Academics

Special Academic Programs

The Honors Academy

The Florida Community College Honors Academy is designed to attract highly motivated and talented students who are challenged by an intellectually stimulating academic program of study and have demonstrated through their academic pursuits, an ability to achieve academic excellence.

The goals of the Honors Academy are:

1. To serve the needs of students motivated to excel in both academic studies and leadership development;
2. To offer intellectual development and leadership skills-building experiences that integrate academic, extra-curricular and service activities; and
3. To achieve greater academic satisfaction, social integration and sense of belonging among students.

The Honors Academy offers students the opportunity to be a part of an academic environment that is intentionally designed to foster academic excellence. Students have the opportunity to enroll in stimulating designated Honors courses with exceptional faculty and other outstanding students.

Students who have a weighted average GPA of 3.5 in high school or who have a cumulative GPA of 3.5 after 12 semester hours of college level courses may apply for admittance into the Honors Academy. Students admitted into the Honors Academy must register for the Honors Colloquia (one credit hour) and the Honors seminar (two credit hours) and maintain a GPA of 3.5 or higher.

Each term the Honors Academy will offer courses that are populated by exceptional students and taught by faculty members dedicated to actively involving students in enriched classes.

The Honors Academy also offers:

• An Honors colloquium that focuses on values, team building, critical thinking, leadership, creativity and innovation and other interesting topics,
• An interdisciplinary Honors seminar,
• Special designation on diplomas and transcripts,
• Special Honors Academy graduation ceremony,
• Special Honors Academy learning and study centers,
• Excellent teachers and innovative instructors,
• Issuance of a special Honors Academy medallion, and
• Trips to honors conferences.

Scholarships

There are three different scholarships open to honors students. One is for entering freshmen, based on high school performance. The others are open to Florida Community College students who have achieved academic excellence in college. These scholarships cover the cost of tuition, books and other incidental expenses.

The Academic Achievement Scholarship is for entering college students who achieved a 3.5 grade point average in high school in an academic curriculum and who are recommended by their high school principal or counselor. The scholarship may be renewed for a second year based on academic performance at Florida Community College.

The Scholars Award is for students who have completed 12 hours of coursework at Florida Community College and have maintained at least a 3.5 grade point average.

The Part-Time Scholars Award is for students who have completed 36 college credit hours and have maintained a 3.5 grade point average.

For more information call the Honors Academy representative on any campus or the Honors Academy office at 904.381.3709.

Distance Learning Programs

For many students today time to attend traditional college classes is a luxury they cannot afford. Family, work, and personal responsibilities often take first priority for time and become a barrier to traditional educational opportunities. To meet the needs of these students, Florida Community College offers a variety of alternative learning opportunities that require minimal or no attendance at site-based classes and/or testing.

Online Courses

Online courses are offered via the Internet, enabling students to study and participate in the virtual class at times convenient to their personal schedule. Students and teachers communicate via e-mail, discussion boards (for asynchronous communication) and live chat rooms.

Students must be self-disciplined and motivated to succeed in online learning. A sound computer and Internet browser are necessary to successfully navigate the course management system utilized for online courses. Current versions of Netscape Navigator or Internet Explorer, an e-mail account provided by the College, Windows 95 or newer version, and virus-checking software are all essential components for students to enroll in online courses. For additional information about online learning, visit the Florida Community College Distance Learning Web site or telephone the Learner Support Center for advisement and information at 904.646.2300.

Video-Based Courses (telecourses)

In a telecourse, the course materials are provided on a series of 30-minute to one-hour videotaped lessons or combinations of video and audio lessons. These videos are used in conjunction with textbook and study guide materials. Multiple options are available for students to access the video content. Cable television cablecasts the telecourse videos on Cable Channel 26 in Duval, Callahan, Clay and St. John’s counties, as well as Fernandina Beach. Full sets of the telecourse videos are available for viewing at Florida Community College libraries on each campus. Students can rent full sets of the videos from RMI. For detailed rental information, call RMI at 800.745.5480 or at www.rmimedia.com. Many telecourses are available on Direct TV, Channel 377 and Dish Network, Channel 9402, through the PBS YOU program service. Check the PBS YOU Web site for course listings and times, or check your satellite directory.

Some telecourses may require on-campus meetings for orientation, testing and/or review sessions. Advisement information is accessible by calling the Learner Support Center for advisement and information at 904.646.2300.

Video-Based CD Courses

Some video-based telecourses provide the video content of the courses on CDs. Students purchase the CDs along with their textbooks and study guides.

Military Programs

Navy ROTC

Florida Community College students interested in a commission as an officer in the United States Navy or the United States Marine Corps may enroll in the basic NROTC College program and take naval science courses at Jacksonville University. Students who successfully complete the basic course are eligible to enter the advanced program at any university that offers NROTC. Students in the basic course may also be eligible for selection to the NROTC scholarship program. For information contact the Navy ROTC office at Jacksonville University at 904.744.3950, ext. 7480.

Military Education Institute

The Military Education Institute exists for the purpose of developing and coordinating educational opportunities for military service personnel, their family members and federal government employees and local community residents at Jacksonville area military installations. To accomplish this mission, the College provides:

1. college credit courses with an emphasis on the General Education Requirements offered at each base during traditional semester terms and additional six-weeks terms,
2. classes offered on base in a sequential program, enabling enrollment throughout the year in the associate in arts, selected associate in science, and associate in applied science programs,
3. classes offered via distance learning in selected associate in arts and associate in science programs, as a member of the Navy College Program Distance Learning Partnership (NCPDLP), U.S. Coast Guard SOCCOAST and SOCCOAST AFLOAT program, Army National Guard Education Service Center Education Partner program,
4. a full range of advising, registration and orientation services, including placement testing,
5. a liaison with Naval Recruiting District Jacksonville in the Navy’s technical preparatory program. This program is designed for dual enrolled high school students who are enlisted in the Navy’s delayed entry program.
6. a liaison with the military educational service officers to assist students in the use of the military service financial aid programs, and
7. non-college credit courses for students desiring to upgrade career and occupational skills or seeking personal enrichment.
8. For information contact the Military Education Institute by calling 904.633.8134 or 904.633.8406.

Global Studies Abroad/Extended Studies

Florida Community College sponsors a variety of study/travel abroad courses offering college credit. These courses are focused on certain aspects of selected foreign countries and include field experiences, and on-site lectures and discussions. Studying at a university in the foreign country is also a part of some study/travel abroad courses.
Orientation meetings and structured classes designed to strengthen educational experiences are held during the length of students’ enrollment in the activity.

Class attendance and participation in the scheduled events of the tours are mandatory. Regular admission policies of the College must be followed to enroll in the courses. Students are expected to pay their own transportation and other charges.

Global studies/travel abroad courses are offered based on student interest and enrollment.

Examples of the countries of focus for previous study/travel abroad courses include England, Greece, Italy, France and the Orient.

English As A Second Language (ESL)

Florida Community College has programs which are specifically designed for non-native students whose first language is not English. The academic ESL program is designed for students who are preparing themselves for academic study and who must develop native proficiency in the English language to succeed in their coursework. In addition, non-native community residents who have a high school diploma and want to increase proficiency in English language skills through rigorous study are eligible to enroll. Some exemptions apply to applicants who do not yet have a high school diploma.

Prior to registration, students take a placement test to determine which level of instruction is most appropriate. Based upon the results of these placement test scores, students are assigned to college preparatory studies (Level I) which is designated by courses with the ESL prefix, Intermediate (Level II) or Advanced Intermediate (Level III) courses, both of which are designated with the ENS (English for non-native speakers) prefix. Each level consists of courses in:

1. reading/vocabulary,
2. writing/composition,
3. speaking/listening,
4. structure/grammar and
5. combined skills (designed for special program needs).

Level I classes are college preparatory classes, not intended for transfer, counted for graduation or calculated in total hours or in grade point average. Level II and Level III classes are not counted toward fulfilling the number of credits required for a degree; however, if students test into these courses, they are required to take these courses before enrolling into non-ESL college credit courses. Courses at each level involve 12 contact hours per week, which is a full course load. Students may take less than a full load of classes each term if desired.

English for Speakers of Other Languages (ESOL) Non-Credit

The adult education non-credit ESOL program offers classes for community residents whose native language is not English and who desire to learn and improve their English language skills in preparation for job placement. Instruction is offered at six different levels, covering listening, speaking, reading and writing skills from beginning to advanced. Instruction including speaking, reading and writing skills are taught at all levels. Before registration, students must be tested to determine placement levels. Classes are held at the Downtown Campus during the day and at Kent Campus and various high schools in the evening. For testing and registration information contact the ESOL office, Downtown Campus, at 904.633.8484.

Living and Learning in a Knowledge-Based Economy

Many students have difficulty learning simply because they have never learned certain basic study skills. Develop these skills by adding Strategies for Success in College, Career and Life (formerly Living and Learning in a Knowledge-Based Economy) - SLS1103 to your schedule. You'll gain a unique advantage in the classroom and in the workplace with the survival and success skills taught in this course. Topics include goals and priorities, maintaining commitment, teamwork and decision making, learning skills, leadership styles and skills, and much more.

You'll find a tremendous amount of information delivered in an active, engaging learning environment. Not only will this class build your success skills for your college work, it will also give you a foundation of behaviors, habits and skills to succeed and thrive in the working world. Your desire to succeed is the only prerequisite. See your advisor for further details and information.

College Preparatory Courses

College preparatory studies provides special courses and support services for those students who are in need of further preparation in writing, reading and mathematics.
Through the course placement testing program or additional assessment, students who are identified as in need of further preparation will meet with a counselor to identify academic goals and the best curriculum to follow in order to achieve these goals.

All college preparatory studies courses are considered to be pre-college level. They are not intended for transfer, counted for graduation or calculated in total hours or grade point average. However, these courses will count as hours enrolled for financial aid/veteran purposes, Social Security or other enrollment verifications. These courses are identified as college preparatory studies courses in the course description section.

The following college preparatory studies courses are designed to bring students’ skills to the minimum college entry level.

EAP 0400 Speech/Listening - Level IV EAP 0420 Reading - Level IV EAP 0440 Writing - Level IV EAP 0460 Structure - Level IV EAP 0480 Combined Skills ENC 0001 Introduction to Composition A ENC 0021 Introduction to Composition B

MAT 0002 Basic Mathematics MAT 0024 Elementary Algebra REA 0006 Basic Reading Skills REA 0008 Reading Skills REA 0010 Introduction to Reading Techniques

Students who test into one or more of these college preparatory studies courses must successfully complete the course(s) with a grade of “C” or better before enrolling in college credit courses in that skill area.

Research has shown that students at Florida Community College who are successful in college preparatory studies miss less than four hours of class. The College has instituted an attendance policy for all college preparatory classes. College preparatory students should check the attendance policy in the course syllabus of each college preparatory course taken.

Full-time students who test into ENC 0001 and REA 0006 must take these two courses in their first term of enrollment. Full-time students who test into ENC 0001, REA 0006 and MAT 0002 must take all three of these courses in their first term of enrollment. Part-time students are required to take these college preparatory studies courses in the following order: reading, English and mathematics.

Full-time students who test into either ENC 0021, REA 0008, REA 0010 and MAT 0002 or MAT 0024 must enroll in at least one of these college preparatory studies courses each term until they have completed all such required courses.

Part-time students who test into either ENC 0001, REA 0006 or MAT 0002 must enroll in at least one of these courses each term until they have completed these courses. Part-time students who test into either ENC 0021, REA 0008, REA 0010 or MAT 0024, must enroll in these courses by the time they have accumulated 12 hours of college credit coursework and must maintain continuous enrollment in college preparatory coursework each semester until the requirements are completed.

Limits to Enrollment in Each College Prep Course

Students who officially withdraw from college preparatory studies courses shall be considered enrolled that semester for purposes of the two-term limitation rule. Students may only have two attempts at a college preparatory studies course and pay the in-state tuition rate. After two attempts, students must pay the out-of-state tuition rate or may enroll in adult education courses that provide an alternative to traditional college preparatory instruction. Exceptions to this rule are subject to the student appeals process. Previous attempts made prior to Fall Term 1997 do not count toward the two-term limitation. Students testing into remedial instruction may access alternative private sources for this instruction.