Lifelong Learning Q&A

Q. What is the difference between a credit course and a non-credit course?

A. Credit courses are generally taken as part of a degree program. Noncredit courses are offered to provide skills and knowledge for individuals who are not enrolled in a formally structured curriculum. Usually no home work is assigned and students are not tested. (Certificate and licensure courses may require homework and testing.)

 

Q. Why take a Lifelong Learning noncredit course?

A. Upgrade or update your skills, develop new skills, stimulate your mind, or enrich your understanding about a wide range of topics.

Q. What types of courses do you have?

A. A wide variety; Basket Weaving, Motorcycle Rider, Get Comfortable With Computers, to name a few.

 

Q. When are these courses offered?

A. Days, evenings and weekends; courses start each month and are repeated throughout the year.

 

Q. What if I don’t see the course I’m looking for?

A. Call us! Your course may be offered later in the year or we can create new courses based on your needs and feedback.

 

Q. Who may attend a Lifelong Learning course?

A. Anyone 16 years of age or older; a younger learner may be accepted if enrolled with an adult.

 

Q. How do I find out about Lifelong Learning courses at SFCC?

A. Course booklets are available on campus at the Lifelong Learning office located in the Yeater Learning Center inside the Donald C. Proctor Library, in the Fred E. Davis Multipurpose Center, or in the William C. Hopkins Student Services Center at the information booth or in the Student Services Office. In Sedalia you can also pick one up at the Sedalia Parks Department and the Sedalia Chamber of Commerce. Additionally, the booklet can be found on the Web at http://sfccmo.edu/pages/421.asp . Or, you may request a copy be mailed to you by calling Ethelene Jagels at (660) 530-5822 or enroll in our e-mail list by sending an e-mail to Melody Chapman at mchapman@sfccmo.edu.

Q. How do I enroll in a Lifelong Learning course?

A. The easiest way to enroll is by mail to SFCC Short Courses, 3201 W 16^th St., Sedalia, MO 65301. You may also fax your credit card payment to (660) 596-7463. Or, you can enroll in person at the Lifelong Learning office located in the Yeater Learning Center inside the Donald C. Proctor Library.

 

Q. How late can I register for a class?

A. You may register as late as three days prior to the class, but you run the risk of the class being full or the class being canceled. The earlier the better. We will gladly refund your money if your schedule changes before the class starts.

 

Q. Will I get a confirmation?

A. No, you are automatically registered when we receive your registration form and payment. We contact you only if your course is filled or canceled.

 

Q. Is there a minimum number of students required for a course to be taught?

Yes. Most courses must have 10 people in order to be taught.

 

Q. How will I know if class doesn’t have the minimum number of students enrolled?

A. Should a course not have the minimum enrollment three days prior to its start, you will be notified by phone that the class was canceled and a refund will be mailed to you by our Business Office.

 

Q. Is there a senior discount for short courses?

A. Yes, seniors receive discounted rates for short courses. These vary by class and range from $5 to $50 off the price listed in the booklet.

 

Q. Do I need a textbook? If so, where do I get them?

A. Sometimes. The course information will indicate if a text is required. The SFCC bookstore will have the required texts unless otherwise noted.

 

Q. Will I need to purchase supplies? If so, where do I get them?

A. Sometimes. The course information will indicate if supplies are required. The supply list will be provided either at the time of enrollment or at the first class session. The SFCC Bookstore carries many art supplies but items may be purchased wherever you choose. If the supplies are not available in the local area, the instructor will order the items and the supply fee will be collected at the time of enrollment.

 

Q. Is there an attendance requirement?

A. Yes, in order to qualify for certificate of completion; specific requirements vary from course to course.

 

Q. What if I miss a class?

A. Because these are noncredit courses, missing a class once in a while is okay – we know the students who take our classes are people with busy schedules and vibrant lives!

Q. Who do I talk to about teaching a short course?

A. Contact Melody Chapman at mchapman@sfccmo.edu or 660-596-7265.

 

Q. Can you bill my company?

A. Yes, include a purchase order or letter of authorization on company letterhead with your registration form.

 

Q. How can I get my company to send me for training?

A. Send a memo with the course information to your supervisor and/or human resources department; stress the benefits. Improved skills mean improved performance; emphasize the quality and convenience of the course; point out the reasonable cost

Q. What is the refund/drop policy?

A. Refund Policy: Because Lifelong Learning (noncredit) classes are self-supporting, the decision to run a class is based on the number of people enrolled. The college reserves the right to cancel if sufficient enrollment is not achieved. Every effort will be made to notify registrants by phone or mail if a class is canceled. Full refunds will be issued for classes canceled by the college.

Motorcyle Courses - 100 percent refund if you withdraw or change class sessions one week prior to the first class meeting date.

All other courses - If you need to cancel a class please contact our office seven (7) days before the start date to receive a refund. Expenses such as supply fees, food costs, tour fees or other costs associated with the course besides the course fee will be refunded if Lifelong Learning has not incurred those costs. If a course has an enrollment deadline, that date is also considered the cancellation deadline.

 

If you have a situation that warrants an override of the above policy, an explanation of the circumstances should be made in writing to the Lifelong Learning Office. The director will review the situation to determine if a refund can be granted and will notify you accordingly. Refunds should be received within 30 days.

Q. Can I purchase gift certificates?

A. Knowledge is priceless. But for a few dollars you can give the gift of lifelong learning! Purchase a gift certificate for a specific class or for a dollar amount that can be applied to a class of the recipient’s choice. Give the smartest gift ever by calling (660) 530-5822 and ordering with your VISA or MasterCard. Certificates are available in any dollar amount.

Q. Do I need a parking pass?

A. No, those taking Lifelong Learning courses are not required to have a parking pass.