Frequently Asked Questions

Following are questions new and prospective students often ask. It is always best to talk to an academic advisor if you have questions regarding your records; what applies to your friend may not apply to you when it comes to your program of study or university transfer requirements. You are ultimately responsible for making the right choices to ensure your academic success: be sure to read the college catalog, Student Handbook and the Schedule of Classes each term for new requirements, deadlines, etc. Check with your intended transfer institution early in your program to make sure you are meeting their requirements before you are ready to graduate from LSCC.

Click on a question you would like answered:

1. How do I start?
2. How do I schedule a Placement Test?
3. When can I schedule placement testing?
4. Why should I talk to an Advisor?
5. How do I set up an appointment to see an Advisor?
6. How often should I see an Advisor?
7. Do I have to see an Advisor to register?
8. Who is required to attend Orientation?
9. How do I prove Florida residency for tuition purposes?
10. How do I get my Personal Identification Number (PIN)?
11. How do I request a Transcript?
12. Have my transcripts been received?
13. I want to discuss my Records?
14. What happens if I don't pay my tuition by the fee due date?
15. Do I need to apply for Graduation?
16. Graduation Ceremonies
17. How can I get my grades?
18. Can an instructor withdraw me from class for inconsistent attendance?
19. Can an advisor evaluate my transcripts?
20. What happens if LSCC does not accept a course I transfer in from another institution?
21. What is a CLEP test?
22. Can I retake any course to receive a better grade?
23. Can I take College Algebra immediately after I complete my math prep courses?
24. Does BCC offer services for students with disabilities?
25. Do I receive a refund of fees when I withdraw from a class with a "W"?

1. How do I start?

To apply for admission you must complete an Application for Admission. There is a one-time non-refundable application fee of $25 ($70 for international students.) You may visit one of the campus Admissions and Records offices to apply in person, download the Application for Admission and mail or bring it to one of the campuses, or apply online through www.lscc.edu/ad,ossopms.  Allow 48 hours for processing of your admission application.

 

You will need to provide your official, final high school transcripts, plus transcripts from all colleges you previously attended. You will also need to take an assessment test or supply applicable scores, and complete the New Student Orientation.

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2. How do I schedule a Placement Test?

All testing applicants must be enrolled as students at Lake-Sumter Community College. Upon completion of the application form and payment of the fee, you are considered a student. Contact the testing coordinator on the campus you plan to attend, or register through the campus Academic Advising Office. High school students who are requesting placement testing should direct their questions to the campus dual enrollment advisors. Test dates are available in the Academic Advising Office. There is no charge for CPT or TABE tests.

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3. When can I schedule Placement Testing?

After submitting your application and fee, you may schedule your placement test. Allow 24 hours for processing of your assessment scores. After testing, you should see an Advisor who can assist you in preparing your personal academic program plan before you register for appropriate classes.

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4. Why should I talk to an Advisor?

Advisors help students successfully navigate through their academic program in many ways. This includes, but is not limited to, planning for future classes, reviewing current academic progress, graduation requirements, and university transfer information.

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5. How do I set up an appointment to see an Advisor?

Advisors see students on a walk-in basisand by appointment. Each campus has evening advising hours to accommodate the working student. Campus Advising Hours

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6. How often should I see an Advisor?

It is recommended that you visit an Advisor at least once a semester to be sure you are on track with your educational program and goals. The wait during registration can be lengthy, so we encourage students to visit Advisors during non-peak times, which is normally between registration sessions.

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7. Do I have to see an Advisor to register?

If you are taking preparatory courses or are a first time student you will need to see an advisor. Otherwise, you can register through our secure website at https://banner.lscc.edu/prod/twbkwbis.P_WWWLogin.

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8. Who is required to attend Orientation?

All first time in college students must complete an orientation. Orientation is offered in a hybrid format. New students will not be allowed to register until they have completed the orientation.

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9. How do I prove Florida residency for tuition purposes?

Florida statute allows U.S. citizens and lawful permanent residents to be classified as a Florida resident for tuition purposes if the applicant or the dependent applicant's parent/legal guardian has been a legal resident of the State for at least 12 months preceding the first day of classes of the term for which Florida residency is sought.  It is important to note that living or attending school in Florida is not tantamount to establishing a legal residence for tuition purposes. Maintaining a legal residence in Florida requires substantial physical presence as a condition. The determination of dependent or independent status is important because it is the basis for whether the student has to submit his/her own documentation of residency (as an independent) or his/her parent’s or guardian’s documentation of residency (as a dependent). If an applicant does not qualify for a statutory residency exception or qualification and is not an “All-Florida” student, he/she will have to submit documentation that he/she (or a parent or legal guardian if a dependent) has been a Florida resident for at least 12 months prior to the first day of classes for which the student is enrolling. At least two documents must be submitted, with dates that evidence the 12-month qualifying period. It is recommended that you view the Florida Residency Guidelines for Tuition Purposes for more information.

 

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10. How do I get my Personal Identification Number (PIN)?

Once you apply to the College, your PIN number will be set to your birth date in the format MMDDYY. Once you log onto the system, you will be forced to reset your PIN and enter a PIN Hint Question and answer. Once you reset your PIN, it will remain as you set it until you reset it again. It is important that you remember your PIN. The answer to your Pin Hint Question is case and punctuation sensitive. It is suggested that you keep your answer short, lower case and without punctuation.

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11. How do I request a Transcript?

Please see the Transcript Request Page for all the information you need to order a transcript. Unofficial transcripts can be obtained via LOIS. Official transcripts must be requested in writing.

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12. Have my transcripts been received?

See an admissions representative. They can verify the status reported on the college wide computer system. Once your transcripts have been received and evaluated, you will be able to print an unofficial transcript via LOIS.

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13. I want to discuss my Records?

Your records are protected by FERPA - The Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act. Because of the privacy of your education records, please understand that academic advising is not available over the phone and only limited information can be shared via e-mail.

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14. What happens if I don't pay my tuition by the fee due date?

You will be dropped from all the classes for which you registered. To re-register you will be charged a $30 re-registration fee. Classes that you originally registered for may be full and you may be unable to get the same schedule.

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15. Do I need to apply for Graduation?

Yes. Complete an "Graduate Application" by the prescribed deadline date in the term you plan to graduate. An advisor must sign the form indicating that he/she did a degree audit to ensure that you have taken the classes required for graduation within your program of study. There is a $30 application fee. If you plan to walk in the commencement ceremony, you will need to purchase a cap and gown from the campus bookstore.

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16. When are the Graduation Ceremonies?

Graduation ceremonies are held in May. Students who apply for graduation will receive information in the mail. Graduates are given required tickets for guests. "Sunday" attire is required. You can purchase your cap and gown in the bookstore; this must be done prior to the day of the ceremony. A professional photographer will take your picture at the ceremony. If a student does not attend the ceremony, diplomas will be mailed to the home address on record four to six weeks after the ceremony. Visit our graduation website for more information.

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17. How can I get my grades?

Grades are not mailed. After the final grade-entry deadline for instructors, students may view their grades on the secure website at LOIS. Grades cannot be provided over the phone.

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18. Can an instructor withdraw me from class for inconsistent attendance?

Yes. If you consistently miss class for any reason (usually not more than 15% of class) the instructor has the option of withdrawing you from the class or giving you a failing grade. Read the individual instructor's syllabus carefully to understand his/her attendance policy. If it is your intention to withdraw from the class, you MUST complete a withdrawal form and submit it to the Admissions and Records Office by the published withdrawal deadline. Instructors are not required to withdraw the student from a class for non-attendance and will in most classes assign an "F" for the course. It is ultimately the students' responsibility to either attend the course or withdraw officially. Students who are receiving financial aid or Veterans benefits must attend class. If they are reported as not attending, their funds will be rescinded or reduced, and they may be required to repay any money they have been awarded.

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19. Can an advisor evaluate my transcripts?

An advisor may be able to provide an unofficial evaluation, but official evaluations will only be done by the Office of the Registrar upon receipt of final, officiall transcripts.

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20. What happens if LSCC does not accept a course I transfer in from another          institution?

You may provide a course description to the Office of the Registrar for reconsideration, or contact the appropriate department chair to discuss a course substitution.

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21. What is a CLEP test?

CLEP is a subject area exam that gives the student credit for a specific class or classes. Depending on the subject a student may receive anywhere from 3 to 16 hours of credit. Currently enrolled LSCC students and applicants for admission are eligible to apply for participation in CLEP. Contact an advisor or the CLEP test administrator for specific information.

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22. Can I retake any course to receive a better grade?

A student is only eligible for grade-forgiveness in courses for which they receive a grade of "D" or "F." If a course in which a grade of "C" or higher is repeated, only the initial grade will be counted in the student's GPA. Grade forgiveness cannot be applied to a course repeated after a student has graduated.

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23. Can I take College Algebra immediately after I complete my math prep courses?

No. Students must complete MAT 1033 Intermediate Algebra prerequisite course prior to entering College Algebra.

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24. Does LSCC offer services for students with disabilities?

Yes. LSCC has an office for students with disabilities that provide a variety of services. http://www.lscc.edu/admissions/osd.aspx

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25. Do I receive a refund of fees when I withdraw from a class with a "W"?

No. A student only receives a refund if a class is "dropped" within the established drop deadline for the term. After the drop deadline, no refunds are issued for fee payments. This is one reason why students should avoid withdrawing from classes. In addition, a "W" remains on a student's transcript for any class he/she withdraws from and the "W" is counted as an attempt.

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