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Thank you for choosing Florida Gulf Coast University. Taking college credit while you are finishing your high school requirements can give you a good start into higher education. We hope these FAQs will answer most of your questions.  Please review them carefully.  Please visit http://www.fgcu.edu/Admissions/Prospective/de-ea.html or http://enrollment.fgcu.edu/advising/acceleratedprograms.htm for more information about the Dual Enrollment and Early Admissions process.

• What is Dual Enrollment?

It is a program that allows eligible juniors and seniors, currently attending a high school within a school district under contractual agreement with FGCU, to concurrently enroll in college courses here at FGCU.  The program allows high school students the ability to simultaneously earn college credit towards a post secondary degree at FGCU that will also count as credit toward a high school diploma.  Students will be attending school at both high school (or being home schooled) and part-time (less than 12 credit hours) at FGCU. 

• What is Early Admissions?

The Early Admissions program is very similar to the Dual Enrollment Program, however you must be a high school senior to participate in the program and must take all of your coursework at FGCU.   

• What are the eligibility requirements for the DE/EA Program?

Eligibility requirements for both the DE / EA Programs include the following:
 

1.      3.3 grade point average

2.      Test score of 23 on ACT or higher

3.      Test score of 1100 on SAT or higher

4.      Have written approval of high school Principal or designee

5.      Have written approval of parent or guardian

6.      Please see high school Guidance Counselor for more information 

• How do I apply?

The first step is for an interested student to meet with his/her high school guidance counselor to determine eligibility for the program.  Each dual enrolled high school student must obtain permission form his/her guidance counselor and complete the required Early Admission/Dual Enrollment Authorization Form before submitting an admissions application to Florida Gulf Coast University.
 

• Who has to sign the High School Dual Enrollment Form?

The student, parent or guardian, and high school Guidance Counselor and/or Principal all sign.  Your high school needs to sign off on the “Approval” side of the form to let you take college classes. 

• Will I get a College Grade?

Yes.  The courses taken at FGCU will count for both high school unit requirements and for college credit.  Registering for an academic course means you will receive a grade and have a college transcript.  A transcript is a permanent, historical record of courses attempted and completed.  Any courses you are still enrolled in after the drop date will appear on your college transcript along with the earned grade.  These are permanent and cannot be removed or changed.  

• What is the procedure for getting my books for the semester?

It is very important that you get your Dual Enrollment Reimbursement Request Course Form from your Guidance Counselor. You will present this form to a FGCU bookstore staff person at the beginning of the semester to request for books.  FGCU will file for reimbursement with the County and get paid back by the final class day of the semester. 

 After withdrawal, or conclusion of a semester, students will return books to the FGCU bookstore.  A receipt for the returned materials will be issued to the student.  The bookstore receipt must be presented to the high school DE / EA Program Coordinator or Guidance Counselor.

*First it is important to note that only students enrolled in the public school system can receive their books at no charge because the county from which they live is reimbursing FGCU for their books.                                                    

• What can I take in college?

The counseling staff at the high school shall advise students according to their high school graduation requirements.  The University counselors will also make recommendations, help create student schedule’s and monitor student’s progress.  Click here for a list of courses that will be accepted for credit by all Florida state universities. The University shall accept the signature of the High School Principal or designee on the form as decisive regarding acceptability of the credits towards high school graduation requirements. 

• What if I want out of a class or change my schedule?

You will need the authorization of your Guidance Counselor or parent to amend your schedule during the Drop/Add period that is communicated through the Academic Calendar.  Then you will need to see a university advisor in First Year Advising to make the changes in Gulfline. 

• Can my parents or school get information of my educational records?? FERPA

You are protected under FERPA (a federal privacy law), which means that we can only discuss your progress and performance with others if we have your (the student’s) permission.  However, we will need to have all Dual Enrollment students in our program to sign an Authorization to Release Educational Information to A Third Party Form.  This allows FGCU the ability to release student’s educational records (grades) to their High Schools for transcript purposes. 

• Will my college grade affect my high school GPA?

Yes.  Your college grade may impact your high school grade, activities, and eligibilities as well as graduation requirements.  The Center for Academic Achievement (CAA) provides free academic assistance to all FGCU students.  It is a great opportunity for students to enhance their GPA. 

• Is it mandatory to have my immunization shots taken care of before I can register classes?

Yes. It is Florida State law that immunization documentation must be on file prior to registration of classes.  You may fax documentation to the Student Health Services at (239) 590-7968.  If you have any questions you can call them at (239) 590-7966.  

• Is it mandatory to attend an Eagle View Orientation session?

Yes.  It is mandatory that DE students attend one of the two orientation sessions scheduled for our students.  It is to their benefit that they attend a session so that they are updated on information about the university and it’s resources.  Please visit the Eagle View Orientation website for dates. 

• When do I apply to FGCU?

Students enrolled in the Early Admission program may continue as degree students at FGCU upon submission of a final high school transcript.   No additional application or fee is required.

Students enrolled in the Dual Enrollment program wishing to continue at FGCU must submit a regular degree application, application fee and a final high school transcript.   The application will be evaluated in the same manner as a lower level transfer student.  Check dates for application deadlines. 
 

• What are the steps I need to take to re-enroll back into FGCU?
   

1)      Submit the following items:

a.      Completed admissions application

b.      Official high school transcript

c.       Completed FGCU Authorization Form

d.      Completed Instructional Materials Form (if applicable)

e.       Documentation of immunizations

2) Visit Undergraduate Admissions