College Operating Procedures

Drug-free Campus And Workplace

(College Operating Procedure 05-0803)

Guidelines:

It is the policy of Florida SouthWestern State College to promote and maintain a drug-free workplace. The unlawful manufacture, distribution, dispensation, possession, or use of controlled substances is prohibited on and off College premises. The possession or use of alcohol under the circumstances described herein is also prohibited. All students and employees are required to abide by the terms of this policy as a condition of initial and continued enrollment and/or employment.

This policy is based on the Drug Free Workplace Act, 41 U.S.C. 701 et.seq., as amended and is supplemented by College administrative policies and procedures.

1. The illegal use, possession, manufacture, dispensation and distribution of any controlled substance, at any time, whether on or off duty or on or off College premises is strictly prohibited as a matter of College policy.
2. Except as hereinafter provided, use or possession by an employee or student of alcohol in the workplace, or use of alcohol on College property is prohibited. The possession or consumption of alcohol by employees or students of legal age at a College-sponsored or approved function where alcoholic beverages are served by the College or sponsor is not a violation of this Section.
3. Any employee or student who reports to work or class or performs his/her duties while under the influence of drugs or alcohol will be in violation of this policy.
4. Violation of this policy can result in referral to appropriate law enforcement authorities, disciplinary action up to and including immediate suspension, expulsion or termination, and/or a requirement of satisfactory participation in a College-approved drug or alcohol rehabilitation program. A criminal conviction is not required for sanctions to be imposed upon a student or employee for violation of this policy.

Procedures:

Disciplinary Sanctions

The College will impose sanctions (consistent with local, state, and Federal law) upon all employees and students who violate these standards of conduct. Such sanctions may include, but are not limited to: 1) referral for prosecution; 2) probation, suspension, or expulsion of students; or 3) suspension or termination of employees.

The College requires that any employee who is convicted of any offense relating to the sale, purchase, delivery, use, manufacturing or distribution of illegal drugs or controlled substances on campus, or while attending a College-sponsored event or conducting College business to report such conviction to the Human Resources Office, 239-489-9294, no later than 24 hours after the arrest or conviction.

Employee Assistance Program

Florida SouthWestern State College recognizes illegal drug use and/or dependency to be a health, safety and security problem. Employees who need assistance with problems related to drug abuse are encouraged to contact the Employee Assistance Program:

Southwest Florida Employment Assistance Programs
3949 Evans Avenue, Suite 202
Ft. Myers, FL 33901
Phone: 239-278-7435
Toll Free: 800-226-7930
Email: solutions@synergyeap.org

Description of Health Risks

Alcohol. Alcohol consumption causes a number of changes in behavior and physiology. Even low doses significantly impair judgment, coordination, and abstract mental functioning. Statistics show that alcohol use is involved in a majority of violent behaviors on college campuses, including acquaintance rape, vandalism, fights, and incidents of drinking and driving. Continued abuse may lead to dependency, which often causes permanent damage to vital organs and deterioration of a healthy lifestyle.

Cannabis (Marijuana, Hashish) - The use of marijuana may impair or reduce short-term memory and comprehension, alter sense of time, and reduce coordination and energy level. Users often have a lowered immune system and an increased risk of lung cancer. The active ingredient in marijuana, THC, is stored in the fatty tissues of the brain and reproductive system for a minimum of 28 to 30 days.

Hallucinogens - Lysergic acid (LSD), mescaline, and psilocybin cause illusions and hallucinations. The user may experience panic, confusion, suspicion, anxiety, and loss of control. Delayed effects, or flashbacks, can occur even when use has ceased. Phencyclidine (PCP) affects the section of the brain that controls the intellect and keeps instincts in check. Because the drug blocks pain receptors, violent PCP episodes may result in self-inflicted injuries.

Cocaine/Crack - Cocaine users often have a stuffy, runny nose and may have a perforated nasal septum. The immediate effects of cocaine use include dilated pupils and elevated blood pressure heart rate, respiratory rate, and body temperature, followed by depression. Crack, or freebase rock cocaine, is extremely addictive and can cause delirium, hallucinations, blurred vision, severe chest pain, muscle spasms, convulsions, and even death.

Amphetamines - Amphetamines can cause a rapid or irregular heartbeat, tremors, loss of coordination, collapse, and death. Heavy users are prone to irrational acts.

Heroin - Heroin is an opiate drug that causes the body to have diminished pain reactions. The use of heroin can result in coma or death due to a reduction in the heart rate.

Legal Sanctions

You should be aware that the State of Florida Statutes provide that it is “unlawful for any person to sell, purchase, manufacture, or deliver, or to possess with the intent to sell, purchase, manufacture, or deliver, a controlled substance in, on, or within 200 feet of the real property comprising a public college or other post-secondary educational institution.” Legal action will be taken for violation of these statutes and policies, as appropriate. Any person who violates this paragraph with respect to a controlled substance named or described in s. 893.03(1)(a), (1)(b), (1)(d), (2)(a), or (2)(b) commits a felony of the first degree punishable as provided in s.775.082, s.775.083., or s.775.084 and shall not be eligible for parole or release under the Control Release Authority or statutory gain time.

State law prohibits the possession of alcoholic beverages by persons under age 21, punishable for the first offense by a definite term of imprisonment not exceeding 60 days and/or a $500 fine, and for a subsequent offense by a definite term of imprisonment not exceeding one year and a fine of $1,000. It is similarly prohibited and punishable to distribute alcohol to minors.

State law makes it a crime for any person to possess or distribute illicit drugs (controlled substances as described in Section 893.03, Florida Statutes) under Section 893.13, Florida Statutes. Law provides certain limited exceptions. The crimes range from second degree misdemeanors (up to 60 days imprisonment and up to a $500 fine) to first degree felonies (up to 30 years imprisonment and up to $10,000 fine).

Trafficking (distributing specified large quantities of various controlled substances under Section 893.03, Florida Statutes) under Section 893.135, Florida Statutes is punishable, depending on the particular illicit drug and quantity involved, by a minimum term of imprisonment of 3 to 25 calendar years and a fine of $25,000 to $500,000.

Federal trafficking penalties for first offenses, depending upon the illicit drug involved, range from not more than one year imprisonment and a fine of not more than $100,000 for an individual to 40 years to life imprisonment and a fine of not more than $200,000 for an individual to not less than life imprisonment and a fine of not more than 8 million dollars for an individual.

The College requires that any employee who is convicted of any offense relating to the sale, purchase, delivery, use, manufacturing or distribution of illegal drugs or controlled substances on campus, or while attending a College-sponsored event or conducting College business to report such conviction to the Human Resources Office, (239) 489-9294, no later than five days after the conviction.

Drug Education and Treatment Programs

Florida SouthWestern State College recognizes illegal drug use and/or dependency to be a health, safety and security problem. Those who need assistance with problems related to drug abuse are encouraged to use any available resources including:

RIVERSIDE BEHAVIORAL HEALTH CENTER
CHARLOTTE REGIONAL MEDICAL CENTER

733 East Olympia Avenue
Punta Gorda FL 33950
(941) 637-2474 or 1-800-722-5563

RUTH COOPER CENTER FOR
BEHAVIORAL HEALTH CARE
2789 Ortiz Avenue, SE
Fort Myers FL 33905
(239) 275-3222

Salus Care, Inc.3763 Evans Avenue
Fort Myers FL 33901
(239) 332-6937

THE WILLOUGH AT NAPLES
9001 Tamiami Trail East
Naples FL 34113
1-800-722-0100

For further information regarding education, rehabilitation and other aspects of the College policy, contact:

CHARLOTTE CAMPUS, Punta Gorda
Campus Dean of Student Affairs and Academic Services
(941) 637-5678

COLLIER CAMPUS, Naples
Campus Dean of Student Affairs and Academic Services
(239) 732-3953

HENDRY/GLADES CENTER, LaBelle
Assistant Director, Student Services
(863) 674-6002

THOMAS EDISON CAMPUS, Fort Myers
Office of Human Resources
(239) 489-9293
Associate Dean of Student Affairs
(239) 489-9388

Americans With Disabilities (ADA) Act

(College Operating Procedure 05-0104)

Guidelines:

The ADA, Section 504 and their implementing federal regulations prohibit discrimination on the basis of disability under any program or activity receiving Federal financial assistance. As provided by law, Florida SouthWestern State College prohibits discrimination against individuals with disabilities. In addition, the College provides individuals with disabilities with equal employment and educational opportunities and with reasonable accommodations.

The College through this procedure assures the College’s students, staff or faculty members, or other members of the College community that it will take steps to eliminate disability harassment and discrimination, and take steps to prevent reoccurrence and to correct its discriminatory effects.

For Students Seeking An Accommodation - the Director of the Office of Adaptive Services is responsible for coordinating the College’s compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, and serves as the College ADA and Section 504 Coordinator.  (“Student Coordinator”). The Student Coordinator’s contact information appears at the end of this procedure.

For Employees and Persons Other Than Students Seeking An Accommodation - the College’s Title IX Coordinator and Equity Officer is responsible for coordinating the College’s compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, and serves as the College ADA and Section 504 Coordinator with respect to all non-student matters.  (“Equity Officer”). The Equity Officer’s contact information appears at the end of this procedure.

The Student Coordinator and the Equity Officer, or their designees as appropriate, conduct activities such as (but not limited to):

 1.   Assisting College offices in making their programs and services accessible;

 2.   Overseeing communication to all College constituents and campus visitors regarding how they can access programs and services consistent with the ADA/Section 504;

 3.   Reviewing College policies, facilities, and activities to assure institutional compliance with the ADA/Section 504;

 4.   Responding to any questions or concerns regarding the ADA/Section 504 accommodations to assure prompt resolution.

A.         Requesting an Accommodation:

1. For Students Seeking An Accommodation - It is the obligation of the individual with a disability to request a reasonable accommodation. Students and applicants must submit any request for accommodations to the Office of Adaptive Services (OAS) for consideration. Individuals with a disability must provide recent documentation from a qualified, licensed professional that addresses the disability and the requested accommodation. The Office of Adaptive Services shall determine that the request for accommodation is supported by appropriate documentation. The College and the student have a mutual obligation to engage in a good faith interactive process to explore and discuss options for reasonable accommodations. The process should include the following: (1) the decision is made by relevant officials including faculty members; (2) the decision makers consider a series of alternatives, their feasibility, cost and effect on the academic program; and after reasoned deliberation; and, (3) the decision makers reach a rationally justifiable conclusion that the available alternatives would result either in lowering of academic standards or requiring substantial program alternative. Once a student has been registered with the OAS, it is the student’s responsibility to request accommodations for each semester in which accommodation is desired.
2. For Employees Seeking an Accommodation - The College provides reasonable accommodations for employees with a disability who can perform their essential job duties with or without accommodation. Reasonable accommodations are provided only when an employee self-identifies as a qualified individual with a disability and provides the appropriate documentation from a healthcare provider. In determining which accommodations are ‘reasonable,’ the College and the employee have a mutual obligation to engage in a good faith interactive process to explore and discuss options for reasonable accommodations.  Additional information regarding the process by which employees can seek accommodations for a disability is available through the Equity Officer.
3. For Persons Other Than Employees and Students Seeking an Accommodation - Participants at College public meetings, entertainment events, athletic events and other public gatherings may seek accommodation by contacting the Equity Officer.  The College will use its best effort to make campus programs and events reasonably accessible to individuals with disabilities.  Any individual, including visitors to campus, who requires an accommodation is urged to contact the event planner at least one week in advance of the event.  Please be aware that it may be difficult to provide an accommodation on less than one week’s prior notice.

Time Frame:  The time required to review an ADA/Section 504 accommodation request will depend on a variety of factors, including the nature and scope of the matter. 

B.   Responding to Complaints Regarding Failures to Accommodate

1. Students: Resolving Issues through the Dean of Student’s Office.

    A student who believes that the College did not follow its procedures in the determination regarding an accommodation or consider relevant information during the process may request a reconsideration of the decision. In order to request reconsideration of a decision regarding an accommodation, the student should request a meeting with the Dean of Students/designee to present additional information and/or documentation and to discuss the nature of the issue or complaint. This meeting must be requested within thirty days of the determination at issue. The Dean of Students/designee may contact the Student Coordinator, faculty, administrators or other professionals who can provide information pertinent to the case. If confidential information is to be released to or received by a third party not affiliated with the College, the student will be asked to sign a FERPA Release of Information form. Following the review of the request for reconsideration, the Dean of Students/designee will notify the student of the decision. In the absence of unusual circumstances the review process will be completed within thirty calendar days.  Unusual Circumstances would include such matters as scheduled and unscheduled College closures, the need to obtain new or additional evidence from third parties or, the unavailability of the complainant or necessary witnesses. In the event that unusual circumstances will delay disposition, all parties will be notified of the delay and the anticipated date of completion. If at any point in this process the student or the student’s advocates report disability discrimination or harassment then such complaints shall be treated as a separate matter under Paragraph 2(C), below.

2. Employees and Persons Other Than Students: Resolving Issues through the Human Resource Office.

   A College employee who believes that the Equity Officer did not follow College procedures in the determination regarding an accommodation or consider relevant information during the process may request a reconsideration of the decision. In order to request reconsideration of a decision regarding an accommodation, the employee should request a meeting with the Director of Human Resources to present additional information and/or documentation and to discuss the nature of the issue or complaint. This meeting must be requested within thirty days of the determination at issue. The Director of Human Resources may contact the Equity Officer and other professionals who can provide information pertinent to the case. Following the review of the request for reconsideration, the Director of Human Resources will notify the employee of the decision. In the absence of unusual circumstances the review process will be completed within thirty calendar days.  Unusual Circumstances would include such matters as scheduled and unscheduled College closures, the need to obtain new or additional evidence from third parties or, the unavailability of the complainant or necessary witness. In the event that unusual circumstances will delay disposition, all parties will be notified of the delay and the anticipated date of completion.

   C. Discrimination or Harassment Based Upon Disability

1. Definitions.

Disability Harassment: Disability harassment under Section 504 and the ADA is intimidation or abusive unwelcome behavior directed toward an individual based on disability that creates a hostile environment by interfering with an individual’s participation in or receipt of benefits, services, or opportunities in the institution’s programs and activities. Harassing conduct may take many forms, including verbal acts and name-calling, as well as nonverbal behavior, such as graphic and written statements, or conduct that is physically threatening, harmful, or humiliating.

 Hostile Environment: When harassing conduct directed at an individual is sufficiently and objectively and subjectively severe, persistent, or pervasive that it interferes with or limits a student’s ability to participate in or benefit from the services or opportunities offered by a school or, in the employment context, it alters the employees conditions of employment and creates an abusive work environment then it creates a hostile environment can violate an individual’s rights under the Section 504 and Title II regulations. A hostile environment may exist even if there are no tangible effects on the individual, where the harassment is serious enough to adversely affect the individual’s ability to participate in or benefit from the College’s programs and activities including its educational programs. Examples of harassment that could create a hostile environment follow.

• Several students continually remark out loud to other students during class that a student with dyslexia is “retarded” or “deaf and dumb” and does not belong in the class. The student tries to act as though she doesn’t hear and makes no comments. Then one day as a result of the comments, the harassed student stops attending the class.
• A student repeatedly places classroom furniture or other objects in the path of classmates who use wheelchairs, impeding the classmates’ ability to enter the classroom.
• A faculty member repeatedly points out to other students in the class that a blind student is using an audio recorder related to the student’s disability, with the result that the student stops attending the class to avoid further embarrassment.
• A professor repeatedly belittles and criticizes a student with a disability for requesting testing accommodations to the point that the student stops utilizing the accommodation and, as a result, her grades decline.
• Several college employees repeatedly tease a visually impaired employee while making use of an enhanced computer monitor calling her “blind as a bat” and, as a consequence, the employee transfers out of the department.

1. Complaint Procedures Disability Harassment/Disability Discrimination

FSW will act on any formal or informal allegation or notice of violation of the policy on

Disability Harassment and Nondiscrimination that is received by the Equity Officer the Student Coordinator or a member of administration, faculty, or other employee.  The procedures described below apply to all allegations of disability harassment or discrimination involving students, staff or faculty members, or third parties. All complaints involving disability harassment or discrimination should be promptly submitted to the Equity Officer for disposition under this College Operating Procedure. 

The College reserves the right to initiate an investigation without a complaint of disability harassment or discrimination or participation by a complaining party.  The Equity Officer will notify the complainant if an investigation will commence, or if there is no reasonable cause to pursue an investigation.

Following receipt of notice, the Equity Officer engages in a preliminary inquiry to determine if there is reasonable cause to believe the Discrimination and Harassment Policy has been violated and if interim remedies should be provided during the investigation.

The interim remedies may include, but are not limited to:

• Referral to counseling and health services
• Referral to the Employee Assistance Program
• Education to the community
• Altering the housing situation of an the responding party (resident student or resident employee (or the reporting party, if desired))
• Altering work arrangements for employees
• Providing campus escorts
• Providing transportation accommodations
• Implementing contact limitations between the parties
• Offering adjustments to academic deadlines, course schedules, etc. 

In cases where the reporting party wishes to proceed or the College determines it will proceed, and the preliminary inquiry shows that reasonable cause exists, the Equity Officer will direct an investigation to commence. The process followed considers the preference of the complainant, but is ultimately determined at the discretion of the Equity Officer.

All parties involved in the investigation shall be afforded the opportunity to present witnesses and other evidence and all parties shall be provided with the written outcome of the investigation and, if applicable, the appeal finding. 

If, during the preliminary inquiry or at any point during the investigation, the Equity Officer determines that there is no reasonable cause to believe that the policy has been violated, the process will end unless the reporting party requests that the Equity Officer makes an extraordinary determination to re-open the investigation. This decision lies in the sole discretion of the Equity Officer.

Any evidence that the investigator believes is relevant and credible may be considered, including history and pattern evidence. The investigator may exclude irrelevant or immaterial evidence and may choose to disregard evidence lacking in credibility or that is improperly prejudicial.

Unless the investigator determines it is appropriate, the investigation and the finding will not consider: (1) incidents not directly related to the possible violation, unless they show a pattern, (2) or the character of the responding party. 

In the absence of unusual circumstances the College will complete all investigations within a sixty (60) calendar day time period. The time period for the completion of the investigation may be extended as necessary for appropriate cause by the Equity Officer with notice to the parties as appropriate. Unusual Circumstances would include such matters as scheduled and unscheduled College closures, the need to obtain new or additional evidence from third parties or, the unavailability of the complainant or necessary witnesses. In the event that unusual circumstances will delay disposition all parties will be notified of the delay and the anticipated date of completion.

The investigator(s) will base the determination(s) on the preponderance of the evidence – whether it is more likely than not that the responding party violated policy as alleged.                         

Typically, within ten (10) calendar days of the close of an investigation, the Equity Officer or designee will provide the complaining parties and the responding parties with written finding(s) of the investigation and may make recommendations for further action.  If the responding party is an employee, the findings and recommendations will be forwarded to the Director of Human Resources for disposition.  If the responding party is a student, the case will proceed under the Student Code of Conduct for disposition.

1.  Contacts

All applicant/employee ADA complaints, excluding those filed against the ADA Coordinator, should be addressed to ADA Coordinator/Title IX Coordinator/Equity Officer, 8099 College Parkway, Ft. Myers, Florida 33919 or by calling 239.489.9051 or call through the Florida Relay Service at 1-800-955-8771 (TTY).

All student ADA complaints should be addressed to the Dean of Students Office, 8099 College Parkway, Ft. Myers, Florida, 33919 or by calling 239.433.6950 or call through the Florida Relay Service at 1-800-955-8771 (TTY).

All ADA complaints filed against the ADA Coordinator should be addressed to the Director of the Human Resources Department, 8099 College Parkway, Ft. Myers, Florida, 33919 or by calling 239-489-9357 or call through the Florida Relay Service at 1.800.955.8771 (TTY).

Questions pertaining to educational equity, equal access, or equal opportunity may also be addressed to the Assistant Secretary for Civil Rights, United States Department of Education, 16 Forsyth Street S.W., Suite 19T10, Atlanta, GA 30303-8927. Telephone: 404-974-9406
Facsimile: 404-974-9471 Email: OCR.Atlanta@ed.gov.

Board of Trustees Policies

Policy Regarding Students With Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV)

(Florida SouthWestern State College Board of Trustees Policy 6Hx6:6.02)

The following guidelines are established regarding students with Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV):

1. DEFINITION: For purposes of this policy, a student with HIV falls into one of the following categories:
   1. An individual who tests positive for HIV antibody but who has no symptom manifestations, or
   2. An individual who is diagnosed as having Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome (AIDS)-displaying one or more opportunistic infections.
2. STUDENT RIGHTS: The College recognizes that the rights of students with HIV to obtain education and employment must be balanced against the rights of persons without HIV who wish to be reasonably protected from contracting the virus.
   1. Both the Federal Vocational Rehabilitation Act of 1973 and the Florida Educational Equity Act prohibit discrimination against disabled persons, and students with HIV are classified as disabled.
   2. Precautions will be provided to students in Health Professions Programs and science laboratory classes.
   3. Any student who reveals that he/she has HIV will be afforded confidentiality in accordance with appropriate statute and state law.
3. ADMISSIONS: No student will be denied admission to the College solely on the basis that he/she has HIV.
   1. The College will not require a student to reveal whether or not he/she has HIV when applying for admission to the College.
   2. Furthermore, the College will not require serological testing to determine if a student seeking admission has HIV.
4. ATTENDANCE, WITHDRAWAL, AND/OR SUSPENSIONS: Under most circumstances, no student will be required to cease class attendance solely on the basis of having HIV.
   1. If a student with HIV requests special accommodations due to illness (i.e., disability), the College will acquire sufficient information about such disability to make a determination regarding the requested accommodation(s). Any student wishing to request special accommodations should contact the Chief Student Affairs Office at any campus.
   2. The College will not impose any rule(s) or restrictions upon a student with HIV that will have the effect of limiting that individual’s participation in the College’s educational programs and/or services solely on the basis of that person’s disability.
   3. Current research has indicated the possibility that the central nervous system may become affected by HIV, which may lead to progressive neurological and cognitive dysfunction and subsequent inability of the student to maintain scholastic performance. Decisions as to such a student continuing to attend class or being suspended or withdrawn from class(es) will be made on a case-by-case basis after reasonable accommodations have been examined or tried, and after an examination of the facts demonstrates to the College that the student can no longer function as necessary to meet the requirements of the student’s course or program, or that the student presents a health or safety risk to self or to the College community.

Discrimination And Harassment Policy

(Florida SouthWestern State College Board of Trustees Policy 6Hx6:2.03)

Florida SouthWestern State College is committed to providing an educational and working environment free from discrimination or harassment based on such factors as race, color, sex, age, religion, national origin, ethnicity, disability, sexual orientation, genetic information, pregnancy, marital status, or veteran’s status. Florida SouthWestern State College, as a matter of policy and in compliance with Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, the Americans with Disabilities Act, Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act, the Florida Civil Rights Act of 1992 for employees, Title IX of the Education Act of 1972 and the Florida Education Equity Act, absolutely opposes any act of discrimination or harassment and strictly prohibits and will not tolerate such action, whether those involved stand in a subordinate supervisory relationship, student-faculty relationship, student-student relationship or others doing business with Florida SouthWestern State College.

For purposes of this Policy “discrimination” includes, but is not limited to, action with partiality or prejudice for or against a person of a group on the basis of one of the protected categories above.

For purposes of this Policy “harassment” includes, but is not limited to, verbal, physical, and visual conduct that creates an intimidating, offensive, or hostile working or educational environment or that interferes with work performance or educational opportunities.

There are two types of educational/workplace sexual harassment. The first is “quid pro quo” which generally means that type of harassment where a person is promised better employment conditions such as a promotion or a desired transfer or, in the alternative, is threatened with lesser conditions such as a demotion or termination if the person refuses sexual overtures from a supervisor or some other person in the management structure of the employer. The second type of sexual harassment is a “hostile environment.” A hostile environment is created by a pervasive sexually oriented work/educational atmosphere. For example, disparagement related to one’s sex, unwelcome sexual flirtations, sexually offensive jokes or comments, and sexually offensive material displayed in the workplace can create a sexually hostile environment. A sexually hostile environment will exist if the type of conduct described above has the purpose or effect of unreasonably interfering with an individual’s work performance or academic or professional performance or creating an intimidating, hostile or offensive working or educational environment.

Florida SouthWestern State College is also equally opposed to willful and intentional bad faith claims of discrimination or harassment. Bad faith claims are those that are known or should be known by the alleging employee/student to be false. The College takes this strong stand because such claims often affect the future employment and important family relationships of, not only the claimant, but also the person against whom the claim is made.

If an employee or student becomes aware of any behavior that may constitute discrimination or harassment, it is the responsibility of that person to report such conduct. Discrimination or harassment complaints or concerns may be reported to the designated Equity Officer. Additionally, employees should notify their immediate supervisor; the Director, Human Resources; or the General Counsel. Students should notify either the Dean of Students or the Equity Officer.

Any report of alleged discrimination or harassment will be promptly and fully investigated by the individual contacted above or his or her designee in accordance with College Operating Procedure 05-0102, Discrimination and Harassment Complaint Procedure. The College will protect the confidentiality of the persons involved to the extent possible.

Appropriate disciplinary action will be taken against any employee, student or applicant who is determined to have violated this policy against discrimination or harassment or against anyone who knowingly files false claims of discrimination or harassment. Based on the seriousness of the offense, disciplinary action may include a verbal or written reprimand, suspension, or termination. Certain disciplinary actions, as determined by the President, may require action by the District Board of Trustees, depending upon the nature of the offenses and the resulting severity of the action to be taken. In such cases, the President will recommend appropriate action to the District Board of Trustees following the completion of the investigation and the communication of the President’s position to the individuals involved. Claims of discrimination or harassment made against a student may be referred to the Chief Student Affairs Officer for Student Code of Conduct consideration. Results of the Student Code of Conduct process may lead to suspension or expulsion.

Retaliatory action against anyone filing a valid complaint of any type of discrimination or harassment will not be tolerated. The individual investigating such reports or claims on behalf of the College, with the President’s full support, will make all efforts necessary to safeguard against any retaliation against any individual involved in the discrimination or harassment claim and any witnesses interviewed during the investigatory process.

This policy is intended to reflect applicable laws regarding discrimination and harassment, as such laws may from time to time be stated or clarified, and to provide no greater or lesser protection than the laws provide. This policy is to be interpreted and applied with that understanding.

Drug And Alcohol Policy

(Florida SouthWestern State College Board of Trustees Policy 6Hx6:2.04)

It is the policy of Florida SouthWestern State College to promote and maintain a drug-free workplace. The unlawful manufacture, distribution, dispensation, possession, or use of controlled substances is prohibited on and off College premises. The possession or use of alcohol under the circumstances described herein is also prohibited. All students and employees are required to abide by the terms of this policy as a condition of initial and continued enrollment and/or employment.

This policy is based on the Florida Comprehensive Drug Abuse Prevention and Control Act, 41 U.S.C. 70-1 et.seq., as amended and is supplemented by College administrative policies and procedures.

1. The illegal use, possession, manufacture, dispensation and distribution of any controlled substance, at any time, whether on or off duty or on or off College premises is strictly prohibited as a matter of College policy.
2. Except as hereinafter provided, use or possession by an employee or student of alcohol in the workplace, or use of alcohol on College property is prohibited. The possession or consumption of alcohol by employees or students of legal age at a College sponsored or approved function where alcoholic beverages are served by the College or sponsor is not a violation of this Section.
3. Any employee or student who reports to work or class or performs his/her duties while under the influence of drugs or alcohol will be in violation of this policy.
4. Violation of this policy can result in referral to appropriate law enforcement authorities, disciplinary action up to and including immediate suspension, expulsion or termination, and/or a requirement of satisfactory participation in a College approved drug or alcohol rehabilitation program. A criminal conviction is not required for sanctions to be imposed upon a student or employee for violation of this policy.

Campus Violence Prevention Policy

(Florida SouthWestern State College Board of Trustees Policy 6Hx6:2.07)

Florida SouthWestern State College is committed to preserving the safety and security of students, staff, faculty, and visitors to the College. Breach of the peace and other violations, including threats, intimidation, violence, assault, batteries, sexual batteries, or other disruptive behavior will not be tolerated. Such behavior can include oral or written statements, gestures, or expressions that may communicate a direct or indirect threat of physical harm. Florida SouthWestern State College will not tolerate threats, direct or implied: physical conduct that results in harm to people or property; possession of deadly weapons on College property; or intimidating conduct or harassment that disrupts the teaching/learning and/or work environment or results in fear for personal safety. Threats, threatening behavior, or other acts of violence carried out on College-owned or leased property but directed at College employees, students, or visitors while conducting official College business are a violation of this policy. Off-site threats include but are not limited to threats made via telephone, fax, electronic or conventional mail, or any other communication medium.

Any student found in violation of this policy will be subject to disciplinary action up to and including dismissal. Any employee found in violation of this policy will be subject to disciplinary action up to and including termination. Individuals who commit such acts may be immediately removed from the premises. The College, through its Department of Public Safety office, will refer violations to local and state law enforcement agencies for criminal prosecution and further action as determined by those agencies.

To promote an atmosphere that encourages learning and productive employment, quick responsive action will be taken if violence or the threat of violence arises.

1. ASSISTANCE
   Generally, the Department of Public Safety should be the first department contacted after an incident occurs at a campus or College site. Upon preliminary investigation, the appropriate local law enforcement agency may be notified and the incident may be referred to the agency. The Department of Public Safety will notify the appropriate campus administrator, or designee.
2. CONFIDENTIALITY
   Pursuant to Section 794.03, Florida Statutes, it is unlawful to print, publish or broadcast in any instrument of mass communication, the name, address or other identifying fact or information of the victim of any sexual offense.
3. INFORMATION AND RESOURCES
   The College will develop, make available and distribute information regarding safety, security, and/or sexual assault through the use of handouts, programs and seminars designed to promote awareness and prevention among the College’s students, employees and the public.
4. REPORTING
   Any violent, threatening, harassing, intimidating, or other disruptive behavior or other violations or potentially hazardous situations witnessed or received should be reported immediately to the Department of Public Safety and/or to a supervisor or manager.

NOTE: Threats or assaults that require immediate attention by police should be reported first to the police at 911.

Victim support and assistance is available through various support services, both on campus and off campus. Counseling and medical care should be pursued as soon as possible. The Director, Human Resources and the College Ombudsperson are designated to serve as victim advocates.

Substitution Policy For Students With Disabilities

(Florida SouthWestern State College Board of Trustees Policy 6Hx6:6.03)

1. Eligibility: Students who are hearing impaired, visually impaired, or who have a specific learning disability are eligible for reasonable substitution for any requirement(s) where it can be documented that the student’s failure to meet the requirement(s) is related to the disability. Substitutions shall be provided in the areas of admission to the college, admission to a program of study, or graduation where the substitution does not constitute a fundamental alteration in the nature of the program.
2. Documentation: Documentation that is no more than three years old, substantiating the nature of the disability, shall be provided by the student concurrent with his or her request for a reasonable substitution for admission to a program of study, or graduation. Such documentation shall be provided by a medical doctor, psychologist, or other specialist recognized to treat the specific disability.
3. Review Policy: Students with disabilities requesting course substitutions must submit an academic petition to the Office of the Registrar. The petition at minimum shall identify the substitution desired and the justification for the substitution, and shall contain the documentation described in paragraph 2 above. The Registrar, in consultation with the appropriate Academic Dean and the Director of the Office of Adaptive Services will consider reasonable substitutions appropriate for each individual student.
4. Substitution Decision: The decision will be communicated in writing by the Registrar to the student and the Director of the Office of Adaptive Services.
5. Articulation: Florida SouthWestern State College will recognize any substitution previously granted to a transfer student by a Florida State post-secondary institution. In accordance with FAC 6A-10.041(3), substitutions granted by Florida SouthWestern State will be honored at any Florida State post-secondary institution. The College will assist the student in contacting the out-of-state or private institution receiving the course substitution(s) to determine how the substitution(s) will be treated in the program of study he/she is pursuing. The student will be advised accordingly.
6. Student Appeal: A student may appeal a denial of the substitution request(s) or determination of ineligibility in writing to the Provost and Vice President for Academic Affairs, who shall make the final decision. The appeal must be filed within 21 days of receipt of the written denial by the Registrar. Any decision of the Provost and Vice President for Academic Affairs is subject to the right of any person whose substantial interests are determined to request a hearing pursuant to Title X, Chapter 120, Florida Statutes.
7. Records: The Registrar and the Director, Adaptive Services shall maintain records on the number of students granted substitutions by type of disability, the substitution provided, the substitutions identified as available for each documented disability and the number of requests that were denied.

State Statutes And College Policies Affecting Students

(See also Student Information and Policies .) The following Florida Statutes, District Board of Trustee Policies, and College Operating Procedures affect students at Florida SouthWestern State College. For the benefit of all students, adherence to these laws is expected. Any questions concerning these statutes and policies may be directed to the Chief Student Affairs Officer on any Florida SouthWestern State College campus.

Florida Statutes

Florida Statute Section 1006.61

PARTICIPATION BY STUDENTS IN DISRUPTIVE ACTIVITIES AT PUBLIC POST SECONDARY EDUCATIONAL INSTITUTIONS; PENALTIES

1. Any person who accepts the privilege extended by the laws of this state of attendance at any public postsecondary educational institution shall, by attending such institution, be deemed to have given his or her consent to the policies of that institution, the State Board of Education, and the Board of Governors regarding the State University System, and the laws of this state. Such policies shall include prohibition against disruptive activities at public postsecondary educational institutions.
2. After it has been determined that a student of a state institution of higher learning has participated in disruptive activities, such student may be immediately expelled from the institution for a minimum of 2 years.

Florida Statute Section 1006.62

EXPULSION AND DISCIPLINE OF STUDENT OF FLORIDA COLLEGE SYSTEM INSTITUTIONS AND STATE UNIVERSITIES

1. Each student in a Florida College System institution or state university is subject to federal and state law, respective county and municipal ordinances, and all rules and regulations of the State Board of Education, the Board of Governors regarding the State University System, or the board of trustees of the institution.
2. Violation of these published laws, ordinances, or rules and regulations may subject the violator to appropriate action by the institution’s authorities.
3. Each president of a Florida College System institution or state university may, after notice to the student of the charges and after a hearing thereon, expel, suspend, or otherwise discipline any student who is found to have violated any law, ordinance, or rule or regulation of the State Board of Education, the Board of Governors regarding the State University System, or the board of trustees of the institution. A student may be entitled to waiver of expulsion:
   1. If the student provides substantial assistance in the identification, arrest, or conviction of any of his or her accomplices, accessories, coconspirators, or principals or of any other person engaged in violations of chapter 893 within a state university or Florida College System institution;
   2. If the student voluntarily discloses his or her violations of chapter 893 prior to his or her arrest; or
   3. If the student commits himself or herself, or is referred by the court in lieu of sentence, to a state-licensed drug abuse program and successfully completes the program.

Florida Statute Section 1006.63

HAZING PROHIBITED

1. As used in this section, “hazing” means any action or situation that recklessly or intentionally endangers the mental or physical health or safety of a student for purposes including, but not limited to, initiation or admission into or affiliation with any organization operating under the sanction of a postsecondary institution. “Hazing” includes, but is not limited to, pressuring or coercing the student into violating state or federal law, any brutality of a physical nature, such as whipping, beating, branding, exposure to the elements, forced consumption of any food, liquor, drug, or other substance, or other forced physical activity that could adversely affect the physical health or safety of the student, and also includes any activity that would subject the student to extreme mental stress, such as sleep deprivation, forced exclusion from social contact, forced conduct that could result in extreme embarrassment, or other forced activity that could adversely affect the mental health or dignity of the student. Hazing does not include customary athletic events or other similar contests or competitions or any activity or conduct that furthers a legal and legitimate objective.
2. A person commits hazing, a third degree felony, punishable as provided in s. 775.082 or s.775.083, when he or she intentionally or recklessly commits any act of hazing as defined in subsection (1) upon another person who is a member of or an applicant to any type of student organization and the hazing results in serious bodily injury or death of such other person.
3. A person commits hazing, a first degree misdemeanor, punishable as provided in s. 775.082 or s. 775.083, when he or she intentionally or recklessly commits any act of hazing as defined in subsection (1) upon another person who is a member of or an applicant to any type of student organization and the hazing creates a substantial risk of physical injury or death to such other person.
4. As a condition of any sentence imposed pursuant to subsection (2) or subsection (3), the court shall order the defendant to attend and complete a 4-hour hazing education course and may also impose a condition of drug or alcohol probation.
5. It is not a defense to a charge of hazing that:
   1. The consent of the victim had been obtained;
   2. The conduct or activity that resulted in the death or injury of a person was not part of an official organizational event or was not otherwise sanctioned or approved by the organization; or
   3. The conduct or activity that resulted in death or injury of the person was not done as a condition of membership to an organization.
6. This section shall not be construed to preclude prosecution for a more general offense resulting from the same criminal transaction or episode.
7. Public and nonpublic postsecondary educational institutions whose students receive state student financial assistance must adopt a written antihazing policy and under such policy must adopt rules prohibiting students or other persons associated with any student organization from engaging in hazing.
8. Public and nonpublic postsecondary educational institutions must provide a program for the enforcement of such rules and must adopt appropriate penalties for violations of such rules, to be administered by the person at the institution responsible for the sanctioning of such organizations.
   1. Such penalties at Florida College System institutions and state universities may include the imposition of fines; the withholding of diplomas or transcripts pending compliance with the rules or pending payment of fines; and the imposition of probation, suspension, or dismissal.
   2. In the case of an organization at a Florida College System institution or state university that authorizes hazing in blatant disregard of such rules, penalties may also include rescission of permission for that organization to operate on campus property or to otherwise operate under the sanction of the institution.
   3. All penalties imposed under the authority of this subsection shall be in addition to any penalty imposed for violation of any of the criminal laws of this state or for violation of any other rule of the institution to which the violator may be subject.
9. Rules adopted pursuant hereto shall apply to acts conducted on or off campus whenever such acts are deemed to constitute hazing.
10. Upon approval of the anti-hazing policy of a Florida College System institution or state university and of the rules and penalties adopted pursuant thereto, the institution shall provide a copy of such policy, rules, and penalties to each student enrolled in that institution and shall require the inclusion of such policy, rules, and penalties in the bylaws of every organization operating under the sanction of the institution.

Florida Statute Section 1006.69

VACCINATION AGAINST MENINGOCOCCAL MENINGITIS AND HEPATITIS B

1. A postsecondary educational institution shall provide detailed information concerning the risks associated with meningococcal meningitis and hepatitis B and the availability, effectiveness, and known contraindications of any required or recommended vaccine to every student, or to the student’s parent if the student is a minor, who has been accepted for admission.
2. An individual enrolled in a postsecondary educational institution who will be residing in on campus housing shall provide documentation of vaccinations against meningococcal meningitis and hepatitis B unless the individual, if the individual is 18 years of age or older, or the individual’s parent, if the individual is a minor, declines the vaccinations by signing a separate waiver for each of these vaccines, provided by the institution, acknowledging receipt and review of the information provided.
3. This section does not require any postsecondary educational institution to provide or pay for vaccinations against meningococcal meningitis and hepatitis B.
   
   Meningitis is a serious disease that affects the brain and spinal cord. Because bacterial meningitis is a grave illness and can rapidly progress to death, it requires early diagnosis and treatment. This is often difficult because the symptoms closely resemble those of the flu and the highest incidence occurs during late winter and early spring (flu season). When not fatal, bacterial meningitis can lead to permanent disabilities such as hearing loss, brain damage or loss of limbs.
   
   Hepatitis B is a serious infectious disease caused by a virus that attacks the liver. The hepatitis B virus (HBV) can cause life-long infection that leads to cirrhosis (scarring) of the liver, liver cancer, or liver failure. There is no cure for hepatitis B, but the infection can be prevented by vaccination. Each year, about 200,000 people are infected with the virus and 5,000 people die.
   
   Although there have been no reported cases of meningitis or hepatitis B at our College in recent years, we are taking the proactive step towards informing and protecting our students.

Florida Statute Section 810.08

TRESPASS IN STRUCTURE OR CONVEYANCE

1. Whoever, without being authorized, licensed, or invited, willfully enters or remains in any structure or conveyance, or, having been authorized, licensed, or invited, is warned by the owner or lessee of the premises, or by a person authorized by the owner or lessee, to depart and refuses to do so, commits the offense of trespass in a structure or conveyance.
2.  
   1. Except as otherwise provided in this subsection, trespass in a structure or conveyance is a misdemeanor of the second degree, punishable as provided in s. 775.082 or s. 775.083.
   2. If there is a human being in the structure or conveyance at the time the offender trespassed, attempted to trespass, or was in the structure or conveyance, the trespass in a structure or conveyance is a misdemeanor of the first degree, punishable as provided in s. 775.082 or s.775.083.
   3. If the offender is armed with a firearm or other dangerous weapon, or arms himself or herself with such while in the structure or conveyance, the trespass in a structure or conveyance is a felony of the third degree, punishable as provided in s. 775.082, s. 775.083, or s. 775.084. Any owner or person authorized by the owner may, for prosecution purposes, take into custody and detain, in a reasonable manner, for a reasonable length of time, any person when he or she reasonably believes that a violation of this paragraph has been or is being committed, and he or she reasonably believes that the person to be taken into custody and detained has committed or is committing such violation. In the event a person is taken into custody, a law enforcement officer shall be called as soon as is practicable after the person has been taken into custody. The taking into custody and detention by such person, if done in compliance with the requirements of this paragraph, shall not render such person criminally or civilly liable for false arrest, false imprisonment, or unlawful detention.
3. As used in this section, the term “person authorized” means any owner or lessee, or his or her agent, or any law enforcement officer whose department has received written authorization from the owner or lessee, or his or her agent, to communicate an order to depart the property in the case of a threat to public safety or welfare.

Florida Statute Section 810.09

TRESPASS ON PROPERTY OTHER THAN STRUCTURE OR CONVEYANCE

1. A person who, without being authorized, licensed, or invited, willfully enters upon or remains in any property other than a structure or conveyance:
   1. As to which notice against entering or remaining is given, either by actual communication to the offender or by posting, fencing, or cultivation as described in s. 810.011; or
   2. If the property is the unenclosed curtilage of a dwelling and the offender enters or remains with the intent to commit an offense thereon, other than the offense of trespass, commits the offense of trespass on property other than a structure or conveyance.

 Florida Statute Section 810.095

TRESPASS ON SCHOOL PROPERTY WITH FIREARM OR OTHER WEAPON PROHIBITED

1. It is a felony of the third degree, punishable as provided in s. 775.082, s. 775.083, or s.775.084, for a person who is trespassing upon school property to bring onto, or to possess on, such school property any weapon as defined in s. 790.001(13) or any firearm.
2. As used in this section, “school property” means the grounds or facility of any kindergarten, elementary school, middle school, junior high school, secondary school, career center, or postsecondary school, whether public or nonpublic.

Florida Statute Section 877.13

EDUCATIONAL INSTITUTIONS OR SCHOOL BOARDS; PENALTY FOR DISRUPTION

1. It is unlawful for any person:
   1. Knowingly to disrupt or interfere with the lawful administration or functions of any educational institution, school board, or activity on school board property in this state.
   2. Knowingly to advise, counsel, or instruct any school pupil or school employee to disrupt any school or school board function, activity on school board property, or classroom.
   3. Knowingly to interfere with the attendance of any other school pupil or school employee in a school or classroom.
   4. To conspire to riot or to engage in any school campus or school function disruption or disturbance which interferes with the educational processes or with the orderly conduct of a school campus, school, or school board function or activity on school board property.
2. This section shall apply to all educational institutions, school boards, and functions or activities on school board property; however, nothing herein shall deny public employees the opportunity to exercise their rights pursuant to part II of chapter 447.
3. Any person who violates the provisions of this section is guilty of a misdemeanor of the second degree, punishable as provided in s. 775.082 or s. 775.083.

Student Affairs And Enrollment Management

In support of the academic mission of the college, the division of Student Affairs and Enrollment Management provides services and programs to help students perform academically to the best of their abilities.

Academic Advising

Academic Advising is an integral part of a student’s success at Florida SouthWestern State College. The mission of Academic Advising Services is to provide students with information, guidance, and support as they develop educational goals. Our commitment is to help students develop and understand the benefit of an education plan, to think logically and analytically, to communicate effectively, to seek and evaluate information, and to act with sound judgment to reach goals in a timely manner. Prior to enrollment in the first term, degree-seeking students are required to meet with an Academic Advisor as part of the enrollment process.

As a result of participation in Academic Advising, students will be able to demonstrate the following competencies:

1. Locate information about College policies and procedures regarding registration, academic standing, and student conduct.
2. Access and run an online degree audit and be able to interpret the information about progress to degree completion.
3. Be familiar with the FSW Portal account and be able to use the Portal features.
4. Access and run an online degree audit and develop a comprehensive academic plan for achievement of educational goals including a timeline for graduation.
5. Know where and how to access appropriate resources and support services to accommodate their unique needs.

Academic Advising is available by appointment or on a walk-in basis. Students are encouraged to meet with an Academic Advisor early in the semester to review educational goals, plans, and options each term.

Adaptive Services

At Florida SouthWestern State College, the Office of Adaptive Services’ (OAS) goal is to assist students achieve educational success by providing services that empower students while working within the limitations of documented disabilities. FSW proudly accepts our legal obligation with the Americans with Disability Act and are pleased to share the responsibility in providing equal access and equal opportunity to college sponsored activities and educational programs.  If you have a documented disability - permanent or temporary, whether physical, mental or sensory - you may be eligible for reasonable accommodations.

Once a student completes the self-identification process, it is the mission of OAS to focus on the abilities of each individual while empowering the student with the tools necessary to become self-assured and effective learners, strong problem solvers and successful members of our academic community. OAS, along with the Equity Officer, is responsible for coordinating college-wide compliance to equal access, equal opportunity for students, staff, faculty and guests who may need assistance.  Be empowered today…self-identify!

Office of Admissions

The staff members in the Admissions Office provide prospective students, applicants and members of the community with guidance to complete the admissions process. Admissions requirements, policies and procedures are outlined within the College Catalog.

Career Services

Career Services provides resources to assist Florida SouthWestern State College students who are uncertain about their majors. Free assessments help students select a major based on their interests and personality. Assistance is also provided for resume and cover-letter writing and interviewing techniques. Students may also learn about job descriptions and educational requirements for thousands of occupations. In addition, students may register for the Florida SouthWestern State College JobNet, where they can view hundreds of area jobs and career listings and can post resumes for participating employers.

Counseling Services

The mission of the Office of Counseling Services is to enhance students’ educational experience by addressing mental health-related barriers to learning, enabling students to make informed decisions, while promoting holistic wellness. The Office of Counseling Services embraces a holistic approach to mental health by offering referrals, private therapeutic sessions, workshops, group counseling, and crisis intervention.

New Student Orientation

New student orientation is required for all first time in college students. Orientation helps students prepare for the transition into college life and provides an introduction to the programs and services available through Florida SouthWestern State College. New student orientation sessions are scheduled at each FSW location and registration is required.

New student orientation features academic and social components to include:

1. Connecting with students, faculty, staff and College resources; learning what is expected of you as a student and finding the support you may need.
2. Academic advising, first-semester schedule planning, and course registration.
3. Financial aid and scholarship information.
4. Navigating the student portal technology resources, and campus facilities.
5. Clubs and organizations, student activities, and first year experience initiatives.

Ombudsperson

The mission of the Student Ombudsperson is to provide to all students an accessible, independent, impartial, and confidential resource for the expeditious resolution of problems. The Ombudsperson serves in the capacity as an advocate for fairness of outcomes. In seeking to prevent problems as well as to respond to them, the Ombudsperson acts as an agent of change by continuously evaluating established processes and procedures intended to address issues pertaining to student satisfaction, programs, and services. The Ombudsperson is the Assistant Vice President of Student Affairs and Dean of Students.

Housing and Residence Life

Florida SouthWestern State College offers students the opportunity to live on campus in our new 405-bed residence hall, LightHouse Commons. LightHouse Commons is a living-learning community that features suite-style living that allows the students of FSW to continue to live, learn and grow outside of the classroom. LightHouse Commons blends quality housing and luxury student-centered amenities with on-campus convenience. Each suite features a kitchenette and living area shared by suite-mates. Residents of LightHouse Commons will have a private bedroom that includes water, electric, cable/Internet. Access to resident amenities (such as the Recreation Room and Fitness Center) are included at no extra charge.

The mission of the Office of Housing and Residence Life is to foster a supportive, safe, and engaging living-learning community which enables students to flourish not only academically but personally as well.

The goals of our living-learning community include but are not limited to:

1. Service: We will strive to exceed the expectations of our students, colleagues, and community.
2. Leadership: We will aid in the development of future leaders within our campus and community.
3. Collaboration: We will work to develop rich, meaningful relationships with campus and community partners.
4. Engagement: We will challenge our students to be engaged in all aspects of college life.
5. Diversity: We will recognize, celebrate, and embrace the differences that exist within our community.

For more information, please visit our Housing and Residence Life Homepage at (www.fsw.edu/housing)

Student Email

Florida SouthWestern State College has designated email as the official method of communication with students regarding topics of an academic or administrative nature. The College will assign an email account to each student and expects students to be responsible for all information sent to them via their College email account.

Student Life and Activities

Student life is an important facet of the Florida SouthWestern State College experience. In keeping with this philosophy, Student Life sponsors a variety of academic, cultural, social, and recreational activities and events at Florida SouthWestern State College. These activities are designed to provide a more enjoyable and multifaceted campus experience. To find more information on student activities and programs, see Florida SouthWestern State College’s online calendar, the Portal calendar page, or contact the Student Life office on your campus.

Student Government Association and Student Representation

The Student Government Association (SGA) is the students’ voice at Florida SouthWestern State College. There is a Student Government Association at each FSW location and a College Wide SGA. The SGA serves:

1. To provide a means whereby members of the student body may express themselves.
2. To provide leadership in coordination of activities of the student body for the benefit of the entire College.
3. To act as a service organization for Florida SouthWestern State College.

The SGA is made up of club-appointed Representatives and elected Senators who coordinate event service projects and follow through on student issues. Representatives confer with their Advisor on matters of student interest and concern and promote the general welfare of the student body. All qualified students, including upper-level students, are invited to participate in SGA by attending meetings and running for office. Students are free, individually and collectively, to express their views on issues of College policy and on matters of general interest to the student body. The Student Government Association provides a means for participation in the formulation and application of College policy affecting academic and student affairs with the assistance of the SGA Advisor and the Assistant Director of Student Life. Proposals for changes in policy, regulations and procedures that affect the student body as a whole are to be directed through the SGA and its Advisor or the Assistant Director of Student Life.

The right of assembly for students is recognized, providing that student gatherings do not disrupt or interfere with the orderly educational operation of the institution. Such assembly must be in compliance with Florida Statutes and College policies and procedures.

Student Identification

with them at all times. Not only is the BUC Card required at the library and in various academic computer laboratories, but it also serves as a valid photo ID when student verification is required at the Admissions, Academic Advising, Financial Aid, and Registration counters, at the Testing Center prior to testing, and when selling textbooks back to the Bookstore. Please keep in mind, the BUC Card will be required for any Bookstore purchases with excess financial aid funds. Dining Plans, Campus BUC$ (campus wide declining balance account), and Dining Dollars will also be accessed via the BUC Card. In addition, the BUC Card may qualify students for discounts in area theatres and businesses.

Student Organizations

Club activities at Florida SouthWestern State College provide a variety of opportunities for students to participate in the college community outside the classroom. For more information, contact the Student Life office on your campus.

Organizing a Club

Students are encouraged to join clubs and to organize associations at Florida SouthWestern for educational, political, social, religious or cultural purposes, as long as they are in keeping with the philosophy and objectives of the College. The College procedure for organizing a campus club is as follows:

1. Secure a Petition for Organization from the Student Life office on your campus.
2. Submit the completed Petition to the Student Life office. The Petition should include a list of prospective members, a constitution and by-laws, a sponsor and any other information that may be relevant according to the College Catalog.
3. Following approval by the Student Government Association and Student Life, Student Life will inform the new club of its status and offer support as the club develops.

Student Participation in Decision Making

Florida SouthWestern State College promotes student participation in the decision-making process of the College through a number of opportunities. These include but are not limited to representation on the Curriculum Committee, student surveys, screening committees, AS Programs Committees, student focus groups, Student Government Association (SGA) and various clubs and organizations.

Student Support Services Program

The Student Support Services Program is funded by the U.S. Department of Education. This program is designed for students whose parents did not graduate from a four-year college/university and whose family income may hinder them from remaining in college without financial assistance. A potential Student Support Services student must be enrolled at Florida SouthWestern State, have a demonstrated academic need, be pursuing an AA degree and planning to complete a bachelor’s degree. The student must be a citizen or a permanent resident of the U.S. or a permanent resident of a territory of the U.S.

Student Support Services assists selected, qualified participants with the following:

1. Course and transfer advisement
2. Scholarships for limited income participants
3. Tuition fee exemptions for peer mentors
4. Cultural and educational activities
5. Workshops on relevant topics
6. Computer skills lab
7. Peer mentoring program
8. Math and English tutoring services
9. Career exploration
10. Enrichment program

Testing Services

The Florida SouthWestern State College Testing Centers provide testing services at each of the four FSW locations: Charlotte, Collier, Hendry/ Glades, and Thomas Edison (Lee). The mission of each testing center is to provide optimal testing conditions by maintaining a comfortable, secure testing site. FSW Testing adheres to the standards and guidelines as set forth by the National College Testing Association (NCTA).

The following exams are a portion of the testing services that are provided by Florida SouthWestern State College.  The tests that FSW Testing Services administer are subject to change. Please check http://www.fsw.edu/testing for specific testing services offered, locations of testing, and hours of operation.

Common Placement Testing is used to determine placement in English, mathematics, and reading courses. Florida SouthWestern State College follows State Rule 6A-10.0315 concerning placement testing. For more information, visit the Placement Testing Information page at http://www.fsw.edu/testing/placement.

English for Academic Purposes (EAP) placement test is used to determine placement for students whose native language is not English or who have not graduated from a U.S. high school. Students may be required to take the English proficiency test before common placement testing is administered. For more information visit the English for Academic Purposes webpage.

College-Level Examination Program® (CLEP) is the most widely accepted credit-by-examination program. More than 2,900 accredited institutions of higher education award credit for satisfactory scores on CLEP exams. There are 33 examinations and all are available at Florida SouthWestern State College. Florida SouthWestern does not award credit for all available exams.

The College-Level Mathematics (CLM) test measures your ability to solve problems that involve college-level mathematics concepts. To qualify for the College Level Math (CLM) Test, a student must have achieved the following math scores: PERT (135+), ACT (25+), or SAT (560+). Students who have achieved these scores and wish to enroll in a course higher than Combined College Algebra/Pre-Calculus (MAC 1106) are eligible to take the College Level Math (CLM) Test at any FSW Testing Center. There is NO RETEST opportunity for the CLM test. There are six content areas measured on this test: Algebraic Operations, Solutions of Equations and Inequalities, Coordinate Geometry, Applications, and other Algebra Topics, Functions, and Trigonometry. Study information can be found under the College-Level Mathematics Test section.

FSW Online (Distance) Testing Services are available on all campuses and at the Hendry/Glades Center. Testing locations, hours, and procedures as well as testing services offered can be found on the Proctored Exam Services webpage.

Nursing Entrance Test–The Test of Essential Academic Skills (TEAS®) is a multiple-choice assessment of basic academic knowledge in reading, mathematics, science and English and language usage. The objectives assessed on the TEAS exam are those which nurse educators deemed most appropriate and relevant to measure entry level skills and abilities of nursing program applicants. In order to register for the TEAS, please review all information on the TEAS Registration Information sheet. The TEAS Registration Information Sheet will link you to ATI Testing and a tutorial for registering and scheduling your FSW TEAS exam.

Pearson VUE Authorized Test Centers are third-party testing facilities which provide on-site testing for certification and professional licensure exams. Pearson VUE provides a full suite of services from test development to data management and delivers exams through the world’s most comprehensive and secure network of test centers in more than 175 countries.

Florida SouthWestern State College is an authorized Pearson VUE Test Center. Pearson VUE testing is available at the Thomas Edison (Lee) Campus Testing Center located in Fort Myers. FSW’s Thomas Edison Campus Testing is authorized to deliver all Information Technology exams for Pearson VUE.

Additional information concerning testing and types of tests offered at each location may be obtained by visiting http://www.fsw.edu/testing.