Students seeking admission to take courses, other than continuing education noncredit courses, must have one of the following:

• Standard high school diploma from a regionally accredited high school.*
  
  
• Florida Home Education graduation, in accordance with FS 1003.43 and 1003.26. Contact the Admissions Office for necessary documentation.
  
  
• Florida "Special Option" Graduation (W8A): Florida public high school students who have met all standard high school diploma requirements except the Florida Comprehensive Assessment Test (FCAT) will also be granted admission; however, they are not eligible to apply for Limited Access programs (that require high school graduation), to be eligible athletes, or to receive financial aid (unless Ability to Benefit testing is complete).
  
  
• High school equivalency diploma (GED), afforded the same rights and privileges as students with standard high school diploma.
  
  
• Approval for Early Admission/High School Dual Enrollment.
  
  
• Demonstrated competency in college credit postsecondary coursework, in accordance with FS 1007.263. PBCC defines this competency as any student who is applying for a non-Limited Access program who has received an associate's degree (A.A., A.S., A.A.S.) or higher from a regionally accredited institution of higher education.*

High school students are eligible to take Corporate and Continuing Education (CCE) noncredit courses. They are responsible for all fees for the course(s). CCE courses are not eligible for dual enrollment and earn no high school credit. Some courses may have age restrictions because of accreditation or other requirements.

International student admission information is provided under "Admissions Procedures" in this catalog section. Some Post Secondary Adult Vocational (PSAV) programs and noncredit courses may not require high school graduation; however, students may not be enrolled in a high school program. Refer to the Areas of Study section in this catalog.

In accordance with Florida statutes, no student will be admitted to PBCC for a period of two years following expulsion from a college or university for unlawful possession, sale or use of narcotic drugs or for campus disruption.

*A student or institution may appeal the policy. However, should the quality of the educational program of the institution attended appear mediocre or unsatisfactory, the College registrar has the prerogative not to accept all or any part of the previously earned credit or diploma.

Admission Policies

BACHELOR OF APPLIED SCIENCE (BAS) ADMISSIONS
For specific information regarding the admission requirements for the Bachelor of Applied Science program, please see the Areas of Study area of study section in this catalog or visit www.pbcc.edu/bas.xml.

COLLECTION OF STUDENT SOCIAL SECURITY NUMBERS
Federal legislation relating to the Hope Tax Credit (Federal Registrar, June 16, 2000) requires that all postsecondary institutions report student Social Security numbers (SSNs) to the Internal Revenue Service (IRS). This IRS requirement makes it necessary for institutions to collect the SSN of every student. A student may refuse to disclose his or her SSN to the college, but the IRS is then authorized to fine the student $50. Refusal to disclose the SSN also may affect student's ability to receive financial aid and transfer coursework. Palm Beach Community College protects students' personal information. More information regarding the security of student records is listed in the Academic Policies section of this catalog.

CONDITIONS FOR ADMISSION
At the point of application, students applying to take credit or vocational courses will receive Conditions for Admission information that outlines any outstanding requirements needed to complete the admissions process. All degree-seeking students and certain certificate-seeking students are required to have transcripts sent to PBCC within one term or they may not register for subsequent terms. Students may view transcript-received information on PantherWeb (www.pbcc.edu/PantherWeb.xml ).

All international student transcripts and commercial evaluations, if applicable, must be received before a first term of enrollment will be permitted. Transcripts are required prior to enrollment for financial aid recipients.Some programs have additional admissions requirements. Refer to the Areas of Study section in this catalog; also check the high school dual enrollment and early admission information and the international students information, both of which are presented in this Admissions section.

HIGH SCHOOL DUAL ENROLLMENT AND EARLY ADMISSION
Dual enrollment and early admission are opportunities for students presently attending an accredited Palm Beach County public or private high school or a home school education program to enroll tuition-free in courses offered by Palm Beach Community College while concurrently enrolled in high school. Students taking early admission and dual enrollment courses are subject to the rules and regulations of PBCC, as stated in this catalog and the student handbook.

At an institution of higher education, students are exposed to a learning environment that promotes an open exchange of ideas. Course content is presented on an adult level, and class discussions require a mature understanding of divergent viewpoints and the ability to think critically on controversial issues.

Early admission and dual enrollment students who receive a grade below a "C" may have difficulty in meeting future admissions, financial aid and scholarship requirements at colleges and universities after high school graduation.

For advisement session dates, registration deadlines or other updated information on PBCC early admission or dual enrollment, visit www.pbcc.edu/dualenroll.xml . To participate in early admission or dual enrollment, students are responsible for:

• Transportation to and from the College
  
  
• PBCC parking decal
  
  
• Purchasing uniforms, kits, equipment, consumables and/or tools that are kept in the student's possession (if applicable in a PSAV program)
  
  
• Freedom from any outstanding obligations to the high school prior to registering.

Students attending Florida nonpublic high schools also may attend, pending additional appropriate documentation submitted to the PBCC Registrar's Office.

Early Admission from High School
High school seniors meeting all minimum requirements for high school college credit dual enrollment and who have passing placement test scores in all areas may, upon written recommendation of their high school principal, enroll full time at Palm Beach Community College. Early Admission students must take at least 12 college credits for a maximum of two semesters (fall and spring terms only). Interested students should contact their high school principal.

Tuition-free credits earned during the early admission period must be used to satisfy graduation requirements from high school, with the high school principal determining how these credits are to be utilized. Continued participation in the early admission program requires students to earn a grade point average (GPA) of 2.0 or higher in all college-level courses. Grades earned will become part of students' permanent high school and college transcripts.

High School Dual Enrollment
Students who participate in the dual enrollment program receive college credits that may be used toward a degree program. Credits earned must be applied toward high school graduation. Grades earned will become part of students' permanent high school and college transcripts. Dual enrolled students are essentially high school students, and it is the responsibility of the student and high school to ensure that requirements for graduation from high school are met.

Minimum Requirements
All qualifications must be completed prior to the deadlines established by the high school and PBCC. To be eligible for participation in the dual enrollment program, any Palm Beach County student must:

• Submit a printed version of the PBCC Application for Admission either by mail or in person.
• Be approved by the high school principal/designee.
• Have parental permission.
• Satisfy all course prerequisites.
• Provide scores for the ACT-E, SAT1, or FCELPT. All students are required to provide passing scores based on course selection. Interested students should contact their high school principal or guidance counselor.
• Obtain a Dual Enrollment Permission and Registration Form from the high school principal or his/her designee. Home education students may obtain the form from the PBCC dual enrollment coordinator upon receipt of a Home Education Dual Enrollment Legal Compliance and Eligibility Form.

A new Dual Enrollment Permission Form must be submitted for each term enrolled. The following courses are NOT permitted:

• College preparatory courses
• Physical education activity courses
• Courses less than three credits (unless the course is a corequisite or in PSAV dual enrollment)
• ATF or CDO prefix courses
• Limited Access program courses.

College Credit Dual Enrollment
Students taking college credit course dual enrollment may take up to eight college credits per fall, spring, or summer semester. Graduating seniors are not eligible for summer dual enrollment following their senior year. In addition to the minimum qualifications, students also must:

• Achieve a weighted or unweighted grade point average (GPA) or honors point average (HPA) of 3.0* or higher. Note: High school seniors with a GPA/HPA between 2.5 or higher are eligible to take Strategies for College Success, SLS 1501.
  
  
• Maintain a 3.0 weighted or unweighted high school GPA and earn a grade of C or higher in their college level courses to continue participation.

*Dual enrollment students may be admitted to PBCC's Honors courses or Honors contracts. Interested students should apply at www.pbcc.edu/honors.xml.

PSAV Dual Enrollment
In addition to the minimum requirements, students also must:

• Have a minimum 2.0 weighted or unweighted (GPA).
• Be the appropriate age (if applicable for the program).
• Take the TABE Level D within the first six weeks of enrollment.*
• Enroll in an approved program.
• Meet all program prerequisite requirements.

Courses within a program are sequential and are not available to students who have not been accepted into the program. Students participating in PSAV dual enrollment must successfully complete each PSAV course in the program sequence to continue participation.

*Students must meet the TABE minimum basic skill level by the conclusion of a program to receive a PSAV Certificate.

INSURANCE
The College assumes no responsibility if an accident occurs. Students are encouraged to secure adequate insurance to cover any medical expenses they might incur. Insurance is mandatory for all students on an F-1 visa. Contact the International Student Office for more information.

Students in certain programs may also be required to secure insurance. Refer to the specific program information in the Areas of Study section of this catalog.

NON-DISCRIMINATORY POLICY
Palm Beach Community College does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, creed, ethnicity, national origin, gender, age, sexual orientation, marital or disability status in any of its educational programs or other programs and practices. Limited Access programs select students using a blind applicant pool and consider only the criteria outlined in each program's additional application information.

However, the College reserves the right to deny admission to applicants who fail to meet established academic and behavioral standards. Decision on admission rests with the Registrar's Office. Applicants who are initially denied admission may appeal to the Admissions Appeals Committee, chaired by the vice president of student services.

If an applicant believes that he or she has been subject to discrimination during the application process, the applicant should submit concerns to:

College Registrar
Palm Beach Community College
4200 Congress Avenue, MS #13
Lake Worth, FL 33461

Letters should include the applicant's name, Social Security number, address, phone numbers, and information relating to the complaint. The College registrar will investigate the stated claim and provide a response in writing.

The College prohibits retaliation against any applicant who utilizes this complaint procedure regarding application processes. The applicant will be considered for any future programs for which he or she applies and is qualified.

POLICY FOR COMMUNICATION WITH STUDENTS
PBCC assigns all students a College e-mail address when processing their applications. College faculty and staff will send official communications to students through the following methods, including but not limited to:

• The official Student Updates Web page, located at www.pbcc.edu/StudentUpdates.xml.
  
  
• College-assigned e-mail. Students must check their PBCC e-mail address frequently in order to ensure they obtain critical information and assignments.

Note: Computers for student use are located in the College libraries, Student Learning Centers and other campus locations.

RELEASE OF TRANSCRIPTS
Upon admission, students authorize the College to release PBCC transcripts to governmental, educational and licensing agencies as appropriate. Transcript requests must be made either in writing or through PantherWeb, www.pbcc.edu/PantherWeb.xml . Neither fax nor telephone requests will be honored. For additional information regarding the release of student records, refer to the Academic Policies section of this catalog.

Students may view their transcripts from other institutions but may not obtain a copy of the record, except by writing to request a copy from the institution from which the transcript originated.

Admission Procedures

FIRST-TIME-IN-COLLEGE STUDENTS OR TRANSFER STUDENTS

1. Application
Submit an application online at www.pbcc.edu/AdmissionsApplications.xml (click on "FACTS" logo) or print and fully complete the paper application form and forward it to any campus Admissions Office. Incomplete applications will be returned. Students falsifying applications or records are subject to immediate dismissal without refund.

2. Application Fee
The application fee is $20 for U.S. citizens. For international students, the fee is $30 U.S. currency (F-1/M-1 students only). The application fee is nonrefundable.

3. Transcripts
Transcripts are official records of coursework taken at educational institutions. All credit degree-seeking students and certificate-seeking students whose program requires high school completion must submit transcripts within one term or they may not register for subsequent terms. Transcripts should be received by the Registrar's Office prior to orientation and registration and must show graduation with a standard high school diploma or high school equivalency diploma. Applicants who have a General Education Development (GED) diploma must submit official transcripts from a state Department of Education. Transfer students must submit both official high school and college transcripts and should have college transcripts sent prior to registration to ensure proper advisement. Transfer students are encouraged to read information under "Transfer Students" in this catalog section.

To be considered official, transcripts either may be sent directly to PBCC from the issuing institution or be handdelivered in a sealed envelope sealed by the issuing institution. Faxed transcripts are not considered official. Transcript request forms and information are available at www.pbcc.edu/transcripts.xml . Transcripts-received information can be viewed on PantherWeb (www.pbcc.edu/PantherWeb.xml ). All transcripts and documents received become property of the College and will not be copied or transmitted to third parties, except in accordance with state law.

Students with out-of-country high school credentials must provide proof of high school completion (based on PBCC evaluation). Original records are not required. All transcripts from postsecondary institutions outside the United States must have a course-by-course commercial evaluation completed by an approved agency (listed online at www.naces.org/members.htm ). The registrar must receive all international students' (on F1/M1 visa) transcripts and commercial evaluations before a first term of enrollment.

4. Placement Tests
All degree-seeking students, as well as non-degreeseeking students wishing to take Gordon Rule* writing and mathematics courses, who have not successfully completed college-level math and English must furnish official test scores from the Florida College Entry Level Placement Test (FCELPT), ACT-E, or SAT1 before registration. (If ACT-E or SAT1 scores are too low, students must retest or take the FCELPT for placement.) Test scores are valid for two years from the date the test was taken. Students who have not yet taken one of the placement tests listed above should contact the Advising department.

Students whose native language is not English and who did not graduate from a U.S. high school also are required to prove college-level English proficiency. Contact the Advising department at any PBCC campus for more information.

* Gordon Rule requirements are explained in the Academic Policies section. PSAV students may be required to meet minimum score requirements on the Test of Adult Basic Education (TABE). Refer to Areas of Study section in this catalog.

5. Orientation
Orientation is required of all first-time-in-college, degree-seeking students before registration. Contact the Academic Advisement department to schedule an appointment.

6. Acceptance of Students
Upon completion of all forms and assuming eligibility, the applicant will receive Conditions for Admission information from the Admissions Office. Limited or selected admission programs require a second step in the admission process. Any student falsifying application records will be subject to immediate dismissal without refund.

INTERNATIONAL STUDENTS
Applicants to Degree Programs
PBCC is authorized under federal law to enroll non-immigrant alien students. The College welcomes students from other countries who meet PBCC standard admissions requirements in addition to the criteria below. Application deadlines are listed online at www.pbcc.edu/International.xml . For more information, please contact the Office of International Admissions and Recruitment at (561) 868-3029. International students who are unable to complete the required admission and registration procedures prior to the beginning of classes for the approved term of enrollment must wait for the next term to begin their studies at PBCC.

1. Start the admission process at the earliest possible date prior to the beginning of any College term. Three months lead-time is recommended to ensure enrollment as requested.
   
   
2. Submit required documents. The registrar must receive all transcripts and commercial evaluations before the international student's first term of enrollment will be permitted. Transcripts and commercial evaluations may be either sent directly to PBCC from the issuing institution or agency or be hand-delivered in a sealed envelope sealed by the issuing institution or agency.
   
   

   · Documents written in a foreign language may be required to be accompanied by certified English translations.

   · Satisfactory academic and conduct records from comparable secondary or higher-level educational institution attended must be submitted.

   · Records must show the equivalent of at least United States high school graduation as determined by the Registrar's Office.

   · University-level transcripts must be accompanied by a course-by-course commercial evaluation from an accredited company (listed online at www.naces.org/members.htm ). Applicants transferring from postsecondary institutions must have a least a 2.0 GPA, be in lawful immigration status, and be in good standing (eligible to continue at or return to the institution).

3. Provide evidence of English proficiency if required. International students whose native language is not English must present evidence of proficiency in speaking, writing and understanding of the English language by submitting passing scores on one of the following tests:

   · TOEFL - A score of 450 or higher is required on the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL), or 133 or higher on the computerized TOEFL, or 45 or higher on the Internet-based test (TOEFLiBT). The TOEFL is administered by the Education Testing Service (ETS), Princeton, New Jersey 08451, USA (www.toefl.org ). The applicant must make arrangements directly with ETS to take the examination and must request that results be sent to the Office of International Admissions and Recruitment at PBCC. (PBCC TOEFL Code is 5531.)

   · MELAB - A score of 60 or higher is required on the Michigan English Language Assessment Battery (MELAB).

   · Compass/ESL - A score of 69 is required on the Compass/ESL test, which PBCC administers through its Testing Centers. This test may be taken once every 30 days. After passing the Compass/ESL test, students should see an advisor.

4. Provide notarized affidavit of financial support. Applicants must show they have sufficient funds to cover tuition, fees, books, living expenses, transportation and incidental expenses while attending PBCC. Proof of the availability of funds (i.e., bank statements) to cover the expenses for the first year of enrollment is required. Funds must be available prior to the time international students register for each semester. No federal financial aid is available to international students, although limited funds are sometimes provided by local community organizations through the Financial Aid Office.
   
   
5. Provide proof of health and accident insurance. (Insurance can be arranged through the Office of International Admissions and Recruitment.)

Acceptance of Applicants to Degree Programs
International applicants will be notified by the Office of International Admissions and Recruitment of their acceptance to PBCC and will then be provided with the Certificate of Eligibility (Form I-20). Documentary evidence of means of financial support must be attached to the Certificate of Eligibility (Form I-20) when applying for the student visa at the United States Embassy or Consular Office, or for the Change of Status with the United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS).

Upon acceptance, the student is responsible for complying with all immigration laws in order to maintain valid legal status. The following conditions apply:

• International students must be classified as degree-seeking students and maintain full-time academic status (12 semester hours) in the fall and spring terms. In addition, students admitted in the summer must be enrolled full time during their initial term of enrollment.

• International students are expected to complete the two-year program in two years and must maintain eligibility to re-enroll at PBCC, as based on the Standards of Academic Progress.

• International students must keep a current passport that is valid for at least six months in the future.

• International students must have their travel documents reviewed by the international student advisor before leaving the USA.

• Employment is not permitted for F-1 visa students without meeting specific conditions and having permission from the United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS).

Note: For specific information regarding international student requirements for admission to the Bachelor of Applied Science program, please see the Areas of Study section of this catalog.

NON-DEGREE STATUS
Students who have been admitted for credit course work may classify themselves as non-degree-seeking. (Credits will be granted for completed courses.) The non-degree status may be used only when it is not necessary for the student's previous academic records to be on file. Students may take up to 21 credit hours as a non-degreeseeking student, at which time students must be degreeseeking. The non-degree status shall not be used with degree-seeking, certificate-seeking students, students seeking any type of financial aid (Social Security, veteran benefits, federal grants, scholarships, etc.), or by international students on an F-1/M-1 visa. Non-degree-seeking students are not eligible for financial aid.

Non-degree-seeking students may be required to submit placement scores to register for certain courses. Please see the Course Listing section of this catalog, or speak with an academic advisor.

READMITTED STUDENTS
A former student who wishes to enroll in PBCC classes after an absence of 12 months or more should:

• Complete a new application for admission online at www.pbcc.edu/AdmissionsApplications.xml (click on "FACTS" logo) or print and fully complete the paper application form and forward it to any campus Admissions Office. Incomplete applications will be returned.
  
  
• Send for additional forms or transcripts (if seeking degree, or if necessary to satisfy prerequisites) to update admission records. Previously outstanding transcripts must be received prior to registration. All new transcripts should be received before registration but must be received within one term or the student may not register for subsequent terms.
  
  
• Update placement (FCELPT, ACT-E or SAT1) if necessary. Test scores are only valid for two years from the date the test was taken.
  
  
• Read the "Catalog in Effect" information under the "Graduation" portion of the Academic Policies section of this Catalog.

Note: Students who do not apply for readmission approximately two months before registration begins may not get priority registration consideration.

TRANSFER STUDENTS
A student is classified as a transfer student if he/she has previously registered at any other regionally accredited college or university, regardless of the amount of time spent in attendance or credit earned. In addition to the high school transcript, all courses received for transfer college credit must be received, evaluated, and approved by the Registrar's Office. All transcripts must be received within one term or no registration will be allowed for subsequent terms. It is important for students to have transcripts submitted as early as possible to allow evaluations to be completed before registration. Transcripts may be either sent directly to PBCC from the issuing institution or be hand-delivered in a sealed envelope sealed by the issuing institution. Faxed transcripts are not considered official.

Transfer credit may be accepted from degree-granting institutions that are fully accredited at the collegiate level by their appropriate regional accrediting agency.* Courses from non-regionally accredited institutions that appear on the State Common Course Numbering System list are also transferred with no appeal required. Students with college credit from colleges outside the U.S. must have a course-by-course commercial evaluation from an accredited company (listed online at www.naces.org/members.htm ). Appeals for course evaluations should be addressed to the campus registrar, except on the Lake Worth campus, where appeals should be addressed to the associate college registrar.

Students may transfer credit from other institutions into PBCC; however, at least 25 percent (15 credit hours-A.A.) of the program or certificate credit must be earned at PBCC (excluding CLEP or credit by exam or prior learning).

The amount of credit allowed for a quarter, semester or term would not exceed the amount the student earned at the original institution. (Quarter-hour credits will be converted to semester hours.)

PBCC accepts on transfer only those courses completed at other regionally accredited* institutions with grades of D or higher. Grades of D cannot be used to satisfy General Education requirements.

All courses on the transcript are considered in calculating grade point average for student standards of academic progress and for meeting graduation requirements.

Plus (+) and minus (-) designations will be removed from all transfer courses. (High school plus and minus grades will be used for consideration in Limited Access programs that require high school course completion.)

Correspondence Courses
Correspondence course transfer credit may be accepted provided:

• The course was administered by a regionally accredited institution.* Courses from non-regionally accredited institutions that appear on the State Common Course Numbering System list are also transferred with no appeal required.
  
  
• The minimum grade D or higher was earned.
  
  
• The credit is acceptable by the institution offering the correspondence course toward one of its own degrees.

*A student or institution may appeal the policy. However, should the quality of the educational program of the institution attended appear mediocre or unsatisfactory, the College registrar has the prerogative not to accept all or any part of the previously earned credit.

TRANSIENT STUDENTS
Students seeking degrees at other institutions may attend PBCC as "transient" students to take one or more courses. Transient students are non-degree-seeking at PBCC, and are considered essentially students at their home institutions. A "Letter of Good Standing" or "Transient Letter" must accompany all transient applications for each term of transient study and should be filed using FACTS (www.FACTS.org ). Transient students, taking courses as listed on their Transient Form, will not be required to submit transcripts or meet PBCC testing or pre-requisite course requirements. All co-requisite course requirements apply, unless specifically waived by the home institution. Residency for tuition purposes will be granted based on the information on the Transient Form, barring any error from the home institution. PBCC's Standards of Academic Progress do not apply to transient students, although transient students are required to meet all PBCC Code-of-Conduct and disciplinary regulations while attending PBCC.

Credit for Prior Learning
College credit may be awarded for prior learning opportunities and/or acceptable scores through Advanced Placement (AP), College Level Examination Program (CLEP), or International Baccalaureate (IB). Students may not receive credit by examination for courses in areas where they have received college credit for equal courses or more advanced work. Credits for prior learning may not be applied toward grade forgiveness.

Students with official transcripts of prior learning credit earned outside a regionally accredited classroom, issued directly to the college from the program in question, may be awarded up to a maximum of 45 semester hours of credit (30 semester hours for IB). Students may be granted PBCC credit for prior learning experiences; however, at least 25 percent (15 credit hours-A.A.) of the program or certificate credit must be earned at PBCC (excluding CLEP, credit by exam, or prior learning) to meet the residency requirement for graduation.

ADVANCED PLACEMENT (AP)
PBCC follows the guidelines in Florida State Board Rule 6A-10.024(8) for awarding AP credits. AP credit granted by PBCC may be transferable to participating Florida institutions of higher education. It is the responsibility of the student to contact the institution to which he/she expects to transfer to determine the acceptability of this credit.

COLLEGE LEVEL EXAMINATION PROGRAM (CLEP)
The CLEP is a computerized test offered by the College Board. PBCC follows the guidelines set by the Articulation Coordinating Committee (ACC) in Florida State Board Rule 6A-10.024(7) for awarding CLEP credits. Due to state statute revision, students admitted to PBCC for Fall 2002 and beyond, or currently enrolled students who send previously unevaluated CLEP scores after June 30, 2002, may receive General Education Gordon Rule writing credit. Previously received scores are not eligible for Gordon Rule writing course credit.

It is the responsibility of the student to contact the institution to which he/she expects to transfer to determine the acceptability of this credit. For more information on CLEP, go to www.collegeboard.com/student/testing/clep/about.html .

DEPARTMENTAL AND SPECIAL COURSE CHALLENGE EXAMINATIONS
Students who have been admitted to the College may take, when available, special credit course "challenge" examinations. Any credit earned will be reported to the student and placed on his/her transcript. Institutional challenge exams may not be taken more than once. For a current listing of eligible courses and procedures for taking such examinations, go to www.pbcc.edu/challenge.xml.

INTERNATIONAL BACCALAUREATE (IB)
PBCC follows the guidelines set by the Articulation Coordinating Committee (ACC) in Florida State Board Rule 6A-10.024(7) for awarding IB credits. A maximum of 30 college credits will be granted to a student who has received a diploma from the International Baccalaureate program for higher-level and subsidiary-level subjects with scores of 4 or above. For students who have the IB Certificate only, college credit will be awarded for higher-level subjects with scores of 5 or above.

PRIOR LEARNING CREDIT
The assessment for prior experiences process is designed to recognize the academic value of learning through experiences including work experience, employmentrelated training programs, seminars, volunteer work, travel, military service or self-directed study. Credits will be held in escrow until the student has completed at least 25 percent of his/her program credit hours at PBCC.

Not all courses are assessable. Courses being assessed must be offered as a requirement or an elective in an A.S. or A.A.S. degree or vocational credit certificate program at PBCC. General education and A.A. courses are not assessable.

Assessment
Assessment of experiential learning involves one or more of the following:

• Written or performance tests
• Preparation of a portfolio describing learning and how it was acquired
• Evaluation of certificates and licenses
• Interviews.

The program area responsible for the courses for which credit is requested determines the method of assessment and the amount of credit awarded.

The fees associated with experiential learning vary with the type of assessment. For complete information on the process, please see www.pbcc.edu/pla.xml.

MILITARY SERVICE CREDITS
PBCC follows the guidelines in Florida State Board Rule 6A-10.024(12) for awarding credit for Defense Activity of Non Traditional Educational Support (DANTES) exams. PBCC grants credit for the United States Armed Forces Institute (USAFI) and College Level Examination Program (CLEP). Credit is not granted for USAFI high school or college level GED tests. However, students may use the USAFI high school certification or GED for admission to the College. PBCC is a Service Opportunity College (SOC) member and uses the American Council on Education (ACE) guidelines in evaluating military learning experiences.

CAREER PATHWAY
“Career Pathway" is a program that recognizes work successfully completed in high school and awards that achievement with college credit. PBCC has an agreement with the School District of Palm Beach County for awarding college credit for certain high school level courses. To receive credit in some courses, the student is required to complete a portfolio or a challenge examination. For complete details, please visit www.pbcc.edu/careerpathways.xml.

APPLICATION AND REGISTRATION FEES
A nonrefundable fee is charged for processing applications, and a one-time fee is charged each term for registration. Some limited access programs charge an additional application fee.

CLASS TUITION AND FEES
The Board of Trustees establishes tuition annually. In addition, special fees are associated with some classes. Tuition and fees are listed in the course schedule each term or online at www.pbcc.edu/tuitionfees.xml . Non-Florida residents pay higher fees.

All fees are due at the time of registration and must be received by their payment due date, as indicated on the bottom of the student's printed schedule. A student may not attend classes until this has been completed. Students dropped for non-payment will not be reinstated into their classes, unless there is documented College error that resulted in the drop. No registration will be completed until all fees have been paid in full. Students may pay:

• By Web at www.pbcc.edu/PantherWeb.xml . Please note that the system may be down for periodic system maintenance. Students should not wait until the last minute to execute payment as volume or system maintenance may prevent completion of the process.
  
  
• By drop box located at each PBCC location
  
  
• By mail to the Cashier's Office
  
  
• In person at the Cashier's Office.

Personal checks may be accepted for the amount of fees due. It is suggested that each student bring two checks to registration: one for registration and one for the purchase of books and supplies. All fees are subject to change by action of the Florida Legislature and the PBCC District Board of Trustees.

RETURNED CHECK FEES AND UNPAID ACCOUNTS
A fee is charged for returned checks. Any student who has a delinquent account shall be notified. If the delinquency is not cleared within the specified time, all academic records will be frozen until the account is cleared. If a student has had a returned check, he/she may be required to pay all future fees by cash, money order or certified check.

Unpaid student accounts, including past due fees or returned checks, will prevent graduation, granting of credit, or release of transcript. Amounts remaining unpaid also will be subject to collection agency action. For further detail on the returned check fee breakdown please visit: www.pbcc.edu/FinancialInfo.xml .

SENIOR CITIZEN REDUCED TUITION
Senior citizens 60 years of age or older may register each fall 16-week, spring 16-week or summer 12-week term for a maximum of two credit courses per term, only on the day designated, on a space-available basis (student may not take the last open seat) if all prerequisites have been met. There is a fee payment of $10 per credit hour, regardless of Florida residency status. The student activity fee, financial aid fee, and capital outlay fees will not be charged.

Senior citizens will be expected to pay the one-time application fee and all regularly assessed special fees and registration fees for any courses in which they enroll.

STATE EMPLOYEE FEE WAIVER
State employees wishing to use the state employee fee waiver must get the appropriate form from their employer. Students may register only on the designated day on a space-available basis (student may not take the last open seat).

Registration dates are listed on the online academic calendar (www.pbcc.edu/AcademicCalendar.xml ) prior to registration.

Placement Testing

REQUIREMENTS FOR CREDIT COURSES AND PROGRAMS
All degree-seeking students, and non-degree-seeking students wishing to take Gordon Rule writing and mathematics courses, who have not successfully completed college-level math and English must furnish official test scores from the Florida College Entry Level Placement Test (FCELPT), ACT-E, or SAT1 before registration. (If ACTE or SAT1 scores do not meet the state-designated minimums, students must retest or take the FCELPT for placement.) The test must have been taken within the last two years. Students who have not yet taken one of the placement tests listed above should contact the Advising department on the campus where registering (www.pbcc.edu/testing.xml ).

As shown on Table 2-1, higher scores place students into regular or advanced courses, while lower scores require students to be placed into college preparatory courses. Students placed into the college preparatory program will be allowed three attempts to complete each subject area. Students identified as English as a Second Language (ESL) students may be required to take English for Academic Purposes (EAP) courses. Contact the Advising department at any PBCC campus for more information.

Advisors will use this information for placement of a student in mathematics, English, reading and Gordon Rule writing classes.

ALL STUDENTS WHO TEST INTO COLLEGE PREPARATORY COURSES ARE STRONGLY ENCOURAGED TO READ THE COLLEGE PREPARATORY COURSE REQUIREMENT SECTION LISTED IN THE COLLEGE READINESS SECTION OF THIS CATALOG.

• Test scores expire two years from the date of the test. Students whose test scores expire and who have not initiated the related English, math, or reading courses are required to retest in that area.
  
  
• Students required to take the FCELPT (a computerized test) must bear the cost of the test.
  
  
• The Florida Commissioner of Education and the State Board of Education determine the entry-level test cutoff scores. In addition to the cutoff scores for college prep, scores for advising into other courses have been identified.
  
  
• Cutoff scores for placement in mathematics, English and reading courses shall be those given in Table 2-1. Students may register for a course lower than indicated by test scores but not in a higher one.
  
  

• Students who test into the college preparatory program must begin taking college preparatory courses during their first 12 semester hours of credit course work at the College and must continue to enroll in college preparatory courses until all preparatory requirements are completed.

• Students who test into college preparatory English or reading cannot enroll in any Gordon Rule writing course until all preparatory course(s) in the respective areas have been successfully completed. Those who test into college preparatory mathematics cannot enroll in any course for which mathematics is a prerequisite until college preparatory math is complete.

• Students who test into preparatory English, reading or mathematics courses must also take the co-requisite course Strategies for College Success (SLS 1501).

• Students whose primary language is not English, and who test into preparatory reading and/or English, are required to take EAP (English for Academic Purposes) preparatory courses.

• Students currently enrolled in a college preparatory course may not attempt to test out of that area after add/drop. Students must wait 30 days before retesting in a subject area.

• College preparatory courses shall be graded A, B, C, N (Not Pass) and will be three contact hours per week. Three institutional credits will be granted for each course successfully completed. Institutional credits are not used for graduation or grade point average calculations, but they are used towards assessing full-time academic status.

• College preparatory courses (as listed in Table 2-1) and their co-requisites, if indicated through placement testing, must be completed in addition to all course requirements in the program the student chooses.

Note: In the Testing Centers, students may find a list of tutorial services that assist students with the FCELPT. These services are provided as an alternative remedial option to traditional courses; however, upon completion, students still must score satisfactorily on the FCELPT in order to place out of college preparatory courses.

REQUIREMENTS FOR VOCATIONAL (PSAV) PROGRAMS

Test of Adult Basic Education (TABE)
The TABE is a state requirement for students entering PSAV certificate programs of more than 450 contact hours. Any student enrolling in these programs without TABE scores is required to take the TABE during the first six weeks of class. TABE test scores expire two years from the date of the test. Students with an A.A.S. degree or higher; students who have successfully completed or are exempt from taking the College Level Academic Skills Test (CLAST); or students who have already met the minimum cut scores, within the past two years, on the ACT-E, FCELPT or SAT1 are exempt from the TABE exam. Students with certain licenses also may be exempt from the TABE requirement. See program information in the Areas of Study section of this catalog for required TABE scores. Students must wait 30 days before retaking the TABE.

Note: Limited Access Programs follow procedures specific to those programs. Exemptions may not be available for all programs.

Registration Dates
Students begin registering at different times, depending on their status as (1) degree-seeking and certificateseeking, (2) non-degree-seeking, (3) college transient student, (4) noncredit, or (5) high school dual enrollment/early admission. Registration windows and other important dates are located on the registration calendar at www.pbcc.edu/AcademicCalendar.xml . Currently enrolled, degree-seeking students are provided the earliest registration dates, typically beginning approximately two months prior to the start of the upcoming term.

New students and students returning after an absence of more than one year should apply at least two months before registration begins to receive the earliest possible registration date. All dates are subject to change without notice.

Add/drop dates are listed on students' schedules. Major session dates are also listed on the registration calendar at www.pbcc.edu/AcademicCalendar.xml.

Residency Classification
A student's residency classification is determined at the time of admission to PBCC, in accordance with Florida Statute 1009.21. Students may petition to reclassify their status after having their legal domicile in the state of Florida for 12 months; however, any residency classification changes would be in effect for the next term. To change to resident student, a Residency Request Form must be submitted to the Registrar's Office prior to the first day of the term. Accompanying documentation will be accepted only through the last day of the add/drop period for the term being considered.

IN-STATE RESIDENCY
A student is considered to be a resident for tuition purposes when he/she (or, if a dependent, his parent(s) or legal guardian) has been a permanent resident of the state of Florida for at least 12 consecutive months preceding enrollment at PBCC. Legal papers proving guardianship and other documentation must accompany the application, when applicable. Final residency determination will be based on state guidelines and will be determined by the registrar.

Students may be eligible for a waiver of out-of-state tuition if they qualify for one of the following exceptions. (Documentation appropriate to the particular exception will be required.)

• Dependent children residing with a legal resident adult relative other than the parents for at least five years. Legal papers proving guardianship and copies of tax returns are required.

• Persons married to legal Florida residents and who intend to make Florida their permanent home, and who relinquish their legal ties to any other state.

• Persons who were enrolled as Florida residents for tuition purposes, but who abandon Florida residency and then re-enroll in Florida within 12 months of the abandonment.

• Active-duty members of the armed services of the United States residing or stationed in Florida (and spouse/dependent children), or military personnel not stationed in Florida whose home of record or state of legal residence certificate, DD Form 2058, is Florida (and spouse/dependent children).

• United States citizens living on the Isthmus of Panama, who have completed 12 consecutive months of college work at the Florida State University Panama Canal Branch, and their spouses and dependent children.

• Full-time instructional and administrative personnel employed by Florida public schools, community colleges and institutions of higher education (and spouse/dependent children).

• Students from Latin America and the Caribbean who receive scholarships from the U.S. federal or Florida state government. The student must be enrolled on a full-time basis.

• Full-time employees of state agencies or political subdivisions of the state when the fees are paid by the state agency or political subdivision for job-related law enforcement or corrections training.

• Qualified beneficiaries under the Florida Pre-Paid Post- Secondary Expense Program per Florida Statute 1009.981.

• A dependent child whose parents are divorced, separated, or otherwise living apart, will be considered a resident for tuition purposes if either parent is a legal resident of the state of Florida using the above guidelines, regardless of which parent claims the minor for tax purposes.

Note: The College may require documentation in support of the above exceptions.

OUT-OF-STATE RESIDENCY
Unless students (or, if dependents, their parent(s) or legal guardians) have had their place of bona fide permanent residence in the state of Florida for at least 12 months immediately preceding registration, and established certain legal ties to the state, they will be classified as out-of-state students.

RESIDENT ALIENS AND OTHERS
The law allows for non-U.S. citizens to be considered for Florida residency for tuition purposes if they are lawful permanent residents of the United States, asylees, parolees, or refugees who have applied for and/or been approved for such status. Students in these categories must provide appropriate immigration documents to support their status. To be considered a resident for fee purposes, they must also have established residence in the state of Florida 12 months immediately preceding the first day of term.

Certain non-immigrant visa categories are eligible to establish Florida residency for tuition purposes. Please see the Admissions Office for more information. F-1/M-1 visa students cannot be considered for in-state residency.

Student Retention and Completion
Information about student retention and completion in each of the academic programs is available to students in the Student Services offices. The availability of this information satisfies the federal requirement regarding dissemination of student consumer information.