Mar 18, 2024  
2017-2018 Updated Catalog through 11/17/2017 
    
2017-2018 Updated Catalog through 11/17/2017 [ARCHIVED CATALOG]

Academic Advising



Academic Assistance

Northwest Florida State College utilizes a comprehensive advising model which supports students in achieving their academic goals. Academic advising and educational planning for students is offered through a variety of means and is available to assist students with course and program selection for academic program completion. All first time-in college, degree seeking students are required to meet with an Academic Advisor prior to the first semester of enrollment. Students are encouraged to schedule an appointment with an advisor at any of the six locations. At most locations walk-ins are welcome, but appointments are suggested.

Students should select their desired major at the time of application. Students who plan to transfer to a four year college or university should select an AA transfer major that corresponds to their intended bachelor’s program. If assistance is needed, students are encouraged to visit the Career Center to complete career assessments to help determine an appropriate career field based on interests and aptitude.

Academic Advisors will assist with the review of transcripts for course suggestions prior to an official course evaluation being completed, guide students towards the completion of pre-requisite requirements to the desired transfer institution, and provide resources to ensure academic success.

Academic Advisors

Academic Advisors will assist students with program planning, course selection, and graduation or transfer requirements. All first time-in college, degree seeking students are required to meet with an Academic Advisor prior to the first semester of enrollment to further explore educational goals and the various programs offered by the college.

All degree-seeking students required to enroll in developmental instruction based on placement testing must meet with an advisor prior to their first semester of enrollment at the college. Students must also continue to work with an advisor throughout the duration of their developmental education courses. Student must consult with an Academic Advisor before completely withdrawing from the College.

Academic Advisors are available at the following locations:

  • Niceville Campus:
    Student Services Center, Building 400
  • Fort Walton Beach Campus:
    Building 44, Room 403A
  • Hurlburt Field Center:
    Education Center, Building 90220
  • Chautauqua Center:
    DeFuniak Springs
  • Robert L. F. Sikes Education Center:
    Crestview
  • South Walton Center:
    Santa Rosa Beach

Placement Testing and Developmental Education

Some students may be exempt from developmental placement testing and developmental education requirements. Advisors will utilize an advising questionnaire to determine exemption eligibility per Florida statute 1008.03  and placement options. Advisors recommend each student complete placement testing regardless of exemption status. Research shows that students not prepared for college-level course work benefit from developmental education courses that prepare them for subsequent college-level courses. 

Please see the Developmental Education/Placement  section of the catalog for complete information on placement in developmental education courses and developmental education exemption.

Faculty Advisors

Students who have already committed to a particular program or know the major area of study they wish to pursue may receive guidance in that discipline through the appropriate academic department.  

Advanced Technology & Design
Drafting/Graphics/Welding/Engineering Technology/Architecture

Mr. Ray Rickman
Bldg. NV-310, (850) 729-5218

Athletics, Health & Fitness
Mr. Ramsey Ross
Bldg. NV-200, (850) 729-5229

Bachelor of Applied Science
Ms. Wanjiku Jackson
Bldg. NV-360, (850) 729-5369

Business
Ms. Wanjiku Jackson
Bldg. NV-360, (850) 729-5369

Computer Technology
Ms. Wanjiku Jackson
Bldg. NV-360, (850) 729-5369

Criminal Justice Training Center
Mr. William Looper
Bldg. NV-510, (850) 729-5378

Criminal Justice
Mr. William Looper
Bldg. NV-510, (850) 729-5378

Dental Assisting
Ms. Julie Nelson
Bldg. NV-420, (850) 729-6444

Early Childhood Education
Dr. Inger McGee
Bldg. NV-520, (850)729-5341

EMT/Paramedic/Fire Science/Emergency Management
Mr. Barry Reed
Bldg. NV-510, (850) 729-4924

English/Communications & Social Sciences
Dr. Deborah Fontaine
Bldg. NV-420, (850) 729-5390

Humanities, Fine & Performing Arts
Dr. Jeremy Ribando
Bldg. NV-100, (850) 729-5382

Mathematics/Pre-Engineering
Mr. Chris Mizell
Bldg. NV-300, (850) 729-5377

Nursing AS/RN
Dr. Marty Walker
Bldg. NV-420, (850) 729-6400

Radiography
Ms. Grace Stewart
Bldg. NV-420, (850) 729-6457

Sciences/Biological & Physical
Pre-Medical & Pre-Pharmacy
Dr. Philip Heise
Bldg. NV-350, (850) 729-5376

Teacher Education
Dr. Inger McGee
Bldg. NV-520 (Q), (850) 729-5341

Florida Shines

Florida Shines allows access to student services and resources for Florida public community colleges, state colleges, universities, and many private institutions. Students may apply for transient status at other Florida institutions, view their student transcripts, run a degree audit or track progress toward graduation. FLVC can be accessed on the NWF State College RaiderNet log on page in the public access area or directly at http://www.floridashines.org

NWF2UWF

The NWF 2UWF Program offers collaborative academic advising from UWF Transfer Advisors and an on-site 2UWF Program Coordinator located on the NWF State College’s Niceville campus. Students will also receive access to UWF services and benefits before they enroll. Students who complete an associate of arts degree at NWF State College are guaranteed admissions at UWF, contingent upon meeting the minimum transfer requirements.

  • Admission to UWF with no application fee
  • Convenient transfer of academic records and courses from NWF State College
  • Affordable bachelor’s degree from an accredited and respected public university
  • Options to complete a bachelor’s degree at one of three University of West Florida’s locations:
    • Main Campus - Pensacola
    • Emerald Coast - Ft. Walton Beach, Eglin and Hurlburt Field Air Force Base
    • Online Campus
  • Faculty and staff committed to academic success
  • Flexible class schedules to meet busy lifestyles
  • Experienced academic advisors to assist in satisfying degree requirements
  • Library privileges at both institutions
  • UWF email account
  • UWF ID card

To participate in a 2UWF Program a student must:

  • Meet current admission criteria at a state college partner.
  • Have earned fewer than 30 credit hours.
  • Complete an associate of arts degree with a minimum overall combined 2.0 GPA as computed by UWF. (Individual departmental requirements may be higher)
  • Be in compliance with the code of conduct at a state college and is in good academic standing.
  • Not attend another institution between the time you graduate from your current state college and enroll at UWF.
  • Formally enroll in UWF within one year of having completed an associate of arts degree.
  • Not have previously graduated from a state college partner.

Health Counseling

In case of illness or emergency please call 911. Health Services are not provided on campus.

Students can contact a licensed mental health counselor through Pattison Professional Counseling and Mediation Center by requesting a referral from the Academic Advising Center. Services are offered for assistance with domestic violence, sexual assault, AIDS, Victim advocate, substance abuse, and referral services. The Okaloosa AIDS Support and Information system: OASIS provides support at http://aidsoasis.org.

NWF State College Advisors and Counselors maintain local treatment referral services for health conditions such as drug or alcohol abuse, pregnancy and AIDS intervention. Students can contact the Dean of Students for more information.

Excess Hours Advisory Statement

Florida Statutes section 1009.286, establishes an “excess hour” surcharge for a student seeking a baccalaureate degree at a state university. This surcharge only applies to courses taken at a Florida public university and does NOT apply to any programs offered by Northwest Florida State. However, it is critical that students, including those entering Florida colleges, are aware of the potential for additional course fees.

“Excess hours” are defined as hours that go beyond 110% of the hours required for a baccalaureate degree program. For example, if the length of the program is 120 credit hours, the student may be subject to an excess hour surcharge for any credits attempted beyond 132 credit hours (120 X 110%).

All students whose educational plan may include earning a bachelor’s degree should make every effort to enroll in and successfully complete those courses that are required for their intended major on their first attempt. Florida college students intending to transfer to a state university should identify a major or “transfer program” early and be advised of admission requirements for that program, including the approved common prerequisites. Course withdrawals and/or repeats, as well as enrollment in courses non-essential to the intended major, may contribute to a potential excess hours surcharge.