With the fall 2024 semester beginning today, it is important for Polk State College students to know how to access resources and get the help they need to succeed in their courses.
Below is a list of some important services for students:
Wi-Fi
One of the first things students want to know is how to connect to the college’s Wi-Fi. The college offers free Wi-Fi at each of its seven campuses.
Students can access WiFi through POLKSTATE-CONNECT. No password is required.
Polk State Email and Polk Portal
For Polk State students, MyPolk email and the Polk Portal are important tools. The Polk Portal is a central hub for student services and financial services, where students can obtain the following starting June 25:
- View the semester’s lecture schedule
- Register for courses
- Check if your account is blocked
- Make payments
- View and accept financial support
For more information about the Polk portal, email, and more, click here. Anyone having trouble accessing it should call the Polk State Helpdesk at 863.298.6839. Helpdesk hours are Monday through Thursday from 7 a.m. to 9 p.m., Friday from 7 a.m. to 5 p.m., and Saturday from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m.
canvas
Canvas is Polk State’s learning management system that provides access to class assignments, syllabi, and other materials related to each course. When visiting Canvas at polk.edu/sso, users can choose between three clickable buttons – Student, Staff, and Noncredit Student. After selecting the appropriate button, students log in using their Polk State email credentials.
A tutorial video on how to access Canvas can be found here. For more information about Canvas, see here.
Bookstores
Polk State has bookstores on the Winter Haven and Lakeland campuses that are open Monday through Friday. During the first two weeks of classes, August 12-23, the stores will be open from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. From August 26 through the end of the fall 2024 semester, the bookstores will be open Monday through Thursday from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. and on Friday from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.
Contact the Lakeland Campus Bookstore at 863.665.8431 or [email protected]. Contact the Winter Haven Campus Bookstore at 863.299.3325 or [email protected]. More information, including how to download the Bookstore app, place online orders, and arrange curbside pickup, can be found here. Course textbooks are not available for checkout at the libraries.
Tutoring and library services
Tutoring and library services are available to all Polk State students on campus and online. The TLCCs on Polk State’s Winter Haven and Lakeland campuses and the JD Alexander Center in Lake Wales offer free tutoring for students by peers and professional tutors. Tutoring includes help with writing, math, science, language arts, accounting, and more. Contact the TLCC at [email protected]. For more information about tutoring, click here.
Polk State’s libraries, also located on the Winter Haven and Lakeland campuses, provide professional reference and research assistance as well as print and online course materials and interlibrary loan services. Information, including hours, on resources offered at the TLCC and the libraries can be found here.
Eat
On August 12, campus cafes on Polk State’s Winter Haven and Lakeland campuses will reopen. Operated by Canteen, the cafes offer affordable and convenient dining options and are open Monday through Thursday from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m.
The cafes do not accept cash, but debit, credit and BankMobile cards are accepted. Students can also shop using the Canteen Connect and Pay app. More information, including how to download and use the app, can be found here.
Security
Polk State has a Lost and Found office. If you have lost or found something, please contact the Security Offices: WMS 134 on the Winter Haven Campus or LME 102 on the Lakeland Campus.
Polk State provides 24-hour security at its Winter Haven and Lakeland campuses. To contact security, call 863.297.1059.
For more information, including how to receive emergency alerts, lost and found, reporting a crime and more, click here.
transport
Through a partnership between Polk State and Citrus Connection, all students can ride the bus for free by simply showing their Polk State ID. Citrus Connection stops at the Lakeland and Winter Haven campuses, as well as the Airside Center-West and the Polk State JD Alexander Center.
Click here to learn more about Citrus Connection routes and services.
Examination in civics
Passing the Florida Civic Literacy Exam is one of the newer requirements for Polk State College students to receive a degree.
For students enrolling in college for the first time for the fall 2021 semester or later, the state requires them to pass National Government (POS2041) or American History (AMH1010 or AMH2020) with a C or better and score at least 60% on the Civics Skills Exam. The exam consists of 80 questions divided into four sections of 20 questions each, requiring a total of 48 correct answers.
The requirement was established by the Florida State Legislature to ensure that students demonstrate “competence in civic education.” According to the Florida Department of Education, this includes an understanding of the basic principles of American democracy, the United States Constitution, landmark Supreme Court rulings, and the impact of the founding documents on law and society.
Click here for more information about the Civics Exam.
BayCare Student Assistance Program
Every day, students face events that can affect them both personally and academically. Whether it’s childcare, financial, legal, health, or emotional issues, the impact of these worries is felt in all areas of life.
To better support students facing challenges, Polk State students have access to BayCares Personal Advantage, an online resource that offers help with everything from test prep to creating a personal budget to managing stress. Learn more about the program here.
Get active
Polk State’s Student Government Associations (SGAs) and Student Activities and Leadership Office (SALO) provide opportunities for students to get involved and make a difference. The SGAs for the Winter Haven, Lakeland, and Lake Wales campuses host a series of welcome events. Learn more here.
SALO is home to more than 40 campus clubs and helps students get involved and find camaraderie through community service, intramural sports, educational and multicultural workshops, and more. To get involved or learn more, email [email protected]. To join SALO online, visit the organization’s Canvas link.
Stay in touch
To stay up to date with the latest happenings at Polk State, students are encouraged to follow the college on social media. Polk State College is on Facebook, Þjórsárdalurand Instagram.
For current student news, visit www.polk.edu. For current information on Polk State’s athletic teams, visit www.polkeagles.com.
