Student Services exists to serve and support the academic purpose of the college and its students through outstanding personalized services.

Student Services

General Conditions of Admittance
Polk Community College maintains an "Open-Door" policy and may admit any high school graduate or GED certificate holder.
Students may enter in the fall, spring, or summer sessions. Correspondence concerning Admissions, Student Records or Registration may be addressed to:

Prior to registering for courses, a student shall have on file in the Registrar's Office a completed admission application, official high school transcript or GED scores, a copy of placement test results, official transcripts of all previous college work, and an affidavit of residence. Official transcripts must be sent directly to the Registrar's Office.

General Admission Proceedures for Associate of Arts, Associate of Science, College Credit Certificate Programs, and Non-degree Students
Applications for admission are processed year round. However we recommend that prospective students begin at least six weeks before the start of the semester in which they expect to enroll in order to complete all requirements and be well prepared for course registration.

• A "New Student Packet" and the application for admission can be obtained by contacting the Registrar's Office in Student Services on either the Winter Haven or Lakeland campus.
• The completed application and the affidavit of residence, along with a non-refundable $20 application fee, may be submitted in person or mailed to the cashier at: Polk Community College, 999 Avenue H, NE, Winter Haven, FL 33881. Please do not mail cash. Applicants are notified of their application status by mail.
• Request that official transcripts be sent directly to the Registrar's Office from the high school or State GED office and from all colleges attended. These must be received within three weeks of the application date.
• First time in college applicants will receive a College Placement Test (CPT) "ticket" at the time the application is submitted. If the application is mailed, a "ticket" will be sent to the student along with a letter of acceptance.
• Students whose first language is not English must provide documentation of English proficiency. See the International and Visa Student section for more details.
• Complete placement testing requirements. All new PCC degree-seeking and non-degree 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.
• Complete Academic Advising. No appointment is required. See advising section for hours.
• Consult Course Schedule Booklet for important registration dates.

  Helpful recorded messages: Admission Information 297-1001 Registration Information 297-1090 Transcript Request Information 297-1002 For additional information, please call 297-1000 and ask for the appropriate department.

First Time In College Students
Admission may be granted to those who have:

• Graduated with a Standard Diploma, College-Ready Diploma, or International Baccalaureate Diploma from a secondary school including Florida public, private, and out-of-state schools in accordance with Florida Statute 240.321(5)(b) *see below
• Earned a High School Development (GED) Diploma through any state Department of Education or the military provided the scores are comparable to Florida GED passing scores and have been administered in the English language.
• Completed a Home Education Program pursuant to the requirement of Florida Statute 232.02(04). Student must submit the PCC Home School Affidavit signed by a parent or legal guardian.

*Applicants who have received a Certificate of Completion or other Special High School Diploma are not eligible for admission. Upon earning a GED these students may apply.

Transfer Students
Students who have previously attended a college or university accredited by one of the six regional accrediting associations may be admitted as transfer students and:

• High school diploma requirement may be waived provided a PCC transcript evaluation determines that the student has completed a minimum of 12 academic credits with an overall grade point average of 2.0.
• Students will enter PCC with the equivalent academic status they held at the transferring institution. Students with a warning or probationary status will hold this status at PCC. Students on academic suspension will not be admitted during the term immediately following the imposition of the academic suspension status.
• Students enrolled in associate degree or certificate programs will receive an evaluation of transfer credit once all admission requirements have been met. The student will be mailed a copy of the transcript evaluation. See the section "Transfer of Credit to PCC" for details.
• It is the student's responsibility to assure that tran-scripts are sent to PCC to complete admission requirements. A restriction on future registrations will occur if not received by the due date.

Transient Students
Students attending other regionally accredited institutions who wish to earn credits at PCC to fulfill degree requirements at their home institution must meet the following requirements for enrollment:

• Submit a PCC Admission Application and a $20 application fee.
• Submit an official statement from the home institution certifying good standing and indicating the particular courses to be taken.
• Take the appropriate placement test if no verification or transcript accompanies the transient form.
• Assume responsibility for selecting the appropriate courses that the home institution will accept toward the program of study.
• Request an official PCC transcript be sent to the home institution at the end of the semester.

PCC students wishing to attend another college as transient students must:

• Have a minimum cumulative grade point average of 2.0.
• Have met any pre-requisites for the desired courses.
• Take courses that meet the requirements of the student's degree program.
• Complete a Transient form with a PCC Academic Advisor.
• Send an official transcript to PCC Registrar's Office at the end of the term.

Readmission to PCC
A student will maintain an active application status provided a break in enrollment does not exceed one year by attending PCC at least one term each academic year. Students returning after an absence of one or more academic years and those students who applied but never attended must:

• Complete an Application for Readmission at no cost.
• Submit transcripts from all regionally accredited colleges or universities attended since attending or applying to PCC.
• Retake the CPT if it has been more than two years, for those who have not completed English or math requirements.
• If returning after five (5) years, have high school and all previous college transcripts sent to PCC, pursuant to F.S.119.041.
• Meet the graduation requirements of the catalog in effect at the time of readmission.

Presently attending students changing from non-degree to degree program status will use the readmission application, and submit any required documents to the Registrar's Office to become eligible.

Early Admission And Dual Enrollment Admissions
Polk Community College provides acceleration opportunities to academically talented students from all Polk County public secondary schools and most area private high schools. The application process begins with the high school counselor. Home schooled students are also eligible to participate.
Home schooled students must complete the Home School Dual Enrollment Application Packet, which is available from
the Coordinator of Testing, in WAD145, or by calling 863-297-1010, ext. 5201.
Acceleration is available to all high school students through two dual enrollment programs: Full-time Early Admission and Dual Enrollment. A third program, Executive Leadership Program, is only open to public high school students.

• Full-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.
• Dual Enrollment
  Students interested in dual enrollment may be sophomores, juniors, or seniors. Sophomores and juniors are eligible to take one course per semester and seniors are eligible to enroll in two courses per semester. Exceptions to this rule must be approved in writing by the high school principal and the director of secondary education. Requirements to qualify for Dual Enrollment are based on the number of credit hours in which the student wishes 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 and a 3.00 high school 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.

Limited Access Programs Admission
Special standards and procedures are established for admission to certain Associate of Science and certificate programs. For details on criteria please consult the Programs of Study section of this catalog.

Teacher Certification
Teachers and public school employees who want to take courses for teacher certification or recertification must meet the same admission requirements as new and transfer students.

Concurrent Admissions Program (ConAP)
PCC participates in the United States' Army Concurrent Admissions Program (ConAP). As a ConAP member, PCC admits eligible, new soldiers upon enlistment and guarantees full admission during their enlistment and for two years after they complete their active military service.
ConAP also applies to soldiers enlisting in the Army Reserve. Admission for qualified Reserve soldiers is deferred until completion of the initial active duty training (about six months). Students are subject to the catalog in effect at the time of the class enrollment at PCC.

International And Visa Students Admission
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, an M-1 Vocational Student visa, or a J-1 Exchange student visa are not eligible to attend PCC until after completion of the admission requirements for international students and have obtained an F-1 visa or an INS approved change of status to F-1.
B1/B2 visa holders and J-1 Exchange student visa holders may submit a new application for an F-1 visa at an U.S. embassy in their home country or other foreign country or they may submit an application to Immigration and Naturalization Services (INS) while here in the United States to change their visa status to F-1.
M-1 visa holders must travel to their home country or to another foreign country with their I-20 (Certificate of Eligibility for Nonimmigrant F-1 Student Status) to apply for an F-1 visa at an U.S. embassy abroad. Change of status while in the U.S. is not available.
International students enter the United States with F-1 visas specifically for the purpose of obtaining an education. All inter-national 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 as long as attending school does not interfere with their original purpose for being in the U.S. Like international students, visa students are required to pay out-of-state tuition and fees dur-ing their entire enrollment at PCC. Check with the International Student Advisor to determine your eligibility to attend school.
International and visa students must submit all required documents and meet all conditions of admission by the following deadlines:

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 students should begin the admission process three to six months prior to the beginning of the semester in which they wish to enroll.

International Student Admission Requirements:

• Application for admission to Polk Community College, including the application fee paid in U.S. 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 required to complete an Affidavit of English Language. 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 525 or higher is acceptable or a computerized exam score of 195 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. Documentation is required. An official transcript showing five 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 pro-vided. A certified translation service in the United States or the Ministry of Education in the home country may provide the translation.
• Evaluation of foreign transcripts - 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.
• 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 a valid visa, I-20, I-94 card, and unexpired passport must be made by the International Student Advisor showing proof of eligibility to attend school. International students who complete the international student admission requirements by the semester deadline, will be issued a Dept. of Justice Form I-20, Certificate of Eligibility for Nonimmigrant (F-1) Student Status - For Academic and Language Students. This I-20 form is used to show acceptance to PCC and to apply for an F-1 visa at the U.S. embassy or consulate office in foreign countries. It may also be used to apply for a change of status to F-1 for those already in the United States.

Admission Requirements for those holding nonimmigrant visas other than B1/B2 tourist visas, M-1 vocational student, J-1 exchange student, and F-1 international student visas:

• Application for admission to Polk Community College, including the application fee paid in U.S. 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.
• Evaluation of foreign transcripts - 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.
• Demonstration of English Proficiency by any one of the following:

Students from countries where English is the native language are considered proficient in English and are required to complete an Affidavit of English Language. 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 525 or higher is acceptable or a computerized exam score of 195 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. Documentation required. An official transcript showing 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 a valid visa, I-94 card 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 Application packet.

Transfer of Credit to PCC
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 earned at accredited institutions within Florida's State University System (SUS), Florida community colleges, nonpublic accredited institutions participating in the Florida Statewide Course Numbering System (SCNS) 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. Florida Statute 246.013(1).
• The College will accept transfer credit from other institutions if the award of credit from such institutions is recommended as generally acceptable by the American Association of Collegiate Registrars and Admissions Officers as evidenced in the publication "Transfer Credit Practices of Designated Educational Institutions."
• In either case, an award will be made provided that the credit earned is in an area and on a level normally included within the first two years of college and a grade of "D" or higher has been achieved. However, some courses require a grade of "C" or better for degree purposes.
• Failing grades are recorded and are included in the student's grade point average.
• Transcripts from international institutions including those in the English language require an official evaluation at the expense of the student from an external agency as recommended by PCC.
• Credits earned at Polk Community College are based on the semester hour; therefore, all transfer work is converted to equivalent semester hours.
• Credits at the upper division are not accepted for transfer.
• Courses for which there is no equivalent or value toward degree programs are not posted.

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 credits for military education 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. Credit will be granted in those areas appropriate to the lower division baccalaureate level. The Guide to the Evaluation of Educational Experiences in the Armed Services will serve as the basis for PCC accepting such training and awarding college credit.

• When applying for admission, degree-seeking students can initiate the request for credit by providing appropriate supporting documents.
• All required documents must be submitted together with the DD214, if separating from the military, or together with the DD295 if a current member of the service. One of these two documents is required.
• All requests for military credit awards must be made in the student's initial semester of attendance with PCC.
• The student will be mailed a copy of the evaluation of credits once it is completed.

-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 TranscriptSystem (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 veterans 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 Office 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.

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