FAQs

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Frequently Asked Questions

Career Advising

Q: How can the Career Advising Center help me?
A: Career advisors can assist you in several ways. We answer questions and provide information about SCC Programs of Study. We will discuss the admissions process with students who are considering attending the College, and we can answer any general questions that a prospective student might have about SCC and any particular course of study. Career advisors also assist students who are undecided on a program or undeclared (which means they have not completed an application to a particular Program of Study), and we can assist those who are thinking about switching to a different Program of Study.

Q: Will a career advisor be my advisor for my entire time at SCC?
A: Career advisors are here to help students get started at SCC. Once a student completes an application and selects a Program of Study, they are considered a “declared student” in a Program of Study. Declared students then begin working with advisors from their chosen Program of Study. The advisors for each particular program then assist their students with registering for classes, course planning and career decisions.

Q: How can you assist me with my career choices?
A: We offer several resources for students who are undecided on a program or a career direction. Career advisors have a number of different career assessments that a student can take, both online and on paper. In addition, career advisors will utilize resources such as Nebraska Career Connections, the Occupational Outlook handbook and SCC’s Placement Report to determine areas of interest and viable employment. Career advisors are available to meet and discuss options with students and work with them toward making the most appropriate choice for an individual’s needs and interests.

Q: How can I set up a time to meet with a career advisor?
A: Advisors are available by appointment. You can arrange a time by contacting us at: Beatrice Campus, Jackson Hall, Room 406 or call (402) 228-8242; Lincoln Campus, Room J-2 or call (402) 437-2620; Milford Campus, Assessment Office or call (402) 761-8202.

Q: What if I am undecided about what I want to study?
A: We can help! Many students may benefit from taking a career assessment, taking available classes in a program, or even just beginning to work on their general education requirements. Keep this in mind: you don’t have to have it all figured out before you begin taking classes! For a lot of students, it’s the process of going to school that helps them decide a focus. Career advisors are available to assist you with determining which Program of Study and what career options are the best fits for you.

Q: What do I do if I want to change my Program of Study?
A: Career advisors can assist you with the process of switching programs and can advise you on the proper courses to take for your intended program. We will help you work through any admissions requirements and answer questions about your new Program of Study.

Q: What if I am having problems in the classroom?
A: We have resources available to assist students who want help with time and stress management, test-taking skills and study habits. A Student Success Guide also is available in our office that contains a lot of great information that can help you to be the best student you can at SCC.
 

Learning Resource Centers

Q: When are the LRCs open?
A: Days and hours vary by campus. Call for changes in the schedules due to breaks or holidays. Beatrice: Monday-Thursday 7:30 a.m. to 6 p.m., Fridays 7:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Closed Saturday and Sunday. (402) 228-8224 or 800-233-5027. Lincoln: Monday-Thursday 7:30 a.m. to 9 p.m., Fridays 7:30 a.m. to 5 p.m., Saturdays 7:45 a.m. to noon. Closed Sundays. (402) 437-2585 or 800-642-4075. Milford: Monday-Thursday 7:30 a.m. to 6 p.m., Fridays 7:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Closed Saturday and Sunday. (402) 761-8245 or 800-933-7223.

Q: What is the Library Catalog?
A: The Library Catalog is made up of three catalogs. Each LRC has its own unique catalog, but access to the other LRC catalogs is available through links on each of their Web pages. The catalogs are large databases listing all the printed books in each LRC, as well as eBooks, periodical titles and non-print materials. Generally, searches begin with the terms of subject, title and author. However, search terms can easily be modified. Depending on the material desired, searches can be performed by format, publisher or keyword, just to name a few. The Library Catalog has a feature called My Bookbag. When reviewing a list of items or results, users can check a box to copy the record information to My Bookbag. When the review of the list is completed, the user can work with the items in the bookbag. They can be sorted or be modified in several ways. Then, the user can print, save, or e-mail the final list.

Q: How do I access the Library catalog? Am I able to access all resources from off-campus?
A: The Library Catalog is accessible on or off campus by all patrons. At www.southeast.edu, go to QUICKLINKS in the upper right corner of the page. Click on LRC/Library. It will take you to the LRC pages. Scroll down the page to the LRC of your choice. Click on the words indicating online access. Example: Lincoln Online Access. No log-in or password information is required in order to access the SCC online catalog. Off-campus access of our periodical databases and licensed resources is restricted to SCC students, staff and faculty. SCC students and employees should visit the nearest LRC to obtain directions for access. Vendors from whom we license these resources impose restrictions that prevent us from offering off-campus access to anyone besides SCC students and SCC employees. Alumni and non-SCC patrons may access many of these resources from public computers on campus.

Q: How do I borrow library materials?
A: Loan policies vary by location, but a valid SCC student identification card is required to check out materials. Faculty and staff also use their SCC IDs to check out materials. Overdue fees and replacement fees may be charged for late, lost or damaged materials.

Q: How do I reach the circulation or front desk of each library?
A: In Beatrice: (402) 228-8224 or 800-233-5027. In Lincoln: (402) 437-2585 or 800-642-4075. In Milford: (402) 761-8245 or 800-933-7223.

Q: I am not affiliated with SCC. May I borrow SCC materials?
A: Staff and students from other Nebraska academic institutions may borrow SCC materials. Patrons from other institutions agree to abide by SCC lending policies and are issued public IDs to borrow books. Members of the public also receive public IDs to borrow books when they agree to abide by the lending policies.

Q: How can I renew a book?
A: Books can be renewed by two methods. A patron may call the appropriate circulation desk of the LRC and ask to renew the book or books which are due. Patrons should have the books with them when calling the LRC in case there are questions. Another method of book renewal is to go to the LRC in person with the books and have the LRC staff at the circulation desk renew the books. It is advisable to contact the LRC from where you borrowed the books to see which method is preferred. Beatrice: (402) 228-8224 or 800-233-5027; Lincoln: (402) 437-2585 or 800-642-4075; Milford: (402) 761-8245 or 800-933-7223.

Q: What libraries other than SCC’s may I use?
A: All of the academic libraries in Nebraska have a reciprocal borrowing agreement that allows students, staff and faculty to visit and to borrow from multiple academic libraries. The students, staff and faculty should follow the lending policies of the libraries in which they visit. SCC students and staff may use the LRCs at each campus or request material from another campus. Local public libraries have different requirements for issuing lending cards. Patrons will need to check with their local library about its requirements to obtain a library card.

Q: What should I do if I’m having trouble accessing online resources from off-campus?
A: If you have problems with off-campus access of the SCC periodical databases or licensed resources, contact your primary campus LRC for assistance. They will help you identify the problem or problems. Access from on campus does not require password usage, so LRC staff is not aware of problems unless patrons notify the staff. Contact LRC staff by phone, in person, or by e-mail: scclrc@southeast.edu. Beatrice: (402) 228-8224 or 800-233-5027; Lincoln: (402) 437-2585 or 800-642-4075; Milford: (402) 761-8245 or 800-933-7223.

Q: How can I get help with my research?
A: If you need help with a research question or a project, you will find the LRC staff is available. It is preferable that you come to one of the LRCs and work on-site with a librarian. If distance is an issue, call one of the LRCs or e-mail your request for assistance: scclrc@southeast.edu. Beatrice: (402) 228-8224 or 800-233-5027; Lincoln: (402) 437-2585 or 800-642-4075; Milford: (402) 761-8245 or 800-933-7223. When you visit the LRC to conduct research, be sure to bring your assignment sheet, your syllabus and any directions that you may have received from your instructor regarding the project. The staff can be more helpful to you if they know what parameters your instructor established for a particular project.

Q: Where can I return a book?
A: Each campus has a different return policy. Check with the LRC from which you borrowed the books about where to return them. Beatrice: Return to the LRC during normal business hours, Monday through Thursday 7:30 a.m. to 6 p.m., Fridays 7:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Closed Saturday and Sunday. (402) 228-8224 or 800-233-5027; Lincoln: Return to the LRC during normal business hours. There is no book drop on campus. Monday through Thursday 7:30 a.m. to 9 p.m., Fridays 7:30 a.m. to 5 p.m., Saturdays 7:45 a.m. to noon. Closed Sundays. (402) 437-2585 or 800-642-4075; Milford: Return books to the LRC during normal business hours. After hours, use the book drop-off located outside the Eicher Technical Center near the entrance to the LRC. Monday through Thursday 7:30 a.m. to 6 p.m., Fridays 7:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Closed Saturday and Sunday. (402) 761-8245 or 800-933-7223.
 

Placement

Q: What services do the Placement Centers provide? 
A: SCC’s Placement Centers offer a variety of services and programs to assist students, alumni and employers, including:

  • Career Libraries: Information regarding employers and other resources can be found in the Career Centers. Computers are available on each campus for creating resumes and cover letters, researching company information and applying for jobs.
  • Job Listings: All jobs (full-time, part-time, internships, seasonal/temporary, and volunteer) are made available on https://placement.southeast.edu, a Web site for SCC current students, alumni and employers seeking to fill vacant positions. Registered employers can create and manage their own job listings and search for qualified SCC current students and alumni.
  • Career Fairs: Career fairs are held throughout the year offering internships, full-time and part-time positions. SCC participates in the Nebraska Collegiate eFair, a virtual (online) career fair, held in the spring.
  • On-Campus Interviews: Facilities are available for employers to conduct on-campus interviews for full-time employment and student presentations to upcoming graduates.
  • Career Workshops/Etiquette Dinners: Workshops and etiquette dinners are made available to all students.
  • Job Interview Training/Resume Development: Assistance is offered in writing and critiquing resumes and cover letters, job searches (to include Internet job searches), developing interviewing skills and practice interviews.
  • ReferenceUSA: Searchable business database providing detailed information of more than 14 million U.S. businesses.
  • Lifetime Placement Assistance: Assistance in job searches is available to all SCC graduates. All jobs are made available on https://placement.southeast.edu, a Web site for SCC current students and graduates.
  • Credential Files: Upon a student’s written release, credentials are furnished to employers seeking candidates. Resumes may also be uploaded and saved to the job Web site (https://placement.southeast.edu) for employer’s access.

Q: Who is eligible for Placement services?
A: Any currently enrolled student at SCC or anyone who has graduated from SCC is eligible to receive Placement services.

Q: Who do I contact for more information about Placement services?
A: You may contact any campus Placement Center with your questions either in person, by phone or e-mail. Contact information for all offices is on the homepage of the Placement Web site at https://placement.southeast.edu, click on the “Contact SCC” tab.

Q: As a currently enrolled student, how do I register to receive job opportunities?
A: Currently enrolled SCC students interested in off-campus employment opportunities should register for a job seeker account at https://placement.southeast.edu. Click on “Register Now” under the Student & Alumni Member Benefits. Choose your own member ID and password to set up your account. All accounts are manually reviewed to verify either current enrollment or graduation from SCC. When you receive your approval e-mail, you may begin searching online for jobs.

Q: As an employer, how can I post a job opportunity at SCC?
A: Employers interested in posting job opportunities for SCC students and graduates should register for a job seeker account at https://placement.southeast.edu. Click on “Register Now” under the Employer Member Benefits. Choose your own member ID and password to set up your account. All accounts are manually reviewed to assure one account per employer. When you receive your approval e-mail, you may begin posting job opportunities.

Testing Center

Q: What types of tests do you administer?
A: The Testing Center administers the following exams: COMPASS/ASSET, GED, Make-up tests, Spanish Placement tests, Keyboarding tests, Prometric Certification Testing (Microsoft), ATI- Nursing Assessments, TABE Testing-Law Enforcement, CLEP tests, VUE Certification tests (Cisco, American College), and proctored tests from other colleges.

Q: Why do I need to take a placement exam to get admitted to SCC?
A: SCC uses placement exams such as the ACT, SAT, COMPASS or ASSET to determine a student’s present-day level of skill in reading, writing and mathematics and to place students into the appropriate classes. Virtually every Program of Study at SCC requires a certain level of skill in these areas in order to graduate. Please keep in mind that this is a placement exam and NOT an admissions test. We do not use test scores to decide whether a student can attend SCC. We use it to determine at what level a student will be starting when they begin taking classes. A student will be eligible to take classes at SCC regardless of how they score on a placement exam. SCC also will consider college transcripts in lieu of a placement exam, provided that the student has acceptable grades in college-level writing and math courses.

Q: How do I sign up for an exam?
A: Stop by or call to make an appointment. Please make sure to arrive at your scheduled time to take your exam. You must also bring a valid photo ID in order to be admitted into the Testing Center. You can contact the Testing Center on each campus by calling or stopping by. Beatrice, Jackson Hall, Room 406 or call (402) 228-8242; Lincoln, Room L-3 or call (402) 437-2715; Milford, Assessment Office or call (402) 761-8208.

Q: What is the COMPASS exam?
A: The COMPASS exam is created by the same company that administers the ACT. It is a placement exam that measures a student’s current level of skill in math, reading and writing. The test is administered on a computer, and it is untimed. For first-time test-takers there is no fee. Students are able to use a non-graphing calculator for the math portion. Typically, the exam takes between 1.5 to 2 hours to complete.

Q: For what do you use the results of the COMPASS exam?
A: The COMPASS exam allows the College to determine course placement in math, reading and writing skills. Every student who applies for admission to SCC is required to submit some form of information that the College can use to determine course placement. In a number of scenarios, the COMPASS is the most appropriate and most readily available placement tool.

Q: Can I retake the COMPASS exam if I am not happy with my results?
A: Yes. However, there is a $15 fee to take the test again. This fee is waived if the student is still in high school or if an SCC instructor is requesting that a student retest. A student may also be asked to wait 30 days before retesting in order to allow time to study and improve their skill level. SCC will use your highest valid scores that you attain in order to determine your course placement.

Q: If I choose to retest, do I have to take the entire COMPASS exam over again?
A: No. A student can decide which area(s) in which to retest. They are not required to retake the entire COMPASS exam unless they want to.

Q: Are there any study materials available for me to review before I take my COMPASS?
A: The Testing Center has a booklet available that discusses the COMPASS exam and the types of questions asked. In addition, there are handouts available that can direct a student to a number of resources that can be used for study and review prior to testing.

Q: How long are my scores valid?
A: Your scores will be kept permanently. However, for admissions and course placement purposes, they are only valid for five years. The COMPASS is intended to measure a student’s present-day skill level. Therefore, a student may be asked to retest if their COMPASS scores are five years or older.

Q: Can I “test out” of any classes at SCC?
A: Yes. There are some courses that a student can receive credit for by successfully completing an exam for that subject. Students should contact the Testing Center directly to see which courses are available to be tested in and to discuss their options for earning credit this way.