Welcome to NWFSC Early College/Dual Enrollment Orientation

NWFSC Welcome to NWFSC Early College/Dual Enrollment Orientation During this orientation, we will review: • NWFSC Background Information • Dual Enrollment Statement of Purpose • Tuition and Books • Eligibility Requirements • Enrollment Checklist • Placement Tests/Course Sequence • Course Repeat Policy • Transferring Credits • Student Rights & Responsibilities • Student Resources • Secrets to Success

NWFSC NWFSC Background Info • NWFSC is part of Florida’s new network of public state colleges and has earned a reputation for educational excellence and community involvement in its nearly 45-year history. • NWFSC serves approximately 16,000 students annually. About 45 percent of students are age 24 and under, 24 percent of students are age 25 to 34 and 24 percent are age 35 to 49. • Accredited to award Associate and Bachelor degrees, short term technical and vocational certificates and applied technology diplomas. • NWFSC has six campuses and centers which offer extensive day, evening and weekend classes in 9 terms per year (3 regular terms and 6 fast track). • In addition to the Niceville Campus, NWFSC operates a joint campus with the University of West Florida in Fort Walton Beach. NWFSC also operates the Chautauqua Center in DeFuniak Springs, the Robert L.F. Sikes Education Center in Crestview, and centers at Eglin AFB and Hurlburt Field.

NWFSC Dual Enrollment Statement of Purpose The purpose of the Dual Enrollment program is to provide qualified high school students the opportunity to enroll free of charge in college courses to earn both college credit and credit toward high school graduation. Dual enrollment is one of the articulated acceleration mechanisms defined in Florida Statutes.

NWFSC Dual Enrollment Statement of Purpose The mission of dual enrollment, as specified by the Legislature is three-fold: • To shorten the time necessary for a student to complete the requirements of a postsecondary degree and high school diploma. • To broaden the scope of curricular options available to students. • To increase the depth of study available for a particular subject.

NWFSC Tuition and Books • Tuition and fees are exempted for all 3 to 4 credit courses. • If a student wants to take courses that are only 1 to 2 credits, they are responsible for all tuition and fees for those courses. These courses would fall under NWFSC’s concurrent program in which the student can get college credit (if the student is over 15) but will not be able to receive high school credit for the course. • Books for public high school students are provided for them by the county. Okaloosa County students pick up their books at NWFSC’s main campus in Niceville. Walton County students pick up their books at the Chautauqua Center in DeFuniak Springs. • Private and home school students are responsible for the cost of their books.

NWFSC Eligibility Requirements Public School Okaloosa County • Student must have a cumulative weighted grade point average (WGPA) of 3.0, or the recommendation of the principal and the approval of the college if the WGPA is less than 3.0. • Student must be a high school junior or senior to participate in college-level courses during school hours, after school hours or during the summer term. • Student must be a high school “rising” sophomore to participate in college-level courses after school hours or during the summer term following their freshmen year. • Student must pass the appropriate subtest of a State approved college-level placement test (ACT, SAT, FCPT) if enrolling in a college English, math, reading, Gordon rule social science or humanities course, or any course which requires English, math, or reading prerequisites.

NWFSC Eligibility Requirements Public School Walton County • Student must have a cumulative grade point average (GPA) of 3.0 or above, or the recommendation of the principal and the approval of the college if the GPA is less than 3.0. • Student must be enrolled in the ninth grade or above. • Student must pass the appropriate subtest of a State approved college-level placement test (ACT, SAT, FCPT) if enrolling in a college English, math, reading, Gordon rule social science or humanities course, or any course which requires English, math, or reading prerequisites.

NWFSC Eligibility Requirements Home School • Student must be officially enrolled in a home school program and submit a copy of the current Legal Compliance and Eligibility Form (proof of enrollment in a home school program) that is on file with the school district. This form is due on the day of registration. • Student must be at least 15 years of age and not more than 18 years of age by the first day of class for the term in which planning to enroll. • Student must take a State approved college placement test (ACT, SAT, FCPT) and pass all appropriate subtest if enrolling in a college English, math, reading, Gordon rule social science, or humanities course, or any course which requires English, math, or reading prerequisites. • Limit enrollment to no more that 18 hours per semester.

NWFSC Eligibility Requirements Private School • Student must have a cumulative grade point average (GPA) as specified in his/her school’s governing articulation agreement, or the recommendation of the principal and the approval of the college if less than the specified GPA. • Student must be enrolled in the grade of high school studies that is specified in their school governing articulation agreement. • Student must pass the appropriate subtest of a State approved college-level placement test (ACT, SAT, FCPT) if enrolling in a college English, math, reading, Gordon rule social science or humanities course, or any course which requires English, math, or reading prerequisites.

NWFSC EnrollmentChecklist • Students who meet the eligibility requirements for Dual Enrollment may register for approved college classes by following the steps below. • Obtain a Dual Enrollment Admission and Registration Form from your High School counselor or any NWFSC campus. • Students will need to meet with their High School counselor to help them complete the Dual Enrollment Admissions and Registration form. The counselors will have to fill out the student's GPA on the form as well as the classes the student will take at NWFSC. Check the Schedule of Classes for all of our course options at www.nwfstatecollege.edu.

NWFSC Enrollment Checklist • Consult with your High Counselor or the Dual Enrollment Office to see if placement testing is necessary. If testing is necessary, contact the NWFSC location nearest you for testing times. • Once the Dual Enrollment Admissions and Registration form is completed with the classes filled out and the proper signatures obtained, return the form to an Enrollment Services office at any NWFSC campus on or after the student’s registration date. Dual Enrollment students must always register in person. Please call the Dual Enrollment Office at 729-5205 for registration dates. • Registered students take proof of registration to the Niceville Bookstore for Okaloosa Public High School students and the Chautauqua Center in DeFuniak Springs for Walton County Public Students. Out of district students need the proper paperwork from their school in order to pick up books at any NWFSC Campus. Private school and home school students purchase books at either campus bookstore.

NWFSC The Florida College Placement Test (FCPT) Appropriate course placement is critical for success in college course work. • No public and private school dual enrollment students will be enrolled in a mathematics, English , Gordon Rule social science or humanities course without test scores. All home school students need to submit test scores before registering for any college course. • If your scores on the ACT and/or SAT test are below cut-off in a particular area, you must take the applicable portion of the College Placement Test. • If you ACT/SAT test scores are over 2 years old you must the College Placement Test. • If you have never taken the ACT or the SAT you must take the College Placement Test.

NWFSC The Florida College Placement Test (FCPT) ACT, SAT & FCPT Placement Test Cut-off Scores. No dual enrollment student shall be enrolled in a college mathematics, English, Gordon Rule social science or humanities course unless the student has demonstrated adequate pre-collegiate preparation on the basic mathematics and communication skills assessment of an approved entry-level placement test. Contact Dual Enrollment at 850-729-5205 or Student Services at 850-729-5371 for retesting information.

Math Course Sequence

NWFSC English Course Sequence

NWFSC Transferring Credits • The college credits earned through dual enrollment are the same as college credits earned by a regular college student at any Florida university or community college and as such, are readily transferable throughout the state. The credits appear on the student’s high school transcript with the college course number. Students are also issued an NWFSC transcript that indicates the college credits earned and the college course numbers. • Florida’s common course numbering system and NWFSC ’s regional accreditation by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools also facilitate transfer of credits to colleges and universities nationwide. Depending on the out-of-state institution, college credits earned through dual enrollment, like college credits earned through AP or IB, may transfer to meet specific degree requirements or as elective credits. Students who plan to attend college outside of Florida should check with the university they plan to attend to find out how the school transfers college credits earned from other accredited colleges and universities.

NWFSC Student Rights & Responsibilities Student Rights • NWFSC serves all persons without regard to age, color, creed, disability, marital status, national origin, race, religion, or sex. • Student Responsibilities • Each member of the NWFSC community is expected to participate seriously and purposefully in college life. • These standards apply to behavior in the classroom, academic achievement, and campus behavior. Any act or behavior by a student which tends to interfere or otherwise disrupt the orderly conduct, process, function, or interests of the college is prohibited. Such acts and behaviors include but are not limited to the following: • Cheating in any form, including plagiarism • Gambling, theft, vandalism or destruction of college property • Falsification of personal or college records • The use, manufacture, distribution, sale, or possession of alcoholic beverages or illicit drugs on campus or at any college-sponsored function. • Violence, hazing or harassment • A student may be suspended or dismissed by the President for behavior that is prohibited or otherwise unacceptable. There is a formal procedure to follow to resolve legitimate issues. Be sure to read the section of the catalog labeled “Statement of Student Rights and Responsibilities.” • By applying for admission toNWFSC, the student agrees upon enrollment to abide by college policies and regulations published in its policy statements, current catalog, official manuals, and publications.

NWFSC Attendance & Enrollment Responsibilities Students are expected to know important dates during each term: Last Day to Drop: • Each term, there is an advertised last day to drop, generally seven days from first date of open registration. If a student completes an official drop form (with the signature of the High School Counselor) before the advertised last day to drop, the transaction is considered dropping a course and no record of enrollment will appear on the student’s transcript, nor will the enrollment count as an attempt for purposes of full cost and repeat rules. Payment Due Date: • When a student’s registration has been completed, if there is a balance due, there will be a date given as to when the fees must be paid. It is the student’s responsibility to obtain this information and honor the due date. Students who fail to meet this due date will be dropped from all classes. Although the student is free to re-register through the last day of open registration, the student may not be able to get into the same classes. So it is very important to pay all outstanding fees by the due date assigned.

NWFSC Last Day to Withdraw: • If a student submits an official withdrawal form (with the signature of the High School Counselor), by the day before the class final, the transaction is considered withdrawing from a course and the student will receive a grade of “W” on his/her final grade report and transcript. Students are permitted a maximum of two withdrawals per course; upon the third withdrawal, students will not be permitted to withdraw and will receive a grade for the course (A, B, C, D, F, or P). Graduation Deadline: • Final responsibility for all graduation requirements for the degree, certificate or diploma that the student is seeking rests with the student. Each term there is an advertised last day to apply for graduation. During the next to last term of enrollment, all students are encouraged to contact an advisor or the Office of Enrollment Services to ensure all graduation requirements can be met as expected. • STUDENTS ARE EXPECTED TO ATTEND ALL OF THEIR SCHEDULED CLASSES. The effect of absences upon grades is determined by the instructor, who may recommend to the Vice President for Instruction a withdrawal grade whenever absences become excessive. Three consecutive day class absences, two consecutive evening class absences, or three absences in a month will be reported as excessive. These absences are reported to student’s high school guidance counselor.

NWFSC Info Resources and Student Handbook The dual enrollment handbook and the college catalog are both great sources of information for dual enrollment students. The dual enrollment handbook outlines the dual program. The college catalog is one of the best sources for information about the college. The catalog and the dual enrollment handbook are both available on the NWFSC website-www.nwfstatecollege.edu. Key elements in the catalog: • The college calendar, which shows the dates that each term begins and ends, important class schedule dates, and college holidays • Student rights and responsibilities • College programs • Financial aid information • Student support services

NWFSC While You Are On Campus I.D. Cards • These are available at no charge and will be issued when all fees are paid. They are necessary for checking out materials from the library and for accessing electronic information databases via the Internet from home. The cards are used for identification at the Business Office and the College Store. For free admittance to some NWFSC events, such as the Northwest Florida Symphony Orchestra concerts or student theatrical productions a current student I.D. card is required. There is a $10.00 fee to replace a lost ID card. Parking • The operation of a private vehicle on an NWFSC campus is a privilege, not a right. All students must display a parking decal on the vehicle and park in the designated white-lined spaces. Parking decals are available during registration and throughout the year at no charge. Car Trouble • At the Niceville campus, for assistance with a dead battery, contact the Student Activities office in Building K. If your keys get locked in your car, contact the Physical Plant Department. If all else fails, or you are unsure what to do, contact Security! The same holds true for all campuses and centers – contact Security for assistance.

NWFSC Secrets to Student Success • Plan Your Classes Wisely • Avoid too many Gordon Rule Writing classes in the same term. • Arrange a good balance of challenging and less-challenging courses. • Attend class regularly. • Establish a good attendance record beginning with the first day of class every term. • Know your course requirements. • Be aware of all the requirements and policies in each of your courses. • Keep the course syllabus/outline for reference. • Know your instructor - Names and office hours are important. • Make a Friend - Identify a student contact in each of your classes. This is someone you can study with, compare information, or get assignments when you are unable to attend class. • Seek assistance - At the first sign of trouble with a course, ask for help at the Academic Success Center, the Math Lab, or visit with your instructor. • Make good use of the free support services available to students. • Do expect to be rewarded with learning achievement by adhering to the student success guidelines. • Don’t expect special privileges or extra credit opportunities for the courses you attend. • Manage your time carefully - Assume that most classes require two-four hours per week out-of-class study time, so don’t overload your waking hours!

NWFSC Academic & Tutorial Support Services – They’re Free!! • NWFSC Website: The NWFSC website guides students to various academic and tutorial services. Click on “Learning Support Services” to find a variety of links and information, including ASK (Academic Success Keys), an online index of college-wide tutorial resources, review materials, and helpful web links, organized by subject areas and location. • Academic Success Center (ASC): ASC is located on the Niceville campus in Building E. It provides learning support through tutoring (individual and group) in most subjects, as well as computer tutorials. The Learning Skills and Writing Lab is part of the Center. Limited ASC services are also available at the FWB campus. • Math Labs: Math labs are available in the L Building of the Niceville campus and in Building 7 on the FWB campus. These labs are open to all students and provide free walk-in tutoring for all mathematics courses. Limited services may be arranged at the Sikes and Chautauqua Centers. • Learning Resource Center (LRC): LRC is located on the Niceville campus. It contains a collection of more than 85,000 books, 10,000 audio-visual items, 365 magazines and newspapers, and 2,500 online full-text periodicals. A computer network provides access to library holdings at the 11 state universities and the 28 community colleges, as well as numerous sources through the Internet. For more information, visit the LRC website by clicking “Library” on the NWFSC website. • FACTS: The Florida Academic Counseling and Tracking for Students. FACTS is a unique network that provides access to the online program requirements, transfer issues and other student-related information. FACTS also offers a variety of student services and resources, provided for your convenience by the State of Florida and by the participating institutions. For more information, visit the FACTS website by clicking “Resources & Links” on the NWFSC website.

NWFSC Believe in Yourself! • Congratulations and thank you for choosing NWFSC to start your college career. • We care for our students and promote success. If you have any questions, please feel free to contact us. • Dual Enrollment: 850-729-5205 • Student Services: 850-729-5371 • Registrar: 850-729-4901 • Testing: 850-729-6922

Welcome to NWFSC Early College/Dual Enrollment Orientation