Jul 11, 2025  
Catalog/Handbook 2025-2026 
    
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Catalog/Handbook 2025-2026

Catalog/Handbook 2025-2026

The Polk State College Catalog/Student Handbook contains detailed information about admission requirements, academic programs and policies, course descriptions, financial aid, special services and resources, extracurricular activities, and related policies and procedures. 

A student with specific questions or an individual needing further information, should contact a Student Success Advisor in Student Services on the Lakeland or Winter Haven Campus, or at the Airside East, Airside West, or JD Alexander-Lake Wales Center.

Polk State College is part of the Florida College System and awards baccalaureate degrees, associate degrees, advanced technical certificates, credit and vocational certificates, and applied technology diplomas. Polk State College is governed by a District Board of Trustees. The information published in this Catalog reflects the District Board’s rules and administrative regulations in effect at the time of publication in a user-friendly format. The official and binding rules and procedures are published on the College website. Polk State College reserves the right to make changes to regulations, course offerings, curricula, academic policies, and other aspects affecting students.

Information about any changes to rules and regulations is available in the Student Services offices.

This Catalog is updated throughout the year for omissions and errors only.


Polk State College
999 Avenue H, N.E.
Winter Haven, Florida 33881-4299
863.297.1000

 

[Note: This Catalog may have updates throughout the months of
July and August due to legislative changes that affect policies].

Accreditation

Polk State College is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC) to award associate and baccalaureate degrees. Polk State College also offers credentials such as certificates and diplomas at approved degree levels. The Commission’s contact information is provided to enable interested constituents to (1) learn about the accreditation status of the institution, (2) file a third-party comment at the time of the institution’s decennial review, or (3) file a complaint against the institution for alleged non-compliance with a standard or requirement. Questions about the accreditation of Polk State College may be directed in writing to the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges at 1866 Southern Lane, Decatur, GA 30033-4097, orby calling (404) 679-4500. Information is also available on the SACSCOC’s website (www.sacscoc.org). 

The Commission reaffirmed Polk State College on June 17, 2021, The College maintains the standards specified by SACSCOC’s. Principles of Accreditation and notifies the Commission of any substantive change.

[Note: Normal inquiries about the College, such as questions relating to admission requirements, financial aid, educational programs, and policies, should be addressed directly to the appropriate department at the College and not to the Commission’s office.] 

SACSCOC reaffirmed Polk State College on June 17, 2021.  The College maintains the standards specified by SACSCOC’s Principles of Accreditation and notifies SACSCOC of any substantive change.
 

Polk State College programs are also accredited by:

  • The Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs (CAAHEP) 9355 - 113th Street North, #7709, Seminole, FL 33775; telephone: 727.210.2350; website: www.caahep.org

  • The Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing, Inc. (ACEN) 3343 Peachtree Road NE, Suite 850, Atlanta, GA 30326; telephone: 404.975.5000; website: www.acenursing.org

  • The Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs (CAAHEP) 9355 113th St. N., #7709, Seminole, FL 33775; telephone: 727.210.2350; website: www.caahep.org

  • The Commission on Accreditation in Physical Therapy Education (CAPTE) 3030 Potomac Ave., suite 100, Alexandria, Virginia 22305-3085; website: www.capteonline.org

  • The Committee on Accreditation of Educational Programs for the Emergency Medical Services Professions (CoAEMSP) 8301 Lakeview Parkway, Suite 111-312, Rowlett, TX 75088; website: https://coaemsp.org

  • The Accreditation Council for Occupational Therapy Education (ACOTE), 4720 Montgomery Lane, Ste 200, Bethesda, MD 20814-3449; telephone: 301.652.6611; website: www.acoteonline.org

  • Joint Review Committee on Education in Radiologic Technology (JRCERT), 20 N. Wacker Dr. Suite 2850, Chicago, IL 60606-3182; telephone: 312.704.5300; website: www.jrcert.org

  • The Commission on Accreditation for Law Enforcement Agencies, Inc., (CALEA®) Public Safety Training Academy Accreditation, 13575 Heathcote Blvd., Ste. 320, Gainesville, VA 20155; telephone: 703.352.4225; website: www.calea.org

  • The Commission on Accreditation for Respiratory Care (CoARC), 264 Precision Blvd., Telford, TN 37690; telephone: 817.283.2835; website: www.coarc.com

  • The Joint Review Committee on Education in Cardiovascular Technology (JRC-CVT), 355 Hartford Avenue West, Uxbridge, MA 01569; telephone: 978.456.5594; website: www.jrcert.org

  • The Joint Review Committee on Education in Diagnostic Medical Sonography (JRC-DMS), 6021 University Boulevard, Suite 500, Ellicott City, MD 21043; website: www.jrcdms.org

 

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