Section 1009.21, Florida Statutes (F.S.), allows a U.S. citizen, lawful permanent resident or alien lawfully in the United States who is in an eligible visa category to be classified as a Florida resident for tuition purposes if the applicant or the dependent applicant’s parent/legal guardian has established legal residence in the state for at least 12 consecutive months immediately prior to the first day of classes of the term for which Florida residency is sought.
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 legal guardian’s documentation of residency (as a dependent).
Required Documentary Evidence
If an applicant (student) qualifies for a residency exception or qualification, then appropriate documentation must be submitted as evidence of entitlement to that exception or qualification. Such evidence is generally specific to the type of residency exception or qualification being claimed by the student.
If an applicant (student) does not qualify for a residency exception or qualification, 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 consecutive months prior to the first day of classes for which the student is enrolling. At least two of the following documents must be submitted, with dates that evidence the 12 consecutive month qualifying period. At least one of the documents must be from the First Tier. As some evidence is more persuasive than others, more than two may be requested. No single piece of documentation will be considered conclusive.
First Tier (at least one of the two documents submitted must be from this list):
Second Tier (may be used in conjunction with documentation from First Tier):
Statutory Exceptions and Qualifications
Section 1009.21, Florida Statutes (F.S.), permits certain
applicants who do not meet residency requirements to be classified as Florida residents for tuition purposes.
Based on section 1009.21, F.S., the College requires
documentation in support of the following exceptions; however, the student does not have to show 12 months of residence in Florida prior to qualifying. These exceptions and qualifications categories are as follows:
An individual who is classified as out-of-state and wants to request “reclassification” to in-state status must complete a Request for Residency Reclassification form from the Enrollment Services office or download the form from the Admissions webpage at www.gulfcoast.edu. The completed Request for Residency Reclassification form and supporting documentation must be submitted to Enrollment Services for consideration prior to the term for which reclassification is sought.
The evidentiary requirement for reclassification goes beyond that for an initial classification, because the student has previously been determined to be an out-of-state resident. A student who is initially classified as a nonresident for tuition purposes may become eligible for reclassification as a resident for tuition purposes only if the student or his/her parent if the student is a dependent, present clear and convincing documentation that supports permanent legal residency in Florida for 12 consecutive months. A student, or his/her parent if the student is a dependent, may become eligible for reclassification by presenting a minimum of three documents as listed in the Required Documentary Evidence section. One of the three documents must come from the First Tier.
The burden of providing clear and convincing documentation justifying reclassification of a student as a resident for tuition purposes rests with the student, or if the student is a dependent, his/her parent. For documentation to be “clear and convincing,” it must be credible, trustworthy and sufficient to persuade Enrollment Services staff that the student or, if the student is a dependent, his/her parent has established legal residency in Florida that is not solely for the purpose of pursuing an education and has relinquished residency in any other state for a minimum of 12 consecutive months prior to classification.
Residency Appeals
A student who is denied Florida residency for tuition purposes on request for residency reclassification may appeal the decision through a written petition to the Residency Appeal Committee in the Enrollment Services. The burden of providing clear and convincing documentation justifying reclassification of a student as a resident for tuition purposes rests with the student or, if the student is a dependent, his/her parent.
The Residency Appeal Committee must render to the student the final residency determination in writing, advising the student of the reasons for the determination. The decision of the Residency Appeal Committee will constitute final action.
Between work and family, most of us have extremely busy schedules. Recognizing that flexible scheduling is important, Gulf Coast is introducing an exciting new concept called College Your Way.
We're all familiar with the idea of traditional college classes (on campus, daytime classes). College Your Way encompasses all non‐traditional classes in one area so you can choose the classes that are right for you and your schedule.
E‐Learning: If you're looking for online or Web‐based classes, look no further. What was once known as "distance education" has evolved to "E‐Learning" at GCSC. These classes are offered in part, or entirely, online. In fact, entire degrees can be achieved through E‐Learning at Gulf Coast State College. Each semester, we offer more than 150 sections of courses online. The E‐Learning Department is your connection to the most accessible courses on campus, and beyond. Details for each online course can be found at http://www.gulfcoast.edu/ecampus. Visit this Web site or call, (850)872‐3854. We'll be happy to get started or find your way further toward your degree goals.
PLEASE NOTE: $15 per credit hour will be assessed for fully (100%) online courses.
Gulf Coast offers on‐site classes at Tyndall Air Force Base and the Naval Support Activity Panama City. These classes are also open to the civilian population.
Aside from stated and traditional means of obtaining credit, special policies, procedures and services are available to active‐duty personnel.
The college follows the recommendations of the American Council on Education concerning credit awarded for the successful completion of military service schools and training programs. Division chairs determine whether or not military credits apply to specific programs.
Official copies of appropriate military transcripts and/or documentation are required to award applicable credit.
It should be noted that most credits apply to the Associate in Science degree programs. For additional information visit the college website ( www.gulfcoast.edu) and click on the TAFB Center option.
In addition to course and program offerings at the main campus of Gulf Coast State College in Panama City, the college maintains additional sites at Tyndall Air Force Base Education Center, the North Bay Center, including the Charles H. Abbott Criminal Justice Training Academy, and the Gulf/Franklin Center in Port St. Joe. Information on course offerings at these sites can be obtained from the schedule of classes for each term and through brochures and press releases.
Cooperative Education (COOP) is a supervised, practical work experiences that seek to combine theories and practice in the students’ major field of study. The student may be working in appropriate businesses, industries, government agencies or institutions, including educational institution, can enroll in Coop and earn college credits and gain practical knowledge at the same time. The class is designed to maximizes the students’ learning and apply practical skill and learned theories to projects in their field of studies.
Coop classes have two main parts, one class work and one practical job/work related. The class work utilizes Angel (the Learning Management System at Gulf Coast State College and thus saving time and energy).
Coop courses may be taken toward the completion of most of the Associate of Arts and Associates of Science degree programs as well as can be used as electives in some cases. Students wishing to register in a Coop class, must contact and meet with Ms. Kimberly Hoyt to insure registering in the appropriate class.
Ms. Hoyt is in Technology Room 219 and she can be reached at 850-872-3874 or by email at khoyt@gulfcoast.edu.
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