Academic Assistance
Northwest Florida State College utilizes a comprehensive advising model which supports students in obtaining 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 goal 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 seven locations. At most locations, walk-ins are welcome.
Students who have not chosen a major or are undecided will be required 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
- 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
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 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 advising in that discipline through the appropriate academic 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 of Applied Science
Dr. Caisson Vickery
Bldg. P, (850) 729-6445
Business
Ms. Heidi Gentry-Kolen
Bldg. P, (850) 729-5369
Computer Technology
Ms. Gay Lynne Brown
Bldg. P, (850) 729-5369
Criminal Justice Training Center
William Looper
Bldg. F, (850) 729-5378
Criminal Justice/Paralegal Studies
William Looper
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
Mr. Chris Mizell
Bldg. L, (850) 729-5377
Nursing AS/RN
Ms. Marty Walker
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 Center
Students who are undecided about their future career plans are encouraged to make an appointment with their Academic Advisor or to visit the Career Center in the Student Services Center on the Niceville Campus or Building 2 at the DeFuniak Springs Campus to discuss career opportunities.
The Career Center offers numerous career assessment services, including:
- Career counseling
- Computerized career exploration programs
- Web-based career planning information
- College-wide career focus workshops
- Job fairs information
- Occupational information linked to NWFSC degree and certificate programs
Selected career-related services are also available at the Fort Walton Beach Campus, 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 at other Florida institutions, 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.
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.
Disability Support Services
NWFSC is committed to the fulfillment of equal educational opportunities to all students. In compliance with the regulations of Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990, and the ADA Amendments Act of 2008, the office of Disability Support Services (DSS) exists to determine appropriate accommodations for qualified students with documented disabilities, to assist students in self-advocacy, and to educate the NWFSC community about disabilities.
Students in need of assistance are encouraged to register with DSS which is located in the Student Services Center on the Niceville campus. Appropriate documentation guidelines are located on the college website. All information is kept confidential. Students who register may be eligible for accommodations such as, but not limited to, note-taker, scribe, interpreter, extended time for testing, course substitution, use of an audio recording device and tests recorded on tape.
Telephone Device for the Deaf (TDD) numbers are available through the Florida Telecommunication Relay Service:
| Voice: |
711 or 1-800-955-8770 |
| TDD: |
711 or 1-800-955-8771 |
Students who feel that the College did not respond appropriately to their disability requirements are asked to show NWFSC the particulars of the complaint. Students should first discuss the problem with the Counselor of Students with Disabilities in an attempt to informally resolve the issue. If unable to resolve the issue informally, a student may file a formal student grievance through the office of Disability Support Services. It will be forwarded to the Dean of Students and follow the College’s procedures for filing a 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 provides support at 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. 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.
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