In support of the academic mission of the college, the Division of Student Affairs provides services and programs to help students perform academically to the best of their abilities.
From living-learning communities to peer advising and student leadership positions, our programs provide innovative and engaging opportunities on campus. We hope to see you developing friendships and becoming an active member of an organization or club that will enhance your FSW experience.
Our outstanding and dedicated staff members across three campuses and one center are here to support you on your journey from admissions to graduation. For more information, please visit https://www.fsw.edu/studentaffairs.
Academic Advising
Academic Advising is an integral part of a student’s success at Florida SouthWestern State College. Once eligible to enroll, students are assigned a Student Success Advisor based on their declared degree program. The mission of the Office of Academic Advising is to provide students with information, guidance, and support as they develop their educational goals. Our commitment is to help students develop and understand the benefit of a program map, 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 meet with a Student Success Advisor as part of the enrollment process.
As a result of participation in Academic Advising, students will be able to demonstrate the following competencies:
- Locate information about College policies and procedures regarding registration and academic standing.
- Be familiar with the FSW Portal account and be able to use the Portal features.
- Access and run an online degree audit and develop a comprehensive academic plan for achievement of educational goals including a timeline for graduation.
- Know where and how to access appropriate resources and support services to accommodate their unique needs.
Academic Advising is available by appointment. Students are encouraged to meet with their Student Success 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 in achieving 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 is 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 who may need assistance. Be empowered today…self-identify!
For more information, or to begin the self-identification process, please contact us or visit our website at https://www.fsw.edu/adaptiveservices.
Counseling Services
The mission of the Office of Counseling Services is to enhance students’ educational experience by addressing mental health-related barriers to learning and 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. For more information, including how to contact us, please visit our website at https://www.fsw.edu/counseling.
Campus Recreation and Wellness
Fitness Center
Campus Recreation and Wellness manages fitness centers on the Lee (3600 sq. ft. ) and Collier (1400 sq. ft.) campuses. The Fitness Centers house Cardio, Machine Weight, and Free Weight and provide Group Fitness classes. The Fitness facilities provide a healthy, progressive, and safe environment. Campus Recreation and Wellness values integrity, a sense of community, wellness, excellence, and experiential learning. For more information, please visit our website at https://www.fsw.edu/campusrec.
New Student Orientation
New Student Orientation is required for all first-time in college students. First-time in college students includes incoming freshmen and any graduating high school seniors with previous dual enrollment credit from FSW. Orientation prepares students for the transition into college life and introduces the programs and services available through Florida SouthWestern State College. New Student Orientation sessions are facilitated in a virtual environment, and they are available to incoming students once they are accepted into the College . Though not required, transfers students can still participate in new student orientation sessions as we believe that the program connects all students to the support and resources they need to be successful at FSW.
The virtual New Student Orientation is complemented by New Buc Welcome Aboard events. Students have the opportunity to connect in-person with representatives from the various offices/programs around the College to build and strengthen relationships. Additionally, these events provide students and their families with the opportunity to celebrate their decision to join the FSW family.
For more information, please visit our website at https://www.fsw.edu/orientation.
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. Please visit https://www.fsw.edu/ombudsperson for contact information.
Housing and Residence Life
Florida SouthWestern State College offers students the opportunity to reside on campus in our 402-bed residence hall, LightHouse Commons. LightHouse Commons is a suite-style living-learning community that provides a supportive, safe, and engaging residential environment that fosters each student’s personal development and academic success. 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, and Internet. Access to resident amenities (such as the Recreation Room, Basketball/Volleyball Court and Pool) 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:
- Service: We will strive to exceed the expectations of our students, colleagues, and community.
- Leadership: We will aid in the development of future leaders within our campus and community.
- Collaboration: We will work to develop rich, meaningful relationships with campus and community partners.
- Engagement: We will challenge our students to be engaged in all aspects of college life.
- 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 Engagement and Campus Activities
Student Engagement sponsors a variety of academic, cultural, social, and developmental co-curricular activities and events at Florida SouthWestern State College. These activities support the Student Development Curriculum, which is designed to provide assistance, opportunities and resources to students from orientation to graduation. To find more information on student activities and programs, see Florida SouthWestern State College’s online events calendar, contact the Student Engagement office on your campus, email at engage@fsw.edu, or visit the Portal calendar page. Students can also connect with us on social media by liking the FSW Student Engagement page on Facebook or following us on Instagram (@fswstudents).
Student Government Association and Student Representation
The Student Government Association (SGA) is the students’ voice at Florida SouthWestern State College. There is a college-wide SGA and a Campus Congress at each FSW location. The SGA serves:
- To provide a means whereby members of the student body may advocate and express themselves.
- To serve as ambassadors for the college through exemplary participation in the Florida College System Student Government Association (FCSSGA).
- To promote campus and civic engagement at Florida SouthWestern State College.
The SGA is made up of elected Senators at the campus level and an executive board (PanSGA) at the college-wide level who coordinate educational, awareness, and advocacy oriented projects and follow through on student issues. Representatives confer with their advisor(s) on matters of student interest and concern to promote the general welfare of the student body. All qualified 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, local, state and federal policy and on matters of general interest to the overall student body. The Student Government Association provides a means for participation in the formulation and application of policy affecting academic and student affairs with the assistance of the SGA Campus Congress Advisor(s) and the Director of Student Engagement. 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 Director of Student Engagement.
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
The BUC Card (Student ID) is available to all students. Students should carry their BUC Cards with them at all times. The BUC Card is required at the library and in various academic computer laboratories. The BUC Card serves as a valid photo ID for all College departments and is used when selling textbooks back to the Bookstore. The BUC card is required for admission to all Office of Student Engagement programs as well as any athletic events hosted by FSW. The BUC Card is required to access the Fitness Center and Campus Recreation activities. The BUC Card is also the preferred payment method for all WEPA printing stations. Please keep in mind, the BUC Card will be required for any Bookstore purchases with excess financial aid funds. The BUC Card may be used by students to receive discounts in area theaters and businesses. Students can also obtain a BUC Card using the Online Photo Submission tool by submitting a request for a secure thread to BUCCardOPS@fsw.edu and the BUC Card will be mailed to the student.
Student Clubs and 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 Engagement office on your campus https://www.fsw.edu/studentengagement/contactus.
Organizing a Club
Students are encouraged to join clubs and to organize associations at Florida SouthWestern State College 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:
- Secure a Petition for Organization from the Student Engagement office on your campus.
- Submit the completed Petition to the Student Engagement office. The Petition should include a list of prospective members, a constitution and by-laws, the name and contact information for the faculty/staff Advisor, and any other information that may be relevant according to the College Catalog.
- Following approval, the Student Engagement office 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.
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) and the Florida Department of Education (FLDOE). For a complete listing of testing services provided at each Testing Center, please visit https://www.fsw.edu/testing.
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