Degree Acceleration and Honors Programs

Degree Acceleration and Honors Programs

Florida SouthWestern State College provides multiple pathways for qualified secondary school students to enroll in college courses while still enrolled in secondary school, either through the public, charter, private, or homeschool system. High school students have the opportunity to receive both high school and college credit simultaneously, accelerating a student’s degree program through Dual Enrollment, Early Admissions, or FSW’s Collegiate High School Students elect they are degree seeking as an Associate Degree or Vocational Certificate, and are able to take corresponding courses that are approved by the Accelerated Pathways Articulation Agreement. Courses not included are college preparatory, Applied Music, and health and wellness courses. Accelerated Pathways students will work with their high school counselors or designee and the FSW advising to ensure both high school and college requirements are being met. Accelerated Pathways students have access to the College’s academic support centers, Honors program, clubs, and activities.

To qualify for Accelerated Pathways programs, all candidates must demonstrate readiness for college-level work. Readiness for college-level work is determined through achievement of the state minimum cutoff scores on the appropriate sections of the PERT, ACT, SAT or AccuPlacer scores and meet the minimum high school GPA requirement, as outlined in the Accelerated Pathways Articulation Agreements. Required test scores and grade points averages are found at www.fsw.edu/dualenrollment.

Accelerated Pathways students must complete the “Dual Enrollment/Early Admissions Students Application” at www.fsw.edu/apply.  In addition, the student will submit a completed “Accelerated Pathways High School Registration Approval Form” listing the courses that they are approved to register for each term. This form must be signed by the high school principal or designee and the applicant. Eligible students are able to enroll in classes on a Florida SouthWestern State College campus, FSW online, or on their high school campus. Some FSW courses require a high school transcript or accelerated test scores (Advanced Placement, International Baccalaureate, and Cambridge AICE) to meet the prerequisite requirement.  Homeschool students must present annually a FSW Accelerated Pathways Home Education Articulation Agreement and a Home Education Verification Affidavit from the county school district in order to register for courses.

Accelerated Pathways students have differing policies from traditional first-time in college students, such as; course selection, withdrawing from courses, and retaking courses. In all processes, school approval must be granted and the corresponding documentation is required. Refer to your school district’s Accelerated Pathways Articulation Agreement for more information on these specific processes.

Accelerated Pathways students must maintain the required high school grade point average and a Florida SouthWestern State College term GPA of 2.0 to remain eligible. Students who fall below a 2.0 will be on Academic Probation for one semester, and can be removed from the program.

Accelerated Pathways students are exempt from application, matriculation and tuition fees. Textbooks and instructional materials for public school students are provided by the school district. Students enrolled in  home education will have required textbooks provided by the College. Non-public students must pay for their textbooks and instructional materials. 

Specialized and/or limited-access programs and courses may include costs outside of the Accelerated Pathways Program that are the responsibility of the student.  Please refer to the Accelerated Learning Articulation Agreement for more information.

Students who take FSW courses, whether the College’s campuses, online, or concurrently, fall under FSW college policies and Student Code of Conduct. Accelerated students are protected under Federal law that protects the privacy of student education record under the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA). Accelerated Learning students who have an IEP or 504 must complete the self- identification process through the process through the College’s Adaptive Services to receive accommodations pursuant to Titles I and II of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA).

Dual Enrollment

Dual enrollment is a part-time college program where student may elect to take college courses on a part-time basis. Students continue to maintain some high school courses in addition to their FSW college coursework. Students may elect to take courses on their high school campus (concurrent), on-campus, or online.

Early Admissions

Early Admission is a full-time college program, available to juniors and seniors, where qualified students enroll in 12-18 credit hours. Early Admission students will not have any high school courses, but may still participate in high school activities at their perspective high school.

Collegiate High School

Florida SouthWestern State College offers two collegiate high schools on our Charlotte and Lee Campuses. Servicing approximately 400 students from grades 9^th-12^th grade. Students complete an honors 9^th and 10^th grade curriculum with a unique focus on college-readiness to prepare students for the rigors of a college environment. Students in FSW’s Collegiate High Schools enroll full-time into FSW college courses their 11^th and 12^th grade year with possible completion of the Associates of Arts degree.

Advanced Placement

Florida SouthWestern State College participates in the Advanced Placement Program (AP) offered by the College Board (https://www.collegeboard.org/) to provide greater flexibility and opportunity for high school students to proceed with their education. Students must submit to the Office of the Registrar an official transcript from the College Board for scores to be considered. Florida SouthWestern State College awards college credit for qualifying AP examination scores based on standards recommended by the Florida Department of Education Articulation Coordinating Committee. Acceptance of AP tests and scores is subject to change without notice. Credit by examination may not duplicate credit previously earned through examination or through postsecondary courses in which a grade of “C” or better has been earned. 

Courses in bold are non-institutional course numbers that are state-mandated for use in awarding credit to those students meeting the criteria.

College-Level Examination Program (CLEP)

Florida SouthWestern State College participates in the College Level Examination Program (CLEP) offered by the Educational Testing Service (ETS) to provide greater flexibility and opportunity for students to proceed with their education. Students must submit to the Office of the Registrar an official transcript from the Educational Testing Service for scores to be considered. Florida SouthWestern State College awards college credit for qualifying CLEP examination scores based on standards recommended by the Florida Department of Education Articulation Coordinating Committee.

Acceptance of CLEP tests and scores is subject to change without notice. Credit by examination may not duplicate credit previously earned through examination or through postsecondary courses in which a grade of “C” or better has been earned. Courses in bold are non-institutional course numbers that are state-mandated for use in awarding credit to those students meeting the criteria. In some instances, courses currently inactive at Florida SouthWestern State College must be used; those inactive courses will be designated with an asterisk (*). For additional information, contact Testing Services on any campus.

International Baccalaureate (IB) Program

Florida SouthWestern State College accepts the International Baccalaureate (IB) offered by the International Baccalaureate Organization to provide greater flexibility and opportunity for high school students to proceed with their education. Students must submit to the Office of the Registrar an official transcript from the International Baccalaureate Organization for scores to be considered. Florida SouthWestern State College awards college credit for qualifying IB examination scores based on standards recommended by the Florida Department of Education Articulation Coordinating Committee. Acceptance of IB tests and scores is subject to change without notice. IB credit may not duplicate credit previously earned through examination or through postsecondary courses in which a grade of “C” or better has been earned.

In 2006, the Florida State Board of Education Rule 6A-10.024 and the Board of Governors established that the credit granting recommendations below award equal course credit for diploma and non-diploma holders exam scores.

Courses in bold are non-institutional course numbers that are state-mandated for use in awarding credit to those students meeting the criteria.

Cambridge Advanced International Certificate of Education (AICE)

The AICE program is an international, advanced secondary curriculum and assessment program equivalent to the British system of “A-Levels.” Florida SouthWestern State College awards college credit for qualifying Cambridge AICE examination scores based on standards recommended by the Florida Department of Education Articulation Coordinating Committee.

Courses in bold are non-institutional course numbers that are state-mandated for use in awarding credit to those students meeting the criteria. Grades are not based on the American “A” - “F” grading scale.

Career Pathways and Articulation

Lee, Charlotte, Collier, Hendry, and Glades District Schools and Florida SouthWestern State College are partners in the Career Pathways philosophy which offers students the opportunity to focus on technical high school electives that will help train them for high-skill, high-wage occupations. While in high school preparing for careers and post-secondary education, students can begin to earn Florida SouthWestern State College credits. FSW provides the opportunity for technical program students to earn college credits that may be applied toward an Associate in Science degree.

Excelsior College (EC)

Florida SouthWestern State College follows the guidelines in Florida State Board Rule 6A-10.024 for awarding Excelsior College (EC) credits. The UExcel® Credit By Exam program and Excelsior College Examinations (formerly known as Regents College Exams, or the Proficiency Examination Program), are developed by Excelsior College using national committees of faculty consultants and national studies to assess how well the tests measure the performance of students in actual college courses. UExcel® (Excelsior College) Examinations are approved by the American Council on Education, and Excelsior College itself is accredited by the Middle States Association of Colleges and Schools. Florida SouthWestern State College awards college credit for qualifying EC examination scores based on standards recommended by the Florida Department of Education Articulation Coordinating Committee.

EC credit granted by FSW may be transferable to participating Florida institutions of higher education; however, it is the responsibility of the student to contact the institution to which he/she expects to transfer to determine the acceptability of EC credit.

Courses in bold are non-institutional course numbers that are state-mandated for use in awarding credit to those students meeting the criteria.

Phi Theta Kappa Honor Society (PTK)https://www.ptk.org

The purpose of Phi Theta Kappa is to recognize and encourage scholarship among two-year college students.  To achieve this purpose, Phi Theta Kappa provides opportunities for the development of leadership, service, for an intellectual climate for the exchange of ideas and ideals, for lively fellowship for scholars, and for stimulation of interest in continuing academic excellence.  FSW supports four chapters of PTK: Alpha Tau Eta - Charlotte Campus, Alpha Upsilon Nu - Collier Campus , Beta Tau Pi - Hendry/Glades Center and Omicron Epsilon Chapter - Thomas Edison Campus.

In order to be a member of an FSW chapter of Phi Theta Kappa, a student must meet all of the criteria outlined below:

• A 3.5 or higher overall GPA (excluding college prep courses)
• Completion of 12 college credit hours (excluding college prep and level 1-4 EAP courses)
• Be seeking an Associate in Arts or an Associate in Science degree
• Not  have previously earned an Associate in Arts, Associate in Science, or Bachelor’s degree or higher from FSW or any other institution
• Be enrolled in classes in the semester for which membership is applied
• Adhere to the FSW Code of Conduct
• Possess recognized qualities of citizenship

Once a student has been inducted as a member of PTK, the student’s transcript will be marked showing Phi Theta Kappa membership and induction term.  A student who has been inducted into one of the FSW chapters of PTK may attend chapter meetings, hold office, and participate as a full member in PTK sponsored activities on any FSW campus.

Honors Scholar Program

Florida SouthWestern State College’s Honors Scholar Program offers students an enriched and challenging educational experience that extends learning beyond the classroom. We strive to cultivate academic excellence, skillful leadership, and commitment to social responsibility. As a rigorous, transdisciplinary program, we inspire students to seek out transformative experiences and participate in the world in new ways.

Mission and Values

Mission

The mission of the Florida SouthWestern State College’s Honors Scholar Program is to offer students an enriched and challenging educational experience that extends learning beyond the classroom. We strive to cultivate academic excellence, skillful leadership, and commitment to social responsibility. As a rigorous, transdisciplinary program, we inspire students to seek out transformative experiences and participate in the world in new ways.

Values

Independent Knowledge-Seeking

Our program develops intellectual curiosity that leads to exemplary independent research and consistent engagement with the outside world. Honors scholars cultivate their own ability to acquire necessary skills and knowledge to achieve their academic, professional, and personal goals.

Intellectual Risk-Taking

Our program creates a safe and supportive environment that encourages students to accept intellectual challenges, embrace uncertainty and learn from mistakes. Our courses and extra-curricular activities facilitate both independent thought and collaborative engagement for intellectual growth.

Cultural Empathy

Our program teaches students to inhabit respectfully the positions of others and to be open to diverse perspectives. Honors scholars practice charitable dialogue to broaden their understanding of cultural interconnectedness and awareness of how individuals and societies are shaped by socio-political factors.

Engaged Stewardship

Our program engenders social responsibility and a commitment to activism. Honors scholars are encouraged to explore multiple perspectives and take appropriate action for the good of the local and global community.

Global Problem-Solving

Our program cultivates awareness of how individual and local actions resonate on a global scale. Through our coursework and extracurricular activities, students identify their role in the international community and are encouraged to create solutions for global challenges.

Creative Engagement

Our program offers a platform for the discovery and cultivation of creative potential so that students make meaningful intellectual and aesthetic contributions to society. Honors scholars trust the revision process and acknowledge the value of the continual refinement of ideas.

Discourse Versatility

Our program teaches students to communicate discipline-specific content to diverse audiences. Honors scholars hone these skills in academic and professional forums where they engage with the broader intellectual community.

Benefits of the Program

• Financial support for a wide range of academic and extracurricular experiences
• Opportunities to participate in State, Regional, and National Conferences
• Opportunities for Study Abroad in partnership with the Center for International Education
• Access to smaller classes taught by our most talented professors and attended by our most dedicated students
• Seminar style classes which often include hands-on field research

Admission Guidelines for the Honors Scholar Program

We use a holistic approach to identify and evaluate talented candidates so as not to exclude late-bloomers, non-traditional students, or students who may have met with substantial obstacles which prevented them from developing their full potential prior to their application to the College. This program is best suited for students seeking an AA degree who have not taken more than 30 credit hours. We accept applications once a year; the deadline is July 1^st. Please visit our website for details: http://www.fsw.edu/honors

Applying for Affiliate Membership

Students who do not meet the requirements for Full Membership but who are still academically talented in specific discipline(s) may still be able to take specific Honors classes as an Honors Affiliate.  This student is a major or related major in the discipline, shows exceptional talent in the discipline, and would benefit from the greater engagement with subject matter offered by the Honors Scholar Program.

• Student has a minimum 2.5 GPA on College degree coursework.
• Student has a minimum 3.0 GPA on discipline-related coursework.
• Student must complete an Affiliate Application and submit it to the Honors Scholar Program Coordinator.
• Affiliate members must earn an A or B+ in their Honors class(es) to be eligible to enroll in future Honors classes.
• Affiliate members are not awarded Honors Program Scholarships.

Graduating High School Students

In-coming Freshman should fill out the FSW scholarship application online.

Those who are rewarded an Academic Excellence scholarship are automatically placed in the Honors Scholar Program.

Dual-enrolled High School Students

• DE students can apply to the honors program the first semester they are enrolled on campus. The must have their professors fill out the “Grade Verification” form. Their acceptance will be contingent upon the grades they receive in their college courses that semester. If they receive a “B” or better, they will be formally admitted into the program.
• DE students who have already completed college coursework must have a 3.0 GPA.
• One letter of recommendation from College Faculty and one letter from High School faculty, Counselor, or Administrator
• Participation in extracurricular activities
• Approval by Program Coordinator

Current FSW Students

• GPA of 3.2 on 12 hours of College coursework exclusive of College Prep courses
• Two faculty recommendations
• Approval by the Program Coordinator

Transfer Students

• GPA of 3.2 on 12 hours of College coursework exclusive of College prep courses
• Two faculty recommendations
• Approval by Program Coordinator