Academic & Instructional Services

General Information

This section of the catalog is designed to familiarize the student with college regulations, academic terminology, the College grading system, special courses and programs, and other pertinent student information concerning academic life at Florida Gateway College. A student desiring information about the specific programs at Florida Gateway College should contact:

Nursing and Health Sciences

(386) 754-4404

Center for Excellence in Teaching, Design and Business

(386) 754-4266

Criminal Justice Training Center

(386) 754-4347, Corrections
(386) 754-4383, Law Enforcement

Golf and Landscape Operations

(386) 754-4225

Liberal Arts & Sciences

(386) 754-4269

Occupational Programs

Industrial Trades, Cosmetology and other occupational programs:

(386) 754-4352

Olustee Public Service Training Center

(386) 754-4492, Global Logistics
(386) 754-4448, Emergency Medical Services
(386) 754-4442, Engineering Process Technology
(386) 754-4347, Corrections
(386) 754-4383, Law Enforcement

Water Resources Training Programs

(386) 754-4308

A student needing more global academic help may wish to contact the appropriate vice president for additional assistance.

Course Offerings

The College exercises the prerogative of choosing the courses to be offered during any semester. This offering is announced in the official course schedule for the semester and is contingent on enrollment levels and staff availability. It is subject to change without prior notification.

Academic Assistance

Florida Gateway College provides several sources of academic assistance to students, including convenient access to faculty and staff, peer tutors, Library, Audiovisual Center, and the Collegewide Learning Lab. A student is encouraged to avail himself or herself of all the educational resources available through the College.

Access to Faculty

The College prides itself on providing a caring, friendly atmosphere conducive to the learning process. A student experiencing academic difficulties is encouraged to contact his or her instructor to determine what additional assistance, if any, can be provided. College faculty maintain convenient office hours to provide interactive opportunities for students to discuss class work. Faculty hours are posted on faculty office doors.

Peer Tutors

The College is sometimes able to provide academic tutors for students experiencing academic difficulties. Any student needing information about peer tutors should contact the instructor of the course in question for details. Peer tutors are subject to availability, funding, and subject area expertise.

Audiovisual Center

The Audiovisual Center, located in the Wilson S. Rivers Library and Media Center, works closely with faculty and staff to provide printed and audiovisual material to the College community.

The Audiovisual Center also maintains a television microwave broadcast system that transmits credit courses to area cable television subscribers within the College’s district. These credit courses, and other videotapes, are also broadcast campuswide over two closed circuit television channels.

Collegewide Learning Lab

The Collegewide Learning Lab is a stand-alone, multipurpose learning center. The focus of the lab is to provide remedial and developmental instruction for nontraditional and under-prepared students who have deficiencies in basic skills. Assistance is provided in reading, writing, language, critical thinking, study and test taking skills, and all levels of mathematics. Tutors are available in the Collegewide Learning Lab, free of charge, for a wide variety of subjects. Tutoring hours vary each semester.

The Foreign Language and Math Labs are a part of the Collegewide Learning Lab. The foreign language students have access to subject specific computer tutorials, audio files, videos, interactive CD-Rom programs, recording equipment, tutors, and the Internet. Math students have access to course specific computer tutorials, CD-Rom tutorials, videos, supplementary texts, and tutors for prealgebra through calculus.

The Collegewide Learning Lab also serves the community. Academic assistance is available for those studying for a GED. Test preparation and remediation is available for TABE, PERT, CLEP, and GED tests. Individuals can find assistance with word processing, E-mail, general computer applications, and Internet use and research.

The Collegewide Learning Lab is open from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. Monday through Thursday, throughout the college year. During the fall and spring semesters there are Friday hours as well. For more information please call (386) 754-4437.

Academic Policies

Academic Load

A normal load for fall or spring semester is 15 credits. In each summer term, six credits is considered a normal course load.

Maximum course loads for which a student may register without special permission are 19 credits. Maximum course loads are recommended only for students who have a high school average of B or a minimum college grade point average of 3.0. A credit overload must be approved by the appropriate vice president.

Academic Transcripts & Final Grades

A permanent cumulative record is kept on each student. This record shows for each semester/term all credits attempted and earned, all grades earned, and term and cumulative grade point averages. A student can retrieve final grades or unofficial transcripts by logging onto My FGC from the FGC home page. Unofficial transcripts can be obtained through MyFGC on our home page. For more information regarding Internet access of final grades, contact the Registrar’s Office in Building 015 or call (386) 754-4205 or (386) 754-4290.

Transcripts of a student’s record are provided by the Registrar. For security reasons, transcripts will not be faxed. Transcripts will not be released for students or alumni whose financial obligations to the College have not been satisfied. Release of transcripts requires the written request or permission of the student prior to issuance. Transcripts are mailed out approximately one week after the Registrar’s Office receives the written request. The request has to be signed by the student and indicate where the transcript must be sent. A photo ID is required to pick up a transcript. The transcript request form is available through the College Web page.

Declaring a Major

Students who have completed 12 credit hours must declare a major emphasis, program, or certificate. Students need to see an academic advisor and complete a Change of Major form.

Classification of Students

Students may be classified in any number of ways. The following categories are common to most students enrolling at Florida Gateway College:

FRESHMAN: has completed fewer than 30 credits.

SOPHOMORE: has completed 30 or more credits.

JUNIOR: a baccalaureate student who has completed 60, but less than 90, credits.

SENIOR: a baccalaureate student who has completed 90 or more credits.

FULL TIME: is enrolled for 12 or more credits.

PART TIME: is enrolled for fewer than 12 credits.

TRANSIENT: temporarily enrolled at Florida Gateway College based on prior approval from another college or university without the intention of receiving an FGC degree. The student intends to transfer such coursework back to his/her home institution.

AUDIT: is admitted to the College by standard admissions procedure but desires to take credit courses without receiving a grade for those classes. Audit students are charged regular credit fees.

PERSONAL ENRICHMENT: is not a candidate for a degree or certificate but takes credit classes. A student is only allowed to take a maximum of 12 credit hours as personal enrichment unless the student has already earned an associate degree or has signed approval from an appropriate academic vice president. These students must meet regular admission requirements.

NONDEGREE: enrolls in courses for which no credit is given or is not working toward a degree.

OCCUPATIONAL: enrolls in a occupational credit course with the intention to receive a certificate.

Gordon Rule

The State Board of Education has adopted Rule 6A-10.030 popularly known as the “Gordon Rule.” This rule places stringent requirements upon those students seeking the Associate in Arts degree. To meet this rule Florida Gateway College requires that all students seeking associate degrees must take six semester hours of mathematics coursework at the level of college algebra or higher. For the purposes of this rule, applied logic, statistics and other such computation coursework which may not be placed within a mathematics department may be used to fulfill three hours of the six hours required by this section. Entry into these courses has the prerequisite of appropriate entry level test scores or completion of Intermediate Algebra (MAT 1033 ), or other course prerequisites which are detailed in the course description section of this catalog. In order to graduate with the Associate in Arts degree, students also will be required to demonstrate writing ability in a wide variety of English, humanities, and social science courses containing substantial writing requirements. All English courses will have a significant writing requirement. All of these courses are designated in the course description section of this catalog with a “GR.” These courses also have the prerequisite of appropriate entry level test scores or completion of Principles of Writing and Principles of Reading.

A student seeking a transferable Associate in Science degree should see their advisor regarding the Gordon Rule Requirements.

Grades of C or better MUST be earned in GORDON RULE designated courses for all students enrolled in these courses.

Attendance

Regular attendance is expected, and is a course requirement in all Florida Gateway College courses. Attendance requirements will be established by the individual instructor in each course syllabus. The student is responsible for adhering to each instructor’s attendance requirements as set forth in the course syllabus. The instructor will notify the student in writing of excessive absences. After the last date to withdraw from a course, an F grade may be assigned by the instructor. The instructor will determine the validity of absences and whether the student will be allowed to make up class work and/or examinations. The instructor will enter the last date of student’s attendance on the Final Grade Roster when recording an F for nonattendance.

Change of Name, Address, Major

A student should file any change of address, name, marital status, residency or citizenship with the Registrar’s Office. Students may also update their address through My FGC. Change of major should be initiated in the appropriate academic department. It is very important to keep the College informed as to correct addresses, so that important information will be received by the student.

Grading Policies

Final Examinations and Course Grading

Final examinations are held at the end of each semester/ term. The student should refer to the final examination schedule published in the course schedule. A grade of F may be assigned to any student who has an unexcused absence from a final examination.

GRADING SYSTEM

Grades: Passing grades are A, B+, B, C+, C, for Gordon Rule courses (GR); otherwise, A, B+, B, C+, C, D+, D, and S. Failing grades are F and U. Grades of I earn no credit and are not counted in the grade point average until the courses are completed, or the I grade changes to an F. Grades of W, S, U, AU, N, and I are not computed in the student’s cumulative or current grade point average (GPA).

Grades of C or better MUST be earned in GORDON RULE designated courses for all students enrolled in these courses.

N Grade

N grades earn no grade points or credits, remain on the student’s permanent record, and prevent the student from receiving academic recognition on the President’s List and the Vice President’s List. The N grade means that the student has continued to attend class but has not attained a sufficient level of skill or knowledge to be granted credit and must reregister for the course during the following term and demonstrate proficiency before credit can be given.

Incomplete Grade

If a student is unable to complete a course and the withdrawal date has passed, the student may receive a grade of I under the condition that it is practical for the student to complete the requirements of the course in the first three weeks of the next term. The instructor’s approval is required before this grade may be assigned. Reregistering in the course is not required in order to change an incomplete to a passing grade. I grades prevent the student from receiving recognition on the President’s List and the Vice President’s List.

A grade of I must be changed to a passing letter grade by completing the requirements of the course no later than the first three weeks of the next semester/term, or the I grade will be changed to an F on the student’s permanent record. It is the student’s responsibility to make arrangements with the instructor for completion of the course. When course requirements are completed, the instructor will submit a grade change to the Registrar’s Office.

Grade Points

To compute an average that indicates the overall quality of a student’s record, grade points are assigned as follows: 4 points for each semester hour of A, 3.5 points for each hour of B+, 3.0 points for each hour of B, 2.5 points for each hour of C+, 2.0 points for each hour of C, 1.5 points for each hour of D+, 1.0 point for each hour of D, and no points for each hour of F, U, I, N, and AU. A grade of A for a three semester hour course earns 12 grade points; a grade of D in a four hour course earns four grade points. Credit hours for I, AU, S, N, and credit by examination are not computed in the grade point average.

Semester Average

A student’s semester average is obtained by dividing the total grade points earned in that term by the total credit hours attempted in that semester/term. A student’s cumulative grade point average may be obtained by dividing the total grade points earned for all semesters/terms by the total number of credit hours attempted. A student’s cumulative grade point average includes any applicable courses transferred from other colleges.

Academic Appeals

Students who wish to register an appeal or complaint regarding a class, test, assignment, course grade, or other academic issues should first confer with the appropriate faculty member in an endeavor to resolve the problem. If there is a conflict of interest with this person or the problem cannot be resolved then the student should contact the supervising administrator (see FGC Policy 6Hx12:09-38). At any point during the appeal/complaint process, the student may rely upon the Florida Gateway College Ombudsperson as a mediator. If the student elects to have the Campus Appeals Board (CAB) hear the matter, the student should attach a written statement of appeal and send it to the appropriate vice president and the vice president will transmit the appeal to the Chair of the Appeals Committee.

Ombudsperson

A student may appeal to the Office of the Ombudsperson a decision that is related to the student’s access to courses and credit granted toward the degree. The Ombudsperson can be reached at (386) 754-4267.

• The student may contact the Ombudsperson directly.
• The Ombudsperson may serve as a student advocate and/or mediator regarding academic matters.
• The Ombudsperson is accountable to the College President in his/her role as Ombudsperson.
• This information is provided to students in the College Catalog and the Student Handbook which are also available on the college website.

Credit Policies

Definition

Credit is a unit of measure assigned to courses or course equivalent learning. The types of postsecondary credit authorized are:

1. College Credit – One college credit is based on the learning expected from the equivalent of 15 fifty-minute periods of classroom instruction, with credits for such things as laboratory instruction, internships, and clinical experience determined by the institution based on the proportion of direct instruction to the laboratory exercise, internship hours, or clinical practice hours.|
2. Occupational Credit – One occupational credit is based on the learning expected from the equivalent of 30 hours of instruction.
3. Preparatory Credit – One preparatory credit is based on the learning expected from the equivalent of 15 fifty-minute periods of classroom instruction, with credit for such things as laboratory instruction and individualized study determined by the institution based on the proportion of direct instruction to the laboratory exercise or individualized program.

Nontraditional Credit

The College offers the following special opportunities for academic enrichment and accelerated education:

College Level Examination Program (CLEP)

Up to 45 credits of coursework may be earned through the College Level Examination Program (CLEP). Students are required to provide a copy of their official CLEP test scores to the Registrar’s Office in Building 015.

Credit for CLEP examinations is awarded based upon the State Articulation Coordinating Committee (ACC) credit by exam guideline for state universities and community colleges. Examinations are designed to give credit for knowledge acquired by nontraditional means, such as special interest or self-directed study. Consult the Student Development Center for further information.

Cooperative Education

Cooperative Education allows a student to gain work experience directly related to his/her academic major. This plan integrates classroom study with employment and is based on the principle that learning does not confine itself to academic achievement but is also dependent upon practical experience.

Advantages of cooperative education to students include increasing educational motivation, developing greater human understanding, accelerating maturation, providing orientation to the world of work, providing financial aid, and providing useful employment.

A student who is interested in cooperative work experience should contact the appropriate vice president or division director. The main criterion for entry into the program is that the work experience must parallel the student’s career training on campus. The co-op student must maintain a 2.0 or higher GPA to continue in the program.

Advanced Placement (AP)

A student may receive course credit by earning high scores on the Advanced Placement Test. Scores of three, four, and five are acceptable for credit. Credit is awarded based on ACC guidelines. A student is required to provide a copy of his/her official test scores to the Registrar’s Office in Building 015. Check with the Registrar’s Office for further information as to equivalencies. 

International Baccalaureate (IB) Credit

The IB program provides an opportunity for high school students to earn college credit. Credit is awarded based on ACC guidelines. Official IB test scores must be submitted to the Registrar’s Office in Building 015.

Recognition of Experiential Learning

Florida Gateway College will award college credit for experiential learning, under the following procedure. Students with sufficient learning can have that knowledge recognized by documenting their learning activities and receiving college credit. Up to 25 percent of a student’s program may be granted for nontraditional learning. A student must be enrolled in one of the College’s A.A., A.S., A.T.D. or Certificate programs and the credits the student seeks must be applicable to that program. Credit is awarded on a course by course basis. Credits can only be awarded in courses in the current course inventory at Florida Gateway College.

To seek college credit for experiential learning, the student must first complete an Application for Preliminary Evaluation of Experiential Learning and forward it to the director of the appropriate instructional division. The course listed in the Florida Gateway College catalog for which the student is seeking credit will be specified by the student in this application. A separate application is required for each course for which the student is seeking credit. If the application is accepted, the student will be notified of acceptance. Assessment may involve written or performance tests, preparation of a portfolio, evaluation of certificates/licenses, interviews with faculty members, and review of external agency recommendations (ACE, AIB, PONSI, etc.). The appropriate academic vice president or division director and faculty member will determine the method of evaluation. There will be an assessment fee of $100 per course. The fee must be paid when the application is submitted. The credit, if awarded, will appear on a student’s transcript as transfer work, and will reflect only S (Satisfactory) and U (Unsatisfactory) grades, which will not be figured into a cumulative average.

If the student must assemble an experiential portfolio, the portfolio must contain evidence of scholarship or work experience that involved the mastery of the expected learning outcomes of the course for which credit is applied. In each case, the portfolio will be an individually assembled body of evidence that supports the claims of course learning mastery. When completed, the portfolio will be reviewed by a committee in the specific discipline, and, if the portfolio is accepted, the appropriate credits will be granted, on a S (Satisfactory) or U (Unsatisfactory) basis.

The College reserves the sole right to determine experiential learning applicability to Florida Gateway College courses. For more information regarding recognition of experiential learning, contact the Registrar’s Office in Building 015 at (386) 754-4204.

Independent Study

A student wishing to take independent study courses may seek to enroll in either Special Independent Study or Directed Independent Study. The student must secure an Application for Independent Study form from the appropriate division office and submit it to the appropriate instructor and appropriate academic vice president or division director for approval.

Special Independent Study courses are offered when a student is unable to register for a needed regularly offered course due to one of the following reasons: medical, required course for graduation not being offered, a required course was canceled because of insufficient enrollment, or a student is in his/her last semester and has been unable to register for a course required for graduation. Directed Independent Study courses are especially designed to allow a student to pursue a particular topic or subject, under the guidance of a qualified instructor.

The student taking an independent study course works on his/her own to achieve mastery of the material in the course. Periodic conferences are scheduled with the instructor for tutorials and exams, and to ensure that satisfactory progress is being made.

The maximum number of credits allowed for independent study is 25 percent of a student’s program. A student may begin an independent study program only after receipt of approval from the instructor and appropriate vice president. The instructor will specify the testing, attendance, term paper, and other requirements of the class. The regular grading system applies to all independent study students. Grades earned through independent study have the same effect as those earned through regular classroom instruction.

Students must register through the Registrar’s Office for independent study classes as they do for all other classes, before the end of the add/drop period.

Distance Learning

When distance or time separates you as a student from your instructors, technology can help to bridge the gap. Distance - delivered education can provide those with limited time, or those isolated by distance or physical disability, with access to a college education. Forget about having gas money, fighting traffic, scheduling babysitters, and taking off of work. Distance education courses offer the convenience and flexibility your busy life demands.

Online Courses

You can use the Internet to learn and complete courses and eventually whole degree programs, while working from your own space at your own pace. As you take courses, you will meet students, create friendships, and get to know your instructors all from the comfort of your own work space and at times that work for you.

If you have a working knowledge of computers and the Internet, our online courses may be a good fit for you. To take an online course, you will need an e-mail account, Internet connection, and a computer. At Florida Gateway College, online courses are offered through Blackboard. This is a web-based learning management system that contains tools for distance education, such as course content and assignments, a discussion board for collaboration and communication, assignment boxes for submission of homework, and much more. All online courses are instructor led and offer the same content and rigor of a traditional campus course. You will have exams and assignments to complete with due dates. Instructors use a variety of learning methods and assignments in online courses just as they do in a traditional campus course. You may access your online course at http://blackboard.fgc.edu. Login with your college wide ID and your PIN to access your My Institution page and see your courses.

Video Conference Courses

Another great opportunity at Florida Gateway College is our state of the art Video Conferencing classrooms. Classrooms are located in each of our five counties served by the college. You can attend a course where you can interact live with your instructor and other students. The big advantage to our Video Conferencing courses is that you don t have to drive any further than the electronic classroom located in your area. Your instructor and fellow students will be available during class to ask questions and network with you.

Hybrid Courses

Hybrid courses are courses that combine traditional meeting times on campus with online coursework available in Blackboard. In order to take this type of course, students should be familiar with online learning, should have access to a computer with Internet capability, and should have the ability to attend oncampus classes on the days prescribed by the instructor. Many of these courses meet only once per week, or perhaps only meet a select number of times during the semester.

Telecourse

If your course is offered as a telecourse, you view the content through a series of video programs that are broadcast at specific times over FGC-TV and can be accessed through your local cable channel. If you do not have access to cable TV or the FGC channel is not available in your area, you can contact the Audio Visual Department at (386) 754-4329 and they will provide you with video cassettes of the courses that you can view on your home VCR.

Transfer Credit

Evaluation, acceptance and application of transfer credit will be based upon receipt of official transcripts from all institutions attended, testing agencies, or department of military services. It is the student’s responsibility to provide all official transcripts. Students should provide unofficial transcripts for advising purposes.

Evaluation of transcripts from international institutions will be considered only when accompanied by an official transcript evaluation from an approved foreign credit evaluation service. Contact the Admissions Office for more information at (386) 754-4287.

The decision as to the acceptance of transfer credits will be based on the regional accreditation status of the college. If a college is regionally accredited, FGC will normally accept the credit.

All developmental, freshman and sophomore level courses attempted at the prior institution will be evaluated for degree-seeking students. For students requesting admission into a baccalaureate program, 3000 and 4000 level courses also will be evaluated. However, any prior courses taken as part of an A.S., A.A.S., or certificate program and clearly related to specific occupational or professional training, including courses leading to professional licenses or certifications, will not ordinarily apply toward an A.A. degree or an unrelated B.S. degree, including acceptance as elective credit. Once applied to the student record, transfer courses will not be removed.

FGC will not ordinarily accept credit for transfer purposes from a non-public and/or non-regionally accredited institution (“transfer institution”).

Section 1007.24(6), Florida Statutes (F.S.), states that, “Non-public colleges and schools that are fully accredited by a regional or national accrediting agency recognized by the United States Department of Education… . may participate in the statewide course numbering system.” Furthermore, Section 1007.24 (7), F.S., guarantees the transfer of credit between all participating institutions.

Any student who transfers among postsecondary institutions that are fully accredited by a regional or national accrediting agency recognized by the United States Department of Education and that participate in the statewide course numbering system shall be awarded credit by the receiving institution for courses satisfactorily completed by the student at the previous institutions based upon Florida Gateway College’s guidelines for transfer credit.

A student wishing to appeal the decision of transferability of a course should contact the Registrar’s Office regarding additional requirements. A student will be required to provide additional documentation as to the content and quality of the course and faculty credentials.

All transfer students should have their transcripts evaluated no later than the first semester of attendance at Florida Gateway College.

To graduate from Florida Gateway College, a transfer student must complete at least 25 percent of program credits at FGC before graduation.

A student’s cumulative GPA is calculated from the courses transferred in and the earned hours at Florida Gateway College.

Students who have completed either the PSAV Basic Law Enforcement or Basic Corrections and have passed the State Certification Examination in either discipline are eligible to obtain additional credits towards the Criminal Justice A.S. degree upon successful completion of 12 college credit hours at FGC towards this degree.

Correspondence or Extension Credit

Up to 25 percent of a student’s program may be granted for correspondence and/or extension credit, providing:

1. The courses were administered by a regionally accredited institution,
2. The minimum grade of D was earned, and
3. The courses were administered at the freshman and sophomore levels.

Educational Funding Programs

Florida Gateway College manages a number of state and federal services available to assist students in funding their education and/or training. All programs are coordinated with each other and with other financial aid to maximize service, yet prevent duplication in funding.

Wages

Assists persons who are no longer eligible for public assistance in finding work. Services may include work placement, skill training, occupational training, on-the-job training, childcare, travel, and other support services. Check eligibility with the WAGES office at your local Department of Children and Families offices.

WIA (Workforce Investment Act)

Assists persons in upgrading workplace skills. Funding is available through the Financial Aid Office.

Perkins

Assists in supporting occupational certificate and college credit programs. Funding supports delivery of the program, not individual student funding.

Career Pathways

Assists the communities with high school to college transition of occupational classes, decreasing the possibility of repetition of coursework. Coordinates and supports preparation of middle and high school students in technical content areas. Funding supports delivery of program, not individual student funding. Articulation agreements between the school districts and the College are in place to provide students with:

1. college credit for some occupational education in high school,
2. credit by examination,
3. advanced placement in college programs, or
4. preferential admission to selective admission programs.

For more information, please contact the program directors.

State Employee Tuition Waiver Program

Florida Gateway College may waive tuition and some fees for state employees to enroll for up to six credits per semester/ term on a space available basis. State employees using the Tuition Waiver Program are required to submit their Intent to Apply and Student Registration form to the Registrar’s Office on or before the deadline. See the academic calendar for dates. Forms will not be accepted after that date.

The Registrar’s Office is responsible for registering State Tuition waiver students. Students utilizing the State Employee Waiver Program must bring the registration form to the Registrar’s Office on the registration date shown on the academic calendar. Students are responsible for any lab fees. If the fees are not paid at the time of registration, the student will be dropped for non-payment and may not use the state fee waiver for the class during that term. Course availability is on a space available basis only. This tuition waiver may not be used for any course being taken for a third or subsequent attempt or for a course offered as part of a limited access program.

Library

The Wilson S. Rivers Library and Media Center is the newest building on campus and houses the library and media division of Florida Gateway College. The library contains a collection of thousands of catalogued books,  electronic books, microfilm, video and audiocasettes, compact discs, films, original art, and pictures.

Services of the library include circulation, reference, reserve, interlibrary loans, and library orientation. Seminar rooms and individual carrels are provided for faculty and students to encourage individual study and research. Digital microform readers and printers, and photocopy machines are also available. The library has a computerized catalog which lists, not only library holdings at the College, but of all colleges and state universities in Florida. This network also provides electronic access to the Internet and other online information databases.

Registered students have access to library databases and other online resources via the College Web site, www.fgc.edu. A library card is required.

The library maintains cooperative agreements with the public libraries in each of the counties of its district. This provides students with local library support, Internet access to electronic databases, and reserve services.

The library maintains convenient day and evening hours to support student, faculty, and community needs.

The library orientation is now available online at the College Web site. It provides instruction for accessing information online and in the library.

Academic Standards of Progress

All students are expected to maintain progress toward achievement of their academic goals. Students who do not attain Florida Gateway College’s standards of progress are subject to academic warning, probation, suspension, or dismissal.

A student’s progress will be determined at Florida Gateway College by the relationship of credits of coursework attempted to grade points earned. For each credit hour of A, 4 grade points are earned; for each credit hour of B+, 3.5 points; for each credit hour of B, 3 points; for each credit hour of C+, 2.5 points; for each credit hour of C, 2 points; for each credit hour of D+, 1.5 points; for each credit hour of D, 1 point. No points are earned for any other grades.

To remain in good standing and progress toward an educational goal, a student must earn the grade points necessary to maintain a 2.0 (C) cumulative grade point average (GPA). For a further explanation of how to calculate a GPA, see the section on Grading Policies.

Academic Warning, Probation and Suspension

All students must exhibit sufficient academic progress. Students who do not comply with Florida Gateway College’s standards of progress are subject to academic warning, probation, suspension, and/or dismissal. For these purposes, a student’s cumulative GPA includes all courses taken at Florida Gateway College and any coursework transferred from other colleges.

Warning: A student who does not maintain a cumulative 2.0 GPA will be placed in academic warning status.

Probation: A student who does not maintain a cumulative 2.0 GPA for two consecutive semesters will be placed in academic probation status. Students in this category will not be allowed to register for more than 13 credits. A student on probation who achieves a 2.0 GPA each semester/term will remain on academic probation until their cumulative GPA is at least 2.0 on a 4.0 scale.

Suspension: A student on academic probation who does not achieve a 2.0 GPA on a 4.0 scale in each semester will be suspended from the College. Students who are suspended from the College will not be allowed to attend any classes until after the next regular semester.

Readmittance After Suspension

Students who are suspended from the College may return after remaining out for one semester. Upon return, they will be placed on probationary status. If they achieve a 2.0 GPA for the first semester, they will again be subject to probation procedures.

Academic Dismissal

This represents a separation of students from the College for at least one year. Academic dismissal occurs if a student returning from suspension fails to maintain a 2.0 GPA for the first semester after returning.

Students are eligible to apply for readmission to the College after the dismissal period. Admission will be on a petition basis. In order for readmission to be approved, the petition must present evidence of some change in the student’s circumstances.

Grade Forgiveness

College Level Courses

A student who receives a D+, D, or an F in a course may choose to repeat the course to raise his/her grade point average. Florida state law limits to two (2) the number of times a course may be forgiven. Florida Gateway College will count only the last grade of a class for grade point average purposes. Students should be aware of the preference given by colleges or universities to students who complete courses on their first attempt. Florida state law mandates additional tuition/fees for the third attempt at any college level or preparatory course.

Florida Gateway College recalculates the GPA when a student repeats a course and receives a grade. Students should check their unofficial transcript on MyFGC to ensure that the GPA has been recalculated. If it has not, contact the Registar’s Office to request the recalculation. All grades will remain on the transcript, even though the last will be the only one used in the grade computation.

Students are discouraged from repeating courses unless necessary to improve poor grades. Many institutions in Florida, either public or private, now calculate the number of attempted classes when making admissions decisions. Students who plan to transfer to a Florida college or university should be aware that withdrawals and/or audits (i.e., repeats) may affect selected college admissions.

Students who are on financial aid should check with their financial aid counselor regarding the status of repeated courses. Florida teachers taking courses for recertification should ensure that repeated courses count for that purpose. The Florida Department of Education is the only definitive source for that information.

NOTE: A student may have only three attempts per college credit course including the original grade, repeat grades, and withdrawals at any point in the semester. The student must pay full instructional costs (approximately three times normal in-state tuition) for the third and subsequent attempts. A fourth attempt may be allowed only through an academic appeals process based on major extenuating circumstances. All grades from the third and subsequent attempts will be calculated in the GPA.

Preparatory Courses

Students should be aware that only three attempts in a preparatory class will be allowed by Florida Gateway College. Florida state law mandates additional tuition/fees for the third attempt at a preparatory course. Students who do not complete the same course within three attempts will be prohibited from registering for any college class, whether it is for college level or preparatory level courses. For these purposes, a withdrawal or a change to an audit counts as an attempt.

A student who feels there were extenuating circumstances which prohibited him or her from completing the preparatory class may appeal to the Vice President for Student Services for an exception to policy. If the Vice President for Student Services grants the exception, the student will be charged at regular tuition rates for the third attempt.

A student with questions about repeating college preparatory instruction should contact his or her advisor, or the Registrar’s Office, for additional information.

Continuous Enrollment in Preparatory Classes

Students who score into preparatory classes through their placement test scores must be continuously enrolled in at least one prep class.

Students who are enrolled in preparatory class(es) and drop all of their preparatory classes must be dis-enrolled from all classes for that semester.

Students, who enroll in classes, which include preparatory classes, can withdraw from any or all preparatory classes only at the end of add/drop and after the student has attended at least one class meeting for which the student is enrolled.

The withdrawal is an attempt and classifies as continual enrollment in preparatory classes.

Excess Hours Advisory Statement

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. For the 2012-2013 academic year and thereafter,  “excess hours” are defined as hours that go beyond 110% 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 132 credit hours (110% 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 cerdit, 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.

Academic Amnesty

It is the policy of the District Board of Trustees that students with poor academic records may request academic amnesty for one full semester of college work.

The academic amnesty will only apply to FGC coursework. Coursework approved for academic amnesty will be excluded from grade point average (GPA) calculations and in determining graduation eligibility. Students who wish to apply for academic amnesty should first discuss the process with an academic advisor to ensure guidelines are met and secure approval.

In accordance with Policy 6Hx12:09-37, students should follow the guidelines set forth in this procedure to apply for academic amnesty at Florida Gateway College (FGC). Academic amnesty excludes the grades from the cumulative GPA calculation and in determining graduation status.

The following process will apply:

1. In order to be eligible for academic amnesty, a student must not have attended FGC in the past five preceding academic years.
2. A student must petition for academic amnesty prior to re-enrolling at FGC or within the first semester of reenrolling at FGC.
3. Academic amnesty may only be applied to a term in which no grade of “C” or higher was awarded.
4. Academic amnesty is not available to students who have been awarded a FGC degree or certificate.
5. The student must submit a completed Academic Amnesty Petition (petition) to the Office of the Registrar, Chair of the Campus Appeals Board.
6. The petition may request exclusion of one term of FGC coursework.
7. Students may not request specific courses to be removed; it must be all courses for the term noted in the petition.
8. The petition should include evidence that proves that satisfactory performance can be expected. The student must attach a written academic plan approved by the appropriate academic advisor, director or executive director, if applicable, and academic vice president. This plan must include:
   
   1. The designated term of the student’s academic history to be excluded.
   2. Evidence that proves that satisfactory performance can be expected.
   3. Approved courses in which the student will enroll during the completion of the degree; and
   4. Any additional requirements mandated by the college (i.e., academic advising or mentoring, required tutoring or academic support services, etc.)
9. The Campus Appeals Board evaluates every petition and approves only those who they deem can satisfy the requirements and show potential for success. Applying for academic amnesty does not ensure a petition will be approved.
10. The student will be notified in writing of the final decision of the Campus Appeals Board.
11. When academic amnesty is granted, all credits and grades completed for the term indicated on the petition will remain on the student’s permanent record (transcript), but will not be considered in any GPA computations by FGC.
12. The credits and grades excluded due to academic amnesty will not count toward admission into any FGC limited access program, course of study requirements, or graduation from a degree or certificate program.
13. When academic amnesty is granted, the following statement will be added to the student’s transcript: “Academic Amnesty Implemented XXXXXX and Applied to Term XXXXXX.”
14. Academic amnesty is granted only once for a FGC student.
15. Academic amnesty is non-reversible. Once granted, academic amnesty shall not be rescinded.
16. Academic amnesty has no effect on the student’s financial aid award history.
17. Academic amnesty has no effect on the federal and state student financial aid standards or academic progress. Financial aid recipients who have been placed on academic probation, academic suspension, academic suspension waiver, or who have exceeded the maximum number of attempted credits should contact the FGC financial aid office for any applicable financial aid appeal procedures.
18. Academic amnesty has no effect on the calculation of course attempts related to the multiple course attempts surcharge.
19. Students planning to transfer to another college or university are cautioned that academic amnesty applies only at FGC.
20. FGC does not recognize amnesty or similar policies from other institutions; therefore, courses and grades excluded at other institutions via that institution’s amnesty or similar policy will not be excluded at FGC.
21. FGC reserves the right to discontinue the academic amnesty process or make exceptions under special circumstances.

Students planning to transfer to another college or university are cautioned that the receiving institution may use all grades attempted when computing a GPA for admissions eligibility or for other purposes. Academic amnesty has no effect on the student’s financial aid award history. Academic amnesty has no effect on the calculation of course attempts related to the multiple course attempts surcharge.

Drop/Withdrawal

Students who register for classes are responsible for all fees associated with those classes. Students who decide not to attend or wish to withdraw from a class are responsible for dropping or withdrawing from class by the appropriate published date (see Academic Calendar). Students, who have not been identified by their instructor as never attending, will not be automatically dropped or withdrawn. Any student not dropped or withdrawn by the published date will remain officially registered, liable for all fees, and assigned an earned grade at the end of the semester.

To Withdraw from a Course:

1. Submit the Course Schedule Change form to an academic advisor for signature (Advising Center, Building 014).
2. Submit the same form to the Director of Financial Aid or Director’s designees for signature, if the student receives any form of financial aid, including scholarships.
3. Take the signed Course Schedule Change form to the Registrar’s Office for processing before the deadline for withdrawal.

A student will be permitted a maximum of two (2) withdrawals per course. Upon the third attempt, the student will not be permitted to withdraw and will receive a grade for the course. Students, who take courses off campus or have extenuating circumstances that prevent submission of Course Schedule Change form for withdrawal, may phone the Director of Advising and Student Development in Building 014, or designated advisor for signature.

Absence from class or merely notifying the professor does not constitute withdrawal. A student who stops attending class without withdrawing may receive a grade of F from his/her instructor.

Academic Changes

This catalog is meant to portray academic regulations that were in effect at the time the catalog was printed. There may be changes to the courses and/or the programs after the catalog is printed. Students are required to work with their advisors to remain knowledgeable about FGC’s requirements as well as transfer requirements.