Academic Skills Test as a Requirement for State Student Financial Aid
On or after August 1, 1985, any student who is awarded the associate of arts degree or who completes sixty (60) semester hours of credit, or the equivalent, in academic work applicable to an associate in arts or bachelor’s degree at the Florida public or independent institution in which the student is enrolled, shall be required to have scores on the College Level Academic Skills test which satisfy the standards in 6A-10.0312(1), FAC, in order to be eligible to receive a state financial aid award.
College-Level Academic Skills Test in State Universities
The College Level Academic Skills Test (CLAST) measures the level of achievement of communication and computation skills of students exiting their sophomore year. Beginning with the October 1982 administration of the CLAST, each state university shall require all applicants for upper division status, including students who were admitted to the university as freshmen or sophomores, to present scores which have been earned on the College-Level Academic Skills Test; and for any terms beginning on or after August 1, 1984, the admission of all students to upper division status shall require presentation of scores on the College Level Academic Skills Test which satisfy the minimum standards that are in effect at the time when the students first sit for the test. Those standards (Rule 6A-10-0314) are
Essay
ELS
Reading
Mathematics
Aug. 1, 1984-July 31, 1986
4
265
260
260
Aug. 1, 1986-July 31, 1989
4
270
270
275
Aug. 1, 1989-July 31, 1991
4
295
295
285
Oct. 1, 1991-Sept. 30, 1992
5*
295
295
290
After October 1, 1992
295
295
295
* In October 1991, the essay scoring scale was revised. A score of five (5) on the revised scale is equivalent to a score of four (4) on the former scale.
Students who are otherwise qualified for admission to upper division status at the state university and who have satisfied the minimum standards of the State Board on only three (3) of the four (4) subtests of the College-Level Academic Skills Test may enroll for up to an additional thirty-six (36) semester credits in upper division courses in a state university before they are required to satisfy the minimum standards of the State Board of all four (4) subtests. Students required to present scores on the College-Level Academic Skills Test who have not had an opportunity to take the test may be enrolled in a state university only until the end of the next semester in which the test is available to them. Students who have not had the opportunity to take the test are students
1. who completed their sophomore year in a community college or state university in Florida before October 1982; 2. who are transferring from an institution where the test is not administered; 3. who are prevented from taking the test (i) for religious or medical reasons, (ii) by reason of duty assignment while on active or temporary (TDY) duty in military service; or 4. who were registered to take the test but failed to report for testing, if the university president or the person or body designated by him or her find on written petition by a student that the student was unable to report for testing on the test administration date for a reason beyond the student’s control. The CLAST is administered each semester. A student must register by the deadline to be eligible to take the test. Further information on CLAST can be obtained from the CLAST office located in 204 GEC-A.
The CLAST is one measure of students’ academic proficiency. Effective January 1, 1996, s. 1008.29 FS. provides alternative ways to demonstrate attainment of the required communications and mathematics skills. Students can exempt the computation section of the CLAST through the following methods:
1. Scholastic Achievement Test (SAT-1) - Student must earn five hundred (500) or above on the quantitative section of the recentered score scale of the SAT-1 or its equivalent on the original score scale; 2. American College Testing Program (ACT) - 21 or above on the mathematics section of the Enhanced ACT or a score of 21 and above on the original ACT; 3. Mathematics Courses - To exempt the computation section of the College Level Academic Skills Test, the student must earn a 2.5 grade point average in two (2) courses for a minimum of six (6) semester hours from:
Option 1 - The student shall complete any two of the following: MAC* 1105 College Algebra or any other MAC course with the last three digits being higher than 1105; MGF* 1106 Liberal Arts Mathematics I, MGF* Liberal Arts Mathematics II, MGF* 202 Finite Mathematics or any other MGF course with the last three digits being higher than 202; or STA* 014 Statistical Methods or any other STA course.
Option 2 - The student shall complete any two (2) of the following: MGF* 1106 Liberal Arts Mathematics I and MGF* 1107 Liberal Arts mathematics II, MGF* 113 Topics in College Mathematics I; MGF* 114 Topics in Mathematics II; or MGF* 1118 Mathematics CLAST Review.
Option 3 - MGF* 1106 Liberal Arts Mathematics I or MGF*113 Topics in Mathematics I, and MAC*1105 College Algebra or Mac 1114 College Algebra and Trig. Functions.
Students can exempt the communication sections of the College Level Academic Skills Test through the following methods:
1. Scholastic Achievement Test (SAT-I) - The student must earn 500 or above on the verbal section of the recentered score scale of the SAT-I or its equivalent on the original score scale;
2. American College testing Program (ACT) Students who have earned a score of twenty-two (22) or above on the Enhanced American Testing Program (ACT) or a score of 20 or above on the Composite of the original ACT, shall be exempt from the reading section of the CLAST. Students who have earned a score of 21 or above on the English section of the Enhanced ACT or a score of twenty (20) or above on the original ACT shall be exempt from the English Language Skills and essay sections of the CLAST.
3. English Courses: To exempt the English Language Skills, Reading, and Essay sections of the College level Academic Skills test, the student must have earned a 2.5 grade point average in two (2) courses for a minimum of six semester hours of credit from : ENC 1101, English I and ENC 1102, English II or other equivalent college-level English course.
Students who do not initially earn passing scores on the Scholastic Achievement Test (SAT-I) or the American College Testing Program (ACT) may submit scores earned on other administrations of the test as long as subsequent scores are not earned within thirty (30) days of the preceding score.
Pursuant to section 240.107(9), Florida Statutes, any student denied a degree based on the failure of at least one (1) subtest of the CLAST may use any of the alternatives specified in this rule for receipt of a degree if such student meets all degree program requirements at the time of application for the degree under the exemption rule. The provision does not require a student to take the CLAST before given the opportunity to use any of the alternatives specified in this rule.
Beginning in 1985, the State of Florida instituted the College Preparatory or Pre-Collegiate Program. Students who score below a certain level on specified sub-tests of the Scholastic Aptitude Test (SAT) or the American Collegiate Test (ACT) are placed in the College Preparatory Program. Upon entering the university, these students are given placement tests to determine their need to be in the College Preparatory Program. Students who score below the following placement tests remain in the program.
Standard Score
SAT-I, The College Board
Verbal
440
Mathematics
440
Enhanced ACT, American Testing Program
Standard Score
Reading
18
English
17
Mathematics
19
Based on the scores above, students will receive college preparatory instruction in the areas of English, mathematics, and/or reading. The college preparatory courses, although required for identified students, do not carry college credit, and student performance is evaluated on an S/U basis. Students have three semesters to complete successfully any required college preparatory course.
The college preparatory courses at the university are:
The State Board of Education Rule 6A-10.30(2), commonly known as the “Gordon Rule,” specifies that all state universities require in all baccalaureate degree programs, satisfactory completion of twelve (12) semester hours of English course work in which all students are required to produce written work of at least 24,000 words and completion of six (6) hours of mathematics course work at the level of college algebra or higher. A grade of “C” or better is required in each course in the communication, mathematics and humanities/social sciences lists. Subsection (3)(d) of the rule authorizes alternative plans to the subsection (2) requirements. Accordingly, Florida A&M University’s alternative plan is as follows:
I. COMMUNICATION - (6 Semester Hours). Estimated number of words for each course is 6,000
ENC 1101, ENC 1102 Freshman Communication Skills I & II OR ENC 1121, ENC 1122 Honors Freshman Composition I & II
II. MATHEMATICS - (6 Semester Hours) Choose two Mathematics courses at or above College Algebra from the following approved mathematics course list.
Course Prefix #
Course Title
Credit Hours
MAA 4211
Advanced Calculus I
3
MAC 1105
College Algebra
3
MAC 1114
Alg. & Trig Functions
3
MAC 1147
Pre-Calculus Math
4
MAC 2223
Calculus for Arch
4
MAC 2233
Calculus for Business I
3
MAC 2234
Calculus for Business II
3
MAC 2311
Calculus I
4
MAC 2312
Calculus II
4
MAD 2120
Finite Mathematics
3
MGF 1106
Liberal Arts Math I
3
MGF 1107
Liberal Arts Math II
3
MTG 2206
College Geometry
3
STA 2023
Intro to Probability & Stat I
3
III. HUMANITIES/SOCIAL SCIENCE - (12 Semester Hours) Choose four courses from the following approved topical humanities course list. Estimated number of words for each course is 3,000.
All students enrolled in the lower division programs of the university must complete the following sequence of general education courses:
I. COMMUNICATION [6]* ENC 1101, ENC 1102 Freshman Communication Skills I & II or ENC 1121, ENC 1122 Honors Freshman Composition I & II II. MATHEMATICS [6]* Two Mathematics courses at or above College Algebra from the approved mathematics course list III. NATURAL SCIENCES [8]** Any two courses in Biology, Chemistry or Physics, each with a laboratory, chosen from the approved Natural Sciences course list. IV. SOCIAL SCIENCES [6]* AMH 2091 Introduction to African American History or AFA 3104 The African American Experience and One non-history course from the approved Social Sciences course list V. HUMANITIES [6]* Two courses from the approved humanities course list VI. ELECTIVES [3-4]* Choose SPC 2600 Public Speaking or HSC 1100 Health Modern Living or from any of the approved Mathematics, Natural Sciences, Social Sciences, and Humanities lists.
NOTE: Each School/College will require its students to be computer literate by requiring them to take an appropriate course or by certifying that the student has mastered certain computer competencies specified by the school/college.
* - A minimum grade of “C” is required. ** - Please refer to academic department for minimum grade requirement.
Mathematics (6 hours) Two courses from the following:
Course Prefix #
Course Title
Credit Hours
MAC 4211
Advanced Calculus
4
MAC 1105
College Algebra
3
MAC 1114
Algebraic and Trigonometric Functions
3
MAC 1147
Pre-Calculus Mathematics
4
MAC 2223
Calculus for Architecture
4
MAC 2233
Calculus for Business
3
MAC 2234
Calculus for Business II
3
MAC 2311
Calculus I
4
MAC 2312
Calculus II
4
MGF 1106
Liberal Arts Mathematics I
3
MGF 1107
Liberal Arts Mathematics II
3
MGF 2212
Finite Mathematics (MAD 2120)
3
MTG 2206
College Geometry
3
STA 2023
Intro to Probability & Statistics I
3
Natural Science (8 hours)
Course Prefix #
Course Title
Credit Hours
AST 1002
Astronomy
4
BSC 1005
Biological Science
4
BSC 1010C
General Biology I
4
BSC 1011C
General Biology II
4
CHM 1015
Fundamentals of Chemistry
4
CHM 1030
Intro Chemistry for Health Sci /w lab
4
CHM 1031
Chemistry for Health Sciences /with Lab
4
CHM 1045
General Chemistry I /with Lab
4
CHM 1046
General Chemistry II /with Lab
4
ISC 1006
Wide World Science I
4
ISC 1007
Wide World Science II
4
PHY 2048
General Physics I /with Lab
4
PHY 2049
General Physics II /with Lab
4
PSC 1121
Physical Science /with Lab
4
Social Sciences (6 hours) AMH 2091 Introduction to African American History 3 and one course from the following:
Course Prefix #
Course Title
Credit Hours
GEA 2000
World Geography
3
ANT 2000
Introduction to Anthropology
3
ECO 2013
Principles of Economics I
3
ECO 2023
Principles of Economics II
3
POS 2001
Introduction to Political Science
3
POS 2041
American National Government
3
POS 2112
American State and Local Government
3
PSY 2012
Introduction to Psychology
3
SYG 2000
Introduction to Sociology
3
Programs for Degree Acceleration The university has established several avenues which permit a reduction in the normal amount of time required to complete the requirements for a baccalaureate degree. Each baccalaureate degree program is so designed that students are afforded an opportunity to complete a minimum of twenty-five percent of degree requirements through acceleration mechanisms. These programs include credit by examination, dual enrollment, early admission to the university, the year-around calendar, and any combinations of the above acceleration mechanism.
CREDIT BY EXAMINATION: A STUDENT MAY PARTICIPATE IN A VARIETY OF CREDIT BY EXAMINATION PROGRAMS IN ORDER TO EARN CREDIT TOWARD A DEGREE AWARDED BY THE UNIVERSITY.
Please see transfer credits under “Academic Program Policy” for details.
Health Careers Preparatory Program Health Careers Preparatory Programs are designed to prepare students to meet the critical manpower needs in the health professions. They are interdisciplinary programs that are open to all students who have an interest in pursuing a career in the health related areas - such as medicine, dentistry, veterinary medicine, and allied health. Detailed programs with specific discipline emphasis are outlined in the areas of chemistry and biology and in the division of agricultural sciences. Pre-Medicine and Pre-Dentistry - These areas prepare students to pursue studies at any medical or dental school. Emphasis is placed not only upon the academic work, but considerable attention is devoted also to developing those inter-personal attributes which are necessary to become a good doctor or dentist. Every opportunity is taken to permit students to interact with medical and dental personnel. Students are encouraged to make surveys or carry out other special projects of interest.
Program in Medical Sciences (PIMS) - This inter-institutional program involving Florida A&M University, Florida State University, and the University of Florida College of Medicine serves as an alternate tract for stu-dents who seek to pursue a career in medicine at the university of Florida College of Medicine. Students in the program can complete the equivalent of the first year of medical school (the basic medical sciences) while completing their baccalaureate degree. From among those students participating in the program, up to fifty (50) a year may be guaranteed a position at the University of Florida College of Medicine upon successful completion of all PIMS required courses and a baccalaureate degree. A separate bulletin describing this program is available.
Pre-Veterinary Medicine - A student who is aspiring to pursue a career in veterinary medicine should plan to complete either Plan I or Plan II of the pre-veterinary program as outlined in the division of agricultural sciences.
The university Honors program provides a series of challenging courses and extra curricular activities for students who excel academically. The major goals of the program are (1) to encourage academic excellence and (2) to provide a more challenging academic experience for high achieving students.
Requirements for General Honors
1. SAT of 1200 or ACT of 27 or above for entering freshmen. 2. GPA of 3.0 for non-entering freshmen and sophomores. 3. Minimum of eighteen (18) hours of honors credit. 4. Completion of an honors thesis (in the senior year).
Advantages of Membership
1. Possible acceleration in completion of general education requirements. 2. Enrollment in classes of reduced size. 3. Opportunities for the development of leadership skills. 4. Recognition on transcript of honors courses successfully taken. 5. Certificate of Achievement for successfully completing the program. 6. Opportunity for participation in regional and national meetings of Honors Councils.
*Other university conferences may be substituted in part for this requirement.
The Office of International Education and Development (OlED), a component of the Division of Academic Affairs, supports and promotes the inter-nationalization of the University through the incorporation of international curriculum support and academic enhancement activities related to teaching, research, and public service. OlED seeks to enhance the University's relevance in an interdependent global village and to facilitate greater appreciation of cross-cultural relations and global issues. OlED strives to establish and maintain a University environment that encourages faculty, staff, and students to participate in a process that enhances and broadens the global role of the University. Services to students, faculty, and staff are provided through three units: (1) International Student and Scholar Services; (2) International Education and Exchange Programs; and (3) International Research and Development. (For updated information on the Office of International Education and Development, please see Appendix B).
International Student and Scholar Services The International Student and Scholar Services (ISSS) Department provides resources to facilitate the adjustment process of international students in their new cultural environment. ISSS coordinates the Florida West Africa Institute (FLAWI) and monitors the programs of students supported by other institutions in Florida. ISSS administers and oversees all international F-1 and sponsored J-1 students enrolled at FAMU and provides assistance to faculty and staff who apply for the H-1 B visas. In addition to administrative support and referral services related to immigration and other needs, ISSS offers a range of programs and activities to enhance the overall educational experience of international students and scholars at FAMU.
All incoming international students and scholars are provided orien-tation to the university and the local community. The staff provides international students and scholars individualized advising related to academic issues, housing, health issues and other concerns. It also sponsors outreach initiatives, which include an active Host Family Program and participation in the community international awareness activities. OIED also sponsors the International Student Association. (For updated information on International Student and Scholar Services, please see Appendix B). Education Abroad and Exchange Programs The Education Abroad and Exchange Programs (EAEP) Department, a Title III funded activity, provides FAMU students a substantial array of resources to help them identify opportunities for study, travel and work abroad. The International Resource Center consists of print directories, guidebooks, pamphlets, brochures, a TV monitor and a computer to access electronic bookmarked websites of diverse education abroad opportunities. Education abroad consists of service learning, traditional year-long or semester study abroad internships, departmental-sponsored short-term study and outreach.
OIED administers a year-round semester program study abroad program in the capital of the Dominican Republic, Santo Domingo, for students seeking to experience a Latin American/Caribbean country. Classes are taught at the Pontlficia Universidad Cathlica Madre y Maestra (PUCMM). The prescribed academic program consists of Spanish Language studies, Dominican and Afro-Caribbean culture and literature, directed individual study in the student’s major field, and community service component.
The education abroad staff organizes several short-term academic excursions with a service learning component during the spring break or summer sessions for faculty, staff, and students. The enriching activities can be customized to the faculty member’s class syllabi or a department research project.
FAMU is a member of the College Consortium for International Studies (CCIS), a partnership of accredited two- and four-year U.S. and for-eign colleges and universities which share a commitment to developing a variety of international programs. FAMU coordinates the CCIS Summer Program in the Dominican Republic. Through its consortia affiliations with CCIS and the Council for International Education & Exchanges, a student can study in over 100 countries and in most fields. Applications are processed through the Office of International Education and Development.
The Diplomat-In-Residence (DIR) Program is another component within OIED. Since 2001, FAMU has hosted three Diplomats-in- Residence, a program supported by the U.S. Department of State to encourage more students to pursue careers in the Foreign Services.
The education abroad staff seek to identify opportunities for faculty and staff to study, work, teach, or conduct research abroad. They assist with travel arrangements, travel document issues, pre-departure orientation, and other concerns related to trav-el abroad. The staff maintains an array of resources for faculty and staff and regularly informs them of the various opportunities available to them through public and private agencies- for exchanges, research opportunities, and technical assistance to other universities. (For updated information on Education Abroad and Exchange Programs, please see Appendix B).
International Research and Development The International Research and Development Department (IRD) facilitates the development of international collaborative projects by providing technical assistance to faculty and staff that enables FAMU faculty, staff, and students to become involved in international collaborative research and development activities. The staff monitors or assists in coordinating collaborative inter-national projects to be implemented by faculty and staff. It networks with professional international consortia, organizations and government agencies for grants to support FAMU internationalization.
IRD is the custodian of all international Memoranda of Agreements (MOAs) signed with other entities abroad.
If you need any of these services, please contact the Office of International Education and Development, located in 302 Perry-Paige North or call 850-599-3562 or 850-599-3295. (For updated information on International Research and Development, please see Appendix B).
