/Institutions/Pensacola-State-College/json/2015-2016/Catalog-local.json

/Institutions/Pensacola-State-College/json/2015-2016/Catalog.json

2015-2016 Catalog > Admissions, Regulations, Financial Aid, and Graduation > Admissions > General Information

General Information

In general, Pensacola State College is an open-door institution. However, depending on the applicant's intended program of study, certain admissions criteria must be met. An applicant may obtain admissions information and required forms on any campus or center. The application is also available online in the Future Student menu at www.pensacolastate.edu.

Each admitted student is provided an institutional email account called PirateMail. PirateMail is the official method of communication to the student from the College. The student should activate the PirateMail account within a week of admission and is expected to check the PirateMail accounts at least once per week, more often during a registration period. See complete details regarding PirateMail in this Catalog.

An applicant may be denied admission or be admitted with restrictions if evidence indicates that he or she has participated in activities that violate the Pensacola State College Code of Conduct. See the Student Rights and Responsibilities section. Falsification of information or failure to furnish correct information on any admission form will subject the applicant to denial of admission.

Accreditation

Pensacola State College is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges to award baccalaureate degrees, associate degrees, and certificates.

Verification of accreditation may be obtained from the Commission on Colleges at 1866 Southern Lane, Decatur GA 30033-4097 or by telephone to 404-679-4500.

Social Security Number Collection and Usage Notification

In compliance with Section 119.071(5), Florida Statutes, Pensacola State College issues this notification regarding the purpose for the collection and use of an applicant's or a student's social security number (SSN). The SSN is collected and used only to perform the College's duties and responsibilities. To protect the identity of each student, Pensacola State College will maintain the privacy of the student's SSN and never release it to unauthorized parties in compliance with federal and state laws. The College assigns each student a unique student identification number, which is used for associated educational purposes at Pensacola State College including the access of College records.

Pensacola State College may collect and/or use a student's SSN for the following purposes:

1. Federal legislation relating to the Hope Tax Credit requires that all postsecondary institutions report student SSNs to the Internal Revenue Service (IRS). This IRS requirement makes it necessary for Pensacola State College to collect the SSN of every student. A student may refuse to disclose his or her SSN for this purpose, but he or she may be subject to IRS penalties.
2. The Florida public school system (K-12) uses the SSN as a student identifier. It is beneficial to have access to the same information for purposes of tracking and assisting students in the transition from one educational level to the next, linking all levels of the state education system. The intent is to establish a comprehensive management database of information which will co-reside with the Division of Public Schools Information Database and the State University System Database to provide integrated information at the state level for educational decision making.
3. SSNs appear on official transcripts and are used for business purposes in accordance with parameters outlined by the United States Department of Education.

Federal and State Regulations

1. Tracking uses are authorized by SBE Rule 6A-10955(3)(c); 1008.386, FS and the General Education Provisions Act (20 USC 1221(c-1));
2. Hope/LifetimeTax Credit uses are authorized by 26 USC 6050S and Federal Register, June 16, 2000/IRC Section 25A;
3. Registration uses are authorized by 119.071(5), FS;
4. Issuance of Form 1098T for tuition payment reports are authorized by 26 UWSC 3402, 6051; and
5. The College Reach-Out Program (CROP) uses are authorized by 1007.34.FS.

Basic Steps in Applying for Admission to the College

Several programs at Pensacola State College have additional admissions requirements to those listed here. The applicant is responsible for reviewing specific requirements for the chosen program of study listed in this Catalog or provided through the academic department with oversight responsibility for the program. A student who is interested in any health-related program is encouraged to seek admissions assistance from the appropriate department.

1. Complete an Application for Admission and a Residence Statement. Applications are available in the admissions office on any campus or center as well as on the web site at www.pensacolastate.edu.
2. Request official transcripts to be sent to the Records Office at Pensacola State College. A high school transcript showing graduation, a GED score report, or a Home School Affidavit will document basic eligibility to the College. Official transcripts from each college or university attended must be submitted.
3. Submit placement test scores or determine if you meet the requirements for the Developmental Education Exemption (see Placement Testing and Developmental Studies for a complete description). ACT or SAT scores that are no more than two years of age will be accepted for a student who is not exempt from placement testing. A student who has not taken the ACT or SAT, or whose ACT or SAT scores are more than two years of age, may contact a test center on any campus or center to take the Postsecondary Education Readiness Test (PERT). Test scores are used for placement in reading, writing, and mathematics courses. The scores are not used for admission purposes. A transfer student who has completed college-level English courses with grades of C or better and college-level mathematics courses with grades of C or better will not be required to submit placement test scores. However, if the official transcript is not on file and evaluated by the time of the second term of registration, placement testing will be required.
4. Attend orientation and meet with an advisor or the program director for the specific program to which admission is requested. Contact Admissions and Information or any Student Services office for information regarding orientation sessions. The College web site offers an online orientation for a new student who is unable to schedule an orientation session on a campus or center.
5. Register for classes. In most instances, students will be provided an opportunity to register for classes upon conclusion of the orientation session. It will be at this time that new students will be provided information regarding online registration through SPYGLASS, the online student records system.

Steps for Readmission to the College (Returning Students)

Any student who has attended Pensacola State College previously but not been in attendance within the previous 12 months must submit a reapplication form. The reapplication process may be completed in an admissions office on any campus or center. The reapplication may also be completed online at www.pensacolastate.edu. The reapplication process will require updated contact information, names of any additional colleges attended, and the Residence Statement. Transcripts from colleges attended since prior enrollment at Pensacola State College must be submitted during the first term of re-enrollment. Returning students will not be reassessed the application fee.