School of Registered Nursing (51.3801) Uvalde Campus
Admission Application
We are now accepting applications to the ADN (RN) Program. To complete the application, please download the application form to your computer and enter your information into the fillable fields. Once you have completed the form, save your changes to it, then send it via email to vavalerio@swtjc.edu.Application Form
TEAS Exam Schedule
TEAS exams for the School of Registered Nursing (RN) will be held on November 8, November 15, November 22, December 6, December 7, and December 16 online at 9:00 am.
For questions, contact:
Veronica Fosbenner in Uvalde - vfosbenner@swtjc.edu
Lizet Medrano in Del Rio - lmedrano@swtjc.edu
Norma Diaz in Eagle Pass - nadiaz@swtjc.edu
Purpose
This program is designed to prepare students to practice in a complex and ever-changing health care environment. In addition, the integrated concept based curriculum provides the graduate with foundational potential to progress forward to a Bachelor of Science in Nursing Degree.
Preparation for practice as a professional nurse will be concept-based theoretical knowledge associated with concept based clinical activities provided in a structured, supervised clinical practice environment. The program is designed to provide dynamic, interactive classroom information; simulation experiences to enhance clinical capabilities: concept-based simulation scenarios to test clinical expertise; and supervised clinical experience to complete Associate of Applied Science in Nursing Degree requirements necessary to become a Registered Nurse (RN). This educational process will develop the student as an active participant and through the use of innovative teaching approaches, foster a safe, collaborative, and interactive educational environment.
Differentiated Essential Competencies (DECs) from the Texas Board of Nursing (BON) and Professional Clinical Standards of Care in nursing will provide the guidelines for the development of physical skills, clinical reasoning, clinical judgement, ethical reasoning, and therapeutic communication skills. These essentials contribute to the knowledge and skill activities that direct graduates to become a member of the health care tea. Designated curriculum, integrated with global issues and pathophysiological concepts, will ensure the graduates will be able to actively participate in society as educated, culturally astute and socially responsible individuals. Functioning within a multidisciplinary health care team requires diversity and compassion in traditional and/or non-traditional health care environments serving clients across the life span.
This program leads to an Associate of Applied Science in Nursing Degree and can be completed in two calendar years. Upon successful completion of the program, the graduate is eligible to apply to write the National Council Licensure Examination for Registered Nurses (NCLEX-RN).
Program Objectives/Outcomes
Upon completion of this registered nursing program, the graduate will function within the roles and responsibilities of the Associate Degree nurse and be able to:
- Implement the standards of care as designated by the Board of Nursing for the State of Texas in a variety of health care settings.
- Utilize critical reasoning, evidence-based practice and cultural diversity knowledge and skill when assessing, planning, implementing and evaluating patient care across the life-span.
- Engage in continuous improvement of cognitive, psychomotor and psychotherapeutic abilities necessary to comprehensively assess and provide safe and effective nursing care.
- Demonstrate caring behaviors and utilize teaching strategies that promote wellness, a healthy life style and recovery from illness.
- Communicate and work effectively with patients, family members and the multidisciplinary health care team.
- Demonstrate ethical and legal principles as a member of the multi-disciplinary health care team.
- Maintain competence upon becoming a Registered Nurse through self-evaluation, peer review and continued education.
- Continue to develop as an accountable and responsible member of the nursing profession.
Accreditation
Southwest Texas Junior College (SWTJC) is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC). The SWTJC Associate Degree Nursing Program is an approved school of nursing under the Texas Board of Nursing and the Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board. Approval from the Commission for Nursing Education Accreditation (CNEA) will be sought when eligibility requirements utilizing the concept-based curriculum are met. et.
Admission Requirements
Applicant must complete the following steps before admittance to the ADN program.
- PROGRAM PREREQUISITES – Completion required by the end of the spring semester.
- APPLICATION REQUIREMENTS – Completion required by the end of Spring Break.
- APPLICATION PROCESS – Completion required by the end of April.
- ADMISSION PROCESS – Completion required by the end of June.
- Applicant must apply and be accepted into Southwest Texas Junior College.
- Applicants must be TSI complete.
- The following is the list of pre-requisite courses that must be completed with a minimum grade of “C” or better and a minimum GPA of 2.5.
- Each applicant must complete the Assessment Technologies Institute, Inc. (ATI) Test of Academic Education Skills (TEAS) assessment. Scheduled assessment dates are posted on the School of Registered Nursing webpage from October through December. It is the responsibility of the applicant to secure a date to complete the assessments.
- Applicant must achieve an Adjusted Individual Total Score of 70 on the exam.
- Applicant may test at any available times (do days between testing) and have until the end of Spring Break to submit their score. TEAS scores are acceptable for up to three years.
- The application form must be completed and returned to the ADN Administrative Assistant’s office.
- Reference forms will be submitted directly to the ADN program from the applicant’s point of reference prior to the due date stated in the reference form.
- A criminal background investigation is required for all SWTJC ADN applicants planning to enter the ADN program. Upon application to the ADN Program, the applicant’s personal data will be submitted to the Texas Board of Nursing so a criminal background check can be processed. A copy of all correspondence received from the TBON must be submitted to the ADN office to be filed in the student’s record.
- Each applicant is required to go through an interview with the ADN director. The interview will be scheduled once the Program requirements, Application requirements, and #1 - #3 of the Application process requirements have been met.
- Licensure Eligibility – The BON has identified certain circumstances that may render a potential candidate ineligible for licensure as a Registered Nurse. The BON provides individuals with one opportunity for petition for a Declaratory Order (DO) as to their eligibility in accordance with Article 301.257 of the Nursing Practice Act. The BON website, www.bon.state.tx.us, contains eligibility questions and the declaratory order. Each applicant must review the following documents in the TBON Rules and Regulations:
- Declared a Registered Nursing major with the office of admissions by completing the Declaration of Major Field of Student Form.
- Current Basic Life Support (BLS) certification* from the American Heart Association class “C” for Health Care Providers. A current BLS card is required before the applicant can attend clinical rotations
- Evidence* of mental and physical health as documented in a physical
- Evidence* of all immunizations or acceptable serum titer levels, in writing, as required by the Texas Department of Health (Measles, Mumps, Rubella, (MMR): Diphtheria; Tetanus, Pertussis (DTap); Varicella, Meningitis; and Hepatitis “B” series).
- Current documentation* of negative Tuberculin screen. If applicant has a positive reading, a chest X-ray is required with accompanying documentation indicating no active symptoms of active TB such as productive cough, night sweats, or unexplained weight loss. Annual TB screen is required.
- Evidence* of personal health insurance. Such insurance must be maintained for the duration of enrollment in the nursing program.
- Negative drug urine screen* (instructions will be provided). A positive drug screen on admission to the program for an unauthorized substance will cause the applicant to no longer be eligible to come into the program.
- Purchase of the approved school uniform, patches, lab coat, fully closed white shoes, and laboratory supplies (approved blood pressure cuff, stethoscope, pen light, bandage scissors, hemostat, and watch with second hand) as required.
- Basic computer skills must be evident by a course grade or ability to demonstrate computer competence.
- All nursing students are required to have a working computer, computer camera and continuous access to the internet. Ability to scan documents for uploading into Canvas and Typhon is also required. This can be done on a computer using one of many free phone apps. Scanners are also available in the SWTJC libraries.
- Students are required to carry liability insurance* throughout the program. The fee for this insurance is included in the admission fees.
All applicants will be notified via e-mail regarding their acceptance status. Selected applicants and alternates will be will be required to attend an orientation session as specified in the notification letter at the time and date notified in the confirmation letter. Failure to attend the orientation will result in forfeiture of acceptance in the program. The alternate list will be maintained until the program begins in August. Alternates will be notified in the order determined if openings become available.
Licensure Eligibility
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- Have you ever been had any disciplinary action on a nursing license or a privilege to practice in any state, country, or province?
- Do you have an investigation or complaint pending on a nursing license or a privilege to practice in any state, country, or province?
- Have you, in the last 5 years*, been addicted to and/or treated for the use of alcohol or any other drug?
- For any criminal offense*, including those pending appeal, have you:
(You may only exclude Class C misdemeanor traffic violations or offenses previously disclosed to the Texas Board of Nursing or an initial or renewal application.)
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- Been arrested and have any pending criminal charges?
- Been convicted of a misdemeanor?
- Been convicted of a felony?
- Pled nolo contendere, no contest, or guilty?
- Received deferred adjudication
- Been placed on community supervision or court-ordered probation, whether or not adjudicated guilty?
- Been sentenced to serve jail, prison time, or court-ordered confinement?
- Been granted pre-trial diversion.
- Been cited or charged with any violation of the law?
- Been subject of a court-martial; Article 15 violation; or received any form of military judgment/punishment/action?
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Note: Expunged and Sealed Offenses: While expunged or sealed offenses, arrests, tickets, or citations need not be disclosed; it is our responsibility to ensure the offense, arrest, ticket or citation has, in fact, been expunged or sealed. It is recommended that you submit a copy of the Court Order expunging or sealing the record in question to our office with your application. Non-disclosure of relevant offenses raises questions related to truthfulness and character (see 22 TAC §213.27).
Note: Orders of Non-Disclosure: Pursuant to Tex Gov’t Code §552.142(b), if you have criminal matters that are subject of an order of non-disclosure you are not required to reveal those criminal matters. However, a criminal matter that is subject of an order of non-disclosure may become a character and fitness issue. Pursuant to other sections of the Gov’t Code chapter 411. The Texas Nursing Board is entitled to access criminal history record information that is the subject of an order of non-disclosure. If the Board discovers a criminal matter that is the subject of an order of non-disclosure, even if you properly did not reveal that matter, the Board may require you to provide information about any conduct that raises issues of character and fitness.
5. Have you ever had any licensing (other than a nursing license) or regulatory authority in any state, jurisdiction, country, or province revoked, annulled, cancelled, accepted surrender of, suspended, placed on probation, refused to renew or otherwise discipline nay other professional or occupational license, certificate, nurse aide registration or multistate privilege to practice that you held?
6. Are you currently suffering from any condition for which you are not being appropriately treated that impairs your judgment or that would otherwise adversely affect your ability to practice nursing in a competent, ethical, and professional manner?
7. Are you currently the target or subject of a grand jury or government agency investigation?
8. Are you currently a participant in an alternative to discipline, diversion, or a peer assistance program? (This includes all confidential programs)
If your response is yes to any of these questions, you are strongly encouraged to submit a petition for “Declaratory Order” to the Texas Board or Nurses prior to acceptance or within the first notification of acceptance. For information or guidance in this process to determine eligibility for licensure by examination, contact the Texas Board of Nurses at 512-305-7400 or go to the website:
If you have any questions or concerns, or need additional clarification, contact the Associate Degree Nursing Program Director @ 830-591-7230.
| General Education Courses | Credit | |
|---|---|---|
| Social & Behavioral Sciences | 3 | |
| Humanities & Fine Arts | 3 | |
| Natural Science & Math | 12 | |
| Other | 3 | |
| Total General Education Courses | 21 | |
| Technical Education Courses | 39 | |
| Total Credit Hours for A.A.S. | 60 |
Program of Study
Prior Semesters
| Course Number | Title | Credit |
|---|---|---|
| EDUC 1300π | Learning Framework | |
| BIOL 24011 | Anatomy & Physiology I | 4 |
| BIOL 24021 | Anatomy & Physiology II | 4 |
| BIOL 24201 | Microbiology | 4 |
| ENGL 13011 | Composition I | 3 |
| PSYC 23141 | Lifespan Growth and Development | 3 |
| PHIL 23061 | Introduction to Ethics | 3 |
| Total | 21 |
First Year
Fall Semester
| Course Number | Title | Credit |
|---|---|---|
| RNSG 1128 | Introduction to Health Care Concepts | 1 |
| RNSG 1430 | Health Care Concepts I | 4 |
| RNSG 1125 | Professional Nursing Concepts I | 1 |
| RNSG 1301 | Pharmacology | 3 |
| RNSG 1161 | Clinical - Registered Nursing | 1 |
| Total | 103 | |
Spring Semester
| Course Number | Title | |
|---|---|---|
| RNSG 1126 | Professional Nursing Concepts II | 1 |
| RNSG 1216 | Professional Nursing Competencies | 2 |
| RNSG 1533 | Health Care Concepts II | 5 |
| RNSG 1362 | Clinical - Registered Nursing | 3 |
| Total | 113 |
Second Year
Fall Semester
| Course Number | Title | Credit |
|---|---|---|
| RNSG 1137 | Professional Nursing Concepts III | 1 |
| RNSG 1538 | Health Care Concepts III | 5 |
| RNSG 2361 | Clinical - Registered Nursing | 3 |
| Total | 93 |
Spring Semester
| Course Number | Title | |
|---|---|---|
| RNSG 2539 | Health Care Concepts IV | 5 |
| RNSG 21382 | Professional Nursing Concepts IV | 1 |
| RNSG 2362 | Clinical - Registered Nursing | 3 |
| Total | 93 | |
| Total Credit hours for A.A.S. | 60 |
Notes:
- This course must be completed with a minimum grade of "C". It is recommended that all these courses be completed before applying to the ADN program.
- Capstone course that consolidates the student's learning experiences.
- Students who need to be enrolled in full-time study may enroll in courses that meet the BSN requirements.
| General Education Courses | Credit | |
|---|---|---|
| Social & Behavioral Sciences | 3 | |
| Humanities & Fine Arts | 3 | |
| Natural Science & Math | 12 | |
| Other | 3 | |
| Total General Education Courses | 21 | |
| Technical Education Courses | 37 | |
| LVN Advanced Placement Credits | 2 | |
| Total Credit Hours for A.A.S. | 60 |
Program of Study
Prior Semesters
| Course Number | Title | Credit |
|---|---|---|
| EDUC 1300π | Learning Framework | |
| BIOL 24011 | Anatomy & Physiology I | 4 |
| BIOL 24021 | Anatomy & Physiology II | 4 |
| BIOL 24201 | Microbiology | 4 |
| ENGL 13011 | Composition I | 3 |
| PSYC 23141 | Lifespan Growth and Development | 3 |
| PHIL 23061 | Introduction to Ethics | 3 |
| Total | 21 |
Program of Study
Advanced Placement Credit Courses
| Course Number | Title | Credit |
|---|---|---|
| RNSG 11252 | Professional Nursing Concepts I | 1 |
| RNSG 11612 | Clinical - Registered Nursing | 1 |
| Total LVN Advanced Placement Credit Hours2 | 2 |
First Year
Fall Semester
| Course Number | Title | Credit |
|---|---|---|
| RNSG 1128 | Introduction to Health Care Concepts | 1 |
| RNSG 1430 | Health Care Concepts I | 4 |
| RNSG 1301 | Pharmacology | 3 |
| Total | 84 |
Spring Semester
| Course Number | Title | |
|---|---|---|
| RNSG 1126 | Professional Nursing Concepts II | 1 |
| RNSG 1533 | Health Care Concepts II | 5 |
| RNSG 1362 | Clinical - Registered Nursing | 3 |
| RNSG 1216 | Professional Nursing Competencies | 2 |
| Total | 114 |
Second Year
Fall Semester
| Course Number | Title | Credit |
|---|---|---|
| RNSG 1137 | Professional Nursing Concepts III | 1 |
| RNSG 1538 | Health Care Concepts III | 5 |
| RNSG 2361 | Clinical - Registered Nursing | 3 |
| Total | 94 |
Spring Semester
| Course Number | Title | |
|---|---|---|
| RNSG 2539 | Health Care Concepts IV | 5 |
| RNSG 21383 | Professional Nursing Concepts IV | 1 |
| RNSG 2362 | Clinical - Registered Nursing | 3 |
| Total | 94 | |
| Total Credit hours for A.A.S. | 60 |
Notes:
- This course must be completed with a minimum grade of "C". It is recommended that all these courses be completed prior to applying for admission. All science courses are required to be completed prior to applying to the ADN program.
- LVN Advanced Placement credits awarded upon successful completion of the Fall and Spring of First Year.
- Capstone course that consolidates the student's learning experiences.
- Students who need to be enrolled in full-time study may enroll in courses that meet the BSN requirement.
Tuition and Fees
Students enrolling in the Associate Degree Nursing Program pay the regular college tuition, fees and an additional $300 Allied Health surcharge each fall and spring semester. If you have questions regarding general tuition, please refer to a current SWTJC catalog. Other costs the student may accrue include traveling to special clinical sites: psychiatric rotations, wound care centers or acute care sites. Listed below are some additional fees and expenses that are required throughout the program. Some of these amounts are actual costs and some are approximate to assist the student in financial planning:
Pre-Admission
(all fees are approximate):
| Pre-Admission | Fee | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Entrance ATI Examination | $85.00 |
| 2 | Criminal Background Check | $50.00 |
| 3 | Required Physical Examination | $100.00 |
| 4 | Immunizations (Hepatitis B Series – 3 doses) | $95.00 |
| 5 | Measles, Mumps, Rubella Vaccine (MMR – 2 doses) | $105.00 |
| 6 | Tdap Vaccine | $65.00 |
| 7 | Meningitis Vaccine | $135.00 |
| 8 | Varicella (2 doses) | $300.00 |
| 9 | Tuberculin Screen | $25.00 |
| 10 | Uniforms, white lab coat, and fully enclosed white shoes | $250.00 |
| 11 | School patch (purchase at bookstore) | $15.00 |
| 12 | Nursing Equipment (stethoscope, bandage scissors, hemostats, penlight, calculator, and watch with second hand) | $150.00 |
| Total | $1,375.00 |
Fall Semester I
| Fall Semester I | Fee | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | ATI National Assessment and Remediation | $756.25 |
| 2 | Computer Documentation for Clinical Experiences | $70.00 |
| 3 | Textbooks | $736.00 |
| 4 | Allied Health Surcharge | $300.00 |
| 5 | Health Insurance (EJ Smith) | $150.00 |
| 6 | Drug Screen | $60.00 |
| 7 | Influenza Vaccine | $50.00 |
| 8 | Liability Insurance | $24.00 |
| Total | $2,146.25 |
Spring Semester I
| Spring Semester I | Fee | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | ATI National Assessment and Remediation | $756.25 |
| 2 | Textbooks | $200.00 |
| 3 | Allied Health Surcharge | $300.00 |
| 4 | Skills/Clinical Bag | $359.91 |
| 5 | Health Insurance | $150.00 |
| Total | $1,756.25 |
Fall Semester II
| Fall Semester II | Fee | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | ATI National Assessment and Remediation | $756.25 |
| 2 | Allied Health Surcharge | $300.00 |
| 3 | Tuberculin Skin Test | $25.00 |
| 4 | Drug Screen | $60.00 |
| 5 | Health Insurance | $150.00 |
| Total | $1,291.25 |
Spring Semester II
| Spring Semester II | Fee | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | ATI National Assessment and Remediation | $756.25 |
| 2 | Allied Health Surcharge | $300.00 |
| 3 | Health Insurance | $150.00 |
| 4 | BON Licensure Application | $100.00 |
| 5 | Pearson Vue NCLEX Fee | $200.00 |
| 6 | Graduation Cap, Gown, Tassel, and Diploma | $50.00 |
| 7 | Class Graduation Composite | $5.00 |
| 8 | Class Pin | $100.00 |
| Total | $1,631.25 | |
| Approximate Total (without tuition) | $8,200.00 |
Progression Policy
Students’ progress through the curriculum according to the outlined Program of Studies. For progression in the ADN program, the student must meet all of the following criteria:
- Abide by the Rules, Regulations, and Procedures outlined in the Southwest Texas Junior College catalog and the Associate of Applied Science Degree Nursing Student Handbook.
- Complete all nursing courses in sequence as outlined in the degree plan. Students must achieve an average grade of 80% or above on examinations and clinical evaluations. After it is determined that the student has achieved an 80% on the examinations and clinical evaluations, other class assignments will be calculated to determine the final grade. The student must maintain an overall grade of 80 or greater to progress to the next semester.
- Complete all college support courses designated for the nursing program with a grade of C or better.
- Once enrolled in the nursing program, a student who receives a C, D, F, or I in a nursing course or drops a nursing course, must, if eligible, re-enroll in that course before enrolling in a subsequent nursing course.
- A student will be readmitted only one time to the nursing program. Following a second C, D, F, I, or break in enrollment during the program, a student is not eligible for readmission to the nursing program.
- Consideration for readmission will be on an individual basis and as space permits.
- Have declared a Registered Nursing major with the office of admissions by completing the Declaration of Major Field Student Form.
- A grade of Incomplete “I” will need to be completed within semester year that the “I” has been acquired. Progression within the nursing curriculum will be interrupted since students cannot progress in the nursing program with a grade of C, D, F, or I in a nursing course.
- After admission to the program, the student has three years to complete the graduation requirements.
- Throughout the program, students will be encouraged to work no more than 24 clock hours per week. If academic status is compromised, it will be recommended that the student decrease their working hours. Any activity associated with gainful employment must not interfere with classroom or clinical requirements.
Withdrawal
SWTJC Associate Degree Nursing Program reserves the right to request withdrawal of any student whose health, attendance, conduct, personal qualities or scholastic records indicate that it would be inadvisable for the student to continue.
A student considering withdrawal from a Nursing Course(s) should refer to the Associate of Applied Science Degree in Nursing Student Handbook and make an appointment with their course Faculty of Record, Faculty Advisor, and the Program Director. All reasonable effort must be made to complete the course as designated since withdrawal from a course will mean that the student must wait a year to re-enroll in the program or seek admission to another school.
Completion of the Program
Registered Nursing Resources
2022 - 2023 Associate of Applied Science in Nursing Degree Student Handbook
TEAS Assessment Preparation Information
Texas Reality Check will show you how much your living expenses will cost, and the amount of money you will need to earn to pay for them.
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Registered Nursing Program Costs
$5,475 for in-state tuition and fees
$11,355 for out-of-state tuition and fees
$2,789 for books and supplies
$8,264 for off-campus room and board
$14,144 for on-campus room and board
Visit with Your Success Coach
Please choose from a virtual appointment or an in-person appointment by clicking on the link to schedule an appointment with your Success Coach.
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Idalia DeLaCruz |
(830) 374-2828
Disability Support Services students, please schedule your appointment with Audrey Sturdevant.
Veteran students, please contact our Veteran Affairs Certifying Official to schedule an appointment.
Visit with Your Success Coach
Please choose from a virtual appointment or an in-person appointment by clicking on the link to schedule an appointment with your Success Coach.
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Eva De Anda |
Disability Support Services students, please schedule your appointment with Eva De Anda.
International students, please schedule your appointment with Eva De Anda.
Veteran students, please contact our Veteran Affairs Certifying Official to schedule an appointment.
Visit with Your Success Coach
Please choose from a virtual appointment or an in-person appointment by clicking on the link to schedule an appointment with your Success Coach.
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Dorylee E. Baez-Nieves |
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Claudia De La Garza |
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Areli Fisher |
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Claudia Valdez |
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Samantha Alfaro |
Disability Support Services students, please schedule your appointment with Alexya M. Herrera.
Veteran students, please contact our Veteran Affairs Certifying Official to schedule an appointment.
Visit with Your Success Coach
Please choose from a virtual appointment or an in-person appointment by clicking on the link to schedule an appointment with your Success Coach.
|
|
Olivia Guerrero-Rish |
Disability Support Services students, please schedule your appointment with Audrey Sturdevant.
Veteran students, please contact our Veteran Affairs Certifying Official to schedule an appointment.
Visit with Your Success Coach
Please choose from a virtual appointment or an in-person appointment by clicking on the link to schedule an appointment with your Success Coach.
|
|
Olivia Guerrero-Rish |
Disability Support Services students, please schedule your appointment with Audrey Sturdevant.
Veteran students, please contact our Veteran Affairs Certifying Official to schedule an appointment.