Admission, Advising	Catalog 1999-2000
Registration and Records

GENERAL ADMISSION INFORMATION

Polk Community College may admit graduates from any high school. Others who earn high school equivalency certificates from various states' Departments of Education, or through the General Education Development (GED) test administered by USAFI, also may be admitted provided their scores meet Florida standards.
Students whose native language is not English may be subject to additional testing beyond that required of native English speakers. In certain cases, mandatory placement in college preparatory courses may be required regardless of placement test scores.
Students are admitted to PCC under one of two classifications: program students or non-program students. Program students are seeking an A.A., an A.S., a PCC Credit Certificate, or a PCC Vocational Certificate. Generally, admission as a non-program student is restricted to those with limited educational objectives. Most non-program students are attending PCC as transient students from another college, or are taking classes for personal enrichment, recreation, teacher re-certification, or to improve or update job skills. Courses taken while in this classification may not apply toward degree requirements.
Students transferring to Polk Community College from other institutions enter the College with the equivalent academic status as if they were PCC students. Students on academic suspension from another institution are not admitted to PCC during the term immediately following the imposition of academic suspension status. Students who would incur suspension at PCC on the basis of their work at another institution are not admitted during the term immediately following their last attendance at the previous college.

ADMISSION PROCEDURES*

• Request, complete, and return an Application for Admission, along with the appropriate fee, to either the Lakeland or Winter Haven campus as instructed on the application form.
• High school graduates - contact your high school and request that an official, final high school transcript bearing your graduation date be mailed directly to PCC. (Note: PCC is able to electronically access high school transcripts of all students graduating from Polk County high schools since 1988).
• GED Certificate holders - contact the testing agency that administered your examination and request that an official GED score report be mailed directly to PCC.
• Students transferring to PCC from other colleges accredited through a Regional Accrediting Body recognized by the U.S. Department of Education - contact each institution attended and request that an official transcript be mailed directly to PCC (with a few exceptions, transfer students who successfully completed 12 or more semester hours of college credit may be admitted without submitting an official high school transcript).
• Complete placement testing requirements. All first-time PCC program and non-program students are required to complete a battery of tests in communications and mathematics prior to enrollment. Based on test results, students are "placed" in appropriate level courses in English, reading, and math. In some cases, students with transferable credit in English and math are not required to complete placement testing.
• Complete Orientation and Academic Advising.
  Students who do not receive an admission letter prior to final registration day should contact the Admissions Office for further information.

*Some A.S. degree programs have additional requirements. Interested students may consult an Academic Advisor or other Student Services staff for additional information.

INTERNATIONAL AND VISA STUDENTS
Polk Community College is authorized to enroll non-immigrant alien students. Non-immigrant alien students are classified as either International students (F-1) or other Visa students. People in the United States with a B1/B2 tourist visa are not eligible to attend PCC until after completion of the admission requirements for international students and successful application to Immigration and Naturalization Services to change their visa status to F-1.

International students enter the United States with F-1 visas specifically for the purpose of obtaining an education. All international students are required to attend PCC on a full-time basis and pay out-of-state tuition and fees during their entire enrollment at PCC. People who enter the United States with visas other than F-1 are here for purposes other than obtaining an education. Most are eligible to attend school while here. Like international students, Visa students are required to pay out-of-state tuition and fees during their entire enrollment at PCC. Check with the International Student Advisor to determine your eligibility to attend school.

International and Visa students are required to submit all required documents and meet all conditions of admission at least three to six months in advance of their first term of enrollment. The following deadlines apply:

• Fall Semester or Term I (August - December)-May 15
• Spring Semester or Term II (January - early May) -October 15
• Summer Semesters or Terms III or IV (May - early August)-March 15

In addition to the regular admission procedures, International and Visa students are required to complete additional admission requirements.

International Student Admission -Requirements:

• Application for admission to Polk Community College, including the application fee paid in US dollars.
• International Student Application
• Affidavit of Financial Support - including the student's or sponsor's most recent bank statement showing finances are available for the student's education. A letter of employment may be requested from the sponsor's employer to verify employment and income source.
• Health certification form. Proof of good physical and mental health are required before an I-20 form is issued.
• Demonstration of English Proficiency by any one of the following:

• Students from countries where English is the native language are considered proficient in English. Check with the International Student Advisor for a list of countries exempt from English proficiency requirements.
• Official Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) scores from Educational Testing Services. A paper-and-pencil exam score of 520 or higher is acceptable or a computerized exam score of 190 or higher is acceptable.
• An Advanced Placement (AP) score of 4 or higher on the International English Language exam will be accepted in lieu of TOEFL scores.
• TOEFL will be waived for those students who have completed the highest level of an accredited Intensive English Language program.
• Evidence of three or more years of successful study in an accredited institution where English is the only language of instruction.
• Official high school, upper secondary and post secondary transcripts from accredited high schools, colleges and universities. If transcripts are in a language other than English, a certified English translation must also be provided. A certified translation service in the United States or the Ministry of Education in the home country may provide the translation.
• Transcripts from international institutions must be evaluated for both equivalency to U.S. high school graduation and for consideration of college transfer credit. The cost of the transcript evaluation is the responsibility of the student. Specific instructions for obtaining this evaluation are included with the International Student Application packet available from the Student Services office on each campus.
• Proof of medical insurance. Insurance must include basic medical coverage. Also highly recommended is coverage for medical evacuation and repatriation services.
• A passport valid for at least six months beyond the intended length of study in the United States.
• A photocopy of valid visa and unexpired passport must be made by the International Student Advisor showing proof of eligibility to attend school.

Admission Requirements for those holding visas other than B1/B2 tourist visas and F-1 international student visas:

• Application for admission to Polk Community College, including the application fee paid in US dollars.
• Official high school, upper secondary and post secondary transcripts from accredited high schools, colleges and universities. If transcripts are in a language other than English, a certified English translation must also be provided. A certified translation service in the United States or the Ministry of Education in the home country may provide the translation.
• Transcripts from international institutions must be evaluated for both equivalency to U.S. high school graduation and for consideration of college transfer credit. The cost of the transcript evaluation is the responsibility of the student. Specific instructions for obtaining this evaluation are included with the International Student Application packet available from the Student Services office on each campus.
• Demonstration of English Proficiency by any one of the following:
  • Students from countries where English is the native language are considered proficient in English. Check with the International Student Advisor for a list of countries exempt from English proficiency requirements.
  • Official Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) scores from Educational Testing Services. A paper-and-pencil exam score of 520 or higher is acceptable or a computerized exam score of 190 or higher is acceptable.
  • An Advanced Placement (AP) score of 4 or higher on the International English Language exam will be accepted in lieu of TOEFL scores.
  • TOEFL will be waived for those students who have completed the highest level of an accredited Intensive English Language program.
  • Evidence of three or more years of successful study in an accredited institution where English is the only language of instruction.
  • A passport valid for at least six months beyond the intended length of study in the United States.
  • A photocopy of valid visa and unexpired passport must be made by the International Student Advisor showing proof of eligibility to attend school.

International students interested in attending Polk Community College should request an International Student Packet from the Student Services Office on either campus.

TRANSFER OF CREDIT
College credit earned at other institutions recognized by a U.S. Department of Education approved Regional Accrediting Body (accredited institutions) may transfer to Polk Community College in accordance with specific guidelines:

• Credits of a general education nature earned at accredited institutions within Florida's State University System (SUS) or Florida community colleges for which there are comparable courses at PCC, are posted to the student's PCC academic record. Such credit is applied toward degree requirements, toward electives, or, in some cases, is credit earned in excess of degree requirements. Other course work is evaluated for transfer on a course-by-course basis, as are courses from out-of-state and private institutions.
• Credits of a technical or occupational nature are evaluated with regard to the technical program being pursued at PCC. Upon consultation and with approval of the appropriate Division Director, such credit may substitute for PCC technical requirements.
• Most credits earned with a grade of "D" or better are considered for transfer.
• Credits earned at Polk Community College are based on the semester hour; therefore, all transfer work is converted to equivalent semester hours. For example, since three quarter hours equals two semester hours, three quarter hours transfers to PCC as two semester hours of credit.

CREDIT FOR ARMED SERVICES TRAINING

In recognition of the advanced academic and technical content of many military education experiences, Polk Community College may grant appropriate credit for military education and experiences which are evaluated by the American Council of Education (ACE) as suitable for post-secondary credit. It is at the discretion of Polk Community College to award such credit; recommendations in the ACE Guide are advisory in nature, and not binding on PCC. After applying for admission, students can initiate the request for credit by providing appropriate supporting documents:

• Active duty military personnel - submit a certified copy of the Application for the Evaluation of Learning Experiences during Military Service, Form DD295, as well as certified copies of any course completion certificates. A notary public must certify that any copies you submit are true copies of the original documents.
• Army Veterans - submit a certified copy of your separation papers, Form DD214, as well as certified copies of any course completion certificates. A notary public must certify that any copies you submit are true copies of the original documents. Prior Army enlisted personnel who entered active duty on or after April 1, 1981, also may request that an Army/ACE Registry Transcript System (AARTS) transcript be mailed directly to PCC. Request an AARTS transcript by writing directly to: Manager, AARTS Operations Center, Ft. Leavenworth, KS 66027-5073. Each request must include your name, basic service date, Social Security number, and current mailing address.
• Air Force Veterans - submit a certified copy of your separation papers, Form DD214, as well as certified copies of any course completion certificates. A notary public must certify that any copies you submit are true copies of the original documents. You also may request that a Community College of the Air Force (CCAF) transcript be mailed directly to PCC. You can reach CCAF by writing CCAF, 130 W. Maxwell Blvd., Maxwell Air Force Base, AL 36112-6613; telephone (334) 953-7848
• Marine Corps, Coast Guard, and Navy Veterans - submit a certified copy of your separation papers, Form DD214, as well as certified copies of any course completion certificates. A notary public must certify that any copies you submit are true copies of the original documents.

VETERANS

Information and advising is available for those eligible for educational benefits under the various laws aiding veterans and their dependents. Veterans eligible under Chapters 30, 106, 32, and 35 of Title 38, U.S. Code are required to be degree-seeking, but may attend college on a part-time basis. It is important for veterans to meet with an Academic Advisor prior to registration each term. The Financial Aid completes the Veteran's Certification for the United States Department of Veterans Affairs (VA). Benefits are paid on a sliding scale:

• full - 12 or more credit hours
• 3/4 - 9 to 11 credit hours
• 1/2 - 6 to 8 credit hours
• tuition only - 1 to 5 credit hours.

All veterans and dependents, except those on vocational rehabilitation, are responsible for paying all college fees within the appropriate deadlines. Registration fees may be deferred, when necessary, up to sixty days or ten days less than the length of the term, whichever is earlier. Fees may be deferred only once per academic year.
Veterans wishing to apply for advance payment from the VA in order to have the initial allotment available by registration day should make application for benefits through the Financial Aid Office at least forty-five days prior to registration.
VA regulations require veterans to progress at a regular rate toward graduation. Details regarding current PCC policy for meeting this requirement are available in the Financial Aid Office on both campuses.
Recipients of veterans benefits are responsible for reporting information regarding attendance or changes in program or place of training directly to the VA:

United States Department of Veterans Affairs
P.O. Box 1437
St. Petersburg, FL 33731
Contact the Financial Aid Office for assistance with completing the appropriate paperwork.

EARLY ADMISSION
Polk Community College provides acceleration opportunities to academically talented students from all Polk County public secondary schools and most area private high schools. Home schooled students are also eligible to participate. Home schooled students must complete the Home School Dual Enrollment Application Packet. Acceleration is available through three early admission programs:

oFull-time Early Admission

Students seeking Full-time Early Admission must be a high school senior, have an unweighted grade point average of 3.2 or higher for all courses completed in grades 9 through 11 and must have earned a grade of "B" or better in either Algebra II or a higher level math course, to qualify for enrollment. Social maturity and academic motivation also contribute to success in college level courses.
Full-time Early Admission candidates are required to complete and pass all sections of the Florida College Entry-Level Placement Test (CPT), register and successfully complete 12 or more credit hours per semester, and maintain a 2.0 or higher grade point average at PCC.

oDual Enrollment

Students interested in dual enrollment may be sophomores, juniors, or seniors. Requirements for Dual Enrollment are based on the number of credit hours in which students wish to enroll:

• 1 to 7 credits - minimum 3.0 unweighted high school grade point average in all courses up through the end of the previous semester, plus a passing score on the sections of the CPT that are relevant to the courses in which the student wishes to enroll.
• 8 to 11 credits - minimum 3.2 unweighted high school grade point average in all courses up through the end of the previous semester, a grade of "B" or better in either Algebra II, or a higher level math course, plus a passing score on all sections of the CPT

Dual enrollment courses may be taken at PCC, at the high school with a PCC approved instructor, or at the high school via television. Courses may be taken as part of the students' regular high school curriculum or in addition to their high school load.
Students are required to maintain a 2.0 college GPA to remain eligible for Dual Enrollment.

Executive Leadership Program

To receive three college credits for this high school course in career exploration and leadership development, students must apply for admission as a dual enrollment student and secure the recommendations of their high school counselor and principal. The college placement test is not required to participate in this -program.

ADVISING SERVICES

The advising staff provides assistance to enrolled and prospective students in making educational and career decisions.
Academic Advisors normally are available in Student Services at both campuses during regular operating hours:
Monday - Thursday, 8:00 a.m. - 7:00 p.m.
Friday, 8:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.
Students pursuing A.A., A.S., and certain one-year certificate programs must attend Orientation and Academic Advising with an Academic Advisor prior to registering for classes.

SERVICES FOR STUDENTS WITH DISABILITIES

Polk Community College adheres to the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act. All services, degree programs, and classes are open to eligible disabled students and reasonable accommodations are provided based on individual needs. Students with documented disabilities may be eligible for extended testing time, special computer equipment, tutoring, recorded texts, note taker services, interpreters, or any other necessary reasonable accommodation to insure equal access.
The Coordinator of Academic Advising on each campus works with any rehabilitation agency, such as Division of Vocational Rehabilitation or the Division of Blind Services, to coordinate student services. Disabled parking spaces are available on campus with state-approved permits; additional parking permits are not required.
We encourage you to contact one of the Coordinators of Academic Advising in Student Services to request special accommodations or auxiliary aids. All information you provide is voluntary in nature and is kept strictly confidential.

REGISTRATION

Prior to registering for credit courses, students are required to submit an Application for Admission. Registration dates and instructions are outlined in term schedule booklets normally available several weeks before classes begin.

CONTINUOUS ENROLLMENT

Program students are considered to be continuously enrolled, regardless of the number of credits for which they register, provided they enrolled in credit classes during the preceding academic year. Continuously enrolled students may consult the term schedule booklet for specific registration information.
Students failing to maintain continuous enrollment for any reason are required to reactivate their Application for Admission (no fee required) under the catalog in effect at the time of their next enrollment. Students also must meet with an Academic Advisor for updated program information.

REGISTRATION FEES

All registration fees are due at registration; however, fee payment deadlines, along with a schedule of registration, lab, and other fees are listed in the term schedule booklet. Fees, payable each term, are subject to change by action of the Board of Trustees. Failure to pay fees by the published deadline results in the cancellation of your registration - you are not admitted to the classes you selected.
Registration fees for Continuing Education courses are approved by the Board on an individual basis.

FLORIDA RESIDENT

Section 240.1201, Florida State Statutes, defines a Florida resident for tuition purposes:
"...a person or, if that person is a dependent child, his parent or parents must have established legal residence in this State and must have maintained legal residence in this State for a least 12 months immediately prior to this qualification."
Furthermore, the statute classifies the following individuals as Florida residents for tuition purposes:

• active duty members of the Armed Services of the United States stationed in the State of Florida, their spouses, and dependent children
• full-time instructional and administrative personnel employed by state public schools, community colleges, and institutions of higher education as defined in s.228.041, their spouses, and dependent children
• students from Latin America and the Caribbean who receive scholarships from the Federal and State Governments.

For additional residency classifications, please refer to the Polk Community College Application for Admission. Persons not meeting the definition of a Florida resident are charged a non-resident fee in addition to the registration fee.

BOOKS AND SUPPLIES
The cost of books and supplies varies with the program and courses you select. Books and other school supplies are sold in the college bookstores located at each of our campuses. PCC contracts with Follett, Inc. to provide bookstore services. Follett accepts most major credit cards, Honor Debit cards, and local checks with proper identification.

FEE REFUNDS

• To be eligible for a fee refund for a dropped course, complete the drop action no later than the "Last Day for Refund" deadline published in the term schedule booklet.
• Full fee refunds are made for courses canceled by the College.
• Late Registration fees are refunded only in cases of canceled classes.
• Information on drops and fee refunds for non-credit courses is available at registration.

STUDENT RECORDS

Polk Community College maintains a permanent record of academic information and of supporting and relevant information for each student. The Registrar is designated as the custodian of student records and is responsible for maintaining accurate and readily available student academic records. The Registrar is also responsible for the use and release of information contained in those records. The College is committed to the protection of student rights and privacy of information. It complies with the provisions of the Federal Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA), State of Florida law and State Department of Education rules. Polk Community College is a Directory College under FERPA and may release directory information to requesting parties. The next section outlines students' rights under FERPA.

NOTIFICATION OF STUDENT RIGHTS UNDER FERPA

The Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA) affords students certain rights with respect to their education records. They are:
(1) The right to inspect and review the student's education records within 30 days of the day the College receives a request for access.
Students should submit to the Registrar written requests that identify the record(s) they wish to inspect. The Registrar will make arrangements for access and notify the student of the time and place where the records may be inspected. If the records are not maintained by the Registrar, the student will be advised of the correct official to whom the request should be addressed.
(2) The right to request the amendment of the student's education records that the student believes are inaccurate or misleading.
Students may ask the College to amend a record that they believe is inaccurate or misleading. They should write the Registrar, clearly identify the part of the record they want changed, and specify why it is inaccurate or misleading. If the College decides not to amend the record as requested by the student, the College will notify the student of the decision and advise the student of his or her right to a hearing regarding the request for amendment. Additional information regarding the hearing procedures will be provided to the student when notified of the right to a hearing.
(3) The right to consent to disclosures of personally identifiable information contained in the student's education records, except the extent that FERPA authorizes disclosure without consent.
One exception which permits disclosure without consent is disclosure to school officials with legitimate educational interests. A school official is a person employed by the College in an administrative, supervisory, academic or research, or support staff position (including law enforcement unit personnel and health staff); a person or company with whom the College has contracted (such as an Attorney, Auditor, or Collection Agent); a person serving on the Board of Trustees; or a student serving on an official committee, such as a disciplinary or grievance committee, or assisting another school official in performing his or her tasks.
A school official has a legitimate educational interest if the official needs to review an educa--
tion record in order to fulfill his or her professional responsibility.
Upon request, the College discloses education records without consent to officials of another school in which a student seeks or intends to enroll.
(4) The Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA) authorizes the campus to release "Directory Information" concerning students. The campus may release this information at any time to any requesting party unless the campus has received notification from the student.
The following categories of student information are designated as "directory information":

• Student name
• Address
• Telephone number
• Date and place of birth
• Dates of attendance
• Previous institution attended
• Major field of study
• Degrees conferred (including dates)
• Honors and awards
• Participation in officially recognized activities and sports
• Physical factors of athletes (e.g. height, weight)
• Photographs

Students may refuse to permit disclosure of this information. To do so, a student must complete, sign and submit to the Office of the College Registrar a request to withhold directory information. The request may be made at anytime and will remain in effect unless and until the student submits to the Office of the College Registrar a request for it to be removed.
If the student does not complete and submit the appropriate form requesting the withholding of directory information the College will assume he or she consents to the disclosure of such information.
(5) The right to file a complaint with the U.S. Department of Education concerning alleged failures by Polk Community College to comply with the requirements of FERPA. The name and address of the Office that administers FERPA is:

Family Policy Compliance Office
U.S. Department of Education
600 Independence Avenue, SW
Washington, DC 20202-4605

AP, CLEP, REGENTS COLLEGE, AND IB

Florida law and State Board of Education rules provide for PCC to award credit for satisfactory scores on the nationally standardized College Level Examination Program (CLEP), College Board Advanced Placement Program (AP), the Regents College Examination Program (Regents College), and International Baccalaureate (IB) examinations. Credit is awarded in accordance with the State Board rule (6A-10.024) allowing students to proceed toward their educational goals as rapidly as possible.
Minimum satisfactory scores for CLEP, AP, Regents College, and IB are set by the State Board of Education and are subject to change (see Appendix C). Credit is not awarded in areas for which credit is already earned.
CLEP, AP, Regents College, and IB credit is posted to the academic record along with the source of the credit. Students planning on transferring to schools outside of the Florida State University System (SUS) are responsible for determining the acceptability of this credit.
A maximum of 45 semester hours of combined CLEP, AP, Regents College, and IB credit is applied toward an associate degree.

TEST ADMINISTRATION

CLEP examinations are administered at Polk Community College, Winter Haven Campus. Registration bulletins are available from Student Services on both campuses. Contact the Coordinator of Testing at 941-297-1010, ext. 5201 for additional information. Test dates and times are available from Student Services on both campuses.
AP examinations are taken prior to enrolling in college and are administered in high school following the completion of high school advanced placement classes (see Appendix C for subjects and minimum satisfactory scores).
Regents College examinations are administered at Florida Southern College, Testing Center, 142 Ordway Building, Lakeland. Contact the Testing Center at Florida Southern, (941) 680-4299, for more information and registration materials. See Appendix C for subjects accepted and for minimum scores required.
IB examinations are taken prior to enrolling in college and are administered in high school following the completion of high school IB classes (see Appendix C for additional information).

CREDIT-BY-EXAMINATION

Special arrangements may be made for Credit-by-Examination in certain technical course areas by consulting the Director of the Division in which the course is offered. Students may be eligible to take an exam provided they never enrolled in a college level course equivalent to the exam subject matter. Successful completion of the exam results in credit being posted to the academic record. Students planning on transferring to other institutions are responsible for determining the acceptability of this credit. A fee is charged for credit-by-exam.

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