Admission, Enrollment, Advising and Registration

Tallahassee Community College welcomes applications for admission for the Fall, Spring and Summer terms. To assist students with their transition to college studies at TCC, the Department of Admissions and Enrollment Services and the Registrar’s office provides important services that include, but are not limited to, processing applications for admission, evaluating high school transcripts and college transcripts for transfer credit, granting permission for international students to study at the College, and certifying graduation. The Department of Student Success and Retention provides advising and registration assistance for students.

The Department of Admissions and Enrollment Services, the Department of Student Success and Retention, and the Registrar’s office are all located on the second floor of the Student Union.

Admission Policy and Equity Concerns

Tallahassee Community College is a college of equal opportunity and open admission. All applicants for admission and student jobs are considered solely on the basis of individual qualifications, without regard to the applicant’s race, color, ethnicity, genetic information, national origin, religion, gender, marital status, disability or age. However, TCC reserves the right to deny admission to any applicant about whom there is evidence the individual may be disruptive or may interfere with the orderly conduct, processes, functions or programs of the College.

The complaint of any student who has reason to feel he or she has been affected by discrimination or harassment will be considered through appropriate procedures. Complaint procedure forms may be obtained from the Office of the Vice President for Student Affairs or from the Human Resources department. In accordance with the Educational Equity Act, the College’s human resources director is the equity coordinator. For grievance procedures, call the TCC human resources director at (850) 201-8510. The Human Resources department is located on the first floor of the Administration building, in suite 154.

Prior Violations Policy

All students who have had a prior legal and/or educational discipline violation must provide this information on the TCC admission application. This information will be referred to the Student Conduct and Community Standards office for review.

All violations are reviewed case-by-case and weighted in favor of the safety and welfare of the campus community. When appropriate, the Judicial Advisor reserves the right to place conditions on a student’s enrollment or recommend to the Admissions and Enrollment Services office that the student be denied enrollment. When denied admission, the student may have the right to appeal based on specific criteria or circumstances.

Any applicant recently released from incarceration will be placed on deferred enrollment for a period of six months. After a six-month waiting period, the applicant’s enrollment status will be reconsidered. Barring no additional incidents during the waiting period, this judicial hold will be lifted and the applicant will be allowed to register for classes. Any appeal of the deferred enrollment policy may be made to the Office of the Vice President for Student Affairs within five business days of notification of enrollment status. An appeal does not guarantee the six-month deferment will be overturned.

Admission Information and Procedures

Meta-majors

As required by section 1008.30(5), Florida Statutes (F.S.), the State Board of Education has established eight meta-major pathways. Meta-majors were developed to advise entering, first-time-in-college students in regard to their intended academic and career goals and align gateway courses. A meta-major is a collection of academic programs that have common or related content. The meta-major pathways are as follows:

• Art, Humanities, Communications, and Design
• Business
• Education
• Health Sciences
• Industry/Manufacturing and Construction
• Public Safety
• Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics
• Social and Behavioral Sciences and Human Services

To learn more about meta-major pathways, contact the TCC Advising Center at 850-201-8440.

Beginning, First-year Students

A student who has never attended college before will be considered a first-year student or a first-time-in-college student. This includes students who took dual enrollment (college credit) classes while in high school.

Florida and non-Florida students applying for associate degree programs or college credit certificate programs may be admitted if they have satisfied one of the following:

• Standard High School Diploma
  High school graduates must have earned a standard high school diploma from a regionally accredited high school. An official high school transcript with high school graduation date is required for admission. (Note: Should the quality of the educational program of the institution attended appear unsatisfactory, the director of Admissions and Enrollment Services will have the authority not to accept the document.) High school transcripts should be sent either electronically from the high school to TCC or via U.S. mail directly from the school to TCC. TCC will not accept opened copies of transcripts.
• General Educational Development (GED) Diploma
  Students who have earned a state-issued General Educational Development diploma are entitled to admission. An official transcript of the GED test scores is required for admission. Official GED transcripts must be submitted electronically from the GED office to TCC or sent via U.S. mail directly from the GED office to TCC.
• Home-educated Students
  Home-educated students must complete the Affidavit for Home Educated Students form verifying high school graduation. Students must certify that their program has satisfied the requirements of section 1002.41, F.S. This form may be obtained from the Department of Admissions and Enrollment Services and must be notarized before submission.
• Undocumented Immigrants
  Undocumented immigrants who graduate from a regionally accredited high school or earn a state-issued GED diploma are eligible to be admitted but will be considered nonresidents for tuition purposes.

Note: Certain Associate in Science degree and certificate programs have additional admission requirements. Admission to the College does not guarantee admission to these programs.

Note: Students seeking admission to any of the health-related limited-access programs should visit the Division of Healthcare Professions Web page (www.tcc.fl.edu/healthcare) for specific application procedures.

Transfer Students 

Students who have earned credit at another college or university are considered transfer students. Transfer students must submit official transcripts from high school and all colleges and universities previously attended before registering for classes at TCC. Official transcripts should be received and evaluated before the student attends new student orientation. This will assist the advisors who will be working with the student at orientation. All transcripts must be official and sent directly from institutions to TCC.

The Registrar’s office has the institutional authority to administer the College’s transfer policy. Actions taken by the Registrar’s office are subject to review by the provost and vice president for academic affairs.

Transfer students who are not eligible for readmission to an institution they previously attended may apply for admission to TCC. The academic records of transfer students will be evaluated, and students will be required to follow TCC’s Standards of Academic Progress .

Postsecondary Adult Vocational (PSAV) Certificate Programs (Clock-hour Programs)

Admission requirements vary depending on the specific postsecondary adult vocational (PSAV) program. Students must review the criteria for the desired program regarding application, placement testing and the need for a standard high school diploma or GED diploma. Students interested in PSAV programs that require a separate program admission application and prerequisite criteria need to complete all admission requirements by the published application deadline. In general, a person wanting to enroll in a PSAV program must complete the following:

1. Submit an admission application and provide supporting documents.
2. Submit an official high school transcript or an official GED transcript for programs requiring a standard high school diploma, or an official transcript from an accredited college or university attended that provides proof that the diploma has been accepted, as defined in Section 943.22(1), F.S., for entrance into a degree seeking program.
3. Take the appropriate placement test as indicated in the program description (see Programs of Study ) or present 
evidence of allowable substitutes. Allowable substitutes include Associate in Arts, bachelor’s or graduate degree; achievement of required minimum ACT or SAT scores; or successful remediation of any academic deficiencies identified by the Florida Postsecondary Education Readiness (FPERT) Test/College Placement Test and cumulative GPA of 2.5 in college-level coursework.

Note: Persons seeking admission to any of the Florida Public Safety Institute’s programs should visit fpsi.tcc.fl.edu for specific application procedures. Admission to the College does not guarantee admission to these programs.

Certificate Programs

Admission requirements vary by certificate program. Students must contact the appropriate department and/or program chair and review the criteria for the desired program regarding TCC and departmental application, placement testing, need for a standard high school diploma or GED diploma, application deadlines, and required supporting documentation.

Adult Education: GED & ESOL

The Adult Education program delivers General Educational Development (GED) preparation and testing, English language instruction, and career counseling to facilitate students’ transition into postsecondary education, technical programs and the workforce. Courses are offered in Adult Basic Education (ABE), GED preparation and English for Speakers of Other Languages (ESOL). The GED® test is administered in the TCC Testing Center. To apply:

1. Submit an application for admission to TCC online.
2. Sign up for and take the Test of Adult Basic Education (TABE).
3. Attend Orientation for GED students.
4. Register and pay for classes.

For Adult Education (GED & ESOL) information, call (850) 201-8760.

Non-degree Students

A student taking classes but not seeking a degree or certificate from the College is considered a non-degree student. A non-degree student who wishes to take credit classes must complete the following steps:

1. Submit an application for admission to TCC online.
2. Submit a complete Residency Declaration as part of the College application for admission.
3. Submit an official high school transcript or an official GED transcript, and an unofficial transcript from the college or university where any prerequisite coursework has  been taken. (Students seeking enrollment in courses that require prerequisite work must submit proof that course prerequisites have been met.)
4. Submit the Non-Degree Student form to the Admissions and Enrollment Services office each term the student wants to enroll.
5. A staff member from the Registrar’s office will approve or deny the non-degree form.

Transient Students

Transient students are students who are not seeking a degree from TCC but who take courses at TCC in order to transfer the credits back to their home institution. Transient students must submit a transient application through the Florida Virtual Campus. Interested students should go to www.flvc.org, select the Apply button and complete the Transient Student Admission Application.

International Students

The College is authorized under federal law to enroll nonimmigrant alien students. A student who is not a citizen or permanent resident of the United States will be considered an international student. For assistance, international students may call (850) 201-8258 or visit www.tcc.fl.edu/internationalstudent. International students must complete the following steps:

2. Provide official or certified copies of all secondary (high school) and postsecondary (college and/or university) transcripts and other examination results. All academic records must be issued in the native language and be accompanied by a certified English translation.
   • Beginning first-year students must provide the Department of Admissions and Enrollment Services proof of U.S. high school equivalency. Official high school transcripts must be evaluated course-by-course by a certified evaluation agency that is a member of the National Association of Credential Evaluation Services (www.naces.org) or the International Education Credential Services provided by the American Association of Collegiate Registrars and Admissions Officers (www.aacrao.org). Examples of such agencies include World Education Services (www.wes.org) and Josef Silney & Associates (www.jsilney.com). Any costs associated with the evaluation are the student’s responsibility. All evaluations must be in English.
   • Transfer students interested in receiving transfer credit for coursework completed at non-U.S. schools must provide a course-by-course evaluation done by a certified evaluation agency that is a member of the National Association of Credential Evaluation Services (www.naces.org) or the International Education Credential Services provided by the American Association of Collegiate Registrars and Admissions Officers (www.aacrao.org). Examples of such agencies include World Education Services (www.wes.org) and Josef Silney & Associates (www.jsilney.com). Any costs associated with the evaluation are the student’s responsibility. All evaluations must be in English.
3. Official minimum TOEFL scores required for admission are 45 on the internet version, 133 on the computer-based version and 450 on the paper version. For information, visit www.toeflgoanywhere.org. A minimum official IELTS score of 4.5 is required. For information, visit www.ielts.org.

• Exemptions from the requirement to demonstrate English proficiency are allowed if one of the following exists:
  • Completed the equivalent of English Composition or higher from an accredited U.S college or university
  • Graduated from an accredited U.S. college or university
  • Graduated from an accredited U.S. high school
  • Successfully completed level 5 or higher in reading, writing and grammar and achieved level 5 in speaking and listening at the Center for Intensive English Studies (CIES) at Florida State University

4. Submit a completed Certificate of Finances (CFR). This is a certification letter from a bank (on official bank letterhead) with financial data recorded in U.S. dollars and sponsor(s) letter(s).  The 2015 annual estimated cost of attendance for international students is $23,850, which includes tuition, books and supplies, personal and living expenses, and health insurance.
5. Submit proof of health insurance, which is required by the end of the first two weeks of classes for all new international students. Information about purchase of health insurance is available in the International Services office or at  www.tcc.fl.edu/internationalstudent.

Upon completion of all admission requirements, a Certificate of Eligibility (form I-20) will be issued to the student. 

Since on-campus housing is not available at TCC, international students are responsible for making their own housing arrangements. 

Because TCC does not have financial aid for international students and delays of up to 30 days may occur before foreign bank drafts or wire transfers can be deposited, students are urged to bring sufficient funds in U.S. dollars and be prepared to pay for tuition, books and other expenses the first semester as well as to continue to have disposable money in their bank accounts throughout their stay at TCC.

International students must register for 12 semester hours during the Fall and Spring semesters in order to maintain their student immigration status.

Admission Steps for College-credit Courses

Students applying for admission for the first time must complete the following steps:

1. Submit an application for admission to TCC online. Preferred priority admission application dates are established for each term:

2. Have an official high school and/or college transcript(s) sent to the Department of Admissions and Enrollment Services.
   • High school seniors must submit transcripts with the official graduation date posted.
   • GED diploma recipients must submit a copy of their GED test scores.
   • Transfer students must submit official transcripts from high school and all colleges and universities they have attended.

All transcripts should be submitted before registration for classes to ensure registration and financial aid issues are resolved before the start of the term.

3. Take the appropriate tests, if applicable. These tests are used for advising purposes only; they will not be used for selective admission. Students who meet the following criteria are exempt from placement testing:
   • A student who entered grade 9 in a Florida public school in the 2003-2004 school year, or any year thereafter, and earned a Florida standard high school diploma or a student who is serving as an active duty member of any branch of the United States Armed Services.
   • Non-degree seeking students
     • Note: The Postsecondary Education Readiness Test/College Placement Test or unofficial transcripts may be required for students taking English or math courses for the first time.
   • Transfer students who present transcripts showing a grade of C or better in college-level English and/or mathematics
   • Students with ACT or SAT scores at or above the state minimum. Test results must be less than two years old. Listed below are the minimum ACT/SAT scores for college-level placement:

4. Submit a complete Residency Declaration as part of the College application.

Incomplete information will delay admission to the College. False information can result in immediate dismissal without refund of fees paid. Any student who fails to complete the admission process may not be permitted to register for classes until all procedures are fully completed.

Readmission

Former TCC students who have not been enrolled at TCC within the last 12 months must submit an application for re-admission to the Department of Admissions and Enrollment Services before the term’s deadline, along with official transcripts from high school and all colleges and universities attended since the last term of enrollment at TCC. The student will complete requirements for graduation under the catalog in use at the time of re-entry. The application for readmission is available on the College’s website.

View Information about Graduation Requirements and Year of Entry .

Dual Enrollment for High School Students

Dual-enrolled students are students who are taking classes at both the high school and TCC. These students may enroll in only those courses that are creditable toward both the high school diploma and the associate or baccalaureate degree or career certificate, in accordance with s. 1007.271, F.S., and State Board of Education Rule 6A-14.064. Only college-credit-level classes will be considered part of the dual enrollment program. This excludes any non-credit or developmental (remedial) courses and physical education courses. The college class load will be determined by the high school principal or designee and may not exceed 11 hours of college credit per semester.

Students in the dual enrollment program are exempt from paying tuition, matriculation and laboratory fees. TCC does not handle book vouchers or book purchase for dual-enrolled students. Students must work with their high school in regard to the purchase of books. College-credit courses may be conducted at public or private high schools or on the TCC campus, in accordance with terms specified in the dual enrollment articulation agreements. Contact the Admission and Enrollment Services office at (850) 201-8555 or enrollment@tcc.fl.edu for additional eligibility information.

Requirements and documentation:

1. Submit an application for admission to TCC online. (For more information, visit www.tcc.fl.edu/dualenrollment.)
2. Submit an official high school transcript indicating the student has an unweighted high school grade point average of 3.0 or better.
3. Submit satisfactory scores on an approved placement test (SAT, ACT, PERT or state-approved placement test). Scores must be less than two years old and are required before enrollment in any dual enrollment course.
4. Submit a completed Dual Enrollment Permission to Register form, indicating the number and type(s) of courses to be completed at TCC.

Dual Enrollment for Home-educated Students

Students who do not attend a high school but receive instruction at home are considered home-educated students. The TCC Home School Dual Enrollment program offers home-educated students the opportunity to earn college credit before high school graduation.

Students participating in dual enrollment take classes that will satisfy high school graduation requirements and are creditable toward the associate or baccalaureate degree or career certificate, in accordance with s. 1007.271, F.S., and State Board of Education Rule 6A-14.064. The college class load may not exceed 11 credit hours per semester. Only college-credit classes will be considered part of the dual enrollment program. This excludes any noncredit or developmental (remedial) courses and physical education courses. TCC waives tuition, matriculation and laboratory fees for all courses through the high school/home education dual enrollment program. Students are responsible for books, materials and transportation to the TCC campus.

Home-educated students are eligible to dual enroll for a maximum of three semesters per grade level (including summers) from the time they enter the program. Students will matriculate through the dual enrollment program based on an equivalent public school cohort. Contact the Admissions and Enrollment Services office at (850) 201-8555 or enrollment@tcc.fl.edu for additional eligibility information.

Requirements and documentation:

1. Submit an application for admission to TCC online. (For more information, visit www.tcc.fl.edu/dualenrollment.)
2. Submit qualifying scores on the SAT, ACT, PERT or state-approved placement test. Scores must be less than two years old and are required before registration for any dual enrollment course.
3. Submit a Dual Enrollment Permission to Register form signed by both the home-education administrator (parent) and the appropriate county official.
4. Submit a completed Home Education Dual Enrollment Agreement, outlining the requirements and parameters of the home education dual enrollment program.

Early Admission Dual Enrollment

An early admission student is an eligible high school senior who enrolls on a full-time basis in courses at TCC that are creditable toward the high school diploma and a career certificate or an associate or baccalaureate degree. Early admission students must be recommended by their high school or home-educated administrator giving permission for the student to enroll at TCC. Students enroll in a minimum of 12, but no more than 15, credit hours per semester. Students enrolled in this program are exempt from paying registration, matriculation and laboratory fees. TCC does not handle book vouchers or book purchase for early admission students. Students must work with their school district in regards to the purchase of books. Contact the Department of Admissions and Enrollment Services at (850) 201-8555 for information.

Requirements and documentation:

1. Submit an application for admission to TCC online. (For more information, visit www.tcc.fl.edu/dualenrollment.)
2. Submit an official high school transcript reflecting an unweighted high school grade point average of 3.5 or better.
3. Submit satisfactory scores on an approved placement test (SAT, ACT, PERT or state-approved placement test). Scores must be less than two years old and are required before registration for any college course.
4. Submit a completed Dual Enrollment Permission to Register form, indicating the number and type(s) of courses to be completed at TCC.
5. Submit a completed Permission for Early Admission form.

Dual Enrollment and FERPA

The Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA) is the federal law that protects students’ rights to privacy regarding their student records. It governs the release of education records maintained by an educational institution and access to these records. All college students have rights under FERPA, even those who are younger than 18 years of age. FERPA protects the education records of a student who is attending or who has attended the institution and all records that relate directly to a student and that are maintained by the institution. A record is directly related to a student if it contains personally identifiable information about the student.

Collegiate High School

According to F.S. 1007.273, each Florida College System institution shall work with each district school board in its designated service area to establish one or more collegiate high school programs.  At a minimum, the collegiate high school program must include an option for public high school students in grades 11 or 12 participating in the program, for at least 1 full school year, and to successfully complete 30 credit hours through the dual enrollment program under s. 1007.271 toward the first year of college for an associate degree or baccalaureate degree while enrolled in the program.

Golden Guarantee Programs at TCC

The Golden Guarantee Program is an excellent pathway for TCC students who wish to attend a four-year university in the future. Students who stay on track and meet all transfer requirements are guaranteed admission to Florida State University (TCC2FSU), Florida A&M University (TCC2FAMU) or the University of West Florida (TCC2UWF) when they complete their Associate in Arts degree at TCC.

Students in the Golden Guarantee Program attend special workshops for their chosen university and benefit from personalized advising focused on meeting all transfer requirements.

Eligibility Requirements

• Must be college-ready entering directly into ENC1101 College Composition  and MAT1033 Intermediate Algebra  or a higher-level math. Will need to complete any developmental education before entry. 
• Must be enrolling as an Associate in Arts degree-seeking student with plans to transfer to FSU/FAMU/UWF after earning an A.A. degree from TCC. (Cannot be attending TCC for only one semester before transferring.)
• Must be entering TCC with 15 credit hours or less. (Will not be penalized for dual enrollment, AP or IB credits)
• If bringing in credits (dual enrollment, AP or IB), those classes must meet university milestones as classes in the degree program.
• Must attend a special program meeting first semester of TCC classes.
• Must complete the SIGI³ career assessment before attending orientation.
• Must maintain a 2.0 GPA to remain in program. No probationary period. 

How to Apply TCC’s Golden Guarantee Programs

1. Submit an application for admission to TCC online.
2. Send official SAT, ACT or PERT scores to TCC.
3. Have official high school transcripts sent to Admissions and Enrollment Services.
4. Complete TCC2 program interest form* for specific program at links below:

*Use TCC ID on interest form.

TCC2FSU

TCC2FAMU

TCC2UWF

Academic Enrichment Programs

Global Gateway Program

The Global Gateway program is open to all interested students at TCC. It is designed to prepare students to live and work effectively in a global community. Participants develop a global perspective through traditional and nontraditional learning experiences. Students earn a Global Gateway designation on their transcript by completing 15 credit hours in courses designated as Global Learning, attending and/or participating in five Global Learning experiences, and completing a three-credit-hour interdisciplinary seminar course. Students are encouraged to participate in campus clubs such as the International Student Organization and Model United Nations and to take advantage of opportunities for domestic/overseas travel and study as part of the program.

For more information, please visit the Global Gateway Web page at www.tcc.fl.edu/Current/GlobalLearning.

Honors Program

Tallahassee Community College is committed to offering highly motivated students advanced educational opportunities and a learning environment that places special emphasis on personal and academic success. TCC invites all qualified students to participate in the Honors Program.

Student Benefits

• Early advisement and registration
• Camaraderie with peers and faculty
• Special seminars and activities beyond the honors courses
• Smaller classes and honors modules offering innovative learning environments
• Transfer assistance and letters of recommendation
• Scholarship opportunities
• Use of the Honors Program study lounge

Honors Program Admission Criteria

Interested students should complete the following steps:

1. Submit an application for admission to TCC online.
2. Complete the online application to the Honors Program.
3. Submit an Honors Program application essay.

Graduating High School/First-time-in-college Students

Graduating high school students/incoming first-year students must provide proof of two of the following:

• Minimum SAT score of 1170 (combined critical reading and mathematics)
• Minimum ACT score of 25
• Minimum 3.5 unweighted cumulative high school GPA
• Graduation in the top 10% of high school class

Current, Dual-enrolled, Returning and Transfer Students

Current, dual-enrolled, returning and transfer students must show:

• Minimum 3.25 cumulative college GPA
• A minimum of 12 hours of earned college credit
• Name of faculty sponsor

Graduation from the Honors Program

Successful completion of a minimum of 18 honors units as follows

• Honors coursework: at least 15 credit hours
• Honors seminar: 3 credit hours
• Overall minimum cumulative GPA of 3.25
• Minimum cumulative GPA of 3.0 in all honors coursework

A program diploma will be issued for the Honors Program graduate and the award so designated on the graduate’s transcript.

For information, contact Robert Fleischmann at (850) 201-8358 or honors@tcc.fl.edu.

STEM Programs

TCC has several programs that are designed to assist students majoring in science, technology, engineering or mathematics (STEM). Students who participate in these programs have use of TCC’s STEM Center, which is a multipurpose study space for students majoring in a STEM discipline. Eligible students also qualify for scholarships and internships. Please visit TCC’s STEM Center in AC133 to receive more information about the programs available to STEM students.

ROTC Programs

Students at TCC may participate in ROTC programs conducted at Florida A&M University (FAMU) and Florida State University (FSU).

Basic and intermediate Army ROTC classes are offered through FAMU and FSU. A program in Aerospace Studies (Air Force ROTC) is available at FSU, and the Naval Science Program (NROTC) is conducted at FAMU.

Army ROTC

Army ROTC is conducted by the Departments of Military Science at both FSU and FAMU. The first two years of the program are open to any full-time student at TCC by registering for the appropriate course. This can be determined by contacting the Army ROTC program. These classes are designed to introduce students to Army leadership and management techniques. The classes include a leadership lab and an hour of physical fitness training. The classes are taught at TCC; however, the locations for lab and physical training vary between TCC, FSU and FAMU. While there is no military obligation for students who enroll in these courses, they will qualify students for the advanced ROTC programs at FSU or FAMU. Uniforms and textbooks for military sciences are provided free of charge. All students who enroll in Army ROTC must have a medical fitness statement from a physician. This form can be obtained through the Army ROTC office at FSU or FAMU. 

Scholarships paying full tuition, fees and allowance for text books and $300 per month for subsistence are available on a competitive merit basis. The scholarships also provide an option between free room and board and free tuition. Out-of-state fee waivers are also available. All Army ROTC students, whether on scholarship or not, will receive a $450 a month allowance once they begin the advanced program in their junior year. Special programs are also available for veterans and graduate students hoping to enroll in the Army ROTC two-year program. 

For more information on these programs and scholarship opportunities, contact the Department of Military Science at FSU: (850) 644-1016; or at FAMU: (850) 599-3515. Dual enrollment is not necessary and the ROTC classes taken at TCC transfer to either FSU or FAMU.

Air Force ROTC

Air Force ROTC is conducted by the Department of Aerospace Studies at FSU. 

The first two years of the program (the General Military Course, or GMC) are open to any student at TCC. All courses are held on the FSU campus.

No commitment for military service is required and students can learn about the Air Force while deciding if they want to pursue a commission as an Air Force officer. Uniforms and textbooks are provided free of charge. Scholarships paying full TCC tuition, fees, allowances for textbooks and a $300 per month stipend are available on a competitive basis and are later transferable to FSU or FAMU for students who remain in the AFROTC program. 

Admission to the second two years of the AFROTC Professional Officer Course (POC) is on a competitive basis and requires full-time attendance at FSU or FAMU. Completion of the POC combined with receipt of a college degree results in commissioning and entry into active duty as a second lieutenant in the United States Air Force. Application for the POC must be made by the end of the sophomore year. All POC students receive $450 for juniors or $500 for seniors per month once contracted, regardless of scholarship status. 

Full details on this program may be obtained by contacting the Department of Aerospace Studies (AFROTC) located on the FSU campus in Harpe-Johnson Hall, room 212: (850) 644-3461; www.fsu.edu/~rotc.

Naval ROTC

Naval ROTC is a program of regular classes conducted at FAMU. This program leads to a commission in either the Navy or the Marine Corps. The first two years of the program are open to any full-time student at TCC through inter-institutional registration. Full scholarships are available on a competitive basis to students enrolled in Naval ROTC programs. These scholarships, which can be awarded for varying lengths of time, pay full college tuition (including out-of-state), fees and textbooks. They also provide up to $400 per month allowance. All required uniforms are free of charge whether a scholarship is won or not. 

All Naval ROTC students, whether on scholarship or not, receive $350 to $400 per month once they begin the advanced program. 

The final two years of Naval ROTC is called the advanced program and requires full-time attendance at either FAMU or FSU in pursuit of a baccalaureate degree. A student who does not participate in Naval ROTC during the first two years of college may still apply for the advanced program during the Fall or Spring term before the beginning of the junior year. If selected, the student will attend six weeks of paid summer training and begin the advanced course in the Fall. 

For further information about the Navy-Marine ROTC program, contact the Naval ROTC recruiting officer located in the Perry-Paige building on FAMU campus: (850) 599-3980 or (850) 599-8412; www.famu.edu/nrotc. 

Inter-institutional Registration (for TCC, Florida State University and Florida A&M University)

Policies concerning inter-institutional registration have been agreed upon by TCC, Florida State University (FSU) and Florida A&M University (FAMU). At FSU and FAMU, the approving official is the university registrar.

Degree-seeking students who have completed at least 50 semester hours or are in their last term of enrollment at TCC and have a GPA of 2.0 or better at TCC are eligible to participate in this program. They must complete the TCC-FSU or TCC-FAMU Inter-institutional Dual Enrollment Application and obtain the appropriate signatures for approval and deliver the completed form to the appropriate university office.

It is the student’s responsibility to verify with his or her TCC academic advisor and the Registrar’s office the transferability of the course(s) to be taken at the other institution and whether the course(s) will count toward the student’s degree program at TCC.

Students are limited to six hours of inter-institutional coursework per semester and are required to take a minimum of one academic course each term at TCC.

Students may be required to meet the stated admission requirements of the institution where the work is to be taken, including, but not limited to, a formal admission application, application fee, formal academic credentials and appropriate test results.

FSU and FAMU students seeking to dual enroll at TCC must complete the following steps:

1. Submit an application for admission to TCC online.
2. Submit a TCC-FSU or TCC-FAMU Inter-institutional dual enrollment application to the TCC Department of Admissions and Enrollment Services.

Approval will not be given for registration in courses that are currently available at the student’s home institution. For example, a course equivalent to ENC1101  at TCC could not be taken by a TCC student at FSU under the agreement for inter-institutional registration if it is available to the student at TCC.

In the event of a shortage of classroom space, students registering inter-institutionally will be given lower priority than will students registering at their home institution.

Inter-institutional students will be expected to follow prescribed registration procedures at each institution. In the event calendars of the institutions vary, the student will be expected to attend classes, complete examinations and discharge other responsibilities normally required of home students.

Students will pay fees appropriate to registration at each institution where they enroll in a course. Each institution will maintain its own permanent record of courses taken. Students will be responsible for requesting official transcripts covering work taken at each institution. Certification of enrollment or progress will be made by each institution at the request of the student to the Veterans Administration, or for other purposes.

Note: For appropriate reasons, one institution, through its designated representative, may approve inter-institutional registration of students who fail to meet some basic criteria. Even so, the approval of one institution does not bind the other to comply.

Note: To participate in a special inter-institutional program such as cheerleading/Golden Girls, dance, music/ensemble/Marching Chiefs or Reserve Officer Training Corps (ROTC), a signature from the program’s sponsor is required.

Note: Students may not use TCC resources, services and materials to support classes at other institutions. (Exception: Students currently enrolled in classes at TCC and University Partner institutions [Barry University, Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University, Flagler College, Saint Leo University, Thomas University] have full access to TCC resources and services to support those classes.)

Assessment of Academic Preparation

Before entering the for-credit instructional programs of the College, students are assessed in the areas of communication and computation skills using test instruments approved by the State Articulation Coordinating Committee or other assessments of academic preparation. Alternative assessments may include high school grade point average, math and English courses completed in high school, and length of time between high school graduation and enrollment in college courses. Based on the results of the assessment process, students are counseled into appropriate coursework. Depending upon test scores and other relevant data, individual students who are not exempt from placement testing may be required to enroll in developmental coursework to remedy specific communication and/or computation skills deficiencies. (Learn more .) Students seeking entry to limited-access healthcare professions programs are additionally assessed using the means outlined in the admission criteria established for each instructional program.

New Student Orientation

TCC’s orientation program encourages student success by promoting the intellectual, social and personal development of students through programming, academic planning and self-assessment activities.

The goals of the new student orientation program include the following:

• Familiarize students with the campus, its resources and services
• Educate students on the importance of goals and motivation in a college setting
• Advise students and assist them with registration for their first-semester courses

The program provides students with important information about campus resources, TCC policies and procedures, and degree requirements. It also highlights TCC Passport, the student portal that offers access to a variety of student resources, including online registration and advising.

New Student Orientation also assists students in meeting their educational and career goals. One tool used to help students achieve their career and educational goals is the SIGI³. The SIGI³ is a comprehensive, interactive, computer-assisted career guidance program designed to assist students in making career choices. SIGI³ combines personal and occupational characteristics to identify career options. It has all the tools students need to help identify their future major and career path. New students will complete the SIGI³ FastStart before orientation and bring their results to orientation. SIGI³ is available online at www.tcc.fl.edu/orientation.

TCC is committed to student success and requires all new degree-seeking students, as well as all transfer students, to complete on-campus new student orientation. For information on new student orientation, visit www.tcc.fl.edu/orientation or contact the Department of Campus and Civic Engagement at (850) 201-8420 or cce@tcc.fl.edu.

Distance Learning Note: Students enrolled in the following Associate in Science degree programs are required to complete the online workshop CDL-STU007. However, students enrolled in these programs are not required to attend New Student Orientation.

• Criminal Justice Technology, A.S. (2138)  
• Paralegal/Legal Studies, A.S. (2112)  
• Early Childhood Development, Education and Management, A.S. (2123)  
• Environmental Science Technology, A.S. (2162)  

Email distancelearning@tcc.fl.edu to enroll in the CDL-STU007 workshop.

Academic Advising

TCC is committed to providing students with appropriate guidance in planning their educational program. The College’s advising system is designed to do the following:

• Help students develop educational plans
• Inform students about academic progression and degree requirements
• Help students understand academic policies and procedures
• Provide resources to help students become academically successful
• Enhance student retention and success by connecting students to the College through personal interactions

To accomplish this, the College uses online advising tools through TCC Passport. This system allows students and advisors to share the responsibility of developing academic plans that help students meet their educational and career goals. The system also provides opportunities for students to refine their academic and life skills and become independent learners. To learn more about TCC’s advising system, visit www.tcc.fl.edu/advising.

Registration

TCC students register for classes through TCC Passport, the student portal system at tccpassport.tcc.fl.edu.

Registration and Enrollment Terminology

• Developmental Courses  - The Developmental Program is designed to improve student performance in the college-entry skills of reading, writing and mathematics. Any student who is required to test by statute and falls below the state-adopted score on the college placement test must register in the developmental courses indicated.
• Distance Learning  - Distance learning includes Web-based and self-paced instruction (SPI) courses. These alternatives place the responsibility for course management on the student. Students in distance learning environments need the following skills to be successful:
  • Self-motivation and self-discipline
  • Ability to work independently
  • Good time-management skills
  • Good study skills and test-taking skills
  • Good reading and research skills
  • Ability to understand and evaluate readings
  • Ability to analyze and synthesize information

For information about courses currently offered via distance learning, visit www.tcc.fl.edu/Current/Academics/CDL/Pages/default.aspx.

• Express Sessions - These accelerated sections of courses are offered each semester and range from 6 to 10 weeks in length. Express sessions give students more opportunities to take courses.
• Fee Slip/Class Schedule - At the end of each registration, the total fee assessment, due date and schedule of classes will be indicated on the fee slip. A fee slip/class schedule can also be obtained through TCC Passport. Students are encouraged to print a fee slip/class schedule after each registration.
• Registration Hold - A registration hold is a block that has been placed on a student’s record to prevent registration until an issue is resolved with the appropriate department. Some of the departments that can place registration holds on a student’s record include Campus Life and Civic Engagement, Cashier’s office, Admissions and Enrollment Services, Registrar’s office, Student Success and Retention, Financial Aid, Library and Campus Police. Students must contact the department that placed the hold on their record to avoid registration delays.
• Self-Paced Instruction (SPI) Courses - SPI courses are independent study courses. The student is given 20 weeks to complete each course. Students are not required to attend on-campus classes and may work at their own pace. Each SPI course student will purchase a guidebook, available in the TCC bookstore, written by a faculty member to help the student complete the appropriate work and readings for the course. The SPI courses may require textbooks and other materials, including online materials. All students who wish to enroll in a SPI course must first go to the Department of Student Success and Retention for advisement and to sign a SPI contract. Any prerequisites and/or placement tests for the course must be met. Dates for SPI courses correspond to the calculated start date and do not follow the semester calendar. Upon completion of advisement and the SPI contract, students then register and pay the associated fees. For information, contact the Department of Student Success and Retention at (850) 201-8440.
• Student ID Number - TCC student ID numbers are automatically generated for students upon completion of the online admission application. When logging into TCC Passport and clicking on any of the tabs, this ID will appear at the top of the page along with the student’s name. This is the official ID number used by all TCC offices and departments to identify students.
• Web-based Courses - Web-based courses are accessed through tcc.instructure.com or through the Canvas quick link on TCC’s home page. Lecture material, assignments and other course materials are also available online. Students have access to the instructor and other class members through email and class discussion boards. Students considering a Web-based course must be self-motivated and have good time-management skills. Students need basic computer skills, along with adequate computer hardware and software, to successfully participate in a Web-based course. Registration for Web-based courses occurs during regular registration periods.