Admissions

Enrollment Services

The Office of Enrollment Services is located in Building 15. Staff provide a variety of services, assistance and guidance to prospective, current and former students, in compliance with college, state and federal policies, procedures, rules, laws, and guidelines. The services include providing assistance with general admission and readmission to the college, determination of residency for tuition purposes, registration, processes to request transcripts and verification and certification of enrollment status, graduation, updating student information, and veteran’s services.

For additional information about admission to the college and the admissions process, refer to the General College Admission section below. Additional information about records can be found in the Student Records - FERPA  section and in the General Rights of Students  section. Registration information is detailed in the Testing, Advising, & Registration  section. Veterans’ information is explained in greater detail in the Veteran’s Services  section in this catalog.

For more information, contact the Office of Enrollment Services via email at enrollment.services@fgc.edu, by phone at 386-754-4280, or visit the college website at www.fgc.edu.

General College Admission

Florida Gateway College adheres to the open-door admissions policy for associate-level degree programs and workforce education programs, providing open access to superior, affordable, quality education and training opportunities.

Florida Gateway College does not discriminate in education or employment related decisions on the basis of any legally protected status in accordance with the law.  For additional information, refer to the About FGC  section of this catalog.

Admission to associate degree programs is subject to minimum standards adopted by the State Board of Education and shall require: a) a standard high school diploma, a high school equivalency diploma as prescribed in s. 1003.435, previously demonstrated competency in college credit postsecondary coursework or, in the case of a student who is home educated, a signed and notarized affidavit submitted by the student’s parent or legal guardian attesting that the student has completed a home education program pursuant to the requirements of s. 1002.41, or as prescribed by the state statute for the state in which home school completion was achieved. Students who are applying to a dual enrollment or early admission program pursuant to 1007.271 are exempt from this requirement; and b) any other requirements established by the board of trustees.  Admission to other programs shall include education requirements as established by the board of trustees.  A student who has been awarded a certificate of completion under s. 1003.4282 is eligible to enroll in some certificate career education programs.  A student with a documented disability may be eligible for reasonable substitutions, as prescribed in ss. 1007.264 and 1007.265.

The admissions process for baccalaureate programs requires that all students, including native associate degree graduates, apply for baccalaureate admission through a separate admission process in order to be admitted into the upper division level of the college. 

Florida Gateway College adheres to all applicable federal, state, and local laws, regulations, and guidelines with respect to providing reasonable accommodations as required to afford equal educational opportunity. For additional information, refer to the About FGC  section of this catalog.

Admissions Procedures

All prospective students (including returning students who were previously enrolled at FGC as dual enrollment/collegiate high school and have graduated from high school, or former students who have not attended FGC in the past three semesters) are required to complete an application for admission to the college. 

Students must also complete the residency declaration and provide required supporting documents to substantiate residency for tuition purposes, if desiring the benefit of in-state tuition rates.  Residency refers to the classification of a student as an in-state or out-of-state resident for tuition purposes, as established by Florida Statute and Florida Department of Education State Board Rule. This classification determines the rate of tuition assessed to the student.

Prior to acceptance to the institution, applicants are required to provide official transcripts reflecting high school completion from a qualified/credible high school, satisfactory completion of a qualified high school equivalency diploma, i.e., GED®, or a signed and notarized home school affidavit attesting to the student’s successful completion of a home education program as prescribed by state statute. Some programs of study do not require high school completion; however, graduation from a credible high school with a standard high school diploma, issuance of a credible high school equivalency diploma, or qualification of home school completion is required for the award of financial aid. Foreign educational transcripts must be evaluated by a foreign credential evaluation and translation service approved by the National Association of Credential Evaluation Services (NACES).

In order to register for courses and receive financial aid, students are required to provide and have evaluated official transcripts from each and every previously attended institution of higher education. This includes each and every college, university and vocational-technical school attended by the student, regardless of the award of credit or applicability of credits toward the program of intent at FGC. Foreign educational transcripts must be evaluated by a foreign credential evaluation and translation service approved by the National Association of Credential Evaluation Services (NACES).

All applications and other required documents should be submitted by the priority processing date for each semester.

Admission to the College does not imply nor guarantee admission into any program with special admission requirements. A number of programs are classified as “limited access programs”. These programs typically involve a selection process and a limited number of students are admitted. Prospective students submit a separate program application and required documents, in addition to the standard application for admission to the college. Applicants interested in enrolling in a limited access program should contact the appropriate program director/coordinator or meet with an academic advisor as early as possible.

Admission to the College does not signify that a student has met or will meet requirements for professional licensure or certification. If the intended program of study culminates in professional licensure or certification, students are encouraged to obtain information about those licensure/certification requirements prior to entering the program of study.

In accordance with Florida Statute 1001.64(8)(a), FGC may consider the past actions of any person applying for admission or enrollment to the college and may deny admission or enrollment to an applicant because of misconduct, if determined to be in the best interest of the institution.  FGC reserves the right to deny admission or enrollment or to place conditions on enrollment of applicants/students.

Section 1009.286, Florida Statutes, establishes an “excess hour” surcharge for students seeking baccalaureate degrees at state universities. It is critical that students, including those entering Florida College System institutions, are aware of the potential for additional course fees. “Excess hours” are defined as hours that go beyond 120% of the hours required for a baccalaureate degree program. For example, if the length of the program is 120 credit hours, the student may be subject to an excess hour surcharge for any credits attempted beyond 144 credit hours (120% x 120).

All students whose educational plan may include earning a bachelor’s degree should make every effort to enroll in and successfully complete those courses that are required for their intended major on their first attempt. Florida College System students intending to transfer to state universities should identify a major or “transfer program” early and, by the time the student earns 30 semester hours of college credit, be advised of admission requirements for that program, including the approved common prerequisites. Course withdrawals and/or repeats, as well as enrollment in courses nonessential to the intended major, may contribute to a potential excess hours surcharge.

Admission procedures for all degree, certificate and applied technology diploma students are listed below by student type at admission. Prospective students are encouraged to visit the college website, or contact an enrollment services representative for admission assistance and information at:

Florida Gateway College
Office of Enrollment Services
149 S.E. College Place
Lake City, Florida 32025
(386) 754-4280
enrollment.services@fgc.edu

RESIDENCY FOR TUITION PURPOSES:

Although not required for admission, the Florida Residency Declaration and all supporting documents should be submitted to the Office of Enrollment Services as soon as possible. The documents must be reviewed to determine eligibility for the Florida in-state tuition rate. Until a student is determined to be eligible for the Florida in-state tuition rate, the student will be classified as a non-Florida resident for tuition purposes and will be responsible for the out-of-state rate.

(The above requirement does not apply to High School Dual Enrollment/Early College Program applicants and Transient applicants from a Florida College System or Florida State University System institution.)

LOWER DIVISION - ADMISSION TO THE COLLEGE: 

New/First-Time-in-College Student - Freshman
(Someone who has never attended any institution of higher education)

Fully complete and submit by the priority processing date:

1. FGC Application for Admission;
2. Official transcript reflecting high school completion from a qualified/credible high school, satisfactory completion of a qualified high school equivalency diploma, i.e., GED®, or a signed and notarized home school affidavit attesting to the student’s successful completion of a home education program as prescribed by the state statute for the state in which high school completion was achieved. Foreign educational transcripts must be evaluated by a foreign credential evaluation and translation service approved by the National Association of Credential Evaluation Services (NACES).

Returning/Readmit Student
(Someone who was previously enrolled at FGC, has not attended FGC in the last three semesters, and has not attended another postsecondary institution, or a former FGC dual enrollment/collegiate high school student who has graduated from high school and has not attended another postsecondary institution.)

All returning students who attended another institution while not enrolled at FGC should follow the steps to apply as a transfer student.

Fully complete and submit by the priority processing date:

1. FGC Application for Admission;
2. Official transcript reflecting high school completion from a qualified/credible high school, satisfactory completion of a qualified high school equivalency diploma, i.e., GED®, or a signed and notarized home school affidavit attesting to the student’s successful completion of a home education program as prescribed by the state statute for the state in which high school completion was achieved. Foreign educational transcripts must be evaluated by a foreign credential evaluation and translation service approved by the National Association of Credential Evaluation Services (NACES). If previously provided, and deemed acceptable for re-admission, this does not have to be submitted again.

Transfer Student
(Someone who is applying for admission or readmission to FGC and has attended other colleges, universities, or technical schools, regardless of credits earned or applicability to program of intent at FGC)

Fully complete and submit by the priority processing date:

1. FGC Application for Admission;
2. Official transcript reflecting high school completion from a qualified/credible high school, satisfactory completion of a qualified high school equivalency diploma, i.e., GED®, or a signed and notarized home school affidavit attesting to the student’s successful completion of a home education program as prescribed by the state statute for the state in which high school completion was achieved. Foreign educational transcripts must be evaluated by a foreign credential evaluation and translation service approved by the National Association of Credential Evaluation Services (NACES);
3. Registration and the award of financial aid is contingent upon the receipt and evaluation of official transcripts from each and every postsecondary institution the applicant has attended, regardless of credit earned and/or applicability of credits to program of intent at FGC.  All returning students who attended another institution while not enrolled at FGC must provide official transcripts from that institution for evaluation. All foreign educational transcripts must be evaluated by a foreign credential evaluation and translation service approved by the National Association of Credential Evaluation Services (NACES).  Official transcripts of college placement test scores, i.e., ACT, SAT, etc., may also be required for registration.

Transient Student
(Someone who is currently enrolled at another college (the home institution), is not seeking a degree/program completion at FGC, and has authorization from the home institution to take specific classes at FGC. The transient student typically seeks to enroll at FGC for a limited period of time - usually one semester).

1. Florida College System (FCS) and State University System (SUS) students must fully complete and submit the Transient Student Admission Application through the Florida Virtual Campus at www.floridashines.org;
2. All other transient students must fully complete and submit the FGC admission application. Authorization from the home institution approving the student’s request for transient status at FGC must also be provided.    

High School Dual Enrollment/Early College Program

Florida Gateway College, in cooperation with the school boards of Baker, Columbia, Dixie, Gilchrist, and Union counties, area private schools, and home schooled students, provides dual enrollment opportunities for academically qualified high school students. Students who enroll in the program and attend public high schools will have tuition, books, and fees waived. Students who enroll in the program and attend nonpublic high schools or home schools will have tuition and fees waived.

1. Academic Dual Enrollment
   Students in grades 6-12 who earn high school credit toward a high school diploma and college credit toward an associate degree. Students may be part time or full time.
    
2. Occupational Dual Enrollment
   Students in grades 6-12 who earn high school credit towards a high school diploma and college credit toward an associate degree or credit toward an occupational certificate from a complete job preparatory program, not including isolated occupational courses. 
    
3. Early Admissions
   Students who qualify are enrolled full time in college courses that are creditable towards a high school diploma and an associate or baccalaureate degree and must have completed a minimum of six semesters of full-time academic enrollment in grades 9-11. Students enrolled in Early Admissions must complete two semesters for a total of 24 credit hours with a minimum of a 2.0 GPA.
   
   To be considered for admission to the dual enrollment program a student must:
   1. be enrolled in grades 6-12 in an eligible school;
   2. submit a completed Dual Enrollment Application for Admission with appropriate signatures and approvals;
   3. submit documentation which substantiates the student GPA. (Students applying for associate programs must have a minimum 3.0 GPA to be eligible. Students applying for certificate programs must have a minimum 2.0 GPA, meet all program entrance requirements, and be accepted by the division chairperson);
   4. provide official evidence of college level competencies through PERT, ACT, or SAT, which equates to eligible scores on all areas including Reading, Writing and Math, and;
   5. receive written notice of acceptance from FGC. 

Non-degree Seeking/Personal Enrichment
(Someone who wishes to enroll in courses without the intent of completing a program of study).

Fully complete and submit by the priority processing date:

1. FGC Application for Admission; 
2. Official transcript reflecting high school completion from a qualified/credible high school, satisfactory completion of a qualified high school equivalency diploma, i.e., GED®, or a signed and notarized home school affidavit attesting to the student’s successful completion of a home education program as prescribed by state statute for the state in which high school completion was achieved. Foreign educational transcripts must be evaluated by a foreign credential evaluation and translation service approved by the National Association of Credential Evaluation Services (NACES); 
3. English, reading, and/or mathematics assessment scores, and/or official transcripts from other postsecondary institutions attended by the student may be required in order to satisfy course prerequisites. Foreign educational transcripts must be evaluated by a foreign credential evaluation and translation service approved by the National Association of Credential Evaluation Services (NACES).  

A non-degree seeking/personal enrichment student who intends to pursue a program of study must contact Advising Services to request a change in status. Appropriate admission requirements for the new program must be met in accordance with the change in status.

International Student
(Someone who currently resides outside of the United States and wishes to attend FGC, or who is currently enrolled as an international student at another institution but wishes to transfer to FGC). Special Note: Please refer to the college’s academic calendar for admission application deadlines (includes transfer requests), specific to international student admission.

Fully complete and submit by the published deadline: 

1. FGC Application for Admission as an international student; 
2. Confidential Financial Statement reflecting evidence of adequate financial resources for the period of enrollment; 
3. Foreign educational transcripts, which must be evaluated by a foreign credential evaluation and translation service approved by the National Association of Credential Evaluation Services (NACES); 
4. TOEFL (Test of English as a Second Language) scores, with a minimum score of 500 on the TOEFL paper exam, 173 on the TOEFL computer-based test, or 61 on the TOEFL internet-based test; 
5. All of the aforementioned requirements must be received before a decision regarding acceptance to the college can be made and an I-20 issued. 

Upon arrival at FGC, the international student will be required to provide: 

1. Copies of all immigration documents, including passport;
2. Proof of health insurance to cover medical costs while in the United States.

International students will be assessed tuition at full cost. Fees are due at the time of registration and may be paid in cash, check, or money order - all in U.S. currency.  Students may also pay tuition by credit card (Mastercard and Visa only).

UPPER DIVISION (BACCALAUREATE LEVEL) -  ADMISSION TO THE COLLEGE

All students, including native associate degree graduates, are required to apply for baccalaureate level admission through a separate admission process in order to be considered for admission into an upper division program at FGC.

The primary degree pathway for many baccalaureate programs is often defined by a preferred associate degree.  Example:  The primary pathway to the Baccalaureate of Science Degree in Nursing is an Associate in Science degree in Nursing.  Students should possess the necessary requirements for admission to the upper division level of FGC for the program.

Fully complete and submit by the priority processing date:

1. FGC Application for Admission as a baccalaureate student;
2. Official transcript reflecting high school completion from a qualified/credible high school, satisfactory completion of a qualified high school equivalency diploma, i.e., GED®, or a signed and notarized home school affidavit attesting to the student’s successful completion of a home education program as prescribed by the state statute in which high school completion was achieved. Foreign educational transcripts must be evaluated by a foreign credential evaluation and translation service approved by the National Association of Credential Evaluation Services (NACES). If previously provided and deemed acceptable for re-admission, this does not need to be submitted again;
3. Official transcripts from a regionally accredited college or university indicating that the applicant has earned an Associate in Science (A.S.), Associate in Arts (A.A.), or higher degree with a GPA of 2.0 or higher, if the degree was not earned at FGC. Admission to some FGC baccalaureate programs requires specific degrees. Foreign educational transcripts must be evaluated by a foreign credential evaluation and translation service approved by the National Association of Credential Evaluation Services (NACES);
4. Registration and award of financial aid is contingent upon receipt and evaluation of official transcripts from all other institutions previously attended (with the exception of Florida Gateway College or Lake City Community College). Foreign educational transcripts must be evaluated by a foreign credential evaluation and translation service approved by the National Association of Credential Evaluation Services (NACES); 
5. Students should meet with an advisor regarding program admission requirements and deadlines specific to their baccalaureate program of intent.

Residency Classification

Residency refers to the classification of a student as an in-state Florida resident or out-of-state resident for tuition purposes.  This classification determines the rate of tuition assessed to the student.  Florida residents who meet residency requirements as established by Florida Statute (F.S.) pay significantly less in fees per credit hour than non-Florida residents.

Section 1009.21, Florida Statutes, outlines the criteria for establishing residency for tuition purposes in Florida public higher education institutions.   The rules regarding residency for tuition purposes in Florida are composed of state statute, rules of the two higher education governing boards in Florida, and statewide guidelines developed by college and university administrators in conjunction with the Statewide Residency Committee, the Florida Department of Education, and the State University System of the Florida Board of Governors.

All students are required to complete a Residency Declaration concerning their status as a Florida resident for tuition purposes and provide supporting residency documentation.  U.S. citizens, lawful permanent residents, and aliens lawfully present in the United States who are in an eligible Visa category may be classified as a Florida resident for tuition purposes if the applicant or the dependent applicant’s parent/legal guardian/person serving in a parental relationship has established legal residence in the State for at least 12 consecutive months immediately prior to the first day of classes of the term for which residency is sought. The required 12 month qualifying period must be for the purpose of maintaining a bona fide domicile, rather than for the purpose of maintaining a mere temporary residence or abode incident to enrollment in an institution of higher education. It is the responsibility of the claimant to provide clear and convincing documentation. The Residency Declaration and supporting documentation will be reviewed by college staff to verify residency for tuition purposes and eligibility for in-state tuition assessment. 

A person who is classified as a nonresident for tuition purposes may become eligible for reclassification as a resident for tuition purposes if that person or, if that person is a dependent child, his or her parent, legal guardian, or person serving in a parental relationship, presents clear and convincing documentation that supports permanent legal residency in this state for at least 12 consecutive months rather than temporary residency for the purpose of pursuing an education. Reclassification of residency for tuition purposes is more difficult and requires more documentation than initial residency classification.

Questions regarding residency classification or reclassification should be directed to Enrollment Services staff.

Tuition Waiver Notification

Out-of-State Tuition Waivers

Effective July 01, 2014, the Florida legislature approved two out-of-state tuition waiver programs which reduce tuition costs for veterans, spouse, and/or dependents and eligible USDVA beneficiaries, and eligible Florida high school graduates who otherwise do not meet residency requirements, as defined for tuition purposes.

Veteran’s Tuition Waiver (C.W. “Bill” Young Tuition Waiver Program):  FGC shall waive out-of-state fees for a person who is:

An honorably discharged veteran of the United States Armed Forces, the United States Reserve Forces, or the National Guard who physically resides in this state while enrolled in the institution; or an individual who is entitled to and uses educational assistance provided by the United States Department of Veterans Affairs for a quarter, semester, or term beginning after July 01, 2015, who physically resides in this state while enrolled in the institution.

The honorably discharged veteran must provide: 

1. Copy of DD-214 reflecting honorable discharge, or discharge certificate or other documentation as deemed appropriate by FGC;
2. Current FL driver’s license or FL Identification card, which demonstrates physical residence in Florida. 

The spouse, dependent, or eligible United States Department of Veteran’s Affairs (USDVA) beneficiary must provide documentation which substantiates eligibility for educational assistance.

High School Attendance Waiver: FGC shall waive out-of-state fees for a Florida high school graduate who meets the following criteria:

1. Attended a Florida secondary school for three consecutive years immediately before graduating from a Florida High School;
2. Submits an admission application to a Florida College System institution with 24 months of high school graduation;
3. Submits an official high school transcript that provides evidence of meeting the criteria above.

The high school attendance waiver is applicable for 110% of the required credit hours of the degree or certificate program for which the student is enrolled.  Approval of the above waivers does not constitute the establishment of Florida residency for tuition purposes. Students eligible and approved for these waivers will be classified as a non-resident for tuition purposes, but the out-of-state portion of the fees will be waived. If you believe you may be eligible for a tuition waiver, please contact Enrollment Services staff.

Georgia Four-County Differential/Residency Classification Request

Georgia residents who reside in Echols, Clinch, Ware, or Charlton counties may be eligible for Florida in-state tuition rates at FGC due to the proximity of their residence to the College. Qualification is based upon documented evidence of legal residence in the state of Georgia in one of those counties. Georgia residents of the aforementioned counties who wish to apply for the differential tuition rate should complete the Georgia Differential Residency Classification Request form upon application for admission to the College.

Residency Appeals Committee

In accordance with Florida Statutes, Florida Gateway College has established a residency appeals committee to consider student appeals of residency determinations.  In cases where the applicant expresses a desire to appeal the residency classification, the matter will be referred to the designated residency appeal officer or appropriate appeal committee in accordance with the institution’s official appeal process.

The residency appeal officer or committee will convey to the applicant the final residency determination and the reasons for the determination. The final residency determination will be provided to the student in writing.

Students who wish to appeal the classification of residency for tuition purposes should submit a written request citing the basis for the appeal. Copies of all documentation supporting the appeal for residency reclassification should be included with the request. The request and all supporting documentation should be submitted to the Director of Enrollment Services, who serves as Chair of FGC’s Residency Appeals Committee. The Enrollment Services Office is located in Building 015.