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Rachael DAndrea

Adjunct Faculty Edit This Profile Email: Rachael.DAndrea@fsw.edu Phone: Extension: Location: Department:

Student Conduct Board

The Student Conduct Board consists of students, faculty, and staff at FSW. Members of the Student Conduct Board review student conduct cases and serve as hearing officers for formal disciplinary hearings. The purpose of the Student Conduct Board is to provide students and student organizations that have been charged with violations of the Code of Conduct a fair and unbiased process and to allow them to be heard by other members of the FSW community. The Student Conduct Board will review all relevant case information, ask questions of the student or student organization during the hearing, and then decide if the accused participant(s) should be found responsible based on the information presented. The Office of Community Standards will conduct annual training sessions on student conduct regulations and procedures, which all board members are required to complete. Board members will also have the opportunity to educate students on their rights and responsibilities, uphold behavioral standards, and increase student learning. Serving on the Student Conduct Board provides individuals with an opportunity to enhance critical thinking and decision-making skills, gain leadership experience, and make a difference in the FSW community.Responsibilities of Student Conduct Board Members Members of the Student Conduct Board will be expected to maintain strict confidentiality of all student information (FERPA), uphold FSW policies, and become knowledgeable about the Student Code of Conduct. Members must also complete the annual training session conducted by the Office of Community Standards and are encouraged to attend ongoing trainings and professional development activities throughout the academic year.QualificationsStudent Board Member Minimum QualificationsStudent applicants for the Student Conduct Board must meet the following qualifications to be considered: -Be currently enrolled at FSW -Maintain a minimum cumulative GPA of 2.5 and be in good academic standing -Completion of one semester of enrollment at FSW preferred -Be in good conduct standing within the state college system Faculty and Staff Board Member Minimum QualificationsFaculty applicant for the Student Conduct Board must meet the following qualifications to be considered: -Be currently employed full time at FSW -Be in good conduct standing within the state college system Application ProcessIndividuals who wish to be on the board must complete the application. The application will ask for basic information and include short/long answer questions. If selected to move forward, candidates will be contacted to schedule an interview. Apply Here

Conduct Processes and Procedure

Conduct Processes and Procedures The student conduct process may appear daunting, but its purpose is to clarify events and determine if there was a violation of the Student Code of Conduct. You will have the opportunity to share your perspective and ask questions throughout the process. FAQsWho can file an incident report? Individuals who believe their rights, welfare, or dignity have been violated can submit written complaints to the Office of Community Standards. The office will review these complaints to determine if there has been a potential violation of the Student Code of Conduct. How will I be notified of a complaint against me?When a complaint has been filed, the involved student(s) will be notified via their FSW email. This letter will include important information regarding the student’s information session. The Office of Community Standards will make reasonable efforts to contact the student regarding the pending conduct issue. However, it is the student’s responsibility to regularly check their FSW email and ensure their contact information, including addresses and phone numbers, is up to date. Will the violation be noted on my official transcript? Violations of the Student Code of Conduct will not be reflected on a student’s official academic transcript. However, the violation(s) will become part of the student’s educational record, which is managed by Community Standards. If I admit to a violation will it keep me from going to professional or graduate school, or from getting a job? Conduct records are confidential and typically cannot be released to others without the respondent’s consent. As an educational institution, the primary goal of the conduct process is to help students learn from their mistakes. What if I was not aware of the rules? It is every student’s responsibility to be aware of the policies of FSW. View the FSW Code of Conduct Why do I have a hold on my account? A hold is placed on a student’s account when they fail to comply with the directions from the Office of Community Standards. Holds will not be released until all sanctions are satisfactorily completed and the student’s conduct case returns to good standing. If the violation also involves a local, state or federal law, can I also be referred to the College’s conduct process? Yes. Students have a separate relationship with the College, where violations of FSW rules and procedures are addressed separately from any civil or criminal actions. Conduct Flowchart

D2G: Creating an Academic & Career Pathways for Every Student

MissionIn alignment with FSW’s Strategic Directions, the mission of Dedicate to Graduate (D2G) is to focus the efforts of all college programs and activities towards providing educational access to our region and keeping students on path from enrollment to degree and credential attainment. These efforts will support transfer and attainment of jobs with value in the labor market—and will achieve equity in those outcomesFSW Strategic DirectionsExpand educational access.Advance a world-class educational experience. Innovate online and distance education. Prepare students for a globally competitive workforce. Create a culture focused on inclusion and continuous improvement.Four Pillars of D2G: Creating a Guided Path for Every StudentClarify the Path Help Students Get on a Path Help Students Stay on Their Path Ensure Students are LearningOutcomes of our EffortsIncreased persistence and completion rates. Improved achievement of student academic and career goals as demonstrated through credential acquisition. Enhanced processes and procedures that can be assessed, improved and replicated by the College. Well-developed cross-departmental teams together to enhance a sense of community responsibility for the student experience. Documented measures and reporting tied into the College’s Effectiveness Plans.Academic & Career Pathways Navigation TeamCo-ChairsDr. Christy Gilfert, Associate Vice President, Academic SuccessDr. Brian Page, Dean, School of Arts, Humanities, and Social SciencesMembersDr. Judith Bilsky, Vice President of Academic AffairsDr. April Fleming, Dean, School of EducationAndrae Jones, Director, Student Technology and StrategyDr. Martin McClinton, Associate Vice President, Academic AffairsDr. Ian Neuhard, Deputy Chief of Staff for Strategic PrioritiesDr. April Palmer, Associate Vice President, Student LifeWhitney Rhyne, Assistant Vice President, Workforce EducationAlex Schimel, Director, Academic Advising

Veteran Services

Veteran Services. Your browser does not support the video tag. Proud to be a Military Friendly® School!Welcome to FSW’s Office of Veteran ServicesThe Office of Veteran Services is here to help our student veterans and dependents successfully transition from military life to college life by offering you support and resources. We assist you with every step of using your veteran benefits to help you pay for college tuition and related expenses so you can stay focused on earning your degree. We also provide you with opportunities to link with fellow veterans to connect and support each other. The Florida Bureau of State Approving Agency has approved Florida Southwestern State College for veteran education and training. To utilize your V.A. benefits at FSW, you must first meet the admissions requirements and be an admitted student. Our office acts as the liaison between students and the state, federal, and local veteran affairs departments. Our staff serve as School Certifying Officials (S.C.O.) and are entrusted with certifying student’s educational benefits to the Department of Veteran Affairs. The Veteran Services Office is located on the Lee Campus in the S Building, First Floor. We support students on all campuses. Students attending the Charlotte Campus, Collier Campus, or Hendry/Glades Curtis Center are welcome to drop off documents for the VA office with the respective Financial Aid representative at their location.Hear from our students:Check Out Our Student Club:TASCActive DutyVeteransMilitary Spouses and DependentsVeteran Deferment Request FormNew Student InstructionsForms & WaiversResourcesFAQsContact Us

Contact Information

Note: Hours are subject to change between terms. Please contact the department for summer / between terms hours. Department Phone Number Hours Location General Information ADAptive Services Admissions, Records, and Registration Academic Advising Cashier Career Services FSW Online Testing Center Testing and Assessment

Grants & Loans

GrantsLoansGrantsGrants are financial aid that does not have to be repaid. Eligibility for Grants is determined by information obtained from the submission of the Free Application of Federal Student Aid (FAFSA).Pell Grant—The Federal Pell Grant is awarded to undergraduate students with demonstrated financial need, who have not previously earned a Bachelor’s or professional degree.The amount of the award is based on the student’s Student Aid Index (SAI) and their enrollment status. The Pell Grant amount is pro-rated based on enrollment intensity.FSEOG—Federal Supplemental Educational Opportunity Grant: FSEOG is a federal grant to assist students with high financial need. Eligibility requires that the student be a Pell Grant recipient, enrolled in at least 6 credit hours, and meet the Satisfactory Academic Progress (SAP) requirements. Due to limited funding, not all students who meet eligibility requirements will receive this grant. This grant is for one year only and is not guaranteed for renewal. For additional details and regulations, visit studentaid.gov/understand-aid/types/grants/fseog.FSAG—Florida Student Assistance Grant: FSAG is a grant awarded to Florida residents who are enrolled for at least 6 credit hours and meet the Satisfactory Academic Progress (SAP) requirements. Due to limited funding, not all students who meet eligibility requirements will receive this grant. This grant is for one year only and is not guaranteed for renewal. For additional details and regulations, visit floridastudentfinancialaid.org. Available state funds are contingent upon matching contributions from private sources on a dollar-for-dollar basis. The Office of Financial Aid and Cashier Services ranks all eligible applicants on the basis of financial need, determines the award amount for each recipient, and notifies each student of their award. Due to limited funding, not all students who meet eligibility requirements will receive this grant. This grant is for one year only and is not guaranteed for renewal.Florida Bright Futures Scholarship: Please note: For Florida Bright Futures Scholarship eligibility information can be found at floridastudentfinancialaid.org. Please contact your Financial Aid specialists for more information.LoansImportant:All Federal Loans borrowed will be submitted to the National Student Loan Data System (NSLDS), and will be accessible by guaranty agencies, lenders, and schools determined to be authorized users of the data system. (Title IV of Higher Education Act, 1965).Federal Subsidized and Unsubsidized Direct LoansSubsidized loan is a need-based loan and the interest is paid by the government while you are actively enrolled in school and for a six-month grace period. Unsubsidized loan is NOT a need-based program and the student is responsible for all interest accrued from the date of disbursement.Federal Direct Plus Loans For ParentsParents apply for a loan for their dependent child.Private Loan OptionsPrivate student loans are not part of the Federal student loan program and they do require a credit check. You may borrow your private loan from any lender you choose.Default ManagementFlorida Southwestern State College has teamed up with Edamerica Services to help explain the student loan repayment process. To retrieve your loan information visit the National Student Loan Data System (NSLDS) https://studentaid.gov/exit-counseling/Need Help? Live Chat Find our chat at the bottom of this page Click to use the QLESS app to get in line for in-person service.

College Operating Procedures Home

Campus Contact Information

Note: Hours are subject to change between terms. Please contact the department for summer / between terms hours. Department Phone Number Hours Location General Information 941-637-5629 Monday - Thursday: 8:30am - 4:30pm Friday: 9:30am - Noon Spatz Hall, Building J Academic Support Center Main Phone: 941-637-3520 Math Lab: 941-637-3519 Speech Lab: 941-637-3520 Tutoring Services: 941-637-3520 Writing/Reading Lab: 941-637-5693 Academic Support Center Hours Peeples Learning Resources, Building B, Room 101 ADAptive Services 941-637-5626 Please call to schedule an appointment. Spatz Hall, Building J Admissions, Records, & Registration 941-637-5654 MTRF: 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Wed: 8:30 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. Spatz Hall, Building J Academic Advising 941-637-5629 MTRF: 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Wed: 8:30 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. Please schedule an appointment with your assigned advisor. Spatz Hall, Building J BUC Card (Student ID) Office 941-833-5320 Monday - Thursday: 8:30am - 4:30pm Friday: 9:30am - Noon BUC Card Homepage Spatz Hall, Building J, Room 102 Cafeteria   Request Dining Information Request Catering Information Student Activities, Building O, Room 114 Cashier   Cashier Homepage MTRF: 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Wed: 8:30 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. Spatz Hall, Building J Faculty Office     Faculty Building H, Room 120 Financial Aid 941-637-5603 MTRF: 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Wed: 8:30 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. Spatz Hall, Building J Library/Learning Resources 941-637-5620 Monday - Thursday: 7:30am - 9:00pm Friday: 7:30am - 4:00pm Peeples Learning Resources, Building B, Room 120 Nursing Department 941-637-5667 Monday, Wednesday, Thursday: 8:30am - 4:30pm Jones Hall, Building E, Room 107 Student Engagement Office 941-637-5634 MTRF: 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Wed: 8:30 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. Student Activities, Building O, Room 106 Testing & Assessment 941-637-5632 FSW Testing Homepage Peeples Learning Resources, Building B, Room 109

Thomas Rath

Campus/Center Dir. - Charlotte & HGC Edit This Profile Email: Thomas.Rath@fsw.edu Phone: (941) 637-3534 Extension: 13534 Location: CHARLOTTE J125 Department: Campus Director - Charlotte Campus Director - Hendry/Glades Curtis Center

Computer Lab Availability

Charlotte Campus Vernon Peeples Library — Building B, First Floor View Fullscreen Live Computer Map of Vernon Peeples Library — Building B, First Floor Vernon Peeples Library Entrance Laptop Kiosk — Building B, First Floor View Fullscreen Live Computer Map of Vernon Peeples Library Entrance Laptop Kiosk — Building B, First Floor Collier Campus Collier Campus Library — Building G, Room 104 View Fullscreen Live Computer Map of Rush Library Entrance Laptop Kiosk — Building J, Second Floor Collier Campus Library Entryway Laptop Kiosk — Building G, First Floor View Fullscreen Live Computer Map of Collier Campus Library Entryway Laptop Kiosk — Building G, First Floor Collier Campus eLearning Lab — Building J, Room 217 View Fullscreen Live Computer Map of Collier Campus eLearning Lab — Building J, Room 217 Hendry/Glades Curtis Center Hendry/Glades Barbara and Joe Marlin Hill Library — Building A, Room 109 View Fullscreen Live Computer Map of Hendry/Glades Barbara and Joe Marlin Hill Library — Building A, Room 109 Hendry/Glades Curtis Center Laptop Kiosk — Building A, Main Lobby View Fullscreen Live Computer Map of Hendry/Glades Curtis Center Laptop Kiosk — Building A, Main Lobby Thomas Edison (Lee) Campus Richard H. Rush Library — Building J, Second Floor View Fullscreen Live Computer Map of Richard H. Rush Library — Building J, Second Floor Rush Library Entrance Laptop Kiosk — Building J, Second Floor View Fullscreen Live Computer Map of Rush Library Entrance Laptop Kiosk — Building J, Second Floor Lee Campus Testing Center — Building P, Room 201 View Fullscreen Live Computer Map Lee Campus Testing Center — Building P, Room 201

Student Engagement

MissionThe Office of Student Engagement at Florida SouthWestern State College is committed to providing opportunities to enhance student success, retention, and graduation. This will be achieved through connecting them to resources and programming which contribute to their holistic development while ensuring that all students feel welcomed and supported as part of the Buccaneer community.VisionFSW students will graduate from the College with a strong sense of belonging and pride in their alma mater, fully prepared to successfully serve and lead in a diverse and dynamic society.Student Development CurriculumThe foundation of Student Engagement programming is our Student Development Curriculum. This is our guide to help FSW students be the best Buc they can be. This curriculum was designed to foster development in the areas needed to grow in your professional and personal journey. Every involvement opportunity at FSW is tied back to this curriculum.Connect With Us! Bucs Corner Instagram InvolvementTransitionsLeadershipBucs Corner

Charlotte Registered Student Organizations

Art Club: Come paint, draw, and craft with our group, for yourself or even our campus! Campus Activity Board (CAB): Be a part of the team that creates the fun on our campus! Decide what themed event we’ll do next all the way down to the food and music! Christian Club (SALT): Be a part of like-minded youth, celebrating faith and love. Circle K International (CKI):Help our local community through organized volunteer work with different organizations. Creative Writing Club: Compare short stories, poems, and even meet celebrated authors, all with the artistic eye of Professor Pelot. Cultural Arts Club: Indulge in the finer arts by attending theater productions, museums, and concerts in our local area. Multi-Cultural Club: Learn about and celebrate different cultures from around the world to our own backyard. Music Club:Bring whatever instrument you have (or don’t) and rock out with budding musicians under the lead of professional banjo player Bob Barrett! Phi Theta Kappa Honor Society (PTK): Apply to be a part of this honor society with your good grades and service learning record! Student Government Association:Campus Congress: The Student Government Association (SGA) acts as a liaison between FSW students, administration, and local and state officials. SGA actively works to meet the needs of students and enhance the quality of campus life. We do this by hosting various programs, funding student clubs and organizations, and community service. SGA endorses the following values: Advocacy, Service, Leadership, and Diversity.Student Nurses Association (SNA): Join other nursing students as they volunteer within our community and attend conferences in the health field. UNIDOS: Hispanic Latinx Student AssociationWe are dedicated to connecting, unifying and empowering the Hispanic and Latinx/a/o students of FSW in the four-county region. UNIDOS aims to provide resources, programming, and leadership and professional development for this community while educating others on the Hispanic/Latinx/a/o culture.For more information, check out Bucs Corner!

Charlotte Campus Observatory

Visit the James & Barbara Moore Observatory located at Florida SouthWestern State College's beautiful Charlotte Campus, 26300 Airport Road, Punta Gorda.For more information and highlights of special viewing sessions, please call the Observatory Information Line at (941) 637-3518.Observation sessions typically start about a half hour after sunset and usually end between 10 pm and 11 pm, with no reservations required. You will have the opportunity to observe celestial objects with our 16-inch telescope located in the dome and through several smaller telescopes located out back. The objects we view may include planets, double stars, galaxies, nebulas, star clusters, and the moon. In addition, there will be brief astronomy-related topics repeated all evening. Before complete darkness, visitors can not be admitted into the observatory as the equipment needs to be set up and aligned with the stars each time but early arrivers are welcome to enjoy views of the lake and the scenery of the campus from the lakeside picnic tables.The public sessions are free and are held monthly on the third Friday of each month for the 2025 and 2026 academic school year, weather permitting.Public Session Dates 2025-20263rd Friday of the Month:September 19, 2025October 17, 2025November 21, 2025December 19, 2025January 16, 2026February 20, 2026March 20, 2026April 17, 2026May 15, 2026If you plan to stop by, we are located on the FSW Charlotte Campus, on Airport Road next to I-75, and the observatory sits on the edge of the lake next to the entrance road.For more information or special group openings, call (941) 637-5652.

Tobacco Free Policy

Florida SouthWestern State College is dedicated to providing a safe, healthy, comfortable, and productive learning environment for students, faculty, staff, and visitors. Research findings show that tobacco use in general, including smoking and breathing secondhand smoke, constitutes a significant health hazard. Therefore, Florida SouthWestern State College declares the College to be a Tobacco-Free organization and sets the following rules regarding tobacco use. FSW prohibits the use of all tobacco products on campus, at all institution-sponsored off-campus events, and in all campus-owned vehicles. For purposes of this policy, “tobacco use” means the personal use of any tobacco product, whether intended to be lit or not, which shall include but not be limited to smoking, as well as the use of an electronic cigarette or any other device intended to simulate smoking and the use of smokeless tobacco, including snuff; chewing tobacco; smokeless pouches; any other form of loose-leaf, smokeless tobacco; and the use of cigarettes, cigars, and pipe tobacco. FSW also prohibits the sale of tobacco and the advertising and promotion of tobacco products on campus. In addition, FSW prohibits tobacco industry sponsorship of campus events, scholarships, faculty positions, employee recruitment, and College related business. This policy eliminates tacit approval of under-age tobacco use and lessens grounds and maintenance burdens. College personnel have established reasonable expectations and will issue warnings to violators while offering active education programs. FSW believes it is critical to educate students and prepare them for a future in which many employers restrict or prohibit smoking entirely. The College provides free, accessible smoking-cessation information and publicizes its availability. Student violators will be referred to the Dean of Students for disciplinary action, and College employees will be referred to their supervisor. Organizers and attendees at public events, such as conferences, meetings, public lectures, social and cultural events, using College facilities will be required to abide by the Tobacco-Free Policy. Organizers of such events are responsible for communicating this policy to attendees and for enforcing this policy.

Tobacco Free Cessation Resources

Smokefree.gov - Provides tools to help you develop a quit plan, a nicotine addiction quiz, information on e-cigs, and support tips. American Lung Association American Lung Association Freedom from Smoking American Cancer Society guide to tobacco and cancer, including information and resources on quitting. Center for Disease Control and Prevention information on smoking and tobacco use and cessation resources. Quitnow or 1-800-227-2345 - American Cancer Society Quit for Life Program operated by Free & Clear, offers telephone and web coaching to help tobacco users quit for good. The Florida Area Health Education Centers (AHEC) Network "Quit Smoking Now" - free on-site 6 week program. 1-877-U-Can-Now (1-877-822-6669) - Florida Quitline: Florida Quit-For-Life-Line (A service of the Florida Department of Health.) National Alliance for Tobacco Cessation - project to help people quit smoking. Nicotine Anonymous is a Non-Profit 12-Step Fellowship of men and women helping each other live nicotine-free lives. PublicHealth.org Health Guides Smoking

Tobacco Free FAQs

Why have a tobacco-free campus environment?Florida SouthWestern State College is committed to providing a healthy working and learning environment and recognizes the increasing weight of scientific evidence that smoking is harmful not only to the active smoker but also to the "passive" smoker who is exposed to others' smoke. The purpose of this policy is to reduce harm from the use of tobacco products and from secondhand smoke, provide an environment that encourages persons to be tobacco-free, establish a campus culture of wellness, and promote a tobacco-free future. Florida SouthWestern State College is invested not only in academic achievement, but also in developing life skills that will promote individual and civic wellness. Higher education prepares students to cope with the reality of living situations. One emerging reality is that fewer and fewer spaces permit smoking and tobacco use. In growing numbers, worksites, restaurants, public buildings, shopping malls, healthcare and transportation facilities are 100% smoke-free. Florida SouthWestern State College has a responsibility to its students and employees to provide a safe and healthful environment. Research findings show that tobacco use in general, including smoking and breathing secondhand smoke, constitute a significant health hazard. In addition to causing direct health hazards, smoking contributes to college costs in other ways, including potential fire damage, cleaning and maintenance costs, and costs associated with absenteeism, health care, and medical insurance.What is the difference between smoke-free and tobacco-free?Tobacco-free means the personal use of any tobacco product, whether intended to be lit or not, which shall include smoking as well as the use of an electronic cigarette or any other device intended to simulate smoking and the use of smokeless tobacco, including snuff; chewing tobacco; smokeless pouches; any other form of loose-leaf, smokeless tobacco; and the use of unlit cigarettes, cigars, and pipe tobacco. Whom does this policy affect?This policy applies to all faculty, staff, students, contractors, vendors and visitors.Will there be cessation programs available for students, faculty and staff?Yes. Florida SouthWestern State College is committed to providing assistance to all students, faculty and staff who want to quit using tobacco. Information on smoking and the use of tobacco products and cessation information can be found on our Tobacco Free webpage.How will Florida SouthWestern State College address compliance of this policy?Compliance with this policy is the shared responsibility and the right of all Florida SouthWestern State College staff, students, and faculty members. The success of this policy depends upon the courtesy, respect, and cooperation of users and non-users of tobacco products. Any member of the Florida SouthWestern State College community may respectfully ask individuals to comply with this policy and/or report non-compliance when appropriate. Anyone who observes a possible violation may inform the individual of the tobacco-free policy. Campus Police is responsible for determining policy applicability and will answer policy related questions. Campus Police will work to remind persons on our campus that tobacco use is prohibited. Patrolling for smoking in cars will not be a Campus Police enforcement priority. If a student repeatedly violates the policy, the student will be reported to Campus Police. A student who is given more than two warnings by Campus Police will be referred for disciplinary action in accordance with the Student Code of Conduct. Similarly, if an employee repeatedly violates the policy, the employee will be reported to their supervisor for action in violation of college policy.How will this policy be communicated to students, staff and visitors?Education regarding Florida SouthWestern State College’s tobacco-free policy will be included in formal orientation for all incoming students. Sufficient signage will be posted to inform members of the campus community and its visitors, including contractors and vendors, of the policy. All administrators, deans, directors, department chairs, and supervisors will communicate the policy to everyone within their areas of responsibility.How many colleges and universities have gone 100% smoke free?At least 260 campuses nationwide have 100% smoke free campuses - inside and out.Isn't smoking a personal, legal right?There is no "right to smoke" under any federal, state or local law. The college owns its buildings and grounds and has the right and responsibility to enact policies to reduce injury and illness by eliminating hazards and unsafe acts and conditions from its premises. Tobacco-free environments are not about forcing individuals to change their lifestyle or behavior. Rather, they intend to protect the greater campus community and college interests.Aren't college students adults who can make their own decisions about tobacco use?Just as college students can make their own decisions about tobacco use, Florida SouthWestern State College has a right to make decisions about tobacco use on campus and has an obligation to provide a safe environment for students, staff and visitors. This includes curtailing the use of known carcinogens such as secondhand smoke.Why should I comply?We realize that this policy may be taxing for tobacco users, but we hope that smokers will respect the right of their fellow members of the college community to breathe smoke-free air. We also hope that non-smokers who remind violators of the tobacco-free policy will do so with courtesy and civility.Why not ban other unhealthy substances, like high-fat foods?In accordance with its mission as an institution of higher education, Florida SouthWestern State College is continually seeking ways to create a healthier environment. In recent years, for example, we’ve added healthier food choices in our cafeterias and vending machines and sought to create a more sustainable environment through our recycling efforts. However, the health risks and damaging effects of tobacco use - including the harm to others from second-hand smoke - far surpass those of other unhealthy substances. Do I have to quit using tobacco?No. The College cannot compel you to quit using tobacco. You are encouraged, however, to use the resources found on our Tobacco Free webpage to learn more about the health risks associated with tobacco use and smoking cessation resources.

Contact Information

Note: Hours are subject to change between terms. Please contact the department for summer / between terms hours. Department Phone Number Hours Location General Information 863-674-0408 Monday - Thursday 8:30am - 6:00pm Friday 8:30am - 4:30pm *Extended hours may be offered during peak enrollment times. Front Desk, Building A ADAptive Services 863-674-6001 Please call to schedule an appointment. A-115 Admissions, Records, and Registration 863-674-6039 Monday - Thursday 8:30am - 4:30pm Friday 9:30am - Noon *Extended hours may be offered during peak enrollment times A-123 Academic Advising 863-674-6003 Monday - Thursday 8:30am - 4:30pm Friday 9:30am - Noon Evening advising available by appointment. Please schedule an appointment with your assigned advisor. A-115 Cashier 863-674-6000 Monday - Thursday 8:30am - 4:30pm Friday 9:30am - Noon A-123 Career Services 863-674-6003 Monday - Thursday 8:30am - 4:30pm Friday 9:30am - Noon A-115A FSW Online Testing Center 863-674-6004 More information about FSW Online Testing A-116B Testing and Assessment 863-674-6039 Monday - Thursday 8:30am - 4:30pm Friday 9:30am - Noon A-124

Nursing (AS)

Apply NowContact UsBecome a Registered Nurse.Florida SouthWestern State College’s accredited nursing program prepares you to become a Registered Nurse (RN) through classroom learning, hands-on labs, simulation training, and clinical experience. Graduate ready for the NCLEX-RN and a rewarding healthcare career. The ASN Program is a Limited Access Program Students must first be admitted to FSW, then submit a separate application to the ASN program to be considered for admission. Mission & VisionHelpful Links AccreditationLearning OutcomesAcademic StandardsAdmission RequirementsRN to BSNContact UsWhy FSW?MissionThe mission of the Florida SouthWestern nursing programs is to provide quality, affordable, nursing education programs within Southwest Florida communities.VisionFlorida SouthWestern State College nursing programs will be recognized as beacons of excellence in nursing education, valued for knowledge, skills, and professionalism of graduates practicing within healthcare communities.Prospective applicants interested in learning more about our ASN program, application requirements, and admission process may register for a virtual information session.The Fall 2026 application is currently open. All admission requirements, including the application, must be completed by May 15, 2026.The TEAS exam is an ASN application requirement. You can register for the exam here.Apply NowFlorida SouthWestern State College offers an Associate Degree in Nursing and a Completion Certificate in a Nurse Refresher Continuing Education course leading to professional licensure. Nursing requires both a degree and the successful completion of additional criteria such as licensure exams, field placements, or clinical hours. If your future plans include achieving licensure or certification, you should know the requirements vary by state.Graduates of the Associate in Science in Nursing (ASN) Program are prepared to become licensed as an entry level Registered Nurse (RN).The nursing curriculum incorporates classroom instruction, laboratory, simulation education, and clinical practice in the care of diverse populations. Local health facilities are utilized for clinical practice, including community agencies, acute care institutions, long-term and ambulatory care facilities. Graduates of the program possess knowledge, values, skills, and compassion: all are essential for professional nursing practice in a dynamic and rapidly changing health care environment.The ASN program is offered on the Charlotte, Collier, and Lee campuses. There are two schedule options available for each campus. The day schedule is offered primarily during daytime hours, Monday – Friday. The evening and weekend schedule is offered primarily evening hours Monday – Friday and weekends. Both schedules consist of classroom instruction, laboratory, simulation education, and clinical practice through multiple modalities including online and in person instruction. Students enrolled in the evening and weekend schedule, will have a Blended-On Campus modality for their didactic courses. In this blended course your professor will mix required on campus class meetings with online coursework. All exams will be held in person on campus. The synchronous online portion of the course may be live in a virtual Zoom classroom. All required class meeting dates and times will be posted in the course schedule for you to plan for. Both schedules will require the student to fully commit to the academic schedule put forth by the nursing department. Occasionally, students from either schedule may be assigned to complete clinical hours during day, evening, or weekend hours. Applicants are able to rank their campus and schedule preferences and once accepted, will remain with that assignment for the duration of the program. For the Associate Degree in Nursing program, completion of program requirements makes you eligible to apply to take the National Counsel Licensure Examination (NCLEX) RN in Florida or one of the other 27 nursing compact states if you are wanting to apply for a multi-state license under the enhanced Nurse Licensure Compact (eNLC). A list of current compact states can be located on the National Council of State Boards of Nursing website. If you are a student who resides outside of Florida or one of the compact states, Florida SouthWestern State College cannot confirm whether this degree program meets educational requirements for professional licensure in your state. Since the ASN program at Florida SouthWestern State College is nationally accredited, the curriculum should meet the requirements of other states; however, some states have requirements in addition to the program’s curriculum. If you wish to take the NCLEX exam in a non-compact state, please contact the board of nursing in that state to determine whether this degree or certificate program will meet their licensure requirements.Current occupational employment and wage data for Registered Nurses are published by the United States Department of Labor's Bureau of Labor Statistics.Downloads and LinksAS Nursing Program MapAS Nursing (LPN to RN) Program MapView the Program of Study in the 2025-26 College Catalog Registered Nurses Career Information Registered Nurses Wage Statistics2025-2026 Program Cost Sheet (PDF)Fall 2024 Admissions Profile (PDF)Spring 2025 Admissions Profile (PDF)BSN Degree Completion Program for Licensed Registered Nurses (RN)StudentAchievementOutcomeDataASN (PDF)2025-2026 AY SON Handbook (PDF) AccreditationThe Associate and Baccalaureate of Science degree nursing programs at Florida SouthWestern State College at the Charlotte, Collier, and Lee campuses located in Punta Gorda, Naples, and Fort Myers, Florida are accredited by the:Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing (ACEN) 3390 Peachtree Road NE, Suite 1400 Atlanta, GA 30326 (404) 975-5000 https://www.acenursing.org/*The most recent accreditation decision made by the ACEN Board of Commissioners for the Associate of Science in Nursing program is Continuing Accreditation.End of Program Student Learning OutcomesUpon successful completion of the ASN Program, the graduate will be able to: Interprofessional collaboration: Build effective nursing and interprofessional collaborative relationships through open communication, mutual respect, and shared decision-making to achieve quality care outcomes. Information Literacy and healthcare technology: Demonstrate effective use of information and healthcare technology to deliver high-quality nursing care. Social Determinants of Health: Provide compassionate, respectful nursing care that embraces differing beliefs, practices, and lifestyles to meet the needs of healthcare recipients. Professional identity: Demonstrate the knowledge, skills, and attitudes of the professional nurse while upholding the legal, ethical, and regulatory standards of nursing practice. Contemporary evidence-based practice: Integrate contemporary evidence-based practice to provide safe quality nursing care.Student Achievement Outcome DataStudent achievement outcome data (PDF) provides evidence to demonstrate the extent to which FSW Nursing graduates are adequately prepared. This information is updated annually and made publicly accessible.Degree Requirements and Program LengthThe ASN degree consists of 72 credit hours. These hours include General Education (16 credits), Program Specific Courses (14 credits), and Nursing Core Courses (42 credits). The Nursing Core Courses will be completed after acceptance into the ASN program over four fall/spring semesters. Prior to graduation of the Nursing Program, students must complete all General Education and Program Specific Courses outlined in the program of study. The Traditional and Evening/Weekend schedules for the AS Nursing Program will both require discipline and commitment. Nursing education is rigorous and must be top priority from first semester through graduation to be successful on the NCLEX-RN licensing exam and to become a professional Nurse.LPN Florida Department of Education Gold Standard and Statewide Articulation AgreementsThis Gold Standard Career Pathways Statewide Articulation Agreement guarantees the minimum award of course credits or a block of credit toward the above AAS/AS program is 11 hours of credit. This agreement does not preclude the awarding of additional credits by any college through local agreements. The Licensed Practical Nurse certification, or National Licensed Practical Nurse (NCLEX-PN) certification represents industry acknowledgement of technical skill attainment of competencies in the Nursing (Associate Degree) R.N. program. To be eligible for articulation, the student must show evidence of their current Licensed Practical Nurse certification, or National Licensed Practical Nurse (NCLEX-PN) certification and it must have been issued within three (3) years prior to their enrollment in the program.If space permits, Florida SouthWestern State College offers LPNs, meeting the application and agreement requirements, the option to accept an ASE1000 block of 11 credits. The ASE1000 block consists of Level I AS Degree Nursing Core Courses: NUR1020C, NUR1068C, and NUR2092.Academic Standards and Progression PoliciesAcademic standards in the ASN Program are very rigorous and require full-time commitment.Admission to the program and completion of the curriculum does not guarantee the award of RN licensure by the Board of Nursing.A grade of C or higher must be earned in General Education (16 credits) and program specific (14 credits) courses.Attendance and punctuality are mandatory for all classes. The third and each subsequent classroom absence and/or partial absence will result in a 5-point deduction from the final course grade.Attendance (100%) is required for all laboratory, simulation, and clinical activities.A clinical failure may result if more than two clinicals are missed.A minimum percent score of 77% on exams must be earned in each Nursing/NUR course in order to progress in the program. A score of less than 77% earned in a Nursing/NUR course, according to the syllabus grading requirement, will result in a course failure.All assignments, including clinical requirements, must be completed and turned in prior to the administration of the final examination.If a minimum percent score of 77% is not achieved in two (2) or more Nursing/NUR courses, dismissal from the program may result.Prior to withdrawal from a course, the student must meet with an advisor to discuss financial aid and academic progression.Students who must repeat a course are responsible for any new/additional charges such as curricular changes, student fees, or other associated program fees.Dismissal from the nursing program will occur if a student is deemed unsafe or unprofessional in clinical practice/patient care.Enrollment and Reapplication GuidelinesFlorida SouthWestern State College permits individuals a maximum of two (2) enrollments in the Associate of Science in Nursing (ASN) program. This limit applies regardless of the outcome of each enrollment or the point at which the student exited the program. Students who are dismissed from the ASN program, whether for academic or administrative reasons, are required to observe a mandatory waiting period of twenty-four (24) months from the date of dismissal before submitting a new application. Reapplication following this period is not guaranteed and will be subject to the current admissions criteria and space availability at the time of submission. Prospective students are strongly encouraged to review program expectations and ensure they are prepared to meet the academic and professional standards required for successful completion of the ASN program.Admission Requirements & ProcessApplication CyclesFall Semester (August): September 16th through May 15thSpring Semester (January): May 16th through September 15thApplication RequirementsFall 2025/Spring 2026 Admit/Advising Plan (PDF)Fall 2025/Spring 2026 LPN Articulation Admit/Advising Plan (PDF)ProcessAfter the application deadline, applicants are evaluated based on the application requirements (see PDF under Application Requirements). Acceptance to the program is based on the following:Evaluation of application requirementsClearance of a college-approved criminal background check and drug testing.Applicants will be notified when to complete this step, and it will be at their expense.Campus and schedule preferencesSpace availabilityPrior to the first day of class, Students must have successfully completed the following:Student Health FormImmunizationsScreening for tuberculosis (TB)Certification in American Heart Association Basic Life Support for Healthcare Providers (CPR and AED)Proof of personal health insurance throughout enrollment in the program, naming the student and dates of coverage.RN to BSN Nursing Career LadderCredits earned in the ASN program will count towards the related baccalaureate Nursing degree completion (RN to BSN) program under the provisions of Florida Rule 6A-10.024. This creates a career ladder so that students can proceed toward their educational objectives as rapidly as their circumstances permit. Please note that ASN graduates will be required to complete all General Education, Program Specific Courses, Foreign Language competence, and earn the Florida Registered Nursing RN credential before admission to the RN to BSN program at FSW. For more information, please refer to the RN to BSN Academic Program Page.Program Contact InformationProspective applicants interested in learning more about our ASN program, application requirements, and admission process, should register for a virtual information session. For additional questions, please email: nursing@fsw.edu