MADELAIN TIGANO
Students with a “C” in English and/or Math courses will have to take additional tests to earn a degree at Pensacola Junior College.
In Florida, college students are required by the state to maintain an average of 2.5 (C+) in two of these courses: ENC1101, ENC1102, or any general education literature course. Students are also obligated to uphold that same 2.5 average in any two general education math courses.
Martha Caughey, PJC’s registrar, said students “are not eligible” for same course retakes for improving grades in which a “C” or better have been earned.
As of July 1 the Florida Legislature repealed the College Level Academic Skills Test, also known as CLAST, due to budget cuts. CLAST was an exit exam taken by a student who did not earn the minimum combined GPA in required state courses. If passed, students were rewarded with an AA degree.
Due to the CLAST cut, the state is providing institutions options for students to get AA degrees.
“In order for PJC to award an AA degree, a student has to demonstrate college level academic skills,” said Caughey. “We measure those academic skills by ACT scores, SAT scores, CPT scores, or the combined GPA in those courses.”
If a student passes the general education courses with a 2.0 average but doesn’t achieve the state’s required 2.5 average, he or she can take the CPT, ACT, SAT, or additional courses relating to those required.
“The College Placement Test (CPT) is not only used as an entrance exam but now as an exit,” said Kathy Dutremble, director of enrollment services.
The CPT is given every day at PJC’s testing center, building six on the Pensacola campus. It’s free the first time taken, and retakes are $10. Once a student takes the CPT, he or she cannot retake it until 90 days after the first attempt.
ACT and SAT tests are given, on estimate, six times a year at PJC. For further information on dates and times, students are asked to look at the PJC website or contact the testing center.
The College-Level Examination Program (CLEP) is designed for students to bypass taking courses, but earn credit for the course. A student can pay a one-time fee of $72, pass the test, and avoid the homework of a course. The test ranges in composition, science, mathematics, foreign languages, history, social sciences, and business areas.
PJC also offers the Departmental Exemption Examination in several courses including English, literature, and mathematics. The fee for the Departmental exam is $40 and can be scheduled through the appropriate department. Students interested in a course through the Departmental Exemption Exam should begin the process with the department head.
Passing a CLEP test or the Departmental Exemption Examination will allow a student to earn credit in a course, which will count toward the GPA requirement for AA degrees.
“(Our staff) wants to set students up for success, not failure,” said Dr. Joan Ziel, dean of student affairs. “We really try to help prepare our students when they come in to take a test.”
The testing center has a practice room filled with five computers where students can take practice CPT tests and ask for help before having to take the real deal.
“We take a personal step with students, even those who have test anxieties or disabilities, to help them feel comfortable before they have to take a test,” said Dr. Ziel. “We are considered to be a very nurturing department.”
