College Catalog 2013-2014

Campus Life — Beyond the Classroom

You will find the following Student Life information—life at the College beyond the classroom—on this page:

The Student Life program is designed to provide services addressing the unique needs and concerns of students. Activities are designed and offered that support and complement student pursuits.

Athletics Center

The College’s Athletics Center is located between the Pavilion and Winnett Student Life Buildings on 17th Street. Use of the Athletics Center is restricted to students, alumni, faculty and staff with a valid College ID card. The Athletics Center is available to alumni for an annual fee paid through the alumni office. Lockers and showers are available for both students and staff. However, individuals utilizing lockers are responsible for providing their own locks. Athletic attire is required when using the facility.

The Gymnasium, housed within the Athletics Center, has two regulation-size basketball courts and seating for 1,400 spectators. The Fitness Center, located on the second floor of the Athletics Center, offers the latest weight training and aerobic exercise equipment. A demonstration is required to ensure proper use of this equipment. Also located on this floor is an exercise room designed for aerobics and other types of exercise. Two racquetball courts and a multipurpose room with table tennis and a foosball table complete the second floor. Equipment such as basketballs, racquets and paddles may be borrowed with a valid College identification card.

Faculty, staff and students are required to follow the Athletic Department’s rules to prevent accidents and injuries. A copy of these rules is available through the Department in Room G1-12, and is posted throughout the facility.

The hours of operation during the academic year (September through April) are Monday through Thursday, 7 a.m. - 7:45 p.m. and Friday 7 a.m. - 5:45 p.m. For more information, please call 215-751-8964 or stop by G1-12.

Health and Wellness

Through the Athletic Department, the College offers programming to promote health and wellness for faculty, staff and students. Daily fitness activities include aerobics, yoga and martial arts. There are also single day, off-campus trips such as bowling and rafting held each semester. In addition, the department focuses on keeping the College community fit and healthy by sponsoring health expos, educational seminars and other activities related to fitness throughout the year. For more information, please call 215-751-8968 or stop by G1-14.

Intercollegiate Athletics

Intercollegiate athletics provides competitive varsity sports for full-time (12 credits or more) students who must maintain a minimum GPA requirement and course completion rate and must not be on probationary status. Student-athletes are also required to attend study hall. Available sports include:

• Baseball (spring)
• Men’s/Women’s Basketball (winter)
• Men’s/Women’s Cross Country (fall)
• Men’s Soccer (fall)
• Co-ed Tennis (spring)
• Men’s/Women’s Track and Field (winter/spring)
• Women’s Volleyball (fall)

Team meetings are held the first week of each semester. For more information please call 215-751-8965 or stop by G1-12.

Intramural Athletics

Community College of Philadelphia students, faculty and staff (individuals or groups) are welcome and encouraged to participate in our intramural programs, which include:

• Basketball
• Flag Football
• Ping Pong
• Indoor Soccer
• Volleyball
• Walleyball
• Whiffle Ball

Sign-up sheets are available in the Athletics Center in Room G1-7. For more information please call 215-751-8968 or stop by G1-14.

Student Life Center

A college education involves more than classroom instruction. The College recognizes that experiences outside the classroom are important to the overall development of students and can support the academic mission of the College. A strong co-curricular and extra-curricular program is provided to complement instructional activities.

Through the Student Life Center, located in Room S1-19 on the first floor of the Winnet Student Life Building, a comprehensive program of social, cultural, recreational and informational activities is planned and implemented to enhance the classroom experience. A variety of special interest organizations satisfy diverse student interests and provide opportunities for students to develop talents, leadership skills and civic responsibility. Student Life programs and activities are also available at each Regional Center.

Some of the programs and services located in the Student Life Center include:

Student Media and Publications

The Vanguard, the award-winning student newspaper, presents news, sports, features and editorial commentary. Students are responsible for the publication’s policy and content.

Limited Editions is the award-winning magazine for student poets, writers, artists and photographers.

New Sights/New Visions is the English as a Second Language (ESL) magazine. It features all levels of ESL writing by students representing the wide variety of countries and cultures enrolling in the College’s ESL courses.

The Cypher Magazine represents student writing in the developmental English programs of the College.

Student Clubs and Organizations

Students who wish to be active in College clubs and organizations have the opportunity to develop current interests, explore new ideas and meet new people. Over 40 chartered clubs and organizations provide a variety of opportunities for full- and part-time students. Both curriculum-based and special interest student clubs are available.

The Student Government Association is the official student organization that represents students’ interests in campus life. It offers various opportunities for leadership development and skills enhancement. Representatives of student government may serve on College Standing Committees, along with faculty and administrators, to recommend policies to the College president.

Phi Theta Kappa International Honor Society is the official honor society for two-year colleges. The College’s Rho Upsilon Chapter consistently ranks as a “Five-Star Chapter” signifying the highest standards for promoting excellence in the classroom, at the College and in the community. Membership in Phi Theta Kappa is by invitation only and is based on scholastic excellence.

First-Year Student Success Programs

Community College of Philadelphia strives to build a community of engaged student learners who value and support a culturally diverse and intellectually dynamic community and who are encouraged to achieve. Through First-Year Student Success Programs, the College instills its core values of integrity, academic excellence, diversity, commitment to teaching and learning, communication, and respect.

The first year of college begins at the point of admission and concludes at the beginning of the next academic year. The first year of college is critical in establishing a firm foundation for academic success. Therefore, the College provides a number of programs designed to acclimate students to the life of the College while informing them of available resources. Prior to the beginning of each semester, the College sponsors New Student Welcome at Main Campus and all Regional Centers to provide information and strategies for success during the first semester of attendance. With guidance by well-trained, experienced student leaders, new students interact with faculty and staff through small and large group sessions designed to encourage social interaction and highlight important student support services. Students also have the ability to learn more about the College and how best to utilize the multitude of College services and programs via an online orientation. This interactive program is designed to supplement the in-person New Student Welcome program.

First-year students are also invited to participate in numerous programs, workshops and events throughout the year. Through the College’s Emerging Leader program, new students are provided with monthly sessions from October through March on topics that promote leadership development. Students who successfully complete the program are eligible to receive scholarships of up to $1,000. Students are also encouraged to register for College 101, the College’s student success course. College 101 is a semester-long course designed to provide new students with the academic, personal, and life management tools needed to function effectively during the first year of college. The College 101 curriculum assists students with the transition to college, navigating the system, and academic support to better prepare them to achieve their academic goals. Through the College’s Early Alert System, students are provided with timely feedback about their academic progress twice per semester to help them stay on track academically. By learning and practicing good habits in the first year, students are better prepared to meet the expectations set forth by themselves and the College.