Admissions

Florida SouthWestern State College Admissions Policy

Florida SouthWestern State College (FSW) affirms its policy of open admissions. All applicants for admission are considered solely on the basis of their academic qualifications, without regard to their race, color, religion, sex, age, disability, marital status, and national origin. Florida SouthWestern State College reserves the right to deny admission to any applicant whose behavior is not in keeping with the best interests of Florida SouthWestern.

Florida SouthWestern State assesses a non-refundable admissions application fee for all new students. The admissions application is not processed until the admissions application fee is received. The Admissions Office is responsible for administering Florida SouthWestern State’s admissions policies and for providing information regarding the admissions process, including admissions requirements, residency requirements, student privacy rights, and classification of students. Students may submit an admissions application via our online system at www.fsw.edu/admissions with the application fee.

After the admissions application has been processed, the Admissions Office notifies each applicant of his/her acceptance to Florida SouthWestern State College and provides the applicant with testing, advisement, orientation and registration information. Accepted applicants may begin their studies any term. For important dates, please see the Academic Calendar .

NOTE: Florida law (Fla. Stat. §1003.43) provides that students graduating from a Florida public high school after August 1, 1987, and applying for admission to an Associate in Arts degree program must meet specific general requirements for high school graduation. Graduates from private high schools and out-of-state public schools must have completed a curriculum that includes four years of English and three years each of mathematics, science, and social studies. However, in lieu of the English requirement, foreign students may use four years of instruction in their native language or language of instruction in the secondary school attended.

A high school transcript or GED test scores are required before a student is allowed to register for classes. Home-schooled students will need to submit an Affidavit of Home School Completion, which must be completed and signed by the Home School Official (parent) and notarized.

If a final official high school transcript is not received by the College by the midpoint of the first term of enrollment, a hold will be placed on the student’s record and he/she will not be allowed to register for a subsequent term. Students who have earned a CPT or PERT Eligible Certificate of Completion in Florida may enroll at FSW, but are not eligible for Financial Aid or some programs requiring special training (i.e., nurses, classroom teachers, police officers, correctional officers) until they earn a standard high school diploma or GED.

Please note that admission to Florida SouthWestern State College does not guarantee admission into a limited access or baccalaureate program. For program admissions information, please consult the appropriate program page in the College Catalog.

Admissions Requirements

Baccalaureate Degree (BS) (BAS) Admissions Requirements

Priority application deadlines for all baccalaureate programs are:
Fall term = August 1
Spring term = December 1
Summer term = April 1

For program admissions information, please consult the appropriate program page in the College Catalog.

Cardiopulmonary Sciences, BAS 
Public Safety Administration, BAS 
Supervision and Management, BAS 
Elementary Education, BS 
Middle Grades Language Arts Education, BS 
Middle Grades Mathematics Education, BS 
Middle Grades Science Education, BS 
Nursing, BSN 
Secondary Biology Education, BS 
Secondary Mathematics Education, BS  

Please note that admission to Florida SouthWestern State College does not guarantee admission into a limited access or baccalaureate program.

Associate in Arts (AA) Admissions Requirements

The AA degree provides students with the foundation needed to be successful at any one of Florida’s twelve state universities. To be admitted as an AA degree seeking student, an applicant must meet one of the following requirements:

1. Have earned a standard diploma from a high school accredited by the Florida Department of Education or a standard diploma from a regionally accredited high school. Applicants who did not graduate from high school in the United States must have the equivalent of a U.S. high school diploma and must meet language standards established through College policy and/or procedure; or
2. Have earned a high school equivalency diploma based on performance on the General Equivalency Diploma (GED) test administered through any State Department of Education; or
3. Have completed a home education program meeting the requirements of Fla. Stat. §1002.41; or
4. Have earned a standard certificate of completion from a Florida public high school due to FCAT performance (must have completed high school after May 2003); or
5. Have been approved by Florida SouthWestern State for entry into the Accelerated Programs for High School Students.

Applicants who have completed an AA or a baccalaureate degree at another regionally accredited college or university cannot enroll in an AA degree program at Florida SouthWestern State College.

Associate in Science (AS) Admissions Requirements

The AS degree programs are primarily designed to prepare students for employment in select fields. To be admitted as an AS degree seeking student, an applicant must meet one of the following requirements:

1. Have earned a standard diploma from a high school accredited by the Florida Department of Education or a standard diploma from a regionally accredited high school. Applicants who did not graduate from high school in the United States must have the equivalent of a U.S. high school diploma and must meet language standards established through College policy and/or procedure; or
2. Have earned a high school equivalency diploma based on performance on the General Equivalency Diploma (GED) test administered through any State Department of Education; or
3. Have completed a home education program meeting the requirements of Fla. Stat. §1002.41; or
4. Have earned a standard certificate of completion from a Florida public high school due to FCAT performance (must have completed high school after May 2003); or
5. Have been approved by Florida SouthWestern State for entry into the Accelerated Programs for High School Students.

Additional Health Professions Admissions Requirements

Most Associate in Science degree programs in the School of Health Professions are selective admissions programs. Admission to Florida SouthWestern State College does not automatically qualify an applicant for acceptance to these Health Professions programs. Students must complete a separate admissions application to each limited-access program of study. Records submitted for application become the property of Florida SouthWestern State College and will not be available for use to meet the requirements of third parties.

Criminal History Background Check

Applicants to Health Professions programs with associated clinical activities will be required to complete a College-approved criminal history background check at the individual’s expense. Results of the background check must be satisfactory in order for the applicant to be eligible for final acceptance/enrollment in a limited-access program. A student who does not maintain continuous clinical enrollment in the limited-access program will be required to submit a new criminal history background check.

Health Record/Ability to Meet Technical Standards

A completed medical health form and self-assessment of program technical standards must be submitted to and approved by the individual Health Professions Program Director prior to admission to clinical rotations. The health record will include results from a physical examination and laboratory tests, including immunization records, which must be verified by a licensed physician or his/her designee. Applicants who do not meet the standards of physical and mental health, as required by clinical facilities for safe patient care, may reapply and be considered for application to a Health Professions program after resolution of the health problem. A student who does not maintain progressive clinical enrollment in the limited-access program may be required to submit a new student health record.

College Certificate Admissions Requirements

College Certificate programs are usually one year or less in length and prepare students for employment in specialized areas. To be admitted as a certificate seeking student, an applicant must meet one of the following requirements:

1. Have earned a standard diploma from a high school accredited by the Florida Department of Education or a standard diploma from a regionally accredited high school. Applicants who did not graduate from high school in the United States must have the equivalent of a U.S. high school diploma and must meet language standards established through College policy and/or procedure; or
2. Have earned a high school equivalency diploma based on performance on the General Equivalency Diploma (GED) test administered through any State Department of Education; or
3. Have completed a home education program meeting the requirements of Fla. Stat. §1002.41; or
4. Have earned a standard certificate of completion from a Florida public high school due to FCAT performance (must have completed high school after May 2003); or
5. Have been approved by Florida SouthWestern State for entry into the Accelerated Programs for High School Students.

Post-Secondary Adult Vocational (PSAV) Admissions Requirements

PSAV programs are usually one year or less in length and prepare students for employment in specialized areas. To be admitted as a PSAV certificate seeking student, an applicant must meet one of the following requirements:

1. Have earned a standard diploma from a high school accredited by the Florida Department of Education or a standard diploma from a regionally-accredited high school. Applicants who did not graduate from high school in the United States must have the equivalent of a U.S. high school diploma and must meet language standards established through College policy and/or procedure; or
2. Have earned a high school equivalency diploma based on performance on the General Equivalency Diploma (GED) test administered through any state department of education; or
3. Have completed a home education program meeting the requirements of Fla. Stat. §1002.41; or
4. Have earned a standard certificate of completion from a Florida public high school due to FCAT performance (must have completed high school after May 2003); or
5. Have been approved by Florida SouthWestern State College for entry into the Accelerated Programs for High School Students.

International Students (F1 Visa) Admission Requirements

Florida SouthWestern State College (FSW) has a diverse student population and it encourages applicants from around the world to apply for our various degree programs. FSW is authorized under the United States Federal Law, Immigration and Nationality Act under section 101(a)(15)(F)(i) to enroll non-immigrant alien students.

Applicants with or seeking an international student visa (F-1) must meet the following admission requirements by the published priority deadlines. FSW issues an I-20 form after all admission requirements are met. Applicants may be issued the F-1 visa when they present the I-20 form to the appropriate personnel in a U.S. Embassy.

Due to the additional processing time required for international students, application and supporting documents should be submitted as early as possible. We recommend the following priority deadlines:

*Summer applicants must take a full course load (12 credits) in the summer, fall and spring before they are eligible for an optional summer term in the following year.

If the application and supporting documents are not received by the required deadlines, the admissions application will be considered for the following term. The financial affidavit cannot be older than 6 months from the start date of the course of study. A new financial affidavit must be resubmitted, if so required by the college and International Student Services (ISS) representative.

Apply for Admission: The applicant must apply for admission and submit all required admission credentials as outlined below, to the Admissions Office no later than the published deadline for international student admission, for the term for which the student is seeking admission.

English Language Proficiency: Since instruction is in English, applicants must demonstrate proficiency in the English language. To demonstrate this proficiency, if English is not the applicant’s native language, the applicant must submit satisfactory results of one of the following tests; TOEFL (Test of English as a Foreign Language) IELTS (International English Language Testing System), MELAB (Michigan English Language Assessment Battery).

Required scores are:

• TOEFL (Internet): 79
• TOEFL (Paper): 550
• TOEFL (Computer-based): 213
• IELTS: 6
• MELAB: 77

TOEFL/IELTS/MELAB Exemption: To be exempt from TOEFL/IELTS/MELAB, the student must show proof of one of the following:

• Graduation from a US high school
• The student has earned the GED taken in English
• Successful completion of secondary education from a school outside the United States that teaches the entire secondary education curriculum in English
• International student applicants whose native language is English or who have successfully completed one academic year of study at a recognized/regionally accredited university, or college in a country where English is the official language (excluding intensive English language programs).

Any exceptions to the above requirements should be requested in writing with or immediately following the submission of the actual application to the college. All requests for exemption must be accompanied with complete details explaining the reasons for the request.

If the student shows acceptable alternative evidence of English proficiency for exemption, the student will be required to schedule an interview in person or via video conferencing with the International Student Services representative prior to applying for a TOEFL/IELTS/MELAB waiver. A decision regarding an exemption request will only be made after the entire file has been reviewed.

The waiver of TOEFL/IELTS/MELAB scores is at the discretion of Florida SouthWestern State College. Exemption from submitting TOEFL/IELTS/MELAB results does not imply exemption from sitting for an additional test for college placement before registration, if so required by the school or academic department.

Financial Statement: The applicant or sponsor must provide a notarized financial statement verifying the availability (in U.S. dollars) of the funds necessary for the applicant to attend Florida SouthWestern State College. The applicant or sponsor must complete the financial affidavit form. FSW does not provide to sponsors financial assistance, or transportation services. Students attending Florida SouthWestern State College on an F-1 student visa may work only on campus, if employment is available. Because of this uncertainty, students are not able to use on-campus employment as part of their financial resources.

High School and College Transcripts: International students must provide proof of high school graduation, as evidenced by evaluated transcripts from an approved source. A document by document evaluation is required. A request for evaluation of non-U.S. transcripts must be submitted to one of the approved National Association of Credential Evaluation Services (NACES) agencies. High school evaluated transcripts should be sent directly from the evaluation agency, to the Admissions Office-International.

International student applicants, who have attended international colleges/universities and wish to attend FSW on an F1 visa, must submit evaluated course-by-course transcripts from all colleges or universities attended. Requests for evaluation of transcripts must be submitted to one of the approved NACES agencies.

All evaluated college transcripts should be sent directly from the evaluation company to the Office of the Registrar. If the student has attended a U.S. institution, the transcript should be sent directly from the school to Florida SouthWestern State College, Office of the Registrar.

Transfer International Students: International students transferring from another college or university in the U.S., must apply for admission to FSW and provide all of the requirements listed above, including high school and college transcripts, financial statement, and proof of English proficiency. Additionally, the following requirements must be submitted before an admission decision is reached.

1. An official transcript from all U.S. colleges or universities attended
2. Copies of all previously issued I-20 forms
3. A visa clearance form from the International Student Advisor at the current U.S. college or university, verifying the student’s current status
4. A valid passport and an I-94 form

Note: Transfer students who are out of F-1 status and have a terminated record at their current school will not be issued a reinstatement I-20 from our school.

International Student Orientation: International students must attend an orientation with the International Student Services representative prior to the first day of classes of the term for which the applicant is seeking admission.

Common Placement Testing: Florida SouthWestern State College follows State Rule 6A10.0315 concerning placement testing. For more information, including tips, a study guide, and practice tests, visit the Placement Testing Information webpage.

Standards of Academic Progress for International Students: All international students must meet the Standards of Academic Progress for International Students. Student must maintain a cumulative 2.00 grade point average to avoid academic probation or dismissal. International students are required to enroll full time (12 credits) each semester to maintain F-1 status.

Academic probation or dismissal may prohibit the student from attending full time, thus resulting in failure to maintain F-1 status. Summer semester full time enrollment is not mandatory, unless it is the first semester the student is attending.

Health Insurance. All applicants must provide proof of health and accident insurance to include a body repatriation and body evacuation rider prior to registering for classes.

Please Note: An international student who is in the United States on the F-1 student visa may not claim Florida residency for tuition purposes and must pay nonresident fees. International Students do not qualify for Federal Financial Aid.

Requirements for Readmission

Students who have not attended Florida SouthWestern State within the past three academic terms must submit an admissions application (the admissions application fee is not required for former students) and such other information as may be required by the Admissions Office; this documentation includes proof of residency documents for in-state tuition classification. Degree seeking students readmitting after two years of non-attendance, who did not complete English, and mathematics requirements may be required to take the Post-Secondary Education Readiness Test (PERT) (please see Testing Services, in the Student Services Section , for more information). Students attempting to return after suspension or dismissal must petition for readmission. A favorable decision is dependent upon clear written evidence that indicates promise of successful performance (please see Petitions, in the Student Records section , for more information).

College Rights - Admission Denial

In accordance with Section 1001.64(8)(a), Florida Statutes, the College may consider past actions of any person applying for admission or enrollment and may deny admission or enrollment to an applicant because of misconduct, if determined to be in the best interest of the College.

An applicant who answers yes to any of the following questions on the admissions application must submit a full statement of relevant facts, the Criminal/Disciplinary Disclosure form, and official court and/or educational institution documents explaining the final disposition of the proceedings. Failure to provide this information will delay an admissions decision.

1. Are you currently, or have you ever been, charged with or subject to disciplinary action for scholastic (such as plagiarism or cheating) or any other type of behavioral misconduct at any educational institution? You do not need disclose academic dismissal, suspension, or probation for poor grades.
2.  Have you ever been charged with a felony (even if adjudication was withheld) which resulted in, or if still pending could result in, probation, community service, restitution, a jail sentence or the revocation or suspension of your driver’s license?

Note: A person whose records have been expunged pursuant to applicable law, is not required to answer yes to these questions.

The Admission Decision Committee will review all documents and inform the individual of the admission determination in writing via email. A person who is denied admission may appeal to the Vice President of Student Affairs and Enrollment Management if the person can document that the circumstances giving rise to the conviction or events occurring since the conviction clearly demonstrate that the individual will not reoffend. The individual will receive a final admission determination in writing via email. The decision made by the Vice President of Student Affairs and Enrollment Management will be the final decision of Florida SouthWestern State College.

The College has determined that the presence on campus of the following persons could be disruptive of the orderly process of the College’s programs and would interfere with the rights and privileges of other students:

1. Individuals who are officially designated as Sexual Offenders or Sexual Predators.
2. Individuals who have been convicted of an offense described in Section 1012..315, Florida Statutes.

Such persons shall be denied admission or enrollment unless the circumstances giving rise to the conviction or events occurring since the conviction clearly demonstrate that the individual will not reoffend. The burden of demonstrating such exceptional circumstances shall be on the individual seeking admission or enrollment.

Florida Residency for Tuition Purposes: Rules/Guidelines

The burden of proof rests with the student to establish and prove Florida residency. A student is classified as a Florida resident and eligible to pay resident tuition and fees when the student has submitted the Residency Affidavit, and provided the required supporting documentation.

A Florida resident for tuition purposes is a person who (or a dependent person whose parent or legal guardian) has established and maintained legal residence in Florida for at least 12 consecutive months immediately prior to the residency deadline published in the Official College Calendar for the term that the student plans to enroll.

To qualify as a resident for tuition purposes, an applicant must be a U.S. citizen, legal permanent resident, or hold a visa status approved for Florida residency. Complete documentation of residency requirements is available through the Florida Shines at www.floridashines.org.

To verify residency, the student (parent or legal guardian for dependent students) is required to submit two documents from those listed on the Residency Affidavit and in the definitions of this catalog section. If only one document is available from Tier One, a document may be submitted from Tier Two with a Tier One document.

Definitions

1. DEPENDENT STUDENT: A student who is under age 24 and receives 50% or more of his/her support from another person as defined by the Internal Revenue Service will be classified as a dependent student. A student, living with his/her parent or not, who is eligible to be claimed by his/her parent under the federal income tax code will be classified as a dependent student.
2. INDEPENDENT STUDENT: A student who meets the following criteria will be classified as an independent student.
   1. The student who is 24 years of age or older prior to the first day of classes for the semester which residency is sought.
   2. The student who is married (copy of marriage certificate required).
   3. The student has a child or other dependents who live with the student and receive more than half of their support from the student (copy of most recent federal tax return listing the child as the student’s dependent is required).
   4. The student is a veteran of the United States Armed Forces (copies of DD214 or military orders required).
   5. Both of the student’s parents are deceased and the student is or was (until age 18), a ward of the court or in foster care (copies of court documents required).
   6. The student can provide documentation that the student is not claimed by his/her parent/legal guardian as a dependent under the federal tax code and can document that the student provides at least 51% of his/her own support for the cost of attendance as defined by the Florida SouthWestern State College Office of Financial Aid (copy of the most recent federal income tax return and W2 form(s) required).
3. NONIMMIGRANTS:
   1. Nonimmigrants holding one of the following visas are eligible to establish Florida residency: A, E, G, H-1, H-4, I, K, L, N, O-1, O-3, R, NATO 1-7, T, V (visa and passport papers required).
   2. Dependent children of the above visa categories must be under age 21. Students must change status prior to their 21st birthday. Those who change to F-1 status will be charged out-of-state fees the very next semester. Dependent children over 21 years of age are out-of-status and thus are not eligible for in-state fees.

Documentary Evidence Supporting Claims of Florida Residency

The claimant must provide two forms of evidence from the following lists: at least one document MUST be from Tier One. ONE document from Tier Two may be used in conjunction with one document from Tier One. ALL documents supporting the establishment of legal residence (whether from Tier One and/or Tier Two) must be dated, issued, or filed 12 consecutive months prior to the first day of classes for the term for which Florida Resident classification is sought.

Tier One (at least one document MUST be from the following list):

1. Florida Driver’s License or Florida Identification Card.
2. Florida Voter Registration.
3. Florida Vehicle Registration.
4. Proof of purchase of a permanent home in Florida that is occupied as a primary residence of the claimant (Homestead Exemption; contracts/agreements must be dated 12 consecutive months prior to the last day to apply for change of residency for tuition purposes).
5. Transcript from a Florida high school for multiple years (2 or more) if the Florida high school diploma or GED was earned within the last 12 months.
6. Proof of permanent full-time employment in Florida [letters from current and past employers must be on company letterhead stating the date of hire and that claimant has been employed as a permanent full-time employee (at least 30 hours per week) for the last 12 consecutive months]. The letter must indicate an address in the state of Florida.

Tier Two (One document from the following list may be used if claimant has only One document from Tier One):

1. A Florida professional or occupational license (must be current and show at least 12 consecutive months).
2. A declaration of domicile in Florida (must be certified by a Clerk of the Court at least 12 consecutive months prior to the first day of classes for the term for which residency is sought).
3. Utility bill and proof of 12 consecutive months of payments (electric, gas water, cable/satellite TV; service must be current and only one utility may be used). Cell/mobile phones cannot be used.
4. Documents evidencing family ties (for example, adoption or legal guardianship papers or other official court documents).
5. Lease agreement and proof of 12 consecutive months of payments (lease must be current; copies of prior leases may be used to establish 12 consecutive months).
6. Proof of membership in Florida-based charitable or professional organizations (NOTE: membership in a church does not constitute membership in a Florida-based charitable organization).

Other Approved Processes for Documenting Florida Residency

Students who have tuition and fees waived or exempted according to the following sections of Florida Statutes shall be classified as Florida residents and shall not be required to submit additional residency documentation for tuition purposes for the duration of the exemption or waiver eligibility period.

1. §1009.25(1)(c) and (d): Custody of Department of Children and Families, in the care of a relative or adopted from the Department of Children and Families,
2. §1009.25(1)(f): Homeless,
3. §961.06(1)(b): Wrongful incarceration,
4. §112.191(3): Dependents or spouses of firefighters killed in the line of duty, and
5. §112.19(3): Dependents or spouses of law enforcement, correctional, or correctional probation officers killed in the line of duty.

After eligibility for the waiver or exemption has expired, the student must prove Florida residency for tuition purposes to continue receiving the in-state tuition benefits.

Non-Florida Resident

A student who does not qualify as a Florida resident or who does not complete and submit the Residency Affidavit will be classified as a non-Florida resident and will be charged out-of-state tuition and fees.

Reclassification to Florida Resident

A student who is initially classified as a non-resident for tuition purposes (a student who was previously enrolled in a Florida institution of higher education as a non-Florida Resident and paid non-Florida Resident tuition and fees; or, who does not qualify for initial residency upon enrollment at Florida SouthWestern State College) may become eligible for reclassification to a Florida Resident for Tuition Purposes only if that student (or, if that student is a dependent child, his/her parent) presents clear and convincing documentation that supports permanent legal residency in Florida for at least 12 consecutive months rather than temporary residency for the purpose of pursuing an education. An individual who is classified as a non-resident for tuition purposes and who marries a legal resident of the state and later becomes a legal resident may become eligible for reclassification by submitting proof of his/her legal residency, evidence of his/her marriage to a legal resident, and evidence of his/her spouse’s legal residence in Florida for at least 12 consecutive months immediately preceding the application for reclassification. The individual does not have to satisfy the requisite 12 month qualifying period (Fla. Stat. 1009.21(6)(d)).

Documentary Evidence Supporting Claims of Reclassification

The student, spouse, or his or her parent (if that student is a dependent) must provide a minimum of three documents dated at least 12 consecutive months prior to the first day of classes for the term for which residency is sought; one of the three documents must come from Tier One.

Appealing Residency Determination

If your application for residency is denied and you choose to appeal the decision, you must submit an Appeal of Resident Status within 10 calendar days prior to the first day of classes to the Admissions Office. The designated Residency Appeal Committee will review the appeal and inform the applicant of the final residency determination in writing via email. Please note that the Residency Appeal Committee cannot override Florida statutes which govern residency for tuition purposes. The decision of the Residency Appeal Committee is considered the final decision of Florida SouthWestern State College.

Student Classifications

Degree Seeking Classification

Applicants who indicate on the admissions application their intent to pursue a bachelor’s degree, an AA, an AS, or a college certificate program are subject to specific Florida SouthWestern State policies and procedures which are in place to help students achieve their educational goals. A review of high school/college transcripts and previous test scores taken within the past two years (any combination of P.E.R.T., ACT, SAT, or FCAT 2.0 scores) will be used for placement purposes. Some students may be exempt from placement testing. Please refer to the Placement Testing Information webpage for more information concerning placement testing requirements. Degree seeking students who previously attended another college or university must request that an official transcript be sent from that college or university directly to Florida SouthWestern State.

Non-Degree Seeking Classification

Applicants who indicate on the admissions application that they do not intend to pursue a bachelor’s degree, an AA, an AS, or a college certificate program, but who wish to enroll in college credit courses for transfer credit purposes or for personal interest and enjoyment, must apply for admission and submit the appropriate residency documentation and an official high school transcript stating proof of graduation or a GED transcript. Please note: students holding a “special diploma” are not eligible for admission as a non-degree seeking or degree-seeking student. Non-degree seeking students wishing to enroll in college credit courses must meet all course prerequisites. Non-degree seeking students planning to take courses with prerequisites requiring college level placement or who have earned more than 15 credits as a non-degree student may be required to complete the Common Placement Exam (Post-secondary Education Readiness Test- P.E.R.T.) or submit a full set of ACT, SAT, or FCAT 2.0 scores taken within the past two years. For additional information concerning placement testing requirements please refer to the Placement Testing Information webpage.

Non-degree seeking students wishing to change to degree seeking status must do so prior to the last day for new degree-seeking students to apply for admission.

NOTE: Non-degree seeking students are not eligible for financial aid, veterans’ benefits, and certain academic programs/services that require degree seeking status. Students who intend to matriculate into a degree seeking program will be limited to 15 hours of coursework as a non-degree seeking student.

Non-Degree Enrollment Policy for Baccalaureate Level Courses

Baccalaureate level courses (numbered 3000 and 4000) are intended for enrollment by degree seeking students in a Florida SouthWestern State College baccalaureate program. Students may be permitted, on a case-by-case basis, to enroll in baccalaureate level courses on a non-degree student basis. Requests must be made in writing and submitted to the affiliated program director/dean for approval. Students who intend to matriculate into the baccalaureate program will be limited to nine credit hours of upper division coursework. For continued enrollment, students must adhere to the stated admission requirements for the intended baccalaureate program.

Students with a previous bachelor’s degree, with proper documentation, may enroll in additional coursework beyond nine credit hours with permission from the appropriate Academic Dean. Students interested in taking courses for teacher certification or re-certification must provide the following documentation:

1. Florida Department of Education or School District documentation of certification needs (Statement of Status of Eligibility or approved school district form); or
2. A copy of a valid teaching certificate issued by the State of Florida Department of Education and unofficial transcripts from a regionally accredited institution showing proof of an earned bachelor’s degree.

Guest Students may enroll, following the stated policy at their home institution, in accordance with Florida SouthWestern State College’s Guest Enrollment Policy. Prior approval from the home institution is required for enrollment in upper division Florida SouthWestern State College courses.

Guest Students (Incoming Transient Students)

Applicants seeking a degree from another college or university who wish to enroll at Florida SouthWestern State to transfer coursework back to their “home” college or university are admitted as Guest Students.

Guest Students are advised by their “home” college or university regarding courses to take at Florida SouthWestern State. Guest Students must have written permission (Transient Student/Cross-Enrolled form) from the “home” college or university. A Transient Student Form is required for each semester of enrollment. The Transient Student Form is available for all Florida public colleges and universities on www.floridashines.org.

Guest Students not attending a Florida public college or university are responsible for requesting their Florida SouthWestern State College transcript to be sent back to their “home” institution. This is not an automatic action; it must be requested and the transcript fee must be paid.

Transient Students

Florida SouthWestern State students planning to take coursework away from FSW during any term must have the coursework approved and a Transient Student Admission Application completed. Transient forms are available for all Florida public colleges and universities on www.floridashines.org. For all non-Florida and private institutions, students should see an academic advisor on any FSW campus. Students must be in good academic standing having at least a 2.0 cumulative GPA, be a current degree seeking student eligible for enrollment into courses, have met all course prerequisites at Florida SouthWestern State for the requested class, in order for a transient request to receive advisor approval. Unless an exception is approved by Academic Advising, the requested class must fulfill requirements for the degree he/she is pursuing at FSW. Students are responsible for contacting the host institution regarding any registration issues.

Requests that receives advisor approval are forwarded to the next department for review. If financial aid will be used, the student must first pay the tuition and fees up front for the approved course(s) at the host institution. Proof of payment and a copy of the registration form dated after the add/drop deadline for the host institution, must be submitted to the Financial Aid office on the Thomas Edison (Lee) Campus of FSW.

Students are responsible for making arrangements to have their transcript(s) for courses taken at another institution sent to the Office of the Registrar at Florida SouthWestern State College. Students must complete a minimum of 25% of the required degree or certificate coursework at Florida SouthWestern State College to graduate from Florida SouthWestern State with a degree or certificate. English for Non-Native Speakers (ESL, ENS), physical education, and college preparatory courses do not apply; however, six credits of college-level EAP (English for Academic Purposes) coursework taken at Florida SouthWestern State College would apply.