Advising

Academic Assistance

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 goal completion Students are encouraged to schedule an appointment with an advisor at any time. Walk-Ins will also be assisted.

For students who have not chosen a major or are undecided, computerized advising information and a web based orientation are also available to assist students in the advising process.

Academic Advisors

Academic advisors and counselors will help students with program planning, course selection, and graduation or transfer requirements. Students interested in pursuing a degree are required to make an appointment with an advisor or counselor during their first term at NWFSC to further explore educational goals and the various programs offered by the college. It is extremely helpful to have one’s academic program fully planned no later than the beginning of the second term.

All degree-seeking students that are required to enroll in developmental instruction based on placement testing must meet with an advisor or counselor prior to their first term of enrollment at the college.

Academic Advisors are available at the following locations:

• Niceville Campus:
  Student Services Center
• Fort Walton Beach Campus:
  Building 4, Room 403A
• Eglin Center:
  Education Center, Building 251
• Hurlburt Field Center:
  Education Center, Building 90220
• Chautauqua Center:
  DeFuniak Springs
• Robert L. F. Sikes Education Center:
  Crestview
• South Walton Center:
  Santa Rosa Beach

Faculty Advisors

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

Advanced Technology & Design/Drafting/Graphics
Mr. Ray Rickman
Bldg. B, (850) 729-5218

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

Bachelor Programs
Ms. June Gibson
Student Services Center, (850) 729-4900

Business & Computer Technology
Ms. Heidi Gentry-Kolen
Bldg. P, (850) 729-5369

Criminal Justice Training Center
Ms. Renée Johnson
Bldg. F, (850) 729-5378

Criminal Justice/Paralegal Studies
Ms. Renée Johnson
Bldg. F, (850) 729-5378

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

Early Childhood Education
Ms. Beverly Sandlin
Bldg. M, (850) 729-5386

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

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

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

Mathematics/Pre-Engineering
Dr. Michelle Ragle
Bldg. L, (850) 729-5377

Nursing AS/RN
Ms. Charlotte Kuss
Bldg. E, (850) 729-6400

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

Sciences/Biological & Physical
Pre-Medical & Pre-Pharmacy
Dr. Jon Bryan
Bldg. S, (850) 729-5376

In addition, a computerized advising system, called degree audit, is also available to aid department heads, faculty, educational advisors, counselors and students in understanding program requirements and progress toward graduation. Students can access their degree audit by logging on to RaiderNet.

Career Resource Centers

Students who are undecided about their future career plans are encouraged to make an appointment with their academic advisor or to visit the Career Resource Center in the Student Services Center on the Niceville Campus or Building 2 at the DeFuniak Springs Campus to discuss career opportunities.

The Career Resource Center offers numerous career assessment services, including career counseling, computerized career exploration programs (CareerScope), books and pamphlets on national, state, and local job opportunities, and web-based career planning information. The Career Resource Center also maintains information on college-wide career focus workshops, job fairs, occupational information linked to NWFSC degree and certificate programs. Selected career-related services are also available at the Fort Walton Beach Campus, Eglin AFB, Hurlburt Field, Chautauqua and Robert L. F. Sikes Education Centers.

Florida Virtual Campus

Florida Virtual Campus (FLVC) 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, view their student transcripts, run a degree audit or track progress toward graduation. FLVC can be accessed on the NWFSC RaiderNet log on page in the public access area or directly at www.flvc.org.

Disability Support Services

NWFSC is committed to providing equal opportunities to all students. Disability Support Services assists students with disabilities or special needs. In accordance with the Americans with Disabilities Act, Section 504 and the Florida State Board of Education Rule 6A-1.041, students with disabilities may request reasonable accommodations, campus accessibility, or academic adjustments such as substitutions for admission and/or graduation requirements.

Students are encouraged to register with Disability Support Services, located in the Student Services Center on the Niceville Campus, to identify themselves and provide documentation of their disability. All information is kept confidential. Students may be eligible for academic accommodations such as note-takers, scribes, extended time for testing, course substitutions, test on tape, or interpreters. Information about Disability Support Services is available by calling (850) 729-6079.

Telephone Device for the Deaf (TDD) #’s are: Florida Telecommunication Relay Service

Students who feel that the college did not accommodate or respond to their particular disability requirements are encouraged to show the college the particulars of that complaint. Students should discuss the problem with the Counselor of Students with Disabilities to informally resolve the issue. If unable to resolve the issue informally, a student may formally file a student grievance.

Health Counseling

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

Students can contact Bridgeway Center, Inc., at the Crisis Hotline at 850-244 -9191 for assistance with domestic violence, sexual assault, AIDS, Victim advocate, substance abuse, and referral services. The Okaloosa AIDS Support and Information system: OASIS can provide support http://aidsoasis.org.

NWFSC Advisors and Counselors maintain local treatment referral services for health conditions such as drug or alcohol abuse, pregnancy and AIDS intervention.

Per Florida Statute 1006.68 It is important to be aware of the known modes of transmission, infection, signs, and appropriate behavior against the spread of infection of the HIV AID virus.

Per Florida Statute 1006.69, advisors and counselors also can assist with information on Meningococcal Meningitis and Hepatitis B vaccines. NWFSC does not require vaccination for admission to the college. However, it is important for students to be aware of the recommended vaccines, contraindications, effectiveness and availability.

Stay on Track

All degree-seeking students should understand that taking courses that are not part of their stated major may have an adverse effect on their education. Financial Aid and Veterans Benefits will only finance courses that are listed within the declared program of study or major. The College is dedicated to assisting students to progress through their chosen education paths in an effective and timely manner.

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.