Enrollment Services Policies/Procedures
Collection of Student Social Security Numbers (SSN)
Federal legislation relating to the American Opportunity Tax Credit requires that all postsecondary institutions report student Social Security numbers 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 College is authorized by IRS to fine the student $50. Refusal to disclose the SSN also may affect a student’s ability to receive financial aid and transfer coursework. Palm Beach State College protects students’ personal information. More information regarding the security of student records is listed in the Academic Policies section of the catalog.
Student Right to Privacy
The College respects students’ personal information and protects information carefully. A student’s Social Security number is not used as the student’s primary identifier (although it is collected); an institutional Student ID number is assigned for student use to access records and receive services.
Conditions for Admission
At the point of application and payment of the appropriate application fee, students applying to take credit or vocational courses will receive an acceptance communication with 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 the College within one term or they may not register for subsequent terms. Students can check any account holds and required tasks via their Workday account.
All international student transcripts and commercial evaluations, if applicable, must be received before the first term of enrollment will be permitted. Transcripts are required prior to awarding financial aid recipients. Some programs have additional admissions requirements. Refer to the Degrees and Certificates section in this catalog. If applicable, students should also check the high school dual enrollment and early admission information as well as the international students’ information, both of which are presented in this Admissions section.
Insurance
The College assumes no responsibility for accidents that may occur, or expenses incurred from accidents; therefore, students are encouraged to secure adequate insurance to cover any medical expenses they might incur. Students participating in College activities or enrolled in certain programs may also be required to secure insurance.
Insurance is mandatory for all international students on an F-1 visa. Contact the International Student Office for more information.
Nondiscrimination Policy
Palm Beach State College, an equal access/equal opportunity institution, complies with all applicable state and federal laws granting rights to applicants for employment or admission to the College, employees, and students and therefore does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, creed, ethnicity, national origin, gender, sex, sexual orientation, age, religion, marital status, veteran status, disability, genetic information, pregnancy status, and any other factor protected under the law, state or federal, in employment, admissions, or educational programs and activities.
Limited Access programs select students using an applicant pool and consider only the criteria outlined in each program’s additional application information.
The College reserves the right to deny admission to applicants who fail to meet established academic criteria. A decision on admission rests with the College Registrar's Office.
If an applicant believes that he or she has been subject to discrimination during the application process, the applicant should submit his/her concerns to the College Registrar, pursuant to District Board of Trustees Policy 5.86 and Procedure 5.86P-1 (see College Administrators section of this catalog for contact information). Applicants who are denied admission may appeal to the Admissions Appeals Committee.
The College prohibits retaliation against any applicant who utilizes the 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
The College assigns all students a college email address when processing their applications. College faculty and staff will send official communications to students through the college-assigned email. Students must check their college-assigned email address frequently 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 Palm Beach State College transcripts to governmental, educational and licensing agencies as appropriate. For additional information regarding the release of student records, refer to the Academic Policies section of the catalog.
Students may view their transcripts from other institutions at any campus registrar's office but may only obtain an unofficial copy of the record. It is recommended that the student request a copy from the institution from which the transcript originated.
Public Health, Safety, and Operational Efficiency
In the interest of public health, safety, and operational efficiency, PBSC reserves the right, in its sole discretion, to change the method, manner, location and time of any course it offers. Any change made, will not change your duties, responsibilities or obligations to the College or the course including, but not limited to, attendance, assignments, compliance with class rules and College policies, any applicable state or federal law or any financial obligation owed. You will be notified through your PBSC email if a change is made and implemented.