDA, text pager, e-mail account, personal portal or RSS reader.  Students choose the best ways for PBCC to send them emergency messages wherever they are!  

College Security
Palm Beach Community College maintains security on all four main campuses during operating hours.  The department consists of 35 trained, non-sworn personnel who maintain security and administrative operation of the department.  Personnel assigned to the department conduct routine inspections of fire extinguishers, AEDs, and emergency phones.  They respond to accidents and incidents on campus property.  They handle the opening and closing of all campuses and manage hundreds of access control requests on a weekly basis for faculty.  They work cooperatively with law enforcement agencies having jurisdiction on their campus to prevent and resolve criminal activity.

Counseling Services
While the College is not able to provide long-term personal counseling or therapy, there are support services available to students.  These services include: crisis intervention, referral to local agencies and support groups.

Food Service
A full-service cafeteria is available to students at the Lake Worth location and at the Boca Raton location.  A food court is available at the Palm Beach Gardens location and there is a café at the Belle Glade location, as well as vending machines at all locations.

Student Records/Privacy – FERPA  (Family Educational Rights & Privacy Act)
 
DEFINITION OF STUDENT RECORDS: Student records may include, but are not limited to, applications, test scores, transcripts, photos and correspondence. All received transcripts and documents are the property of the College and may not be copied or transmitted to third parties, except in accordance with state law.

INSPECTION OF RECORDS - Eligible Persons: In compliance with FERPA, student records are open for inspection only by the student and:

• School officials, as determined by the Registrar to have legitimate educational interests
• State educational authorities
• Federal and state officials representing state or federal programs
• Officials in compliance with judicial orders
• Persons having written authorization for release (this would include parents)