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Legislative Reports

This section provides a comprehensive archive of the annual legislative reports, summarizing the key bills and legislative actions from each session that impact FSW. These reports serve as a resource for understanding changes in state policies, funding allocations, and regulatory updates that influence our institution's operations and programs. Explore the reports below to stay informed about the evolving legislative landscape and its implications for the FSW community.2025 Legislative Session Report (PDF) 2024 Legislative Session Report (PDF)

Employee Self-Service

To provide ease and convenience to our employees, payroll and benefit information can be viewed online 24/7 through the FSW portal. Employees are also able to print pay stubs, W-4 exemption certificates and electronic W-2’s at any time.Below is a quick tutorial on using the portal and the information available to view.View this PDF on Using Self-Service Tutorial for more information.

Client Portal Facilities

Time Sheets

All full-time and part-time non-exempt (under the Fair Labor Standards Act- FLSA) employees are required to complete a time sheet each pay period. All time sheets whether paper or electronic must be approved by the employee’s supervisor and submitted by the posted payroll deadline.Full-Time Non-Exempt EmployeesComplete the form B0-030 Payroll Full-Time Non-Exempt Time Sheet and submit the signed and approved time sheet to payroll by the posted payroll deadline.Please click on the instructions below for completing a time sheet:Completing Your Time Sheet FT Non-ExemptPayroll Full-Time Non-Exempt Time SheetStudent Worker and Part-Time Non-Exempt EmployeesStudent Worker and Part-time employees now complete their time sheets electronically via web time entry on the FSW portal. Web time sheets must be submitted for approval by the posted payroll deadlines. If an employee misses the deadline to submit, they will be required to complete a manual or paper version of a time sheet, Form B0-029 Payroll Part-Time Hourly Time Sheet. The manual time sheet must be completed, printed and signed by both the employee and supervisor prior to being submitted to payroll for processing. All manual time sheets that are submitted after the deadline will be processed on the following pay cycle.How To Use the New Employee Web-time Entry FormClick the on the instructions below for completing a web time (electronic) time sheet:How To: Use the New Employee Web-time Entry FormClick on the instructions below for completing a manual (paper) time sheet:Completing a Manual (Paper) Time Sheet InstructionsPayroll Part-Time Hourly Time SheetFor Supervisors Approving Web-time Entry Time SheetsHow To Approve New Web-Time Entry Time Sheets Click on the instructions below for how supervisors approve employee time sheets:How To: Approve New Web-Time Entry Time Sheets

Deductions and Garnishments

DeductionsThere are several types of deductions that are processed through payroll. There are payroll taxes such as Federal, Alternate Social Security, Social Security and Medicare. Employee and Employer paid benefit deductions such as health, dental, life or vision and employee voluntary contributions to organizations like The United Way or the Florida SouthWestern State College Foundation.We have provided a list of eligible pre and post-tax payroll deductions to help you better understand your pay stub. ** Payroll Deduction Code Report **GarnishmentsA garnishment is an order that directs Florida SouthWestern State College to withhold money from your pay check and to forward that money to the court or garnishing agency for payment of a debt you owe. Your wages can be garnished because of debts related to tax levies, creditor garnishments, student loans, bankruptcy, alimony or child support. We understand that these matters are confidential and can be stressful.In most cases, once an order has been received, we are required to process it by the next pay cycle, but we will make every effort to notify you of the order prior to the deduction being processed through payroll. Garnishments cannot be removed without receiving an Order to Release Levy from the original issuing authority. OverpaymentsThere are times due to contract changes or course cancellations that we find that an employee has been overpaid. We will do everything in our power to notify you of any action taken and the reason for the collection; however, we do reserve the right to immediately collect any overpayments made to an employee once the overpayment is discovered.

Pay Checks

Since the payroll department issues more than 26,000 payroll payments each year, we have elected to provide pay stubs electronically to all direct deposit users. This not only saves the College money, but allows the employees to access their pay information quickly and easily.All Paper Paychecks are mailed to the recipient’s address on file, if you elect direct deposit please be aware that your 1st check is a paper check and will be mailed to your address on file. If you would like to pick up your check, please notify us immediately by email at payroll@fsw.edu and we will hold your check in the payroll office in Building N on Lee campus. Please be sure to bring photo identification with you to claim your check.Employees can view and print their pay stubs at any time by following the instructions belowLog into the portal at https://experience.elluciancloud.com/fssc41Click on the "Employee Services" tabClick on "Pay Information"Click on "Pay Stub"Select Year and click "Display"Click on the individual pay stub date that you would like to view (highlighted in blue)To print, scroll down to the bottom of your pay stub and click "Printer Friendly"Go to "File" select "Print"Lost ChecksIf you have lost your pay check, you must notify the payroll department immediately and complete the Payroll Stop Payment Reissue Check Request form. We will issue a stop payment order on the check and will issue a replacement check once the bank has confirmed that the check was not cashed. This takes up to seven (7) business days to complete. Once the replacement check has been processed, payroll will contact you to let you know when the check can be picked up.

Duty Days and Payroll Calculations

Duty DaysIn order to receive full pay, employees must work all of the duty days assigned. Regular full-time staff are expected to work 243 duty days per fiscal year and full-time regular faculty are expected to work 166 duty days per fiscal year.See the Board Approved Duty Day Calendar for both regular staff and regular faculty.Payroll CalculationsThere are times when a payroll calculation is necessary to accurately pay employees. Calculations will occur when an employee is unable to work all of the assigned duty days in any given fiscal year.New HiresIf an employee is hired after the beginning of our fiscal year (July 1st), a calculation will be done based on the number of duty days the employee will be physically working for the remainder of the fiscal year. This can result in a positive or negative adjustment. Full-time employees will receive a New Hire Letter outlining any adjustments that will be made to their first pay check.Leave of AbsenceWhen an employee returns from an unpaid leave of absence, a payroll calculation will be completed based on the number of days the employee was on leave without pay. In most cases this results in a negative impact to the employee’s first paycheck upon return from leave.TerminationIf an employee leaves Florida SouthWestern State College prior to the close of the fiscal year (June 30th), a calculation will be done based on the number of duty days the employee physically worked. This could result in a positive or negative impact to the employee's final pay check.

Off-Cycle (On Demand) Payroll Requests

Off Cycle Payment Requests are for emergency purposes only and should be considered only if the employee has received less than 75% of their regular pay.To request that an on demand payroll be processed please complete the form On Demand Payroll Request in its entirety. Once completed and approved, it can be routed to the Payroll Department for processing.On Demand payments will be processed each Wednesday morning for payment on Friday. All on demand payroll requests must be completed, signed and submitted to Payroll no later than Tuesday at 4:00pm in order to be processed for that week.If the form is not completed or if any signatures are missing, we will return the incomplete form to the department for correction. Once the form has been corrected, it can be resubmitted to payroll for processing. If the deadline is missed, the request will be processed on the following week.

Retirement Accounts

There are many options for saving for your retirement and we highly encourage all employees to become familiar with the programs offered at Florida SouthWestern State College. TSA Consulting Group, Inc.TSA - More InformationTSA is our third party administrator for our 403b and 457 voluntary retirement plans. 403(b) and 457 plans serve to supplement employer sponsored pension plans. Contributions to these plans are taken via a pre-tax payroll deduction.We have included the website specifically designed for Florida SouthWestern State College employees. Here you can find a wealth of information relating to the available retirement plans, plan documentation, approved providers list, an employee educational video, and the forms necessary to complete actions such as distributions or hardship withdrawals.403(b) 457 Annual Notice ART System What Is Art? | Art HelpART is an online transaction and recordkeeping system developed by TSA Consulting for participants to use when requesting loans, rollovers, distributions, and contract exchanges from 403(b) accounts. This system is known as the ART system (Aggregated Records & Transactions) and will expedite the time required to process transaction requests. BENCOR Alternate Social Security Bencor PlansThe FICA Alternative Plan is a defined contribution plan authorized under Section 401(a) of the Internal Revenue Code. BENCOR, Inc. is the plan administrator for Florida SouthWestern State College. In lieu of paying 6.2% of your wages for Social Security taxes, you will now contribute 7.5% of your pre-tax wages into an investment account in your name. Medicare contributions at 1.45% will continue to be withheld from your paychecks. Participation in this plan is mandatory for all eligible employees. You will be automatically enrolled or un-enrolled by the College as your salary plan status changes during your employment with Florida SouthWestern State College.Easy Access Information Alternative Social Security Easy Access Flyer 401(a) Special Pay Out Easy Access FlyerFlorida Retirement System (FRS) MyFRS HomeThe FRS is an employee and employer contributory retirement plan. The rules surrounding FRS including the contribution rates are determined by the Florida Legislature and are reviewed yearly. One of the requirements of the State is that all full time and part time regular employees must participate in the FRS. Additional information regarding FRS can be viewed on the Human Resources website or on the FRS website, above.New Employee FRS Booklet

Foreign Nationals/Non-Resident Aliens

The reporting and withholding rules for payments to Non Resident Aliens (NRAs) differ significantly from those payments made to US Citizens or Resident Aliens.All new hires who are non U.S. citizens are required to complete the "Foreign National Information Form". Copies of the employee’s Social Security card, Passport, I-94, I-20 and/or IAP66 forms must also be attached to the completed form and submitted to payroll before any payroll payment can be made to the employee. ** Foreign National Information Form (PDF) **After the Foreign National Information Form has been reviewed by payroll, the employee will be notified whether or not they are classified as a resident alien or a nonresident alien for tax purposes only.If a tax treaty exists between your home country and the United States, you can elect to use this tax treaty each year you are employed with FSW. If you elect the available tax treaty, IRS Form 8233 must be completed in its entirety and submitted to payroll along with a signed written statement of citizenship. These forms will be sent by payroll to the IRS for approval. ** IRS Instructions for Form 8233 (PDF) | IRS Form 8233 (PDF) **If an employee is considered a nonresident alien, they cannot claim "EXEMPT" on their W-4 form. A non-resident alien must claim "single" regardless of actual marital status and only one (1) exemption allowance is permitted. If it is found that the employee’s tax exemptions are not in compliance, a new W-4 form will need to be completed.Florida Southwestern State College will report wages paid to a nonresident which are exempt under a tax treaty on IRS Form 1042-S. Any additional wages over and above the exempt amount are reported on Form W-2. Employees who are not eligible for a tax treaty or do not elect to use an available tax treaty will receive Form W-2 only. These forms will be sent to the employee’s home address we have on file. If the employee elects to receive their W-2 electronically, they will only receive Form 1042-S in the mail. The W-2 can be printed by the employee on the FSW Portal.

Payroll Forms and Calendars

Learning Assessment Committee Meetings

The Learning Assessment Committee meets the first Friday of each month during the academic year from 2:00 PM - 3:30 PM.Meeting Minutes

Learning Assessment Committee

PurposeThe Learning Assessment Committee (LAC) supports continuous improvement in student learning by developing best practices for assessment, guiding faculty in using data and technology to enhance teaching, and fostering collaboration across the college to strengthen courses, programs, and General Education. Kelsea CidProfessor of Mathematics, Chair of the Learning Assessment Committee Members Name Position School Primary Campus Kelsea Cid (Chair) Professor, Mathematics SoPAS Lee Dolores Batiato Professor, Business SoBT Lee Adriel Brito Llera Professor, Biology/Environmental Science SoPAS Hendry/Glades Krissy Cabral Professor, Criminal Justice SoBT Lee Meghan Carlson Professor, Mathematics SoPAS Collier Marius Coman Professor, Physics SoPAS Collier Mary Conwell Professor, Paralegal Studies SoBT Lee Thomas Donaldson Professor, History SoAHSS Charlotte Susan Foster Program Director, Health Information Technology & Medical Coding & Billing SoAH Lee Renee Hester Professor, College Prep Reading SoAHSS Lee Henry Rownd Professor, Humanities SoAHSS Lee Eric Seelau Professor, Psychology SoAHSS Lee Amy Trogan Professor, English SoAHSS Lee Richard Worch Professor, Public Safety Administration SoBT Lee Terry Zamor Professor, Developmental Math SoPAS Lee Rebecca Harris Assistant Vice President, Collegewide Curriculum & Academic Enhancement Administration Lee Jennifer Summary Associate Dean, Arts, Humanities, & Social Sciences Administration Lee Joseph van Gaalen Assistant Vice President, Institutional Research, Assessment and Effectiveness Administration Lee

Effectiveness Coordinators

PurposeThe Faculty Coordinator, Effectiveness, has a broad role in leading assessment with the School(s)’s departments. The Coordinator meets with department leaders, course leads, program leads, as needed, to discuss course level assessment and general education assessment in terms of the current role(s) of assessment within the area; the current assessment tool(s) being utilized and their efficiency; the logistical parameters required by the assessment tool(s), and helps develop/guide development of assessment through the support of Team AASPIRE if assessment tool(s) are not in place appropriately. The role requires initial training, participation in School/Department meetings, and interaction with multiple constituents.Meeting MinutesMeeting Minutes ReportsAY 2025-26 Effectiveness Coordinators:Monique HarringtonHumanities, Fine Arts, Academic Success, English, EducationElijah PritchettCommunication Studies, Foreign Languages, Social SciencesSusan FosterAllied HealthMichele PelletierComputer ScienceDorothy ThompsonBusinessMatthew HoffmanPublic Administration, Crime Scene Technology, Criminology, ParalegalTina ChurchillMath and SciencesTiffany ThomasNursing

Course Level Assessment

At Florida SouthWestern State College, faculty engage in course-level assessment to inform improvement, measure achievement and make curricular and programmatic decisions.Curricular Assessment Determining achievement of student learning outcomes and success of courses Choosing instructional methods and strategies Deciding whether to increase or decrease time or emphasis on student learning outcomes Selecting texts or material Determining a focus for professional development Improving assignments to better align with stated outcomesProgrammatic Assessment Determining course sequence and necessary prerequisites Demonstrating preparedness of program completers Determining budgetary focus Measuring achievement of stated goals and outcomes and demonstrating efficacy of courses and programsAnnual Course-Level Assessment PlansAY 2025-2026 Course Level Assessment Plan (PDF)AY 2024-2025 Course Level Assessment Plan (PDF)AY 2023-2024 Course Level Assessment Plan (PDF)AY 2022-2023 Course Level Assessment Plan (PDF)AY 2021-2022 Course Level Assessment Plan (PDF)AY 2020-2021 Course Level Assessment Plan (PDF)AY 2019-2020 Course Level Assessment Plan (PDF)AY 2018-2019 Course Level Assessment Plan (PDF)AY 2017-2018 Course Level Assessment Plan (PDF)AY 2016-2017 Course Level Assessment Plan (PDF)AY 2015-2016 Course Level Assessment Plan (PDF)AY 2014-2015 Course Level Assessment Plan (PDF)Support for General Education Assessment and course-level assessment is provided by: Dr. Joseph van Gaalen, Asst. VP of Institutional Research, Assessment, and Effectiveness Gracie Soza, Coordinator, Assessment and Effectiveness Jessica Godwin, Coordinator, Accountability, Effectiveness and Grants

Assessment Resources

What You Can Find on This Page Assessment plays a pivotal role in informing decisions at higher education institutions like FSW. Looking through the resources here can help you learn more about assessment and how it is collected, analyzed, and implemented. Whether you are learning about assessment for the first time or you are a professional in the field, there is something here for you. Assessment OrganizationsThese organizations have a specialized focus on assessment in higher education with communities of educators and professionals committed to improving student learning. Throughout these organizations you can find professional development opportunities, resources, reports, publications, conferences, and more. Conferences held by both the Assoc. for Assessment of Learning in Higher Ed. and the Assessment Institute have been attended by Team AASPIRE in the past. So, if you want to hear more, be sure to reach out to us.National Institute for Learning Outcome AssessmentAssociation for the Assessment of Learning in Higher EducationThe Assessment Institute in IndianapolisInstitutional ResourcesThese are external resources from other universities committed to improving assessment and student learning. On their websites you can find even more information about assessment and what it looks like at their institutions, more resources, guides for improving assessment, and learning opportunities for educators. Drexel University – ResourcesIndiana University Bloomington – Assessing Student LearningTexas A&M University – Assessment 101University of Oregon – Improve CurriculaToronto Metropolitan University – Designing AssessmentsThe University of Sydney – Courses in Assessment for Educators Assessment LiteratureThis article discusses the use of precise assessment and instruction to better inform how to teach students critical thinking skills.Elder, L, and Paul, R. (2007). Consequential validity: Using assessment to drive instruction.In: Foundation For Critical Thinking. Retrieved from http://www.criticalthinking.org.A discussion of the success Juniata College had with its faculty led assessment by connecting assessment to program reviews, tying assessment into faculty interests, having administrative support, and more.Jankowski, N. (2011, July). Juniata College: Faculty led assessment. (Case Studies: Juniata College). Juniata College, National Institute for Learning Outcomes Assessment (NILOA). https://www.learningoutcomesassessment.org/wp-content/uploads/2019/10/JuniataCaseStudy.pdf A discussion of Colorado State University’s (CSU) Plan for Researching Improvement and Supporting Mission (PRISM) system of continuous improvement and other strategies used by CSU to enhance assessment and student learning. Kinzie, J. (2011, August). Colorado State University: A comprehensive continuous improvement system. (Case Studies: Colorado State University). Colorado State University, National Institute for Learning Outcomes Assessment (NILOA). https://www.learningoutcomesassessment.org/wp-content/uploads/2019/08/ColoradoStateUniversity.pdf This book highlights the growing importance student learning evidence and the key role that assessment plays in it while also providing educators and professionals advice on how to improve the two. Kuh, D., Ikenberry, S., Jankowski, N., Cain, T., Ewell, P., Hutchings, P. and Kinzie, J. (2015). Using evidence of student learning to improve higher education. Jossey-Bass: San Franciso, CA.This resource provides key information about accreditation and the elements of the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC), FSW’s accreditor. SACSCOC Principles of Accreditation This article discusses the important and unique role that student affairs professionals could play in student learning when properly integrated with assessment. Schuh, J. H., & Gansemer-Topf, A. M. (2010, December). The role of student affairs in student learning assessment. (Occasional Paper No. 7). Urbana, IL: University of Illinois and Indiana University, National Institute for Learning Outcomes Assessment (NILOA). https://www.learningoutcomesassessment.org/wp-content/uploads/2019/02/OccasionalPaper7.pdf This updated second edition of the landmark book provides important information about assessing student learning for invested faculty and staff. This is a must have if you want a deep understanding of assessment and is a Team AASPIRE favorite.Suskie, L. (2009). Assessing student learning: A common sense guide. John Wiley & Sons, Incorporated. The second edition version of this book provides a step-by-step guide of the assessment process and details on important factors such as student learning and institution-wide assessment.Walvoord, B. E. (2010). Assessment clear and simple: A practical guide for institutions, departments, and general education. John Wiley & Sons, Incorporated.

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General Education Competencies

Current General Education CompetenciesCommunicate clearly in a variety of modes and mediaAcquire communication and rhetorical literacy in order to speak and write effectively, express one’s knowledge, read critically, analyze rhetorically, and synthesize information, skills necessary to furthering one’s own educational and occupational goals. Understand, evaluate, and discuss rhetoric, argument, and persuasion in a variety of contexts. Critically examine evidence, interpret and integrate information, identify solutions and potential outcomes, and apply rhetorical and communication literacies to the real world.Rubric for Communicate (Written) and (Oral)Research and examine academic and non-academic information, resources, and evidenceUnderstand how scholars across all academic disciplines investigate and speak to the human condition. Conduct in-depth, reflective, and ethical research about the dynamics of the human condition and the physical world in order to acquire information literacy, refine critical thinking and analytical skills, and sharpen intellectual focus. Effectively locate, interpret, manage and use information and evidence from academic and non-academic sources in order to create original projects that engender meaningful learning in the classroom and beyond.Rubric for ResearchExemplar for ResearchEvaluate and utilize mathematical principles, technology, scientific and quantitative dataUnderstand and apply the scientific method, as well as quantitative and qualitative research methods, to a variety of questions and concepts, not limited only to those dealing with scientific understanding. Modify, test, and reevaluate previously held mathematical or scientific theories and beliefs based on new information, as well as engage in the continuous search for truth. Examine how mathematical, scientific, and technological reasoning are integral to communication and provide foundations for further inquiry. Acquire literacy in scientific and quantitative reasoning in order to evaluate new and old ideas and better understand the natural world, our role in it, and our potential for transformation.Rubric for EvaluateExemplar for EvaluateAnalyze and create individual and collaborative works of art, literature, and performanceAcquire cultural literacy and foster creative thinking by examining the visual, artistic, literary, and inventive endeavors of humankind. Understand histories of creative thought, nurture personal creativity, and strengthen human relationships. Engage with the material culture, creative productions, and humanistic traditions of diverse cultures to examine human values and life across the world. Understand how human innovations in the arts, sciences, and humanities have changed the world and produced the societies in which we all live, as well as how diverse communities and societies interact in order to produce new forms of knowledge and culture.Rubric for AnalyzeThink critically about questions to yield meaning and valueApply intellectual standards and critical thinking to confront issues central to the human experience. Evaluate, read widely in, and analyze the thinking of others through a variety of fiction and nonfiction genres across disciplines. Evaluate and consider new technologies and their effects on human life and the world. Improvise and seek out new ideas and solutions to complex problems in order to improve one’s own thinking and foster maturity of judgment. Employ ethical decision-making and develop sound arguments using critical thinking.Rubric for ThinkExemplar for ThinkInvestigate and engage in the transdisciplinary applications of research, learning, and knowledgeDiscover and apply new ideas when required to break with traditional systems of thought. Foster systemic problem-solving habits that require thinking in terms of patterns, relationships, and context. Empathize and engage with others from diverse backgrounds in order to develop, understand, evaluate and assess information and generate solutions to important local, national, and global problems. Collaboratively work with others to creatively transfer knowledge and learning to a variety of new contexts. Learn different approaches to intellectual inquiry, test theories for issues that confront our communities, and imagine solutions to complex problems in the academy, the workplace, and the world.Rubric for InvestigateExemplars for InvestigateVisualize and engage the world from different historical, social, religious, and cultural approachesUnderstand how history, culture, and society shape and inform the human condition in the successful pursuit of academic and occupational goals. Understand how diverse cultures have interacted with, and continue to connect with, each other on a global scale. Engage in the comparative study of the values and traditions of diverse cultures. Understand and navigate the conventions, knowledge formations, practices, and discursive norms of society, culture, and the academy in order to improve and analyze one’s own thinking, value diversity, and cultivate an open-minded approach to new ideas and social issues.Rubric for VisualizeExemplar for VisualizeEngage meanings of active citizenship in one’s community, nation, and the worldDevelop an understanding of the individual’s relationship to their communities and the world, including the need for personal physical and mental well-being, in order to foster a sense of social responsibility. Read and consider historical and political texts and analyze different political points of view in order to develop effective political and civic decision-making and consider policy solutions to complex civic and political problems. Encourage active participation in the processes of local, national, and global citizenship and government. Acquire political and civic literacy through a deeper understanding of national and global politics, as well as the obligations of the individual to society, their communities, and the world.Rubric for EngageExemplar for EngageCompetency CoverageBreakdown of “Integral” Competencies by School and DepartmentGraph: Integral Competencies by School

Tax Withholding

W-4 FormsAll employees are required to complete a W-4 form upon being hired at FS. This form remains active unless you choose to update it electronically through the employee portal.We encourage every employee to review their current tax withholding exemptions annually to ensure the information is still accurate.You can view, print, or update your W-4 form at any time by following these steps:Log into MyFSW employee portal On the Human Resources tab, select View Employee DashboardChoose TaxesClick on W-4 Employee's Withholding Allowance CertificateClick Update at the bottom center of the screenMake any necessary changes and click Certify Changes to saveClaiming Exemption from Federal Withholding?If you have claimed an exemption from income tax withholding on the W-4 form, the IRS requires employees to renew that status at the beginning of each year by completing a new W-4. Need Assistance completing the W-4 form?The IRS provides a Withholding Calculator to help ensure that you pay the correct amount of Federal Income Tax. The calculator will help to make sure that you do not have too much or too little income tax withheld from your pay. Click the link to the IRS website http://www.irs.gov/Individuals/IRS-Withholding-Calculator