Student Support Services

You will find information about the following College centers, labs, resources and student services on this page:

Academic Advising

Academic Advising is an integral part of the student experience at Community College of Philadelphia. Advisors work closely with students to develop educational plans, review program requirements, and select appropriate courses for the purpose of integrating program of study with personal, academic and career goals. Students are strongly encouraged to be an active part of the advising relationship by engaging with their Advisor throughout their time at the College.

In addition, students work with Advisors to plan for the transfer process by understanding of policies and procedures, and referrals to college resources. While the ultimate responsibility for making decisions about personal goals and educational plans rests with each student, Advisors support and assist by helping to identify and assess options.

For more information about Academic Advising, please visit us at any college location (Room BG-12 Main Campus or regional centers). For contact and location information, please visit the Office of Academic Advising website.

Assessment Center

In the Assessment Center, new students complete placement tests prior to orientation and registration in order to demonstrate their skill level in reading, writing and math. Students returning to the College will be tested if they have not previously and successfully completed an English and/or mathematics course.  

Testing may be waived for students with qualifying high school GPAs and transcripts or qualifying SAT or ACT scores. For complete information on the placement test waivers available, please click here.  

The guidelines for applicants who must take the Accuplacer placement test are:

  • Applicants with a HS GPA of 2.74 and below
  • GED students
  • Students who cannot obtain a high school transcript
  • English as a Second Language (ESL) students will take their ACCUPLACER placement and be placed in Pre-ESL or ESL courses

Scheduling a Placement Test

If you need to request accommodations due to a documented disability, contact the Center on Disability before you take your placement tests.  

To take a placement test, visit our Placement Webpage for times and locations at the Main Campus and Regional Centers.

You can find a complete description of the placement test here.

The Assessment Center administers admissions tests for select programs and challenge exams for math courses. For additional information, please email us at assessmentcenter@ccp.edu. 

Career Connections

The Career Connections Department is excited to Prepare, Empower and Connect our students to the world of work through our comprehensive career services and online platforms to help students prepare for their career and experiential learning opportunities. Career Connections offers one-on-one appointments, empowerment workshops on résumé and cover letter guidance, interview preparation, job search strategies and so much more! The department assists students and graduates in developing successful strategies to identify on-campus and off-campus work-study opportunities; part-time, full-time and summer employment; and experiential learning opportunities.

Students can access three career-readiness software platforms through MyCCP:

  • Handshake—connect with employers who are looking to hire Community College of Philadelphia students and alumni for full-time and part-time jobs, internships, and other experiential learning opportunities. Login to MyCCP to setup your account.
  • Big Interview is an interview prep service that provides you with a personalized opportunity to improve your job interviewing skills. Through a step-by-step system, you'll receive expert training and unlimited interview practice. Build your confidence; avoid job interview surprises with mock interview practice directly related to your specific industry and experience.
  • Pathful Explore is a video-based career planning service. It offers engaging, real life job shadowing insight from real people across multiple professions and industries. Students can explore career opportunities and plan their success path through interactive tools that align educational and career goals.

Over 100 plus employers engage with the College annually via the Career Connections department with the goal of engaging with students in our credit and noncredit programs. Our department's goal is to ensure that our students and alumni are prepared to apply, interview and land the jobs that align with their career and current job needs. Our employer partners frequently participate in our career-readiness activities which include, but are not limited to participating in our job fairs, facilitating career empowerment workshops and actively recruiting our students through our campus recruitment events, and partnering with the College to hire students for their experiential learning opportunities and collaborating with the College to develop internships and externships.

Our partnerships with employers throughout the City and region have resulted in more than 200 students reporting hiring outcomes over the past two years. As a result, employers continue to partner with Career Connections to meet their talent pipeline needs.

Contact the Career Connections department to learn about the nine ways that we support our employer partners and how we prepare students for these opportunities. If you know of any employer looking to partner with the College for their recruitment and/or experiential learning needs, they can register for an employer account via the Handshake platform in MyCCP.

Career Connections is located in C1-34 of the Center for Business and Industry and BG-24 of the Bonnell Building’s lobby. For further information, please call 215-496-6176 or email at careerconnections@ccp.edu.

Center for Male Engagement

The Center for Male Engagement (CME) is a year-round, cohort-based program designed to increase the retention, graduation, and overall success of male students of Color at the College using a holistic support model.

Key Features

The CME offers programs and services that affirm and address the unique experiences of male students of Color, positioning them as valued contributors to the College community:

  • Personalized coaching: One-on-one coaching to help students balance the rigors of college on and off-campus.
  • Academic empowerment: Tutoring and workshops tailored to promote academic excellence.
  • Professional readiness: Career-focused initiatives, including resume building, networking, internship preparation, and paid peer coaching opportunities.
  • Community engagement: Civic involvement opportunities and experiential learning to build connections with the broader community.
  • Holistic wellness: Resources and workshops focused on mental, physical, and emotional well-being.
  • Leadership development: Retreats and workshops that build students' confidence and leadership skills.
  • Social and cultural enrichment: Events and programs that foster community and expose members to enriching cultural, social and professional experiences.

Summer Enrichment Program

The Summer Enrichment Program is a four-week, tuition-free initiative for first-time incoming male students of Color. It provides an enhanced orientation to the College and equips students with the tools for academic, financial and personal success.

Program features include:

  • Accelerated preparation in writing and math, with an opportunity to retake the placement test.
  • Career exploration workshops to help students define academic and professional goals.
  • Introduction to College resources and support programs for long-term success.
  • Weekly SEPTA fare for convenient transportation to and from campus.
  • A three-day, off-campus leadership retreat focusing on self-discovery, team building and leadership development.
  • A stipend is provided upon meeting program expectations.

Contact CME

The Center for Male Engagement is in the Winnet Student Life Building in Rooms S1-05, S2-07, and S3-09. For more information about joining the CME program, please visit one of the CME offices, call 215-751-8817, or email cme@ccp.edu. 

Center on Disability

The Center on Disability reviews and approves student requests for academic accommodations related to disability. To request academic accommodations, students must submit informative and relevant documentation from a qualified professional stating the nature and impact of their disability. Additionally, students must attend a meeting with the Center on Disability for an individualized review of accommodation requests. To ensure timely service provision, we urge students requiring accommodations to apply to the College and complete the Center on Disability registration process at least six (6) weeks before the start of the semester. We encourage students with disabilities to call the Center on Disability at 215-751-8050, email us at cod@ccp.edu, or visit us online at myccp.online/cod. 

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Counseling Center

The College offers free, comprehensive counseling to all its students. The Counseling Center is staffed by professional counselors. Educational, career and personal counseling are available to individuals and groups. Counselors also assist students and graduates who wish to continue their education at other institutions. Information discussed in counseling is kept strictly confidential.

The Counseling Center is located in BG-7 and can be reached by calling 215-751-8169. Counselors are also available at each of the Regional Centers. Please visit the Counseling Center online for more information on counseling services.

I Am More Reentry Engagement Program

The I Am More Reentry Engagement program is a College-wide initiative to holistically address justice-involved students' academic, career, and psycho-social needs as they pursue a certificate or associate degree.

I Am More participants receive:

  • Coaching—An assigned support coach who will help balance the competing demands of a college student, both on and off-campus
  • Program Support—Academic support, including tutoring by learning specialists in writing, math, and computer literacy, career exposure, leadership development, life skills, and mentorship
  • Social Support—Identification of and assistance with basic needs and social services, including mental health and wellness resources

Eligibility

To be eligible, prospective students must be currently enrolled in a certificate or degree program and justice-involved, defined as an individual arrested, currently or formerly incarcerated, or impacted by the criminal justice system because a guardian or close family member has spent substantial time in jail or prison.

All prospective participants must attend an orientation and sign a participation agreement outlining program expectations.

Connect with us:

The I Am More program is located in the Winnet Student Life Building, Room S2-21. For more information, contact Luis Gonzalez at lgonzalez@ccp.edu or 215-778-6024, and Chelsea Barrett at cbarrett@ccp.edu or 267-495-4085, or iammore@ccp.edu.

Gender and Sexuality Resource Center

The Gender and Sexuality Resource Center exists to support the academic, social, emotional, and personal development of women and LGBTQIA+ students. It is a safe space where students can embrace the beauty of their unique stories while empowering themselves and one another with the care and resources needed to succeed. The Center fosters community, encouraging students to share experiences and overcome challenges together. Open to all, it upholds respect and rejects all forms of discrimination. Additionally, the Center serves as a hub for advocacy, collaboration, research and education. 

The Center provides resources for women, student parents and members of the LGBTQIA+ community, as well as a reproductive health product vending machine available to all students. Please visit the Gender and Sexuality Resource Center webpage for more information, include a comprehensive listing of crisis assistance and prevention resources. For assitance, please email womenscenter@ccp.edu.

Institute for Community Engagement and Civic Leadership

The Institute is the College’s home for volunteerism, community-engaged learning, scholarship and research, and community partnerships. The Institute establishes community alliances and serves as a convener in unifying the city around local and regional problems. The Institute has joined forces with the City of Philadelphia; the School District of Philadelphia; and a host of community, civic and faith-based organizations and community members to solve issues affecting our neighborhoods and larger community.

College-wide volunteer events and service days hosted by the Institute provide meaningful opportunities for the College community to give back and experience personal fulfillment, positively impacting the various diverse communities within the city.  

Mission: The mission of the Institute for Community Engagement and Civic Leadership is to foster a culture of engagement and collaboration that promotes experiential learning and capitalizes on the strengths of students, faculty, staff and partners to make a positive difference on social justice issues.

Student Support: Do you have experience in foster care? Are you looking for additional support for your college journey? Connect with our team through Fostering Caring Connections.

Connect with us: Contact institute@ccp.edu with your questions or visit us in Rooms M2-34 or S3-03 to meet with our team!

Learning Lab

The Learning Lab is here to support your success in college! We offer personalized academic assistance through one-on-one and small-group tutoring provided by both trained peer tutors and expert faculty. Whether you’re looking to strengthen your skills, better understand class material, or gain confidence in a subject, our team is ready to support you. 

Our peer tutors are fellow students who have excelled in their courses and are trained to guide you through your learning journey. Our faculty specialists bring expertise in reading, study skills, English as a Second Language, writing, mathematics, science, and learning strategies for students with learning disabilities. Together, we’ll reinforce and build on what you’re learning in class. 

You can access our friendly, in-person academic support in the newly renovated Learning Commons at Main Campus or at our Regional Centers—the Northeast and Career Advanced Technology Center (CATC) Learning Commons. 

Scheduling an appointment is quick and easy. You can book a time that works best for you through the Student Services tab within the MyCCP portal. Visit our website for more details, including our day, evening, and Saturday hours. Let us help you achieve your academic goals! 

Library

The Main Campus Library is located on the first floor of the Bonnell and Mint Buildings within the Library and Learning Commons. An online catalog and integrated network provide access to the College Library collection and numerous electronic databases. Classes taught by the Library faculty provide students with the knowledge and skills to locate, evaluate and use a wide range of resources to support their college coursework. The hours for the Main Campus Library are available from the Library website and posted at the main entrance to the Library. Students can reserve group study rooms from the Library’s website.

The Northeast Regional Center, located at 12901 Townsend Road, and the Career and Advanced Technology Center/West Regional Center, located at 4700 Market Street, have library facilities. The hours for each Regional Center Library are available from the Library webpage and posted at each location. Your College ID card,  is required to to enter the Library and to borrow materials. For more information, visit the Library online. 

New Student Online Orientation

The New Student Online Orientation (NSOO) portal provides strong visual reinforcement and a clear linear process for new, first-time students to follow while navigating through the enrollment process. It clearly defines the steps to enrollment with easily identified check marks for items completed and those not, and it mirrors a checklist-type of system that is responsive to a variety of student-initiated activities. This platform serves as an introduction and transition to the College. To access the NSOO portal:

  • Log-in to the MyCCP portal.
  • Click on New Student Online Orientation Portal (located under the "New Student Resources" channel).
  • Students need to review the content in each individual module before moving on to the next module; complete all modules prior to attending a New Student Registration Event (NSRE) and New Student Orientation (NSO).

New Student Orientation

Upon completing the Online Orientation (NSOO) portal, all new, first-time students are invited to attend a New Student Orientation (NSO) session on campus – offered prior to the start of the Fall and Spring semesters. Students will receive important information about academic and student resources, student processes and initiatives that will help them navigate their new environment and achieve their goals. Orientation will familiarize students with policies and procedures, and highlight services offered at the College. Students will meet our faculty, staff, and other students; participate in discussions about their responsibilities as a college student; and learn strategies that will help them successfully transition to being a college student. Orientation programs are offered at each Regional Center, in addition to the Main Campus.

Office of Collegiate Recovery

The Office of Collegiate Recovery is a resource for information, friendship and socialization for students at Community College of Philadelphia who are in recovery by providing an on-campus collegiate experience that integrates off-campus therapeutic and wellness support. It also is an outreach program to engage the recovery community in the benefits of a college experience to strengthen and support an individual's recovery plan.

Our Collegiate Recovery network of services range from student support coaches, peer membership, structured activities, study groups and coordination among residential programs supported by the City of Philadelphia's Department of Behavioral Health and Intellectual disAbilities.

The Office of Collegiate Recovery is dedicated to reaffirming the reality of long-term recovery by celebrating and enhancing the variety, availability and quality of local and regional recovery support.

For more information, email deanofstudents@ccp.edu.

Single Stop

Community College of Philadelphia connects students with state and federal financial resources, as well as local community services. Its aim is to help students overcome economic barriers so that they can continue with their education and move towards economic mobility.

At Single Stop, staff will meet with students to help them determine and apply for those potential resources and benefits that ultimately enable them to achieve their educational goals.

Single Stop services include:

  • Benefits screening – determine eligibility and receive assistance with application process for state benefits
  • Financial counseling – financial services to help establish and achieve financial goals
  • Healthcare enrollment assistance – students receive guidance assessing different options to obtain health insurance coverage
  • Immigration consultations – students receive free legal advice about status adjustment and naturalization process
  • Legal assistance – access to attorneys and off-campus referrals to assist with and answer legal issues related to housing, benefits, utilities, and expungements
  • Referral services – connections to other community resources (food, mental health, etc.)
  • Tax preparation and filing – tax preparers assist students with filing tax returns and/or amendments

All Single Stop services are free to currently enrolled students. For additional information or to make an appointment, contact Single Stop:

Main Campus: Room M1-21, phone 215-516-3710, singlestop@ccp.edu
Northeast Regional Center: 215-972-6367, singlestopRC@ccp.edu
West/CATC: 215-972-6367, singlestopRC@ccp.edu

Student Academic Computer Centers (SACC)

The Student Academic Computer Centers (SACC) are here to support your academic success by providing access to computer workstations equipped with the software you need for coursework in all disciplines. Whether you're drafting an essay, conducting research online, or preparing a presentation, you'll find tools like email, web browsing, and laser printing readily available.

You can visit SACC locations on the Main Campus within the newly renovated Learning Commons on the first floor on the Mint Building, or in the CBI Building, Room C3-17. We also serve students at the Regional Centers, including the Career Advanced Technology Center (CATC) Learning Commons (Room 359) and the Northeast Learning Commons (Room 123).

For details about our services, including a complete list of operating hours (day, evening, and Saturday), visit our website. We’re here to help you succeed!  

Student Success and Retention

Student Success and Retention offers programs and services designed to support students to increase academic success rates at the College. Services include oversight of Starfish Connect, the College's Academic Early Alert system, and Complete with 15, a degree completion scholarship. For additional information about services offered by the Office of Student Success and Retention, please call 215-751-8202, email studentsuccess@ccp.edu or visit L1-08K or L1-08E. 

Starfish Connect

Starfish Connect, the College's academic early alert system, is a communication tool for students, faculty and staff at the College, designed to provide students with feedback about academic performance with the purpose of helping students successfully complete their courses and connecting them with important campus resources.

Goals:

  • Assist students in being academically successful
  • Help students achieve their educational goals
  • Provide individually tailored assistance to students
  • Engage students in their academic success

Using Starfish Connect, faculty members can raise academic alert flags (concerns), give kudos (acknowledge good performance) and refer students to campus resources for extra support. The Starfish Connect system allows faculty to easily communicate their concerns to students while at the same time communicating these concerns to student support staff on campus. The office of Student Success Initiatives monitors Starfish Connect and offers outreach and support to students receiving alerts to increase their likelihood of academic success.

Complete with 15 Scholarship

The Complete with 15 Scholarship can offer students a faster path to completing a degree. This scholarship is appropriate for students who have earned at least 24 credits, have a 2.5 GPA and meet additional requirements. To learn more about the scholarship and submit an application, visit https://www.ccp.edu/admission-aid/paying-college/scholarships/complete-15-scholarship. Complete with 15 provides eligible students, who enroll in four courses (minimum 12 credits) each semester, with a scholarship that will fund an additional 3-credit course. When an application is submitted, the Office of Student Success and Retention processes Complete with 15 applications. Once determined eligible, students work with an advisor to create an academic plan outlining all courses from the start of receiving the scholarship to earning all credits needed for graduation. Depending on the number of earned credits at the time of application, students may take advantage of the Complete with 15 Scholarship for up to three semesters.

For additional information about services offered by the Office of Student Success and Retention, please email studentsuccess@ccp.edu or visit L1-08K or L1-08E. 

Veterans Resource Center

Community College of Philadelphia is the largest public institution of higher education in Philadelphia and currently serves a number of students attending the College under the GI Bill®. The Veterans Resource Center (VRC) offers specialized services for our veteran students and their families.

The VRC, located on the ground level of the Bonnell Building, Room BG-43, is dedicated to serving students who are veterans and dependents of veterans. A Veterans Resource coordinator is available to answer questions and provide resources and referrals to assist veterans and qualifying dependents in understanding and accessing all services and options available to them on the Main Campus and at the Regional Centers. Services include:

  • Access to resources, periodicals, and other academic material for veterans
  • Information regarding VA laws and regulations and College policy
  • An online community for student veterans
  • Peer group discussions
  • Guest speakers on topics relevant to veterans
  • Transition workshops during the new student orientation program

For more information about the resources, visit the VRC, Room BG-43 or email Veterans Resource Center. For more information about Veterans Education Benefits, visit the G.I. Bill®  website at https://benefits.va.gov/gibill/.

Note: To receive assistance in completing the veteran's certification and veteran's scholarship forms, students may visit the Veterans Resource Center located on the ground level of the Bonnell Building, Room BG-43, or send an inquiry via osrrhelp@ccp.edu.

"GI Bill®" is a registered trademark of the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA). More information about education benefits offered by VA is available at the official U.S. government website.